Boston Science March.

On Saturday we joined thousands of others on the Boston Common for the Science March. The organizers planned it for Earth Day and there were so many people who came out to celebrate science and to support funding sciences, and to fight new (and existing) policies that make it impossible for scientists to research and share their findings. There were speakers and events for children and despite the rain -- we had a fun time! Javi always enjoys being in a crowd and I'm very glad that he's participated in 2 rallies in his little life. I'm sure there will be many more in the future. 

Funny story about Javi's jacket: I was so sure he'd be in 24 month clothes this winter because of the rate he had been growing. So I ordered this (similar) jacket and matching snow pants. But it's so big on him and he could never wear it. Since it's the end of the season, but Saturday was so cold,  I decided he WAS GOING to wear it at least once even though the sleeves were super long and he was so stiff and couldn't move! I know that it'll be too small for him next season. 

We didn't bring a sign. With a toddler already to carry it just seemed like one more thing to keep track of (and a waste of paper no less) so it seemed unnecessary. Here's a good list of some of the best signs from all the marches around the country but one of my favorites (which I didn't get a good picture of) said something like "Don't believe in science? Stop taking your antibiotics next time you get strep. See what happens." ha. :)

After the rally, we had drinks and appetizers with Sean's brother, Jamie and his girlfriend Frida here. 

It was a really good day and the amount of people who showed up to support science was an impressive relief. 

Did you go to a march this weekend?

Action 2/10.

First, we marched. Now, we huddle.

I'm trying to join along with the organizers of the Women's March and complete their action items every 10 days or so. I feel like it gives me a bit of purpose in a very intense time. Plus it's better than just sitting back and quietly watching the country fall apart. Their second action item was to join a local meet up and have conversations with people in your area about how you envision the country in 4 years (free healthcare, cleaner air, equal rights for everyone, no one needs to be afraid, safe schools,  etc.), then to talk about how we get there (voting at mid-term elections, supporting free and fair press, donating money to organizations, etc.) -- next we talked about upcoming action opportunities and we formed teams and discussed where we go from there. As a pretty big introvert, the idea of going alone to some church in another town, at night, all by myself is just totally uncharacteristic of me. But I went and I was glad I did.

These were my takeaways:

It's okay to unplug. I was starting to feel guilty about not being up to date on every single atrocity this administration "accomplished" each day. I don't have a job where I can be online all day or at a computer reading/watching the news a lot. I was finding that when I'm done with work, on my way home, I was frantically trying to catch up on all that was going on and ashamed when someone brought something up that I hadn't heard about. But I learned that it's okay that I don't know everything. The more you know and watch and read, the more this administration becomes normal. Things become expected and less outrageous. Just more of the same. I don't want that. By unplugging every once in a while and not having everything front and center 100% of the time -- this nonsense stays ridiculous and that's a good thing. I don't want to become normalized to this administration. 

When you get informed, be informed about both sides. This is a hard one for me. I lean very liberal and I read the NYT and the Washington Post and listen to NPR. But I'm a good listener so I'm going to try to listen to the other side too. It's not like it will change my opinions but it'll be helpful to know what conservatives are hearing and believing. I always want to try to read more neutral news sources so I'm going to add in the Associated Press. It's supposed to neutral. The group recommended Fox News... but I just can't.

Ask questions. Obviously, there's fake news and you need to look up what you read. But this takeaway actually has to do with conversing with people on the other side. I find that when I'm talking to someone who doesn't agree with me I tend to be defensive (and typically, I end in tears or so frustrated that I don't even want to continue talking). Most of my sentences start with "ok, but..." and go on to completely disagree with the person. I learned that doesn't achieve much. It's more beneficial to respond by asking a question -- "what campaign promises do you feel he has kept?" for example, rather than yelling "ya, but those campaign promises were racist and discriminating and illegal and..." and that way the person you're speaking to really has to do some self-reflection on their part.

We also talked about various marches we want to show-up for, the calls to be made and postcards to be written and different sub-groups that want to be formed. So the work is not over. I think it's a positive thing that the Women's March moment is being given the opportunity to become a movement. 

A new president.

I've heard that when you feel strong, or powerful, you automatically raise your arms up and over your head. It's why sports players do this when they win. 

