November 2019 Gratitude

Dec 1, 2019

Gratitude is an important avenue for growth and part of self-care.
Here I share a peak into my monthly gratitude journal each month.


Thanksgiving falls in November here in the States, and there's plenty to be thankful for this month and every month (yes, even the things we take for granted or don't even notice). As you may or may not know, I practice gratitude every month as part of my self-care and mental wellbeing so this post is no different just because of Thanksgiving. So without further ado...


☾ First and foremost, the blessing of my family and new friends, and the healthy relationships we have. God really does provide. Also, thankful for the patience while waiting for this blessing that I will cherish.

☾ My car. Okay, this may seem materialistic to be grateful for but after getting in a car accident that left my car totaled, I was out of a car, and not only do I need a car to get to work but so does my mom since I share mine with her while hers is still not operational. So finding this particular car where I did, when I did and for a price that can't be beat, it seemed like a miracle. And to top it all off, the car dealer was so kind enough to knock $1,200 off the grand total which saved me a lot!

☾ #GivingTuesday - a global day of giving. While Giving Tuesday doesn't happen until December 3 this year, there are many folks, organizations and companies gearing up for the giving holiday. Move over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is the real mvp.

☾ Completing and passing my traffic school (100%). It only took me... 11 hours to complete but it was worth getting it done and over with, so my speeding ticket doesn't knock points off my record or increase my car insurance even more.

☾ The ability to work extra shifts because after buying a car, I could really use the extra funds (especially when my car insurance has doubled than what I've been paying for my old car).

☾ The accessibility to resources for specific health and dental needs, basic necessities, and the existence of those resources.

☾ Libro.fm and other audiobook services alternatives that are not Am*zon/Bezos-owned.

☾ Disney+ and baby Yoda



☾ English dubbed and subbed anime, and them being available on Hulu, Netflix and other streaming services and websites.



♥ What are you grateful
for this month? ♥

27 Years Around the Sun | Birthday Post

Sep 1, 2019


It's hard to believe that I have been on this Earth for 27 years now, as of today. The sun is back in my natal sun sign, virgo, and what a ride its been. There were so many memories (both amazing and not so amazing), dreams, laughs, trials, highs and lows, losses, failures, successes, heartaches, losing myself, finding myself, hardships, lessons, blessings and growth along the way. All very much needed to help shape me into the woman I want to become in this life, and all of which took me a long time to be grateful for. While life has not been easy or always joyful, there are plenty to be grateful for.

For the past couple of years I have been (and still am) working on myself, to become a better and healthier version of myself. Whether it be more mindful to the world around me and how I treat communities and cultures outside of my own or how I can contribute to communities and help people the best I can. 

Personal growth is something that is part of human evolution, that is valuable and important in life - it's not easy, often it's uncomfortable yet necessary to work through, and it's a lifelong journey, and I hope to never let anything or anyone stunt my growth. Rewiring of mindset, mentality and lifestyle has helped break my bad habits and (most - still working on) toxic behaviors/traits, which is incredibly rewarding. I have wellness retreats I manifested in, workshops, volunteering with amazing organizations, therapy, surrounding myself with compassionate and trustworthy folks who are in touch with the world, animals, nature and in themselves, and God, to thank in their help with my journey in my personal growth. 

(Sorry for all the rambling!)

Anyway, I don't have any inspirational advice to cap off the birthday post or an Am*zon/Book Depository wishlist (for reasons), but what I ask is if you donate or volunteer your time to good causes/organizations/charities that are important to me if you can or want to. Or just give your reps a call about important issues/bills with 5calls.org's call scripts. Thank you. :)


Some organizations to donate to (but not limited to):

CARE (they're matching donations 5x until 9/19!)
Aloha Aina Support Fund (Mauna Kea Hawaii protection/legal fund)

August 2019 Gratitude

Aug 31, 2019

Gratitude is an important avenue for growth and part of self-care.
Here I share a peak into my monthly gratitude journal each month.


This month I am grateful for:


☾ Having the opportunity to know a good friend before she passed away. Rest easy, angel, and happy birthday.

