tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309194642024-03-13T00:59:57.466-04:00My DCed LifeKristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.comBlogger999125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-17564842016999147442010-09-13T23:21:00.001-04:002010-09-13T23:24:10.039-04:00Back to School, ReduxAfter some 20 first days of schools, I still get jitters. And this year, I did not even start classes but I am back to school. Today was the first day of the mentoring program I am volunteering with. And I won't lie, I was a little nervous. <i>What will my mentee think about me? What if she thinks I am boring or not cool? </i>Silly thoughts since this is not about me at all.<br />
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Inspired by my brother, who is a "Big Brother" in Oakland, I decided to find my own mentorship program. I thought it would be harder for me to be a "Big Sister" because I'm not as good at just hanging out with teenage girls (this is what happens your only sibling is a boy); however, I know I am pretty good at helping people academically. So I signed up for a great organization that is academically focused. I really admired how no non-sense, but supportive they are with the students. They bring together kids from public schools and charter schools across DC and help them with all aspects of preparing for college: academics, personal maturity, financial, etc. The stories I heard were so inspiring. The mentor I met at traning just had her last student receive a full scholarship to UNC.<br />
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The organization pointed out that DC is the most college-educated city in the country, yet it also has one of the worst high school graduation rates. Let's use one to help the other.<br />
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As for my student, I don't think there was any reason to worry. She seems very nice. We are very different, but we found common ground in a love for writing, watching football, and Law & Order SVU. I can work with this.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-84487992881114161272010-09-02T22:55:00.000-04:002010-09-02T22:55:53.265-04:00All Politics are Local<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaVezBFH4ZbDvKr5YfiKZvLZTwDBUxarOVPBPDvTTFZ-rJqHlR9B05174cJ7qN7YmdMSTvxtIlvv45r7PhpB2x9pBhQxKeZIef1P2LPnXtBBwaz2nmCAdagQuqbIYkNJi-Y8gaQ/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaVezBFH4ZbDvKr5YfiKZvLZTwDBUxarOVPBPDvTTFZ-rJqHlR9B05174cJ7qN7YmdMSTvxtIlvv45r7PhpB2x9pBhQxKeZIef1P2LPnXtBBwaz2nmCAdagQuqbIYkNJi-Y8gaQ/s320/009.JPG" /></a>Although most people think of national politics when they think of DC, local politics are also kind of a big deal around here. Marion Barry anyone?<br />
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Early voting in the DC Mayor's race started on Monday and the one early voting booth is right outside the metro station by my work. It's intense. Getting to my office past all the campaign supporters and weaving through the vans shuttling voters over felt like running through a gauntlet.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiP7lkB8B1dfV_DHnyAUo_UYI8qWFZLBX7qsFvwQLM0N__LG8jI8gsoWAu9pFMKeYrxeBHLqTHmsS2kg3dMu3UnmVCMIfg7vbc9L5Hdc6eXWNaYam8j2b24V9NrQhAFVS_RAN4Q/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiP7lkB8B1dfV_DHnyAUo_UYI8qWFZLBX7qsFvwQLM0N__LG8jI8gsoWAu9pFMKeYrxeBHLqTHmsS2kg3dMu3UnmVCMIfg7vbc9L5Hdc6eXWNaYam8j2b24V9NrQhAFVS_RAN4Q/s320/012.JPG" /></a>Sometimes I forget that as high-profile DC is as a city, it's pretty small. Everyone seems to know each other, and it's not unusual to see the mayor or his opposition walk down the street and campaign.<br />
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It's also interesting to live in a city where people care. LA was so large, and everyone there was so "LA" that mayors races came and went without much fanfare. Here though, lawn signs, rallies, and campaigning everywhere.<br />
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Well, at least it looks like a lot of people care. When my co-worker saw an old classmate holding a sign outside the metro, he asked his friend why he supported that candidate. Response: "Who? They just paid me to hold this sign." Good old DC politics.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-25655114314986399812010-08-30T23:20:00.000-04:002010-08-30T23:20:10.533-04:00Top Cheffing It: Volt!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifL_7V3OdjFxQKSsMMTECylIDkCZrYpvplDslr-84cahUZpKQjIrqQEj0YNFyLTu_bvC9YI5RyCmofvGXFWYey1yXjUb80CatX6BkBCYl7xYxO3S5_e0XI1VNarVwKvFTAAYc34g/s1600/047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifL_7V3OdjFxQKSsMMTECylIDkCZrYpvplDslr-84cahUZpKQjIrqQEj0YNFyLTu_bvC9YI5RyCmofvGXFWYey1yXjUb80CatX6BkBCYl7xYxO3S5_e0XI1VNarVwKvFTAAYc34g/s200/047.JPG" width="200" /></a>Back when I was in college, I saw advertisements for a new show called Top Chef. Even though I was an avid Food Network watcher, I did not think I would become such a big fan. "How is this show going to be popular, you can't even taste the food," I remember myself saying.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7x7q2uHyoJ-PWDCDTFl3vJimWMi8gCuTxm4H7Hal7y0VP4owvjXThfpZVsJzQ44ZD9Grf1zZyRYhps7d0MtQdMQey2SJEhUq9osROZv4hC8H5W4GNtPbiOyqH2VzEYERrVUVTw/s1600/042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7x7q2uHyoJ-PWDCDTFl3vJimWMi8gCuTxm4H7Hal7y0VP4owvjXThfpZVsJzQ44ZD9Grf1zZyRYhps7d0MtQdMQey2SJEhUq9osROZv4hC8H5W4GNtPbiOyqH2VzEYERrVUVTw/s200/042.JPG" width="200" /></a>Well a few years later, I am an addict and thanks to my roommate's birthday, I got to try some of the food too. Her boyfriend made reservations for the coveted Table 21, restaurant of one of the runner's up last season. Eight private seats, 21 little courses, an amazing night.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5iM7lGM5HUhjSQjdJBbps_ZXdN3AVpvjduuiyepN7NPn_z0BsCJR69dagOJkOss0ATpPe_D8pNeZhsHRJXfIaQU3LmyX0tb15M3KU5pi7ga3_Eqn31Tjfz80WNZBLGDbbaGLOQ/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5iM7lGM5HUhjSQjdJBbps_ZXdN3AVpvjduuiyepN7NPn_z0BsCJR69dagOJkOss0ATpPe_D8pNeZhsHRJXfIaQU3LmyX0tb15M3KU5pi7ga3_Eqn31Tjfz80WNZBLGDbbaGLOQ/s200/057.JPG" width="200" /></a>Some of the highlights were twists on simplest things: fresh beets with a goat cheese mousse and beet macaroon sticks on top of a balsamic glaze. [top picture] There were also interesting combinations that worked surprisingly well: chilled corn soup with blue crabbed and topped with frozen coconut and caviar. Some that didn't work perfectly in my opinion: liquid nitrogen frozen gazpacho; it was like dip'n dots. And some were classic dishes done really well: goat cheese cheesecake with berries. [bottom picture]<br />
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Thanks to Top Chef, I think of things like plating and flavor profiles.I have learned cooking tips (ie: when you think it needs salt, add acid instead). And I've also gotten a little more adventurous. At the dinner, I tried sweetbreads for the first time--who thought the throat would taste like a chicken nugget. [middle picture] <br />