I remember election night, back in 2008, watching TV and waiting to hear if Barack Obama was going to get the chance to bring us hope and change. And when it was declared, I sat in my bed at my house and raised my arms up and over my head as if I just completed a marathon. Or got a goal. Or achieved some other type of athletic accomplishment. And I repeated over and over and over again, "Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god". It was like I did something. I achieved something. Like I won. I was sure that he was the positive change, he was the hope, he was it. And I was happy. 

During these past 8 years -- I've grown and I've grown up. I graduated college. I got engaged, married and had a baby. I became a teacher. I have my own insurance. My own savings accounts and retirement funds. I bought a house. Between Sean and I, 4 cars. I travelled. I went to political rallies. I've had time for hobbies, and fun and doing nothing at all. I volunteered, donated money and goods to various charities. I've cared and cried and laughed and lived. I've felt safe and scared; felt joy and sadness but have utterly enjoyed this amazing country I call home. I was proud that Barack Obama lead the way during my 20s and never once thought twice about or regretted my vote. I mean, we have his '08 acceptance speech framed in our living room. And a note from the Obamas in response of our wedding invite.

By November 8th 2016, my 20s had officially been over for nearly 2 months. My 30s were met with a win by someone I'm not proud of, not excited for and not someone I want to be the face of an America where I'm now raising a child. On that night, though my words sounded the same as back in '08 -- "Oh my god. Oh my god. Oh my god" -- my arms were not raised up and over my head. They were over my mouth and tears were streaming down my face and my heart was broken. I did not feel strong or powerful. Or like I won much of anything.

It's been 2 1/2 months now and those feelings are still intense. January 20, 2017 has come too soon for me. I'm not ready for this to be the new normal. I don't want it to be this way. I respect democracy but this is too far -- too off the rails, it feels like we're entering crazytown and it's too late to jump off.

Despite my feelings of anger and disbelief, I hold onto this: 

"If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress. " - Barack Obama

It matters how we think and feel and treat each other. It matters that we rise up and rise to the occasion. It matters how we raise our kids and teach them about respect and empathy and compassion and equality. It matters that we hope and dream and crave positive change. It matters that we don't give up or give in or lose our spirit. It matters that we don't just sit and cry with hands over our mouths in disbelief but instead argue for what is right and just and peaceful. It matters. Because those things are powerful. And that makes you strong. And that makes progress.

So I'm not going to think about this new president and all the pomp and circumstance of this day and the hatred he allows and spreads. Instead I'll focus on -- fighting for what's right, positive change, and making progress... with my eyes focused on those mid-term elections and 2020. 

Election week.

We have a bedtime routine. We have dinner. I prepare Javi's bottle while Sean puts him in PJs. I get his room ready; turn on his sound machine, start up his humidifier, turn off the lights. Sean gives him his bottle in the living room with the lights and TV off. I wash the bottles from the day and when he's finished with his bottle Sean walks him over to me while he holds "Frank" a stuffed dachshund from Ikea and I give him a kiss and whisper "goodnight".  Last Tuesday night, I added "when you wake up you're going to have a woman president".

Election night in America is my Superbowl. We had an early dinner, put Javi to bed, had to run an errand for Sean's mom and came home to watch the results come in. I fully expected a similar experience to that of 2008 and 2012, but as we all know by now, the states that had previously been blue, turned red on November 8th. As 11PM neared (the time I was positive it would be called because this was just "in the bag") it became very clear to me that the night was going into the morning. Considering we have a 13 month old (and the fact that I wake up at 4:25AM for work) I debated going to bed but ultimately decided I couldn't and my brain wouldn't let me. So I watched all night, until my alarm went off for work and until what I viewed as the worst possible outcome became a reality. And it hit me hard. I cannot express with words how much I am against this new president-elect. 

I didn't realize how much I loved this country until I was 15. I don't have many memories of the country or world outside of my life and family before that age. I remember "I did not have sex with that woman" and "if it doesn't fit, you must acquit". That's it. Call me self-centered. But I turned 15, the day before 9/11. The 9/11. And on that day, and all the days after I realized how much I loved the United States of America and all that "being American" means. I made it a point to learn about the country and the government and world events and current affairs. For the first time I watched the DNC on the day Barack Obama spoke. I was hooked. I knew that my views leaned toward progressive thinking and at 18, I registered for the first time as a democrat. And I never looked back. In college, I donated what money I had toward the Obama campaign. I bought t-shirts and sweatshirts and signed petitions and donated my time. I saw Barack Obama speak in Boston, heard his story (in person), listened to what he wanted to do, heard his vision and I thought "This is why America is so great" -- because we have people like this.