☾ Supportive bosses and coworkers who have become friends and were there to help me through my breakdowns at work and outside of it, and who looks out for each others well-being and safety.

☾ Music festivals that brings people together, connecting each other through music, allowing time and a space to spend with friends, dance to some great music, "live our best life", discover new music, make new friends and make new memories.

☾ Lessons and mentality shift learned through personal growth and the wellness retreat I manifested in to help me through annual depressive episode that occurs around this time of year like clockwork. Having a healthier mindset and mentality helps me through everything better than the toxic and immature mentality I had that always held me back before.

☾ Three pay cycles this month. After the expenses I had to pay up, it was much needed to help pay my bills and necessities.

☾ Hulu for having the Sailor Moon series on their queue, as well as other of my old shows that Netflix doesn't have.

☾ More free time that leaving one of my jobs had brought, giving back what matters most in life and to me: time with family and friends, work on myself and growth some more, give back to the community, travel and see the world and learn about cultures outside of my own, get involved in civic action for marginalized communities and do my part in helping the environment.

☾ That being said, being able to slow down and live mindfully and intentionally. It doesn't need to be said that taking care of yourself and your health is important, and it's hard to do that if you're constantly busy and working too much.

☾ The way the end of summer sun shines, the beauty of this planet we call home. I'm an earth sign (Virgo sun) so yeah I'm going to be sentimental about aspects of nature.

☾ Whatever it was that helped keep me on track with my minimalism lifestyle, especially financially, despite the unexpected expenses that came up.



♥ What are you grateful
for this month? ♥

#TakeActionTuesday 8.27.19

Aug 27, 2019

#takeactiontuesday is a weekly action tag that careaction.org started on twitter
to dedicate tuesdays to take action on issues that is important to you.
i took part on twitter and brought it onto the blog.


☾ Ways to help protect the amazon rainforest in Brazil:

  • 9 Ways to help the amazon rainforest, via: FastCompany: fastcompany.com
  • Donate here to the Rainforest Action Network: ran.org
  • Pledge solidarity with the peoples of Brazil with Amazon Watch: amazonwatch.org
  • Read up on how indigenous peoples are fighting to save their sacred land/home in Brazil, via Dazed: dazeddigital.com

☾ Mental health resources for college students going back to school, via Mashable: mashable.com

☾ If you haven't yet, register to vote: nationalvoterregistrationday.org and then help register fellow people in your community to register as well.

☾ Don't just vote; organize too: medium.com

☾ Urge your MoC's to reject funding for ICE: act.indivisible.org

☾ Detaining immigrant families indefinitely before and during the application and court processes goes against the Constitutional law process of asylum seeking in the U.S. (Article 14 of UDHR and 8 U.S. Code § 1158) -- Call your MoC's to block the indefinite detainment gag rule and follow the U.S. law Code 1158 "the right way", with this call script from 5calls: 5calls.org

☾ If you have the time and care about people of color, join the Community Justice Reform Coalition's community of color organizing call: cjactionfund.org

☾ Help immigrants who are seeking asylum with their application and court processes:


(If we want immigrants to seek asylum here "the right way," we need to help them do that and practice what we preach by enforcing 8 U.S. Code § 1158 Asylum U.S. law "the right way" as well. Two wrongs do not make a right; it makes us hypocrites. We can be better.)

☾ Help flip Seats state by state by helping Virginia to combat gerrymandering with flippable.org

☾ Defund hate week of action: defundhate.indivisible.org



Resources, action guides + call scripts provided by:
amazonwatch.org
ran.org
5calls.org
nationalvoterregistrationday.org
act.indivisible.org
cjactionfund.org
protectingimmigrantfamilies.org
zerotothree.org
action.aclu.org
defundhate.indivisible.org
fastcompany.com
flippable.org
mashable.com
dazeddigital.com



♥ How are you taking action around
your community/country this week? ♥

#TakeActionTuesday 8.20.19

Aug 20, 2019

#takeactiontuesday is a weekly action tag that careaction.org started on twitter
to dedicate tuesdays to take action on issues that is important to you.
i took part on twitter and brought it onto the blog.



