Day Three: Eight ways to win your heart

1. Must not smoke, drink or do drugs
2. Can make me laugh and smile
3. Loves/Can stand my obsession with Harry Potter
4. Know that simple dates (eg movies) are what I prefer rather than fancy restaurants
5. Know that family comes before work
6. Hugs.  I love them.
7. Be loyal and honest
8. Can accept me for me, not someone else.

Would prefer a girlfriend instead of a boyfriend ♥

Day Two: Nine Things About Yourself

1. I have known over 20 Jessicas born in my year - 1993
2. I am allergic to cats, horses, nuts, strawberries, kangaroos, koalas
3. I am partially deaf in my right ear
4. I have never drank alcohol, done drugs, smoked and never plan to
5. I want to live in London (but sometimes I want to stay in Australia)
6. I would love to get a tattoo but I am too much of a wuss to get one
7. I have always hated getting needles but since Year 8 I haven’t given a fuck
8. I had hated the majority of my grade and the students in the other grades
9. For the past five nights, I have been going to bed between 2-4am and waking up at either 12-1pm; tumblr stop ruining my sleeping pattern!!!

Day One: Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now

1. Why cannot it be the day when you can go on aim?
2. How is the trip going; What is your fave He Is We song?
3. Do you have to come over here for four days?
4. I want you to give me a job
5. Why can’t you see that what you are constantly doing is going to get yourself killed, one way or another?
6. You need to man-up or you will never be able to escape their verbal attacks against your family?
7. Why the hell do you play those games where they are in first person, they are so damn confusing to play?
8. Will we ever meet up again, or will I be losing another important friendship?
9. I want you.
10. I don’t think you will ever truly know me

10 Day Challenge

Since I have nothing to do in my life, I figured to do a tumblr "10 Day Challenge".  I thought to post my answers on here since some may not go on there.

Day 1.  Ten things you want to say to ten different people right now
Day 2.  Nine things about yourself
Day 3.  Eight ways to win your heart
Day 4.  Seven things that cross your mind a lot
Day 5.  Six things you wish you’d never done
Day 6.  Five people who mean a lot (in no order whatsoever)
Day 7.  Four turn offs
Day 8.  Three turn ons
Day 9.  Two smileys that describe your life right now
Day 10. One confession

Titanic

This movie was made in 1997 and thirteen years later, I have finally seen Titanic.  I will never forgive myself or my parents for not forcing me to watch it.  It has won 11 Oscars and 76 other awards.  I am definitely not surprised by this.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s performances were perfection.  I never expected them to do so well.  I had always enjoyed the films they starred in, so after seeing Titanic, I shall have to watch other films with them :D

I cried like a baby at the end of Titanic, which hasn’t happened since King Kong I think.  It is quite difficult to get me into that emotion.  I think because the film goes for 3 hours 14 minutes, I felt more emotionally connected to the film, I guess.  This is definitely a film I could watch without being annoyed by its length.  I want to have my own copy on DVD asap!!

 

Definitely one of the best films made in the history of films.  This is definitely a movie that everyone should see.  To my fellow followers: I order you to go to the video store to rent it or just buy it, as well as tissues!  Definitely in my top 10 movies of my life, I think. 

Just thinking about the film makes me get sad.  I believe these scenes were what made me cry like a baby the most:

This is the #1 scene which made me cry like a baby



When I was watching this ^ scene, I was thinking
“How horrible would it be, that for the one person who had saved you and loved dearly, that there wasn’t a photograph of them or anyone else knowing them”

There are three gifs which define myself while watching Titanic:


 





Okay, I am going to bed now before I start crying from the scenes mentioned above.
xxx

SHIT SHIT SHIT

Someone commented on my question about my orientation and knows me on tumblr. Shit, shit, shit!!!
I know I shouldn't be so freaked out but oh my god, my stomach is like tied in knots.  It is the same feeling I experienced when I received an anonymous question asking if I had been raped before.  I haven't, but the shock of receiving a question like that startled me and definitely freaked me out.  Now I am searching the interests of the one who answered my question to try and figure out who it is and figure out how freaked out I should be :/

 

 I know I should be able to confide in my friends and family, but it seems like an awkward conversation starter:  "So ____, I think I may be gay/bisexual, what's your opinion?"  Yeah, no.  I need to figure it out a bit more before talking to people, unless they want to tell me anon on here... 

Edit: I just reread what the person said and they were like that oh wow, a tumblr user reaction.  So they are probably not someone I follow :)

Blog

Happy Christmas to those who have already celebrated Christmas, which includes myself, or to those who are still celebrating because where you live.  I got a 33" plasma digital TV from my rents, a babushka doll which is so awesome and a few other things.  Any way, this post isn't Christmas related, thank god!  Yesterday, my day only consisted of tumblr, really...

I wanted to talk about orientations.  I know, some people will be disgusted that people can love the other sex or both, oh my god, run for the hills! *sarcasm*  I have always supported the LGBT community and always will be because I believe everyone can love another, no matter what gender.  I actually had written on a girl advice website an explained my "problem" and hoping I will receive some advice eventually because I don't want to start the New Year all confused about my own sexuality.  I know that I am at least bi-curious or bisexual, but lesbian, is a big question mark "?"

I haven't been kissed before, which is a shame, so I cannot have some idea of my preferences by "experience" which is at 0%.  Actually, I had once kissed a girl, well actually the other way around, at my best friend's 11th (or 12th) birthday sleepover and was dared to kiss me - I was the person to kiss probably because I wasn't participating because I thought whatever film was being played was more fascinating.  I sort of regret that I don't remember the whole "moment" because that is the closest to a kiss I have had, so technically my "experience" is like on 1%...

I have realised that people I know, such as my friends and possibly family members (but I just removed my link on my FB page) and may be thinking "Oh, she doesn't like guys and likes girls, huh.."  I don't mind guys but girls fascinate me more.  Okay, I sort of want to stop this blog before I get too into detail because I need to know about it and "advice" from other girls/lesbians/bisexuals etc before "labelling" myself as a particular orientation.

The worst thing would definitely having my parents hearing it from a family member or friend without hearing it from me first.  I had made my first vlog for my tumblr followers on youtube, here because it takes too long to upload onto here.  I think they may have heard me filming it because I swear my walls are paper thin, so just going to wait for the next few days to see if it is brought up in conversations.  I mean, my parents are not against homosexuality (my mum had two friends who were actually dating, lesbians) and says that it is fine that we are gay if we are.  However, at the back of my mind, I am thinking it will be the completely opposite which is not as I would hope for.

Okay, I am finishing this blog now!  For anyone who is still confused about this blog, orientation: confused and knows that I am not straight.

EDIT:  I forgot to mention, how annoyed I thought it was that at the girl advice's forums, they had made the whole orientation curiosities like buried into four folders until you got into it.  I know there are people who are like religious, against it etc but seriously?

My first reading with my tarot cards

Before I begin this post, I am sorry to anyone who isn't interested in tarot cards or the world relating to spirituality and tarot.  I do recommend having a go with the tarot cards, even if it is an online reading.  I find them fascinating and will wonder how and if they will come true in one way or another.

I have already searched for different spreads to use to do readings for myself or if any of my family or friends want me to do their readings.  I have a few daily readings, a yearly (which I have just completed), Past Present Future and a birthday spread.  I decided t choose the Yearly spread as my first reading  because I am very curious to know about next year, since I am planning on going to university for my first time.  The spread which I had decided to follow was from here. 

---1-----2-----3-----4-----5-----6----
-----------------------------------------
21---13/14--17/18--19/20--15/16---22
-----------------------------------------
---12----11----10----9----8-----7----

The positions from 1-12 are the general outlooks for the months of the year.  1 being January and 12 being December. 