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I don't think I will be whipping out liquid nitrogen or foam cannisters in my kitchen, but I feel inspired to try out some new recipes.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-76830467863021786772010-08-24T22:53:00.001-04:002010-08-24T22:56:03.999-04:00One YearIt is hard to believe that it has been a full year since I first started my job clerking. On the one hand, I feel like I just started, on the other, I have seen and experienced so much. After going through a dozen trials, hundreds of cases, and thousands of motions, here are some things I have learned in the past year:<br />
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<ul><li>TV has nothing on what happens in real life cases.</li>
<li>Everything I ever learned in law school actually exists in the real world. Especially property. Ugh, property.</li>
<li>The term "complex litigation" is redundant.</li>
<li>You never know what a jury is going to do.</li>
<li>I never want to be a landlord. Nor do I ever want to open a restaurant.</li>
<li>For better or worse, people have faith in the judicial system to take care of all their problems.</li>
<li>The court can do a lot, but it can also only do so much.</li>
<li>A little good lawyering and writing goes a long way.</li>
<li>There are a lot of bad lawyers out there, like report to the bar bad.</li>
<li>Rich or poor, family members always find something to fight about. Their fights are also the worst.</li>
<li>People really do not like the DC government.</li>
<li>Every freak accident you can ever imagine actually happens.</li>
<li>Some people just want their day in court.</li>
<li>People who scam other people out of their mortgages are nothing but pure evil.</li>
<li>The line between criminal law and civil law is not always clear.</li>
<li>People watch too much Judge Judy.</li>
<li>Civil cases can help restore people from wrongdoing.</li>
<li>"Case settled" are my two favorite words. </li>
<li>Justice usually prevails.</li>
<li>My judge is pretty amazing.</li>
</ul>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-59638650712347637942010-08-23T21:06:00.001-04:002010-08-23T21:06:28.426-04:00Elephant in the Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZY5GRjJqOSPhXXXO5u1UYd8xZnPpXwPfKtm8s7su7Pf48K-2r59Crl4Cz9doA_wm2DfMr0faMmhQvg-lHFqwSiEeOmKdt2DUL_RFHAFEdufwYb_8hDG6rA9UpQJwqPLOur3N5w/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZY5GRjJqOSPhXXXO5u1UYd8xZnPpXwPfKtm8s7su7Pf48K-2r59Crl4Cz9doA_wm2DfMr0faMmhQvg-lHFqwSiEeOmKdt2DUL_RFHAFEdufwYb_8hDG6rA9UpQJwqPLOur3N5w/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>As much as I complained about moving and downsizing closets, a silver lining about the process was getting rid of stuff. <i>Do I really need these notes from 1L year? When was the last time I wore this...or even knew it was in my closet? </i><br />
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<i></i>Being organized and having a large walk-in closet in my former apartment is a deadly combination. It means I am able to fit a lot in that closet. It means that I keep a lot of things I do not need. I ended up throwing away/recycled bags of things, and donated another few bags to Goodwill.<br />
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My reward? A pretty awesome elephant teapot I found at Goodwill for less than a dollar. I am tempted to go back and find more fun things, but then I try to remind myself that I am trying to get rid of, not accumulate, more stuff.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-34272128812398600992010-08-22T20:05:00.001-04:002010-08-22T20:06:01.064-04:00Foodie FamilyMost of the people I know who cook inherited their skills from their moms. I had the good fortune of having two food-loving parents. I remember helping my mom cook dinner--both Vietnamese and American food--and bake goods for the classroom and many bakesales we roped her into.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKcirPn4ixppXgfilnZgxByMJOY9aHtQzljqJjD0JIrlVyXbY9222q3dDOc8kPOVq0nLUhHv7VDxI6Rr1tVvZwUNddPFp2DqnbXr_DEP38pqQZcL7Pqvb-XXi4fB5OQOtOHllnA/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIKcirPn4ixppXgfilnZgxByMJOY9aHtQzljqJjD0JIrlVyXbY9222q3dDOc8kPOVq0nLUhHv7VDxI6Rr1tVvZwUNddPFp2DqnbXr_DEP38pqQZcL7Pqvb-XXi4fB5OQOtOHllnA/s200/006.JPG" width="150" /></a>However, I also remember my dad cooking for us, especially on the weekends when my mom worked. One of my favorite dad-meals was hot dog or spam fried rice, but he made much more sophisticated things as well. My dad, brother, and I also would watch food shows on the weekends on PBS before the food network even existed. Our favorites were Yan Can Cook ("If Yan can cook, so can you!"), Julia Child (way before Julie & Julia), and the Frugal Gourmet (sigh, Jeff Smith, I never knew about the sexual assault charges against you). I'd like to think we were foodies even before it was cool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sgypzw6hvqssCdVMFE-tiM3DN4Durguj861dliH2nQB49FlEGHdlJZUP1G5oKD6HPgcE8jIDN8wjnrv6q9NPRoK5xDV1UujT5N4AaKxiklBn44FxBIaZvt-9kylmVoRiiJg6eA/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sgypzw6hvqssCdVMFE-tiM3DN4Durguj861dliH2nQB49FlEGHdlJZUP1G5oKD6HPgcE8jIDN8wjnrv6q9NPRoK5xDV1UujT5N4AaKxiklBn44FxBIaZvt-9kylmVoRiiJg6eA/s200/010.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5sgypzw6hvqssCdVMFE-tiM3DN4Durguj861dliH2nQB49FlEGHdlJZUP1G5oKD6HPgcE8jIDN8wjnrv6q9NPRoK5xDV1UujT5N4AaKxiklBn44FxBIaZvt-9kylmVoRiiJg6eA/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">My dad visited us this weekend on his way back from a business trip overseas. Knowing how much I like his rendition of Julia Child's Beef Bourguignon came prepared to make it. He even packed the herbs in a zip-lock bag (preparedness runs in the family). The result, a delicious home-cooked meal in my new home. Mmmm.</div>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-15248939119029088592010-08-21T10:26:00.003-04:002010-08-21T10:28:41.668-04:00Back to School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUSHetsTDTktZVTDJekTWmU6TTN00n7eZ75RNRpWRKtKarvnMXJmU32UquhK43BbLCfbaiazFL8XKpv3Uc8vplytoAXIt-2f4VFfQPeck0FMU4vQ4kxpzS8PChf6GNSISsqYG1Q/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUSHetsTDTktZVTDJekTWmU6TTN00n7eZ75RNRpWRKtKarvnMXJmU32UquhK43BbLCfbaiazFL8XKpv3Uc8vplytoAXIt-2f4VFfQPeck0FMU4vQ4kxpzS8PChf6GNSISsqYG1Q/s200/001.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5G3vi3FUil1xtRrs_2qjvghVj5Qv5RaDeFRL_slQSprrI1kZJmsMQ55ilynSx6EOVrJg74eE3ntJIBrfyqZ79OakGE9yjTdniLidIdz1HtjDZw48crs_SaJNGjjHqI9A3ZEOfg/s1600/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw5G3vi3FUil1xtRrs_2qjvghVj5Qv5RaDeFRL_slQSprrI1kZJmsMQ55ilynSx6EOVrJg74eE3ntJIBrfyqZ79OakGE9yjTdniLidIdz1HtjDZw48crs_SaJNGjjHqI9A3ZEOfg/s200/002.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">University Identification Card - Check</div><div style="text-align: center;">Residential Hall-Sized Closet - Check</div><div style="text-align: center;">Attending Orientation - Check</div><br />
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It is that wonderful time of the year. I used to love going back to school when I was a kid. One year, I even had a countdown. I was the kid who loved buying school supplies. Dork, I know.<br />
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Well, I am not going back to school, for the second year in a row. And this year, I am not even starting something new, like my clerkship last year. However, I am feeling the back to school spirit. That may be because I just moved in with Alex (which is my excuse for my blogging absence), who lives in a Residential Hall. Everyday now, I see new students moving in, the awkward introductions, the back to school events, etc.<br />
