i just got back from a whirlwind visit to our nation's capitol.  it was pretty cool to be around all of those majestic marble buildings with their inspiring latin etchings and have them not seem completely ridiculous.  we finally, for the first time in my life, have a president truly worthy of respect, who is intelligent, mannered, and thoughtful as a president should be.  who can articulate important political points, weigh political ideas with wisdom, execute a flawless campaign, inspire people, win back the trust and respect of the global community, and.. lead. 

it's about time.

in addition to participating in a touching and powerful event, tents of hope (www.tentsofhope.org), i got to see a 2 friends from peace corps cameroon who i hadn't seen for a year and one from pc gambia who i hadn't seen in 4.5 years, and also my old friend fidel from my undergrad years at american - who just got back from living in china, and who i hadn't seen for... 5 years! i also got to eat at one of my favortie african restaurants (ghana cafe) tour the museum of african art (my favorite), and check out the new american indian museum. not to mention, i had my first official couch surfing experience thanks to couchsurfing.com.  i acquired a drum which used to be my mom's friend's daughter's, and plan to resume west african drumming lessons.

i also finished the book "eastern body, western mind" which uses a combination of chakra system and psychology as a path to self transformation.  great book, with some great insights.  it also has some very specific meditation and art therapy excercises which i plan to put into action. 

the fresh snow on the ground when i returned to flagstaff and a vegan meal at hip restaurant with my friend justin also have me feeling fresh and rejuvinated.  ready for our big repeal coalition event coming up on november 19th and the fair trade sales i'm organizing on december 6th and 14th. i'm also looking forward to next semester in school, which should be more challenging and engaging.

new president. new fresh snowy air in my lungs. new consciousness. new mindfulness. new self.  :)