Horses are good company -- The Witcher

I went to the protest for an hour in cold and snowy weather; I stood with cabell and laceblade to hear Bradley Whitford and Gabrielle Carteris speak. They talked about being a part of actor's unions and Brad spoke about being from Madison and gave a shout-out to East High School students who walked out of school. Gabrielle said she was paralyzed doing a movie and it was her union who helped her. A physics prof from UW-La Crosse spoke to say that they just voted to unionize in support of this effort.

There were many good signs, I am uploading some photos to Flickr as I write this. There were also some signs in very bad taste, including several calling Walker a "Koch whore". I said to laceblade, "I see no reason to disparage whores! The working girls could benefit from unions."

I also overreacted and yelled at a man telling us to cross the street while we waited for a cop to direct us. Perhaps I'm wound a little tight. "I think it's OK to over-react to mansplainers," laceblade reassured me. I've been fighting on Facebook again too! I need to chillax.

I had a good day. I got up and went to a work class early, which while I had been dreading, turned out to be really good. The teacher was entertaining and patient, and since I already use the software in question daily, it was good to learn new things about it.

After working a little bit more, I decided to head downtown for the rally/protest against Governor Walker's proposed budget bill. This is the first time I've been part of such a huge protest. Thousands of people converged on the state Capitol, many with signs, many chanting. I took some pictures and posted them to Facebook and Flickr. Firefighters, many union members, high school students and teachers, many UW students and staff were there protesting-- people of all ages. Very thrilling! The Capitol here is an open public building, and people packed inside to chant and sing. I hear that some are still there for a sleep-in! And there is talk of a sick-out tomorrow for local schools as teachers go to protest. I stayed for a little while, until I got tired of the crowd and ducked out a side door.

I met up with F. and walked back down State Street. We ran into at least five people that she knew. So far, I have to say, it is nice to walk around holding hands with a woman. I could have gone back to work but I was feeling tired and stressed out by work so I hung around in the student union for a little while, then rode the free bus back to the parking lot (effing buses though, they are overcrowded and make me feel sick). I ducked into the Pharmacy school to use the bathroom and look around a little-- I love exploring campus buildings. I like having days where I am not rushed all the time, where I can walk around and look at things, talk to people, take photos, sit and do a crossword, attend a protest, have time to think. Most days at work are not like this at all! They are rush, rush, rush, which is part of why I get stressed and anxious. I need to remember to slow my pace and take things easier.

When I got home I felt extremely tired and I napped really hard. I still feel kind of sick.