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As a side note, moving back into a "dorm" is not as bad as it may seem, nor do you have to worry about me reverting to days of eating ramen. It is not the tiny 10x10 room with communal bathrooms of my UCLA days. I might joke about how old I feel around college students and complain about my tiny closet, but my new place is actually a really nice apartment within one of the newest and most expensive halls at GW, which is saying something because it's the most expensive schools in the country. Heck, with two bathrooms and a washing machine, this is probably even an upgrade from my last place.<br />
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To round out this time of the year, I went to my law school's orientation, this time as an alumni panelist. I cannot believe I was sitting in their spots four years ago. I would never want to go back and start law school all over again, but I think part of my is envious of their excitement of starting something new.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-38429657853446079282010-08-11T22:47:00.004-04:002010-08-12T06:57:44.389-04:00Four Year Life CycleIt is hard to believe that tomorrow is my four year anniversary of moving to Washington, DC.<br />
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Although I had lived away from home before, it was the first time I felt like I was really out on my own. Instead of being 30 miles from my house like I was during college, I was 3,000 miles away. I had come with just two suitcases of clothes and moved into an empty apartment. No furniture. No car. I slept on the floor my first night in DC.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF1Ergfj66pizcC2avGZZ8iMc_lfH8eNXXj_Pm5-VcO8pDvP_y6IfsAerIUq7Ws92A74PxM9dQuK6CiDdJFe0j-GO71rdoadd02Fes4_lNZq6hs-l6S5KIRFU9-hQba4ajuWDQQ/s1600/IMG_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVF1Ergfj66pizcC2avGZZ8iMc_lfH8eNXXj_Pm5-VcO8pDvP_y6IfsAerIUq7Ws92A74PxM9dQuK6CiDdJFe0j-GO71rdoadd02Fes4_lNZq6hs-l6S5KIRFU9-hQba4ajuWDQQ/s200/IMG_0012.JPG" width="200" /></a>While it seemed like everyone else was reading hornbooks and preparing for law school, I had to build stuff. I feel like building your first IKEA bed is a rite of passage. <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/categories/series/12194/">Aspelund</a>, you will have a special place in my heart.<br />
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Quite appropriately for DC, at the end of four years, some things must come to an end. Yesterday I sold my bed and today I sold my desk and executive chair. Even though I have known for months that this move was coming, it was jarring watching my buyers dissemble and haul everything away so quickly. All those hours of building. Undone.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSStBCfJ65OElZbi23EK7ZUPwQSClzp2Y2xtyIi4g4-5IFx2mekrZJ0GWwZbX4KIR4FmQJJUavV2-0t_4tynDWip_Y-S1990vOKAFUJ5isbsMceYkQyTLrKxeqsLfFV4umYTgx0A/s1600/IMG_0003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSStBCfJ65OElZbi23EK7ZUPwQSClzp2Y2xtyIi4g4-5IFx2mekrZJ0GWwZbX4KIR4FmQJJUavV2-0t_4tynDWip_Y-S1990vOKAFUJ5isbsMceYkQyTLrKxeqsLfFV4umYTgx0A/s200/IMG_0003.JPG" width="200" /></a>I still remember collapsing in my empty bed frame while spending hours building it. And spending sitting at that desk studying.<br />
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At least I will take solace in the fact that it seems like they are going to nice homes. The buyers seemed like great guys, most of all because they were Craigslist buyers who actually followed through on their offers.<br />
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And yes, I did just get way too sentimental about furniture.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-81431799105347123622010-08-09T23:00:00.000-04:002010-08-09T23:00:27.397-04:00Mother NatureI was going to write a post about how dreadful this weather is in DC. About how unbearable the heat and humidity are. That our assistant's kids tried to fry an egg on the sidewalk this week. That it is supposed to be the hottest day of the year tomorrow. How I feel like I need to take a shower after walking to the metro. All this record heat after the snowiest winter. Woe is me.<br />
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Then I accidentally clicked cnn.com instead of blogger.com on my toolbar and saw that a <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/08/09/china.landslides/index.html?hpt=C1">mudslide</a> in China killed 337 and 1,148 are missing.<br />
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Then I felt completely ridiculous complaining about the heat. Prayers to China and everyone else who is actually suffering.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-69954868773498761062010-08-08T23:33:00.002-04:002010-08-09T00:05:59.169-04:00What We Eat When We Eat AloneThe other day, I was listening to NPR's <a href="http://splendidtable.publicradio.org/">Splendid Table</a> podcast on my way to work. The host was interviewing the authors of a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/What-We-Eat-When-Alone/dp/1423604962">What We Eat When We Eat Alone: Stories and 100 Recipes</a>. The stories ranged from people confessing to eating junk food or strange concoctions to others eating simple fresh meals in bed while the kids were away. Steak and wine, to bowls of cereal, to spam with cottage cheese.<br />
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Though I do not plan on getting the book because the Amazon reviews said that the writing was not all that great, I thought it was an interesting topic. How some people change their eating habits when alone, for better or worse, and what that reveals about the person.<br />
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For me, the concept of eating alone is not strange. In fact, now that I think about, I have primarily cooked meals and have eaten alone since I moved into my first apartment six years ago. Even though I have always had roommates, different schedules and dietary preferences usually meant that I cooked for myself (though I usually saved some food for best friend M). And while I have cooked for Alex over our five years of dating, I have never regularly cooked for him because we have lived apart. Hm, upon writing this, I am now thinking about how strange it is going to be to regularly be cooking with someone (note that I did not say for someone- we will be sharing in that duty).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oi9WnFOji1BN8I3pZiy3EMVPRqZC-vkgDuhyphenhyphenMEkuHChX8feAhyphenhypheneRffCDne6pX2g4-TyDGnrcnZyMIm2JkIqDvwtAKlKEIFcdr7gGrp-ygKQVDjrkW6AMDY7PUkyfbcRsJznTXQ/s1600/022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oi9WnFOji1BN8I3pZiy3EMVPRqZC-vkgDuhyphenhyphenMEkuHChX8feAhyphenhypheneRffCDne6pX2g4-TyDGnrcnZyMIm2JkIqDvwtAKlKEIFcdr7gGrp-ygKQVDjrkW6AMDY7PUkyfbcRsJznTXQ/s320/022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Anyway, I am not sure what my solo cooking says about me. I guess it seems to be similar the stereotype of those 20-something females who like to cook: lots of chicken breasts, salads, things made with Trader Joe bases. Trying to eat healthy but not spend a ton of money or time. I would also bet money that I am not the only one with an emergency box of mac and cheese on the top shelf of my pantry.<br />
