Day Seven: Four turn offs

1. People who smoke; drink too much and are overly intoxicated
2. Dishonest people
3. People who abuse animals
4. People who are against LGBT

Day Five: Six things you wish you’d never done

1. Cut my hair when I was like 8 when it was up to my ass.  Now it is above my shoulders :'(
2. Stopped sports and exercise in Canberra when I use to come first in Cross Country.  Now I am lazy.  Wii fit is my new friend, besides tumblr.
3. Drank Pepsi.  Addicted to it too much that I am forcing myself to not have it at all this year (fingers crossed it will work)
4. Stopped being in the band.  I loved playing percussion but after I think about it, I probably wouldn't have time to practice :/
5. Biting my nails.  Very bad habit.
6. Finding my dad's porn stash.  I can't look at him the same any more.

Day Four: Seven things that cross your mind a lot

*This was suppose to be yesterday but forgot to do it

1. Need new songs
2. tumblr
3. Moving out
4. Be myself/more outgoing
5. Random lyrics from songs
6. Need to drink more water
7. Finish my driving hours

About Me (Updated)

Name: Jessica but prefer Jess
Age: 17 (18 on March 10)
Height: 171cm (about 5’7”)
Location: Australia
Phobia: Sloths (from a scary ass dream)
Things You’re Afraid of That Aren’t Phobias: Insects, cane toads, E.T.
Favourite TV Show: Doctor Who, True Blood, Vampire Diaries
Favourite Movie: The Secret Garden, Donnie Darko, Jennifer’s Body, Inception
Favourite Bands/Singers: He Is We, Chameleon Circuit, Katy Perry, Lady GaGa, Charlie McDonnell, Alex Day
Favourite Books: Harry Potter, Vampire Academy, Hunger Games, Peter Pan, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass
Favourite Historic Figure: Cleopatra
Favourite Accent: British
Religion: Was baptised Anglican but not religious
Orientation: Either lesbian or bisexual but prefer ladies more like 80% ♀ and 20% ♂
Something Random: Want to go to university to become a primary school teacher (It is a Catholic school, so the orientation thing…)
Something Else Random: I cannot sing for shit.

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?

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.

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?

Personality Tests

I know that I can be anti-social and prefer to keep to myself, but whenever I am with friends who make me be myself, I laugh constantly and talk a lot (depending on the subject).  Today I came across 4degreez Personality Disorder Test and decided to take the test, since I am not doing anything productive at the moment.  Here are my results:

Paranoid: Means that I have "distrust of others and a constant suspicion that people around you have sinister motives. People with this disorder tend to have excessive trust in their own knowledge and abilities and usually avoid close relationships."

Schizoid: This means I " avoid relationships and do not show much emotion. Unlike avoidants, schizoids genuinely prefer to be alone and do not secretly wish for popularity. They tend to seek jobs that require little social contact. Their social skills are often weak and they do not show a need for attention or acceptance."

Schizotypal: Means that I have "mild schizophrenia. The disorder is characterised by odd forms of thinking and perceiving, and individuals with this disorder often seek isolation from others."

Antisocial: Simply means that I have "poor social skills" and "prone to criminal behaviour" - No, I am not ever planning to become a criminal in the future.

Borderline: Means I have "mood instability and poor self-image. People with this disorder are prone to constant mood swings and bouts of anger." - I am actually quite conservative and hardly get angry

Histrionic: Means I am a "constant attention seeker. They need to be the center of attention all the time, often interrupting others in order to dominate the conversation. They use grandiose language to discribe everyday events and seek constant praise."

Narcissistic: AKA "self-centred"

Avoidant: Means that I have "extreme social anxiety. People with this disorder often feel inadequate, avoid social situations, and seek out jobs with little contact with others"

Dependent: Technically it means "a need to be taken care of" - For anyone who doesn't know what dependent means

Obsessive-Compulsive: People with OCD "are overly focused on orderliness and perfection. Their need to do everything "right" often interferes with their productivity. They tend to get caught up in the details and miss the bigger picture."

I recommend the test, just so you can 'see' what you can try and change, that is, if you can.

After taking the test above, I took Big 5 Personality Test which was alright. 

Openness to Experience/Intellect (16%): You prefer traditional and familiar experiences.

Conscientiousness (69%): You are well-organised, and are reliable.

Extraversion (18%): You probably enjoy spending quiet time alone.

Agreeableness (69%): You tend to consider the feelings of others.

Neuroticism (27%): You are generally relaxed.