The positions of 13-20 are the general aspects of life for the new year.  *The person who created this had planned for the Minor cards to be used, however, at the end of the thread, they suggested that using all 22 Major cards (which was a coincidence to them) gives the reading a different reading.

Cards 13 and 14 are about Ambition/Creativity (would be Wands if using the Minor) ; 15 and 6 are about Health/Money (Pentacles); 17 and 18 are for Relationships/Emotions (Cups); 19 and 20 being for Mind/Struggles (Swords).


For the cards 21 and 22 are the energies.  21 is the recurring energies which were carried through from the past year, whereas 22 are the new energies manifesting for the new year.

With that said, for you to know the different positions, this was my reading:
Note: rv means reversed; got the meanings from here

---Sun (rv)-----Devil-----Moon (rv)-----Judgement (rv)-----Magician-----Death----

-----------------------------------------
Empress (rv)---High Priestess/Chariot--Hanged Man/Justice--Hierophant (rv)/Emperor (rv)--Temperance/Lovers (rv)---Hermit (rv)
-----------------------------------------
---Strenth----Fool----World----Tower----Wheel of Fortune (rv)-----Star (rv)----

1.  The Sun (reversed) [Jan]: When the card is reversed, it means that "the sun sinks down instead of rising up. The innocence, wisdom and clarity of childhood loses his banner and his seat on the horse, the sunflowers wilt. The Sun provides life to flowers and to people; if it is reversed and going down, then its light and warmth is fading, and so is the life it supports." 
   

   It suggests that I, the querent is unable to recapture youth and childhood, or that I am refusing to see the light as I would rather be in the shadow.

2. The Devil [Feb]: The first thing to take note of this card is that "the Devil isn't "Satan" but Pan, the half-goat nature god and/or Dionysius.  These are gods of pleasure and abandon, of wild behavior and unbridled desires. With Capricorn as its ruling sign, this is a card about ambitions; it is also synonymous with temptation and addiction.... As a person, the Devil can stand for a man of money or erotic power, aggressive, controlling, or just persuasive. This is not to say a bad man, but certainly a powerful man who is hard to resist..." 
   

   Means that I am probably allowing myself to be enslaved and should know that any "chain" is freely worn. 
   * I would be starting university in February, so it may mean that I will be enslaved to work hard etc...?

3. The Moon (reversed) [Mar]: "Turn the card upside down and the creatures are not gazing up at the Moon - the Moon gazes up at them instead. This suggests that what rules and commands the wild is no longer in charge. Base as these instincts may be, they do have a gut feeling that they are following. It's certainly topsy-turvy for the light to be looking up at them, for them to be in charge instead. It is out of primordial ooze, out of chaos, that order comes (the Sun will follow the Moon), but upside-down, it suggests that order is moving into chaos instead. That even the guiding light of the moon has been subjected, and only the primitive reigns - unchecked, directionless, with no purpose or hope of coming to an end." 
   

   I am most likely to be having a complete mental breakdown or a merciless plummet into a drug addiction.

4. Judgement (reversed) [Apr]: "Turn the Rider card over and folk "fall" out of their coffins rather than rising up out of them. The angel is below rather than above, and coffins fill the sky. This is certainly ominous. It suggests not a release from the grave so much as the graves opening up and spitting out their dead. We've switched from Resurrection to Zombie Movie. Not pretty. This suggests that, as in a Zombie film, the querent is not only having trouble getting rid of their baggage - but is surrounded and overwhelmed by it. The more Zombies the querent kills, the more that seem to surround them. The sins of the past, of people from the past, keep turning up. There seems to be no escape; and the querent spends all their time trying to get out from under those coffins. They never get a chance to renew themselves."  
   

   Could possibly mean that I have a recurring illness which stops me from having a job or life.  "There seems to be no escape from the past and no hope for a new future."

5. The Magician [May]: "...The Magician is the male power of creation, creation by willpower and desire. In that ancient sense, it is the ability to make things just-so by speaking them aloud ("And God said 'Let there be Light!' and there was Light")... The 4 suits laid out before him remind us of the 4 aces, which in the Tarot symbolize the raw, undeveloped, undirected power of each suit. When the Magician appears, he reveals these to you."
   

   Means that I will receive a vision, an idea, a magical, mental image of something is what I want the most: solution to a problem, ambitious career, love life, a job

6. Death [Jun]: "Death card can signal a death in the right circumstances (a question about a very sick or old relative, for example), but unlike its dramatic presentation in the movies, the Death card is far more likely to signal transformation, passage, change. Scorpio, the sign of this card, has three forms: scorpion, serpent, eagle. The Death card indicates this transition from lower to higher to highest.  This is a card of humility..."

   May possibly mean that I will be brought low but only so that I can go higher than ever before.

7. The Star (reversed) [Jul]: "The waters of knowledge and healing that the Star pours out fall into the sky, and both pond and urns and earth are left dry. The Star is no longer in the sky, and so can't shed its light on the earth.  This is a time of darkness.  Only in this instance, there really is no hidden promise. Everything has run dry."
   

   No one will be offering me future or hope for a future.  I will be in a desperate situation and I may possibly be dying or suicidal with a good reason [WTF?!] "They are getting no help; they are alone with no guiding light, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually bereft. It is a very bleak and black time for them."

8. Wheel of Fortune (reversed) [Aug]: "There seems, on the surface, little difference if we turn this card upside-down - it's a wheel, a circle, with no top, no bottom. And yet, using Rider-Waite [I use], we can see a change. The Sphinx is at the bottom. The "Set" creature (chaotic/devilish creature) is at the top. The Serpent switches sides and is moving up instead of down.  To understand, think of it this way. The Sphinx is at the top, hovering above the Ferris wheel. You ride up to talk to the Sphinx. Then you ride down and have to deal with Set. Then back up again.  Reverse the card and the implication is that when you rise to the top, you meet Set instead of the Sphinx! What ought to be good luck is going to be bad. In this case, the promotion that should give you what you want, that ought to be good fortune, lands you in hell instead."
   

   This is worse than "bad luck" and whoever in the external forces who create that luck are unreliable; you can't trust the luck you're getting to be what it seems.

9. The Tower [Sept]: " Tower is a card about war, a war between the structures of lies and the lightning flash of truth.  It stands for "false concepts and institutions that we take for real."
   

    I can expect to be shaken up, blinded by a shocking revelation.  

10. The World [Oct]:  "The World card pictures a dancer in a Yoni.  The Yoni symbolizes the great Mother, the cervix through which everything is born, and also the doorway to the next life after death. It is indicative of a complete circle. The Dancer has one leg crossed over the other, just like the Hanged man. She is, in a sense, his opposite, the hanged man right-side-up. As the Hanged Man saw infinitely inward, the Dancer sees infinitely outward. Which brings us to the Lion, Bull, Cherub and Eagle standing for Leo, Taurus, Aquarius and Scorpio, the fixed signs of the Zodiac (these link the ever turning World card to the ever turning Wheel of Fortune). These are symbolic of the four elements, four compass points and the four corners of the universe. All within the Dancer's sight and power."
    

    It tells me that the end of a long-term project is in sight and will be accompanied with a raise, celebration and success.  "With Saturn as its ruling planet, this card can also indicate that the Querent, now an expert in their subject, is likely to become a teacher or sought-after lecturer. And, finally, on a more mundane level, the World card indicates travel, not short business trips, but long, fantastic trips. Maybe a lecture tour, book signing, or just a trip around the world. This is a wonderful card of wholeness, perfection, satisfaction and happiness."
    * In October, I would be in exams and it is curious because I want to become a teacher and being with ACU, you can travel to other "sister" schools around the world for six months and even transfer to a school in the southern states of Australia.

