Reading About So Many Wars, May In Fact Start A War in My Head. So Much Memorizing To Do.

Ode to studying like a beeeast. 

As if textbooks weren't enough, I went to the library and found myself The Atlantic and Its Enemies: A History of the Cold War by Norman Stone, as well as The 1900s: Headlines in History.

Quite helpful, but they do little for entertainment. 

Must. Finish. History. Homework.

DREAM BIG. REACH FOR THE STARS. ENABLE YOURSELF TO MOVE FORWARD. YOU ARE GREAT. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. YES YOU ARE. WHAT?! YOU DON'T BELIEVE ME? DID YOU SERIOUSLY JUST THINK ABOUT A SUPPOSED IMPERFECTION THAT SOMEONE IN THIS WORLD HAS POINTED OUT?! FORGET ABOUT THAT. FORGET ABOUT EVERY LIE YOU HAVE BEEN TOLD. YOU. YOU READING THIS. YES YOU!
YOU CAN DO IT.
YOU CAN.
YOU CAN.
YOU CAN. 
NOW HOLD YOUR HEAD UP HIGH, AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.
BELIEVE YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.
BELIEVE YOU ARE LOVED.
WHY? BECAUSE YOU ARE. 
YOU ARE.
YOU ARE.
YOU ARE. 

"Happiness is like the enchanted palaces we read of in our childhood, where fierce, fiery dragons defend the entrance and approach; and monsters of all shapes and kinds, requiring be overcome ere victory is ours." 


~Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo

I Will Never Grow Tired of These Books/Films... :)

I think I have done a blogpost similar to this in the past, but I think I'll just do another one, anyways. :) 

It's fun to read. Sometimes. :)

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

The book is absolutely divine. Some may disagree based on the dryness and monotonous mood, but the study of relationships is intriguing. The movie with Matthew Macfadyen and Keira Knightley is fantastic, full of romance and humour. It is my absolute favourite. 

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Would you like to read about pirates, romance, sword fighting, and vengeful characters? It has everything packed within its pages...or script. Both the book and the movie are quite amiable, as extremely different as they are from each other, but I would consider the latter to be more satisfying. The movie is a little more dramatic and the plot is quite different from the book. The former may be a lengthy read, but it is definitely worth it.

The Frog Princess by E.D. Baker//The Princess and the Frog

I first discovered this book in middle school and therefore had the pleasure of reading such a delightful fairytale before the movie came out. Surprisingly, both are quite alike, as I remember, which is rare. Either way, read it, watch it. You will not be disappointed. It is enchanting. 

and of course...

 

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

I liked the books a lot more than the movies, only because there was so many events and certain happenings not included in the films, as is always the truth with any book that is made into a movie, unfortunately. Plus, the movies just seemed to get darker as it went along. There was always a happy tune written within some of the chapters of all the books, and for that I quite enjoyed reading them. 

J.K. Rowling is an excellent writer, considering the details and wording were superb. Her style made it fun and easy to read. I sped through these. :)

Remembering My Childhood :)

A. This Playlist is full of childhood t.v. show theme songs. I am so happy right now. This playlist is amazing. #BringingBackThe90s

http://8tracks.com/saltypretzel101/quality-tv-for-the-youth

B. THE PUZZLE PLACE

OMW. I HAD TO SHARE THIS WITH SOMEONE. FIGURED MY READERS WOULD ENDURE MY CHILDHOOD MEMOIRS WELL ENOUGH. :)

I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR THIS SHOW FOR YEARS ! I COULDN'T REMEMBER THE NAME, BUT THANKS TO GOOGLE, I MANAGED TO FIND IT.

OH MY GOSH. SO EXCITING.

I HAVE THE DOLL-- KIKI ! :) AT LEAST, I THINK I DO. SHE MUST BE HIDDEN IN SOME BOX SOMEWHERE... OR AT MY AUNT'S DAYCARE. EITHER WAY, SHE'S SAFE. XD

HAHAHAH.

OH MY GOODNESS. 

SO STOKED I FINALLY FOUND THIS. 

TOOK ME LONG ENOUGH. :)

Need New Tunes?

Check out James Vincent McMorrow.

I'm in love. I never thought I'd like folk music so much, but there's something about these tracks that make the genre a little different. 

Post #7: Kony 2012 Continued Again...

http://www.hisvoiceglobal.com/blog/?p=1206

Here I have found yet another site, full of great thoughts and information all of us should consider.

