My Wonderful Day: A Rocky Tale

This morning the lights turned on way too early again, but I always ignore them long enough for my rock to warm up. After warming myself I check on Mom and Dad and they are still sleeping, barely moving around at all. I call out a good morning just in case they're pretending; they aren't. I talk with Whee while I wait SUPER patiently. If they saw me they would be proud. I only call out good morning to them a dozen times today, and they only shift acknowledgement a few times. I get worried, though because the sun coming in from the window cracks is quickly disappearing and if I don't get my morning bath sometimes Mom forgets and I don't get to sunbathe at all!! That makes my tummy feel all weird and pooping the next day gets very hard.

My awesome new bed.

By the way Mom bought me a new pair of socks when she didn't take me to Disneyland... again. She says I wouldn't like it, but if she has so much fun I'm pretty sure I'm missing out. Besides, a place with such soft socks has to be magical, right? I got to poop on one today and I tell you, that is how to relieve yourself with style! Mom finally gets up and waves at me as she grabs a shirt and goes to relieve herself. I'm so excited I can hardly contain myself! I do a quick run to my digging spot, kick some dirt around, then dash back and begin my morning greeting to Mom as she brings me my climbing rack.

I duck for Mom because I can hardly wait for her to let me into my dirt home.

Silly Mom, I don't need that; I'm doing parkour today! I bounce over to annoying Draig'r's home (she always eats all the food), climb along her front door, jump for a quick rest on the tower of slippery black, then shoot across my bridges to my dirt home. Oops, I blocked Mom's way and have to duck my head so she can open the door the rest of the way. Ah, the refreshing cool air, dirt, and leaves always relax me. After a few minutes she turns on the extra mini-sun that my pet Mantys don't get to use and my skin feels happy. She even brings in my new big log and I get comfy behind its first big lump. I have a great view from here.

The best seat on the log!

I watch Mom take out my new pet Daisy. He's super fast! He keeps trying to climb onto her face but she keeps tricking him with her hand. It's ok Daisy, she does that to me, too. While she's playing with him I try jumping up to my ceiling and miss. I have a skinny stick I might be able to climb, but it doesn't get me quite up to the right height, either. It sure is fun to try! While she's got Daisy out, I run over to his half of my dirt home and make sure he's taking good care of it. I can't wait to get the whole place to myself! Having a pet is nice, too, I guess. Those Mantys are really fun to watch. Sometimes they watch me without blinking once; other times they'll wobble side to side and it's really funny.

Daisy is much smaller than Luigi Manty.

See how well I can climb that skinny stick?

Mom puts Daisy back home and it's my turn to snuggle. I know I'm not the only one she has to take care of, but I'm definitely the most important! I won't ever let her forget it. Mom gets me a nice big drink and we go sit on the potty together even though I already went. Her shoulder is always so warm; I close my eyes and relax while she laughs at something on her hand screen. I move a little to remind her to get up before she has to do the leg wiggle dance again. It looks like it doesn't feel good so I don't know why she does it so often. We hang out on her bed and I climb down her back waiting for her to stretch out her legs. She finally gets the hint and we relax together while Dad sleeps nearby. He sure sleeps a lot when his alarm doesn't make him leave.

I usually warm up on her butt (teehee), but today her leg seemed warmer.

Once we're both warm again, I hope I do as good a job warming her up as she does for me, we explore her bed. No bugs in the covers today, no bugs seen from the edges, but to be sure I prepare to jump to the floor when Mom literally gives me a hand. For some reason she really doesn't like it when I jump onto the floor on my own. She's always telling me, "don't jump" and, "Rocky, careful." She says it with that tone that means I might be sent to my home if I don't listen, and not the fun dirt one, so I usually try to listen, usually. The thing is, I've made it to the floor a couple times this week and Dad has some neat stuff hidden under his desk that I really have to see. You never know where a wild cricket might be hiding!

Sometimes Mom's hands help me instead of saying, "stop."

I was making a big shadow.

I make it under his desk and look around when suddenly a super bright amazing tiny sun turns on from Mom's hand screen. I can't stop myself from moving to it to check it out. It makes me cast such neat shadows. Mom actually lets me explore a little more, no crickets but I did find my bed with pumpkins on it, before she gives me her hand to warm up on and we relax on her bed again. Dad wakes up and reaches his hand out to me. I think about how warm he always is, but I see my food bin, feel my empty tummy, and run up the bridge Mom brought me to wait in my dirt home until food time. I get to play in here a while before I get bored and run up Mom's desk. She says the magical f-word and I run to the edge and watch as she picks out a super big juicy dubia for me. Just as she's bringing it to me she turns around and puts it back in the bin!? That's wasn't too big, Mom, I could have eaten it no problem! She gets me a slightly smaller one and puts it in the shaking bag that makes the most tummy-satisfying sound as she coats my food in batter. It crawls quickly onto her hand and tries to run away but I'm much too fast for it! YUM!

These bridges are the best.

