...and apparently, this blog moves throughout the internet.
New URL: estrogenet.wordpress.com
See you there!
10.21.2009
It's Funny That Way
I have noticed a strange problem. The more politically fired up I am, the better my blog. However, when I get to a certain threshold of fired-upness (for lack of better word), I get so overwhelmed that I can't write. Like the other day, for instance, in my Community Health class. I had a simple paper on helping to solve our rising population growth problem, and, having gone to a summit in DC about just how access to the family planning services women want can help curb that, I knew what my position was. However, it took me a long time to actually write the paper (up to the night before it was due) because I was so overwhelmed. The same thing happened this week on a paper about the economic crisis. And, in a place where I write the rules and nobody really can dictate what I do, I have trouble focusing my efforts. Maybe it's because I've already submitted a bunch of papers about I want to blog, but I have turned them into my community health class, and I don't want to screw up Turn-It-In if he uses it, but I don't see the point in re-wording myself. It's my hyper-conscious PLAGIARISM SUCKS mentality, I guess. Maybe I should be documenting my PNES recovery, but I guess that's what my livejournal is for.
Anyways, here is a list of my "hot-button" issues of late, in no particular order. Let's do the top five of today.
- The fact that abortion is still illegal in Massachusetts. ...I know, right? It's an archaic law that is obviously not enforced. Let's just take it out of the good ole MGL for now (and forever).
- Title V Abstinence Only Education Funding. I like scientifically accurate and non-biased information with my morning coffee, thanks.
- Domestic violence stigmas. It's so unfortunate that many women are afraid to speak out about domestic violence because it is such a sensitive issue. But if we don't report it, who are we protecting? It's not okay. Unfortunately, this will probably be something i battle for the rest of my life.
Anyways, here is a list of my "hot-button" issues of late, in no particular order. Let's do the top five of today.
- Health Care Reform. Okay, this is a no-brainer for anyone who knows me. We need health care reform, and we need it now. I wish we could look adopt a single-payer program like Canada's eventually, I know we need to take baby steps. I'm just worried about the attack on women's health coverage, though, and the gender rating system, which increase our costs as women. And the fact that eight states (plus DC) consider domestic violence to be a "pre-existing condition"...that's just downright inhumane.
- The fact that abortion is still illegal in Massachusetts. ...I know, right? It's an archaic law that is obviously not enforced. Let's just take it out of the good ole MGL for now (and forever).
- Title V Abstinence Only Education Funding. I like scientifically accurate and non-biased information with my morning coffee, thanks.
- Domestic violence stigmas. It's so unfortunate that many women are afraid to speak out about domestic violence because it is such a sensitive issue. But if we don't report it, who are we protecting? It's not okay. Unfortunately, this will probably be something i battle for the rest of my life.
- Body Image Issues. Guilty as charged, guilty as charged, but it's so unfortunate that our culture promotes this self-hating mentality. I recommend the Love Your Body Campaign, To Write Love On Her Arms, and Operation Beautiful for resources.
These are good places to start.
Take care everyone!
<3Althea
These are good places to start.
Take care everyone!
<3Althea
9.12.2009
Updates and Health Care
Okay, it's been over a month- time to write again.
I moved into a huge high-rise building at UMass Lowell two weeks ago, to start my classes here. Overall, I like it. On the 13th floor, I have a beautiful view of the river, parts of North Campus (though, disappointingly, I can't see the nuclear reactor), and some of downtown Lowell. My window is at the perfect angle. My bed's up against that window, and my two roommates and I (we have a fourth bed in case another shows up!) all have a little alcove with our desks and such, so we can have privacy when we need it, but we're pretty social. We all get along really well.
This semester I'm taking chemistry, psychology, sociology, and community health & the environment. They're all really good (chem is way better than I expected, psych and sociology are just pretty interesting fields, and community health, as you can imagine, is absolutely amazing). Additionally, I am in marching band and the jazz/rock big band (which also serves as the hockey pep band, which is extremely exciting)!
