I want to be a Phoenix.

The Phoenix is associated with triumph over adversity and that which rises out of the ashes. It is symbolic of hope, purity, faith, eternity, and light. The Phoenix not only represents immortality, but also an individual who stands apart from the rest. A person of rare qualities.

Only one Phoenix exists at a time. When the bird felt its death was near, it would build a nest of aromatic twigs in which it burned from the heat of its own body. The Phoenix would be consumed by the flames and would resurrect from the ashes. The Phoenix's flight has been said to represent the capacity to leave the world and its problems behind, flying toward the sun in clear, pure skies.

I want to embody those things. I want to be a Phoenix.

I am taking part in "The Genographic Project" a project of National Geographic to map the human family tree. Using anthropological genetics, scientists can now use deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to identify unique segments of the genetic code of individuals that are passed down from generation to generation. The result is the ability to use these segments and genetic signposts and pinpoint the most recent common ancestor of everyone alive who carries that signpost. The result is a human lineage that can be traced back to Africa. Specifically, the DNA analysis that will be done on my tissue will include a depiction of my ancient ancestors and a map tracing my genetic lineage around the world and through the ages.

I am looking forward to add new scientific knowledge to my identity. You can find more information about The Genographic Project at http://www.nationalgeographic.com/genographic.

A group of bicyclists came through Sacramento on Monday. They were part of a group called Bike and Build. You can check out their Web site at http://www.bikeandbuild.org. Each rider raises money, and takes a cross-country bicycle ride, stopping to build low-income, affordable homes, and educating people about the need for affordable housing. The cause is so noteworthy, and seeing the riders and their dedication to the cause is inspiring.

In other news, the GabNet 3 have safely made it back to the United States, after multiple rallies at different Consulate General buildings throughout the US. Never underestimate the power of a group of people, dedicated to the same cause.

We can not generate people's war if we continue to act and to think that all people are men, and as if all children are boys. We can not build a mass movement if we fail to allow women a proportionate share of power.

All power to all the people!

I finally uploaded 1,184 photos onto Facebook, and plan to also put them on my MySpace, my Picasa, and the FAYLC Photobucket. Everyone will be able to see what fun we had. Hopefully next year FAYLC will be bigger and better than ever, although this one will be tough to top.

Big shout outs to ERFFF Tribe. Ooopa loopa ya'll! Thanks for giving me meaning and reason to be hopeful and passionate. You all inspire me.

There are many issues affecting our community right now:

The veterano issue is still alive and well. The Equity Bills are out of committee and should be going to vote during this session of Congress. Please write your Congressperson to share your opinions. Find your representative at http://www.house.gov/writerep. Take a stand!

Save Little Manila! Check out their Website at http://www.littlemanila.net. Take a stand!

Sex trafficking of Philippine women is rampant, and San Francisco happens to be a major port for it. You can read a four-part article on it at http://www.sfgate.com/sextrafficking. Take a stand!

On a related note, Dr. Annalisa Enrile, Ninotchka Rosca, and Judith Mirkinson, advocates for victims of sex trafficking and other human rights violations have been detained in the Philippines and not allowed to come back to the United States. They were told that there is a "hold order" placed on them by the Philippine Department of Justice. Find out more at http://la.indymedia.org/news/2007/08/204083.php. Take a stand!

I was surrounded by greatness this weekend.

If it were me against them, I would be outclassed, outhustled, and just plain outdone. Fortunately, we are all on the same team. The organizers, the sponsors, the workshop presenters, the guest speakers, the counselors, the volunteers. It's a place where everything is headed in the right direction...a place we need to recreate everywhere we go, as many times as we can.

Thank goodness that I had an outstanding partner that could make up for any shortcomings that I displayed - Mother Erfff. Haha. That's part of the beauty of the whole situation. The fact that we have people to lean on. That we have people that we can count on. It's a miraculous thing.

This realization is just the bonus. This weekend was not about me. It was about the students. So I hope that, like my fellow counselors, I connected and made a difference.

An ethical man knows that he should not cheat on his significant other. A moral man will not do it.

There are plenty of people that know the difference between right and wrong. We learn those choices at a young age and are faced with them every day. However, a few still participate in activities that are morally questionable. Lesser still really fully realize how much their actions, good or bad, affect others.

Today, I wrote a letter to the California Legislature for not getting the budget passed yet. As the start of the traditional school year approaches, many people do not realize that public schools will not be able to receive full funding until the budget is passed. Our public schools educate 7.5 million students in California. There needs to be a stronger effort to meet deadlines and fulfilling obligations to public services.

I wrote in because if I don't, who will express my opinion to the government that is supposed to serve me? Not getting involved politically only serves to undermine our own political power. It's not easy to keep up with all the legislation and the rules, but it matters. I believe it's worth it.

Our veteranos are still seeking full equity. That's worth it too.