My firm has a business casual policy unless you're in court, meeting with clients, etc. As a result, I am low on suits. So, I decided to buy a new suit for today's arbitration (and a couple of hearing and depositions that are happening in the next few weeks).
I wore my brand new suit to our big arbitration today. I was a little nervous/excited about conducting the direct examinations of two witnesses, but hey, new suit equals confidence, right?
About three hours in, my pants feel looser all of a sudden...hmmm...that's weird. I get up for a bathroom break, and those darn things feel like they are about to fall off.
Then, it hits me. My zipper is wide open! To make matters worse, in the ladies' room I discover the zipper is broken. Broken!!! On my new suit!!! Open fly + adversarial situation + public speaking!!! Ahhhhhh!
I managed to concoct a way to fasten them and buttoned my suit jacket so you couldn't see my, er, lower stomach. Luckily, the entire arbitration occurred sitting down.
Other than the wardrobe malfunction, the arbitration went really well! As nerdy as this may be, I thought it was a blast! We had to continue it another day, so there is time to get my money back and buy a sturdier suit!
In more good news, Josh brought home Girl Scout Cookies!!! God Bless him. Time for a few Thin Mints, milk, and then bed!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Bah.
Another week and weekend has come and gone, and no blog posts for days. What can I say? I have writer's block.
Schwee's trip last weekend was great. It was wonderful to see her and to take a little break from work to hang out with her. Bug, Ajax, and PJ came over, and we had a great celebration for our little Schwee. (She did a much better recap here.)
Schwee left early Monday morning, and I spent the rest of the day and week working. We had sort of a nightmare deposition (I didn't take it) go down during the week. However, right when my spirits were at a low, one of my fave senior associates (we'll call her Litigatress as I do not want to use real names for work peeps) came back from trial and we began to prep for an arbitration we have together Tuesday. I adore Litigatress and am so excited for this arbitration. The arbitration is conducted like a mini-trial (opening statements, witnesses, etc.), only instead of a judge & jury, there's an arbitrator. Anyhow, Litigatress is going to let me conduct the direct examination of two of our five witnesses! I am so, so, so jazzed!
So, I have been really busy preparing for this arbitration. In addition, all of my other cases are heating up (of course!). I ended up working from early morning to late at night yesterday and a large chunk of today. I still feel like I have a ton to do, but I guess that's the way it is.
After emailing in a position statement late afternoon that I had spent all day on (sadly missing a friend's good-bye party), I managed to catch the very end of Josh's rugby game. Afterwards, we grabbed a late-ish dinner at Timmy Nolan's with PJ, Bug, and Ajax. Now, I am in back in front of my laptop, Oscars in the background, trying to get a little more work done before hitting the sack.
So, things have been pretty dull. I have actually been a bit down, but I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully there will be more interesting news in the future to blog about.
Schwee's trip last weekend was great. It was wonderful to see her and to take a little break from work to hang out with her. Bug, Ajax, and PJ came over, and we had a great celebration for our little Schwee. (She did a much better recap here.)
Schwee left early Monday morning, and I spent the rest of the day and week working. We had sort of a nightmare deposition (I didn't take it) go down during the week. However, right when my spirits were at a low, one of my fave senior associates (we'll call her Litigatress as I do not want to use real names for work peeps) came back from trial and we began to prep for an arbitration we have together Tuesday. I adore Litigatress and am so excited for this arbitration. The arbitration is conducted like a mini-trial (opening statements, witnesses, etc.), only instead of a judge & jury, there's an arbitrator. Anyhow, Litigatress is going to let me conduct the direct examination of two of our five witnesses! I am so, so, so jazzed!
So, I have been really busy preparing for this arbitration. In addition, all of my other cases are heating up (of course!). I ended up working from early morning to late at night yesterday and a large chunk of today. I still feel like I have a ton to do, but I guess that's the way it is.
After emailing in a position statement late afternoon that I had spent all day on (sadly missing a friend's good-bye party), I managed to catch the very end of Josh's rugby game. Afterwards, we grabbed a late-ish dinner at Timmy Nolan's with PJ, Bug, and Ajax. Now, I am in back in front of my laptop, Oscars in the background, trying to get a little more work done before hitting the sack.
