An Apocalyptic sunset.
Friday, May 20, 2016 1:33 AM: Took a sleeping pill two hours ago and yet my mind still doesn’t want to go to sleep
I just saw a video on Facebook about a very obese cat who was learning to swim in an effort to lose weight and it made me feel very sad for the cat. Like, is the cat so fat that it can’t do things that cats do? I’ve heard of cats that get so fat that they can’t groom themselves properly, or be as agile as they used to be, and doesn’t that make them feel sad? Can cats feel sad? I have two cats, one is fat, and when he’s stealing the leftover pizza crust and doritos from my desk, does he realize that he’s only contributing to his downfall? Or is the emotional joy that he gains from eating these treats, and stealing the food from my much smaller cat, simply too enjoyable for him to stop? Do cats feel joy? Do cats realize the basics of cause and effect? The world may never know.
I’m tired of all the death. I’m tired of seeing so many beautiful people leaving this world way too soon. Most of all, I’m tired of people who are STILL refusing to acknowledge the problem. And it is a problem.
I understand that there are people who use guns lawfully, to hunt and provide for their family, and to those people I say go for it, that is your right after all. However, the sad truth is that there are many sick (both evil and mentally ill) people who have taken advantage of that right, and use it to harm and murder innocent people.
Do you remember in elementary school during lunch time when a rowdy group of kids would get the whole class in trouble? Then the teacher would hold you in during recess for a stern talk, but you would protest because you hadn’t done anything wrong. You had been following the rules just fine, but the rude kids had taken advantage of the situation and ruined all of the fun for everyone, and everyone was punished.
The reality is that for every mass shooting you see on tv, there are 10x the amount of people using their guns lawfully and respectfully, be it a fun target practice in their backyard, shooting a deer for dinner, or defending their home against invaders.
While I was away for school, I met up with my mom for a weekend and she told me that she was thinking of buying a gun for defense. I was shocked and sad when she told me that sometimes at night when she hears noises she gets scared. She lives in the house alone with our two cats, and there have been numerous car and house break-in attempts in our neighborhood, as well as a murder by gun that happened just a couple of blocks away from our house. I told her that I understood her concerns, and she ensured me that she would be taking gun safety classes and that she knew how serious of a commitment this would be.
Now, I believe that guns should be able to be used for defense. However, the weight of owning a gun should not be taken lightly. The reality is this: Guns are made to kill, and when they don’t kill, they injure. Severely. I recently watched a video of President Obama in which he compared gun control to car regulations, a comparison which I have also used for a long time. The process of earning your driver’s license is lengthy and while it differs from place to place, in my experience it required in-class driver’s education, a completed behind the wheel program, and 40(?) hours of driving that my mother had to sign off on. In addition, you had to take multiple paper tests and background checks. A car’s primary purpose is transportation, while a gun’s is violence. So why is it that the process of obtaining a driver’s license is so much more tedious than simply going down to the town gun show and picking up a rifle?
I know this is long, but there’s honestly no way I could shorten this without losing any important detail because let’s face it, there’s still so much more that needs to be said on this issue. To summarize my thoughts, it is your right to be able to use a rifle to defend and provide for your family. Unfortunately, there are those that have taken advantage of your right and they can’t handle the responsibility. By imposing more thorough background checks and mental health screenings, we will be making sure that guns stay in responsible hands.
We are a country in which guns and ‘the right to bear arms’ is so ingrained into our culture. Because of this I don’t think we will ever be as peaceful as other nations that do not have the same problem we have. But that’s the way it is, and we’ll never truly be able to erase every trace that the current gun situation has left. Whether you think ‘guns don’t shoot people, people do’, or that guns need to be completely erased from our country, we all need to realize that the way things are right now is unacceptable, and things need to change. People are being killed because of the way things are, and the only way to do that is stop acting like children and come to a reasonable compromise.
TRIGGER WARNING: Character death, manipulation, and creepy ending.
This was my final project for my creative writing class, and I was pleased with how it turned out, so please enjoy!
(This is a little longer than the other parts, but I couldn’t find a good place to stop it, so there will only be one other part after this)
“Perfect, dear, you’re doing great! Now, as soon as I flip this switch the molding material will fill your mouth. Don’t panic now, breathe through your nose and you’ll be just fine!”
Before I could say anything, they pulled me roughly to my feet and lead me to a large, intimidating iron door. The door had a complicated-looking mechanism that they pulled right open and I found myself in a room that very much resembled a dungeon. At that moment, my body was screaming at me to get the hell out of there as fast as I could, but all I could do was tremble.
“U-um…” I managed to squeak out, “I’m not so sure about this anymore…” Their face changed to one of sadness.
