How to get involved and participate

We cannot sit by idly and watch this country continue to decline.  We cannot support eliminating policies that support the LGBTQI community, or immigrants, or women.  I don't understand the endgame.  Truly it is nonsensical.  Why would he crash the stock market, jack up inflation, increase tariffs, give tax cuts to the uber rich which will be absorbed the middle class and poor?  At some point there will be no way to sustain life.  People will not be spending anything because they will not be able to afford it.  Housing costs have not gone down, the cost of eggs and gas have risen.  How does this benefit the government if no one spends money?

I have written a few letters, sent emails and made phone calls thinking these would all be effective.  Then I saw something that most officials throw mail away or delete emails.  Phone calls seem to be effective and efficient. (but only if you are a constituent of the state representative or senator that you are calling).  I refuse to believe any of that.  Contacting your representatives is effective.  Taking to the streets is effective.  Sharing information is another way to combat the misinformation age we are living in.

For example, blaming the plane crash in D.C. on DEI hires.  Not only disgusting/offensive but so ridiculous.  Not being sympathetic to the families that lost loved ones.  Instead, being so insensitive and mocking the situation.  I don't think there has been an official statement on the plane failure in Philadelphia.  

The tariffs that he chose to place on our allies will affect all of us.  He doesn't care.  Actually, admitted that the middle class would hurt and have to absorb this but in the end it would improve.  What planet does he live on?  Choosing to fuck people over to destabilize and divide us.  It is appalling.

I haven't been able to sleep.  I am stressed out.  My cycle is all over the place and I think, some of my friends think I am overreacting.  I don't think that I am.  I don't know how to explain it.  I am concerned about the willingness to sleepwalk into autocracy.  

Continue to resist and do your part.  Whatever that looks like.  Showing up for someone, sharing information, joining a protest, donating your time/resources, blogging, writing, creating content.  Don't be silent.

Continuation of the recap

I forgot a couple of things that I managed to complete in January.  Two no spend days in January.  My goal was to complete three days of no spending.  It is one way I can illustrate my unease with what is currently happening in the world.  As noted, I am overwhelmed.  Stressed.  Anxious.  Not sleeping.  Monkey mind at 3 am.  Feeling heavy, bloated, unattractive.

I recognized today that I need to take mental health days.  I need to stop watching youtube and other social media outlets.  It is challenging to not obsess over some of the chaos that is being created. I want to look away.  I do.  Then I consider all of the damage being done.  Blaming DEI for everything.  It is terrible.  And false.  Creating a narrative that only white men have the answers.  Forcing anyone who isn't a white man to dim their lights.  It is insane.  I talked to a gal today to discuss the tragedy of the plane crash in D.C.  We both agreed it was terrible that it happened and then she went on to say it was because of the military.  I corrected her that it had been blamed on DEI.  She looked at me and said--what is DEI?

This is the problem.  There is so much misinformation being spread.  She thought it was due to military negligence.  It wasn't.

It wasn't DEI either.  Instead, it was due to firing people in TSA, FAA and air traffic control.  Why isn't that being highlighted or suggested?

That is the truth.  We need to be spreading truth, not fiction.  

These policies are intended to hurt everyone and enrich the current administration.  Asking for kickbacks or cuts is not normal.  It is not about enriching people.  It is solely to increase the wealth of a select few.

Refuse to buy into this bullshit.  Consider taking three to five days a month of no spending.  No online purchases, gas, groceries, wine.  We need to consolidate and do more.  Push back.  There is so much going on.  It is challenging to focus on what all is happening.  And that is the point.  Like I noted earlier, the one girl I spoke to about the crash in DC thought that blame was on the military helicopter.  It isn't.  It wasn't.  

Be aware of your surroundings.  Trust your tuition and vibes.  Be well

I can watch the news and be furious with some of the shit that is happening right now.  

That inspires not participating in society or contributing.  I chose to stop by one of my favorite wine bars this afternoon after dropping some tomato fennel soup off to my yoga client.  