Mom reaches into the food bin again and picks out some tasty small dubias, probably for Mini-Draig'r who she's trying to get me to call Ember. You can't trick me, I know a draig'r when I see it. I let her do her thing and find my perfect spot to squeeze through the window covers to look outside. It takes some time but I finally spot my neighbor and walk along the window to say hello. Mom and Dad let me look outside a lot; they know it's one of my favorite things. Mom tries telling me it's tent time, but I manage to evade her and she gives me a few more minutes to look outside before she returns. I don't fight this time and just snuggle into her warm hand. Do all Moms have such warms hands?

Mom says this picture is funny because the first picture she has of me is me looking into the window through these slats.

My new tent is awesome.  I can climb all over it with no trouble at all.

We walk to my new, huge tent and I jump onto Draig'r's tent roof while Mom lets the light in and opens my door so I can get screen time. Sadly, though, she brings me into the tent instead of letting me climb on the screen. Oh well, I can still look outside and climb on my climbing rack and bridges. I climb onto my tree and begin exploring as she zips me in and says good-bye. She's always going somewhere, but when she leaves the door open for me to look outside it's not so bad. I sunbathe, bounce on my rack a bit, watch big Luigi Manty for a while, and play on my bridges while she's away. She comes back after the sun goes away but before it is totally dark to say hello and give me a drink before leaving again. I jump onto the tent wall, get cozy, and doze as she and Dad come back again and leave again. They return again after dark and I listen and keep dozing as they do whatever it is Moms and Dads do in kitchens as they talk and move things around. I know Mom will come to get me when it is time for her and Dad to sleep and we'll sleep on her bed under the covers a bit before she'll kiss me goodnight, I'll be too sleepy to kiss her back, she'll tuck me onto my new sock hopefully, and take me to my home. Can a day get better than this?

I love it when Mom lets me snuggle before we both have to sleep all night.

Sometimes Mom tries to put me to bed before I'm ready so I let her know that I need more snuggles.

Sometimes I have to remind her three times that I still need more snuggles.

Time to Build a Box Fort!

Started Nov. 15, 2015 completed Feb. 9, 2017

Penguin kept appearing around the apartment as I unpacked and D worked.

          The big brown boxes have all been emptied!  A mattress has been ordered.  The Internet is connected and fast.  I think we are moved in!  I am very happy that none of the smell of our old place traveled with our belongings.  The only thing that didn't make it unpacked in one piece is my crystal juggler which has been glued back together more times than it can remember.  Here is a list of things I've learned if I ever start a moving company:

-I would not wrap paper in paper and expect the paper to maintain its shape. (origami flower sadness)
-I would use different colored papers to indicate there is something wrapped in here/this is just filler.
-I would make sure my crew gets a lunch break so by the end of packing we're not hurrying and not caring because we just want to finish.
-I would put computers in boxes, not just wrap them in paper and tape.
-I would copy this crew by asking about items that the customer is concerned about and wants extra care involved.
-I would invite the customer to pack on their own anything they are concerned about us not being able to appropriately pack. (instead of recommending "don't pack anything")

          All in all having someone else do all the moving was a big help and worth it since JPL was kind enough to pay for a good chunk of it.  We experienced some stress upon unpacking as we discovered items packed in ways that don't make sense to us, but some squished origami flowers and one broken decoration (broken by us upon unpacking) is pretty good.  I still have some boxes of things that I packed left to open up and inspect but I'm staying optimistic.

The Grand Tour!

The kitchen from dining room before fully unpacked.

Dining room from kitchen.

Living room from dining room.

Front door and the rest of our nice sized room.

Hall from living room.

Guest room.

Hall bathroom.

Master bedroom.

Our study which is supposed to be the master room.

Master bathroom.  I love the mirrors and 2 sinks!

Holiday closet.

Walk-in closet for storage.

          The two fortunes from our fist meal here read: The world will soon be ready to receive your talents -and- Your life will be happy and peaceful.  I'll take them!  The irony of moving in is that the apartment has to get messier before you can reach order.  When everything was in boxes stacked neatly along the walls the rooms looked so nice.  Now as we begin unpacking our belongings, the paper that protected them, and the boxes are becoming strewn and stacked across all surfaces.  On the plus side, we have enough really large boxes to make a pretty epic box fort!  Our management discourages filling the dumpster with moving boxes, so until we make it to a recycling center the fort will be possible.

So much paper!

Kitchen finally done and used for cookies.

          One of our first surprises, aside from the really dirty floors, is a really large, aggressive, daddy long legs type spider that quickly made its home behind our computer desks.  We trapped it in a butter container and were very surprised that instead of running, it held its ground and looked very ready to attack.  I am not used to spiders being brave!  What happened to: they are more afraid of you than you are of them?!  In the coming months we will find two more of these guys also trying to live behind our desks and thankfully my dad was visiting and helped take care of the problem.  I didn't care for the one that tried to take over the end table and built a web all over the cubby and in the drawer.  Now that spring is nearing again I wonder if we will see them again.

Seriously, what is this monster?

          A second and very welcome surprise came in the form of a fitting and thoughtful gift from a dear friend.  That explains why she asked for our new address.  Thank you very much for this connection to home.