“Well, I’m sorry dear, the paperwork is already filled out. Besides, with your looks and stature I think it’s clear that this is what you’re meant to do.” They leaned in and kissed me on the cheek while squeezing my shoulders reassuringly, and I felt the knot in my stomach loosen a bit as I managed to give a small smile in return.
“That’s the spirit, handsome. Now, if you’ll just come right over here I’ll get you situated with the casting machine.
“T-the what? I thought I would just be standing there or something while an artist, like, made the statue?” I asked in confusion.
“Oh, don’t worry dear, we have our own unique way of doing things. This allows us to create the lifelike statues that we have become renowned for. If you’ll just follow me over here I can show you!” They led me over to a large sheet of metal leaning back at a slight angle, and I noticed immediately the hand and ankle shackled that were built in to the stand.
“Why are there handcuffs?” I asked, my brain numb.
“Well, we wouldn’t want you to fall out, now would we?” Their laugh was music, and I felt compelled to obey the sound. I hesitantly, and awkwardly, stood on the bottom platform and leaned back so that I was reclining back against the board. The receptionist fastened the buckles securely, perhaps a little too securely, I thought as I felt the thick leather digging into my wrists and ankles. I glanced up to see a large round bucket positioned over my head. The next thing I noticed was the steam rising out from it and my heart began to pound again. The receptionist seemed to sense my concern.
“Don’t worry handsome, we’ve done this thousands of times and we’ve never messed up once.” They reached out to stroke my cheek, and gave me one more kiss which made the butterflies in my stomach relax. “Now, this next part might feel a little strange or uncomfortable, but you’ll just have to bear with me!” They walked behind my stand and grabbed a large canister with a hose coming out of it.
“This is what we’re going to be using to take the mold of your mouth,” She held up the end of the hose, “open up your mouth nice and wide for me dear, we need to make sure to get those pearly whites as accurately as possible! It’s best to close your eyes if you’re nervous dear.” I swallowed all of my fears and shut my eyes tightly as they placed the tube into my mouth.
[x]
if you dont believe in god thats fine but when extremely horrible things have happened and people are praying for the lost souls of children, it is not the time to speak up. it is not just “stating your opinion” it’s being an asshole
If your every waking moment consists of your brain telling you that everything you do is wrong and stupid and everything you wear makes you look like an idiot and every person that walks by you is judging you clap your hands. 👏🏼👏🏼
The expression of a sign is much - MUCH - different depending on the planet it is found. And in my opinion, this is specially true when it comes to the sun and moon. The Sun is who we strive to be, while the Moon is what we are most deeply. Sometimes I even see that the Stereotypical traits of a sign are more evident in the moon than in the sun sign. The reason I find for this, is that most of us express ourselves through our feelings, particularly women or people with a more feminine energy (what I mean by this, has nothing to do with gender, but that you are in tune with your emotions) or sometimes it has to do with your dominant planet. Here are the differences and similarities of the signs placed on the sun or moon.
Aries:
Similarities: impatient
Differences: Sun is more aloof, the Aries sun is more constrained, and composed, looks confident. Moon in Aries has a lot of mental energy, very passionate and changes their mind very easily. The Moon doesn’t know how to direct their energy and might feel restless, while the Sun projects their energy better. Aries Moon feels everyone is out to get them while the Aries Sun does not. Aries characteristics are more obvious and pronounced in the Aries moon than the Aries sun.
Taurus:
Similarities: stubbornness and charm, expressive.
Differences: Taurus sun are blunt and less careful with other people’s feelings. In this particular sign, the Taurus sun is easier to spot than the Taurus moon. The Taurus moon is more grounded than the Taurus sun. Taurus moon is deep, while the Taurus sun is more shallow. Taurus moon loves love, and stability, and this quality is less manifested in the Sun.
Gemini:
Similarities: aloof, absent minded, easily bored
Differences: Gemini suns want to appear easy-going, but it isn’t necessarily their true nature. Gemini moons are truly easy-going people. Sun wants to “be right” know the facts, while Gemini moons are simply more cynical to guard their emotions. Gemini suns are less witty (sorry…) than the moon sign.
Cancer:
Similarities: emotional, has pronounced mood swings.
Differences: Cancer suns act their feelings, like taking revenge, doing something about it BUT the cancer moon express their negative emotions through crying or anger. Cancer suns are easy to spot, while cancer moons may need to feel comfortable to express themselves. The happy go lucky cancer sun is evident, while the Cancer moon is more - way more - serious.