That test was really close to what I am.  I am very organised, reliable, enjoy quiet time alone, consider feelings of others and I am usually relaxed.* This post won't let me delete the extra page breaks, so just ignore the large gap below here. xx

Sorry

I know I haven't blogged for a while.  Yesterday, I began to reread Vampire Academy series since the final book comes out in six days!  I cannot wait to read it.  I want to see what happens with Rose/Dimitri.  Actually, I am just excited to get the book, that I think that I am going to cry so much while reading it.  Happy cries, hopefully.  I have cried way too much through out the five books that it is embarrassing.  Especially, when it isn't a sad scene...

Getting a haircut on Friday, woop woop!  I can't wait to get all of this bloody hair off me!  I am the worst person to be with when I am reading while lying down on a pillow.  I have to always fix my hair if it is slightly loose, or I give up and just let my hair down.

Not a very exciting blog, unfortunately.  Sorry guys, going to go read Frostbite (second Vampire Academy book) since I finished Vampire Academy in six hours, which I think is a record :D

To All My Viewers

Where do you live?  What is your fave movie/book?  What are your interests?

You all know a bit about my life and my personal thoughts, but I have no clue about you.  It is very sad to know that I have no followers, unless you count myself on bloglovin'...  I need help and ideas on how to make you, the viewers and people from the outside world come and read and/or follow my blog.  I would love to have followers but I don't know how.  I know, I am being myself but I need to know what you are interested in reading.  From my Stats, the top five posts are:

1. Saturday Shipper: Scabior and Hermione
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1
3. Friday Favourites: Harry Potter
4. I Want A Haircut
5. Those Special Friendships: Cherish

Just by looking at those, you are all interested in Harry Potter, which is great!  We have something in common.

What would you like to read on my blog?

18 Things To Know At 18

In 102 days, or more specifically, 3 months and 10 days, I shall be eighteen years old.  The year I will be officially an adult.  I am not sure how I am going to celebrate it, but let me get on with this post...  Since I am still a young person, who hasn't really done any life-changing choices, I thought on searching those life lessons before 18.  I came across this blog post: 18 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Was 18.  So, I am going to post these 18 lessons before you all since, some of you may be turning/have turned/or will eventually be turning 18 and I think we all should know these life lessons:

