So, today I had a makeover *giggles* with mum - the end result wasn't too bad actually. I ended up buying the eyeshadow and the eyeliner (a lovely "aubergine" colour). I also had an appointment for my back, so mum let me take off in the new car, while she had her face done. That was fun, although I stalled three times, because the car is so sensitive on the clutch-accelerator exchange.

When I got out of my appointment, I rang my mum to find out where she was. She said "there's been an accident at J's school," and I felt like someone had a fist around my heart - I was so afraid my little baby brother had been seriously injured. Then she explained further (I'm not going to detail, because it's not my place to, and he's very upset about it) that he wasn't hurt, but had inadvertently injured a friend quite seriously while mucking about. The friend is ok though - and is far from as bad as they thought it might be, and not even near as bad as it could have been. After that, I just felt so awful for him, knowing how guilty and remorseful he must be feeling.

More On Jade

The history of jade (commonly referred to as yù) is strongly linked to China. In fact two types of jade exist: nephrite, and jadeite. Nephrite originates in South America, and jadeite in Burma and Asia - only coming to China in the 17th century, although it has long been prized by the Chinese and Japanese, as well as by pre-Colombian Mesoamerican peoples, as the most precious of all gems. The Chinese in particular are known for the objets d'art they carve from it.

This precious gemstone said to stimulate occult wisdom and universal attunement (red jade in particular gives out a very energetic vibration and can bring forth hidden anger to be faced and dealt with, leading the spirit to balance and calm), while offering protection, courage, vitality, stamina, and energy. Qualities that are often associated with the stone in its red colour are those of assertiveness and determination (even aggression), energy and passion, power and courage, protection and spontaneity, heat (fire) and blood, love and devotion. According to the ancient Chinese, jade represented many of their most valued attributes: courage, wisdom, mercy, justice, emotional balance, love, and fidelity. It often also signifies beauty, generosity, and purity, and health, wealth, and long life.

Jade is an exceptionally tough material, and was first used for things such as axe heads, knives, and weapons. Later, as other materials could replace jade as a weapons material, it became appreciated for its beauty, becoming considered as more valuable than gold or silver. Unsurprisingly considering its value, there is a strong tradition of giving gifts made of jade in China. Jade butterflies are still exchanged as a token between lovers, a jade phoenix was often given to young girls on their coming of age, and an amulet called "two brothers of heavenly love" depicting two men was once given between close friends.