          We enjoyed another new adventure this month when D's work had a special event at Six Flags Magic Mountain that allowed event pass holders to continue riding the roller coasters until 1 am!  Discounted entry plus extra hours made this RDO a perfect opportunity to get to know another local amusement park.  We enjoyed their fake snow as they begin decorating for the holidays, and rode their coasters 21 times!  That feels like a record.  They have 14 coasters open and are refurbishing another, so we definitely did a few repeats.

This view on our way to Valencia is as close to fall colors as we'll get here.

Coca Cola bear for my sis!  The fake snow is cotton batting.

          My favorites are Tatsu (don't eat before, you're stuck on your tummy for a while), Superman (WOOSH!), X-2 (but you have to be SQUEEZED into your harness or it will hurt), Full Throttle, Twisted Collosus (you go upside down and only your legs are harnessed in a really smart design, you WILL lose your hat), and Apocalypse (4 times in a row will give you a headache).  The Riddler is a fun stand up that is smoother than Iron Wolf was.  Green Lantern will make sure males never have kids, and girls won't feel so good either.  Goliath is fun and simple, and my eyes try to black out towards the end.  Scream is super boring, the big drop is at the perfect angle where you don't feel a thing; going over a bump in a car is more thrilling.  Viper is nothing special, and a bit bumpy from what I remember.  Batman is the mirror image of the one in Illinois.  Gold Rush is fun and simple.  Ninja is fun but not worth a long wait.

This ride shoots you straight backwards into a 90 degree lift and then gravity pulls you back in.  What a RUSH!

The line for Apocalypse.  You feel like you're on a jet, and it sounds like it, too.

An even bigger version of Penguin!

Super successful trip!

          To finish up our month before we get into the holidays D's colleague who was his first connection for JPL was kind enough to invite us out to eat at the member's only Athenaeum.  He wanted us to see the place so that if we want to join we can, and welcome us to California.  The food was very good (I had soup) the deserts were super yummy (but the rum thing was too much for me), and it was very nice getting to spend time away from boxes talking with familiar faces.  They generously treated us and we need to return the favor someday.  I just don't know where we would take them. To me the Olive Garden is fancy enough, but it is nothing compared with this place.

I woke up one morning to Penguin using my computer.

Oops!  Sorry, buddy.

           Despite our already very busy first month in state, we had one more big adventure ahead.  The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights was celebrating its 20th and final year at Disney World.  When I think of Disney magic this event is the first thing to pop into my head.  We've been going to Disney World as a family since before this event started.  I remember the pure magic of my first time seeing the backstage area of MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios) lit up with every house decorated and a huge canopy of lights covering the road.  I met Minnie at one of the houses while wearing a Minnie sweat shirt and necklace and despite being in 4th grade still couldn't contain my excitement.  Over the years the lights went from static or blinking, to dancing to music with snoap (soap snow) falling from the rooftops and magic glasses that turned each bulb into bugling angels, snowflakes, or snowmen.  This is a type of magic I had to share with D because words cannot fully describe the feeling.  So we booked the trip, left our recently delivered mattress to fluff up while we're gone, and flew to Florida over Thanksgiving for a perfect three day magical escape.

Yay, our mattress arrived and will have time to air out before we sleep on it.

I think D now understands the magic.

In June 2016 we finally built that box fort.

This Is Not Ok: Muslim Ban

Made by A

          A week ago 3.5-5.6 million people were marching in solidarity around the world.  I don't think any of us thought that we'd be forced to unite again for such an urgently vital cause so soon.  The events of today are so shameful for our country that my emotions and thoughts are far from calm.  That is my disclaimer for why this post might have a much different tone and level of eloquence than others.  These are not normal times.

          It is very hard to wrap my head around the fact that I am witnessing a fresh bruise spread across the United States of America, severely blackening Lady Liberty's face.  The words at her feet are being spat upon by our leaders as some of the best among our citizens are trying our damnedest to clean it up, fetch her an ice pack, and get between her and the next blow.  During the campaign I'd heard that Trump had a book of Hitler's speeches near his bedside.  I struggled to imagine that he would seriously look at Hitler as someone to emulate, or view his way of ruling as a guidebook.  After the events of this first week, however, I am having a hard time thinking otherwise.

          Slavery.  The Holocaust.  The Japanese Internment.  Weren't we supposed to learn from these historic failures?  How are we detaining and deporting legal visitors and residents in 2017 especially without any real warning?  How are we shutting our doors to people in need, and to those in need from Syria indefinitely?

          Let's look at some facts as I have seen them throughout the week.  I will even try to cite them if I can locate the specific sources again.  On Tuesday, we heard the warning that Trump would be signing an executive order relating to immigration (1).  On Wednesday we got a few details, but with the dozen (2) executive orders being signed and discussed this week its importance wasn't yet being fully felt.  Thursday alarmed us when we heard of Trump's order that a "weekly list of crimes committed by immigrants" (Kentish, 3) was to be published.