1. Commit yourself to making lots of mistakes. – Mistakes teach you important lessons.  The biggest mistake you can make is doing nothing because you’re too scared to make a mistake.  So don’t hesitate – don’t doubt yourself.  In life, it’s rarely about getting a chance; it’s about taking a chance.  You’ll never be 100% sure it will work, but you can always be 100% sure doing nothing won’t work.  Most of the time you just have to go for it!  And no matter how it turns out, it always ends up just the way it should be.  Either you succeed or you learn something.  Win-Win.  Remember, if you never act, you will never know for sure, and you will be left standing in the same spot forever.
2. Find hard work you love doing. – If I could offer my 18-year-old self some real career advice, I’d tell myself not to base my career choice on other people’s ideas, goals and recommendations.  I’d tell myself not to pick a major because it’s popular, or statistically creates graduates who make the most money.  I’d tell myself that the right career choice is based on one key point: Finding hard work you love doing.  As long as you remain true to yourself, and follow your own interests and values, you can find success through passion.  Perhaps more importantly, you won’t wake up several years later working in a career field you despise, wondering “How the heck am I going to do this for the next 30 years?”  So if you catch yourself working hard and loving every minute of it, don’t stop.  You’re on to something big.  Because hard work ain’t hard when you concentrate on your passions.
3. Invest time, energy and money in yourself every day. – When you invest in yourself, you can never lose, and over time you will change the trajectory of your life.  You are simply the product of what you know.  The more time, energy and money you spend acquiring pertinent knowledge, the more control you have over your life.
4. Explore new ideas and opportunities often. – Your natural human fears of failure and embarrassment will sometimes stop you from trying new things.  But you must rise above these fears, for your life’s story is simply the culmination many small, unique experiences.  And the more unique experiences you have, the more interesting your story gets.  So seek as many new life experiences as possible and be sure to share them with the people you care about.  Not doing so is not living.
5. When sharpening your career skills, focus more on less. – Think in terms of Karate: A black belt seems far more impressive than a brown belt.  But does a brown belt really seem any more impressive than a red belt?  Probably not to most people.  Remember that society elevates experts high onto a pedestal.  Hard work matters, but not if it’s scattered in diverse directions.  So narrow your focus on learning fewer career related skills and master them all.
6. People are not mind readers.  Tell them what you’re thinking. – People will never know how you feel unless you tell them.  Your boss?  Yeah, he doesn’t know you’re hoping for a promotion because you haven’t told him yet.  That cute girl you haven’t talked to because you’re too shy?  Yeah, you guessed it; she hasn’t given you the time of day simply because you haven’t given her the time of day either.   In life, you have to communicate with others.  And often, you have to open your vocal cords and speak the first words.  You have to tell people what you’re thinking.  It’s as simple as that.
7. Make swift decisions and take immediate action. – Either you’re going to take action and seize new opportunities, or someone else will first.  You can’t change anything or make any sort of progress by sitting back and thinking about it.  Remember, there’s a huge difference between knowing how to do something and actually doing it.  Knowledge is basically useless without action.
8. Accept and embrace change. – However good or bad a situation is now, it will change.  That’s the one thing you can count on.  So embrace change, and realize that change happens for a reason.  It won’t always be easy or obvious at first, but in the end it will be worth it.
9. Don’t worry too much about what other people think about you. – For the most part, what other people think and say about you doesn’t matter.  When I was 18, I let the opinions of my high school and early college peers influence my decisions.  And, at times, they steered me away from ideas and goals I strongly believed in.  I realize now, ten years later, that this was a foolish way to live, especially when I consider that nearly all of these people whose opinions I cared so much about are no longer a part of my life.  Unless you’re trying to make a great first impression (job interview, first date, etc.), don’t let the opinions of others stand in your way.  What they think and say about you isn’t important.  What is important is how you feel about yourself.
10. Always be honest with yourself and others. – Living a life of honesty creates peace of mind, and peace of mind is priceless.  Period.
11. Talk to lots of people in college and early on in your career. – Bosses.  Colleagues.  Professors.  Classmates.  Social club members.  Other students outside of your major or social circle. Teaching assistants.  Career advisors.  College deans.  Friends of friends.  Everyone!  Why?  Professional networking.  I have worked for three employers since I graduated from college (I left my first two employers by choice on good terms), but I only interviewed with the first employer.  The other two employers offered me a job before I even had a formal interview, based strictly on the recommendation of a hiring manager (someone I had networked with over the years).  When employers look to fill a position, the first thing they do is ask the people they know and trust if they know someone who would do well in the position.  If you start building your professional network early, you’ll be set.  Over time, you’ll continue talking to new people you meet through your current network and your network’s reach and the associated opportunities will continue to snowball for the duration of your career.
12. Sit alone in silence for at least ten minutes every day. – Use this time to think, plan, reflect, and dream.  Creative and productive thinking flourish in solitude and silence.  With quiet, you can hear your thoughts, you can reach deep within yourself, and you can focus on mapping out the next logical, productive step in your life.
13. Ask lots of questions. – The greatest ‘adventure’ is the ability to inquire, to ask questions.  Sometimes in the process of inquiry, the search is more significant than the answers.  Answers come from other people, from the universe of knowledge and history, and from the intuition and deep wisdom inside yourself.  These answers will never surface if you never ask the right questions.  Thus, the simple act of asking the right questions is the answer.
14. Exploit the resources you do have access to. – The average person is usually astonished when they see a physically handicap person show intense signs of emotional happiness.  How could someone in such a restricted physical state be so happy?  The answer rests in how they use the resources they do have.  Stevie Wonder couldn’t see, so he exploited his sense of hearing into a passion for music, and he now has 25 Grammy Awards to prove it.
15. Live below your means. – Live a comfortable life, not a wasteful one.  Do not spend to impress others.  Do not live life trying to fool yourself into thinking wealth is measured in material objects.  Manage your money wisely so your money does not manage you.  Always live well below your means.
16. Be respectful of others and make them feel good. – In life and business, it’s not so much what you say that counts, it’ how you make people feel.  So respect your elders, minors, and everyone in between.  There are no boundaries or classes that define a group of people that deserve to be respected.  Treat everyone with the same level of respect you would give to your grandfather and the same level of patience you would have with your baby brother.  Supporting, guiding, and making contributions to other people is one of life’s greatest rewards.  In order to get, you have to give.
17. Excel at what you do. – There’s no point in doing something if you aren’t going to do it right.  Excel at your work and excel at your hobbies.  Develop a reputation for yourself, a reputation for consistent excellence.
18. Be who you were born to be. – You must follow your heart, and be who you were born to be.  Some of us were born to be musicians – to communicate intricate thoughts and rousing feelings with the strings of a guitar.  Some of us were born to be poets – to touch people’s hearts with exquisite prose.  Some of us were born to be entrepreneurs – to create growth and opportunity where others saw rubbish.  And still, some of us were born to be or do whatever it is, specifically, that moves you.  Regardless of what you decide to do in your lifetime, you better feel it in every fiber of your being.  You better be born to do it!  Don’t waste your life fulfilling someone else’s dreams and desires.