So, things have been pretty dull. I have actually been a bit down, but I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hopefully there will be more interesting news in the future to blog about.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Oh, what a beautiful morning...
I love Saturday mornings. The following things are making me smile this morning:
- Sunshine in my backyard.
- Scrambled eggs and toast.
- Sitting with a big cup of coffee on my couch in my holey yoga pants and old sweatshirt.
- Woody, Ella, and Rocko (we are dog sitting for Jackie!) running (dare I say "frolicking"?) around the backyard.
- The smell of Schwee's birthday cake baking.
- An email from Jackie and Schube from Australia!
- Josh puttering around, trying to fix the pool. He is just like his dad, I swear.
Now that my laptop is open, and I have done a little procrastiblogging (best word ever, H), I should probably get to work. Enjoy the beautiful day. :)
Friday, February 15, 2008
Wah. Wah. Wah.
This has been a doozy of a week. In fact, it has felt a month-long. I have been sitting, staring at this blank post for about 5 minutes, trying to remember exactly what happened this week and when it even began. Never a good sign, my friends.
Despite summoning what is remaining of my mental strength, I cannot remember what I did Monday for the life of me. I know I was at work. That is all I've got.
Tuesday, I spent the day in the office and then drove out to Ontario to conduct witness interviews, starting at 9 p.m. (the plaintiff, her supervisor, and co-workers all work the night shift). I took the Bar in Ontario and (somehow) forgot how much is smells like cow manure. Oh, but I remembered on Tuesday night! It seems appropriate that the smell of animal feces reminds me of that hellish exam. But, I digress.
The HR manager and I interviewed six employees. over the course of five-and-a-half hours. I finally pulled my little car out of there at 2:30 a.m. and reached home by 3:45 a.m. I would complain about a late night, but I love witness interviews so much. So, I will still a happy (but tired) clam.
Wednesday was my Grandpa's 79th Birthday! Although I was swamped at work (and tired from the night before and waking up at 5:30 a.m.), I skipped out around 7 p.m. to meet my grandparents, sis, uncle, aunt, two adorable cousins, dad, and Josh at North Woods for dinner (my grandpa's fave). My grandpa's eyes were twinkly, and I could tell he was happy to have us all there. I have to admit, though, I kept cautiously eyeing both grandparents. They are still in good health but have been slowing down a bit lately. I do not like that. Not one bit.
After the birthday celebration, it was back to work on a tortuous deposition outline. I finally crawled into bed by 3:30 a.m. and was back up again at 5:30 a.m.
I should stop here and say: I am not one of those people who can sleep 3 hours a night and be cheerful and productive. I am the opposite of that. I need 8 hours (preferably 9!) or I am a grumpy, sluggish monster.
So, needless to say, I was less than charming on Valentine's Day. I was able, however, to sneak out a little early and go home and be with Josh, who made us a lovely, gnocchi dinner. I was probably the world's most boring dinner companion, constantly staring off and yawning. Bedtime was 8:30 p.m., so I am feeling much better today!
We didn't do any gifts on V Day because we are planning on buying some new furniture for the house! Woo hoo!! :) Josh did send me some gorgeous flowers, though, from my favorite florist, Jacob Maarse!
All in all, though, I am happy for the week to be over. I still have a pretty big hunk of work to do over the weekend, but I should be able to sleep in a bit. Oh, and my friend, Schwee, is coming to visit for a bit, so that should be fun!
Despite summoning what is remaining of my mental strength, I cannot remember what I did Monday for the life of me. I know I was at work. That is all I've got.
Tuesday, I spent the day in the office and then drove out to Ontario to conduct witness interviews, starting at 9 p.m. (the plaintiff, her supervisor, and co-workers all work the night shift). I took the Bar in Ontario and (somehow) forgot how much is smells like cow manure. Oh, but I remembered on Tuesday night! It seems appropriate that the smell of animal feces reminds me of that hellish exam. But, I digress.
The HR manager and I interviewed six employees. over the course of five-and-a-half hours. I finally pulled my little car out of there at 2:30 a.m. and reached home by 3:45 a.m. I would complain about a late night, but I love witness interviews so much. So, I will still a happy (but tired) clam.