          Was this real?  I actually had to explain the significance of this to someone who claimed that since they were illegally here, this was ok.  He even went so far as to compare illegal immigrants with rapists.  I agree that the legal channels should be used when possible, but I will not judge all the illegal immigrants as a whole.  I am sure they each have their own reason for coming here the way they did, and since I don't know their reasons I refuse to condemn them for it.  The order doesn't even specify that they have to be illegal immigrants to end up in this publication.  I see this order as a way for Trump's administration to try to turn the nation against a vulnerable group of people, immigrants, much the way Nazis worked to turn Germans against their own neighbors.  My sister says you should never compare things to Nazis unless it is completely relevant.  I hope she will consider this relevant.  Let's also remember that most of us wouldn't be here if not for immigrants.

          On Friday I tried to focus on ways we can resist whichever specific changes we feel need resisting by adding to my growing list of actions, and eagerly awaited details on the March for Science.  D and I were privileged* enough to enjoy our date night with In-N-Out, Doctor Strange, and a Bleach half-marathon.  We drifted asleep having no idea what was about to happen (or indeed already happening).  Early Saturday afternoon I got up first, fed the lizards, got them out for some sun and fun, and eventually got around to checking online.

          I wasn't surprised to see that he had banned people from seven countries from entering ours (4).  The previous days had certainly said this was coming.  What I didn't immediately realize was that it already took effect.  For another blissful hour I remained a believer that we would stop this before it went into action.

          Not even two full sentences into Dan Rather's Facebook post (5) did I realized that taxis around JFK (6) were trending for a very important reason.  I still haven't finished reading his post because the first line was enough for me to know that America has committed an unforgivable sin, yet again, but this time it happened on my watch.  Talk about history coming to life before your very eyes.

          I am having increasing feelings of connection with the citizens of 1919-39 Germany.  As I have oddly calm discussions with those around me about how we will react if our country directly threatens the safety of the vulnerable around us, I wonder if this is exactly how those people in the age of black and white felt and talked.  When I think of the people in the past I know they were living in the same color world we are and that they were ordinary people like us, but the extraordinary circumstances they faced elevated their stature in my mind.  Now that history might be starting to repeat itself their pedestals are lowering and I can imagine them sitting at the table with us sharing our same feelings.

          How dramatic, right?  Yet, the dramatic events of today make it feel appropriate.

          When I sat at my desktop, and therefore my Twitter account, the extent of this bullshit executive order (7) overwhelmed me.  What the fuck has our president done?  There are innocent people being detained at airports across the country.  It doesn't matter that they have legal visas or green cards; the fact that they are citizens of one of those arbitrary seven countries means they can't come into the US.  There are reports that those being detained include a baby who is in fact a citizen (8)(9), children, men and women, young and old, and even some with special health needs.  So, you know, typical human beings.  Some of these humans have been prevented from getting back here, home, because of this ban, leaving pets, jobs, cars, and homes unattended (10).  Some have even already been deported.

          If that by itself doesn't make you sick or furious or some equally strong and negative emotion let's discuss my use of the word arbitrary.  Why are these countries arbitrary?(11)  For starters, citizens of those countries haven't been among the successful terrorists on U.S. soil for more than 20 years (12).  I have to say successful because I don't know the data on suspected or prevented terrorists, but it is also possible that they wouldn't even be on those lists.  Not that it even matters.  We should never judge an entire population based on the actions of the few.  Think of the jerk(s) in your group of friends; should your entire group of friends be considered jerks if only a few are?  Or look at your family and think of your least favorite person and whether or not you'd want to be lumped in with them.  If you are lucky enough to have no jerks in your friends circle or family then you are lucky, but you should also get the point. The first paragraph of Section 1 of the EO states that this ban is to "stop attacks by foreign nationals who were admitted to the United States."(7)  Citizens of these seven nations do not fall into that category.

          Now that we've established that there is no credible safety concern with the group of humans we've banned from our country (13), let's address why their countries got picked.  NPR and Vox (14) are strongly suggesting that our president has business or business plans with the countries of origin of actual recent terrorists, and as long as they remain friendly, they might remain off the list. Even if this reason didn't play a role in choosing these countries, isn't it bad that it is so believable?  Next, the argument that this isn't a Muslim ban is technically, officially correct.  Why?  Because an official Muslim ban is unconstitutional and those who wrote this EO know it (15).  If they want this law to stand a chance in court it has to at least appear to be related to something other than religion.  To anyone who heard Giuliani's description for the origin of this EO they are obviously putting lipstick on a pig.  It is still an attempt at a Muslim ban.  If you don't believe me, read Section 5b and tell me that the religious minority given priority is Islam.  I'll give you a hint: it's not.  This is their way to cherry pick which religious followers can come to the US.  For trying to leave religion out of it, they certainly messed up.

          Allow me another aside.  What religion or lack of religion are you?  Do you believe that you should have the right to worship or not as you please as long as you aren't harming another illegally?  Do you believe you should be able to go throughout your life without someone else telling you that you are doing it wrong?  If so, then you understand why a Muslim ban is wrong, why any religious ban is wrong.  The separation of church and state is not meant to take away any of your religious rights.  It is meant to prevent you from having to follow someone else's religious traditions.

