I guess you know the tune

My mom said that she thinks it might be good for America to have war on our own soil because then they/we will finally understand what war is really like and maybe we'll stop wanting to wage it so much. Even just thinking about war being here scares me, though I can't say I am anywhere near a war advocate.

I think it's a lot like how I feel about people who are oppressors, even unintentionally, going through experiences a lot like those who are being oppressed. It's quite the eye opener. I can definitely say that I don't believe all those who have the ability to oppress actually do. Not all straight people oppress people in the LGBQ community. I went to Gay Pride like.. two weeks ago.. and am just now getting around to blogging... but that's really irrelevant at the moment. Plenty of straight people go to Pride, it's all about getting together and celebrating people. I'm sure there are some people that have a problem with it, which I guess I can see where they're coming from, but most people are just there to have a good time and be who they are. BUT since I am straight in a place dedicated to the LGBQ community, I felt kind of bad when I was holding my boyfriend's hand. That wasn't my party, I was just there to support and join the fun. Taking a step back and getting a dust sized glimpse of how my gay friend feels in society, was almost beautiful. I cannot relate in any way. To think about how he may feel, though, it's just crazy. The LGBQ community has it so much worse in other places, where they have to worry about 10x more than just feeling uncomfortable holding their significant other's hand in public.. that is almost quite insignificant compared what others experience on a daily basis. Oppression is oppression, no matter how big or how small, and it all matters. (I feel like Dr. Seus saying that). Even writing this makes me a bit uncomfortable. What if I'm wrong in the way I see things? What if I'm being rude? What if I'm being ignorant? I simply don't know and I don't want to make it seem like I know how other people are feeling. The roles were reversed for a split second and that was a beautiful thing.

on our way (Syd and Anne)

Iza and Syd volunteering at Planned Parenthood booth

Syd and bf with his Danish flag chest volunteering at his AFS tent

Syd and partial crew (Jordan, Olivia, Reilly)

Syd and bf again

Iza and Syd again. We <3 Sex Ed

Eat all the grass that you want

I feel like if you are to compliment someone on their superb vocabulary, you yourself need to use immaculate words in saying so. 

Summer officially started yesterday and I feel like I've gotten 3 shades darker and have accomplished so much since then. I'd say this is a good way to start the summer. Also I've been playing the Beastie Boys in my car so I'm sure that actually contributes a great deal. I only had one final to take and it ended at 11, so I just brought my friend home with me and we tanned, napped, cleaned, then went down to another friends house and river chilled. And of course it had to turn into teen girl time, which I feel every teen girl should have, where we took a bunch of pictures (then obvi proceeded to insta them and get hecka likes aka around 45). Having time like that with your friends is so cute! I'm so sorry to those who have friends who don't want to just sit and act like teen girls every once in awhile. There's the people who only want to act older and think it's cool to pretend not to be in high school, but why not just accept that you are definitely in high school and soak it up while you can? Don't act like a teen girl all the time, no one really wants that. Teen girls are drama-tic and get old real quick, but every now and then I don't see the hurt in it. Laying in the sun and taking cute pictures and talking about all the reasons you love your boyfriend (and of course: economics, the universe, and classic literature). Acting like you don't care about the world or anything pertaining to it is just as stupid as caring too much about every little thing that goes on around you. I'm not perfectly balanced myself, but I am nowhere near either of those ends of the spectrum on a child's mindset in high school. Don't be one or the other. Let some things go, pay attention to others. If only we had a class on Zen in school.

Merman

My arm looks diseased :(

Me, Jordan, Olivia, Shani.
(in order from closest to furthest)

There were oodles more, I just haven't obtained them yet. That is probably for the best since they don't all need to go on my blog.

I've overcome the blow

Sex Education is probably one of the most important things right now. I mean, that's just an opinion, but it's a damn good one if I do say so myself. I was thinking maybe I'm biased because I volunteer at Planned Parenthood, but I really don't think that's the case. I started working there because I thought it was a good cause (and volunteering is always a yes-go). What can go wrong with education about sex and free condoms? Umm. Nothing.
I volunteer at Planned Parenthood in a group called Teen Council, where we pretty much go to this designated meeting place, and learn. We learn about healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, STIs, all types of people under the sun, oppression, which is found in all categories, and beyond. I can say it is hard not to appreciate learning in this type of area. It's like when you have a favorite class at school and can't wait to get until that period everyday (unless you happen to be one of those kids who only looks forward to lunch. This happens to be most of you.).

Our session's ending event

Vulva cupcakes (penis cupcakes not featured)

How do I flip this picture with our Sex Ed T-shirts

I think if given the opportunity to join something like this, everyone should. It's so important to more than just you. Spreading all that you learn really helps and saves people. It's not some shit that can be written off. We host events, we attend events, we do fun things, but what we are learning is so important to everyone that surrounds us. A great way to gain knowledge and give back to your community.

We definitely antagonized the Westboro Baptist Church

Now for some pretty pictures of me *aww* ~ 

All my different pictures are jumbled up in there, and since I happen to be one keen on fashion, I should probably share it once in awhile, ya dig?

CHECK OUT MY AP 2D ART FINAL ** IMPORTANT
*WOW
*SWAG
*OMG
*SMH
*BRO