Tomorrow, I'll be on a plane on my way to London. I can't help right now but to hope that everyone is more like Julie Andrews and less like the characters on Skins. Also, I am really hoping to not get haunted by anything. I hear that's common in England. I am also hoping I understand everything that people say to me. (No really. It's going to be confusing.)
So keep your fingers crossed for me. Hope for crumpets, corgis, and nannies that burst into songs; no people-loving-birds, ghosts, and weird English slang (or not a lot of it.)
I'm going to try to blog across the pond, but in case the internet is broken in the UK I'll be sure to share a lot when I'm back. Until then, be sure to follow me on Instagram for updates!
PS original Julie Andrews picture via here. Graphics by me.
Only a few more days till I am London bound! Today is mostly dedicated to getting together a few last minute things before I depart. PS, if anyone can answer this question for me, I'll be extremely grateful: To pack rain boots or not to pack rain boots? I know it's a lot rainier than Texas, but are they worth packing?
In my preparation, I've been researching how to better communicate with the Brits. I'm getting a little worried. Did you know "pants" is short for "underpants"!? If that's the case, then what else do I not know! Here are some of the phrases I've learned to say (and not to say) after the jump!
I've said for years that I don't have depth perception. Recently, it's been scientifically proven. I went to the eye doctor, and they tested out the old lookin' balls. My vision is still 20/20, but my right eye is slow on perceiving depth. End of the story- I'm testing out some glasses to see if it helps me out. I picked out 5 frames, and ordered the Home Try On Kit from Warby Parker.
Lot's of good news on the blogging frontier. Here are some new changes to the blog you can look forward to:
New (or more like revised) Name
A location under our own domain name
New Weekly Series
New Logo
As all these changes come underway, I thought I'd share the process of how I'm making all these new things here with you guys. I'd appreciate any input! First thing I put together was a mood board for the new blog logo/general feel of the blog. This will serve as a "home base" as I make and design the blog. This is sort of a first draft as I'm not completely sold on how this feels (more after the jump!)
My brother just showed me this tumblr: http://probs99.tumblr.com/
It is some quality interneting. Great little illustrations of JayZ and his likely 99 problems.
Here are some of my favorites:
Guys.
I've had it.
Texas and America have gotten to be too much. It has gotten excessively embarrassing and uncomfortable to watch the news, so I am going to pack it up and move in with the corgis and Kate.
^^Don't worry. Wearing a strapless romper. But just in case, don't show this picture to the Texas Legislature as they might throw me out of the state as a result of not covering my woman shoulders. Also I apologize for all the overwhelming, bad photoshop. Had to go somewhere.^^
I thought this would be a nice segway from all my SB5 related posts into some of my more usual subjects; not that I'll be completely stopping the updates!
This is a lovely article from Lisa Bloom that discusses how people typically approach little girls and young women. Bloom remarks that more often than not, when we meet a new young girl we will ordinarily "ooo" and "aaah" over their appearance as an ice-breaker. After I read this article, I have to admit, I totally do that!
Latest update- the hearings last night were arbitrarily closed at midnight and then a vote was forced. The hearings closed despite the thousands of people waiting to testify. At this point, I can give you this link via Planned Parenthood that allows you to get in contact with your legislators and let them know where you stand.
"The bigger issue at stake is that a primarily wealthy male legislature is determining what SHOULD be a decision between a doctor, a woman, and whatever deity in which a woman believes (if any). They are not in there discussing the man’s obligation and role in a woman’s pregnancy in the first place, men’s rights to Viagra, standards for safe surgical procedures for vasectomies or prostate cancer, rape prevention measures, or appropriate and realistic sex education to prevent pregnancy in the first place. It is just one more example of a tiresome sexist view that a woman is not only responsible for her behavior and choices, but also a man’s."
If you would like to argue against me about SB5, I am going to refer you to this quote from this very helpful article that essentially sums up my views. If you would still like to argue, however, I've never been one to turn that down. But I will probably also ask you to play this song and replace "gotten over it" with "gone over it"- as that is shorter and easier for me.
I really did not think I would be blogging about SB5 this much. However, I am extremely passionate about this subject, and I really do believe that this is an effective platform for me to reach a lot of people that would like to stay up to date. Whether that be so that they, too, can get involved or just see what I'm doing. Also, this blog is a helpful device for me to remember my own experiences and catalogue this piece of history for myself. That being said- I will try to post things that I find helpful or interesting, or resources that I believe help better educate us on our stance with Texas women. However, I will not be dedicating this blog to the subject; nor can I promise that I will update readily enough for you to rely on this blog as your sole source of information on the bill.
I will be returning to some of my more regular-ish posts soon (including a new series!), but I feel that this certainly takes priority over things like that now.
UNTIL THEN. HERE'S MORE INFORMATION FOR TOMORROW: Official Notice of the Public Hearing Facebook Event for the Hearing
Essentially, we're doing it over again. Please come to share a short testimony, or just for your support.
Also here's a video of Natalie Manes singing "I'm Not Ready to Make Nice" from the rally today that also pretty well sums up everyone's views.
If you've yet to hear, and are interested, Rick Perry called another special session regarding the issues in SB5.
There is to be a rally at the Capital at noon. Unfortunately I cannot be there because, coincidentally, I will giving a presentation over SB5 and Wendy Davis to my class this afternoon. I'm going to head over afterward if it's still going on, however, if you are even somewhat interested in going- I really encourage you to put on your orange and do so!
Here are a few resource I can give you to keep following the progress & see how you can get involved:
