second to last

Almost the last day of the year, and I managed to return library books, sort through a bunch of clothes and books and donate them, redo my purple hair dye, and firm up plans for tomorrow to pick up my mentee, go to brunch and a sing along Sound of Music with my sister and a former work friend, and go to a New Year's Eve party. I think my reading total for the year will be 65; nowhere near where it's been for the past seven years, but still quite respectable, given the hours I've been working.

contentment

Tell a dog he's a good boy, put his bed in a sunny spot, and he will teach you the meaning of contentment.

it gets better

Every day for the next six months will be brighter than the last.

overdue

A fresh pedicure never fails to please.

good friday

Lunch at Google with a friend, Star Wars with coworkers, a gorgeous sunset (I never see sunsets anymore), a drink with my two work BFFs, a prank gift for one of them, a few rounds of our favorite video game, and a quick dinner out. A pretty good Friday.

cavalry

Reinforcements have arrived, and my new teammate is great. She knows all kinds of things I don't, and is fresh and ready to work. It's nice to have a peer, and I'm so glad she's joined.

scent hound

Last week, I suddenly had the illusion of a scent that I hadn't smelled in years. It smelled exactly like Fiver after he'd had a bath. I breathed it deeply and felt all the memories come back just like that. I haven't smelled him since he died, and I don't know why I thought I smelled it last week, but it was wonderful.

do gooders

Team volunteer event today, and fourteen of us sorted and packed over 5,000 pounds of food!

roll tide

Huge sigh of relief as Alabama elects a Democratic senator instead of the pedophile the Republicans ran. After a couple Dem governors were voted in last month, I'm starting to feel a little bit of hope after the debacle of last year.

a good book

Finally, after months of book drought, I've hit a streak of a few good books, including the great one I'm reading right now. Quiet house, sunny afternoon, couch, dog, blanket, book. I could do this every day.

star wars marathon

Surprised a coworker with a Star Wars marathon today, and we had a great time eating, drinking, watching movies, and hanging out.

quitter

I haven't had coffee in four days, and I'm still alive.

feast finished

Forty hours of family, friends, and food complete. This year, we scaled it back, so we "only" had veggies, hummus, cheese, bread, smoked salmon, pork belly buns, prime rib, asparagus with eggs, Brussels sprouts with bacon, mashed potatoes, bourbon sweet potato souffle, and pumpkin pie with ice cream. Plus our traditional fondue the night before and crepes the morning after. Mischief managed.

aww

Sleep barking never fails to be adorable.

at least

When I'm sick and working from home, at least Henry gets to sunbathe.

preparations underway

Pork belly is in the sous vide bath for the night, so Thanksgiving must be coming soon.

surprisingly okay

Going back on meds and not actually that upset about it this time around. It's been a rough few months, so it makes sense.

at least

At least the uncontrolled communications within a nosy family mean I was able to avoid an awkward conversation with my parents and find out their thoughts without taking to them...

coup de grace

When you're the black sheep of the family, but everyone believes you when you tell them about a terrible thing that happened in the past, and they band together to try to do the right thing, and you almost start to understand why other people trust their families.

cleaner

When you finally go through the papers on your desk for the first time in months, get rid of most of them, and you can see your desk again.

starburst

When you open up those little two packs of Starburst, and three out of four are pink.

good talk

Got off the phone after catching up with friends for the first time in a while, and realized we were on the phone for over four hours! Time flies with old friends.

aaa

Well, that's the third time in 1.5 years that I've had to call AAA, this time for a flat tire. I guess it makes the membership fees for the previous seven uneventful years worthwhile? Also, no idea how they got to me in fifteen minutes and changed the tire in five.

single weekend

Sleeping in while taking up the whole bed. Pho and games with friends. Re-dyeing my hair. Pedicure. Dog cuddles. Massage. Books. Those are my crazy plans for my anniversary weekend while Boyfriend is out of town.

me too

When your friends and family start telling you the things they have been most ashamed of, and you feel honored to receive such trust and faith.

all mine

When your boyfriend goes to visit his family and you get the whole bed to yourself, and sleep for nine hours for the first time in god knows how long.

wanna cookie?

When your coworker brings in three bags of dog treats for your dog, because her dog changed diets.

ketchup

When you come into work and a coworker left this for you.

prison break

Had my third prison volunteering event today, and realized that a lot of the things that we've been teaching the guys in the program and vulnerability, shame, and trust are things I've been working on because of the program. I posted my #metoo posts partly because I found myself telling things to strangers in prison that I was afraid to tell my own friends and family. I owe a lot to these men, who happen to be in prison, and who have taught me so much.

