As for a whole account of my trip - I am writing a paper on it for a class that I will repost here. I wasn't able to update this as much, also keeping in mind Security for everyone else. I was inevitably pretty shocked by the police state we do live in, especially in America. I had a really good time and a real eye-opening experience about social issues and the world around me. I've come more into the fact that cannot sustain as people, society, etc if we continue living in a capitalism culture. We honestly do need to abolish capitalism and globalization and all become self-sufficient and self-sustainable in order to fix so many of the social problems, environmental destruction, inequalities of wealth, etc ... becoming a "green" company isn't going to fix the problem. Sure, it'll give us time ... but that's it.

This trip was really important to me. I met a lot of people and was amazed at the Solidarity of the group and people's willing to merge with others and trust them. I locked hands and arms with people I didn't know that had masks on but I felt reassured by this. We all knew who each other was in some way or another ... it was amazing. And the fact that these actions made International News was another fucking amazing thing. And the fact that I was a part of it and can show my daughter one day that I had enough passion for something to travel 28 hours to with strangers and make friends with them, I think - is an amazing thing for her to look up.

Thanks all for reading this ... I shall have my paper done in a few days. And last night, we stopped in Oberlin, OH to stay for the night that Co-Operative housing and I got to take a shower, it's been almost a week - it was an amazing shower. :)

I went to an ICE Protest/Rally today. I got on Fox News, but I didn't talk to them. Then we marched (I was in front holding a sign) eeeek ...there should be pictures of me. We marched by the FBI and to the Police Dept for a Police Brutality march.

Tonight is disrupt Georgetown. More later, I have others who want to use my computer.

I am awake after only a few hours of sleep, I was able to brush my teeth, get a little clean and change my clothes - we are leaving soon! One of my companions made a delicious vegan breakfast that I am about to eat soon. I am so excited!!!

I borrowed someone a pair of socks, too. And I didn't sleep very well. But it's okay - coffee or tea is what I need. Who knows what will be happening tonight?

I think I've fallen in love too much on that trip. Possible? Well it just happened to me ... co-operative housing, Madison .... = love.

I am staying at the most amazing place right now. It's called Oberlin College in Oberlin, OH ...
http://www.oberlin.edu/
Someone we are with is allowing us to see at the co-operative housing they have on campus. It's fucking amazing. They do everything collectively, cook, clean, brew beer ... holy shit. I just made myself some green/black chai tea and everyone is up because of midterms. Why didn't I hear of this place years ago? It's fucking amazing ... we are sleeping in the commons next to the grand piano. I am so amazed by this place. They even have a bowl of condoms!!

So we got a late start on everything, but hey it's working out. We'll be in DC tomorrow. I did the last few hours of driving, which was a bit intense because I have been up for almost 24 hours. But it's worth it. We started out yesterday meeting up with a friend (the night before), waking up at 6am, going to the Seward Cafe in Minneapolis (amazing local restaurant) and I had vegan hashbrowns, vegan french toast and coffee. Then off to Madison where we picked up the two there. We made it to Chicago after hours of traffic (I think we spent 3 hours in Chicago just trying to get to the North end) and got our 6th companion. Everyone I have met is all awesome and really cool people.

I feel in love with Madison. We checked out an amazing small bookstore co-operative that had tons of radical literature and down the street was a grocery co-op where I got some bread and curied potatoes (whom a local bought for me because we were going!) I am seriously going to check out the Grad School and PhD program (if any) for Sociology and Women's Studies. I could see myself there one day. It was so pretty, too.

As of now, I am sipping tea with the other 5 (one of whom is sleeping) ... and although I was exhausted I am quit awake right now. We are waking up at 8:30 to go to DC, I still have a few things I need to pick up.

Last night I stayed at one of the companion's awesome house in Minneapolis and fell asleep quit early. I was exhausted.

I have been pretty freaked out about this and I still can't believe I am on this trip. This is my first huge major road trip with people I haven't met before ... (besides one) and we all get along great. We've been sharing food, water, advice, reading materials ... it's so awesome how people can just come together like that/this.

... perhaps tomorrow I shall post again. I will be in DC and sleeping at St Stephen's.

Money wise: gas and $20 on food and some literature at Arise! bookstore in Mpls .... it's going perfect.

I am in Brainerd, MN right now. I believe we (Erik and I) are picking up some kids in Madison, WI today for the rest of the trip, as well as Chicago. I still am in awwwwe that I am actually going to this and last night I was like, not believing it at all. Of course, I must say that I am very thankful of my mom and step-dad and my dad and his girlfriend, Diane to agree to help watch my daughter while I am gone. I would not have wanted to bring her, I don't think it would have been something enjoyable for her, haha but perhaps someday.

I got my homework all finished before I left and am going to be documenting the trip as I am on it through this blog and my digital camera. I need to get a gas mask today and will be living off of a ton of Luna Bars, Cliff Bars and a big box of apples. I brought enough clothes for a couple days so I don't mind wearing the same clothes everyday. I am ready for this.

I wonder if I will find anyone else from ND. Somewhat interesting if I did. There are radicals in ND ... :)

If we have time in Chicago I am going to call my friend, Sheena down there. I have not seen her since I was living in Minneapolis (almost a year ago now!) and before she moved to Minot (then to Chicago) before that even ... so it's been over a year. I am really hoping I get to see her. If not, she's stopping to see me in November.

I fell asleep last night with a handful of vegan dark chocolate covered espresso beans in my pocket. So that was wonderful. But at least I smell like chocolate and coffee.

We'll see what is coming up next ... until then.