          Final note on Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Syria (break my heart), Libya, Iraq, and Iran.  It is being said that these countries were picked by Obama's administration (16).  That is sort of true, but being picked for further restrictions is not the same as being banned completely, temporarily or longer.  The way I see it, the current administration picked these same seven countries because their approval for restrictions by the previous administration allowed them to feel comfortable to pick on them again.  This list is open to change which furthers my belief that they were looking for a quick way to get the ban started and then probably change it if they aren't happy with the choices.

          Do you see why I'm upset?  We are randomly refusing entrance to legal visitors and residents because our president doesn't feel worried about ticking off their home country's leaders, nor does he care how it affects everyone.  If he cared about the individuals affected there would have at the very least been a block of time provided for those affected to figure out their plans.  I can hear him argue that we shouldn't give them warning or it will let them plan something evil!  Bullshit.  The people affected have already been vetted (a term originally used in horse racing, by the way) meaning that they have been determined to pose no risk.  This ban affects individuals, their families, the jobs they work at, their neighbors, and there is likely a ripple effect that reaches us all.  Consider your boss returns home to visit a relative and then isn't allowed back simply because our president said so.  Now there's a gap to be filled.  You'd better hope there wasn't a special skill set she possessed to make her a great boss.  That could seriously affect your company.  Or imagine you are sick and need a relative to come care for you, but once they do they can't return home again.  People are having their lives turned unexpectedly upside down over this presidential whim.

          We get a lot of great people from those banned countries because they come here on student visas.  They get a great education in our colleges and universities, and if we're very lucky they stick around and let us benefit from the knowledge and skills our country helped them achieve.  Making this ban is either trapping them here so they can't visit home regardless of whatever plans they had for the next 90 days, or it is telling them that we don't want them here, so if they do leave they shouldn't come back.  I don't know any of these individuals personally, but my husband does.  He's worked with them and is currently trying to help one of these hard working humans get hired at his lab.  This ban is not just inconvenient, but it is hurting the world.  How are these citizens supposed to feel when our president is telling them we don't want them?  Does he not realize that if he wants to make us safer, he needs to stop alienating others?  People who commit violent acts tend to be the outcasts, the ones who were bullied, ignored, or made to feel powerless.  What is the rest of the world left to think as America, the land of the free, rejects those in need or simply rejects whoever on a whim?   On the steps of the Supreme Court on Monday, Chuck Schumer pointed out that this ban even hurts our soldiers by shunning the allies they have overseas such as Darweesh and Alshawi (17).

          I'm sure you can come up with a dozen and a half arguments against the case I've made, because that seems to be the world we live in right now.  Instead of hearing another's words and trying to take them to heart we want to tell that person why they are wrong.  Go ahead and try, but my heart remains open to refugees, immigrants, and even the illegal immigrants.  They need to know that they are loved and that Americans care about them.  They need to know that we will continue to gather and protest injustices as they arise.  We aren't always good at this (I am deeply sorry black Americans), but maybe this is the time for us to start trying to be better.  Maybe we can keep this marching momentum for everyone who is being held down until we can all stand free and equal.

          Finally, to all those standing up for these friends, neighbors, and especially the strangers, I see you and my heart is so full of love for you and this magical movement we have started.  If you have yet to join this movement consider this my outreached hand inviting you to join.  If things get really bad would you rather know you did everything you could to stop it, or potentially feel guilty for letting the anxiety silence you?  There is a March for Science in the works and a Tax Day March coming up.  All you need to do is show up, support those around you with a smile or two, and maybe even join in on the chants you like.  While you're waiting for those check out my ever-growing list of actions you can take to make a difference.  America truly is the greatest country in the world.  Let's fight for her.


*I use that word very purposely. We are white, have a nice apartment, health insurance, a solid career, a car, both have multiple college degrees, enough clothes that some items go a year or more without being worn, loving parents who are still married, food filling our fridge and pantry, and a dishwasher.


Update April 12, 2017

          Thankfully this first attempted ban and a second both got halted; the second one got halted before it even got started.  Now I read that the list of crimes committed by immigrants is running into troubles (18), no surprise there.  We're not even three months in, yet.



Additional Info:

          A list of quotes from several people directly affected by this ban.

          Meet some of the Iranian faces we are denying.  Thank you Rick Steves for doing stellar work and sharing it with us all.

Section 5c,d of "Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States:"  The only two sections to use "I."

(c) Pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the entry of nationals of Syria as refugees is detrimental to the interests of the United States and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I have determined that sufficient changes have been made to the USRAP to ensure that admission of Syrian refugees is consistent with the national interest.
(d) Pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the entry of more than 50,000 refugees in fiscal year 2017 would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I determine that additional admissions would be in the national interest.

No this is not MLA or APA style citation.  I'll do that again when I get paid for it.  You can also click on each number above and it will take you directly to each link.