         

*Spoiler alert* -- I've succeeded in this America. If I had to check off boxes of accomplishments I've achieved --  my boxes would be full, and then some. I also acknowledge many people do not succeed in this America. People are discriminated against. People are oppressed. People are angry. People feel unheard or they're poor or they've been abandoned by the people who are supposed to protect them. Or they are all of the above and then some. I just didn't think the majority of America felt this way. Surely, that's a mistake? Me, over here in my liberal bubble in the Northeast just doesn't understand. Politics, I understand. I understand the electoral college. I understand democracy. I understand he won by the numbers. I refuse to force myself to think that the majority of Americans don't care that people are discriminated against, oppressed, or unheard. Because that's just not true. We are intelligent and compassionate individuals. We represent the beacon of hope. Freedom. Bravery. Courage. Doing the right thing. Leading the way. Setting an example. We the People. We're stronger together. Surely, we didn't just turn on each other? It seems a little bit like we did.

I don't want Javi to grow up in an America that chooses hate. One that builds up walls. One that turns its back on neighbors. One that fights people who are different. An America that chooses inequality. And racism and xenophobia. I don't want Javi to grow up watching a president who thinks the people he leads are beneath him. A person who takes rights away, treats women as property and has little to no experience for the very position he holds. I don't want Javi to hear comments that aren't politically correct. *Spoiler* I happen to like when people are politically correct. You know what politically correct means? Language, policies and measures that are intended not to offend or disadvantage any particular group of people in society. I want that. I want kindness and compassion. Empathy and understanding. Fairness and equality. I want Javi to know that the color of his skin, and his maleness gave him an automatic boost at the start line of life. I want him to know that if you work really hard you can achieve what you want. That you are never entitled to anything and things are not just given to you. I want Javi to know that bullies don't win, money isn't power and that people are still good at heart. 

It's taken 5 days of conversations with family and friends to get to the point of tolerance (and I really hate that word). It's going to happen. The respect I have for the country we live in, tells me it's going to happen. Come January, this will be reality and rioting in the streets or staying in bed and crying isn't changing it. I'm slowly moving toward acceptance. So what else is there to do?

I can still raise Javi with all the values and morals I know to be right. 

I can get active behind causes I believe in and fight against ones that are wrong.

I can vote at midterm elections. 

I can do everything within my means to make sure this president only lasts one term. 

I can still love this country even if I'm disappointed.

Here's to 2020. Elizabeth Warren -- I'm looking at you. 

It's no surprise.

...That I'm ecstatic about America's decision to re-elect President Barack Obama. After all, it was America that voted him in the first time and it was America that chose him again. :)

Tuesday after work, Sean and I showed up to vote and the line was long! Not crazy long, like in some places but still it was out the door. Can someone tell me why you don't need to show any proof of identification when you vote? Anyone could vote for anyone else, if they knew their name and street name. What the heck is that?

Anyways, I may or may not have taken a picture of the ballot even though Sean told me it was super illegal to do so. I didn't post it for fear that my vote wouldn't count... but I have it as a keepsake.

Not only was I thrilled when he was announced after 11PM, but on a state level I was so happy that Elizabeth Warren will be Massachusetts' new senator. Things just worked out perfectly, in my opinion. Of course, I would have preferred if Obama got a higher percentage as far as his popular vote numbers go... but we'll see. Hopefully with time, people will realize he's not out to get you, to ruin your lives, destroy your children/business/country, and that he really does care. And if not, you'll get a chance to change the path of America in four more years. But for now:

via.

:)

Why I am voting for Barack Obama.

We're less than two weeks away from election day. Current events, politics and the presidential race are so important to both Sean and me, I decided to share my thoughts. I know, it's taboo. But here goes...

I'm a 26 year old, half white/half Puerto Rican woman, born and raised in Massachusetts. I have a college degree and owe a lot of money in student loans. After graduation (May 2009), I got the first teaching job I applied for. My health insurance is 100% paid for. I'm enrolled in graduate school though I can't actually attend classes right now because they're too expensive. I'm newly married, we're living on our own and have no children. 