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When I do have time, usually Sundays, I like to try something new or treat myself. Today I made lettuce wraps and brewed my own Moroccan Mint Iced Tea. I wish I could give a recipe because they were delicious but I improvised with ground turkey, shredded carrots and broccoli, diced portabella mushrooms, and water chestnuts cooked in garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, mustard, ketchup (trust me, the sweetness works). Thanks to the pre-washed and pre-cut vegetables at Trader Joe's, this dish actually only took about 20 minutes to cook.<br />
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It may not be the Dominican Republic food that Alex is getting on his beach-front vacation, but this was a nice summer dinner for me . . . and the cats. Guess if you count them, I really won't be eating by myself anymore.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-2198205437851263012010-08-07T21:24:00.002-04:002010-08-07T22:34:13.378-04:00Senseless CrimesThere are some crimes that I understand. Obviously I do not condone them, but I understand why people commit them. For example, I understand why people steal. A person obtains possession of something he wants. Vandalism though, I do not understand.<br />
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Today when I was walking home from Trader Joe's, I passed by Alex's car. The driver's side window was completely smashed in. However, there was no sign that a person even opened any of the doors to try to steal anything. The few things in the car were exactly as we had left them before Alex went on his trip.<br />
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Maybe there was some kind of story behind it. But if it was just for fun, even drunken fun, I do not get it. Why smash a window, why this car? What could possibly be fun about destroying someone else's property? Just like I do not understand why some GW students love pulling down ceiling tiles and smashing them when they are drunk. Perhaps I just hope that there is another reason because I do not want to think that there are people that are just that mean-spirited.<br />
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Even if it does not change anything, I just still wish I knew 'Why?'Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-84718066285567742512010-08-06T18:46:00.001-04:002010-08-06T21:13:32.028-04:00Blessing in DisguiseFunny things happen when you get engaged. First, everyone comes out of the woodwork with advice, which I actually really appreciate. Second, you start evaluating all these aspects of your life that you did not intend to. For me, it was my religion.<br />
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When we started planning for the wedding, some things in my mind were automatic. It would be in California and the ceremony would be in a Catholic Church. Once we found a reception venue, I thought the hard part was over because I knew exactly which church I wanted and that the priest there was available the weekend we wanted. <br />
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I also knew that I would have to find a priest in DC to do our marriage prep because we couldn't meet with our officient regularly long-distance; however, I never imagined all the twists and turns that little task would entail. The church that I regularly attended during law school had no record of me being a parishoner. Another priest agreed to do the counseling, but then we found his blog and discovered that the issues that he is most passionate about are the ones that we disagree with. Another priest who my friend highly recommended was moving away. Another had never done counseling before. Another preferred that people do counseling with the parish they belong to. Another required us to go on a long and expensive weekend retreat, and was also awkward on the phone. The list goes on. I think by the end of two weeks, I had communicated with seven priests or deacons.<br />
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Needless to say that I was getting frustrated. However, that frustration made me evaluate why I wanted to get married in the church, which is actually a good question. Alex is not Catholic, but said he would do it if it was important to me. Upon reflection, I did realize that getting married in the church was not just important to my family, but for me as well. <br />
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Over the years religion and the Catholic Church have served different positive roles in my life. It has helped instill a sense of social justice in my growing up. During high school and college, it provided a community. In law school, going to church had a calming presence during stressful times. And now that I am working in a field that is often depressing, religion has given me perspective and hope in people. It, along with other things, inspires me to be a better person and serve others. Although I do not agree with many current Catholic views, overall, I believe that the church and my religion have been a beneficial part of me.<br />
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I guess I can say this now that I have seemed to find a happy ending. We ultimately ended up finding a priest to do our marriage preparation at a church that Alex and I both like. He came recommended from friends who had him for their counseling and raved about him. While we have not met him, from what I heard, he seems like the perfect fit for Alex and me. I heard he provides great counseling through a religious perspective and is not judgmental. He even signed the DC Clergy petition for marriage equality and was friends with Ted Kennedy. <br />
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These are the little things that you never think about when you think about your wedding. I can only imagine what the next 1 year + 1 month will be like.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-58182563179608095952010-08-06T13:20:00.006-04:002010-08-06T13:50:52.272-04:00The CityAlthough I am one of the few young people who actually admits to liking suburbia, I love living in the city at this point of my life. Last night I went to bed with the window ajar and woke up to the hustle and bustle of the city. There is something exciting about that. Maybe I associate suburbia with childhood, and this makes me feel grown up. Maybe I like the feeling of being in the middle of the action. Maybe I just like not having to drive anywhere. <br />
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I guess I should back up a little; this is what happens when I do not update. So in addition to <em>the </em>engagement, another big change in my life is that I am moving in with Alex officially by the end of August. I have been gradually moving over things this past month and staying there regularly while Alex is on vacation because someone needs to feed the cats. <br />
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Through his job, Alex currently lives in University housing, which moves me from my apartment in the quiet upper-NW quadrant of DC closer to Downtown DC. For context, my new place is a few blocks from the White House, with a view of the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. So spoiled.<br />