1 http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1582XQ (originally posted Jan. 24)

2 http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/10-executive-actions-trump-signed-far/

3 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-publish-weekly-list-crimes-immigrants-commit-refugees-aliens-executive-order-us-a7546826.html?cmpid=facebook-post

4 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/27/us/politics/trump-syrian-refugees.html?mtrref=www.facebook.com&gwh=860691CF51DF57C24316764200A60F02&gwt=pay

5 https://www.facebook.com/theDanRather/posts/10158124886660716

6 http://usuncut.com/news/nyc-taxi-drivers-refusing-pick-ups-jfk-airport-solidarity-refugees/

7 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/27/us/politics/refugee-muslim-executive-order-trump.html

8 http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-several-reportedly-detained-at-o-hare-international-airport-20170128-story.html

9 https://twitter.com/tparsi/status/825426106543198210

10 https://www.facebook.com/nazanin.zinouri/posts/10202859584807567

11 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/politics/wp/2017/01/30/the-arbitrary-nature-of-trumps-seven-country-ban-is-clear-from-a-look-at-the-numbers/?utm_term=.bc1afe406ebc

12 http://www.npr.org/2017/01/28/511996783/how-does-trumps-immigration-freeze-square-with-his-business-interests

13 http://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2017/1/25/14383316/trump-muslim-ban-immigration-visas-terrorism-executive-order

14 http://www.vox.com/2017/1/27/14370854/trump-refugee-ban-order-muslim

15 https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/01/29/trump-asked-for-a-muslim-ban-giuliani-says-and-ordered-a-commission-to-do-it-legally/?utm_term=.2720472e5774

16 https://www.dhs.gov/news/2016/02/18/dhs-announces-further-travel-restrictions-visa-waiver-program

17 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/iraqi-refugee-helped-us-military-detained-jfk-airport-donald-trump-immigration-ban-a7551016.html
18 https://fusion.net/ice-puts-their-list-of-crimes-committed-by-immigrants-o-1794224083

Thinx: My First Impressions

          Earlier this year I heard about Thinx period underwear.  They claim that depending on your flow you might not need a pad or anything else beside them, or you can use them as backup on those heaviest days.  They absorb our blood and tissue just like a pad but supposedly without the threat of leaks.  They are advertised for use up to ten hours.  Put them on and wear them wherever you need to be for a day.  Thinx appeals to me because I don't like making so much trash each month just to bleed, pads are expensive, and I haven't seen any other pad alternatives that interest me.  I am not interested in anything that needs to be inserted, or interested in chemically stopping periods because I don't know if all the risks are understood, yet.  So period panties that are reusable, cute, and in a similar price range as Victoria's Secret (almost as sexy and way more practical) are worth a try.

          This blog is my attempt to let curious minds know my thoughts and the details about wearing these neat undies.  If you're squeamish you probably haven't been enjoying the thrill of monthly bleeding for very long or you're just silly.  Don't worry, I love silly people, but I won't hold back on the gross because periods are gross; that's nature.  I bought my first pair earlier this summer and immediately had friends and family wanting to know more, so here it is!

          First let's talk about picking the pair.  Thinx has several styles ranging from the thong that will absorb half a tampon's worth up to hiphugger that holds two tampon's worth.  I've never used tampons so I can't make a direct comparison to that claim.  I bought my first pair black/medium/hiphugger to test on my heaviest days.  When I took my two measurements one fell into the small and one into the medium category on the sizing chart.  I chose medium, because of all the times you don't want something too small around your waist it is probably when you're bloated and crampy.  I went with black because that seems more fun.  They arrived in a very reasonable amount of time in their own little package that fit in our small mailbox.

          Now onto the more exciting look and feel.  I love the fabric, it is silky, stretchy, and has super sexy lace around the top.  They thankfully don't squeeze around the thighs, unlike my new cute cotton undies.  I am realizing that either undies and jeans run on different sizes, or I've gone up sizes since the last time I bought jeans.  The medium Thinx did fit a little loose but not loose enough to worry about them falling down, and when the cramps hit they were perfect.  I also love the feel of the smooth fabric against my pants as I walk.  These are the sexiest pair of underwear I own and I'm totally ok with that.  One extra note on style is if you wear the lower rise jeans with a shorter shirt where you get that bare skin gap in the back when you sit your lace will show.  I don't know why they use such a thick layer of lace, but that is one thing I found interesting.  Of course that is not a deal breaker but just something to consider when picking your outfit.  If you want to show off the sexy lace go for it!  Why not feel sexy when you're otherwise feeling terrible?  It can be a bit empowering during shark week to show off some sexy.

          Let's try them on!  It took me a few months to give them a proper test.  They came in super handy on a trip home when I'd forgotten to pack pads for an overnight stay at the in-laws' and Aunt Flo showed up a little early.  Then when she stuck around heavier than usual longer than usual they were wonderful to wear on the flight home and not have to worry about a bulky pad.  It was so nice to sit four hours without an extra bulge between my butt bones.  The absorbent material is not bulky or stiff, it feels almost exactly like regular underwear.  The difference is noticeable if you want to be picky but it's not bad in any way.  If I handed you a pair to examine and try on you probably wouldn't notice that they aren't regular undies.  Another user compared the feel to swim suit material.