Also, I won a t-shirt in a raffle there! I've never won a raffle in my whole life. So I get to keep my family AND I get a shirt. It was a good day.

bombs away

Drew a line in the sand with cousins. Waited. And watched as a large number stepped over to my side.

been a minute

Surprising and emotional week after a YOLO post about sexual assault and harassment. Support and love from unexpected quarters. Then, fondue.

More generally, feeling pretty valued at work, which helps get me through the roughness of a bumpy launch.

Completely unrelated, quickly tracked down a friend's "the one that got away," and they've gotten back in touch, picked up where they left off, and I hope to be a flower girl, at last.

end of the week

Finally got another massage from my favorite massage therapist last night, and I'm still happily sore. Slept in this morning, and puttering around at home for the day.

eight years in

After over eight years of allergy shots, probably over 150 shots, my allergist told me she thinks we can try going off the shots and see if I can be done for good!

slow loris

Surprise visitors at work yesterday included a lemur, a kinkajou, an alligator, a great horned owl, an eagle, and this slow loris. Also had lots of human visitors, including three former officemates and one other coworker from my Google days (one was Boyfriend), one bearing a haul of gummies from Switzerland. Stayed until 9:30 for social reasons rather than work reasons for the first time in months. Much needed after a roller coaster week.

accidental investment

When you realize that the house you bought on a whim has increased $1M in value in four years.

just in time

Biggest thunderstorm I've ever seen in California (and during the dry season!) broke the heat just as the air conditioner repair guy said we can't use the air conditioning until he gets a replacement part in.

Dat lightning, tho'.

good times

Happy times with old friends and new, more free time than I've had in a year, more time with the boyfriend than I've had this year, some quality reading time, extra sleep, pretty dives with great coral, fish I'd never seen before, and a sea snake, which I haven't seen since 2003.

Back to reality and I was actually ready for it this time. I've got my dog back. My co-workers missed me, my CEO gave me a raise and told me that I've been working hard and doing a good job, and there is so much going on to jump right back in and keep having fun. Also, I had a one day work week, and tomorrow, I landed a sweet reservation for dinner, just in time to wear one last rented dress before I send them back in.

it's been ages

Since I changed jobs, we haven't traveled as much as we used to, and the trips we have taken have been hectic ones. This is the first time in over a year that I've had this much time to just sit around, read, nap, and enjoy the sun. I forgot what this feels like!

it's been ages

Since I changed jobs, we haven't traveled as much as we used to, and the trips we have taken have been hectic ones. This is the first time in over a year that I've had this much time to just sit around, read, nap, and enjoy the sun. I forgot what this feels like!

dive nerd

Went on two dives yesterday and was inordinately pleased that a friends and his friend separately expressed admiration for my air consumption and buoyancy control. Only a diving nerd would care.

shipping

LA and back again yesterday for our final launch event, and phones are shipping, just in time for me to leave on vacation tomorrow.

countdown

First vacation this year starts in six days!! First stamp in the new passport coming soon...

simple things

After over a week of a broken water heater and showering at work, we have a water heater again!

and we're off

Press embargo lifted, first reviews are out, launch events in progress, and things are going surprisingly all right.

duty calls

Jury duty for the second time in my adult life. Dismissed after six hours of waiting. Inbox surprisingly well behaved.

home stretch

Last spring towards launch, and after a week of non-stop 14-16 hour days, it's good to see the amount of work I got done, to get emails and texts from the president and my boss saying they know how hard I'm working, and then to sleep in a bit today, get some sun, and go college shopping with my mentee. It's a good recharge before digging back in.

perfect gift

My mentee brought us gifts from Cambodia, and one of them was the traditional scarf they wear there that we wanted to get and didn't have time. I've regretted not getting one for the last year and a half, but now I'm glad I didn't, since it's much more meaningful to have one from her.

she's here

Over a year after we started working together, our mentee arrived from Cambodia!! She's smart, sweet, kind, and worth all the time we put in together.

make it rain

My birthday is coming up this weekend, and I'm long past the age where birthdays mean presents, but I'm moved to tears by the friends who are donating to my favorite non-profits. Love.

my jam

Went by myself to a community sing of the Brahms Requiem last night, as my other friends couldn't make it. It was me and 100 old people I don't know. We didn't sound great, but I loved singing it again, just the same.

hamilton

Finally got to see it a couple weeks ago with my sister and brother in law, and it was fascinating and lingers in the mind. I'm not a history junkie, nor am I a big hip hop fan, but it was pretty brilliant and both of our time and of his time.