11. The Fool [Nov]: "The Fool is the card of infinite possibilities. The bag on the staff indicates that he has all he needs to do or be anything he wants, he has only to stop and unpack. He is on his way to a brand new beginning."
    

    I should be watching my step by not daydreaming or fantasising, or I will fall and end up looking the fool.

12. Strength [Dec]: "This is a card of courage and energy.  It represents both the Lion's hot, roaring energy, and the Maiden's steadfast will. The innocent Maiden is unafraid, undaunted, and indomitable. In some cards she opens the lion's mouth, in others she shuts it. Either way, she proves that inner strength is more powerful than raw physical strength."
    

    This assures that I can control not only the situation but myself as well.  "It is a card about anger and impulse management, about creative answers, leadership and maintaining one's personal honour. It can also stand for a steadfast friend."

13. High Priestess [Ambition/Creativity]: "The High Priestess is the card of knowledge, instinctual, supernatural, secret knowledge. She holds scrolls of arcane information that she might, or might not reveal to you.  The moon crown on her head as well as the crescent by her foot indicates her willingness to illuminate what you otherwise might not see, reveal the secrets you need to know in order to make a decision about a problem or a job, an investment, love, career, family, etc."
    

    Means that I will be learning some very odd things.  Very odd.

14.  The Chariot [Ambition/Creativity]: "The chariot is one of the most complex cards to define. On its most basic level, it implies war, a struggle, and an eventual, hard-won victory; either over enemies, obstacles, nature, the beasts inside you, or to just get what you want. But there is a great deal more to it. The charioteer wears emblems of the sun, yet the sign behind this card is Cancer, the moon. The chariot is all about motion, and yet it is often shown as stationary. It means a union of opposites, like the black and white steeds. They pull in different directions, but must be (and can be!) made to go together in one direction.Control is required over opposing emotions, wants, needs, people, or circumstances; to bring them together and give them a single direction, your direction. Confidence is also needed and, most especially, motivation."
    

    Can mean a new motivation or inspiration, which the situation moves again.  It can also mean a trip (usually by car), a vehicle or a message.

15. Temperance [Health/Money]: "There is, however, another angle to the card, that of merging seemingly impossible opposites. Sagittarius, the centaur, merges beast and man into a unique creature. This is a card about moderation.There is, however, another angle to the card, that of merging seemingly impossible opposites. Sagittarius, the centaur, merges beast and man into a unique creature.And then there is the bow and arrow, one moving, one stationary, working together to point the way."
    

    May mean that I should "temper" my behaviour, but could also mean to remind myself that seemingly irreconcilable opposites may not be that different at all.

16. The Lovers (reversed) [Health/Money]: "The Lovers card is very interesting when turned upside down. Right-side-up, the Angel dominates. This is important as the card (Rider-Waite style) is dominated by Gemini - which stands for not only partnerships, but communication and the mind. Hence, the card is symbolically talking about a spiritual or mental connection. Turn it upside-down, and the Angel is grounded. What ends up on top are the genitals of our naked man and woman--and the mountain between them. We get, in essence, a hint of the up-right Devil card, with baser, earthier desires behind the choice. "
    

    I am not using my head or intuition; communication between the two halves is not happening except below the waist.  "Likewise with other choices a person might make like choice of career, cause, or religion. They're doing it for practical, earthly reasons, not because it makes them feel whole. That mountain is there between the two halves - they cannot be united as they should be. They will never form a whole."

17. The Hanged Man [Relationships/Emotions]: "The Hanged Man, in similar fashion, is a card about suspension, not life or death. This is a time of trial or meditation, selflessness, sacrifice, prophecy."
    

    I should stop resisting, which makes myself vulnerable, sacrificing my position or opposition and in doing so, gains illumination.  I will see the world differently, with almost mystical insights.

18. Justice [Relationships/Emotions]: "With Libra as its ruling sign, Justice is about cold, objective balance through reason or natural force. This is the card that tells the Querent that they can't keep smoking and drinking without consequences to their health. It is the card that advises cutting out waste and insists that the Querent make adjustments, do whatever is necessary to bring things back into balance: physically, emotionally, socially, spiritually. In a more mundane sense, this card may signal a court case, legal documents, adjustments in a marriage or partnership. The outcome of all of these may not be exactly what the Querent wants, but it will be a scrupulously fair outcome."
    

    It means that I cannot smoke and drink [which I do neither and never plan to in the future] without consequences to my health.  Or I may not like a particular outcome but it will be fair.

19. The Hierophant (reversed) [Mind/Struggles]:  "Right way up, symbolically, the Hierophant is grounded, and his words come from the earth, not from heaven. Meanwhile, his listeners are in power and control, using those keys with impunity to lock away secrets, rather than open them up. Upside-down, this card is very reminiscent of spiritual institutions who control information, maintain earthly power (where the leaders are rich and living in luxury, while their flock is poor and in need). They offer up rules for the purpose of being in control, like the acolytes above the Hierophant, rather than helping the community morally and spiritually. We see this likewise in folk who take the moral high-ground in order to get their agendas favoured, while making opponents look immoral in order to undermine them. There is a strong pressure in this card to conform...or else. "
    

    I am unsure what it ^ means.  But possibly that I have good understanding, concord, overkindess and weakness. (?)

20. The Emperor (reversed) [Mind/Struggles]: "The essence of the Emperor is his throne. He is solidly seated on that chair, in command. Turn him upside-down and several things happen. First, the crown falls off his head, the sceptre and sphere from his hands. He himself falls out of the chair, and the chair also falls. This is a trio of damages. The ruler loses all emblems of command, and the kingdom loses not only the commander but the seat of power. All that is left are the bare rocks. It predicts not merely a loss of authority and control on the part of the Emperor, but a loss of both ruler and foundation for the kingdom."
    

    Means that the throne and all trappings of rulership (crown, sceptre etc) are gone.

21. The Empress (reversed) [Recurring energies carried through from the past year]: "Turn the Rider-Waite image upside-down and we not only unseat the Empress, we uproot all her trees and scatter all her grain. Her crown of stars falls off her head, and the stream (the one that starts in the High Priestess card), drains away. Her feet are no long planted on the Earth. If we turn this card upside-down we go farther than just not being able to grow - we tear out what is already growing and living and kill it. We uproot everything, including the Empress. Viewing this card upside-down gives us perhaps the most terrible interpretation of it, the wanton destruction of all that is growing and thriving and beautiful. This is the card that might come up when discussing the cutting down of rainforests or desecration of natural landscapes or anything beautiful, the destruction of works or art, of someone's business or home or family. This is abuse or even violence. Growth isn't merely neglected or stopped; it is actively, vindictively prevented."
    

    "Emotionally preserve the essence and quality of life; mentally give birth to new ideas; physically nurture your life creations and spiritually protect them with a healing and compassionate hand"

22. The Hermit (reversed) [New energies manifesting for the new year]: "The most telling thing about the Hermit upside-down is that he loses his lantern. In the blocked interpretation the lantern can be re-illuminated. But upside-down, the lantern is gone. The Hermit is totally in the dark...and all alone."

    Means people having mental problems, where they cannot concentrate, cannot think and cannot remember or see things clearly anymore.

    
    That is the end of my reading.  I believe that it seems quite reasonable and likely to happen.  I am not shocked that February is "The Devil" because of starting university.  I think that when the New Year arrives, I shall be looking back at this post to check up whether it is true or not.