Though it's no New Orleans, Lowell is a much more interesting city to live in than I thought it would be. I forgot how extensive the downtown is, and, though I haven't ventured there yet, I feel like it's a place I will have a lot of fun. I want to catch a Spinner's game (assuming we win tonight's game against Staten Island), and I want to do all of the historical stuff again, since it's been a while (Alymay trivia: when I was a kid, I went to Boott Camp here). I am excited about the close proximity of the Tsongas Arena, and I look forward to public skating :-)
UMass Lowell has three main campuses: North, South, and East. North is where (traditionally) all of the science-ish classes are held, most of the humanities-based (and health science/nursing) classes are on South, and East is where you find the most dorms (though there are a few dorms on North and South). I live on East, have a class on North (right across the University Ave bridge), and have three classes on South (which take a little longer than 20 minutes to walk to I think, but I haven't ever timed it). Though there is a shuttle bus (which I take if my trombone's on me), I much prefer to walk. As a result, I've already lost the weight I gained when I had sciatica and I feel healthier than ever (I've also been mostly seizure-free)!
On a completely separate sidenote...watch this if you haven't already (I know it's 47 minutes long, but if you're an American, I consider it your civic duty).
I am happier about President Obama's health care proposal than I thought I would be. No, I wasn't one of those "I HATE OBAMA'S COMMIE OUTLOOK" people, I was one of those "why won't he push for universal health care?" people. But he's right. We need to have a bipartisan approach to this if it's going to work, because we need reform now. I like that more financial assistance will be provided for people who need it. I like that nobody can get dropped or denied because of pre-existing conditions (which is a HUGE fear of mine for when I get off my parents' plan). Something important that people aren't talking too much about is that insurance agencies will be required to cover diagnostic tests like colonoscopies or mammograms, which will save them SO MUCH money and keep us healthy.
The only thing that concerned me about his plan was his little sidenote that the government insurance would not cover abortions. Reproductive rights should know no economic boundaries, and it makes me upset that since a large number of abortions are due to financial issues, the economically feasible option will not cover that procedure. I also worry that, if the President was so quick to say "no abortions!", what reproductive health care will be covered? Some people consider EC an abortion, and others think birth control itself is immoral. Where's the line for us as a nation? What will be covered and what won't?
Certainly something to think about.
I moved into a huge high-rise building at UMass Lowell two weeks ago, to start my classes here. Overall, I like it. On the 13th floor, I have a beautiful view of the river, parts of North Campus (though, disappointingly, I can't see the nuclear reactor), and some of downtown Lowell. My window is at the perfect angle. My bed's up against that window, and my two roommates and I (we have a fourth bed in case another shows up!) all have a little alcove with our desks and such, so we can have privacy when we need it, but we're pretty social. We all get along really well.
This semester I'm taking chemistry, psychology, sociology, and community health & the environment. They're all really good (chem is way better than I expected, psych and sociology are just pretty interesting fields, and community health, as you can imagine, is absolutely amazing). Additionally, I am in marching band and the jazz/rock big band (which also serves as the hockey pep band, which is extremely exciting)!
Though it's no New Orleans, Lowell is a much more interesting city to live in than I thought it would be. I forgot how extensive the downtown is, and, though I haven't ventured there yet, I feel like it's a place I will have a lot of fun. I want to catch a Spinner's game (assuming we win tonight's game against Staten Island), and I want to do all of the historical stuff again, since it's been a while (Alymay trivia: when I was a kid, I went to Boott Camp here). I am excited about the close proximity of the Tsongas Arena, and I look forward to public skating :-)
UMass Lowell has three main campuses: North, South, and East. North is where (traditionally) all of the science-ish classes are held, most of the humanities-based (and health science/nursing) classes are on South, and East is where you find the most dorms (though there are a few dorms on North and South). I live on East, have a class on North (right across the University Ave bridge), and have three classes on South (which take a little longer than 20 minutes to walk to I think, but I haven't ever timed it). Though there is a shuttle bus (which I take if my trombone's on me), I much prefer to walk. As a result, I've already lost the weight I gained when I had sciatica and I feel healthier than ever (I've also been mostly seizure-free)!
