I too, am disheartened about our Presidential election results. Yesterday at this time I was filled with optimism. Today, it has shifted to doubt, uncertainty, exhaustion. America has chosen a hate-based man. I know what it feels like to work for a hate & fear based regime. For the past 8 years I've been working with hate & fear based men, and it is anxious, scary, and critical. Luckily I no longer work in that environment, but i am still healing from the experience, where I was told that I was "too smart".

As a Woman. It feels like Women never finish first when it comes to power. It feels like we are more scrutinized. It feels suffocating. Like nothing you say gets taken seriously, and if you are given a carrot - you are constantly indebted for small carrot. I am constantly being told to be quiet/speak up, sit up straight/not so tall, looks don't matter/look your best. This election and the primary election from 2008, gave ear to that inner Woman in me a specific smile that was absolutely waiting to celebrate. Like Hillary said - no we haven't broken through the glass ceiling yet - and so that yelp for celebration is now still a lump in my throat.

I'd like to end with Gratitude. I am grateful for the California ballot measure successes. Yes to Marijuana, Yes to money for education, Yes to cigarette and sugar tax, and Yes to a ban on plastic bags. I would like to see more Agriculture on our next ballot, but I am proud of the steps we have taken. I would also like to see a transportation reform for our gorgeous state. Lets create an transportation infrastructure that isn't reliant on cars, and more conducive to public transit, shall we?

Those are my thoughts.