Sean's had his job for 5 years, and his company is based out of Israel. They provide him with health insurance that is 100% paid for. 

So, for us, this election is not about jobs or health insurance. 

Here's what it is about...

Women's issues and Equal rights: I don't understand how it's 2012 and yet we're still talking about these things as if they were something to argue about? We are all people; working and living and contributing and loving people who are all just trying to get by. So, to think that someone would attempt to reverse time and take certain things away or prevent progress in other areas is frustrating and unacceptable.

Education: As someone trying to complete a grad program but finding it impossible to pay for on top of student loans, paying rent & bills, buying food and gas, keeping my kitten alive with food and vet visits... I'm in need of inexpensive education -- but if anything I'll settle for it not to be raised. It's not practical for everyone to ask their parents to pay for school, and it only improves the country when more people, young and old, are educated. With four more years of Barack Obama in the White House, I believe I will be able to finish school... without him, it's less likely. Second of all, as a teacher, of course education is important to me. While I don't work in public schools and I'm less likely to be laid off because of budget cuts I feel that states should invest in good teachers, weed out the bad ones, and the country should be a leader in math, science and technology fields. We're behind the rest of the world. 

Student loans: I have a lot. So, having my interest rates raised is just not helpful. What was helpful? The Student Loan Consolidation plan helped me -- it lowered my interest rates and allowed me to consolidate to have a few less checks to write each month. And I'd like to enroll in the "pay as you earn" plan in 2014. I need Barack Obama to do this.

Taxes: We're what you'd call super middle-class. We're not broke and starving but we're living pay check to pay check and we occasionally, have to make the choice to pay this bill rather than that bill. But Sean had an increase in his monthly paycheck as soon as Barack Obama took office and the amount we've had to pay in taxes has stayed low for these four years. The American Opportunity Tax Credit helped us when we filed for taxes. I'm all for paying taxes, it's not a choice and it's important. I'll pay what the government sees fit for me to pay. But right now, we couldn't afford to have more money taken away from us each month. But not everybody lives like this. Some people get a head start, some people get lucky. Either way, I believe taxes should be higher (and remain higher) for those people. If I was one of them, I would still feel this way. 

The Future: From the environment being cleaner, to the streets being safer, to the way other countries see us, to our relationships with our allies, to the money invested in science, medicine and space exploration, to the way our wars are ended around the world, to the way we treat people who come here, or are born here, and follow the rules and just want to make a living for their families. These are important issues that I fear will be avoided, misjudged, ignored or treated poorly without Barack Obama as commander in chief. 

So. That's what it's about for us. 

And more than likely it's about something else for you and your family. 

And that's okay. Because after all, this is America.

via. 

Bristol Palin: Life's a Tripp

It's no surprise that I'm not a total fan of the lady who leads this family:

via.

I mean, I could go on and on about politics and how I feel she is unintelligent and incapable of delivering a speech that doesn't berate others or spread hatred.

But I won't go on... and on.

AND, of course, I'm able to put aside my extremely liberal beliefs for an hour of Lifetime TV to watch this:

via. 

And Tuesday night, that's exactly what I did.

Or tried to do. 

I swear.

I made Sean watch with me.
HE WAS THRILLED.
Sarcasm?

The show immediately follows Dance Moms, which could possibly feature the world's most ridiculous mothers... so once Bristol and Tripp appeared on the screen it was a breath of fresh air... or at least they weren't yelling.

I'm not going to give a full recap. There's plenty of stories going around online right now.

I will say:

Bristol cries a lot.

Too much for an hour TV show.

In fact, I could just as easily switch the channel and turn on Teen Mom.

If I wanted the tears.
There would be no difference.

Bristol comes off as self-centered and entitled.

Especially while shopping and talking about CA.

And basically putting down every single thing about LA.

Bristol is mean to her sister.

And uses a guilt trip to convince her to move away from family and friends.
Willow is 17... why isn't she in school?

And she's babysitting Bristol's kid, all the time?

Except when the two of them are out together... without Tripp??

What's that about?!
Who's with the baby if "they don't know anyone in LA"?

I was confused.

So confused, in fact, that I'll tune in next week.
And probably the week after that, too.
Unless it gets canceled, because apparently no one else in the world watched.

Well, not many anyway.

Kony 2012

This has absolutely gone viral. But just in case you've missed it -- watch it. It's a must-see.