With networking events every single night this week, by Friday evening, I was just pooped. I had originally planned to march in San Jose on Saturday, but with the torrential rains and whatever, my resolve was quickly waning.

This morning, I woke up still feeling sluggish and slow to get going. But I went. And I’m so glad I did. I coordinated going with my friend W. Then, during the march, I met up with T and an old crew from my govvie job. It was good to see everyone, and thankfully, it didn’t rain! Most importantly, it felt comforting gathering with so many people in solidarity for women’s rights.

Unfortunately though, by the time we reached the march destination for the speakers, I was distracted. I couldn’t hear the speakers very well, and then W and I got into our own conversation about real estate…

We left the march in the early afternoon and went back to her house. There, we got into a different conversation with her husband about democracy and progress and the future. He was hopeful and encouraging, but he also stressed that today is only the beginning.

Tonight, while catching up on my blog, I realized something I neglected to mention earlier. On Tuesday, when I randomly went into credit unions and banks to meet with their loan agents, one of the people I met was the mother of Audrie Pott. I only pieced together what that truly meant later after I’d gone home to research all my new contacts via LinkedIn. I noticed in her profile, the Audrie Pott Foundation. The name sounded familiar but I couldn’t quite place it. Then, after a quick Google, to my horror, I was reminded of the tragic story.

I have yet to watch the documentary about Audrie’s story, and already, I am overcome with anger and sadness and disbelief. THIS is why I marched today. Women in the US have come a long way, but my god, there is still so much farther to go. When boys and men think it’s ok to disrespect us, to abuse us, to assault us… there is something still so very wrong. Rape culture is fucking real. These boys– childhood friends whom she trusted– they did this to her!! And there was no remorse. No regret. This is fucking bullshit, and we have to ask, how/where are these kids learning this????

This is why it matters when Trump says shit like “go grab the pussy” and when he gropes and assaults women without consequence. Learn about consent, you fucking asshole!

I am so sickened by people who say they voted for Trump. They defend their vote, insisting that they are NOT bigots or sexists or assholes, but that they want lower taxes or they want factories and jobs to stay domestic. The ONE good doesn’t justify all the bad, you know? Jesus Christ! Would you invite your accused pedophile uncle to live in your house with your family just bc he promised to give you free childcare? You can’t be a cafeteria Catholic and pick out the good but ignore the bad! Trump is a goddamn disaster: shrewd businessman or not, he lacks integrity and honesty. And now you’ve given him the most powerful position in the country. I am disgusted.