Wednesday was my Grandpa's 79th Birthday! Although I was swamped at work (and tired from the night before and waking up at 5:30 a.m.), I skipped out around 7 p.m. to meet my grandparents, sis, uncle, aunt, two adorable cousins, dad, and Josh at North Woods for dinner (my grandpa's fave). My grandpa's eyes were twinkly, and I could tell he was happy to have us all there. I have to admit, though, I kept cautiously eyeing both grandparents. They are still in good health but have been slowing down a bit lately. I do not like that. Not one bit.
After the birthday celebration, it was back to work on a tortuous deposition outline. I finally crawled into bed by 3:30 a.m. and was back up again at 5:30 a.m.
I should stop here and say: I am not one of those people who can sleep 3 hours a night and be cheerful and productive. I am the opposite of that. I need 8 hours (preferably 9!) or I am a grumpy, sluggish monster.
So, needless to say, I was less than charming on Valentine's Day. I was able, however, to sneak out a little early and go home and be with Josh, who made us a lovely, gnocchi dinner. I was probably the world's most boring dinner companion, constantly staring off and yawning. Bedtime was 8:30 p.m., so I am feeling much better today!
We didn't do any gifts on V Day because we are planning on buying some new furniture for the house! Woo hoo!! :) Josh did send me some gorgeous flowers, though, from my favorite florist, Jacob Maarse!
All in all, though, I am happy for the week to be over. I still have a pretty big hunk of work to do over the weekend, but I should be able to sleep in a bit. Oh, and my friend, Schwee, is coming to visit for a bit, so that should be fun!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Those shoes are mine, betch.
Another weekend come and gone... The weather this weekend has been outstanding! Finally! Warmth and sunshine! Now THIS is why I moved back to L.A.!
So, here is what we've been up to:
Saturday morning, I woke up, balanced the checkbook, and updated the budget, all of which made me stir crazy. So, Josh and I got in the car and just drove. We headed down PCH, then up Sunset through the Palisades. We stopped at Grace Home Furnishings to poke around and then had lunch in Brentwood Village. We then continued along Sunset, stopping to do some window shopping in Sunset Plaza in the hopes of getting some inspiration for a birthday present for PJ. No luck.
In the afternoon, there was a little more shopping. We didn't find a present for PJ, but I did find these fabulous Tory Burch sandals at Nordstrom. I am in love with them. They are so cute on!
Saturday evening, we met up with my sis for dinner at Don Cuco's in Toluca Lake. I love this place and miss living close by! I had enchiladas rancheros. Delish!
This morning we woke up and met my dad and a few other folks at the Side Street Cafe for breakfast. Sunday morning breakfast is one of my favorite family rituals. Plus, I could eat breakfast for every meal of the day! After, I met up with Jackie to get pedicures. My little toesies needed it, trust me!
Tonight, we are meeting up with Jackie and PJ and some of PJ's friends to have dinner at Arnie Morton's to ring in PJ's 28th year! His official birthday is tomorrow, but he wanted to celebrate this evening. Steak sounds pretty amazing right now, so I am excited!
That's about it. It's going to be a pretty crazy week. I have a couple of new cases that are going to need fast investigations which potentially means many witness interviews this week. Should be busy but fun!
So, here is what we've been up to:
Saturday morning, I woke up, balanced the checkbook, and updated the budget, all of which made me stir crazy. So, Josh and I got in the car and just drove. We headed down PCH, then up Sunset through the Palisades. We stopped at Grace Home Furnishings to poke around and then had lunch in Brentwood Village. We then continued along Sunset, stopping to do some window shopping in Sunset Plaza in the hopes of getting some inspiration for a birthday present for PJ. No luck.
In the afternoon, there was a little more shopping. We didn't find a present for PJ, but I did find these fabulous Tory Burch sandals at Nordstrom. I am in love with them. They are so cute on!
Saturday evening, we met up with my sis for dinner at Don Cuco's in Toluca Lake. I love this place and miss living close by! I had enchiladas rancheros. Delish!
