Hikes, Politics and Back to Work

This was my first week back to work after an awesome 3-week vacation. I direct Next Generation, a community organization I founded 5 years ago to help young people learn more about social issues, gain leadership skills and take action for peace and our environment. As much as I believe in what we do, it always feels challenging to come back after an extended break. I certainly feel a burden in my role as director, and boss of 6 people. Saving graces for me are our inspiring programs and the amazing people I work with. Check out www.gonextgeneration.org if you want to learn more.

I went on a beautiful hike with friends this past weekend. It had rained for days, and we hiked probably 6 miles round trip through the beautiful misty hills and valleys of Marin County, where I live, to Carson Falls. Here's what it looked like!

More pics of our little voyage are on-line at www.flickr.com/photos/22247862@N03/sets/72157603682961628/

Wow, that's a mouthful of a URL. You can also click on any of the thumbnails below.

www.flickr.com

Finally, politics. I was elated that Barack Obama won the Iowa Primary, and saddened that he lost New Hampshire. I still think he has a good shot. I know I'm anti-Clinton - she's far too corporate and conservative for my taste. I'm still confused about Obama - I think he's doing a masterful job communicating to some of our deepest hopes for this country and the world, but when I explore the meat of his issues, I find them quite centrist and unispiring. I'll share more of my thoughts in the days to come. In the meantime, I'll say that electoral politics is always a choice between 2, and Obama seems better to me than Clinton. This election will be so very important, and younger adults under 35 may well be the deciding factor, as they were in Iowa.