Friday, 24 October 2008

• Casting my vote

  So I have officially cast my first ballot. Sad, I know, that it has taken me so long, after many years of activism and advocating for people to get empowered and involved about issues pertinent to our communities. It feels good to finally contribute in our country's political process, a privilege that my parents did not get to enjoy for many years, and one that many of my fellow brothers and sisters in Vietnam will never know.

  Recently, I have tried to educate myself more about the many issues and propositions. I listened to KPFK Pacifica Radio & NPR on my daily commutes, rather than sing away on my mp3 player. I watched the Presidential debates with friends over dinner and discussed them ardently and passionately, rather than bicker and argue about the inconsequential lives of celebrity "personalities". I watched videos of speeches and interviews from all the candidates (and also a fair share of The Daily Show & The Colbert Report of course!), rather than killing time and brain cells with the usual YouTube drudgery. I read my friends' blogs about their personal clashes with neighbors & co-workers over Proposition 8. When I was voting, I researched about the propositions online and tried to make sense of the verbiage and double-speak, at least until I was comfortable enough to make an informed decision.
  
  Do I feel that I am as aware and educated as I could be? No, definitley not. I've only been doing this for 2 months or so, and that is hardly enough time to learn it all. But I think it's a step in the right direction, and am proud to perform my civic duty as a citizen of the United States. I may not agree with what our government has been doing these past many years, but I should not allow that to turn me off from doing what I can to enact change. Even if it's as simple as educating myself, casting my vote, and encouraging others to do the same.

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  In other news, UVSA Norcal Summit was a great experience! Considering that it was just their 2nd time putting this on, I'd say they did a great job. Yeah, it was eerily similar to uNAVSA, but at least they are moving in the right direction. I'm amazed also that many of their staffers were 1st timers who had never even attended a conference/summit before, let alone plan and organize one. Mad props to y'all! And thanks for giving me a great impression of UC Davis. I love its small-town feel, how so many people bike around everywhere, and the fact that there were recycling bins in every single classroom. Ooh, and it was great seeing so many Obama lawn signs too!
  
  Oooh, I was also lucky enough to explore San Francisco Bay by boat! Miss Hoang and I joined Mr Ton on his "Hai Tide" as he took us around to see the entire harbor. We docked in Oakland and went over to the cove by AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, where boats go during games to watch on the jumbotron and catch fly balls. We sped on by alongside Fishermans Wharf, saw the huge bow in the ground, buzzed a few restaurants, went by Alcatraz Island, admired the waterfront properties, played hide and seek with a pod of dolphins, nearly ran over a pelican, stole a few glances at the nude beach, marvelled at the architecture of the Golden Gate & Bay bridges from right beneath them, shopped at Safeway by boat, docked in a small inlet and had a relaxing picnic, and had an overall breathtaking excursion with the best of company. Simply marvelous =D

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  Looking forward to Halloween! One hint as to what my costume will be: "Dhampir" or "Dunpeal" (I doubt many of you will know this reference without Googling it! Don't cheat now!) =D

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