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As well as being excited to be moving in with the fiance, I am excited about developing a routine closer to the heart of the city. I look forward to being able to walk to Trader Joe's and some farmer's markets, being able to run around the monuments and along the Potomac (once the humidity is gone), and being closer to more performing arts and things to do. Not that I could not do this all before, or could not do it if I lived outside the city. But now it is so close, so convenient. The game plan, as of the moment, is to live here for about one more year so I hope to make the most of it.<br />
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DC is no New York. It is not even San Francisco. But it is the perfect amount of city for me.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-36150667298104982452010-08-05T22:42:00.002-04:002010-08-06T12:26:39.944-04:00Back to the Blog<div>I have been meaning to write this post for a long time. I kept telling myself that I would start regularly posting again but I kept procrastinating. I think it is because I knew once I came back this time, I wanted my posting to be regular. Maybe not daily, but not the drive-by posting once every few weeks that I was doing post-bar exam.</div><div><br />
</div><div>While a lot of big things have happened since I last blogged, like <i>the </i>engagement, there have also been many other important memories from smaller events. And now I feel as though there is a gap in the record. This blog used to be a record that simultaneously preserved moments for myself and updated others, particularly my family across the country.</div><div><br />
</div><div>And yes, I called it the record. Which brings me to the other reason why I feel like I need to start blogging again. My job requires me to write a lot. However, my legal writing is mechanical, rigid, and formal--sprinkled with words such as hereby, forthwith, herein, thereto, and interest of justice. They are called orders for a reason. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I like having an outlet where I can write about what I want. Process things around me and put them down in a tangible form. I always felt like writing kept me sane; I have a tendency to over-think things. This way, I just get my thoughts out. Catharsis.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Going into the second year of my clerkship, I still cannot write much about the substance of my work or politics, but there is plenty of other things I can and should write about. Note: I will try to keep wedding-planning posts to a healthy level. While the priority of my blog has never been to cater to readers--I am selfish like that--no one wants to hear about a girl obsess over her wedding, nor should I obsess. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So I am back and with a new look thanks to these nifty blogger templates. Not that the look matters that much because my small handful of followers, if they haven't completely abandoned me, probably view this through a reader, but it is a fresh start. </div>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-50232033828173588322010-03-23T22:54:00.000-04:002010-03-23T22:54:09.193-04:00Judgment at Agincourt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E9XM3af3I6Lo7uBe6IO9U7ziF0qlXbRsMCO8YReIeghYJl9sWh1s5mT5s4pPN_QZPHBtRr5ARsfSiUKIF0MN4T1KrnA7gqll16l-cE91eBEjZr_m3yAW7klRUZmyqr0WsqF4-Q/s1600-h/image001_051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8E9XM3af3I6Lo7uBe6IO9U7ziF0qlXbRsMCO8YReIeghYJl9sWh1s5mT5s4pPN_QZPHBtRr5ARsfSiUKIF0MN4T1KrnA7gqll16l-cE91eBEjZr_m3yAW7klRUZmyqr0WsqF4-Q/s320/image001_051.jpg" /></a></div>Last week Alex surprised me with tickets to <i>Judgment at Agincourt</i>, a mock trial presented by the Shakespeare Theater Company. Justice Ginsburg presided over the trial taken from the story of Henry V (you can read a synopsis <a href="http://www.shakespearetheatre.org/support/events/trial.aspx">here</a>). Justice Alito and other appellate court judges joined Ruth, and the case was argued by some of the biggest lawyers in DC--including former Solicitor General Greg Garre and Assistant Attorney General Viet Dinh.<br />
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Pretty much it was amazing. The nerdy legal and current event jokes. The style of argument. The front and center seats we got because someone cancelled at the last minute. And of course, Ruth, my favorite justice ever.<br />
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This is why I love living in DC. And Alex. Only he would go out of his way to get these tickets and enjoy it as much as I did.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-49024080535159267602010-03-15T23:53:00.000-04:002010-03-15T23:53:11.938-04:00March Goodness<div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJAsXBm-tBuL44V3Up-iVl3-nbH45yn6yM_povcirHBAqxjZbKdz_iRn5hMYCSNNozrA6QQQrqM2tzF5vgL6W_OwU9u92PlzHJj07nWgnjnrjDBwIJXJVwSIZRtaiLBwUxkMQ1Q/s1600-h/26764_10150129710115176_91925725175_11547192_5070293_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJAsXBm-tBuL44V3Up-iVl3-nbH45yn6yM_povcirHBAqxjZbKdz_iRn5hMYCSNNozrA6QQQrqM2tzF5vgL6W_OwU9u92PlzHJj07nWgnjnrjDBwIJXJVwSIZRtaiLBwUxkMQ1Q/s200/26764_10150129710115176_91925725175_11547192_5070293_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div>With UCLA's quick fall from grace--Final Four not so long ago, to not making any tournament this year--March Madness can seem like a real bummer. I don't want to fill out a bracket, I don't care who the number one seeds are, and I can't read about Cinderella stories because I just get envious.</div><div><br />
</div><div>So I am taking the $10 that I would have used for a bracket and am donating it to <a href="http://www.razoo.com/p/march-goodness">March Goodness</a>. My friend <a href="http://www.faithsalutes.typepad.com/">Faithsaultes</a> is working for a great company <a href="http://www.razoo.com/">Razoo</a>, which helps different nonprofits raise money. I love creative fundraising, and last year this tournament idea raised a lot of money for many worthy causes. </div><div><br />
</div><div>So donate. Doesn't matter if your team is good or not, whether you follow college basketball. There's a nonprofit for everyone and every little bit helps. </div>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-58796883773867219192010-03-14T23:58:00.001-04:002010-03-15T00:06:11.594-04:00Springing ForwardEveryone grumbles about springing forward an hour for daylight savings time. I am just happier to being one hour closer to my favorite season. Here is what I am looking forward to this spring . . .<br />
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<ul><li>Baseball games. Do I care about baseball? Not really. But I love being at Nats stadium soaking up the sun and cheering on the presidents during the President's Race.</li>
<li>More out of town visitors coming.</li>
<li>Enjoying the Cherry Blossom Festival for the first time in DC without worrying about final exams being around the corner.</li>
<li>Two trips to see family in California.</li>
<li>Doing anything outside. I finally want to kayak on the Potomac this year and enjoy at a concert at Wolftrap.</li>
<li>Leaving work when there is light outside. </li>
<li>Horse races in Virginia, which will allow me to live out my dream of wearing a big floppy hat.</li>