☾ A wildfire is ravaging the worlds largest and important ecosystem, the Amazon rainforest, and threatening wildlife, land, water resources and people who live there. Support, donate or volunteer for the Rainforest Action Network, Rainforest Trust, or The Nature Conservancy (or Brazil-based environmental orgs).

☾ Advocate, donate or take action for cancer research and beat cancer with Stand Up To Cancer (or your preferred cancer orgs).

☾ 5 things you can do to help Kashmir, via soundvision.

☾ Ways to give back and empower kids and girls in Africa and South America succeed in school, access clean water and succeed in adulthood with the Me to We Movement: we.org

☾ AB 392 deadly use of police force reform was signed into law in California yesterday! A step in the right direction for much needed police reform in CA -- Be sure to thank your reps who voted for it. The work is not over yet. AB 1215: Body Camera Accountability Act was shelved last year will be on the floor for another vote soon, so urge your state reps to support AB 1215: action.aclu.org

☾ Gun violence has been rampant and we must urge lawmakers to take real action to help reduce it by expanding background checks and ban assault weapons from civilian consumption. Use this call script + senator contact finder here for background checks and here to ban assault weapons from civilians. The Indivisible Guide also has resources and call scripts to urge MoC's to pass S. 42: act.indivisible.org

☾ Help protect the Endangered Species Act from the new changes by urging your reps to reverse the new regulations, call script from 5calls.org

☾ (FL only) Call your state reps to protect Amendment 4 (Voting Rights) in Florida, with this call script from: ACLUFL.org and/or sign the petition: action.aclu.org

☾ Continue to support and campaign for Amy McGrath for KY Senate: amymcgrath.com

☾ Protect working and low income families SNAP program by urging your reps to oppose the changes that would exclude 3 million people and their families from access to basic necessities: 5calls.org

☾ Please keep helping Native Hawaiians in their stand to protect their sacred land and the islands waterways: per my last take action post.



Resources, action guides + call scripts provided by:
5calls.org
action.aclu.org
aclufl.org
standuptocancer.org
act.indivisible.org
we.org
soundvision.com
amymcgrath.com



♥ How are you taking action around
your community/country this week? ♥

July 2019 Gratitude

Jul 29, 2019

Gratitude is a part of my self-care. Here I share a peak of my gratitude journal each month.


This month I am grateful for:


☾ My little sister, who turned 5 this month! Forever blessed for our rainbow baby.

☾ Audiobooks (that are not Am*zon/Bezos machine owned) and audiobook libraries. For those who may be wondering, I use Overdrive, Libby, Google Play Books and Kobo.

☾ Getting back on the minimalism track financially, as well as mentally and clutter-wise. Minimalism is so important to me and after straying the past couple of months, I feel like myself and I got my shit together again which feels liberating.

☾ The accessibility, affordability and time to get back into krav maga, which was timely with the shootings that happened in the U.S. this month.

☾ Passing Constitutional Rights, Admin of Justice and Civics summer courses, and getting a spot on the roster for Immigration Law, Social Justice Studies and Global Climate Change courses for the upcoming Fall semester.

☾ Getting Thursdays back on my work schedule.

☾ Fun summer activities to enjoy with friends and family, that just uplifts moods, "summer vibes" and brings nostalgia.

☾ Razor-less hair removal products (i.e. Nair masks and wax) and safety razors that lasts a long time so you don't have to keep buying and throwing shavers, and that doesn't rust.

☾ Ed Sheeran. 'Nuff said. Go listen to No. 6 Collaborations Project. (Shameless plug for my celeb husband).

☾ The First Amendment. A right that third world countries under dictatorship rule do not have. A right that makes our country a democracy and what separates us from authoritarian countries.


♥ What are you grateful
for this month? ♥

#TakeActionTuesday 7.23.19

Jul 23, 2019

#takeactiontuesday is a weekly action tag that careaction.org started on twitter
to dedicate tuesdays to take action on issues that is important to you.
i took part on twitter and brought it onto the blog.



