Long Distance TLC

After spending a long afternoon reviewing contracts, nothing could make me feel better than having familiar faces and voices remind me that I have great people in my life, even if I don't get to see them everyday.

Two of my good friends from my first year at UCLA visited me on campus today. Since one of them is thinking about applying to law schools in DC, I had fun showing both of them around and answering questions. More than anything though, I just really appreciated seeing old familiar faces of great friends. Although I really like a lot of people here, they are my "law school friends," and they are new so we mostly talk about school. Sometimes it's nice to break out of the bubble so you can talk about something other than the work.

After my friends left, I got a call from an unfamiliar number. The call ended up being from one of my former USAC advisors, the lovable Dr. Tuttle. Dr. Tuttle was like the hilarious grandpa at the council table, who would try to feed you his food during the meeting and went off on grandiose speeches about the topic du jour. So there was no mistaking his voice over the phone, nor could I help but smile. Being the former controller of LA and big in the CA democratic spheres, Dr. Tuttle and I had a nice chat about Tuesday's election and other things DC. I feel really fortunate to have a former advisor just call to say hi, and that's why everyone loves Tuttle.

Finally, when I got home from spending all day on campus, I was surprised to find out that there was a package waiting for me. Who else, but Alex, to send me a "princess package"-- fully equipped with a plastic tiara, matching clip-on earrings, and other fun random things. It's easy to take yourself too seriously in law school, so it's nice to have someone to send you silly packages to remind you to have fun. I guess Alex was always the one in the relationship who brought a more laid back and enjoy life attituted. I feel like nowadays I need that even more.

When moving to DC, I knew that I was going to be in a long-distance relationship with Alex. I just don't think I was also going to be in a long-distance relationship with my family and most of my friends. And while I do admit that I am not the best at keeping in touch with my friends, I am really trying because with technology nowadays, I really have no excuse (though my new favorite thing is to send out cards). I think today I really remembered the importance of having friends new and old, near and far.