iPhone: Canvassed for #Obama2012 in Manchester, NH today

It was an amazing day knocking on doors with inspiring volunteers. The Manchesterites were mostly welcoming and warm, in contrast to the lingering snow on the ground. I can't wait to get back up there and do even better!

The Snow That Kept Me Away From Los Angeles

And it begins...

Adriana & Monica Streifer at Mt. Baldy and a Memory

Today Adri and I drove to Scripps to visit her little sister Monica. She swiped us in for brunch in the dining hall and gave us a tour of her beautiful, private university in exchange for a trip to Trader Joe's with my car. Then we drove 6,000 feet up Mt. Baldy, braved the bitter wind gusts, quickly pointed out that the snow was covered in redwood dust, and left in a hurry.

On the way back to Los Angeles with the sun setting behind downtown, Adri and I compared current feelings about our year abroad together. I try not to think too much about the past - life always gets better - but I did allow for one comparison. In Italy, I spent a lot of time alone. It was easy. I just walked everywhere and looked and thought and looked and thought.

I remember this one time after class when I walked out past the medieval archery tower and directly to the center of the Piazza della Frutta. The starless sky was so pink and heavy that even the evening seafood vendor wasn't there. I turned my face up to the first flakes of snow and closed my eyes. I contemplated my place in the world and how much I love being alive, and when I opened my eyes, the cobblestones were covered white. I really appreciated making that first trail of footprints.

I couldn't reproduce that anywhere else.

What Else Did I Do Over Winter Break?

In New Jersey, I witnessed another example of true love.

And I sacrificed their privacy for posterity.

In New York I hung out with LA friends.

I ate really well.

And I drove by and pointed at important landmarks of the city.