☾ Ways to support the Mauna Kea protest and Native Hawaiian's:


☾ If you're joining protests in Hawaii, Puerto Rico and more, know your First Amendment rights: aclu.org

☾ Know your rights if ICE comes to your door, workplace or pulls you over:

  • American Civil Liberties Union (in English + Espanol): aclu.org
  • National Immigration Law Center (in English, Espanol, Chinese, Arabic, Somali, Korean + Farsi): nilc.org

☾ Bid/support the #AuthorsforFamilies RAICES Charity Auction: 32auctions.com

☾ Urge Congress to end the war in Yemen: careaction.org

☾ Urge Congress to end abuses in detention centers: 5calls.org

☾ Keep urging your MoC's to open an impeachment inquiry, with 5 Calls' call script: 5calls.org

☾ Support H.R. 40: Reparations for slavery: 5calls.org

☾ Support Sara Gideon for Maine, who is running against Susan Collins: saragideon.com

☾ Support Amy McGrath, who is running against Mitch McConnell: amymcgrath.com

☾ Hold CBP agents accountable for their abuse of power and death threats: 5calls.org

☾ (CA only) Tell your state legislators to pass AB 1215: Body Camera Accountability Act: action.aclu.org

☾ (CA only) Ask your state Assembly members to pass SB 136: End Mass Incarceration: action.aclu.org

☾ (CA only) Urge your state legislators to pass AB 516 to end poverty tows in California: action.aclu.org



Resources, action guides + call scripts provided by:
Kahea The Hawaiian-Environmental Alliance
The Action Network
Hawaii Community Bail Fund
Change.org
5calls.org
aclu.org
action.aclu.org
careaction.org
32auctions.com
saragideon.com
amymcgrath.com



♥ How are you taking action around
your community/country this week? ♥

{Story Diary} Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Jul 11, 2019

From the NYT Bestselling The Dark Elements series by Jennifer L. Armentrout, comes a spinoff series called telling the story of Zane from TDE series and an entirely new character, Trinity Marrow, on their journey of self-discovery, secrets, and love in The Harbinger series.


Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Young Adult Paranormal Fantasy
June 11, 2019 from Inkyard Press


Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…


Setting + Places


West Virginia, US


[Image Source]


Bethesda, Maryland


[Image Source]


Potomac, Maryland


[Image Source]



Creatures


ÏŸ Warden (Gargoyles)
ÏŸ Demons
ÏŸ Witches
ÏŸ Nephilim
ÏŸ Angels
ÏŸ Lilin
ÏŸ Wraiths
ÏŸ Ghosts
ÏŸ Imps
ÏŸ Familiars
ÏŸ Hellion
ÏŸ Shadow people

Tropes / Themes


☾ The chosen one
☾ Destined soulmates
☾ Hate to love
☾ Slow burn romance
☾ Sexual tension
☾ Angst

Rep


☀ #ownvoices Disabled MC (Retinitis Pigmentosa)

Content / Trigger Warnings


➤ Violence
➤ Gore
➤ Character death






Like the main character, Trinity, author Jennifer L. Armentrout also has a rare genetic disorder of the eyes called Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). She shares experiences of what it's like to live with RP through Trinity without having it hinder her abilities or self in anyway nor does it romanticize it either, which is very much appreciated.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of rare, genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and loss of cells in the retina — which is the light sensitive tissue that lines the back of the eye. Common symptoms include difficulty seeing at night and a loss of side (peripheral) vision. [source]

Retinitis Pigmentosa Symptoms 

Loss of night vision. Night blindness is when you cannot see anything in the dark. Your vision may be normal during the day. As you start losing night vision, it takes longer to adjust to darkness. You may stumble over objects or have trouble driving at dusk and at night. You might also find it hard to see in movie theaters or other dim rooms. 

Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision. This is known as “tunnel vision.” You may find you bump into things as you move around. This is because you are not able to see objects below and around you.

Loss of central vision. Some people also have problems with central vision. This can make it hard to do detailed tasks such as reading or threading a needle.

Problems with color vision. Some people may also have trouble seeing different colors. [source]

Can Retinitis Pigmentosa Be Treated?

There is no single treatment for RP because there are over 100 genes that cause it. One type of RP, caused by problems with a gene called RPE65, can be treated.

