EXTRA: No Kings

Holy F-ck: Where external and internal conflicts collide

I’ll be honest.

I started today in a little bit of a mood. I’ve been a little anxious lately, so I haven’t been sleeping great. Layer on the 13th straight Saturday with rain, and I was a bona fide Crabby Appleton.

Kerri went out to golf early, and when I’m left to my own devises, it can go either way. This morning was a little of both, but ultimately I psyched myself up such that I committed to myself that I was going to the No Kings march in my town from 2-3. I stayed mentally committed, further fueled by the politically-motivated shootings in MN (one assassination, one assassination attempt), though I was feeling moments of extreme despair.

So I got off the couch, took off my cranky pants, pulled on some big-girl pants, and got my ass to the gym.

After that I had time for a quick shower before heading to the intersection of Green Street and Bridge Street for the 2pm protest. I did have a minute to wardrobe plan, choosing to go with my protest sign of a t-shirt and socks to give me a bit of an attitude adjustment, reminding me to “BEE PATRIOITIC.”

I even ironed it before putting it on, but my jacket covered it up.

The protest was great. The rain let up. The crowds were engaged (one of the organizers estimated 400 people but I would guess more), most of the passing auto traffic was supportive (lots of horn honking, thumbs up, peace signs, etc.) and—even though I went by myself, not knowing anyone else who was going (I was proud of myself for that), I ended up bumping into several friends, which was very fun.

Here’s a sampling of the signage:

You get the picture. Literally.

There’s too much going on in my head right now to write about, so I am going to do an audio freestyle and upload that in the interest of time and my sanity. Plus it’s National Bourbon Day and it’s almost time for a bourbon drink.

Thanks for indulging me in the intrusion. Some things need to be said.

Love you too.