First online tarot reading

I have never tried an online tarot reading before and since I hope to buy a tarot-related book today, I figured I should try it out.  It was the Celtic Cross from the first 3 cards of 11.  Go here to have a reading.  For my question I had written, What is the best way in going towards my goal at university?

The Page of Coins(Pentacles) was in the “Situation” Position
Main (positional) reading:
Remember what it’s like to be a novice. Have the mind of a beginner and get a fresh perspective and new insights.

The card that lands in the Situation position refers to social or circumstantial factors which could be affecting your life at this time.

When the Page of Coins (in some decks, a Princess) is in this position, it is time to become a student again, especially in terms of the project in front of you. Take another look at the current challenge as if it were a brand new endeavor, so as not to be misled by conclusions formed long ago.

Yours is an undertaking that is bigger than you alone. As you realize new insights, encourage others to come forward with ideas as well. Honor their perceptions because they will help you re-frame the situation in new and helpful ways.

This ^ creeped me out because of “mind of a beginner” “it is time to become a student again”  “an undertaking that is bigger than you alone”

The Hanged Man in the “Self” Position
Main (positional) Meaning:
A sacrifice mediates the situation and returns it to normal.

The card in the Self position reveals aspects of how you perceive yourself right now.

The Hanged Man represents the taking of a loss. He’s the sacrificial lamb, whether it’s accepted with grace or only because it’s been forced upon him. In either case, his ordeal serves to clear the air of general tension, denial and game playing. The Hanged Man’s predicament brings issues to a head, making it possible to clear the slate and allow everyone to start over.

Whether it’s purely symbolic or has to do with real events, such a situation can clear the collective conscience and helps to break old patterns. It’s a good thing that it’s you playing this vulnerable role, and not someone else who may be broken by the situation. You are resilient and regenerative, someone who can view this experience as educational and not be totally victimized by it. This is the enlightened attitude. Your sacrifice will make a difference in the larger flow of events, even if it’s not fair and you don’t deserve it.

This one isn’t as freaky.  “…brings issues to a head, making it possible to clear the slate and allow everyone to start over” and “helps break old patterns”

Nine of Swords in the “Challenges/Opportunities” position
Main (positional) position:
What brings sorrow may also give rise to feelings of liberation.

The card that lands in the Challenges/Opportunities position refers to ways that you can turn obstacles into stepping stones.

With the Nine of Swords in this position, you are facing the paradox that what is cause for grief and sorrow can also produce a great release. Sometimes the catastrophe you fear the worst is actually the end of an impossible situation; this may be one of those times.

Consider the possibility that binding obligations to an old situation are now ended. You are now free to choose your own direction, to explore and grow beyond circumstances that used to hold you in. The very fact that this is happening indicates your readiness to make this transition. Somewhere beneath the distress and loss is a reserve of strength that has been building for this kind of opportunity. Point yourself toward healing, release from bondage, and freedom from suffering. Focus on the positive. Collect visions and ideas that will help you rise above feelings of hopelessness.

When I selected this card, I freaked out because it had swords and from reading the Vampire Academy series and swords were usually in Rose’s readings which weren’t very cheerful…  “you can turn obstacles into stepping stones” “old situation are now ended” (just finished high school..) “free to choose your own direction, to explore and grow beyond circumstances that used to hold you in” (planning on going to university next year..)

Overall, the reading is very closely related to my question and that is what freaks me out… but in a good way, I think.

Sailor Moon

So sorry for the lack of posts, I know that I should be posting more often.  However, there is not that much to talk about.  For the past three days, which have been during the time which I could be blogging, I had been watching the first season of Sailor Moon (dubbed) for the first time since I was a little kid, even then I don't think I was watching the first season... probably the second or third.

Now I am starting to watch the first season in Japanese with English subtitles because there are a few things which were changed in the dubbed version other than the names obviously.  The two things which I have noticed since watching the first episode in Japanese is the theme song is different to the dubbed version, which I love as well as the fact the music is different during the transformation, which again is so beautiful ♥

Transformation for season 2

I am downloading the episodes until I can buy the DVDs because it is better than nothing :D

STOP ANIMAL ABUSE AND CRUELTY

" Animals on factory farms and slaughter houses are mutilated, drugged and abused in ways that would be illegal if dogs or cats were treated similarly. The problem is that farm animals are exempted from the Animal Welfare Act. Therefore, companies often act with impunity."
     - Bruce Friedrich

Since the age of ten years old, possibly even younger, I have been against animal abuse and cruelty.  I cannot believe that people today think that it is fun and entertaining to abuse a selfless and defenceless animal.  I was a vegetarian for a week - because I hadn't planned it out properly and was sick because of not planning, however, next year I plan to become a vegetarian again.  

My friend, Regina "Ina" was asking on tumblr about anyone who could give some information/actions which would help stop animal abuse and I had given a lot of notes, and here they are:

• Become vegan or vegetarian “This means not saying you’re vegetarian and then sneaking pork grinds into your shirt. You can be vegetarian, but becoming vegan is even better because you won’t be eating anything that has come from an animal, which prevents any chance of you supporting animal cruelty.”
• Host protests and rallies (Might not be very good at school because could get into trouble…)
• Support PETA “You can go to Peta2 and make an account there, where there are many other vegetarians and vegans willing to help the cause.  Donating to PETA greatly helps them in their quest to end Animal Cruelty.”
• Start a petition
• Be against animal testing
• Write letters to senators, presidents, prime ministers, etc
• Call in police or your RSPCA or who ever to contact regarding animal abuse, if it includes:
• A dog left chained outside without food, water or adequate shelter.
• A sick or injured animal whose condition goes untreated.
• An animal showing obvious signs of abuse.
• A neighborhood child tormenting animals.
• Pets left behind in homes, apartments, garages, or on the street when their owners move

From the Stop Animal Cruelty/Realm of Animals website:
How YOU can help.  Even simple things can make a big difference!

• Spray or neuter your pet (there are far too many homeless pets)
• Take care of a rescued animal - adopt a pet (don’t buy or breed, you can save a life)     **I have rescued 2 dogs :)
• Don’t attend circuses
• Don’t buy any animal trade items (fur, turtle shells, bone ornaments, body parts etc)
• Don’t go to any zoo/park that have poor housing conditions for the animals
• Volunteer and/or donate at a local animal shelter
• Give gifts for the animals at an animal shelter like: pet food, toys, blankets etc
• Report suspected animal cruelty to the authorities
• Become a member, volunteer or donate money to an organisation or society that responds to cruelty cases
• Make your own website about animal cruelty to aware others about the problems
• Don’t buy products that test on animals
• Encourage others to take better care of animals - pet and wildlife

 I personally think that people who abuse animals should be put in jail for a few decades or for life.  Many people must believe that animals do not have any feelings when they are doused in gasoline and lit on fire; abused physically and/or emotionally; had ears cut off etc (thinking of the possible abuse “tactics” is making me feel sick!)  I am against all animal cruelty and now hate circus acts where animals are involved, as well as animals being treated horribly in zoos.  Animals in zoos should be in similar environments to the wild but not in little cages for entertainment, it is sickening!  Why don’t be just have humans locked in cages and forced to entertain?

I also had written in a very large text size:
JAPANESE WHALERS, STOP FUCKING WHALING!!!!!!!!!

We all know that you are not “researching” them, we all know that it is your pathetic, fucking-retarded faults that whales are becoming extinct, just so you can eat it.

