Welcome, wayward readers, to my random-thoughts dumping ground. Or, not so random, since I'm required to follow certain prompts. But, hopefully, at least thoughtful. One out of two--I could almost pass a bill in the legislator.

First, the basics. I am currently interning for Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, who represents the 15th assembly district of California. The position was set up as part of USF's McCarthy Fellows Summer in Sacramento. This summer is my first time spending significant time in Sacramento. Originally, I hail from Richland, WA-- one of those, middle of the nowhere towns surrounded by agriculture. Tumbleweeds et al. I've no family background in politics, and am an International Studies major with a minor in African Studies, so, all in all, obviously the ideal candidate for a position in state government. However, I am greatly interested in various social issues and see the politics of local government as a mico-view of international relations, hence my motivation to insert myself for three months into the whirlwind that is the Californian capitol's summer session. No Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas anymore.

Orientation kicked off May 21st and I swiftly felt that I had stepped onto an airport-style moving walkway. Various speakers, arranged by our orientation guides, lined up outside the rails, and I had just enough time to reach out for a handshake before the treading ground moved me along to the next important individual. Hopefully, Air Force One is at the end of the terminal, and I don't lose their business cards through the window. Certainly, the best part of the week was all the free meals, Capitol Airlines wasn't skimpy with the peanuts. But, in all seriousness, it was wonderful getting to listen to one speaker passionately present an argument on an issue, and wholeheartedly agree, before finding myself do a 180 when listening to the next, equally articulated, and utterly opposite, speaker present another.

Now that I am two weeks in, I've begun to form a better picture of what this summer might hold. As the Senate and Assembly are currently debating and voting on various bills, I am excited to see the end result of the process, and learn which make it into law. The sheer volume of bills, however, astounds me. No wonder the capitol isn't decorated with minimalist art.

Despite the excitement, I'm nervous about not living up to expectations. I worry that my office may ask me to do something that I am totally unprepared for- although this fear is tempered by how welcoming and helpful the staff has greeted me thus far. Certainly, whatever happens will be an adventure. Sacramento is certainly a hub of activity, now especially. I look forward to seeing what will come next.