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I forgot aboout the catcalls
Mar. 23rd, 2016 12:41 am I've been trying to strengthen the muscles around my knees and around my elbows. I'm not sure how well this is working, and I think I should find someway to strengthen the muscles in the ankles as well. (This won't happen on the walks. The doctor who made the casts said I am supposed to wear the braces if I'm likely to be standing for long periods. I'm wondering if I should go back to the physical therapist to work on this, but I'm kind of happy not to have appointments so often right now. I really should see the PCP about passing out briefly after laughing hard, but I know it's pointless if its the vasovagal response. Although prolonged hypothyroidism can cause atrial fibrillation -- which can lead to the same symptom, it is unlikely in this case. My EKG in February was normal.)
In any case, the other day I was out walking. I decided to take my camera with me. For some reason, I decided to take pictures of buildings that represented urban decay. This is not the point. The photography projects are just a chance to see if I can increase my skills because at some point I want to start vlogging and/or set up a studio for this somewhere. I can accept that this might not happen.
Deciding to go out walking again is good for me, I think. As long as I don't overdo it. However, it's been a long time since I spent time out doors. I forgot that catcalls are one thing female-bodied people experience. Sometimes I don't know if I should be ashamed of my reactions to certain catcalls . Most of the time, I can just brush them off. For people who need a clear, unmistakable signal, there's always the option of extending my middle finger towards them.
Two days ago, however, I was walking down 14th Street. I came to a busier street and walked across as soon as I thought things were clear. A few seconds later, I realized I had misjudged the speed f an oncoming car, and I ran across the road as fast as I could. As soon as I did this, an older gentlemen who happened to be black walked towards his fence, loudly stating, "Hello there, beautiful sister in Christ! How are you today?"
I panicked and walked across the street. I felt bad for doing so, because I didn't know if I was being racist or if my social anxiety was simply overreacting to his advances. These things are not mutually exclusive. It might have been a little of both. I can say if he had not been so -- aggressive? -- I might have stopped and talked to him for a few seconds. At least I probably would have said hello and been on my way.
In any case, the other day I was out walking. I decided to take my camera with me. For some reason, I decided to take pictures of buildings that represented urban decay. This is not the point. The photography projects are just a chance to see if I can increase my skills because at some point I want to start vlogging and/or set up a studio for this somewhere. I can accept that this might not happen.
Deciding to go out walking again is good for me, I think. As long as I don't overdo it. However, it's been a long time since I spent time out doors. I forgot that catcalls are one thing female-bodied people experience. Sometimes I don't know if I should be ashamed of my reactions to certain catcalls . Most of the time, I can just brush them off. For people who need a clear, unmistakable signal, there's always the option of extending my middle finger towards them.
Two days ago, however, I was walking down 14th Street. I came to a busier street and walked across as soon as I thought things were clear. A few seconds later, I realized I had misjudged the speed f an oncoming car, and I ran across the road as fast as I could. As soon as I did this, an older gentlemen who happened to be black walked towards his fence, loudly stating, "Hello there, beautiful sister in Christ! How are you today?"
I panicked and walked across the street. I felt bad for doing so, because I didn't know if I was being racist or if my social anxiety was simply overreacting to his advances. These things are not mutually exclusive. It might have been a little of both. I can say if he had not been so -- aggressive? -- I might have stopped and talked to him for a few seconds. At least I probably would have said hello and been on my way.