Hearing so many different opinions about Kony 2012, I think it's important that we gather as much information as possible, as this blogger suggests, in order to draw a reasonable conclusion.

Don't jump the bandwagon or stand on the sidelines, or boo the organization JUST BECAUSE MILLIONS OF YOUR FRIENDS ARE DOING IT.

We should be able to state what we believe based on information we consider to be valid. Don't just say something because every one else is.

That's how I see it, anyways.

I've made my decision. I do not want to support the solution KONY 2012 offers. I'm considering the fact that it's quite unfair for the campaign to not be a non-profit organization. They've made it to be such a big deal--helping the Invisible Children (which I think is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT)-- but they do not disclose significant information such as this: ONLY 30% OF THE MONEY GOES TO UGANDA.

You know what, I really really really wish there was a way we could get Kony, without donating over half our money to the workers. The way I view it is that if the campaign managers really cared about the Invisible Children, they'd be donating all the money to support the cause. Not just 30%.

If you disagree, I understand. Like I've said in every other blogpost about Kony 2012: tell me what you think! If you feel like donating, go ahead!

Overall it's not for the organization or the opposed to tell you who to believe and what side you should take.

It's up to you!

Just make sure you know that you are really following your own beliefs and not committing yourself to something you aren't really sure about.  :)

I think the most important thing we need to take out of this is that we all need to be aware of what is going on. 

Props to a video that really opened my eyes to a new situation happening in our world. I didn't know about Joseph Kony before this... and I hope they find a suitable, effective solution soon. Until then, I'm going to continue to support campaigns that I trust. I Am Silent is something I've participated in. I know the organization to be true to their word, so far. If by supporting things like this I can make a difference, than by all means I'm going to promote it to the best of my ability! At this point, supporting Free the Children is what I can do. We definitely need more justice in the world today, and taking small steps are just fine. If donating a dollar a month to a non-prof is all you can do-- IT'S STILL MAKING A DIFFERENCE! Don't forget that as you decide what organizations and campaigns you want to support.
So, like the blogger of http://www.hisvoiceglobal.com/blog/?p=1206 said, find something you can get involved in. Don't stand on the sidelines and pretend like you don't know what's going on. Do something. Make a difference, because you actually have the power to do so.

These kids need to stop suffering, and be rescued... in a fair, just way. I do not believe the solution the video states will bring safety to all after reading so many articles.

BUT DON'T TAKE IT FROM ME. GO FIND YOUR OWN EVIDENCE AND YOUR OWN REASONS. EITHER IN SUPPORT TO THE ORGANIZATION, OR IN CONTRARY TO IT.  :) 

And, again.

You disagree? Tell me about it. I'm not glued to believing this. Maybe someone can convince me otherwise.

:)

xoxoxo
Praying something can be done, and supremely effective justice can be served immediately,

JazzyMcJazzerPants

Post #7: Kony 2012 Continued...

LEARNED INFO

http://justiceinconflict.org/

I disagree with some of what he's saying... but understand the point. I've found myself stuck in the middle once again as to whether or not I want to support this campaign. I'm finding more and more reasons why not to though, and I don't think it's fair that this is NOT a non-prof organization.
Which sucks.
Plus... I was thinking about how it would look if troops just marched in from North America into Uganda... :P *ugly*. I don't think the solution for a situation like this is going to be effective. 
On the other hand, I can see how some people can compare Kony to Hitler, and don't see why the blogger of this site bothers arguing against such a fact. I understand how some people can make a comparison as such.

Both that blog and the KONY 2012 video have some statements of strong validity... but i don't know who to side with.
The website definitely did aid me a little bit. I wanted to know more about Kony... and it makes sense now. Plus it's good to hear even more reasons as to why we shouldn't support the campaign's solution, but to understand the moral issues and the importance of being aware of international relations, etc.

Have something to share? Please comment. I want to know more about what people are thinking about this campaign that's become such a controversial subject. :)

Post #7: KONY 2012

As most of you have figured out by now,  I have a huge heart for movements against injustice around the world.

This video is spreading like wild fire on Facebook and Twitter.
Watch it, then read my thoughts.

Amongst many other organizations, I love to see people rise up against injustice. Often times, we are bombarded with a lot of campaigns fuelled by the same need: for justice to be delivered to those in need.