freedom and hope

Last weekend, I spent sixteen hours on buses to put in two long days at a supermax prison, meeting some of the most ordinary and extraordinary people, and realizing how extraordinary an experience it is to meet people who are so different from me but also so much the same. My heart and mind are still racing.

bored boss

When the CEO drops by because he's bored and wants you to entertain him, asks your opinion on how different members of the team are doing (after asking you yesterday to help get the team gelled and on track), and then he tells you that you're underpaid and he's going to fix it, it's a pretty awesome five minute interlude in the middle of an otherwise lightspeed day.

some weeks

Even though it was a three day week, it was crushingly productive, with some work on the weekends on either end. Oddly satisfying. Plus a little mental prank thrown in for good measure.

happy puppy

My dog was so happy to see me when I got in to the office this morning! It's good to be missed.

back again

Long weekend in Portland with good friends, good food, good weather, lots of walking, and lots of cards. Less work than expected, and now it's back to the startup grind.

verklempt

Went to see Wonder Woman with some female co-workers yesterday, and I have to admit that it was surprisingly touching to see badass women fighting and saving men, instead of the other way around.

good girl

COO told me he knows I pull late hours and that I'm an indispensable member of the team who helps set the tone for everyone else. It's nice to get good feedback.

steam

Two weekends in a row, blowing off steam with coworkers, definitely needed to release the pressure valve a bit. Then some climbing and sleeping in. Now a tough week ahead before heading to Portland for food, friends, and cards.

happiness is

A dog yawning in the sun.

happiness is

A dog yawning in the sun.

prison break

A day in prison reminded me of all the lucky breaks and blind choices that led me here. Being offline really made sure I was fully engaged and not distracted. That was some tough stuff, but I think if everyone did this, we'd be closer to figuring out how to make life better for everyone.

girls

College friend in town for a conference this weekend, and another one just moved to the area, so we're getting four of us together over the weekend! Old friends are the best.

jail time

Volunteering in prison next week, and even worked out a carpool, which is great, because it's far...

efficiency

When a previous manager and a current manager give you compliments in the same week about being one of the most efficient people they've ever worked with, you start to wonder if you're more efficient than you thought.

old timers

Get together with some old time Google Legal folks, and it was so great to see people and reminisce about the olden days and find out what everyone is up to.

bail

Sometimes, bailing is more fun than going.

word of mouth

A former coworker said her boyfriend works with the guy who lived downstairs from me first year of law school and that he said that we are the two most successful people in our class. An odd statement that I don't agree with, but interesting that he thinks that.

on the books

Summer Camp 2018 is in the works!!!!

first for everything

Talking to one of my product guys today, and he asked me how I ended up as a lawyer, and I wasn't sure what he meant. He said he'd never had conversations with lawyers where they gave him an answer or a path to an answer until now, and that he'd always avoided talking to them unless he had to. Now he stays late with me for pranks. So... I'll take it as a compliment, back-handed or not.

free stuff

Also, I've been dogfooding our new phone for weeks, and found out that I was picked to dogfood over some of the engineers who actually work on the thing. So that was fun. And today, we got our first company swag.

and we're live

Marketing launch went well today, and some intrepid reporters even figured out Henry's role in some secrets he was keeping until the announcement, generating his own adorable little press cycle.

exceeds expectations

When you've got a Marketing coworker who is organized, logical, calm, and finds ways to create order in the midst of chaos.

girl friends

Are the best. Making two new girl friends this year has been super fun. Two bottles of sparkling wine, a pint of sorbet, a bunch of cheese, crackers, and grapes, and Boggle are all you need for five hours of laughs.

two time champ

Two nights in a row falling asleep with nothing but melatonin!! I'm a superhero!

that feeling when

Things at work are about to get a whole lot crazier, possibly in a good way. Hold on for dear life.

i did it

After months of ramping down Ambien and weeks of using gabapentin as a transition, I fell asleep last night without either one. It wasn't great, but I can't remember the last time I managed that.

summer is here

Accidental hiatus! Life is intense, but lots of good things. Henry is back up and running, and has had a couple of weekend playdates. It's finally summer in earnest, with hot sun and long days every day. I've come to terms with reading only 50-60 books this year, instead of 100. I'm getting lots of work done, I still haven't gotten yelled at, and my new boss seems to like me. I'm testing out our product, and I can see it improving as the engineers push out changes. I've started climbing again, and am still fitting in time with friends and my sister, despite long hours at work.

