Time for change

We are just two weeks into the Obama administration, people are definitely excited to see Obama make some big changes with the way this country is run. It's a double edged sword-- it's amazing how hopeful people are, but it's a little frightening thinking about how much Obama has on his plate: the Iraq war, Afganistan and Pakistan, and of course the current economy-- not to mention the countless other policy issues that weren't at the forefront of his campaign, like immigration.

I'm definitely hopeful, but I'm not expecting miracles in the first 100 days; after all, it takes a long time to extricate a country from mistakes we are in from 8 years of shoddy leadership. I think, so far, he's being smart about the bailout and access to Afganistan, especially since he has limited options given what he was handed. I'm optimistic, and I know he'll ultimately do a great job.

The city of SF was elated during the inauguration, even going so far as to change the signs of one of our major streets, "Bush Street" to the more aptly named "Obama Street"! (See picture!)

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In other unrelated, yet also monumental (at least to some) news, the Steelers won the Super Bowl today, breaking the record for most Super Bowl titles (6!).

Running!

I want to spend a post on a great new organization I've recently been working with called Girls on the Run. It's a national organization with chapters in many cities across the country that empower girls through non-competitive running programs. The idea is to instill the idea of healthly living in girls while they are still young, while also boosting their self-image and confidence.

Today was their annual Lollipop run-- a 1 mile or 5k run in Golden Gate Park. I was a "Running Buddy", meaning I was teamed up with a girl to run alongside during the event. My buddy was named Mika, and she was incredible! I had such a great time running with her, encouraging her. Her father and brother did the run, too, and it was so great to see them all cheering her on! I mean, I couldn't have run a 5k when I was 8 years old!

The organization is so inspiring, and they do a great job of making the girls feel proud of themselves. I had such a great time, and I definitely encourage anyone to get involved with them! Find your local chapter here!

Delinquent

Clearly I'm not great at this blogging thing. I can't decide if I want it to be a personal blog, or a blog that reflects what's happening in the world. And, I suppose, you can't really separate the two...

This is a really bizarre time in our country's, and nation's, history. I'm thrilled to say that Barack Obama won the election, making him the 44th President of the United States. I think his election represents a collective desire for major change in this country, and I am proud of that desire. However, he is up against a lot of serious odds: a slowing economy, a seemingly endless war, and, perhaps worst of all, ridiculously high expectations. I am confident that he will manage these expectations well and do his best to steer the country in a healthier direction, towards a healthier image in the world.

It's the Thanksgiving holiday, and even though I'm very thankful for my life and everything I have, I'm saddened by a lot of things in this world. Namely, the horrific attacks that have been occurring in Mumbai over the last 48 hours. Close to 150 are confirmed dead, and hundreds more injured. It's tragic that people can inflict such pain on others.

I offer my thoughts and prayers to those in Mumbai and around the world that are suffering from these attacks. But as I watch and read the barrage of news stories covering the event, I continuously ask myself-- will such violence and hate in this world ever end? The realistic answer is, of course not. But how will things get better? I can only hope that this is a low point in the history of our time, and that things can-- and WILL-- change.

A day of hope...

Today marks what I hope will be a pivotal day in this country's history. Election day. A day, when after 8 years of questionable, if not horrendous, leadership, we have a chance to vote for CHANGE. A change for the better. A change that will hopefully get out out of this terrible economic crisis and even more terrible war.

Fingers crossed for a new Obama administration and new hope for this country...

The "after" shot...

I love it... and I love the idea that I'm contributing to a program that supports cancer survivors.

Home... and other musings...

So it's been forever since I've last wrote, and it seems like a lot has happened. Not just with me, but with the world...

Coming home was nice-- it was great to see everyone and to get settled back into life here. The first thing I did was to attend my 10 year high school reunion, which was so great. Not just because I got to see my old friends, but also because I got to connect with a few people I WASN'T friends with in high school but who are amazing people. I'm really impressed with my former classmates. Personally and professionally, they all seem so happy and successful! It was really great to see. And people had taken such different roles-- mother/father, career ladder-climber, traveler, academic-- seeing how happy everyone was in THEIR path confirmed to me how happy I was in MINE. I definitely question that sometimes, but in my heart I know I've made the right decisions for me.

Being back home is great. Seeing family and friends, having my own bed, thinking about next steps. It's been nice having some time off before I start my job, and although I DO like being on vacation, I'm excited about what's to come! Nervous, of course, but excited!

Speaking of that... my IMMEDIATE next step is in the physical realm-- my hair! I'm planning to cut off 10 inches to donate to Pantene Beautiful Lengths, a program that gives free wigs to cancer survivors. I'm excited about it! I've never had the discipline before to wait until my hair was long enough to cut. So here are the before pics... stay tuned for "after"!

All good things must come to an end...

I've spent the last 4 days in the tropical paradise of Zanzibar, having a wonderful time. It's been so great to just relax and zone out for a bit. I know what you're thinking... "Um, haven't you been doing that for 3 MONTHS?" But Uganda was definitely a stressful and emotional trip, with the Bodas for Life work and the whole emotional connection I have with the place, so Zanzibar has really been a time to reflect on the whole trip and think about what's ahead.

With the help of some hard workers back home, I managed to get my ticket changed so that I'm leaving today and heading to Ohio for my 10 year high school reunion before I go to California. For some reason, it was really important for me to go to this event. Perhaps because I haven't been to Marietta for awhile, or because my parents don't live there anymore so there's less of a reason to go-- whatever the reason, I REALLY wanted to go, and now I am going! It should be an interesting weekend, and I'm keeping an open mind about the experience!

More reflections (and pictures!) about the trip to come when I get back home to a faster internet connection!