Recap of January

It started off with fear and trepidation.  Uncertainty, too.  I didn't know what to expect.  I was hopeful that maybe they wouldn't attempt to fire off all of the executive orders.  Perhaps he would be happy to avoid going to jail and focus on golf.  

Midway through the month, I struggled greatly and am now slowly finding hope.  I know it doesn't feel like it if you have been reading my recent posts.  I have been freaking out.  I fear how bad it can get.  Not only for me, but for my friends that are in the LGBTQ community, immigrants, other minorities.  A girlfriend of mine in Santa Fe mentioned that she had been physically harassed last week since she is gay.  I didn't really know how to respond to this.  Knowing that it will only get worse.

Watching the response to the tragic airplane crash in D.C.  The blatant misinformation and lies.  The lack of sympathy for the victims and their families.  I think he responded to the question of if he would visit the crash site with why?  So I can go swimming?  It's astounding.  Truly, he does not care about anyone other than himself.  

To shift the blame to D.E.I. instead of acknowledging that this occurred from firing TSA, FAA and other government agents is gross.  It creates more division and hate.  It does nothing to heal this nation.  

Returning to the hope I mentioned.  I am finding other people to link up with and build not only community but a resistance.  I called several senators today to urge them to vote no to the the RFK, jr confirmation.  I am concerned about his lack of leadership.  I want these republican senators to know that there is a ton of people that do not support this nomination.  I want them to acknowledge the implications of agreeing with this man and how he will dismantle the department of health and human services.  I left voice mails for the ones that were available.  I found one mailbox was full.  One mailbox isn't an option, and I spoke to some man in Senator Rounds office.  He allowed me to say what I wanted but it was clear that he could care less.  That is the difficult thing.  Realizing that they do not care, at all, that people do not agree with this.  My immediate response was to return to being apathetic.  It was a hesitation on my part.  I will not let them win by remaining silent.  

I wrote letters to a few Democratic representatives to thank them for their service and ability to effectively communicate and push back.  We need more of that.  

Yoga in the mornings has been fantastic.  I committed to offering a session on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings.  It has been fantastic.  I will continue to offer these classes.  In addition, I hope to offer a virtual happy hour once a month with my community.  I need to find commonality to decompress, share ideas and support each other.  For example, there are companies that I am no longer supporting for their lack of commitment to D.E.I.  Target (which hits home and is such a letdown will no longer be an option to shop at for goods).  Clearly, I knew that Walmart, Hobby Lobby and a few other companies were gross and places I didn't frequent for their company policies or religious views.   I will support and spend money at Costco, Trader Joe's, Shop Rite, Kroger, Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic to name a few.  Kroger is challenging since they do donate more money to Republican causes, and they had a strike in Denver a few years ago since they didn't want to increase the pay of their employees.  Instead, their CEO took a massive salary bump.  Think about how much money grocery stores have profited since Covid.  We were unable to go anywhere during the pandemic and grocery stores made huge profits.  

Moving into February, I am determined to find some sanity and continue to find ways to participate.  I want to build a community of people.  Stay hopeful that you are not alone.  We can overcome this.

current thoughts

In many ways, I have always chosen the alternative path.  Choosing not to be married or have children. I am reminded, daily, of that choice.  I do not regret it.  And, honestly, I believe there are other women in my age range who agree with me.  Choosing to not have children because I could choose what was best for me.

I watched my parents' struggle.  Having four daughters, providing shelter and not really liking each other.  At that point, they didn't have a choice.  It was the way to live life.  Get married, have children, buy a home and be loyal to your job.  There was no deviation from what you were supposed to do.  My mom went from being a daughter to being a mother.  Her options were restricted.  She got pregnant and became a mother.  She couldn't pursue her dreams or desires.  She had to be a mom.

Eventually, they made the right decision to divorce.  It was a hard choice.  It was atypical.  The church definitely didn't support it.  You could be ostracized and cast out of your church and community.  Yet, it was the best thing my parent did for me and my sisters.  Instead of growing up in a household where there was resentment and hurt, we were shown that there were other options.  We, as young girls, could curate the life we wanted.  