Because RP is a genetic disease, you and your ophthalmologist should talk about genetic testing for you.

Researchers are testing possible new RP treatments. This includes clinical trials for a type of RP called X-linked retinitis pigmentosa. To learn more about clinical trials and if you might be able to participate, talk with your ophthalmologist. [source]







Fear could be useful. It could hone the senses, but it could also overwhelm.

--Jennifer L. Armentrout, Storm and Fury



"Just because we are told something is right doesn’t mean it is."

--Jennifer L. Armentrout, Storm and Fury



"Look, I really don’t need you passing out or dying from trying to do surgery on yourself. So, stop acting like a stupid alpha male and let me help you."
His back tensed and then he looked over his shoulder at me. "Did you just call me a stupid alpha male?"
"Yes. I did."

--Jennifer L. Armentrout, Storm and Fury



"It’s a beautiful night." He lifted his gaze. "Clear skies and all the stars."
Following his gaze, I squinted and was able to see the faint twinkles. I knew they were brighter to him and he could probably see a lot more. I could see...four. I closed my right eye. Correction. I could see three. My shoulders tightened.
"It is," I murmured, pushing away the oppressive feeling of finality.
"And you...you look like a goddess, Trinity. Beautiful."

--Jennifer L. Armentrout, Storm and Fury



"I’m not going to let you die, Zayne. You annoy me too much for me to let you die."
A huffing, pained laugh came from him. "That doesn’t...make any sense."
"It makes complete sense," I told him.

--Jennifer L. Armentrout, Storm and Fury



"I feel it," he said, keeping my hand to his chest. "I feel you, but I’ve felt something since the first time I met you. Like I’ve always known you."

--Jennifer L. Armentrout, Storm and Fury







# 1 New York Times and # 1 International Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Charles Town, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki. In early 2015, Jennifer was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, a group of rare genetic disorders that involve a breakdown and death of cells in the retina, eventually resulting in loss of vision, among other complications. Due to this diagnosis, educating people on the varying degrees of blindness has become of passion of hers, right alongside writing, which she plans to do as long as she can.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Tor, HarperCollins Avon and William Morrow, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her Wicked Series has been optioned by PassionFlix. Jennifer has won numerous awards, including the 2013 Reviewers Choice Award for Wait for You, the 2015 Editor’s Pick for Fall With Me, and the 2014/2015 Moerser-Jugendbuch- Jury award for Obsidian. Her young adult romantic suspense novel DON’T LOOK BACK was a 2014 nominated Best in Young Adult Fiction by YALSA. Her adult romantic suspense novel TILL DEATH was a Amazon Editor’s Pick and iBook Book of the Month. Her young adult contemporary THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER is a 2017 RITA Award Winner in Young Adult Fiction. She also writes Adult and New Adult contemporary and paranormal romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

She is the owner of ApollyCon and The Origin Event, the successful annual events that features over hundred bestselling authors in Young Adult, New Adult, and Adult Fiction, panels, parties, and more.









June 2019 Gratitude

Jun 29, 2019

June flew by and there was much to be grateful for. Some things I'm grateful for this month:


☾ First and foremost, my dad.

☾ Dr. Bronner's Castille Soap and apple cider vinegar for their versatile uses and saving our asses time and time again.

☾ Delicious refreshing smoothie bowls. Summer = smoothie bowl season.

☾ Short(ish) line at the DMV, which is very rare, so I'm grateful that the line was short when I had to go in to replace my stolen plates.

☾ Warm weather to kick off the summer. It was a nice break to not have scorching hot summer days in June as usual.

☾ Extra days off from work to enjoy a nice breather, spend time at local summer activities with friends and coworkers, get some stuff done around the house and my poor car, and to catch up on reading and some much needed sleep.

☾ Summer cleaning and de-cluttering. Who says it can only happen in Spring? I always feel more refreshed after de-cluttering, which makes welcoming and enjoying summer season so much better.




♥ What are you grateful
for this month? ♥

#TakeActionTuesday 6.18.19

Jun 18, 2019

#takeactiontuesday is a weekly action tag that careaction.org started on twitter
to dedicate tuesdays to take action on issues that is important to you.
i took part on twitter and brought it onto the blog.


