i'm a bit behind with school, but it's okay.
Last night, after class, I did not stay at school and study like I usually do. I was cold and my feet were wet because it rained yesterday, and, to my surprise, there were other students in the study lounge hardly studying and gossiping instead. Dude was not feeling well, and I thought it better for me to eat at home instead of having an expensive, although delicious, dinner by myself. So I went home instead, ate the lentil soup Dude made, and walked the dog. When I got back from walking the dog around 11:30 pm, Dude and I went to a bar down the street because I thought there was some goth/metal/ industrial event going on, from the heavy bass coming from the venue. Turns out it was actually a ball. We were both very pleasantly surprised (because we dressed up para una noche darks) and had a great time. I have never been to a ball but have only learned about them from watching Paris is Burning and, most recently, Pose. Dude and I both identify with the culture, I think because we are both queer and from the hood, although we don't vogue ourselves. But it really was a great time with gorgeous people and great vibes. It really was a ball. Dude even forgot his ailments, until today, that is. He's been in bed all day and I've been nursing him with teas, fluids, and food. I hope I don't catch whatever he has.
In other news, I'm somewhat satisfied with the national election results. I haven't followed up with the local results, but I hope I voted right. I was hesitant about the propositions that would impose new taxes because the cost of living is already a burden. Many of these taxes will not directly affect me, because I am not in that tax bracket nor a homeowner, but I see how my parents are struggling to keep and maintain their home. Not only that, but I feel we keep on approving new taxes and see little results. Particularly with homelessness. Millions if not billions have been raised for homeless and affordable housing, but rents and the number of homeless people keep on rising. And I understand and believe in Marlow's Hierarchy of Needs, but I don't believe simply giving people housing is going to solve the problem. This crisis has been decades in the making, and many of these people are chronically sick. My heart is hardening and I try to remind myself to be compassionate and less judgmental, but it's hard when they are accosting me on the street, triggering my own mental illnesses, and degrading my quality of life. It's quite a predicament because as the adage says: There, but for the Grace of god, go I.