I’m reading a book on the history of sexual violence in conflict zones (light reading before law school, ya know). In reading more about historical gender relations (especially in the West) and thinking about how gender relations were (are) linked to property and ownership, I just cannot help but think that at some point in the past some man decided that if his penis touched something, he owned it.
Continue reading “The Pen is Mightier”
That’s how you take an aspirin?!
Dear Minnesota State House:
Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. I had no idea how wrong I have been. I had no idea that swallowing a pill could be so difficult, so dangerous, that medical supervision is necessary. I cannot believe how many uterus-Americans have lived their entire lives thinking that they had the proper procedure mastered for swallowing a pill. I am sitting here wondering how many of us have died or been seriously injured because we did not seek out professional care, thinking ourselves full adults capable of managing our healthcare. Think about how many of us take birth control EVERY DAY on our own! Without a doctor present! We might as well be playing Russian Roulette with a fully loaded gun.
You are to be commended. You have joined the ranks of your colleagues around the country (and the world) to say in one voice: “Hold on a second there, sweetheart.” It is so courteous of you to protect us from our uterus-addled brains. Which today is causing me a headache, so I am off to find a physician that can protect me from myself as I take an aspirin. Unfortunately, I am insurance-less now, so I’ll have to find a free clinic or emergency room that can help me. What a wonderful use of taxpayer dollars to have passed this bill.
Insincerely,
creatingcarrie
Take a read: Thinking About Jailing the Victim? Here’s Why Not.
My friend franklyrebekah has an awesome post up on sexual violence and the treatment of survivors and victims in the criminal justice system and society at large. Check it out!
Street Harassment
I tend to be a pleasant rider (most of the time, at least to denizens of the neighborhoods through which I ride). Every once in awhile I get catcalled or some other form of street harassment as I’m riding. Yesterday was one of those days.Continue reading “Street Harassment”
Back in the Big City
After a little over a week in Texas, I am back in the Big Apple. It was a needed weekish away, but I was definitely ready to get back here. I love my family and wish I could see them more, but there are so many compromises I have to make when I’m there. Small compromises about daily living that turn out to be pretty important to me. My diet changes when I’m home (way more cheese). I am not as mobile (cars are necessary for even short trips). I don’t really get to watch the television I want to (this trip it was all about basketball). All of these things of course I could insist on or organize myself to get, but for a short trip they seem silly. All of those compromises that slowly irk me do allow me to rest so that I’m revitalized and ready to get to work. So I’m back and refalling in love with my juicer, deciding if today is a good day to commute by bike, and starting to get a ton of things done. Hopefully some really great blog posts will be in the mix!
Puppy on the computer
Cancer Touches My Life
Several people in my life have fought cancer, and unfortunately, none have won. My grandmother passed away from leukemia two weekends ago. A friend of mine from college also died from leukemia. My favorite teacher in high school died from colon cancer. The lives of these people are what I will be celebrating when I rappel down a New York City skyscraper to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Aside from the pure thrill of going over the edge of a building, I get to raise money to support their work. If you would like to join me or support me, visit my fundraising page. I am dedicating this to my grandmother to honor her life and her love and her fight.
In Memory of my Mamaw
My mamaw passed away today. She was 80 years old. She had Alzheimer’s and leukemia, and it is with the latter that she likely lost her fight. She was married for nearly 60 years, had 6 children, 24 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. I am the oldest of those grandchildren, and today I feel so lucky to have known my grandmother for 31 years. Her passing was something that we knew was coming, probably this year, but today, I am not feeling relief that we won’t have to watch her waste away they way we had to with her sister who died of the same disease. I am sad and feeling stuck in New York when I want to be home in Texas with all of my family around me.Continue reading “In Memory of my Mamaw”
Coney Island before Coney Island
I love Coney Island. I love its commitment to its own ridiculousness. Today, I am here before it becomes Coney Island of the summer. Before the rides open and the people.invade the beach. It’s nice, and a much better time since I’ve brought two kids with me. There is this sense of anticipation and also abandonment. I’m so used to the crowds and noise and piles of trash that today feels like a ghost town.
creating carrie 