You have to be the change you want to see in the world

A few minutes ago, I was just sitting here at University with one of my closest friends, just chatting and wasting time when she got a phone call. Her mother, a politician, was invited to an open forum to talk about inclusion but unfortunately, she isn't able to go because she got the information at a very short notice. Therefore, she asked her daughter, my friend, if she wanted to go instead of her. My friend is studying to become a special education teacher and is an active member in the Green Youth like me so she knows quite a bit about inclusion. Of course, she took the opportunity and has just left me to prepare for the open forum which will be in a few hours. Good luck and have fun, by the way! 

I was really impressed that she got such a great opportunity. She gets to discuss with regional politicians and will be able to support the inclusion of people with disabilities in our society through her participation in the open forum. She is basically doing something to change the world, to make it a better place where everyone is seen as equal and important. Did I mention that I am really impressed?

To help her a little, I sent her some links on the topic while she was on her way home and while doing that I thought that I also really want to do something. I want to change the world. I want to make our society a better place. But how?

Then it came to me that actually, I AM already doing so, I just haven't noticed. It's the little things in life that make an impression, we are all important, we all have a voice. 

By sending her those links, I did something. 

By talking about the election that is coming up in our county (north-rhine westfalia) and telling everyone to get their friggin' asses up and vote I am doing something. 

By being and active member in the youth organization of a political party I am doing something. 

By being vegan I am doing something. 

By being a feminist and talking about feminism with people I am doing something. 

By becoming a teacher I am doing something.

Maybe I do not reach hundreds of people but only a handfull but still I am doing what I can to make this world a better place. If we all just go out, believe in ourselfs and fight for the things that we believe are good and important with all our hearts, we can do it! We can change the world. Not only for you and me. For everyone. To quote Obama: YES. WE. CAN.

So I leave you with this: Don't go on and on about how somebody should change the things you hate, you are somebody! And now excuse me, I have to go and learn more about medieval history to be able to teach it to children. They are our future and I want this society's future to be educated. 

Have a great day,

The Countess

15 things

Ok, so I reached 15 followers a few days ago and seriously: There are 15 people in this world (plus my friend Imke who reads this without following <3) who read the random stuff I post here? That is pretty awesome!

In order to honour that I want to post 15 random (hip hip hooray for randomness!) things about me.

1. Even though I believe in the idea that intelligent people do not have to be good at sports, I go to the gym (irregularly though...) and love to go skiing and water skiing. Also, I love to ride my bike whenever it's nice, warm and sunny outside.
2. If I were granted three wishes I would ask for a world free of war and violence, the end of world hunger and for justice for every living creature. Yes, seriously. I'm one of those weird idealists, haven't you noticed?
3. There are 10 books on my bedside table right now, including one about the history of the woman's rights movement, one about 1000 important women in history, 3 biographies (Elizabeth I., Bismarck & Napoleon), Sherlock Holmes stories, spooky ballads and The Hunger Games.
4. My favourite semi-precious stone is the snowflake obsidian. It reminds me of the fact that without darkness we wouldn't be able to see the beauty of light.

                                                                                                                                                     

5. I'm a vegan for more than two years now it was one of the best desicions I have ever made.

6. I have never done/tried any (illegal) drugs. Ever.

7. I tend to be friends with the same people for a really long time, probably because it takes me quite a while to consider them as friends, I like to choose wisely.

8. I got into Pottermore at the first day of the Beta phase. I'm a Ravenclaw which wasn't a real surprise and which is nice even though I like Slytherin better. At least it isn't Gryffindor. 

9. I have pretty strong political opinions. I'm in favour of a meat tax, pro-choice, pro gay marriage and I think the seperation of state and church is very important. Also, I'm a pacifist. I'm a member of the Green Youth and the themes I'm most interested in are animal rights, queer and gender issues, anti-racism and education.

10. In constrast to the typical cliché that women love chocolate I prefer crisps! I could eat 3 bags a week....At least!

11. I'd love to learn Swedish or Finnish.

12. My favourite animals are turtles and fish. I hate spiders, I'm phobic.

13. I suffer from a pretty severe form of asthma and have to take antibiotics whenever I get ill which is about 5-6 times a year. I've had 4 pneunomias so far and too many bronchitis to count (about 3 to 4 a year I guess).

14. Purple lipstic is awesome.

15. I make jewelry with pictures of people I admire such as Elizabeth I. and Oscar Wilde.

Ok, yeah, quite random, huh?

have a loevely evening,

The Countess
                           

I say love it is a flower

Spring is finally here, it's getting warmer, there are birds everywhere and one can spot the first flowers. Today, I went into our garden to cut a few flowers for my first attempt on pressing flowers. I thought I could share some photos I took yesterday to show you the beauty that is nature.

Here we go:

Have a great day,

The Countess

How to save the world

We only have this earth. It is indespencible for all forms of life and maybe it is time that we start to treat it like that. Every single one of us can do his or her part to protect the earth from further damage. Maybe we won't see earth's death for ourself but it is still our responsibility to save it. at least we have to try. Everyone is important, if we all do our part we can change the world. Most of the time the little things make the difference and this is exactly where we have to start.

Things that I do:

- I'm a vegan. That is not only good for the lives of many animals but also for the environment.

- I don't drink water from bottles but from the tap. I have a few bottles that I use again and again in order to  use as little plastic as possible.

- I don't use paper napkins and tissues. I have sewn a few handkerchiefs and reusable napkins that can be washed with the regular laundry every day.

- I plug out every electronical tool that is not in use.

- I don't use plastic shopping bags and if they are given to me at shops I give them back. We have a few at home that we use regularly aswell as many made out of fabrik.

Things I should do:

- Turn off the light. I'm afraid of the dark and even need some sort of light when I sleep, otherwise I have trouble falling asleep and I get scared when i wake up in a dark room.

- Use the car less often. When it's rainy or windy or cold I use the car even though I could go by bike. Also I'm ill alot because I have asthma and therefor I am often bound to use the car.

what do you do to safe the environment? What do you think could you do better?