☾ Ways to raise awareness and donate to the people of Sudan:

 ☾ Ask your reps to support H.R. 40 Reparations for Slavery: action.aclu.org

 ☾ (CA only) Call your state legislators to urge them to pass AB 392 to change California's deadly use of police force: action.aclu.org [<-- voting today!]

 ☾ Allies are a key part of any movement. Here's some helpful tips on how to be a good LGBTQ+ ally from the Human Rights Campaign: hrc.org

 ☾ End the abuses of detained immigrants by making a few short calls/voicemails to your reps and senators with this call script from 5 Calls: 5calls.org

☾ Urge your MoC's and senators to enact the FIRE Act to require full political campaigns to disclose foreign contacts: 5calls.org

☾ Sign the pledge to fight for women and children's safety from violence and exploitation: CARE.org

☾ The 2018 blue wave was only half the battle -- The work continues ahead of the 2020 elections. Learn how you can help to flip seats state by state: flippable.org

☾ Help support LGBTQ+ youth and students with Epic Reads: go.epicreads.com/pride

☾ (CA only) High school students who are interested in civil liberties and engage their community on important issues, apply for ACLU's California Advocacy Institute 4-day program to help take your activism to the next level: aclu.org
Resources, action guides + call scripts provided by:
5calls.org
action.aclu.org
care.org
flippable.org
hrc.org
epicreads.com
fastcompany.com
gofundme.com


♥ How are you taking action
around your community this week? ♥

May 2019 Playlist

May 31, 2019

I Don't Care // Ed Sheeran x Justin Bieber
Nightmare // Halsey
Tie Me Down // Gryffin x Elley Duhe
Blow It All / Kim Petras
Cross Me // Ed Sheeran x Chance the Rapper
Doin' Time // Lana Del Rey
I Can Do Better // LOVA
A Thousand Ways // Phoebe Ryan
Blame It On Your Love // Charli XCX x Lizzo
Don't Hurt Like It Used To // Grace Carter
Badass Woman // Meghan Trainor
i'm so sad // gnash
Throw Fits // London On Da Track x G-Eazy x City Girls x Juvenile
the end // xylo
Tru Colours // Bexey
GTFO // Trove
All I Do Is Cry // Kim Petras
Not Ok // Kygo x Chelsea Cutler

May 2019 Gratitude Journal

May 30, 2019

This month I am grateful for:


☾ Advocates, organizations, activists, and select few law makers out there doing the work to protect women's rights (and uterus-having folks) to our own bodily autonomy; intersectional minorities; and help victims and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and rape. it's comforting to know there are some people who cares about us and treats us as living human beings.

☾ Not breaking out in severe eczema flare-ups as usual during this time of year.

☾ California lawmakers passing SB 24 -- abortion care for college students, and the advocates who helped push this through the hurdles.

☾ Halsey's new power anthem: Nightmare.

☾ Servicepeople of all gender identities, ethnicities, religion or non-religion, and sexuality who risks their lives and protect our country both abroad (military troops) and at home: firefighters, EMT's, nurses, doctors, good samaritans, therapists, social workers and more.

☾ Women's rights and empowerment. The ability to have the freedom and vote that women in other countries do not get a choice in (yet). It's important to know how far we've come and how much we still have to go to truly achieve the equality we boast about.

☾ Getting to and from work safely in the worst kind of traffic and the midst of reckless drivers.

☾ Healing and growth.

☾ All the kids who graduated/graduating. Congratulations and wishing y'all the best of luck with whatever you choose to do or go.



♥ what are you grateful
for this month? ♥

#TakeActionTuesday 5.21.19

May 21, 2019

#takeactiontuesday is a weekly action tag that careaction.org started on twitter
to dedicate tuesdays to take action on issues that is important to you.
i took part on twitter and brought it onto the blog.