          Time for some ick.  I do not know how my flow compares to others but I usually have two or three heavy days where at least 2 regular or long "thin" pads are needed during the day.  I often change more often than needed for comfort, odor, and peace of mind; I also use the bathroom as frequently as able at least on the first day.  Then I use the diaper-like nighttime pads for at least 3 nights and try to get up to pee a couple times a night to release any built up flow.  With the Thinx I have had zero leak or lack of absorbance issues so far.  I have always been able to use the restroom frequently so they haven't been given a full test of what it would be like if I was at work or a social event for the day.  I also haven't tested them at night because I'm not sure how they'd work when I'm laying down all the time, especially as a side sleeper.  If I laid on my back or front I think the Thinx would catch all the flow, there seems to be plenty of material in the hiphuggers that goes as high as most pads in the front and back.  Don wonders if the boy short style, while rated for only one tampon might be better for night since they enclose your upper thigh, as well.  I'll have to try them out.

          If you're like me then it's not always perfect liquid dripping out and you get blobs.  The tissue in the blobs doesn't seem to get fully absorbed but the liquid from them does.  So far this just creates a very thin dry visible layer on the fabric over time.  I am impressed that they only create that thin layer because pads seem unable to dry out blobs which just sit there looking like sea monsters until I change pads.  I don't like that, so this is a major improvement in my book.  My only concern with this is if I wasn't able to use the bathroom enough on a heavy day would that layer start to build up and possibly create absorbance issues.  When I get a job and have to test this out, I'll let you know.

          For the most part I do feel dry wearing Thinx.  On lighter days there is no dampness.  After a long, heavy flow day though I've sometimes noticed dampness or at least a slight chill from evaporation cooling the fabric when I pull them back up after taking a pee.  But I don't feel gross at all.  I also can't say for sure that it's not sweat causing the issue.  California summers are very hot, and I've been sweating non-stop since June, so it could be that.  More time will be needed for me to be sure about dryness.

          My next thought is about odor.  I don't know if there is any odor protection built in so by the end of a long day I wouldn't be surprised if that started being an issue.  I wonder if that is why they recommend 10 hours as the wear time.  I haven't noticed it myself, yet, and I still think you'd make it through a work day without a problem, but I think it would be wise to wash your smelly bits before putting on tomorrow's pair so you're starting the day fresh.  If I was working then going out after work I'd probably have a second pair at the ready to change into before going out for comfort and peace of mind.  No one will know you're wearing period panties or bleeding unless you tell them, either!  I know pads can sometimes be visible under certain fabrics, especially fresh ones that haven't yet formed to your curves.  Sometimes I'm self-conscious about that so I think that's another reason I love these so much.  They are discreet and sexy!

          I have so many pairs of stained underwear that it is nice to finally have pairs that can get blood all over them and look like new after an easy wash.  With pads I will usually still end up staining the fabric that touches my inner thighs because they don't absorb fast enough or they get bunched out of place.  I haven't tried the nude fabric so I don't know if they will start to pick up color over time or not.  I will also have to try that out.

          Now to talk about care.  Once I am done with my pair after a heavy day I put on my usual undies and a nighttime pad then I take the Thinx to my sink rinse out the absorbent area a few times with just running water then I use soap and just scrub until the pink stops.  It usually takes about five minutes then they go into a delicates bag or zipper pillow case and wait for laundry day.  I like getting that part done right away because I imagine it's more effective and it isn't much of a hassle.  I put them in a cold water load then let them air dry and they are ready for use again!  If you do laundry more frequently than we do you can probably use each pair more than once during each cycle, too.  Then you can really get your money's worth by reducing the number of pairs you need to not need any pads.  Hopefully each pair will last a very long time; another thing I am eager to learn.  I will still always want thin panty-liners around but I'd like to be able to stop buying all other pads.

          Today I am wearing my new black/small hiphugger pair and I probably won't wear them on a cramp day again because they do squeeze enough to make my bloated sides a little grumpy.  I also get red marks at the seams on my legs moreso than with the mediums, and wedgies due to sitting not like a dainty lady.  They arrived with a different type of decorative fabric at the top that is stretchy and not such a fancy lace.  I wonder if they realized this won't wear out as quickly as lace.  I think my next order with be a 3 pack (because they get a discount) of 2 medium hiphuggers (one nude) to cover all heavy days and a medium sport style.  I might trade a hiphugger for a boyshort to try at night, though.  I'll let you know how that goes if I try it out.  I'd love to eliminate those nighttime pads!

          So the TL;DR of it all is:  yes on comfort at the right size (go with the larger size if your measurements fall into 2 sizes), yes on style, yes on absorbance, unknown about odor control, unknown about nighttime use, ok on dryness on heavy days and yes for lighter days, yes on ease of use and care, yes on price because they are reusable and can potentially eliminate the need for anything else, yes on preventing more stained undies, and yes I want more.  This is the first time someone can make me really happy with a gift of undies, which Don is more than happy to do.  Yes, I recommend you should at least try a pair because I think you will really like having them around for regular use or as a sexy backup.  Final note: each pair sold funds a pack of AFRIpads for girls in Africa who don't have such easy access to sanitary pads and sometimes have to miss school because of it, so yes for being a good person.