Leo:
Similarities: the Ego and the need for compliments
Differences: The Leo Sun is a poser, they know it too! They are show offs, and while the Leo Moon is pretty damn good at everything, they know it, but will not say it. Will like to hear it, tho. The Leo Moon does not care about their appearance as much as the Leo Sun. The Leo Sun is more patient, annoy them a little, try harder, try again and they will get angry, the Leo Moon is more defensive and will kill you in less tries. The Leo Moon is more loving though, more sure of themselves and way more protective of themselves and especially, of their loved ones.
Virgo:
Similarities: critical, analyzing
Differences: I find in this sign the less differences. The Virgo Sun is more shy than the Virgo Moon, which I think goes against popular belief. (I also think this sign differs a lot depending if you are more masculine or feminine, I’ll do a post on that later). The Virgo knows how to live life correctly and will tell you how to lead your life, while being a mess themselves. Both are blunt, but you might have to push the Virgo suns more than the Virgo moons to actually get the real deal.
Libra:
Similarities: cares about what others think of them, passive agressive
Differences: the Libra sign is very misinterpreted, whenever I read about them I hear: “shallow” and while they can be vain because they care what others think about them, they are still deep. They think and are witty people, like their fellow air signs. Libra Sun is more care-free and easy going than the libra moon and less romantic because they want to appear care-free and interested in others, but might not really be interested at all. Libra Moon people are more intense. They are romantic and still vain, but they are more modest and insecure the Suns. They are also secretive something the Libra Sun is not.
Scorpio:
Here and in Capricorn is where I PERSONALLY find the most differences
Similiarities: jealous, egocentric
Differences: if you still think that Scorpio people are the mysterious, dark, non talkative people that the stereotypes have them for, you really do not know many Scorpios SUNS. Scorpio SUNS want to be the center of attention and are charming, and talkative. When they get dark is when they don’t like you… Yeah. Revenge is a big truth here. The Scorpio moon? Now yes, they are the intense, dark, jealous you always thought Scorpios should be. Scorpio Suns might be dark at their core but will not show it, but Scorpio moons are what you see. The Sun is more reckless because just like I said about cancers, in the sun Scorpio acts on their feelings and the moons just feels them. So actually, in spite of being more intense, the Scorpio Moon tends to be kinder and still more jealous.
Sagittarius:
Similarities: EXPLORERS and thin skin
Differences: The Sun has a bigger heart. The moon since its the realm of emotions and Sag escapes, is less empathetic. The Sagittarius Sun is more bubbly than the moon, but the moon is more playful. The Sag sun is pretty easy to spot while the Sag moon might be one of the hardest to see. Sagittarius moons are more critical and snap easily. They are more blunt than the sun. Both are childish in way, it’s the Sag youthful spirit. The Sagittarius Sun is more philosophical and aware, the sag moon is more care-free.
Capricorn:
Similarities: confident and ambitious!
Differences: Are you kidding me? Capricorn suns are way way less introvert! They are not as reserved! The thing is, the Suns try to keep their feelings in check but the Moon though, is naturally hiding them. It’s what they instinctively do since the Moon represents the emotions. The Capricorn sun has a more loud confidence, while the Moon is more cautious. The Capricorn Sun might not be hardworking in areas that do not interest them, but if they want something, they will make everyone know they are going to get it. The Capricorn Moon are prudent and will get what they want with discipline and with anyone realizing how they got to the top! They do not need to say it, they will show you. The Moon is colder than the Sun and more intimidating. Way more intimidating.
Aquarius:
Similarities: I see not much resemblance in these two, maybe the aloofness and Idgaf attitude.
Differences: If I had to say who is the two face of the zodiac I would not turn to the Gemini, surprisingly enough. The Aquarius Sun tho, they are volatile. In the Sun I have trouble understanding them and in the moon they are obvious! The Aquarius Sun looks confident and detached, but this might not be their true emotional nature, just a disguise. They can be happy one moment and angry the next, loving for one second, pushing you away after because of this fighting against what their inner feelings are and what they want their public persona to be. The Moon is less volatile because they really are detached, for the moon it’s not a show. VERY VERY GOOFY, loves attention and IS WITTY. Very unique person and loves/wants to appear weird.
Pisces:
Similarities: creative
Differences: The Pisces Sun is sensitive, but more to their own feelings. The Pisces Moon is more sensitive towards others, not wanting to hurt other people. The Pisces Moon is truly the most sensitive of the zodiac. The Pisces Moon cares more about what people think than the Sun. The Pisces Sun is comfortable in their skin, the Moon is always fighting against their empathetic nature. “Why am i feeling so much, stop” but if only the Pisces Moon did not feel ashamed of their sensitivity they would hurt much less. Yes, the Pisces Moon that doesn’t like being empathetic, lives in a lot of pain. They Moon can be submissive and naturally wants to please, the Sun however, is more selfish. Also, the Pisces Moon escapes reality more often and is darker.
(via njkerosky)
Me too