My sisters all chose a different path than me.  Some went to college.  Others went to nursing school or a trade.  Some married.  A few of my sisters chose to have children while my older sister and I refrained.

I opted for the alternative path.  Choosing to be independent and self-sufficient.  I do not regret any of the choices I have made. I have benefitted, greatly, from my decisions.  Being independent, traveling, eating all sorts of food, creating joy, choosing to not shave the back of my legs since I was 15 or ever wearing makeup.  

Yes, it's true.  I have worn make-up, fully done up, maybe five times in my life.  Yes, I have worn mascara and eye liner more.  But, not in the last 8 years.  

I only note this since the current president looks ghoulish.  He wears makeup but it isn't blended.  It makes him resemble a raccoon, at times.  I don't know.  It is something that I have been thinking about after seeing him on the news.  

I am thankful for my decision to seek the alternative path.  I do not regret not having children.  I applaud other women who have made this decision as well.  Why are we the ones to sacrifice our passion?  Why are we supposed to stay home and raise kids?  Why are we supposed to be silent as our rights are stripped from us?  

Why is there this return to "trad" wives?  What did our generation do to these kids that would influence them to think that their best option is to create a home environment and allow their husband to make all of the relevant decisions?  I am flabbergasted by these 20 year-olds who think their best life is to stay at home and raise kids.

Why are we telling women to dim their lights?  To be submissive.  It is so gross.  It won't work.  It didn't work out for several generations of women before.  We are not content being suppressed.  Being submissive.  Or told what to do.

Today

Egg prices are still at all-time highs.  Pointing it out to remind folks that this still has not been addressed.  People chose to vote this current administration in.  Overlooking their plans to reconfigure society.  He said he didn't know anything about project 2025.  

Clearly, he wouldn't lie.  Politicians never lie.  

And now, we see the truth of this administration.  They fire people at will.  They gaslight daily.  They are attempting to strip us of our rights.  Rights that have been fought for and secured.  They aim to hurt people.  Children, disabled, poor.  They don't care if they take away your access to funds.  

I watched the current press secretary try to blame it on the former administration.  Typical gaslighting.  Politics, as usual.  Just know.  The egg prices were a campaign promise that people voted on.  They chose the price of eggs and gas over being decent human beings.  

I am concerned for my friends that are gay or lesbian.  I fear for any transgender person as there are some questioning their identities.  It appears to be a younger phenomenon than me.  Still, they deserve the right and opportunity to live their best lives instead of being ostracized, mocked, put back in the closet.  I fear for immigrants and what they endure.  I work alongside some of the hardest working people who happen to be Venezuelan.  They show up, smile and hustle.  They came here, legally, to avoid a terrible situation in their country.

I fear for women.  I fear for myself.  I have never felt vulnerable entering a restaurant by myself until recently.  I consider if I will feel welcome entering the establishment as a solo woman.  If the vibe isn't welcoming, I leave.  I do not intend to welcome any bullshit into my atmosphere.  

I encourage all women to stock up on plan b's.  

The current regime is relentless.  They will not stop at taking away our healthcare.  They want us pregnant and taking care of children.  Not working.  In the homes.  Sacrificing our dreams.  They will eliminate contraception in addition to allowing us to make decisions regarding our bodies.  They do not value you.  They want to act as if they are our protectors.  They are not.  Do not forget this.  

Collectively, we can stand together.  We are all witnessing women stand up to this dictatorship.  Mother Pence.  Kamala.  Michelle.  Caroline Kennedy.  The woman who stood up against Hegseth.  Several others.  Continue to push back and move forward.  We, the people, deserve to move forward.  To protect our rights.  To support equality and reject theocracy.  

I am finding my voice and way to protest.  What is your role in this?  How can you help?  Monetarily.  Joining a mutual aid group.  Creating art.  

Disrupt.  Be loud and bold!

Finding joy?

Cat videos are the best.  