I understand that many of these campaigns are just ignored; speaking on behalf of many other people, I want to know where the donations are actually going. Do workers get payed, or are you all volunteers? Is this just for your own organization's popularity, or are you seriously concerned about the Invisible Children? It makes a huge difference if you're a non-prof organization, so I should hope that you are. If not, you have just lost any hope of finding financial support through me, though emotionally, I completely understand the overall goal of your proposed campaign. However, if posters can be put up, they can also be taken down. How effective can that really become? Some of my friends have made valid points about the inefficient solution towards capturing Kony. If he knows we're looking for him, wouldn't that just propose feelings of indignation on his behalf? It might just make him dig deeper, and really hide himself away. 

My point is this, though. Please hear me out.

Joseph Kony is already in hiding. By "making him famous" we have a better chance of finding him. More people will know what he looks like, what horrible things he has done, and why it's so important to stop him from continuing on his campaign. I understand that this may be an extremely difficult process, but why give up the chance to capture him? Why push it aside? 

We have it in our hands to make a difference! I don't want to miss this chance. Making this crisis known world wide is so opportune--even if it may be of a small percent-- there is STILL a chance that we COULD stop him.

I hate seeing people being treated unfairly. 

Let's put this into perspective, and I know some of you make think that I'm being unreasonable or just writing this into an extreme... but what if another fascist leader like Hitler were to come to power?

Would you not want to stop him? 

Sitting back and watching him take over and reignite the holocaust would be absolutely revolting. I'll admit, I'd be scared out of my beehind.

The thing is, these kids that Kony is targeting are going through terrible crimes that can be just as matched to the holocaust as any other killing spree can be.

We need to help the Invisible Children. They are suffering. 

Look. I get that this solution of trying to make Kony known worldwide is far-fetched. But the fact that this video is getting more attention than a lot of other campaign vids I've seen, says something. People are willing to spread awareness and stand up for justice. People of high political stature will be able to see this and know that we want change. There is a high possibility that change can be configured, if we all join and take a stand.
Say we stop Kony; there is a chance that such a movement against war lords will provide hope for ALL 3rd World Countries--not just Uganda.

I've seen such a small segment of the power of political leaders in 3rd World Countries. It's devastating, revolting, despicable. I want change! If we can stop Kony, I believe that we'll have it in our hands to stop all the other war lords of many other 3rd World Countries.

At this point, I think it would be injudicious to ignore a campaign that's become so widespread, exposing such a situation as this.

I want to make a change. The world needs change.

However, if you disagree with me, or have a strong point of validity to offer towards this situation that I have not covered, please comment.

I will totally understand if you are a supporter or against this campaign. I'm definitely willing to hear your thoughts on whether or not this solution is efficient enough. 

I Used To Fear So Much.

I was swallowing the sea, before you came and rescued me. I was drifting far away, into the abyss. The sky was all but blue. Seulement gris.

I was making castles in the mud, and you offered me a flag. 

Now I'm not alone.

Now I'm unafraid.

I used to be wrapped in the pleasures of fear. It was scary... metaphoric and realistic, yet somehow surreal.

But you know what...? I survived.

I accepted a gracious hand. 

I took steadfast strength in the meaning of faith.

I can dance in thunderstorms.

I LAUGH AT THE FACE OF FEAR.

DEAR FEAR,

YOU MAKE ME ANGRY.

AND YET, HERE I AM.

LAUGHING AT THE FACT THAT YOU ARE HERE, TRYING TO GRASP MY HAND AGAIN.

HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAH.

~JazzyMcJazzerpants

p.s. Guess what ! It's not going to happen again.

HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA.

We are often greeted with our past, and whether we choose to overcome it or not ultimately decides our fate. Reader, I am sure you know of this searing pain. The sight of seeing something appear back in one's life, can be extremely writhing. 

But when we rise to the occasion, and pull out our swords... when we believe Someone greater lives within our hearts, that "thing" that almost defeated us, can be severed. 

Point is: Nous sommes forte. 

I used to fear the oppressive fog that once closed in on me. 

Fear has had a way of tightening my skin and blinding my eyes. 

It was like acid to the face and heart. 

I didn't trust anyone.

But I do not forget about that Love that has rescued me, once before; the love that had calmed such a raging thunderstorm. 

I'm entangled with this love. He will never let go of me, even if the rest of the world does. 

I'm not afraid, because His love is all I need. He is my shield, and that's a promise no monster can eat away. 

The Hunger Games

I know I've been on quite a rabbit-trail, not blogging about justice topics and such, but permit me to rage for a moment's time.

I read the Hunger Games in a period of about two weeks.