Here are "11 Facts about Animal Cruelty":

1. In many circuses, wild and exotic animals are trained through the use of intimidation and physical abuse. Former circus employees have reported seeing animals beaten, whipped, poked with sharp objects and even burned to force them to learn their routines!
2.  Elephants who perform in circuses are often kept in chains for as long as 23 hours a day from the time they are babies.
3. More than 15 million warm-blooded animals are used in research every year.
4. Scientists estimate that 100 species go extinct every day! That's about one species every 15 minutes.
5. If you live in Pennsylvania, California, Florida, Rhode Island, Illinois, Virginia, Oregon, New York, New Jersey and Vermont you have the legal right to refuse to participate in dissection in class! In Louisiana, there is a State resolution and in Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland and New Mexico, there are Departments of Education resolutions in place that allow you to refuse to dissect, although it hasn’t yet become a law.
6. Dog fighting and cock-fighting are illegal in all 50 states.
7. It is estimated that on average it takes 1,000 dogs to maintain a mid-sized racetrack operation. New greyhounds are continually entering the system to replace greyhounds that grade-off due to injury, age or poor performance. There are currently over 30 tracks operating in the United States.
8. Tens of thousands of wild and domesticated horses from the United States are cruelly slaughtered every year to be used for horsemeat in Europe and Asia. Since the last horse slaughter plants in the U.S. were closed in 2007, thousands of horses have been shipped to Canada and Mexico for slaughter.
9. Many studies have found a link between cruelty to animals and other forms of interpersonal violence.
10. Neglect and abandonment are the most common forms of companion animal abuse in the United States.
11. A fur coat is pretty cool—for an animal to wear. Eighteen red foxes are killed to make one fox-fur coat, 55 minks to make a mink coat.   

I will always support the stop of animal abuse/cruelty until it has stopped forever, but since the majority of the world are fucktards, I will be supporting it to end until the day I die.

 

Adam, the torched kitten, may need all 9 lives With ear tips and tail amputated, he's vulnerable to infection -- burned back is an open wound. It is difficult to quantify the will to live, but a tiny kitten that was set on fire and nearly burned to death is as good an example as any.

Battery-caged chickens

Here are a few more suggestions on how to stop animal abuse and start your action in stopping it:

Keep your pets safe during the holidays
Create a causey comic
Host a 5k run for your cause
Create a Podcast for your cause
Organise a show with your cause as the theme
Organise an awareness campaign about animal cruelty
Write an article about your cause
Plan an animal shelter fundraiser
Fight puppy mills
Volunteer to be a pet walker or sitter
Hold a dog wash to benefit your local shelter
Make dog biscuits for a local shelter
Make catnip toys for a local shelter
Adopt a pet
Volunteer at a local animal shelter
Start an awareness campaign about your cause
Organise a poetry slam for your cause
Organise an art show to support your cause
Create a survey about an important issue

This is how you get your rump of pork, bacon, pork chops and this is how they are treated.  When the pigs are pregnant (as well as after giving birth) they are too big to stand in their "cages" which force them on their sides and squished into the bars and living in their own filth

So this is what "researching" whales is, Japan?  I hope all Japanese whalers are thrown in jail for life.

What if this was your dog?

" Animals are considered as property only. To destroy or to abuse them, from malice to the proprietor, or with an intention injurious to his interest in them, is criminal. But the animals themselves are without protection. The law regards them not substantively. They have no RIGHTS!"     - Shirley Lord

 I was searching for any cases or statistics on animal abuse which was when I came across "Pet-Abuse.Com" which is apparently a database of criminal animal abuse cases.  I didn't go into a search for cases but I found a category to search in "Abuse Category" which sickens me to death, no pun intended but include:

• Beating
• Bestiality
• Burning - Caustic Substance; Fire or Fireworks
• Choking/Strangulation/Suffocation
• Drowning
• Fighting
• Hanging
• Hoarding
• Kicking/Stomping
• Mutilation/Torture
• Neglect/Abandonment
• Poisoning
• Shooting
• Stabbing
• Theft
• Throwing
• Unlawful Trade/Smuggling; Trapping/Hunting
• Vehicular

I cannot believe that there are hundreds of thousands, or even millions of people abusing animals in a variety of ways for fun.  I tell you what you could classify as "fun": exercising, watching a TV show or movie, reading a book or magazine; not fucking abusing animals.

 

The next time you pick up a piece of meat, think about how it was probably abused like battery-caged hens and the pigs in cages which they cannot physically stand up.  I hope you ALL have learnt something in this blog post because NO ANIMAL SHOULD BE ABUSED. 

How are you going to help stop animal abuse and cruelty?

Last Sacrifice, Part 3

DISCLAIMER: BEFORE I BEGIN THIS POST, DO TAKE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!  BOTH FROM THE PLOT/STORY AND QUOTES - IT IS YOUR OWN FAULT IF YOU READ THIS BEFORE READING THE NOVEL - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

I do not own the Vampire Academy series nor any of Mead's work, but I would definitely love to own Adrian Ivashkov ;)

From the previous post:
It appears that Sydney had found a connection to Eric's mistress...  It was Sonya Karp. 


Sonya Karp had been a teacher at St. Vladimir's Academy before she went crazy from Spirit and chose to turn Strigoi.  Rose explains how it will be difficult to find Sonya since her boyfriend, Mikhail (who also was a Guardian) had searched for a year to find her.  Dimitri explained it was because Mikail didn't have the right connections, with this, Dimitri called a Strigoi named Boris in his Strigoi voice, to pretend that he was still Strigoi.  While Dimitri was talking to Boris in Russian, Sydney gave a brief overview to Rose on what they were saying:

"He's telling this guy that if he doesn't get answers by tomorrow night, Dimitri's going to find him and rip him apart and..." Sydney didn't bother finishing.  Her eyes were wide.  "Use your imagination.  It's pretty terrible."

When Dimitri had finished with the phone call, Rose wanted to comfort him but she decided not to, since he probably wouldn't like it.  Not long after they arrived back at the Keepers and Joshua took Rose to his cave.  The cave was on the outskirts since there was very little room in the town and some 'caves' had actually been abandoned mining caves.  Rose praised Joshua's cave before Joshua offered Rose to marry him, have kids before moving into a loft.  She quickly declined the offer and explained how she didn't plan on getting married well, not for a while and that she would have to be leaving soon.  After Joshua showed Rose a carved chair he gave Rose a bracelet before they went back to the others.  Just as Rose explained to Dimitri that she needed to talk to Sydney, someone punched Rose in the face.
-- When Joshua wanted to show his cave to Rose, I was expecting Strigoi to be in there so it was a trap.  Good thing it was just my imagination...

It was Angeline.  She wanted to see how tough Rose really was and Dimitri sprung up, sensing that Rose was in danger.  While Angeline tried to attack, Rose was attempting to calm Angeline down as well as dodging her punches.  Rose had to explain to her that her tattoos were real and that she had to calm down before Rose noticed that Dimitri wasn't helping but was smiling.  After Angeline admitted that she wanted the Moroi all dead, that was when Rose's battle instincts took over which led Rose to punch the side of Angeline's face.  After a few attempts to be released from under Rose, her furious look on her face changed to resignation.

"Fine," she said.  "I guess it's okay.  Go ahead."
"Huh?  What's okay?" I demanded.
"It's okay if you marry my brother."THIS IS THE QUOTE FROM THE FOURTH QUOTE TEASER

The trio went back into the room they were staying in to discuss Rose and Angeline's battle as well as Dimitri needing to check in with Boris again.  When both Sydney and Dimitri left, Rose decided to go into Lissa's mind.  Lissa, as well as Adrian and Christian, were in the Court's spa and salon.  They were meeting Ambrose to ask a few questions if he knew anything about the Queen's death.  Adrian retorted that Ambrose had already moved onto someone new, since there was a woman lying down on the massage table, however, it was Ambrose's client.  They discussed about how Ambrose had wished Rose good luck after the trial - he didn't mention the letter - as well as how he cared for Tatiana and would never hurt her.  Ambrose told them that Tatiana had a group of Moroi's learning how to protect themselves.  One of the instructors was Grant, who had been assigned to Rose in Spirit Bound, however had died.  Ambrose also mentioned that Blake Lazar had also been involved with Tatiana, which disgusted Adrian since he was an idiot.  After that Lissa thanked Ambrose and he replied that he would try and get anything which could help them.  Rose was woken up by Dimitri touching her arm and back into her own mind.