This past week has been chaotic.  Designed that way to distract, overwhelm and destroy pushing back.  It is nonstop bullshit.  Overwhelming shock and awe.  

I am trying to sort through the crazy and stay sane.  It isn't easy.  Believe me, I get sucked into the echo chamber and react.  I don't know what to believe.  

I believe there are many people, like me, who want to push back.  To stay healthy, have access to facts, clean water, fair housing, and food.  To know what I am putting in my body and feel safe doing it.  Somehow, we are trying to eliminate access to these things.  We want people sick, depressed, poor.  Why?  So they will give in to what they are trying to achieve.  Blind walking into a fascist state.  Where you have no rights.  No opportunity to improve your life.  No access to education.  Just accepting the shit sandwich that they provide you.  It's nuts.

They hide behind religion.  Using the cross to indicate that they are bringing god's message.  Yet, they are eliminating programs to help the poor, needy, children.  Isn't that what Christianity is all about?  Isn't that a tenet of religion?  To be welcoming to everyone.  

Instead, they are completely creating chaos to instill fear and compliance.  Refuse to be compliant.  Recognize this for what it is.  Do not lie down and think this is the only way.  Know that you are not alone.  That there are many other people who do not agree with this.  That there is a way through this.  Find joy and gratitude instead of rolling over.  Also, eventually, there will be people standing up for themselves.  Yes, there are a lot of uneducated people that continue to support this man inspite of how it affects their lives.  How do you support someone who wants to get rid of medicaid?  Snap?  Or Head Start?  These programs are in place to help people.  Isn't that why we pay taxes?

No, I am not supporting socialism.  I am supporting being a human being.  Yes, we pay taxes that support a number of things.  Infrastructure, military, social security, etc....that all seems fine.  But when we want to support kids, programs for veterans, poor, or sick, we want to eliminate them.  How does this seem right?

I am struggling.  I do find joy.  Knowing I have a good support system and people in my life.  

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for participating in no spend day number two and realizing I could improve on it.  I worked an event yesterday where I was unable to spend for 10.5 hours.  That helps minimize opportunity to purchase items.  Yet, I drove to the event.  For a full day of no spend, I think I should eliminate transportation, too.  

Still, I avoided spending and want to complete three monthly.  More, if possible.  I believe I can fulfill this pledge.  I am thankful for my support network.  It continues to evolve and grow.  I found out, yesterday, that one of my coworkers was born in a small village in Africa.  Her father was a minister, and they spent a fair amount of time traveling.  She is transcribing letters from her parents' past.  There was a love story between a European woman and her African husband.  She was given $10,000 when she was 35 years old as was one of her sisters.  Her mom asked them what they would do with the money.  Her sister said pay off debt while Martha said--take dad to Africa.  I loved that.  She had two small children at the time.  My coworker, Tyson, asked if she took her kids with her.  She said, no.  I left them home with my husband.  I also loved that, haha.  

Access to clean water and being warm.  I am thankful for that as well.  Always.  

I am thankful that I do not need prescription pills at this point in my life.  Super thankful for my health.  Health is directly tied to wealth.  Only to remind you that the current president just wrote an executive order to reverse prescription pills being lowered.  Basically, he is screwing over everyday Americans in favor of corporations.  It's nuts.  Sort through the chaos and focus on what is happening.  There is an attempt to distract and divide people.  Meanwhile, they are doing some shady ass shit to create more costs for working people.  Slashing regulations that protect our air quality, water, emergency services, healthcare.  Do not sit back and watch this happen.  We need to stay engaged and protect what rights we still have.  

Be loud.  Do not agree to take on more shit because you think there is nothing you can do.  And try to stay joyful.  That is something that I am struggling with.  It is easy to want to stay in bed and decrease interactions with people.  I do not have kids, but I have nieces, nephews and my friends have kids.  I want these children to thrive in a world that does not force a handful of beliefs of what is the acceptable way to live.  They should have the rights that I had, at least.  Access to making decisions regarding my body.  Being able to go to college, get an education and choose the unconventional lifestyle that I have always led.  I am so thankful for my life.