*SPOILER ALERT*

This trilogy is disgusting. I expected the ending to be completely satisfactory, but knew that (due to Essentially B's "disappointing" warnings) there would be something wrong about it.

There was much disappointment. By the time I reached the last page of the last book I was balling my eyes out because Prim died, and Prim was the only reason the whole entire trilogy was even possible. The fact that we know nothing about Gale after the last bombing is weird. I mean, if Collins wanted to end the relationship between him and Katniss so dramatically, I am sure she could have killed him off or something. just like all the other great characters (sarcasm: merely pointing out that everyone died).
I love that Peeta and Katniss end up living happily ever after though. That is exactly what I wanted to happen.
Ugh. It just was not a satisfying ending. Collins could have done a better job working out the relationships and I am sure the read could have been a little more desirable.
In fact, she should have made Peeta and Katniss live happily ever after in the Hunger Games, and cut Gale out then, considering he was ignored and off in his own little world by the end of Mockingjay.
SO DISAPPOINTING.

Yes. Jesus > Hypocrisy of Religion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY

Just Because.

Here's a post... just because.

Not because I have to... or need to...

but... just because.

I have finally inserted some time for myself: to read. Not just all that junk we are forced to read in English class; it is for the sake of those books left to collect dust both on my own as well as the library's shelves.

Ode to:

The Cosmic Trilogy by C. S. Lewis.

It's absolutely genius. It's taken me a while to read it, but at least I've picked it up. It's lyrical... magical... quite like a metamorphosis about life in general, if you read between the lines.

I recommend it... x10.

Another thing:

You must listen to David Crowder* Band's new album: Give Us Rest or (A Requiem Mass in C [The Happiest of All Keys])

Fresh. New. Exciting. Invigorating. Real.

I 

LOVE

IT.

The End.

Post #6: Happy New Years.

So this is it: 2012.
Doesn't feel very different, and yet it's preparing to dump prom, grad, and an IB Certificate into my hands.
I'm pretty stoked. These 12 years of education, are finally going to mean something to me.
Sure, some of it--actually, the majority of it--sucked. But that's just it.
It's like I can almost see the light....
I'm almost done.
Highschool drama will finally come to an end.

12 years of preparation for the real world... will finally come into play... and I will be released to explore the world, and make what I can of it.

The thing is, last year... in 2011... it took me months to debate over what YWAM DTS program I had wanted to do.
See, this whole time I've wanted to push myself, take a risk, and do something crazy.... that 'something crazy' turns out to be a 6 month discipleship training school... overseas.

I wanted to go to Hawaii, and the "Engage"DTS had really captured my attention, only to find out this year that in September 2012, the only base in Kona that is for 'someone like me', does not happen to be "Engage."
I had thought that was the one.

Apparently not so.

So here goes, again.

Man. Hello 2012, and the confusion you have brought.

Time to trust God like there's no tomorrow.
Pray for me folks ! I need to figure out what I want to do ASAP.
University or YWAM.
YWAM or University.

:O

Other than that, I'm so excited.

Why is this a "justification post?"

I need to justify myself.
Do what's right.
Be myself.
Intercede.
Love.
Complete my new years resolutions:
   -to stand up for myself
   -say "yes" to things I normally would say "no" to, without breaking moral values (haha, yes, like "Yes man!")
   -Exercise more--> +blog+write music+draw more tooooo. :)

I need to justify myself in order to bring justice into other situations.

This probably doesn't make a whole lot of sense...

Maybe, if I tell you this is one of those "New Years Moments," you'll understand.

A "New Years Moment" where I feel inspired to become a better person, in order to change the world.

Post #5: Happy Christmas

Well.
It's that time of year.

Holy Wookie, the mall is the scariest place to be. Unfortunately I have been dragged into that torture chamber a lot this week! It is an entirely maddening experience for me. Honestly, I love shopping, I love meeting people, and people watching is a great thing to do around this time of year.... but it can be so frustrating !

I mean, the fact that people are running down the wrong side of the mall-- is the most annoying experience for me.
People. Walk on the right side. Don't go towards people.... !
I mean, sometimes it's not all that bad... but when they stop in the middle of "traffic," it tends to make me want to pull my hair out.

If that's not enough, the screaming kids sure do make me smile. 0_0
Not.


I'm quite the scrooge this year.
The fact that Christmas has become so commercialized is disgusting. In reality, it's just another Hallmark day.

I don't care about presents. I wish people would see it was much more than that.