This morning we woke up and met my dad and a few other folks at the Side Street Cafe for breakfast. Sunday morning breakfast is one of my favorite family rituals. Plus, I could eat breakfast for every meal of the day! After, I met up with Jackie to get pedicures. My little toesies needed it, trust me!
Tonight, we are meeting up with Jackie and PJ and some of PJ's friends to have dinner at Arnie Morton's to ring in PJ's 28th year! His official birthday is tomorrow, but he wanted to celebrate this evening. Steak sounds pretty amazing right now, so I am excited!
That's about it. It's going to be a pretty crazy week. I have a couple of new cases that are going to need fast investigations which potentially means many witness interviews this week. Should be busy but fun!
Friday, February 8, 2008
My boring week in bullets.
It's been a pretty dull week. Here's what's been going on:
- Last weekend, I was sick, grumpy, and in bed for all of Saturday.
- Sunday, my fabulously crazy Uncle Paul was in town. We bar-b-qued tri-tip (mmmmmm!) and watched the Super Bowl with my Uncle, dad, sis, and Anthony. Man, that is one long game.
- Monday and Tuesday were pretty uneventful. Work, home, tv, sleep.
- Wednesday I heard some bad news at work about a colleague of mine who was pretty much fired. Very sad. This was kind of a morale killer for me. I moped around Wednesday and Thursday.
- Today, I am feeling better. Less grumpy. Happy for the weekend. Am hoping for something fun.
I am thinking I need to drag myself out of my house to do something entertaining before I bore myself to death!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Call me "Perry Mason."
I am sick and logged in and working from home today. The week started with me feeling really nauseous (no, I am not pregnant, although this seems to be everyone's first question when I say I feel like I am going to puke). Halfway through the week, I managed to get some ear and throat congestion to top it all off. I am a variety pack of disease.
Other than being a sickie, the week was actually pretty good. I was a real lawyer this week! Tuesday, I went to court (all by myself!) for two hearings, and we won both! Wednesday and Thursday was the deposition of the Plaintiff in one of my cases. I had prepared the outline and exhibits, and halfway through the deposition on Wednesday, the senior attorney took a break and let me take over the rest of the day! On Thursday, I took the entire day! It's pretty rare a lowly junior associate like yours truly gets so much experience in such a big firm so early on, so this was very exciting for me!
I have to admit, even though our Plaintiff was quite sympathetic, I thought the deposition was a blast. I called my dad on my drive home Wednesday and said, "Dad, do you realize I have found a job where I actually get paid to grill people?! This is amazing!" He chuckled at this. I'm sure he was thinking of all the times I argued with him as a teenager and was slightly relieved that I have managed to turn my argumentative nature into a career.
That's pretty much it for the week (how sad that it can be summarized in three paragraphs, two about work). I am hoping I feel better for the weekend. It's actually stopped raining, so it would be sad to have to stay home all weekend. My lovely-but-crazy Uncle Paul is visiting this weekend, so hopefully I will get to meet up with him!
Other than being a sickie, the week was actually pretty good. I was a real lawyer this week! Tuesday, I went to court (all by myself!) for two hearings, and we won both! Wednesday and Thursday was the deposition of the Plaintiff in one of my cases. I had prepared the outline and exhibits, and halfway through the deposition on Wednesday, the senior attorney took a break and let me take over the rest of the day! On Thursday, I took the entire day! It's pretty rare a lowly junior associate like yours truly gets so much experience in such a big firm so early on, so this was very exciting for me!
I have to admit, even though our Plaintiff was quite sympathetic, I thought the deposition was a blast. I called my dad on my drive home Wednesday and said, "Dad, do you realize I have found a job where I actually get paid to grill people?! This is amazing!" He chuckled at this. I'm sure he was thinking of all the times I argued with him as a teenager and was slightly relieved that I have managed to turn my argumentative nature into a career.
That's pretty much it for the week (how sad that it can be summarized in three paragraphs, two about work). I am hoping I feel better for the weekend. It's actually stopped raining, so it would be sad to have to stay home all weekend. My lovely-but-crazy Uncle Paul is visiting this weekend, so hopefully I will get to meet up with him!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
