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I have come to an epiphany. 

After reading 16 articles, most of which about equality, I have had an epiphany.

I need to work with people, and my job needs to emphasize Human Rights.

(I have told a few people this, so if this is not new news to you, sorry to bore you with this post).

Now, I realized that this sort of thing is one of my true passions. I am not saying this in the kind of way that I am trying to hint at being skilled in this field, or being smarter than others. I believe it to be one of my passions because it is something that I am literally passionate about. 

There is NOTHING in the world that brings out my inner fire of fury more than mistreatment of people, based on anything other than their character. (And even then, I don't love the death penalty or anything like that, so...) 

I realize that a lot of people are supportive of equality, and I am in no means trying to imply that I am "nicer" or "wiser" than any other person like me who wants to work to help people. In fact, I am doing the opposite. I am no better than a person who tries to hurt others, when I am doing nothing to stop it. So, I need to join the pack - and change things. 

I encourage you to do so, as well.

I want to spend my efforts in life fighting to help people.

I want my children to not know the meaning of a hate crime.

I want them to care for people.

I want them to know love as love, and not an idea only a man and a woman can share. 

Imatryandmakethishappen.

Paloosa.

Hello!

Sorry, sorry, sorry (Michelle Tatko) that I haven't blogged in a wee bit. 

I had to finish my Culminating Project!

Which was this!

I passed :)

So, lots of cool stuff has happened!

1. I passed my Culminating Project! That means I am allowed to graduate, woo!

2. I played in the Student Staff Volleyball Tournament and really hurt my knee! ...Oh, whoops, that wasn't one of the cool things.

3. I went to Portland for a choir trip!

4. I got a new dress! (It's so cute! ......I didn't need it.)

5. I went and watched some really freaking awesome people at Blue Door last night, and I laughed incredibly hard. I even snorted... that part i'm not so proud of.

6. TODAY IS SUCH A NICE DAY.

Okay, well, I am going to provide a couple pictures in herrr for you to see!

Enjoy!

WOOOOO HOOOOO!

Flight 1995

I miss California. 

I miss 75 degree temperatures.

Waaaah.

Well, besides all the fun I had on my trip to see my wonderful cousin, I once again had the quite the awesome character sitting next to me on the plane ride home.

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Her name was Susan Worthington.

She graduated two years before my mom, from the same high school.

She used to live in Spokane, but now lives in San Diego.

She was loud, talkative, friendly, sweet, and inspiring.

She told me about her grandmother that lived to be 105 years old. She explained how when she was 13 she started writing in a journal, documenting everyday, and continued this pattern until 2 weeks before she passed. After she died, they made copies of this journal and spread them among the family. She told me about reading through her suffering of the Depression, and how she was able to turn to the date of her birth, and read about how much her grandma loved her, and how excited she was for her to be born. 

She told me the definition of a legacy was anything that had been passed down. 

"I would take this diary over every jewel the world could offer me. My grandmother was exceptional. A lot of people that you never would have realized had it in them - have it in them."

She then through out some comments that surprised me.

"Do kids still have keggers?"

But finally, she said something to me that I am going to always remember:

"You never know where life is going to lead you, but the cool thing is, wherever it does - it's yours."

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There are so many people in the world. So many incredible people. 

 I hope I reach a point in my life where I can be someones "exceptional" person, and enlighten someone as much as Susan did me.

Travel

On my way to California!

Planes allow our perspectives to change. Looking down at a tree that seems so large when we're flatfooted on the Earth, is now insignificant and petite. Imagining the number of people below me who have lives I will never know about. And whoa, this earth is circular. What the heck. 

On my flight to Oakland I sat next to a 14 year old girl named CJ. I found out that she lives in the same tiny town that my aunt and uncle live in, and next year will be attending the same small town high school my cousins, and my cousins wife attended. This girl had dyed red hair, wore choker necklaces, drew on thick black eyeliner, pulled out a Wet Seal makeup bag, and had on a rhinestoned "I heart pink" sweatshirt. She was reading a book on her iPad called "Beautiful Demons" and listened to Rock and Country. For those of you who know me, you can imagine how her and I were practically twins (those of you who know me also know that what I just said was the most extreme sarcasm to ever spill from my lips). CJ looked like lots of people I have met before, and acted like none of them. She had the sweetest and most friendly smile, dished out compliments about liking my rings and bracelets, and asked me questions about my life. I feel lucky to have experiences like this one. It just reminds me how little I know about everyone, and how appearance is such a minuscule fraction of the sum of a person. I wonder what CJ first thought of me...