☾ Join a local abortion rights day of action to protect and support women's (and uterus-having folks) body autonomy, rights and choice:


☾ Urge your state legislators to defend saf, legal abortion care + rights: 5calls.org

☾ If your MoC's are co-sponsors of or voted to pass the Equality Act, send them a thank you message here: act.hrc.org

☾ (CA only) Join the call-in day for AB 932 (CA Act to Save Lives aka police reform): act.indivisible.org

☾ Urge Amazon shareholders to vote to end the company's of face surveillance + rekognition that targets POC and immigrants: action.aclu.org

☾ Keep calling your senators + reps to prevent war with Iran: 5calls.org

☾ Urge your senators to oppose Howard Nielson Jr. for federal judgeship: 5calls.org

☾ Four concrete ways to fight anti-abortion rights laws, by Alma: heyalma.com

☾ Donate or volunteer for reproductive health + justice organizations:

    ✰ Center for Reproductive Rights
    ✰ NARAL
    ✰ Sister Song
    ✰ Guttmacher Institute
    ✰ Yellowhammer Fund (Alabama-based org)
    ✰ Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Project
    ✰ National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health
    ✰ National Women's Law Center
    ✰ Reproductive Health Access Project
    ✰ SPARK Reproductive Justice Now
    ✰ Planned Parenthood Federation of America
    ✰ California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom
    ✰ if/when/how: lawyering for reproductive justice

☾ Pledge to protect reproductive rights, with Indivisible Guide: act.indivisible.org

☾ Donate to CARE.org in their impact on lifesaving work to end global poverty and empower women -- They are matching donations 3x: my.care.org

☾ (CA only) Call your assemblymembers to vote yes on AB 32 to end private prisons: castatestrong.org

☾ (CA only) Urge your assemblymembers to vote yes on AB 217 + SB 200 to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water in California: castatestrong.org

☾ (CA only) Call your state senators to end mass incarceration by urging them to vote yes on SB 136: action.aclu.org




Resources + call scripts provided by:
5calls.org
indivisible.org
castatestrong.org
hrc.org
heyalma.com
care.org
peoplepower.org
aclu.org
stopabortionbans.org

#TakeActionTuesday 5.14.19

May 14, 2019

#takeactiontuesday is a weekly action tag that careaction.org started on twitter
to dedicate tuesdays to take action on issues that is important to you.
i took part on twitter and brought it onto the blog.


  • (CA only) Call your Senators to support SB 24 -- Safe Abortion Care on Campus: action.aclu.org

  • (CA only) Call your state legislators to pass AB 392 -- California Act to Save Lives: action.aclu.org

  • Help flip Virginia assembly seats with this guide from Flippable: flippable.org

  • Call your reps to vote no on detention-expansion funding request for DHS: indivisible.org



  • Call your reps to pass H.R. 6 -- the American Dream and Promise Act: aclu.org

  • Ask your Senators to support and pass the Paycheck Fairness Act: action.aclu.org


  • Supboena Steven Miller to testify before congress: 5calls.org

  • Get 2020 presidential candidates on the record about Rights For All: rightsforall.us


Action guides and call scripts provided by:

{Story Diary} No Two Ways by Chi Yu Rodriguez

May 13, 2019

no two ways chi yu rodriguez f/f sapphic romanceNo Two Ways by Chi Yu Rodriguez
Contemporary F/F Romance, LGBTQ+, Filipino Lit
April 27, 2019


AJ Felipe makes the most of being the head information security engineer for a local law firm with the help of her loyal team of nerds. Their job isn't really the most fun, but things take a turn when one of her junior security engineers decides to nominate her for a makeover show.

Enter Jackie Niño, the one-night stand AJ didn't expect to meet again—who also happens to be the makeup artist who's going to get her all dolled up on national television.

More complications arise after the episode is aired and another ghost from her past comes back to haunt her: Axel Herrera, the ex-boyfriend who still thinks she left him because she's a lesbian.

Spoiler alert: She isn't.

Being bisexual is hard enough. How will AJ navigate new feelings while finding closure for old heartaches?

