Day 14

Today is January 21st, and it seems unfair for me to speak about my day today when there were so many strong, brave, fearless women marching today. Last night was the inauguration of the newest POTUS, Trump, and many Torontonians, although not American, shed a tear for our close neighbours. Today is the Women’s March on Washington, and I have two close friends who drove down there this weekend to march and stand up for what is right and true. 

I had to work today, but if I had the option I would be down there with them, marching, protesting, and standing up for what I believe in. It makes me sad to think that a nation could be run by someone who bullies people into a corner, brags about sexual assault, and is so closed minded to the world around him and the people he is meant to govern.

I woke up this morning to my news feed plastered in photos and articles about the march. I read Canadians were turned away at the border when they announced they were going to attend the march in Washington. I read about how many people and posters and protesters were marching in solidarity. My heart broke when I watched the videos throughout the day, learning more about how important this day was. I did not end up eating much for breakfast, as I was feeling pretty sick.

My work is relatively close to where the march was happening in Toronto. A few women came in for drinks and told me their stories. They told me about the sea of women peacefully protesting near city hall, and how moving it was to see such a large group of people uniting over a cause. In Toronto, we are so close to America and have many American influences. We get a lot of tourists from our neighbour, and a lot of immigrants and temporary residents. Today I felt so exhausted and overwhelmed, that I turned off Facebook and Twitter notifications around 4:00pm and barely checked my phone after that.

For dinner I was too tired to make any food so I went for sushi with some friends. We went to my favourite all you can eat place, where they have iPads to order the food, and cute little reusable chopsticks instead of those wooden wrapped ones most places have.

Today I made zero-waste, though I wish I had today. I wish I had made a big cardboard poster and marched with my allies. I wish I had yelled and chanted in solidarity. This will be an ongoing fight, and I know I will continue to stand up for what I believe in. Sending love to my American readers, friends, fans.

Together we can be powerful.