Don't Vote.

Deadline to register to vote is October 17 in California.

Whatever you believe, whereever you sit on the political spectrum of ours, exercise your right to vote. People before you have fought long and hard to create a system (as sometimes dysfunctional as it is) that we would have a say in government.

So here's a multi-pronged strategy depending on the type of learner you are:
1) Star studded multi-media




2) Step-by-step instructions
If you've moved since the last time you voted, you need to re-register
a) You can pick up a voter registration card at the library, sometimes at post offices, county offices, city halls. You can also download it here.

b) Make sure it's post-marked by October 17. Easy as pie.

c) Go vote on November 4. Work even gives you time off to go vote.



After you're registered to vote, talk about. Talk about it with your friends with your neighbors. Take media election coverage with a grain of salt. Learn about the issues. You're never going to feel fully informed, but if you take an hour or two to read through your voter materials, you can make a difference.

Not only is there an important Presidential election, but there are lots of other local, state, and federal elections that are also important. And in California, we have our lovely referendum system, so you'll be voting on: gay marriage, the humane treatment of chickens that provide eggs in California, and electric utilities.

Ok, I'm going to get off my soapbox now and go read up on California chickens!

Devastation

Sadly, we had to give up Beaker this morning. The short of it, is that from whatever his past trauma that he suffered before we adopted him, he has significant emotional and behavioral needs that we can't help him with. He's a perfect dog when we're around. Well mannered, playful, house trained, crate trained, and affectionate. However, when we're not around, he's a terror and becomes a danger to himself and his environment. So, sadly, Beaker is now at a shelter looking for a new home - hopefully a wonderful family that will have someone home most of the day to work with him on his anxiety. The Humane Society said that they don't doubt he'll find a good home very quickly. We hope so too.

We'll miss you, Beaks! Be a good dog and learn to trust that your new owners will always come home. Keep being your playful, wonderful self.

And.....makes 3!

Meet the newest member of our family! Introducing Beaker!

A little bit about Beaker...he's a one-year-old Border Terrier (we think mix). He was found wandering the streets of San Jose a couple weeks ago. He loves his chew toys and can chew through anything stuffed. He's a little nervous about being left alone, but loves company and attention!

Feel free to come by and if you have a dog, once he's a little bit more settled, he'd love to have a playdate!

Photos removed because they make me sad.

This blog is essentially dead. But, since Charis poked me to post again, I will obediently do so. Maybe after the work madness ends and our vacation, I’ll have more posts. I like this tag

What three skills or hobbies would you learn if you had unlimited time, money, and tools?

1. Baking. I would love to be the queen of cakes! That would be so much fun to bake awesome cakes for every friend’s birthday, baby shower, bridal shower, baby’s birthdays. Cake decorating would be awesome too. The cake I ordered for Jason’s groom’s cakes from Jen’s Cakes in Los Gatos was so awesome. Jason Yip ate 3 pieces of the cake.

2. Sing. I would love to take voice lessons and learn how to play piano and sing. Related to that, I think I have singer/songwriter dreams if I had time to just fiddle with melodies and lyrics. Maybe I could sing with Damien Rice or The Swell Season.

3. Start my own business. I would love to run my own business…which I guess isn’t a skill or hobby. A flower shop? Bakery? Wedding planning? Now, if there were no risk or capital involved and if I had a real craft, I’d love to be my own boss!

Now I tag Karen, Eva, and Jessica.

A little bit about me and the things I care about.
People often ask me what I do at work. I run public health programs for medical students. I teach about population health, disparities in health, health policy, and advocating for change.

If you want a great glimpse into the things I'm passionate about at work, I encourage you to watch Unnatural Causes - a 4-part PBS documentary airing Thursdays at 10-11pm on PBS, starting tomorrow, March 27.

more info at: www.unnaturalcauses.org

It's a fascinating look at injustices, poverty, racism, classism, and their effects on health. I've spent all my public health education studying this, I teach it now, and I work on projects to create change. It's hard work to create change like this. It takes more than just public health people, more than medical people, it takes all of us to change how decisions are made that affect income and wealth, educational access, and economic mobility.

Let me know if you end up watching it! It's a great documentary, and I know you'll enjoy it!