</ul>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-48609668075201491652010-03-14T23:42:00.003-04:002010-03-15T00:08:09.418-04:00Warm Fuzzy SundayAt church camp, way back in high school, we acted out this story that involved "warm fuzzies" and "cold pricklies." I can't even remember most of what the story is about anymore, other than that the moral was to spread warm fuzzies. <br />
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Although I absolutely love my day job, most of what I deal with is very cold prickly. If you are in the court, it means that there is a dispute so intense that it could not be worked out by the parties themselves. The job can be rewarding if you can resolve a situation, but it can be equally frustrating if things do not work out. Really? You're really bringing this dispute to court and going to battle it out for years? Sometimes I just want to shake common sense into our parties. As I mentioned in a blog post last week, it was a draining week. And it literally got cold and rainy. <br />
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Fortunately today rejuvenated my spirits. In addition to a little church in the morning, it was a full UCLA day. Alumni brunch club in the morning, coffee with a UCLA friend afterwards, and dinner with another UCLA friend to cap off the day. I was excited to see people making new friends and connecting with others they had met at other events I helped planned. And it made me so happy to catch up with good friends--friends who you don't have to see or talk to regularly but you can jump back on the same page with them immediately.<br />
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Today was a good reminder that as immersed as I can get in my work, which often happens because I am a workoholic, it is important to maintain those relationships outside of the office--both with new acquaintances and with old friends. Because though I can't always control what happens in the courtroom, I can at least control my personal life.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-16119831475845343292010-03-12T22:48:00.000-05:002010-03-12T22:48:29.502-05:00Courthouse of LoveIt was a draining week at work. 2 straight hours of argument on government contracts. 3 hours of arguments on a multimillion dollar commercial lease dispute. 2 hour evidentiary trial on drug ring-related eviction. 1 hour debating exhibits in a prison stabbing trial. 3 hours of lawyers arguing over evidentiary motions in an assault & battery/wrongful termination/sexual harassment case. All interesting, but all exhausting, heavy ligitigous stuff. <br />
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But piercing through the dark cloud of litigation that hovered over our courtroom this week was a moment of pure happieness. We got to do a wedding. One of the many same-sex marraiges that occurred this week since the same-sex marriage law went into effect, to be exact.<br />
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Although I am typically a sap at weddings, I did not expect to be so moved by a wedding of two people I did not know. However, it was very touching to see how excited and happy these two women and their families were to make the marriage official. Though they have been in a committed relationship for over a decade and "married" in Hawaii ten years ago, it was for them to be married under the law. I felt honored to be there with their closest friends and family. <br />
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There was also a moment of pride that I got to be at what could be considered a historic event. The civil rights movement of our generation, as my friend describes it. Only five states and one district allow gay marriage. I am convinced, however, that the tide will change as people see that same sex relationships are no different than opposite sex ones. <br />
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Most people come into the courthouse unhappy: parties, lawyers, jurors. If it's a good day, one side in litigation will leave happy. If it's a great day, both parties will be "ok" with the result. But with weddings, everyone wins.<br />
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Congrats Beverly & Marlene.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-32454026786098621982010-03-09T23:01:00.000-05:002010-03-09T23:01:37.972-05:00SpringingSigns of Spring in DC<br />
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I wake up to sunlight<br />
Faith and I get to sit out on the bench to soak up the sun after an Eastern Market outing<br />
Females get to wear skirts without pantyhose or tights, finally<br />
Tourists infiltrate DC, stand on the wrong side of the escalator, and I don't get cranky<br />
People wear bright colors again<br />
Employees take a break just to be outside<br />
The steps of the Portrait Gallery are packed with people eating lunch outside<br />
Everyone just looks happierKristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-52111802786955624612010-01-20T00:05:00.001-05:002010-01-20T06:51:33.411-05:00Buddy SystemThere are certain areas of my life where I have no problem with self-motivation--academics and work being the main ones. But there other areas where, in the past few years, I have been making regular goals and not following through as well as I know I can. Those areas are daily exercise, leisure reading, and volunteer work. Conveniently; body, mind, and soul. <br />
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Now that I am finally out of school and have a normal person schedule, I have decided it is time to really work on these. It has helped tremendously that I have family, friends, and boyfriend working with me. The only thing I hate more than letting myself down is letting others down. And now that it's on the blog, there is some accountability.<br />
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In terms of the exercise, there's now a goal behind it, which is running a 5k with my friends and later in the year running a half marathon with my brother while my parents also train for a smaller race. While running is a big fad thing, especially in DC, and I hate feeling like a sheep, there is something to it. I feel like it cleanses my mind from all the legal mumbo jumbo and tedious fighting I deal with all day at work. Plus, sweat to me translates into tangible results in a job where it seems like things get litigated for years. I can just run to mind-numbing pop songs with a catchy beat on my Pandora (it's probably the only time I like listening to Britney Spears and the Pussycat Dolls) and not think at all. Oh, and I got new purple Nike running shoes. Added motivation.<br />
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Leisure reading seems like it would be easy, especially from someone who came from law school and could read on hours on end. However, law school has killed my ability to read. I fall asleep 5 minutes within reading non-assigned text. So now I am trying to keep up with the UCLA Alumni Book Club (admittedly, I didn't finish the last book they discussed in time even though I picked it and felt like a loser . . . it's like volunteering in class and getting the answer wrong). <br />
