The one where I sat behind Obama

The day before the election, Obama came to speak in Madison. My dear friend Stacey (thanks again astronautical for introducing us!) worked for Tammy Baldwin's campaign, so she got us VIP tickets, which really just meant we could stand in front of Obama instead of up the street (eg: get to be the people in the foreground here, instead of the way back by the Capitol)



As soon as we walked through the metal detectors, a campaign volunteer walked up to us and asked us if we wanted to sit behind Obama! I immediately said yes, Stacey made sure she could go pee first (she's in her final trimester). We had a nice place to sit for three hours while we waited, got to see Bruce Springsteen and all the Wisconsin politicians up close (Baldwin, Pocan, Kohl, Soglin, Feingold). I'm the one with the stupid grin and the white hat in the back row.



It was a nice experience to have with Stacey too, since she'll be moving to England for three years later this month. I honestly probably wouldn't have gone if it wasn't something we were going to do together - the thought of waiting in line in the cold at 6AM for a bad view of the President didn't appeal to me - but clearly the Universe approved.

HSS 2012

Thanks for all the tips about San Diego, I had a wonderful time. Much better than last year's HSS, for many reasons. The hotel was quite nice and so was my room. This was the view from it!



I went out to Coranado Island the first night.


And watched the sunset.


And took the ferry back for the opening reception.


I organized a recent alumni and current grad student dinner on Friday night. I hadn't seen Camilo in forever and it was especially nice to catch up with Matt, who just got married.


And went to the zoo on Saturday with Stacey (her husband was presenting at the conference). They have a baby hippo (the zoo, not Stacey and Adam)!


And sleepy koalas.


Stacey and I were a little silly :)


I also took a trolley tour on Friday morning and had lunch in Old Town and got a run in with an old medical history friend on Saturday morning. I definitely have a list of things to go back to see, but the visit just reaffirmed my love of southern California.