right back atcha

Pranked two co-workers on Monday with a cross wiring of desk controls. Got pranked back Tuesday morning with desk decorations. Immediately conspired with a co-worker (and eventually the COO and the CEO's admin) to turn it back on them. Pure psychological mayhem. This stuff gives me life.

road to recovery

Henry is sleeping on his own again, and is only drugged when he's going to meet a new dog. He had his first bath yesterday, and seems mostly back to normal, other than intermittent yelps if he's touched or picked up in a way that he doesn't expect, a giant scar, and the shaved patches that are starting to grow back in. On the plus side, he has gotten in the habit of pooping and peeing really fast on command, rather than dithering around, so hope that one sticks. He also seems less offended when crated, also a good thing.

not late yet

Finally got around to filing my taxes, only two days before the deadline. Somehow, the deductions worked out so that I only owe an extra $7,700 this year, which is good news, since my paychecks now are a lot smaller than they were in previous years.

coda

And then random Indian street food to round out the evening. Whew.

good day

Morning outing with girls to learn how to ride bikes and eat lunch. Afternoon massage with my favorite massage therapist in the world. Evening shopping trip to help a co-worker update his wardrobe.

oreo

Couldn't decide what to eat for lunch, then remembered I had a fresh pack of mint Oreo thins. Done.

change of plans

Friends who were going to come over for dinner last night couldn't make it, so we went to my sister's for fondue and games, instead, because why not stay up until 4:30 on a Saturday?

almost there

Stitches are out, I'm spending less time managing meds, and I'm spending more time with my team. A few more days and things should be almost normal again.

excuses excuses

Not that I need one, but Henry's need for quiet and 24/7 supervision has given me an ironclad excuse for not leaving the house all weekend, and reading and napping on the couch with him in a safe nest to me.

delivery

Swiss friend came to visit for lunch this week, bringing many pounds of gummy candy from the best gummy store ever.

dog treats

Friends who came over last night were all Henry​ lovers. Two of them brought him treats and toys last week, one brought him a bag of mixed treats last night, and the other was the one who took him to the hospital last week. He has good friends.

cards night

Slowly identifying people who like card games. There is hope to get back one of my favorite things.

tis the season

First California poppies are out, and all the trees are in bloom! A bit late because of the long winter, but all that rain means we'll have crazy wildflowers this year, right?

two steps forward

After an emergency return to the ICU, and a the night stay, Henry is back again. His pain is finally manageable with the meds, and I'm getting the hang of his complicated routines. Today was his first day back at work. Barring further complications, this crazy all night routine and special diet and extra laundry will go for another week. I can't wait until he's healthy enough to drive me crazy again.

figuring it out

Figured out the best way to move Henry, the best way to get him to take his meds, and the best way to get him to pee with the minimum amount of pain. He's a trooper, and is being such a good boy.

got my back

When your dog gets attacked at work, and it's terrible and scary, but your co-workers mobilize to bring you back from an offsite meeting, bring your dog to meet you at the vet, then stay with you for almost seven hours through his surgery and recovery, you know you've got some good co-workers.

sunday perfect sunday

Perfect weather, sunny and clear and warm but not hot. Pedicures, then wine and cheese on a patio with girlfriends.

sleep

10.5 hours of sleep, the longest I've slept in... I don't know how long.

daylight saving time

Finally!!! The dark days are over.

step one

Stayed late Friday to get a decent prank pulled together. It was much improved with the help of some engineers. Always have engineers help with pranks.

lined up

Next prank already forming up in my head.

wingman

Talked a younger male coworker through the best way to impress his date with minimal cooking skills. A good cheese plate, a cold cider, and a bread pudding recipe from her blog. That should do the trick. I'm a good friend.

caught up

Saw old work friends Wednesday, had some drinks, caught up, remembered what it's like to be with lawyers and know the same people. Good times.

back to normal

Finally put the time and effort into an elaborate prank after a couple of rough weeks. There are layers of the prank, which will hopefully leave the target always wondering if it's done.

accidental saturday

Unintentionally watched two movies instead of reading, then spontaneously got two people to come over and play board games and cards on short notice. They seemed into cards, so I am harboring hope that I can resume a long-paused addiction.

out of dodge

Dodged another bullet today. Outside counsel is having a rough week.

meet the parents

My parents came to work today. I gave them the tour, took them to lunch, and introduced them to some coworkers, all of whom said nice things about me. I think they want to work there now.