Dimitri confirmed that he had spoken with Strigoi Boris, which apparently was more scarier since some of it was in English, according to Sydney.  He mentioned that the person who probably knew where Sonya was, was in Lexington, Kentucky.  Rose was disappointed that they weren't going somewhere like the Bahamas or even the Corn Palace, which made Dimitri smile.  Dimitri also mentioned to Rose that they would have to be fighting Strigoi, which got Rose to her feet and asked how long until they could leave.  The trio then decided that it was time to leave the Keepers and go to Kentucky.  As they were walking towards their car, Angeline begged them to take her with them, believing she could take on the Strigoi.  Rose apologised saying that it isn't possible for Angeline to go with them and they had to go on their own.  Since it was going to be a six hour drive, Rose decided to check in on Lissa again.

Last Sacrifice, Part 2

DISCLAIMER: BEFORE I BEGIN THIS POST, DO TAKE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!  BOTH FROM THE PLOT/STORY AND QUOTES - IT IS YOUR OWN FAULT IF YOU READ THIS BEFORE READING THE NOVEL - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

I do not own the Vampire Academy series nor any of Mead's work, but I would definitely love to own Adrian Ivashkov ;)

From previous post:
Rose quickly was brought back to the car because of Dimitri asking if everything was okay back there, which Rose knew "back there" was the Court not the backseat.  Before Rose could speak again, she realised that the car had stopped and had reached Altswood.  When they got out of the car, Sydney questioned Dimitri and Rose on if they were as good at fighting as everyone said, because they had to go on foot towards far up the track.  Before they could begin their trek, Rose could see vampire faces everywhere.

They were Moroi faces to be exact and some even had their own silver stakes.  They were known as "Keepers" who had kept to the old ways which the Court society didn't use anymore.  Some of these Keepers lived in caves, whereas others lived in small little houses.  The three walked to one of the houses led by Sarah, who was a human wife of a Moroi, named Raymond.  One of the males, eighteen year old, Joshua had become interested in Rose and slowly began to flirt with Rose as they stayed with the Keepers.  After having some bread for dinner, the three went into the room which they would be staying in which was apparently the size of Rose's dorm room at St. Vladimir's Academy.  Rose and Sydney began to talk:

"Are you ready to explain who the hell these people are?"
She shrugged. "The Keepers".
"Yeah, I got that.  And we're the Tainted.  Sounds like a better name for Strigoi."
"No."  Sydney leaned back against the wooden wall.  "Strigoi are the Lost.  You're Tainted because you joined the modern world and left behind their backward ways for your own messed up customs."
"Hey," I retorted.  "We're not the ones in overalls and banjos."
"Rose," chastised Dimitri, with a pointed look at the door.  "Be careful.  And besides, we only saw one person in overalls."

As Sydney was about to go to sleep with Dimitri and Rose taking shifts, Angeline - who usually had this bedroom - flung the door.  She and Rose have a brief conversation, telling Rose not to mess up her bed before leaving.  Dimitri took the first shift, so Rose was able to get some rest.  As Rose recognised that this was a spirit dream she called out for Adrian, however, she came face-to-face with Robert Doru and Victor Dashkov*. 
* In Spirit Bound, Rose, Lissa and Eddie had gone to the prison where Victor Dashkov was held so they could let him escape (despite Lissa's fears).  After they left the prison, they had to go to Las Vegas, so they could lure Robert Doru, Victor's half-brother, because he had freed a Strigoi like what Lissa did to Dimitri.  The brothers were able to escape after Strigoi which included Strigoi Dimitri tried to attack Rose and her gang.

Rose and Victor have an argument before they have a proper conversation.  Victor is interested in who killed the Queen and what their intentions were.  Rose told the brothers that there was another Dragomir, who she had to find so Lissa could have her power on the Council.  Victor offers to help Rose in finding the other Dragomir, however Rose attempts to decline the offer and Victor even says that he and his brother will meet up with them after they find anything useful to track the illegitimate child. Victor says that Lissa has to run for Queen to give everyone time to find the other Dragomir since there would probably be a lot of arguments when it came down to the voting since Lissa is the only Dragomir in her family (that she knows of).  The dream ends abruptly and Rose wakes up to notice Dimitri's silhouette in the corner.  Rose then goes back to sleep, realising that it was going to be a busy night.

When Rose expected to see Victor and Robert again, she was completely shocked and excited to see Adrian in her dream.  She ran over to him and gave him a tight hug.  They tell each other how they miss one another before Adrian tells her that the Guardians are planning to use "deadly force".  Adrian tells Rose how he had been questioned and that he had spoken to Joe and Lissa's interrogation.  He also explains that Mikhail will have to question Joe privately since Lissa's compulsion-interrogation would get Lissa into trouble as compulsion is a taboo.  Rose remembered about how she needed more time and explained Adrian on Lissa running for Queen, however, before she knew it, Dimitri had woken her up for her shift.  In the late afternoon, Rose woke up Dimitri since the Keepers were also waking up which then caused Sydney to sit up quickly when she it was around three or four in the afternoon.  During breakfast, before the three had to quickly go to a cafe - so Sydney could charge her laptop's battery - Rose showed Joshua and Angeline her tattoos which was a shock to them, especially how many Strigoi Rose had killed. 

"The mark [battle mark] can't be that uncommon," said Dimitri.  "Your people must have big Strigoi fights every once in a while."
     "Not really," said Joshua, his eyes still on me.  "Most of us have never fought or even seen the Lost.  They don't really bother us."
     That was surprising.  If ever there was a Strigoi target, a group of Moroi, dhampirs, and humans out in the middle of nowhere would be it.  "Why not?" I asked.
     Raymond winked at me.  "Because we fight back."

Before the three could go to the cafe in Rubysville, Joshua asked to Rose that when she got back, he could show her his cave.  Rose accepted the offer, however, Dimitri said that Rose shouldn't lead Joshua on, even though Rose wasn't flirting with him.  While Sydney stayed in the cafe to search information on the possible Dragomir child, Rose and Dimitri decided to go to Rubysville Public lLbrary to search places where they would like to go to.  Dimitri took out "100 Best Places to Visit in the World" and they both would close their eyes and flip to any random page.  They found Mitchell, South Dakota which apparently had a Corn Palace, which surprised as well as fascinated the pair.  Before they left, Dimitri randomly turned to Saint Petersburg, which made both Rose and Dimitri become silent from nostalgia and sorrow.  They both left the library and began to head back to the cafe.

He sat up, not meeting my eyes.  "It doesn't matter.  Let's go back to Sydney and see if she found out anything... although, as much as I hate to say it, I think it's unlikely."
     "I know."  I stood with him, still wondering what else he would have said.  "She probably gave up and started playing Minesweeper."
...
     "How's it-hey!  You are playing Minesweeper!"

It appears that Sydney had found a connection to Eric's mistress...  It was Sonya Karp. 

Sorry for only doing 3 chapters today.  I promise to do more tomorrow! Will need to have tomorrow free from watching any movies and setting up my new television. 