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And finally, volunteering. I think I have come to terms that it is unrealistic for me to commit to some large and/or regular endeavor right now so I just want to do what I can and enlist those around me-- whether that means finally cleaning out my closet and donating clothes to the UCLA Alumni warm clothing drive or delivering groceries on a Saturday with Alex. I am no Mother Theresa, I am not even close to being like so many people who went to my law school who devote themselves to these huge causes, but it's something. And selfishly, I oftentimes think I need that something after being at work and seeing the struggle of so many people in the community. It's the humbling part about working in a trial court in a place like DC. <br />
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So there it is. The trinity of resolutions for 2010. Hold me to it, or pick one to join along.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-86990748463392058412010-01-01T17:33:00.000-05:002010-01-03T17:38:14.742-05:00Oh NineMy annual review of the year . . .<br />
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1. What did you do in 2009 that you'd never done before?<br />
Some "firsts" in chronological order (aka highlights of the year): Attended a Presidential Inauguration, ate Carolina barbeque, saw Justice Scalia talk in person, graduated from law school, took the California Bar (fortunately first and last time), worked a full time job, cheered for Brett Farve, watched my first trial, attended a football game south of the Mason Dixon line, hosted a Thanksgiving dinner, helped shovel a car out of snow.<br />
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2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year?<br />
I wanted to read a book a month, which did work out due to my reading narcolepsy. This year my brother and I have a pact to run a half marathon. Hopefully having a buddy will help.<br />
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3. Did anyone close to you give birth?<br />
Not that I can think of.<br />
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4. Did anyone close to you die?<br />
No, fortunately.<br />
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5. What countries did you visit?<br />
Another domestic traveling year, visiting Georgia and the Carolinas for the first time. It's almost like a different country down there.<br />
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6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?<br />
2009 was pretty fulfilling, but question five reminded me that I would really like to travel abroad again.<br />
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7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?<br />
January 20. Getting up at 4am, walking across DC to get to our ticketed area, standing in the freezing cold, watching history, dancing at an inaugural ball. Amazing day.<br />
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8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?<br />
Passing the California bar exam. Being the first member of my family to graduate from law school comes in a close second.<br />
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9. What was your biggest failure?<br />
Letting the stress get to me while studying for the bar.<br />
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10. Did you suffer illness or injury?<br />
Nothing major. Though in a bout of paranoia, I thought I may have had pig flu. I was wrong, of course.<br />
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11. What was the best thing you bought?<br />
A plane ticket home to surprise my mom for her 50th birthday.<br />
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12. Whose behavior merited celebration?<br />
Family, boyfriend, and friends for their unconditional support through a year with many transitions.<br />
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13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?<br />
Many of the people involved in cases that I see at my job- both the parties and their lawyers.<br />
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14. Where did most of your money go?<br />
Rent and paying back my Doan Loan (aka: law school loans).<br />
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15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?<br />
Passing the bar exam.<br />
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16. What song will always remind you of 2009?<br />
I Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas and any Lady Gaga song because they remind me of my nights out with my friends and driving around town with Alex.<br />
<br />
17. Compared to this time last year, are you<br />
i. happier or sadder? Happier<br />
ii. thinner or fatter? Same <br />
iii. richer or poorer? Richer. Finally, a regular income!<br />
<br />
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?<br />
Volunteer work around DC.<br />
<br />
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?<br />
Stress out about pleasing everyone.<br />
<br />
20. How will you be spending Christmas?<br />
I spent Christmas with family in California.<br />
<br />
22. Did you fall in love in 2009?<br />
More every day.<br />
<br />
23. How many one-night stands?<br />
Not applicable<br />
<br />
24. What was your favorite TV program?<br />
Top Chef, Law and Order SVU, West Wing, Greek, Gossip Girl (I am not ashamed to admit), and my newest discovery-Mad Men. I have also fallen in love with our DVR machine, which has revolutionized my tv watching).<br />
<br />
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?<br />
No one personally. However, there are a lot of lawyers on my "list".<br />
<br />
26. What was the best book you read?<br />
The Conviser Mini Review? (bar prep book). I really need to finish reading books; I started about a dozen this past year and cannot remember finishing any of them.<br />
<br />
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?<br />
The genius feature on my new iPod touch.<br />
<br />
28. What did you want and get?<br />
A wonderful, intellectually stimulating job, where I get to serve people everyday. <br />
<br />
29. What did you want and not get?<br />
Making it into the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Coif">Order of the Coif</a>. Close, but no cigar.<br />
<br />
30. What was your favorite film of this year?<br />
Up! and Star Trek.<br />
<br />
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?<br />
I took a break from studying for the bar by going to see Star Trek with friends, lounging by my friend's pool, and going to Ray's Hell Burger <em>and</em> Ray's the Steaks. <br />
<br />
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?<br />
If my job and the city of DC was in California or if my family and California weather was in DC.<br />
<br />
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?<br />
25% casual (especially the summer where I bummed around in shorts and tank tops while studying), 25% business formal in my spiffy, new Calvin Klein suits, 50% business casual.<br />
<br />
34. What kept you sane?<br />
Taking one day at a time, exploring new lunch places this summer while studying, and perspective from friends and family.<br />
<br />
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?<br />
I love Michelle Obama. John Hamm, who plays Don Draper on Mad Men, is also very good looking in his suits and fedoras.<br />
<br />
36. What political issue stirred you the most?<br />