kindness of strangers

Henry's shelter received a huge donation this week from a generous family, enough to buy a new X-ray machine and transport van, while still setting aside a big chunk for future projects!

stick with it

When you manage to get through a particularly rough day and then the boss apologizes to you for coming down hard on you for one thing, deflects criticism from you for another, and tells you that you do good work, it's a hard won victory pried from the jaws of defeat.

the good stuff

Original Sudafed works so much better than the stuff they came up with after meth heads showed up.

all about balance

A week of hard work, a Saturday of errands with a massage and dinner thrown in, and a Sunday of eating junk food, reading two books, napping on the couch, and working through some TiVo backlog.

two for two

For Henry, today was just as good as yesterday: visit from human friends, and a crazy chase with dog friend. What a life.

friends

The rest of the weekend in Vegas was food, food, food, friends, karaoke, and card games.

happy day

Henry got a bully stick from a co-worker, played chase with the boss dog, then got a visit from two of his favorite people (frequent dogsitters), so it was pretty much the best day ever in Henry land.

lasers

In Vegas for a friend's 40th birthday party, and damn if we didn't go from the old people who stuck at laser tag to the old people who completely dominated laser tag in just three rounds.

asleep and dreaming

Henry's new thing is wagging his tail in his sleep while we're at work.

rainbows everywhere

The sunny-rainy transition from winter to spring means frequent rainbows on the morning drive to work.

breathe

A week with some breathing room. It's nice to take a breath, even if you then realize that the iceberg is much bigger than you thought.

three months later

Just scheduled my first non-vacation massage in three months, can't wait...

mirena

Good thing I got it in last year, before who knows what will happen to healthcare. It's also good to have one less errand to run when working startup hours.

new girls

Met a couple of smart, chill, interesting women using an app. I was skeptical, but after some group texts and an afternoon of wine and Boggle, and plans to reread 1984 together, I think it might work out.

just in time

Found out I need to get some expensive dental work done only a few days before the deadline to set my flex spending account for the year...

simple pleasures

Nobody understands simple pleasures better than a dog.

airport

Spent five hours at the airport protesting the Muslim ban, and despite my usual reluctance to leave the house, wear real pants, drive long distances, and deal with large crowds, it was worth it to see the hundreds and hundreds of people there, including friends, former co-workers, and family. Like many (so many) other lawyers there, I wore a tag and carried a sign identifying myself as a lawyer, in case any families or protestors needed help, I walked along the barricades to let the police know they were being watched, and I explained legal issues and spread status updates on detainees. I've never had so many people thank me and tell me they appreciate my work. It almost makes me proud to be a lawyer, and it definitely makes me proud to be an American. This is what my America looks like -- a mass of diverse people demanding that everyone else get a fair chance, too.

first

Saw the first tree in bloom for spring today. Winter is on its last legs.

getaway

Weekend getaway for a friend's 50th birthday, and someone who came in from New York brought bagels.

old crank

Solid day cranking on work I actually know how to do, so that was satisfying. Then a short but joyous playdate with the CEO's dog turned Henry's boring day around. I'm starting to get the hang of a fraction of the things here. Then on the way out, I befriended the vacuum guy to get him to clear out the glitter from my office.

one in three

Class action suit for mislabeled jeans gave the option of coupons or free jeans. Took the gamble on the free jeans, got three pairs (instead of a $60 coupon), and one is actually wearable, so I think I came out ahead.

life of luxury

Luxury is being able to breathe through two nostrils and being able to wash a pile of clothes without using the sink.

build up

Four weeks of plaque, tartar, and toenails make for a satisfying round of canine hygiene.

sleeping snotty

Got sick just as things got really crazy at work this week, but have spent today and yesterday in a cold medicine and jet lag induced state of suspended animation, ignoring all the rules the sleep therapist gave me, because I'm sick, so that means unlimited naps, right? With the long weekend, I just may be back in fighting form by Tuesday.

fringe benefits

Working with engineers means that when AT&T sends me the wrong size SIM card, and I complain about having to go to the store to get a new one, someone just cuts it down for me on the spot.

getting real

I'm really putting the practice in legal practice these days.

home sweet home

There is nothing like 42 hours in transit, followed directly by an afternoon of errands in the pouring rain, to make you fully appreciate an evening of slippers, sweatpants, and TiVo.

jam packed

So many cities, sights, sounds, my brain is full and still digesting. Serendipitous meetup with travel BFFs for a bucket list dinner, and an Indian wedding reception. Now we're at our last stop, our most relaxing stop, and met the most interesting random people I've ever met on a trip. What a trip this has been...