          This is my first time reviewing something and sounding like a salesperson.  How did I do?  The video below is worth a watch if you have more time.  I love you just for reading this!  Please ask any questions in the comments below and I will add updates as I experience the Thinx world more.

Ninja Visit

Grand Canyon's Desert View Watchtower

          My first ninja visit has been a pretty big success.  I swooped into town undetected and got to surprise friends and family by suddenly being in town.  D was neck deep in career stress this month and he agreed that it was a perfect opportunity for me to head home with my parents and sis for a couple weeks to give him guilt-free weekends spent at work.  Now he is nearly done with the stress, I am heart happy from getting to see so many loved ones, and we are both ready to spend time together again.

          Just in time to celebrate my birthday, our second anniversary, and then his birthday all in the span of three weeks.

          My first niece was born in April just down the street from our apartment.  My parents and sis couldn't resist such a perfect reason to visit sunny California.  They took a slow, scenic drive across country and arrived just in time to greet the new baby girl and help out with her big brother while mommy recovered and daddy worked at his new job.  I was in heaven.  What is better than having your newest family member just down the street while your favorite sis is living with you?

          We mostly enjoyed hanging out with each other, cooking together, snuggling the baby, taking big brother for walks, and playing some table top games.  Thankfully we also had time to explore Universal Hollywood's new Wizarding World, Magic Mountain's incredible virtual reality roller coaster, and Cabrillo Beach's tide pools.

San Francisco Peaks

          The visit is over much too soon, and it is time for us to pack our bags.  I am mindful that I'm also packing to satisfy airline regulations for the return trip.  We drive the first day to Flagstaff and enjoy dinner at Olive Garden.  It is quite chilly as the sun sets but the snowy-peaked mountains are the real cause for our breathlessness.

It was a slow reveal today.

          Our second day starts staring into a chasm filled with thick fog that slowly dissolves to reveal the Grand Canyon stretching far below and before us.  I wasn't as awe-struck as I wanted to be.  I hope that one day I'll be able to climb down into it and better feel the immense scale of it.  Regardless of my feelings it was still a very photogenic day.  I made sure to snap squirrel photos for D who enjoys pointing them out on all our trips.

Sunset Crater Volcano

          Day three takes us to the Petrified Forest in Arizona.  Trees that have turned to quartz are broken and shattered all over the place.  Some chunks are as thick as I am tall.  We fight the wind and scattered rain but succeed in filling our heads with the colors and history displayed here.  One day I will return here for some more hiking with D.

Petrified wood next to a living cactus.

          After sleeping in Albuquerque, New Mexico we take the short drive to Sandia Peak for a tram ride to the top.  The wind is strong and I hold my hat down with a head band that also keeps my ears warm.  After yesterday's winds on the cliffs, I am prepared.  I don't want to get punched in the chin by my baseball cap again.  Your wrist is not as safe a place for your hat during extreme winds as you might think.  The views of New Mexico sprawling before and around us are nicely labeled on information boards.  The ski trails are ready for the season's hikers and mountain bikers.  We eat a hurried lunch at the restaurant at 12,000 feet, and make it down on the last tram before they close for the day due to the high winds.

My first snowman of the 2015-2016 snowy season.

          Texas and Oklahoma don't hold my attention along this route, even with all their cattle and long-horned cattle.  Missouri starts to feel more like home, and we all have a good laugh at the billboards:  We're having big fun in Uranus! and Uranus Fudge Factory: The Best Fudge is Found in Uranus!  It's hard not to appreciate the humor.  Storms follow us into St. Louis as we drive by the arch and Eads Bridge.  We have just enough time to snap pictures of engineer James Buchanan Eads's grave before the thunder cracks and hurries us along.

The exact point where Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri meet.

          Finally we are home.  I wash my small load of laundry and head to bed early.  It's amazing how quickly your body gets used to earlier sleep schedules when on a somewhat regimented road trip.

          My week home is spent hanging out with my best friend and her family, playing a little Wii with my mom, helping make cupcakes by finishing extra frosting, celebrating birthdays with lots of family and friends (not all my family, but they still feel like family), tagging along on a surprise trip to immediate care, enjoying so much good food and company, playing fun card games with family, giving many check-ups to many toys, sharing a tree frog with excited kids, trying to stay warm at entertaining soccer games, dropping off a forgotten souvenir, cheering on my husband from afar, covering myself in dog fur from many puppy snuggles, hunting for Lego Mickey and Minnie, and a handful of brand new experiences.  Several parts of this week are forever engraved on my heart.

          Despite the insanity of these two wildest weeks of my life (so far), I am very grateful for them.  I hope my next ninja visit will be just as filled with love and contain only good surprises.

The blue mesa trail at the Petrified Forest National Park.