Vampire Academy readers: who do you like more, Rose or Lissa?

Last Sacrifice, Part 1

DISCLAIMER: BEFORE I BEGIN THIS POST, DO TAKE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE SPOILERS!  BOTH FROM THE PLOT/STORY AND QUOTES - IT IS YOUR OWN FAULT IF YOU READ THIS BEFORE READING THE NOVEL - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

I do not own the Vampire Academy series nor any of Mead's work, but I would definitely love to own Adrian Ivashkov ;)

Last Sacrifice, the last novel from the International Bestselling Series by the amazing author, Richelle Mead.  I never believed that a year and a few days ago, I had never heard of the Vampire Academy series and thankfully, I am incredibly grateful and honoured to have been introduced to this book series. 

This novel begins with the heroine, Rosemarie "Rose" Hathaway explaining on why she disliked zoos and cages as well as complaining to the guards on when her trial* was going to begin. After talking to herself in her mind, she decided to go into her best-friend's mind, Princess Vasilisa "Lissa" Dragomir who was trying to help prove Rose's innocence, however, she was disturbed by someone on her end.  It was her father, Ibrahim "Abe" Mazur, who was known as zmey in Russia (meaning 'serpent') and was also being Rose's lawyer, despite having no prior education to becoming a lawyer.  Abe explains to Rose that the trial has been moved until a fortnight - which is rare because they can usually take months or even years until they have been trialled - as well as the now deceased Queen's funeral taking place that week.  Rose is incredibly worried that in two weeks she could be dead, because if you are have been found guilty of murdering a monarch, you are executed not sent to prison.  Abe explains Dimitri Belikov** is depressed before giving Rose a book and a few magazines before leaving. 

*At the end of Spirit Bound, the 5th book, Rose was accused for murdering Queen Tatiana and now has to go on trial.  

**In Spirit Bound, Lissa had restored Dimitri from being Strigoi and before Rose was arrested for being accused of the murder of the Queen, Dimitri was going to protect Rose from the Guardians.   

After Abe left, Rose read a letter which was written by now deceased Queen Tatiana Ivashkov:

Rose,
If you're reading this, then something terrible has happened.  You probably hate me, and I don't blame you.  I can only ask that you trust that what I did with the age decree was better for your people than what others had planned.  There are some Moroi who want to force all dhampirs into service, whether they want it or not, by using compulsion.  The age decree has slowed that faction down.
    However, I write to you with a secret you must put right, and it is a secret you must share with as few as possible.  Vasilisa needs her spot on the Council, and it can be done.  She is not the last Dragomir.  Another lives, the illegitimate child of Eric Dragomir.  I know nothing else, but if you can find this son or daughter, you will give Vasilisa the power she deserves.  No matter your faults and dangerous temperament, you are the only one I feel can take on this task.  Waste no time in fulfilling it.
     - Tatiana Ivashkov

-- When I had read that ^ letter the first time in Spirit Bound, I thought it was actually from Adrian's mother not great-aunt; I will explain later at the end of the book

Since Rose is connected to the "Spirit World/Life after death before moving on" because of being Shadow-Kissed, she let go of her "barriers" to the spirits to call the spirit* of Queen Tatiana to confirm whether she had or had not written the above letter to her.  After a non-versation since the Queen cannot actually talk, the Queen slowly nodded to "say" that she had in fact, wrote the note to Rose.  

*When they have been murdered 'violently or young' - the Queen had been staked therefore "violently" - the deceased usually are in the middle of life and death between 3-40 days after their death.

After putting her mental barriers up to keep the spirits away with a headache, Rose decided to go into Lissa's mind.  Lissa was dress shopping for a dress for the Queen's funeral with Rose's boyfriend, Adrian Ivashkov who was a royal and the great-nephew of the deceased Queen, who was drunk*.  During this time, Lissa's boyfriend, Christian Ozera - another royal, however his family had been shunned because his parents have changed themselves into Strigoi so they could live for an eternity - and his aunt, Natasha "Tasha" Ozera. 

*Adrian was a Spirit user who had used alcohol and cigarettes as his way of blocking out his magic since Spirit users eventually go crazy (all explained over the past 5 books); since Rose has the bond with Lissa, Rose is able to "take away" the madness from her instead of Lissa turning to alcohol, cigarettes or medication.

"You guys are shopping?" he [Christian] asked, glancing from Lissa to Adrian.  "Getting in a little girl time?"
     "Hey, you'd benefit from a wardrobe change," said Adrian.  "Besides, I bet you'd look great in a halter top."

Christian and Tasha explain to the three on how Dimitri has been confined to his room as well as knowing private information that the Queen - when she was alive - had believed Dimitri wasn't Strigoi as well as getting various Moroi to practice how to learn how to protect themselves.  Rose then gets out of Lissa's mind and begins to focus on what is happening before reminding herself of the past tarot card reading with Rhona which was just before being arrested for murdering the Queen.

Wrongful imprisonment. Accusations. Slander. Damn. I was really starting to hate those cards.

Rose complains a bit, thinks about Dimitri and giving her own advice before going to bed.  However, not long into her sleep, she wakes up to know that her bond with Lissa is gone.  Rose is very worried and curious to know why this has happened, but realises that Lissa is alive and purposely blocking Rose from "seeing" Lissa's mind.  She then decides to go back to sleep, hoping that when she wakes up, she would have the bond again.  Rose was right when she woke up - the bond was back - and it was also the day when the funeral of Queen Tatiana.  Long story short... Lissa is at the funeral, the Queen is wearing purple in the coffin (with a good make-up job, which Rose thought) and also wondered whether people had come to the funeral to see the Queen or Lissa because of bringing Dimitri back from being Strigoi - which had never happened before except for one time...  However, while the funeral was taking place - moving the coffin to the cemetery via walking - the statues of the past Kings and Queens began to blow up. 

Rose was incredibly surprised and freaking out, noticing everyone else on Lissa's "end" were also worried.  Rose, however, realised that Lissa was very calm, as if it was planned.  On Rose's "end", which she had to change back to, her friend Eddie and Mikhail*.  Both men got Rose out of the cell - as well as knocking out the Guards/Guardians watching Rose.  They explained that it was "C4" which had caused the statues to blow up before Rose was seeing Dimitri in front of her.  Eddie, Mikhail and Dimitri all quickly explain that they were letting her get out before realising that Adrian had helped the now-knocked-out-Guards/Guardians with his Spirit abilities so they wouldn't notice Dimitri, before Adrian himself was standing in the doorway in front of the gang. Dimitri explains to Rose that if she is on the run, it will make her look guilty of murdering the Queen, however Rose accepts that fact.  

*Before Last Sacrifice started, Mead explained how the books outside the US, Mikhail was known as Tomas Sanders - the boyfriend of the Strigoi/past teacher of St. Vladimir's Academy, Sonya Karp.  

While they all emerge from the "prison" towards the garage, Adrian and Rose talk:

"Well, thank you." ...
Adrian shot a sidelong glance.  "Yeah, well, I'm supposed to be crazy, right?"  A flash of affection shone in his eyes.  "And there isn't much I wouldn't do for you.  The stupider, the better."                               
THIS IS THE QUOTE FROM THE FIRST QUOTE TEASER

After dealing with three Guardians in the garage, they all went to a Honda Civic, where Abe stood next to.  He explained that even he couldn't get Rose out of this, so even if she ran looking guilty, it wouldn't matter because everyone thought she was guilty because of the murder.  

"Ah, my daughter," he said.  "Eighteen, and already you've been accused of murder, aided felons, and acquired a death count higher than most guardians will ever see."  He paused.  "I couldn't be prouder."

