While I was Gone . . .

I actually did plan on starting to blog regularly again, not daily, but more regularly. However, the past few weeks have been unusually busy, especially with my parents coming for Thanksgiving. So I guess I will start with a standard little recap (with pictures!) of what has been going in my life in the past few weeks, and then I will get back to normal-ish blogging soon.

1. I am an esquire! (translate: I passed the California Bar Exam and was officially sworn in by the Judge I work for.)

Yeah, another lawyer. Let the lawyer jokes (or requests for free legal advice) commence. In all seriousness though, talk about a huge weight off my shoulders. Although I was pretty confident coming out of the test, I could not rest easy until I saw my name on the pass list. It is nice to know that those awful months of studying during the summer (and years of law school) paid off. I cannot thank enough everyone who provided support, advice, and patience. It worked out fabulously that my parents came to DC right after I found out the news so we could celebrate together and they could watch me be sworn in.   

2. Alex and I hosted our first Thanksgiving

After flying back to California for the past three years and braving the holiday travel chaos, I convinced my parents to come out to DC this year. Although I cook regularly, including for my friends and family, I was a little nervous about Thankgiving. It is many people's favorite holidays, including my own, so I could not mess up. Luckily everything worked out perfectly. We had ten people in total, including many talented cooks. The company was hilarious and the food was delicious--including the 20 pound turkey Alex and I brined and roasted. Picture perfect.

3. I decided to stay at my job, and in DC, for one more year.

Well if you were wondering how the job is going, I guess you have your answer. My Judge offered to let me stay another year on the job. Although everyone assumed I would automatically accept because I always rave about my job, I actually mulled for a long time. It's not easy being across the country from your family and I wondered if it was time to be a "real attorney," so I could stop trying to explain to people I am not a secretary. But in the end I decided to stay and am very happy (as is my family and Alex, which is a huge bonus).

November flew by and I have a feeling December will as well. Holiday season galore. And now I can finally enjoy it without horrible finals getting in the way. Just one more thing to be thankful for.