Today Alex is hosting a "Save California" party/birthday party for one of our friends. Despite California's economic woes, we thought we would celebrate the state with many transplants. In addition to having California decorations, we are serving California oranges, avocados, beer, and wine. That of course means stocking up on two buck chuck-- Trader Joe's decent and cheap wine. While we were checking out . . .
Trader Joe's Checkout Guy (TJ): Oh, are you going to or having a party?
Me: Having one. It's a California theme party.
TJ: Oh, are you dressing in red and blue?
Me: Not sure what you mean. (said with a confused look. does this have to do with democrats and republicans?)
TJ: You know . . . bloods and crips.
Me: Yeah, no.
TJ: Oh inappropriate?
Me: Um, no. Just not what we were going for.
I was thinking more that his reference was outdated. Granted I lived and went to school in nicer parts of Los Angeles, but the last time I heard mention of the Bloods and the Crips was when Stanley Tookie Williams, the founder of the Crips, was on death row and people wanted the Governator to exonnerate him because he had "reformed." That and "Crip" walking in high school. There are definitely still gangs, but Bloods and Crips are no longer the first who come to mind.
More interesting to me is whether that is the first thing people think of when they think of California. Cash register guy is not the first person I talked to who thought California was full of gangs, riots, and violence. Maybe I am just biased, but I thought people would think of sunshine, beaches, surfers, Hollywood, plastic surgery, hippie liberals, Arnold, happy cows, or earthquakes before they thought of gang violence. But I guess it is not uncommon for people to have misperecptions. Everyone thinks all of DC is a hotbed of crime.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
It's the Economy, Stupid
It's a strange time to be in law school. Today, Latham & Watkins, one of the largest and and most recognizable law firms in the country, fired 440 lawyers and staff members. I heard that's something like 20% of its associates domestically. Graduating law students with offers with the firm have an option of deferring for a year in exchange for a $65,000 stipend. Two of my friends are supposed to work there this summer, and thus far still have their jobs, but one offered to be my personal assistant while I study for the bar this summer if his position gets rescinded. Moreover, I found out that the Philadelphia District Attorney rescinded all of its offers.
When things like this happens, it kind of puts everyone in law school on edge--from 3Ls with post-graduation offers to 1Ls who will be looking for jobs in the fall. But aside from the law school oans, I would still say we are pretty fortunate and in a better position than so many other people. I feel like everyone will find something.
When things like this happens, it kind of puts everyone in law school on edge--from 3Ls with post-graduation offers to 1Ls who will be looking for jobs in the fall. But aside from the law school oans, I would still say we are pretty fortunate and in a better position than so many other people. I feel like everyone will find something.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Two of a Kind
You know what is worse than walking into a party and wearing the same dress as someone else?
Going to school wearing dark jeans, a light blue-striped button-down shirt, tan corduroy jacket, and tan loafers only to see one of the biggest jerks at your law school, someone who had just been mean to your friend the day before, wear the same exact thing.
Going to school wearing dark jeans, a light blue-striped button-down shirt, tan corduroy jacket, and tan loafers only to see one of the biggest jerks at your law school, someone who had just been mean to your friend the day before, wear the same exact thing.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Happy Birthday Lil Big Doan
My little 6'3" brother turns 23 today. It only feels like yesterday when he was 5, celebrating his birthday with a bowl cut and friends with feathered bangs.
And I just threw in this picture because I found it in my old picture files. I think it pretty much sums us both up. 
And I just threw in this picture because I found it in my old picture files. I think it pretty much sums us both up. 
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Lenten Resolutions
It may sound strange, but one of my favorite Catholic observances is Lent. When done properly, I think it is a great lesson in discipline that anyone can do. It gives you an opportunity to reflect on what you should do more and less of, and provides a manageable time frame to do so. Moreover, with everything that is going on in the world, it seems like discipline and moderation are things everyone could use more of.
Thinking of what to do this year was difficult. Although I am far, far, far away from being a saint . . . I do not have the traditional vices that people automatically think of giving up for lent (translate: I am pretty boring). I hardly drink, go shopping, or even drink caffeine. The things I need to do more of are already part of my new year's resolution: exercise at least days a week, watch only an hour of tv a day. Also, my mini-computer crash/epiphany helped me cut down on my biggest vice: wasting time on the computer. I do not use my laptop at school anymore which means no web browsing during class and hardly ever going on facebook. Finally, I have to be realistic. As much as I want to go do more volunteer work, I know it will not happen right now.
So what do I have left?
Thinking of what to do this year was difficult. Although I am far, far, far away from being a saint . . . I do not have the traditional vices that people automatically think of giving up for lent (translate: I am pretty boring). I hardly drink, go shopping, or even drink caffeine. The things I need to do more of are already part of my new year's resolution: exercise at least days a week, watch only an hour of tv a day. Also, my mini-computer crash/epiphany helped me cut down on my biggest vice: wasting time on the computer. I do not use my laptop at school anymore which means no web browsing during class and hardly ever going on facebook. Finally, I have to be realistic. As much as I want to go do more volunteer work, I know it will not happen right now.
So what do I have left?
- No sweets, cheese, or snacking (except fruits, nuts, veggies). I would like to say I cook healthy meals but these are my downfalls.
- Less thinking negatively about people. Maybe it is something about being a third year who has been around the same people for what seems like an eternity, but I get easily annoyed at people. Even if I do not vocalize most of it, it is just time to let it go.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Slumdog Millionaires
I was happy when Slumdog Millionaire won Best Picture, but I was even more excited to see the kids from the movie at the Academy Awards. Little Tuxes = Best Dressed
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Tacos & Twelve Strangers
One of my favorite UCLA traditions is Dinner with 12 Strangers, where a UCLA alum hosts dinner for tw. I went every year at UCLA and I was happy that DC does it. This year, I helped Alex host an "upscale taco bar." We thought it would be fun to bring good Mexican food to the East Coast, since the restaurants here are underwhelming. In addition to simmering 10 pounds of pork in salsa verde for 4+ hours and shredding it, I had a lot of fun putting together the presentation of the table.
We all bonded over experiences of UCLA, shared inauguration stories, and made Oscar predictions. Overall the dinner was a great success. If the lawyer thing does not work out, I may have to pursue party planning again or opening up a taqueria.
We all bonded over experiences of UCLA, shared inauguration stories, and made Oscar predictions. Overall the dinner was a great success. If the lawyer thing does not work out, I may have to pursue party planning again or opening up a taqueria.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)