The last two weeks of the semester are kicking my ass, so posting is going to be very light until the 15th.

I took this a week or so ago during my favorite time of day, about an hour before the sun goes down. I hate that it's setting at 4.45pm, but I love the shadows that get cast across the living room floor. Now if it only stayed light out for a bit longer...

Niels just called an informed me that She-Ra was put to sleep this morning. Her mind was still good, but her body had stopped working, she was 15. She was a beautiful, friendly, lovable dog and will be forever missed.

May her next journey be filled with peace.

One of Niels' family's dogs, She-Ra the Husky, isn't doing very well and in so many ways is very much his dog. So if you could send some good vibes her way, it would be most appreciated. 

Things are busy, it's the end of the semester so it's no big surprise. I've a post about adjusting to being on anti-depressants marinating in my brain and I'm hoping to get it out this weekend.

Until then here are to op-eds for you to enjoy. One of which was written by my boss, which I always find really exciting.

Obama and Our Schools

Health Cares

All day yesterday I kept thinking I was in an a waking dream and at any moment I would wake up and *poof!* Obama having won disappear.

But it's not a dream, I woke up this morning and there it was, still on the front page, articles on the historic-ness of this election.

The past eight years have been rough on my identity of what it means to be American, and at this moment I have never been more proud of my country and her people. We really can do great things when we put our minds to it.

Last night was an amazing evening. Niels and I were in D.C. celebrating, and I've never been part of something so momentous before. It truly is an historic event. I can't even begin to fully convey the sheer jubilation this city felt upon Obama's win.

Unfortunately, my joy was tempered this morning when I found out that it seems more than likely gay marriage will be banned in California.

Get out there and VOTE!

I had my doctor's appointment yesterday. It was supposed to be for 8:30am, but I didn't see him until almost 9:30am and since I didn't have anywhere to be it was no big deal he was running late. (China has taught me to be more flexible with some things relating to time, but not many)

Also, he's an awesome doctor, really listens to me and doesn't think I'm a complete wackjob. If I want want to continue to expect him to spend the necessary time to give me proper medical care, I've come to accept the fact that he's going to run late, because he's giving the same quality of care to his other patients. I've learned to make morning appoints to see him, that way I get to see him before he's gotten completely off schedule. Unfortunately, with yesterday's visit, I ran out of reading material which made the wait a little painful.

We talked for a good 35-40 minutes prior to my annual physical about my physical & mental health. And after much discussion came to the conclusion that it might benefit me to go on a low dose anti-depressant. We first discussed the option of talk therapy but because of my health insurance and the cost issue that was ruled out, for now.I did talk therapy in high school and it sort of helped, but at this point in my life I don't think I'd find it helpful. 

I'm totally OK with going on meds; this course of action didn't come as a shocker. I'm a big proponent of proper mental health care coverage, not the half assedness that it is now. Over the past few years I've wondered if I should go on them. Being in China allowed me to take some time to pay attention to my mental health in a way I couldn't or didn't know how to do before we left, and I'm hopeful that it will be put on track.