Thursday, September 29, 2005

Untitled

Today was supposed to be an interesting day. Work was going to be manageable, yesterday had been nice and today I had plans to go to see Fiddler on the Roof on Broadway.

I haven't seen and know little, very little, about the show. All I know is that it's about a father trying to preserve his family's customs and he's jewish. So, today was going to be a culturally enlightening day, because I would learn about a broadway classic and I was going to get in touch with my inner gay, you know the one: that one that knows every single show tune by heart, composer, first date of performance and performer?

Alas, another opportunity lost. Work inevitably got in the way. Oy vey.

A.B.

Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Politeness is benevolence in small things

Another M.I. anecdote for the blogger annals. So this time, M.I. actually calls me, out of the blue on a Sunday afternoon. My first gut reaction was that it was a booty call. I was angry at myself for thinking that so casually.

Our conversation lasted about 10 minutes with the routine "how have you been", "how's work", etc. He concluded the call with a suggestion to get together for a drink during the course of the following week.

I made the mistake of calling him a couple of days later to follow-up. I thought, why not give him the benefit of the doubt, perhaps he is genuinely interested in getting to know me (on whichever basis that may be). Of course, I got his voicemail again and left a succinct message.

Since that Sunday call, I haven't heard from M.I.

I have been in situations before where I would much prefer to allow someone's messages to go unanswered, eschew them in hopes a need to address them never arises. I think I have realized that my conduct can be hurtful too and try (I said try) to avoid it. So, as a general rule, I try to respond to voice mail, text messages and e-mails promptly. Even if I would prefer to evade my overwhelming obligation to be polite, I do it, precisely out of politeness and decorum. It is disappointing to me that others do not feel the same way.

I am no longer hurt or worried by M.I.'s actions; I think time has aided me in realizing that I shouldn't give someone power over me and that control to prey on my insecurities or desires perhaps. I think that, again, I feel an enormous disappointment for the class of person's I have allowed myself to be associated with and, on occasion, encouraged or fostered those acquaintances.

No more. I have promised myself not to contact M.I. again. I mean it this time.

A.B.

Mommy dearest

My mother visited for a week last week and I love my mom to death but 10 days is a lengthy stay. Towards the end, I was counting the minutes.

However, we did have a splendid time. I was able to take a week off of work (only to have to come into work two days in the middle, how rotten) to be with her.

I rented a Zipcar for the first time... there is an innate sense of freedom in driving that is indescribable. For those that do not know (yet), Zipcar is this fabulous new service where you register as a member and rent cars, by the hour or per day, and pick them up at strategically placed parking lots throughout the city. For most New Yorkers, having a car is unessential to day to day living. Anyhow, I rented one and took my mother to, where else, Woodbury Commons. The drive was soothing and, even though we got lost, relaxing. (FYI, MapQuest sounds great in theory).

In addition to a wonderful time during her stay, nice dinners alone and with my friends, my mom showed me once again how much she loves me. She accompanied me here to see Desperate Housewives. Reminiscent of this evening, and despite my mom's complete adamance towards loud and boisterous venues, she pulled through and drank her diet cokes.

I will admit I was the one with palpitations. It was joyous to feel her support once more; at the same time, I felt enormous stress as I walked in. My immediate thoughts were "oh my God, people are going to think I am such a geek". Alas, my nerves were quelled as I thought, "perhaps, perhaps not".

Mom and I had a fantastic time and enjoyed the show and she got to meet a couple of my acquaintances.

Now, I miss my mom.

A.B.

P.S. If you know how to avoid comment-spammers, please e-mail me here, as you can tell, I am sort of new at this.

Venting, from the latin Ventus (no, that does not mean to break wind)

So, I had a momentary lapse in judgment with respect to the prior post but boy did that feel good :-o

A.B.

Tuesday, September 13, 2005

A Word to the Wise

If you are considering becoming a lawyer or an attorney, think twice, particularly if you are thinking big corporate law firm... it is not worth it. Realistically, do you think all this exists just for the fun of it. Law firms, more importantly, partners are more prone to side with a client ($$) than with an associate. So, long hours, and by long hours I am talking about 60+, 70+ or 80+ (billable) a week, aren't a worry... quite the contrary more billables!

Working like a dog is not a bad thing; working like a dog at remedial tasks, say, running redlines or sitting at your desk late at night waiting for clients in case they need something is a waste. Moreso when law firms are equipped to handle these tasks with less qualified (i.e., non-legal degree) persons employed for such administrative tasks.

I AM FED UP WITH THIS SHIT.

A.B.