Go ahead, call me sentimental. I dare you...

I'm a year older tomorrow, at 6-something AM (can't remember and mom is probably either in bed or on her way to work) so in honor, I thought I would post my reflections on my 23rd year of life. As I officially enter my mid 20's, I find it difficult to not be hyper-critical of what I have (or have not) accomplished personally or professionally in the past year.

1. I had a fabulous birthday weekend, complete with a cake from the UCSA board, a pin the tail on the donkey game, dinner and ice cream on the beach with Deanna, Natalie, Rita and Jasmine and an extra day in the OC with my best friend. Topped off by Zocalo with Fernando, Francis and Diana.
2. In March I recovered from my 1st UCSA student lobby conference as a staff member, attended USSA Leg Con, and coordinated student testimony at the most important higher education budget hearing of the year.
3. April brought two dozen students to Sacramento for "elite" lobby day, followed by a bad bout of homesickness.
4. May- At the UCSA board meeting at UCSB, I rolled down the hill behind the UCEN and got hives. Go figure.
5.June- So many of my best friends from college were class of 07, and I was fortunate enough to seem them graduate, despite running a high fever all weekend. Lance came to town, and it was the best reunion we could have asked for, complete with a bottle of Andre champagne.
6. July brought Jasmine's wedding and my first time as a bridesmaid. I am so happy that my dear friend found great love, and I know it will be a long time before I get married.
7. UCSA Congress was hosted at UCSB, prompting me to have an extended visit there. I had far too much responsibility, but it went off well, and we had a great banquet in Storke Plaza, a smooth-ish plenary and a groundbreaking action with AFSCME 3299.
8. On the same trip, I trekked to Chumash Casino for the first time ever, won $308 from Hill's love of seals and sent a dear friend off to DC for good.
9. In August, we started attempting to pass the DREAM Act.
10. In September, I got to do campus visits to work with lobby corps, proving that legislative politics is sexy and not without its own share of organizing needs.
11. In October, we had an awesome DREAM action on the North Steps, followed by the Governor vetoing the bill. One of the worst days of my young political life, for certain.
12. I got to spend my mom's birthday with her.
13. In November, I fell in love with Santa Barbara politics all over again. After too much wine, lots of tears, and a long drive alone back to Sac, I think it ended OK.
14. I visited my lifelong best friend's 6th grade classroom over Thanksgiving, and developed a renewed and higher level of respect for teachers.
15. In December I moved alone (sort of) or the first time, and into a single apartment after my college friend and roommate headed back to LA. Living alone hasn't been all it's cracked up to be, but I'm managing. I also spent 2 amazing weeks with my family and friends in the Inland Empire.
16. January seems a blur...but I know that I got the stomach flu before heading to UC Riverside for the voter registration deadline, and still made it to campus.
17. My vote almost mattered in the Monster Tuesday California Presidential Primary (I voted for John Edwards absentee and early, but I don't regret it.)
18. I spent too much on Wicked tickets at Pantages. Neil and I searched hopelessly for a place to eat dinner, and settled on a NY style pizzeria. Awkward to say the least.
19. I was fortunate to spend 3 nights with my old, brilliant friend Rita in a UCLA dorm while doing GOTV on campus. Reconnecting with longtime friends is priceless.
20. I realized that for all the difficulties of my job, the Southwest flights throughout California are priceless.
21. I failed to find an author for a bill UCSA considered sponsoring this year. Also one of the worst low points of the professional year. Tough to lobby for an issue that's not super sexy.
22. February brought a random wave of responsibility, and I opened a Roth IRA. I'm a Democrat, but I do wonder about the security of social security.
23. I, and UCSA made it through the largest Student Lobby Conference ever. It was great. Completely great. We had 350 students attend, Secretary Bowen speak and the speaker come down from his balcony for our press conference. I couldn't have asked for more.

The year had its ups and downs, and as you can see I'm in a very loving, committed relationship with my job. As in 2006, major changes will be in store for me in 2008, and year 24. I'm crossing my fingers to make the right decisions, be surrounded by my amazing friends and family, see a Democratic president elected and to make more lasting memories.

15 minutes

My legs were in the Sac Bee on Saturday. You can check them out here.

I'd say it will be the highlight of my week, but I enjoyed having rare company in Sacramento this weekend, and am looking forward to a few happy hours, a red eye flight and reconnecting with old friends in the next few days.

I know I haven't posted lame stories about my job, political musings or much else lately, but I will resume soon-ish.

Illini, Iowa and Indecision.

I'm home in Sacramento now, after a 7 hour drive up the 5 that I could damn near do with my eyes closed by now. After moving just a few weeks ago then taking off for the holidays, I'm surrounded by boxes, don't have cable, and can't seem to find my blender (which might be my prizes possession) so I'm writing.

I watched the Rose Bowl yesterday, and cheered for the beleaguered Illini all the way. I don't care the lease bit about Illinois or football for that matter, but I'm a public school snob. It's not an oxymoron, I promise. New Years Day is meant for doing nothing, and it was amazing. Nothing=football+onion dip.

Tomorrow, voters in Iowa caucus for the 2008 presidential primary. I've never been to Iowa (other than driving through, it's true what they say about the corn), but I'm pretty sure the arcane caucus system has got to be a sight to see. I like all the Democratic candidates better this year than I liked any of them in 2004, which is why it's been so hard for me to commit to a candidate. I'm 90% in the Edwards camp for now, but that's all I'll say.

On another note, one of the rockstar-awesome students I work with posted a link today on Facebook, instructing everyone to share it with their liberal friends. It's a good read, I'll save the analysis for later (it could be awhile.) Back to searching through boxes.