Even though my interest in politics is waning, the economy, since it has impacted so many people I know.<br />
<br />
37. Who did you miss?<br />
Many of my friends and family who live in California, and some people from law school.<br />
<br />
38. Who was the best new person you met?<br />
The Judge I work for and my new law clerk buddies.<br />
<br />
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009.<br />
I saw it on a fortune cookie in my aunt's house: Pray for what you want, work for what you need. <br />
<br />
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.<br />
<em>Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, and I say it's all right . . .</em>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-90061002216417746132009-12-19T11:35:00.002-05:002009-12-19T12:19:44.257-05:00snOMG 2009<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5uruUXYdp0ao2ua9MMYCFzsLsxGbFWi_tOGGZ5bIFFR6v95xQa8HTrGLPadxxAh4C-e-sQ1kyHZf-V-dBmAdFGbG-oJeXz9DtQijI6zYw_omgYiIHamGmW7gz6YZLoxq2WB3Mw/s1600-h/White-House-1219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5uruUXYdp0ao2ua9MMYCFzsLsxGbFWi_tOGGZ5bIFFR6v95xQa8HTrGLPadxxAh4C-e-sQ1kyHZf-V-dBmAdFGbG-oJeXz9DtQijI6zYw_omgYiIHamGmW7gz6YZLoxq2WB3Mw/s400/White-House-1219.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<blockquote>A major storm is burying Washington with what forecasters said could be the largest snowfall to hit the region in six years and the greatest December accumulation in more than 70 years. --<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/19/AR2009121900741.html?hpid=todays-paper">WaPo</a><br />
</blockquote>So they are predicting up to 20 inches of snow today, which is probably more snow than I have seen in DC in the past three years combined. Some people are freaking out. I am happy snuggled up on my couch with a blanket and hot chocolate, watching a Law and Order marathon. <br />
<br />
Moments like this make me thankful for a lot of things . . .<br />
that I have a cozy apartment with heat<br />
that I finished most of my Christmas shopping so I don't have to go outside<br />
that I have Amazon Prime to finish the rest<br />
that I don't have to leave my building to go to the gym<br />
that I have food and toilet paper, meaning I don't have to fight the crazies at the grocery store <br />
that I have an underground tunnel to the grocery store if I really did need something<br />
that I don't have final exams that I have to go to school to take<br />
that I booked my flight for Wednesday and don't have to try to travel this weekend<br />
that there are dedicated people who brave the cold to keep everyone safe <br />
that I don't live in a place where this happens regularlyKristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-54039295479256619002009-12-15T00:13:00.001-05:002009-12-15T00:13:45.318-05:00DC Nights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJknEu3Qof39q5rl0akLahKWbmoYMlsaakyX9YgwcavrByi88zlcV-jHldSjLbe9LXkN7BefVk7NPgeDjEvvG_t9JnDYecmQPqzHwZoSdnV3wHCUGg05P9_YgPMzP_IB_dMwls2A/s1600-h/UCDC+%2825%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJknEu3Qof39q5rl0akLahKWbmoYMlsaakyX9YgwcavrByi88zlcV-jHldSjLbe9LXkN7BefVk7NPgeDjEvvG_t9JnDYecmQPqzHwZoSdnV3wHCUGg05P9_YgPMzP_IB_dMwls2A/s320/UCDC+%2825%29.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>I love DC at night. I love the way the buildings glow. The way the hustle and bustle comes to a standstill. The way you can hear the bell toll from historic churches. It's almost like being in Europe, or a Dan Brown book. <br />
<br />
This is an old picture from when I was an intern in 2004, and not the best composition, but I love it anyway. It is of the Old Executive Office Building, one of my favorite buildings in DC.<br />
<br />
My post-work shopping, metro delays, and decent weather gave me an excuse to walk tonight. I strolled from my work, to the White House, past the Executive Office Building, and to another metro station. When there are metros right by your work and apartment, it is easy to forget how close everything until you walk. I often take for granted the fact that my office is a mile away from the White House in one direction and three-fourths of a mile from the Capitol in the other direction.<br />
<br />
I should take advantage of the above-ground scenery while I can. Once those winter flurries hit, back to the metro.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30919464.post-7156492147930579272009-12-06T23:43:00.000-05:002009-12-06T23:43:25.951-05:00While 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.<br />
<br />
1. I am an esquire! (translate: I passed the California Bar Exam and was officially sworn in by the Judge I work for.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo18BKIwwWt_qyjKIfpmSwblqyJpeBaGogjAJHXHY7W6MZChr2T6ZwGCdZ8hPGJ6QRwAm19ikvrtSo7GBPkp_IBfbabFCrm3L0kA-_CX-JeMrFoEWYcz9AWd2GMBS9agMcwzSgbA/s1600-h/11254_1213725021045_1166381654_30591020_248513_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo18BKIwwWt_qyjKIfpmSwblqyJpeBaGogjAJHXHY7W6MZChr2T6ZwGCdZ8hPGJ6QRwAm19ikvrtSo7GBPkp_IBfbabFCrm3L0kA-_CX-JeMrFoEWYcz9AWd2GMBS9agMcwzSgbA/s320/11254_1213725021045_1166381654_30591020_248513_n.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJzERm_OiJXW2rhMeieqIJSHK7so7qb6FbiRPP2roBsDIikTGAnEAe-qz4jDIfBoEb2VnieBcVZjCrIYhd7IN0lCsdwjYG5hbZXgERffhsUg8Xvlup2cBBv2-m5BbCuuwkvM9tQ/s1600-h/swear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJzERm_OiJXW2rhMeieqIJSHK7so7qb6FbiRPP2roBsDIikTGAnEAe-qz4jDIfBoEb2VnieBcVZjCrIYhd7IN0lCsdwjYG5hbZXgERffhsUg8Xvlup2cBBv2-m5BbCuuwkvM9tQ/s320/swear.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
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. <br />
<br />
2. Alex and I hosted our first Thanksgiving<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYm6uM2R1scOXMV1qXe2RiYW2T6be8wb9VXkdJ4KdhJNAxsOmO2FMV2JinXBfe0dQhnsx4GugSvTMEAMliRXZdcPjKxnssKfQy4rt6XYOCqvlz_ANk2gizMD2Gx6qhr0FJxikAg/s1600-h/turkey2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFYm6uM2R1scOXMV1qXe2RiYW2T6be8wb9VXkdJ4KdhJNAxsOmO2FMV2JinXBfe0dQhnsx4GugSvTMEAMliRXZdcPjKxnssKfQy4rt6XYOCqvlz_ANk2gizMD2Gx6qhr0FJxikAg/s320/turkey2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBG9rImwNMUXR9n0wc3fO-aCwidEJjxVfpHf8IRt9JGAJry0kPKc5w-bJ14idxLQ79GiD_1lTeBcodPg4AlmcSNaac51ksvXnNTPlv5wPY1wWH4BBtk4M3_Cl3K2VD2KoYAigGeg/s1600-h/turkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBG9rImwNMUXR9n0wc3fO-aCwidEJjxVfpHf8IRt9JGAJry0kPKc5w-bJ14idxLQ79GiD_1lTeBcodPg4AlmcSNaac51ksvXnNTPlv5wPY1wWH4BBtk4M3_Cl3K2VD2KoYAigGeg/s320/turkey.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>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.<br />
<br />
3. I decided to stay at my job, and in DC, for one more year. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikk1cjAtMxwXucMSxBftCcc7Y6CkCvD5FHZIjrLWD-pTMG-zQxbo2mMrNg-cOFe-iqP8Bz6AvI7M-SgmVkPi1Oe9JFp1a9LlWCIyU0g52icHy2tqSzP3gcmC6SWlE0D6oDKEfJ_A/s1600-h/desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikk1cjAtMxwXucMSxBftCcc7Y6CkCvD5FHZIjrLWD-pTMG-zQxbo2mMrNg-cOFe-iqP8Bz6AvI7M-SgmVkPi1Oe9JFp1a9LlWCIyU0g52icHy2tqSzP3gcmC6SWlE0D6oDKEfJ_A/s320/desk.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>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). <br />
<br />
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.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10675478835520940401noreply@blogger.com1