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...

change of plans

Our walking tour guide for the morning had an accident, so I went for a surprisingly excellent facial, instead.

king of breakfast

I'm calling it. Indian hotels win at breakfast. Lassis, chai, dosas, all kinds of other Indian treats, plus all the options of a full English breakfast. I could eat Indian hotel breakfasts forever.

quick transition

Despite the 12.5 hour time difference, I think it only took two days to get on Indian time.

whole new world

Cranked like crazy all week at work, got a ton done, spent 25 hours in transit to India, got more work done, got four hours of sleep, then spent the day sightseeing and eating, and I am so excited to go to sleep before 8 p.m.

pho

Pho for dinner on a cold night.

firehose

I haven't had to learn this many unrelated kinds of law since I took the Bar exam. This is way more fun than the Bar exam, though.

free salad

Miner's lettuce is coming in early this year, so the backyard salad bar is open.

fixed

Finally took my phone into the store to see why data hasn't been working, found out the carrier had messed something up, got days working (just in time for our upcoming trip), and got a $20 credit towards my next bill.

vicarious joy

My mentee got into college! With a full ride! As an international student! She's amazing, and I got to be a little part of it! I can't wait to see her reaction and to meet her and be her family while she's here!

random act

Here's to getting six errands done in the pouring rain, and here's to the kind stranger at the post office who offered me a pen and told me to keep it.

whew

When, halfway through an 11 hour day at work, your boss tells you you're doing a good job and running a lot of things.

And then your dog pukes because he's hungry and bored. And your boss says it's OK, and lets you name a work thing after him, even though he puked.

so much depends

On a dog and a heating pad on the couch when you have a tummy ache.

celebrity fans

Some big shots were in the office today, and like most people, came by to say hello to Henry. They were really nice and Henry loves attention, so I give them a thumbs up.

just a number

That feeling when three of your younger teammates thought you were ten years younger than you are, even though the math really doesn't work out.

choices are good

It's good to have a cafe in my office building again, and to have some delicious choices. Tuesday, we had Dungeness crab. Today, there was brisket, Japanese grilled halibut, and gnocchi. I'm eating like a real person again!

love and chaos

A parade of family, friends, and food ensured that I had lots of belly laughs and a full belly all weekend, even while working on and off. Now, half a day to read, watch TV with Boyfriend, try to recover from this cold, and prepare for whatever the week may bring.

all by myself

Boyfriend is en route to the East Coast, and I have the house to myself for just one night. I'm living it up by going to bed at 10 to try to make up for weeks of bad sleep.

at least

If my car battery had to die, and I had to wait for two hours for AAA to show up, at least it happened at the end of the day when I was at work, so I didn't miss any meetings and could grab dinner and chat with people while I waited?

friday

In bad news, Henry marked the boss's office. In good news, boss didn't care and just wanted the dogs to play. Then accidentally stayed for a cocktail and got to know some of the engineers better.

Overall, a productive first week. Worked on some deals, got to know about half of the team, and am excited to be back in the thick of things.

decisions

Fourth day of work, first product meeting, and the CEO let me make a design decision, because I was the newest. Designer even said my feedback and questions were useful. Good thing it was yesterday, because as of today, I'm only the third newest.

pranks a lot

Second day of work, and after a harrowing morning with car-not-starting issues, walked into this. Payback for all of my pranks, and totally made my day.

day one

Henry had a welcome basket and new bed, plus the CEO changed our seat assignment so that we'd have a better dog setup. There was pork belly at lunch, and I got lots of paperwork done. I even revised my first agreement and made it into the team photo for the launch teaser.

surprise visit

Dear college friends are coming out west for Thanksgiving, so I'll get to spend some time with them when they're not doing family stuff. In light of the sadness and uncertainty that came out of the election, plus the stress of changing jobs, it's good to have that coming up.

hygge

Inspired by the Danes and their love of hygge, I've been buying some comfy, cozy sweaters, slippers, and hoodies as we head into cooler temperatures and longer hours at work.

social

Between the Boston trip and the time at home, we've squeezed in a fair amount of social time, which is a good thing as I head into the unknown.

lasts

Last games day at work, last chiropractic appointment at work, last massage at work, lots of lasts. Bittersweet.

small satisfactions

With this many days at home, I've been able to dig deep into neglected errands and get through them efficiently. It's going to feel like I'm 20 years old again when I get through these, with no overdue errands to take care of.

girls girls girls

Two and a half days with the girls back at Harvard, eating, singing, talking, laughing, shopping. Just perfect. I think we're starting an annual tradition.