After saying her goodbyes, Dimitri and Rose began to take off through a "new gate" which was from C4 attained by Abe, being disappointed that she didn't get to say goodbye to Lissa in person.  Dimitri explains that he chose a Honda Civic because it was common as well as that he is hiding Rose because Lissa asked him to, as well as the fact they would eventually be abandoning their car.  Rose becomes annoyed that she wasn't informed of how she was being broken out of "jail", however, Dimitri explains that if Rose knew, her personality and attitude would change which would be picked up by the Guards/Guardians.

Dimitri explains to Rose about how they have to meet at 'Westland Cinema' and if they hadn't met up with each other in thirty minutes to call a number which he gives to Rose.  Before she knew it, they were out of the car and trying to get through the shopping centre without causing anyone to notice because eventually Guardians would be in there trying to find the two.  She buys a hat (to disguise her noticeable hair) before going out to the carpark which was in between the Cinema and the shopping centre, however, Rose comes across a Guardian which walking through the carpark.  They both battle - Rose notices that the Guardian has a gun which she thought made them "cheaters" before knocking the Guardian unconscious.  When Rose arrives outside the Cinema, she begins to worry where Dimitri is.  However, seconds later, he arrives in a car which he stole before driving to a McDonalds, where they meet Sydney*.  Rose and Dimitri get into Sydney's car before driving off, away from the population.  Sydney had explained, after Rose's questions, that it was Abe, who had asked her to look after Rose after leaving "jail" to make sure she was safe.  

*Sydney was introduced in Blood Promise when she met Rose in Russia because she was leaving Strigoi bodies around.  Sydney is an alchemist who believe that Moroi/Dhampirs/Strigoi are all evil creatures of the dead.  

Inside the bag, I found two giant orders of fries, and three cheeseburgers.  She apparently still knew me pretty well.

While they were driving to a motel in West Virginia, Rose found that Sydney had gotten dresses, shirts and shorts for her, which annoyed Rose since she preferred to wear jeans.  What shocked Rose was that Sydney was able to get a hold of a duster for Dimitri, which he use to wear on various occasions.  When they arrived at the hotel, Rose realised that she would have to be sharing a room with Dimitri while Sydney had a room to herself.  When Rose and Dimitri got inside, she began to ask what she could do to help and all Dimitri could say was to be safe.  They both argue, fight which Dimitri is lying on top of her so she cannot escape, however, when Rose kissed Dimitri (which he was also kissing back) she punched Dimitri in the face before escaping the hotel room.  

"There's a guy chasing me!" I called as I headed out the door.

-- When I had read the quote above, I was in hysterics for a few minutes even though I didn't think that it was that hilarious

That quote is what she said as he chased her out of the lobby, which lead to Rose hiding in the woods nearby the motel which caused Dimitri  to lose track of Rose's whereabouts.  With a steady walking pace, Rose began to walk north on the road before "checking in" on Lissa.  Tasha was with Christian and Lissa, who were discussing about their interrogation which was going to take place any second.  A guardian came out of a room before Abe left, since his interrogation was finished before all three walked into the room.  In the room, two guardians sat - Guardian Hans and Guardian Alberta, who was an instructor at St. Vladimir's Academy.

"Lovely," growled Hans.  "A whole entourage."  Christian had insisted on being present when Lissa was questioned, and Tasha had insisted on being present with Christian.

With that, Guardian Hans began to question Lissa on her whereabouts when the explosions took place, Lissa's bond with Rose - which Guardian Alberta explained how it was one way; and how Dimitri was involved with Rose's escape.  This eventually lead Lissa to tell both Guardians that Rose and Dimitri were "romantically involved" which didn't surprise Guardian Alberta.  After the interrogation, Tasha leaves to go off on her own before Abe comes to speak to Lissa and Christian.  They question the possibilities on who may have had access to the Queen the night she was murdered before Lissa remembered Ambrose, who was a dhampir that worked in the Court as a masseuse as well as being involved with the Queen.  

Rose had to come back to her body and mind since Dimitri had tackled her to the ground.  Dimitri explained how she should've hidden in the town because that was going to be the last place he would check, along with the fact that she couldn't win against Dimitri.  Rose agreed with Dimitri because she needed to find the other Dragomir which would allow Lissa to properly become a member of the royal court.  She said that she agreed with Dimitri and that he and Sydney were going to help her, which had in fact surprised Dimitri.  When they arrived near the motel, they discovered that the Police had arrived, which was because Rose had told the desk clerk about Dimitri chasing him.  They both had to walk half a mile out of town before they noticed Sydney's car pulled on the side of the road.  Before Rose could explain her plan about Lissa, Sydney decided to drive to Altswood, West Virginia, which apparently had "nothing".  After Rose explained to Dimitri and Sydney that Lissa had a brother or sister - which shocked both of them - Rose explained about the letter Queen Tatiana had written as well as meeting her spirit form.  Dimitri agreed to help Rose locate the other Dragomir, which Sydney hadn't officially accepted as she was worried what Abe would think before Rose went to check on Lissa again.

-- Before Dimitri was Strigoi, he had been an instructor to Rose as well as a Guardian at St. Vladimir's Academy and was also planned to be one of Lissa's guardians after she graduated, this changed after the Strigoi occurrence as well as the controversy of when Dimitri changed back into a Dhampir 

Lissa was in the Ivashkov townhouse, which Adrian usually stayed when he was at the Court.  She, Adrian and Christian were discussing how Tasha was pissed off at Christian for not telling her about the exploding statues before they were interrupted by a knock at the door.  It was a Moroi guy who looked very awkward explaining that he would come back after noticing Lissa and Christian.  Adrian recognised the Moroi as "Joe the Janitor" who had helped by testifying that he hadn't seen him with Rose when his great-aunt was murdered which caused Lissa and Christian to straighten up.  Before Joe the Janitor could leave, he explained that everything was set for Adrian's mother.  This became curious to Lissa, so she decided to use compulsion on him to get the answers, which was so powerful that Joe was like a puppet on strings*.  Joe explained that the money was set which was used to testify that Adrian was with Rose the time of the Queen's murder.  Lissa questioned if Adrian's mother also known as Lady Ivashkov was paying him off, Joe declined, saying that he did see Adrian but wasn't sure of the time in which he had seen him.  Before they could question Joe, Adrian's mother became to walk into the room which Adrian explained that all three were going to head out and also that Joe wanted to see her. 

* At the end of Shadow Kiss (3rd book), Lissa had been tortured by other Moroi at St. Vladimir's to join a club which eventually led Lissa to use her compulsion to the extreme, making one of the Moroi, a royal named Jesse into believing his worst nightmares - which is very similar to Lissa using Joe as a "puppet"

Rose quickly was brought back to the car because of Dimitri asking if everything was okay back there, which Rose knew "back there" was the Court not the backseat.  Before Rose could speak again, she realised that the car had stopped and had reached Altswood.  When they got out of the car, Sydney questioned Dimitri and Rose on if they were as good at fighting as everyone said, because they had to go on foot towards far up the track.  Before they could begin their trek, Rose could see vampire faces everywhere.

That is the end of chapter 8 and I will continue this review after having a sleep.  I wish I could do the entire book in one night, let alone one blog post.  However, by my obsession to the book series and the long await to read the book, I guess I shouldn't be complaining that I was not doing in-depth reviews on the previous five books which I had read all last week to be "refreshed" and reminded of what had occurred.  That wasn't entirely true because my emotions were pretty bumpy after rereading Shadow Kiss.

To any readers of the Vampire Academy series, are you Team Dimitri, Team Adrian, Team Mason, and why?