HIV Won't Stop Me: 2012 T-Shirt and Blog Campaign: Jordan: The Teacher Learns His Lesson

HIV Won't Stop Me: 2012 T-Shirt and Blog Campaign: Jordan: The Teacher Learns His Lesson: I own exactly two t-shirts that don’t say “HIV” on them.   Having worked at the AIDS Project of Central Iowa for 13 years, I gathered quit...

Kissing Babies. Earning Votes.

I don't think it is a secret that I support the Obama presidency. And no, it isn't just because he held my nephew as a baby or subsequently signed the photo for Keyni's first birthday. I support Obama because he has done so many things as president that I honestly never thought I would see, at least not this soon, in my lifetime. 

I know some of my friends feel he has made mistakes and they di

sagree with some of his decisions. Honestly, I expect mistakes. I expect disagreements. But at his core, Obama has shown that he is on the side of equality and he has rallied the country to not only implement civil rights legislation, but to shift our hearts and minds in directions that will make us better. He consistently addresses the isms (not just select ones) that have caused deep divisions and marginalization in our country. And he does this work by building structural change; leveling the playing field so that all-not just those born into privilege based upon unearned status- may have access to a quality life. Healthcare, equal pay, education, civil rights...all of these make my life chances about as good as yours. These policies and programs break the cycle of poverty and give opportunity-NOT handouts-to all. If this was not enough, Obama has invested in the infrastructure of our country in an environmentally responsible way. From investing in wind energy to incentivizing energy efficient appliances and doing away with gas guzzling, smog-producing "clunkers", our planet is better off.

It takes a relatively self-less person to invest in these issues that will not likely produce their intended results for many years to come. But I can say that each time I am involved in a societal cause, whether that is HIV, anti-violence, or racial equality, I often hit a wall. At some point when I am deep into implementing the strategies of the day, I realize that in many cases I am paddling upstream and losing ground quickly. I back up from the issue and the same old solutions and see the underlying current that makes me feel I am in over my head. How can we successfully prevent HIV without also empowering women to take control of their bodies, without also instilling worth in our youth, without also providing healthcare for people living with the virus, without also addressing racism in the medical system, without also sanctioning love in all of its forms, without also preventing homelessness, without also...? Quickly, I am overwhelmed. But when I hear Obama speak, and this is equally true of both President Barack and First Lady Michelle, I feel hope. I feel they "get it" in a way that no other presidential team has. They see the connections between all of these issues and are working toward true solutions that likely won't even be attributed to their work because the impact will be felt gradually over the course of many years. But based on my experience and everything I believe, this is the way forward.

For these reasons, I hope you will join me in supporting our president today. I firmly believe our future will be better for it.

3000 Pounds of Maple and Metal

It is, by no means, the first time I've brought home what others considered trash(y). For most of my adult life, college move out, Goodwill, curb clean up days, and garage sales have been as fruitful in producing "finds" as have Target and Ikea. Seconds, thirds and forths are littered throughout my home sharing space with the likes of West Elm furnishings, Apple products, and professional-grade appliances.

So it is, perhaps, fitting that my driveway is now home not only to the newest vehicle that I've ever owned (2011) but also to my newest (oldest) camper. Formerly empty space, now enclosed by 3000 pounds of maple and metal, the 1959 Yellowstone Sunset is my prize from a lengthy search for the right vintage travel trailer.

"Right" is, admittedly, a subjective term.  In fact, before I invested my $1000 and the slice of homemade pie that I promised the owner of a borrowed tow vehicle, I received some very well-meaning and cautionary comments.  Before bringing home my new project, I heard and ignored one honest opinion from dad, one declaration of our different styles from my sister, one emailed link to a newer camper from mom, and a very loving (what-are-you-getting-us-into) "sure, let's get it" from my spouse.

My parents, in particular, can talk me out of or into most things. "Are you sure you don't want more tomato plants? But these are the Brandywines you like.  You could plant these three in back and then ten more right there in your front yard where you still have some space left. Come on, I'll help you make salsa." To avoid overuse of my poetic license, I should state that I don't really have tomatoes in my front yard.  But I do have a moss garden, a row of Barberry, two Peonies, a rock wall of sedum, a bunch of day lilies up close to the house...and so far I've put my foot down to the notion of adding a terraced garden.  That's just the front yard.

But not this time.  Their kind attempts to save me from taking on more than I can handle left me further convinced that, if I could dodge their doubts and still feel good about the decision, it needed to be made.

So this is my first photo of the sunset as we make our way home.  I'm curious how things will look in tomorrow's new light.