ultraheidibuttery
Mount Tallac, November 2018. ⛰️
One of my favorite photos from a tempo run, focused on gratitude & fresh air. This trip was prompted by yet another “out of control” California wildfire. Lake Tahoe was usually one of the best fresh air escapes when AQI levels from wildfire smoke skyrocketed near my home in the Bay Area.
As a resident of the SF Bay Area since 2007, wildfires became a major local issue in October of 2017, beginning with the Tubbs Fire. The Tubbs Fire elicited my first evacuation as a resident. With a young son who was battling respiratory issues (due to excessive smoke and a cold), it was important to leave the area for better air. Even though the raging flames of the Tubbs Fire never reached my home, the RWC AQI level soared to hazardous, from the toxic smoke. At the time, even with resources, it was nearly impossible to get a high-quality portable air filtration system that worked well for the home. (Home Depot and Loews carried low inventory or had no stock of air purification systems, at the time.) Eventually, I purchased some powerful air-cleaning units, but it took a very long time. Alas, wildfire tragedies have undeniably gotten worse in the state since then and the rich have gotten richer, including the big companies selling air filtration units. They created quite a demand, don't you think?
The mismanagement of wildfires in CA is just one of the things I found so wrong within this state and included in my personal audit report (an in-depth writing exercise, which nobody asked me to do). To think of the money residents raised and clothing, gift cards and other merchandise we collectively donated to fire victims over the years, not to mention artists who dedicated their time to promote such charitable causes.... when gosh, the phony politician performers could have done something useful for prevention and adequate management of wildfires. It's such a greedy, vicious cycle and after learning the deep truth, I do think to myself: how much wasted time and resources we all offered, right? Well, there's never been a smart, insightful female governor in charge, right? As a matter of fact, there's never been a female in charge of this state or country. Weak-minded men can't handle it... I get it completely now. Don't have to remind me again. Although, I'm sure someone will, ha! Funny, but also not.
Of all the hits I've absorbed, especially to the ego, I do think to myself: no man or woman in an authoritative position in America could handle not only the high quantity of belittling name slandering, but the physical hits I've taken, without completely losing it. None of them. Nor do they truly understand the struggles of the common people. Or ever will, with the current system, held in place with only melting krazy glue, at this point. 😏 Wild, zany & unfortunate dark times we all are in, right? To say the least. 😌
On a comedic note, seeing as America is so divided and there's virtually no hope for unity, why not create individual countries out of each state? They are quite different. Maybe require passport stamps at the state lines? Borders are the politician's best friend, right? And such a money maker. I'm curious, though, who will pay the price for all of it? Imagine that scenario. 🤔 Who knows what they'll do next... the ruling class certainly has no problem making it up as they go, as long as it divides and harms the working class. No real legal consequences for them, too... wow, what's that like?
🎳At this point in the game, I am in my "assigned" lane, observing and doing the best I can, with everything I've got. I've had all my rights (or as George Carlin appropriately dubbed them 17 years ago, in a comedy skit: "temporary privileges") taken away and know where I stand. And while it's frustrating AF at times, I do feel blessed to have met so many beautiful souls along my journey and for the experiences I've had to date, including this run alongside Lake Tahoe.🌟
On a moving forward note, in the spirit of the "fight back, take back" approach, carry on with the good fight and protests. Who knows? Maybe change will finally come. -Heidi 💪🔥
Mount Tallac, November 2018. ⛰️
One of my favorite photos from a tempo run, focused on gratitude & fresh air. This trip was prompted by yet another “out of control” California wildfire. Lake Tahoe was usually one of the best fresh air escapes when AQI levels from wildfire smoke skyrocketed near my home in the Bay Area.
As a resident of the SF Bay Area since 2007, wildfires became a major local issue in October of 2017, beginning with the Tubbs Fire. The Tubbs Fire elicited my first evacuation as a resident. With a young son who was battling respiratory issues (due to excessive smoke and a cold), it was important to leave the area for better air. Even though the raging flames of the Tubbs Fire never reached my home, the RWC AQI level soared to hazardous, from the toxic smoke. At the time, even with resources, it was nearly impossible to get a high-quality portable air filtration system that worked well for the home. (Home Depot and Loews carried low inventory or had no stock of air purification systems, at the time.) Eventually, I purchased some powerful air-cleaning units, but it took a very long time. Alas, wildfire tragedies have undeniably gotten worse in the state since then and the rich have gotten richer, including the big companies selling air filtration units. They created quite a demand, don't you think?
The mismanagement of wildfires in CA is just one of the things I found so wrong within this state and included in my personal audit report (an in-depth writing exercise, which nobody asked me to do). To think of the money residents raised and clothing, gift cards and other merchandise we collectively donated to fire victims over the years, not to mention artists who dedicated their time to promote such charitable causes.... when gosh, the phony politician performers could have done something useful for prevention and adequate management of wildfires. It's such a greedy, vicious cycle and after learning the deep truth, I do think to myself: how much wasted time and resources we all offered, right? Well, there's never been a smart, insightful female governor in charge, right? As a matter of fact, there's never been a female in charge of this state or country. Weak-minded men can't handle it... I get it completely now. Don't have to remind me again. Although, I'm sure someone will, ha! Funny, but also not.
Of all the hits I've absorbed, especially to the ego, I do think to myself: no man or woman in an authoritative position in America could handle not only the high quantity of belittling name slandering, but the physical hits I've taken, without completely losing it. None of them. Nor do they truly understand the struggles of the common people. Or ever will, with the current system, held in place with only melting krazy glue, at this point. 😏 Wild, zany & unfortunate dark times we all are in, right? To say the least. 😌
On a comedic note, seeing as America is so divided and there's virtually no hope for unity, why not create individual countries out of each state? They are quite different. Maybe require passport stamps at the state lines? Borders are the politician's best friend, right? And such a money maker. I'm curious, though, who will pay the price for all of it? Imagine that scenario. 🤔 Who knows what they'll do next... the ruling class certainly has no problem making it up as they go, as long as it divides and harms the working class. No real legal consequences for them, too... wow, what's that like?
🎳At this point in the game, I am in my "assigned" lane, observing and doing the best I can, with everything I've got. I've had all my rights (or as George Carlin appropriately dubbed them 17 years ago, in a comedy skit: "temporary privileges") taken away and know where I stand. And while it's frustrating AF at times, I do feel blessed to have met so many beautiful souls along my journey and for the experiences I've had to date, including this run alongside Lake Tahoe.🌟
On a moving forward note, in the spirit of the "fight back, take back" approach, carry on with the good fight and protests. Who knows? Maybe change will finally come. -Heidi 💪🔥