On a completely separate sidenote...watch this if you haven't already (I know it's 47 minutes long, but if you're an American, I consider it your civic duty).
I am happier about President Obama's health care proposal than I thought I would be. No, I wasn't one of those "I HATE OBAMA'S COMMIE OUTLOOK" people, I was one of those "why won't he push for universal health care?" people. But he's right. We need to have a bipartisan approach to this if it's going to work, because we need reform now. I like that more financial assistance will be provided for people who need it. I like that nobody can get dropped or denied because of pre-existing conditions (which is a HUGE fear of mine for when I get off my parents' plan). Something important that people aren't talking too much about is that insurance agencies will be required to cover diagnostic tests like colonoscopies or mammograms, which will save them SO MUCH money and keep us healthy.
The only thing that concerned me about his plan was his little sidenote that the government insurance would not cover abortions. Reproductive rights should know no economic boundaries, and it makes me upset that since a large number of abortions are due to financial issues, the economically feasible option will not cover that procedure. I also worry that, if the President was so quick to say "no abortions!", what reproductive health care will be covered? Some people consider EC an abortion, and others think birth control itself is immoral. Where's the line for us as a nation? What will be covered and what won't?
Certainly something to think about.
8.05.2009
7.16.2009
Boycotting Marriage
Hey everyone!
I decided today to join The National Marriage Boycott, and took a pledge that I waive my right as a heterosexual female to marry, until The Defense of Marriage Act is repealed. Though it feels a little like the opposite of an abstinence pledge (I may live with my partner out of wedlock, share finances, and/or have kids, but NOT marry them through the government!), I think it's noble to give up one's rights for equality. It feels strange boycotting an institution I am not joining anytime soon, but I bought myself an "Equality" not-wedding ring to wear on that finger, so I can remind myself to stay faithful to my pledge...like an abstinence ring, only abstaining from marriage instead of intercourse before it (note: I am not hating on abstinence rings, even though I don't believe in abstinence-only education, it's just the closest analogy I could make). I know I live in Massachusetts, where any two consenting adults can get married, but the Defense of Marriage Act defines marriage this way:
So, since people probably won't be asking me why I'm not married anytime soon, being 19 and only having dated my boyfriend for two months, here's my announcement of why!
<3Althea
I decided today to join The National Marriage Boycott, and took a pledge that I waive my right as a heterosexual female to marry, until The Defense of Marriage Act is repealed. Though it feels a little like the opposite of an abstinence pledge (I may live with my partner out of wedlock, share finances, and/or have kids, but NOT marry them through the government!), I think it's noble to give up one's rights for equality. It feels strange boycotting an institution I am not joining anytime soon, but I bought myself an "Equality" not-wedding ring to wear on that finger, so I can remind myself to stay faithful to my pledge...like an abstinence ring, only abstaining from marriage instead of intercourse before it (note: I am not hating on abstinence rings, even though I don't believe in abstinence-only education, it's just the closest analogy I could make). I know I live in Massachusetts, where any two consenting adults can get married, but the Defense of Marriage Act defines marriage this way:
`In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, or of any ruling, regulation, or interpretation of the various administrative bureaus and agencies of the United States, the word `marriage' means only a legal union between one man and one woman as husband and wife, and the word `spouse' refers only to a person of the opposite sex who is a husband or a wife.'That leaves gay/lesbian couples out of a lot of federal benefits, like social security pension or immigration benefits, along with a LOT more.
So, since people probably won't be asking me why I'm not married anytime soon, being 19 and only having dated my boyfriend for two months, here's my announcement of why!