The fact that people are complaining about the jingling bells that Sally Anne Kettle volunteers shake all over town, really made me rage.
You know, HP Sauce and I volunteered for a total of 6 hours shaking those bells-- and it's really NOT A BIG DEAL. People walking by, only hear it for like, 2 seconds.

How dare you complain. :)

When did Christmas become such a gimmick.

OMGSH! I KNEW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I TOLD YOU ALL! YODA DIDN'T DIE--> OBVIOUSLY HE JUST USED THE FORCE TO TRANSPORT HIMSELF TO THIS END OF THE GALAXY!!! I KNEW WE'D FIND HIM EVENTUALLY! HATE TO SAY I TOLD YOU SO....BUT.......


HOLY WOOKIE!!!!!!!!!!!! THIS IS AMAAAAZING!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/8939138/Kepler-22b-the-new-Earth-could-have-oceans-and-continents-scientists-claim.html

Post #4: Justification for the Music Realm.

I figured it would be best for me to include at least one "justice blog" on music... considering I love it so much. Music is a wonderful thing... it allows us to express who we are. Every song in the world is like a piece of soul... every word and every genre explode in such hype... it allows anyone to be who they want to be.

I guess my first question in writing this blog was, What exactly does music have to do with justice? And I thought about how many kids around the world don't get the same opportunities that we do: like being able to take piano lessons, or jam out on banjos, cranking up the bass, screaming in microphones. In North America, we're lucky in a sense.

Then again, we are also limited. On Friday, I attended something we call IB World Music. It's pretty much a bunch of IB kids coming together to dance and play instruments. I rather enjoyed it! I heard of some new instruments and listened to some tunes and beats they play around the world.

I find that we can get so stuck in our own little worlds of pop numbers, that we forget the rest of the world has their own instruments that are not at all similar to our own. A great majority of the student population defines music as anything that can make it on the Billboard Top 100. IB World Music, however, reminded me of the good old days, when I could make music out of banging pots and pans together. Or how about those ancient guitars of elastic bands and tissue boxes!

One of the performances featured a man who brought along some rocks he naturally found to have holes in, as well as a few whistles, and culturally traditional instruments from Vietnam and Japan.
The rocks were my favourite.

In all, I suppose that's what justification in music means to me. We as North Americans need to remember that music doesn't always have to be perfect. Music comes from the heart... and that is what matters most.

As a goal, I'm going to pick up my old guitar again. I know like... 5 chords... and I am determined to make a song before the year ends. It'll be like hitting some old natural roots... playing a song in 5 chords.

Post #2 Cont: I Am Silent

Just as an update, our school of +900 students raised a total of over $2600 for Free the Children! I am so excited about this! :) Each one of those dollars is worth a smile to me, as well as to those children found all around the world! :)

If you would like to donate, check out the website! For more information, check out that site, or read up on my last blog about I Am Silent! :)

http://www.freethechildren.com/vowofsilence/

Post #3: "As long as we know in our hearts what Christmas ought to be, Christmas is." -Eric Sevareid

I am not sure if I am supposed to know who Eric Sevareid is, but I do approve of the quotation. :)

I thought I would take a different outlook on justice... but... it is rather similar to my passions: Justice For The Children.

For the past two-three weeks, our school has been handing out Operation Christmas Child boxes... and I had the pleasure of stuffing a box for a little girl 5-9 years of age.
I wish I could see her face... when she opens that box and finds pink frilly things and a teddy bear. I wish I could see her face change, a smile spreading from ear to ear.

It just got me thinking about the fact that there are many children who will not get presents this year... and I wish I could do something about that. I know that Christmas is supposed to be about the bigger picture... about the heart... but I'd still like to give to all these kids. I'd just like to see smiles on everyone's faces. :)

And another thing... what about all these kids growing up in our North American culture? Christmas is used as propaganda to get people to buy and buy and buy! It's just another Hallmark Day for most businesses.
...I know that we'll just lose more kids to the belief that "Santa Claus doesn't exist," because not everyone is lucky enough to get a present around this time of year.
Living in this society is not easy... We all need to be reminded of the deeper meaning of Christmas.

(That Smile.)

I just want to make a difference.

I wish I was a trillion dollars richer... I would use it towards endless supplies of teddy bears, hot cocoa, and sugar cookies... every kid deserves that much.

Anyways... I guess the purpose of this blogpost was to challenge you during this season. Volunteer. Do something you normally wouldn't do.

Be the justice our world needs. Spread the love. That's what Christmas is about to me. Spreading the love. :)

xoxo
jazzy