(Disclaimer: F/F Romance, On-page F/F and M/F only)

CW: mention of transphobia; mentions of biphobia; depictions of inappropriate workplace behavior



Metro Manila, Philippines


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Mekati, Philippines



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Mandaluyong, Philippines



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Pasig, Philippines



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Greenbelt, Philippines



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The Fort Strip, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines



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BCG (Bonifacio Global City), Metro Manila, Philippines


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Bonifacio High Street



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  • Bisexual rep
  • #OwnVoices (Filipino, Bisexual)
  • Full LGBTQ+ Filipino characters + 1 token straight (or maybe not so straight) character
  • On-page F/F sex (as well as M/F)
  • Content warnings in beginning of book, courtesy of author
  • Author's preface of bisexual experiences and views may not be the same for others, which is true
  • MC is a girlboss
  • K-drama references
  • Queer Lola's (grandma's) in love
  • Filipino family
  • Acknowledgement of how the LGBTQ+ community is really "accepted" in Philippines
  • Filipino food


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Utang naloob = a debt of one's inner self; debt of gratitude
Ano ba = what?
Grabe, sarap = very delicious
Siyempre, masarap = of course, it's delicious
Ayoko na = I give up; I don't want to do it anymore
Tabi tabi po = 'excuse me' in reference to filipino superstition when entering/nearing areas where ghosts or goblins live
Ano pa nga ba = what else?
Kolehiyalas = female collegian
Anak = child
Po, Tita = 'po' used before someone's name is a term of respect for older people; 'tita' is auntie
Lola = grandma
Lolo = grandpa
Kuya = term of endearment for older brother or male relative
Walang = no
Balita ko = I heard
Alam ko = I know
Tangina = expression of feelings
Yaya = care taker
Pababa na po = going down
Chismosa = gossip
Tuksuhan lang naman = only joking; teasing



no two ways chi yu rodriguez filipino food collage






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"I do get sucked into a Pinterest blackhole a lot,"
She laughed, and the bed dipped as she sat beside me again. "You? Pinterest?"
I draped myself over the pillows so I could wrap my arms around her waist, nuzzling against the softness of her back.
"I'm more of a Twitter kind of girl."
"Ooh, she likes drama." J's hand slid under the sheet around my waist to rest over my bare hip. "Are you a stan of something then?"

--Chi Yu Rodriguez, No Two Ways (Loc 106-112)

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"The token straight friend has arrived!" Ren yelled.

--Chi Yu Rodriguez, No Two Ways (Loc 272)


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For the most part, the Philippines seemed accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community. But I always knew that there was a thin line between tolerance and acceptance, and my country rarely crossed it.
Being gay was still mostly used for comic relief, and being a lesbian was commonly brushed off as a phase. Never mind being bisexual; trans, ace, enby, or any other part of the spectrum."

--Chi Yu Rodriguez, No Two Ways (Loc 744-746)

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It was never the most comfortable experience explaining my sexuality to other people. Being bisexual was literally not black or white.

--Chi Yu Rodriguez, No Two Ways (Loc 1100)


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"You can't assume whether a person's straight or not just by how they act or present themselves."

--Chi Yu Rodriguez, No Two Ways (Loc 1116)


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"If I were to meet a person and they were put off by a woman wearing pants, then no thanks."

--Chi Yu Rodriguez, No Two Ways (Loc 1180)


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I was secure in my faith as I was in being bisexual.

--Chi Yu Rodriguez, No Two Ways (Loc 1587)


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I didn't waste time on people who chose to judge or question my sexuality. If they had a problem with me being bisexual, it was always an easy "good riddance."

--Chi Yu Rodriguez, No Two Ways (Loc 1605)


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I'd always felt uncomfortable about sharing the permanent parts of my life with temporary people."

--Chi Yu Rodriguez, No Two Ways (Loc 1900)


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"Sexual harrassment is sexual harrassment. Just because your friends think it's all in good fun, doesn't mean everyone else will."

--Chi Yu Rodriguez, No Two Ways (Loc 2000)


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Chi Yu Rodriguez has many feelings. Sometimes these feelings find their way to paper in the form of short stories and fiction online. Sometimes they don't come out at all and end up as unresolved sexual tension or terrible internal angst.

She prefers making imaginary people go through these feelings for her pleasure. Her muses hate her for it, and they repay her by being forever fickle.

She wrestles with them in her head everyday.



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