Had a Ball

Yesterday was the inauguration of American University's President, Dr. Cornelius M. Kerwin. (I know, such a bourgie name.) Even though the law school is pretty disconnected from the main campus, I got an invitation to all of the inauguration events because I work in the General Counsel's Office.

Part of the festivities included the President's Inauguration Ball at the Italian Embassy (above). Having never been to, let along partied in, any of the embassies in DC, Alex and I decided to go to the Ball. Moreover, I wanted an excuse to get dressed up since I missed out on law school prom last year. All in all, it turned out to be a very fun night and the embassy was gorgeous. And though I did not wear glass slippers to the Ball, I almost loss one of my heels in a sidewalk grate. And instead of having a Prince Charming find my shoe, I had an old business man say "Nice heels. It's good to see that some women in DC actually have style." For looking like I am 20, why do I only get hit on by older men?

Attorney at Law

I think all of us in law school always wince at the notion that we will most likely be practicing lawyer in less than a year and a half. Us, lawyers? Do we know enough to be lawyers?

This was the same type of reaction that I had this week when I was at the General Counsel's Office. Are you sure you want me writing the argument in this really big employment case? But they said yes, I have now familiarized myself with the facts of this crazy case more so than anyone in the office so why don't I take crack at it. It will be a good learning experience. Um, ok...

Once I remembered how to write a trial brief and got into the rhythm of writing, I absolutely loved it. I loved piecing together the case, investigating discrepancies in the record, summoning documents from Human Resources, and formulating my argument. Even though real life fact patterns are so much more complicated than the ones that they gave us in Legal Rhetoric, the writing itself is far more enjoyable.

Everyone asks me what type of law I want to practice. Although I love Constitutional, Administrative, and Education Law, I have also enjoyed almost every other field that I have been exposed to. I have also learned that I like pure legal settings much more. I thought I would like the law and policy intersection, but between working at a think tank that has that aspect of policy and at the general counsel's office, I feel much more fulfilled in the latter. Especially after working on the crazy case this week. (sorry I have to be so vague about the case, law students have to abide by confidentiality too)

Happy New Year, Lunar Edition

It is the year of the rat, which may not sound like the most appealing year, but it is my year. As a little kid I always wished I was born in the year of a more beloved zodiac sign. Now all I can hope for is that cute google images and movies like Ratatouille will help improve our imagine. If today is any indication of how the rest of the year, as my mom says the Lunar New Year always is, then I anticipate being busy but loving what I do. I spent seven hours at work but the time flew by because I am writing the brief on a very exciting case. (more on this tomorrow). Then I got to enjoy the great weather outside today by power-walking 1+ mile to my meeting at the law school. After I had class, then I sat on a panel for 1L students.

Despite 12 hours of being constantly on the go, I am not that exhausted. Just happy to change out of work clothes so I can watch the UCLA game in my comfy pajamas.

Ashy Wednesday

I have noticed that Catholicism tends to be a more introverted religion. Some of us may wear crosses or publicly pray, but we are mostly taught that religion is more private. Just look at today's Gospel:

"When you give alms, do not blow a trumpet before you . . . When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them . . . When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to others to be fasting."

So I always find Ash Wednesday to be interesting because we are all "outed." We practically have Catholic written on our foreheads with ashes. And during Lent, you can tell who is a practicing Catholic when people start ordering the vegetarian option on Fridays. (Thanks for the picture Faith!)

As for my personal Lenten resolution, I am giving up all sweets and Facebook. Not saying this to show off my piousness, just an explanation of why I may miss wishing you a happy birthday or not respond to your wall posts.
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Random Notes:

• Three people asked me what time Ash Wednesday services were yesterday. My friend said that I was like the WCL Catholic School Room Mom.
• Incidentally, two other people called me mom yesterday- a friend after I reminded her to do something and another friend after I told him not to worry about the election results and that he should get some sleep.
  
• It was 75 degrees today and sunny. February, 75 degrees. What the heck?
  

Happy Super Tuesday!

I am currently in the library, sporting my Bruin Democrats shirt and watching a live feed of MSNBC's election coverage. I should be reading Administrative Law right now, but I am too anxious to see the results, even if they will not start coming in for another 6.5 hours.

Yeah, I am a nerd like that, but I am in the company of several friends. Whereas my roommate's friends facebook status are about the Laker's newest acquisition, all of my friends' statuses relate to the primary elections, especially since California matters this time around. Most are for Obama, several are for Clinton, some for McCain, and even a sprinkling of support for Romney, Huckabee, and Paul.

As for myself, I finally decided to cast my California absentee ballot for Senator Obama. I usually do not go for "fad" or "trendy" candidates. When everyone was supporting Dean over four years ago, I was one of the few UCLA students in the Kerry camp. But Obama is different. It was a difficult choice because both candidates are so similar policy wise, and I admire both.

My ultimate decision was based on Obama's vision and ability to inspire people. I have been to many political events, but the diverse crowd for the Obama rally at American awed me. I have also heard many friends, new and old to politics, talk about how grassroots the campaign has been.

I think there is potential for greatness when people are inspired to act out of hope, especially after so many years of fear-based politics and corruption. I love politics and I like government, heck I even like big government, but I have come to learn that progress comes from the people. We need someone to motivate people to act, serve, make sacrifices, and initiate change.

No matter what happens tonight, or whenever the Democratic contest is finally decided, I will be excited to work for the nominee.

Superlative Week

Superbowl Sunday
Just Another Manic Monday (also Faith's Birthday)
Super Duper Tuesday/Mardis Gras
Ash Wednesday
Tet Thursday (translation: Lunar New Year)
Formal Friday (The American University President's Inaugural Ball- black tie optional)

This is the reason why I cannot give up caffeine for Lent. So much to do, but so much fun.

Yes We Can

I think no matter who you support, most people would agree that this a pretty powerful ad.

On Saturday, YouTuber user "WeCan08" uploaded "Yes We Can," a music video for a new Obama ballad by the Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am and director Jesse Dylan, Bob Dylan's son. The "song" was essentially written by Barack Obama, since the lyrics are adapted from his "Yes We Can" speech after the New Hampshire primary. That speech, of course, was inspired by Cesar Chavez's motto for a United Farm Workers hunger strike in 1972. Excerpts of Obama play throughout the video, with accompaniment from stars like John Legend, Herbie Hancock, Common, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Scarlett Johansson, Tatyana Ali and Nick Cannon. The video was first reported by ABC News, which interviewed the creators.

I am happy that both Democrats are reaching out to young people, and hopefully inspiring them. And I cannot wait to see what Obama rolls out for his Superbowl ad.

*cross posted from the Bruin Democrats blog.