<3Althea
7.12.2009
In Your Opinion...
Is this ad offensive? Please leave comments, and respond in the poll on the right-hand column of the *estrogenet*.
<3althea
7.08.2009
Adults: Back To Sex Ed Class?
The other day, I was in the waiting room at my doctor's office and having forgotten my current book, O Magazine caught my eye. The cover mentioned a story about adult sex ed, and being a sexual health advocate and all (and a maybe someday wanna be OB-GYN), I had to read it (as you should, too). I was happy to learn that it was about the OWL (Our Whole Lives) program that my church, The Unitarian Universalist Association puts out.
I never got to do OWL, because the class near me was too far away when I was a high schooler, but a lot of the lesson plans they use are ones that I've taught in the classroom before. OWL takes a non-judgemental look at sexuality that cares not only about pregnancy and health, but psychology and healthy relationships. Sexuality isn't merely about putting a penis in a vagina and how pregnancy or STI transmission can occur. There are so many psychological aspects, realtionship factors, alternative sexual behaviors, and decision-making skills that need to be covered. The OWL curriculum does a great job of covering that.
The interesting thing about sexual health is information is always getting more and more accurate as scientific advancements/research studies/new STIs or birth control methods come out. For instance, fifteen years ago, there was no such thing as a NuvaRing, but it's now one of the hottest contraceptives on the market that women should be aware of. Less than thirty years ago, HIV was called "GRID", and heterosexual people did not know that they could contract it, nor did people who have blood-to-blood contact by sharing needles. Now, I spend at least a week on HIV alone whenever I have the chance to teach a class. The other interesting thing about sexuality is we are sexual beings from the day we are born (need to cuddle with parents) to the day we die, though we are not always sexually active in the ways we societally tend to think about sex. OWL really stresses that point. For these reasons, it makes sense that people should keep learning about sex ed throughout their lives, and I am very honored to belong to a church that radically expresses this idea.
<3 Althea
PS- Check out this review from Feministing, and if you are a woman who has had kids, please fill out this survey (whether or not you are currently sexually active), based on Betty Friedan's ground-breaking questionaire that led to her revolutionary work The Feminine Mystique, focusing on sex after children. I really wish I could help, but I don't quite fit the demographic.
PPS- Check out the poll on the right column
I never got to do OWL, because the class near me was too far away when I was a high schooler, but a lot of the lesson plans they use are ones that I've taught in the classroom before. OWL takes a non-judgemental look at sexuality that cares not only about pregnancy and health, but psychology and healthy relationships. Sexuality isn't merely about putting a penis in a vagina and how pregnancy or STI transmission can occur. There are so many psychological aspects, realtionship factors, alternative sexual behaviors, and decision-making skills that need to be covered. The OWL curriculum does a great job of covering that.
The interesting thing about sexual health is information is always getting more and more accurate as scientific advancements/research studies/new STIs or birth control methods come out. For instance, fifteen years ago, there was no such thing as a NuvaRing, but it's now one of the hottest contraceptives on the market that women should be aware of. Less than thirty years ago, HIV was called "GRID", and heterosexual people did not know that they could contract it, nor did people who have blood-to-blood contact by sharing needles. Now, I spend at least a week on HIV alone whenever I have the chance to teach a class. The other interesting thing about sexuality is we are sexual beings from the day we are born (need to cuddle with parents) to the day we die, though we are not always sexually active in the ways we societally tend to think about sex. OWL really stresses that point. For these reasons, it makes sense that people should keep learning about sex ed throughout their lives, and I am very honored to belong to a church that radically expresses this idea.
<3 Althea
PS- Check out this review from Feministing, and if you are a woman who has had kids, please fill out this survey (whether or not you are currently sexually active), based on Betty Friedan's ground-breaking questionaire that led to her revolutionary work The Feminine Mystique, focusing on sex after children. I really wish I could help, but I don't quite fit the demographic.
PPS- Check out the poll on the right column
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