California Love

Finally back on the east coast after a weekend of running, biking, schmoozing, and BOOZING in LA. Ummmm, just kidding on the boozing part, though I did have two glasses of red wine at the UCLA reception, and may have said some things I regret. Hey, Interim Dean of the Law School, SHOW ME YOUR TITS! The worst part is that the dean is a man. What can I say? I guess I am a sucker for bow-ties. I should also stop drinking wine on an empty stomach.

Actually, the trip was great and I really appreciate everything UCLA did for me while I was out there. Monday was the official day getting chauffeured around the law school, and it left a really good taste in my mouth---it kind of combines the meaty taste of a portabello mushroom with the sweet taste of vegan frozen yogurt. I AM SO GOOD AT VEGAN FOOD ANALOGIES. In all seriousness, speaking with the dean and the top environmental professor was humbling. These men are extremely accomplished yet startlingly down-to-Earth. They knew all of my interests and gave nearly unlimited attention. With people like them in positions that are at the forefront of a changing world, the future really is filled with hope.

Anyway, time for the trip in pictures. Warning: shit is about to get realer than a Daniel-Day Lewis movie. THERE WILL BE SPANDEX!

After a cross-country flight with a seat partner who seemed to have chosen an unfortunate time to eat a 5-bean burrito, it was amazing to go to the beach for a run.


The next day was the run on the campus of UCLA. Afterward, I visited the law school. This is my tribute to Office Space, putting on the 'O' face. Coincidentally, my shirt also had lots of flair. I then played gangsta rap music while destroying one of their printers with a baseball bat to take the tribute to its logical conclusion.


Later, I explored the canyons that were ravaged by wildfires in the last year. The road was closed, and the desolation of this once-beautifully green reservoir was awe-inspiring. There is an uneasy beauty in the destructive power of nature.


Girl, good thing you weren't on the west coast, because your hotness would have started another wildfire.....luckily, my steak did not quite have enough sizzle.


On Monday, I took a ride on the Pacific Coast Highway before the law school events. The juxtaposition of beautiful natural land and an intellectually-stimulating city environment is definitely an important part of my life.


This is just three miles from campus. It is amazing to see the before picture in relation to the wildfires.

I still have no idea where the future will take me. A Duke visit is coming up in a couple weeks, and both have terrific environmental programs. Either way, it will be an exhilarating journey.