Happenstance

In life, I've always been a true believer that everything happens for a reason. It's something I learned in high school, and something that I've lived by since. Although, there are moments that I forget this important revelation I had in high school - because let's face it, we can't be on our A-game at every step of the way.

Last night, a close friend of mine married the love of her life. Her matron of honor had told everyone a story, about how everything in life happens for a reason. Their parents had met one day because their mother decided to leave her school and eat lunch with her friends at another high school. My friends, Mr and Mrs. met because Mr. just so happened to be walking down the stairs while Mrs. was randomly talking to her friends after class one night. They caught each others eyes. Those people were all at the right place, at the right time.

Okay, my story isn't a love story, but it is about chance. If I hadn't decided I was tired of Lean Cuisine today, I wouldn't have ran into an old friend.

As I was paying for my food today, I heard my name.
I turned around and instantly recognized the face; I smiled and said hello.
He looked at me and said: "Hey! I wasn't sure if it was you because usually you're all dressed up."

It made me think - years ago, while I was in college, there was a time when I would wake up every morning and put on make-up FOR MYSELF. I would pick out a dress, the perfect necklace and the perfect shoes, FOR MYSELF. Every time my friend has seen me is at a social gathering, wherein I have dressed up FOR MYSELF.

I went to school the other day. I had on a lace dress, white heels - that I've named Nikki and Cole - and I was done up. The minute I walked into the halls everyone asked me, "Who's the lucky guy?" "Special plans?" "You look dressed up! Hot date?" I wanted to scream at them. I had dressed up for MYSELF.

Well, this happenstance bump in made me think about how people perceive a person. My parents are constantly breathing down my neck about the bar exam.

My mother once told me she was worried I wouldn't make it through law school because I didn't know how to work hard. I was invited to write-on for law review, became a Student Trustee for a bar association, was president of the Latino Organization at my school AND I was on the Dean's List in law school. So, false. I do know how to work hard.

I think the most frustrating part, is my dad jokes about how I never study; he worries about me because other law students "take the bar seriously." He too enjoys telling me what to do with my life and where to go with my life.

Recently, I was told by a fellow law student that people didn't think I was very intelligent because I had analogized something to a necklace in Civil Procedure. People constantly thought I was air-headed and had no idea what I was talking about. I'm not top of the class - but if I wanted to be, I would have blown the world away. It's not something to brag about - I'm actually not proud of it, but I studied six hours for a final exam once, I received one of the highest grades. Natural intelligence can be beneficial, but it can also be someone's downfall. Happenstance reminded me that I can prove people wrong and that not everything you see on the outside is what is on the inside.

At the wedding yesterday, I forgot about how amazing the people are in my life. The dinners we would plan once a month, the random moments at a bar in Los Angeles laughing about the flowers in our martinis; the sleep overs and lists of places we want to explore. It made me think about how every person in life has something to teach you - and if they don't then it teaches you what you don't want to have in your life.
So, how did I meet these people? Happenstance. If I had not been in a relationship (even if it was terrible), if I wasn't a hopeless romantic - I'd be studying law at Syracuse or UNLV. If I hadn't stayed in California, I wouldn't have realized my true worth and wouldn't have been able to write you a story about a light at the end of the tunnel. I'd probably still be in the tunnel! More importantly, I wouldn't have developed such strong relationships with my friends and I wouldn't have met the amazing people I know now. We wouldn't have had game nights at my house, or tapas in Pasadena. These people are truly inspiring - each of them.

My friends from law school. If my "Law School Bestie" hadn't been sitting alone, if I hadn't of wanted to make a new friend, she wouldn't be in my life. There would be no Hello Kitty Crew. We wouldn't have spent 8 hours studying our booties off for Business Organizations. We wouldn't have realized how capable we are! She wouldn't have been there to help me out of a storm. She wouldn't have been there, every day of law school, to make me laugh and smile. I wouldn't have made it through law school.
If I hadn't started working on an immigration case, I would have never developed something with "Boo Boo Bear." If I hadn't asked her to walk through Downtown Los Angeles and explore the library with me, we wouldn't have realized how much we have in common. We wouldn't have ran through the streets of Vegas feeling on top of the world! We wouldn't have been there for each other to remember that heartbreak doesn't have to be forever. She never would have invited me to Las Vegas where I started chatting with "Pen Stealer." And I wouldn't laugh every day at some joke "Pen Stealer" made via text message because he, yet again, stole one of my pens - I'm very serious about office supplies and pens. I love them! He wouldn't be there to remind me to stop taking life so seriously. I also probably wouldn't have gotten that speeding ticket, by the way.

Every person in our life comes in it for a reason.

Last night, Dentist's scent was on my pillow. It made me sad because I wish I wouldn't have been so scared of being hurt before the bar. But, I think his scent was there because I needed to remember that I can't hang on to yesterday. I also need to remember that I can't be so quick to assume someone is going to hurt me.

Bumping into my friend at Chipotle - happenstance. It was to remind me that there are more days to come tomorrow, more friends to make and people to meet. It's to remind me that after the bar exam, life begins and people are waiting for me.

Most importantly, it was to inspire me to write this... everything happens for a reason. Happenstance is there to remind us that sometimes we need a little push to be inspired and to do better. It's also there to bring amazing things into our lives. So, if you happen to find yourself in a moment - take it.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

I feel like there are times in life where I have these amazing revelations, but lately I've been coming up empty. Mostly because I've been letting external influences get the best of me, but that doesn't mean that it will shake my core. I'm in the end of studying for the bar and little to no idea what I am doing with myself. Fear. Stress. Confusion...

Yet, though it has been on my mind all day, the bar exam is not what is on my mind now.

What is on my mind is this: there are times in our lives where a person will help change our lives when we least expect it, and they will be gone with the wind just as quickly as they entered our lives.

People think I am an open book, and perhaps on the outskirts of life I am a tell-all version of what a reality show should be like. Society tells us we aren't supposed to TRULY express how we feel. Many times, we're afraid to open ourselves up. Rarely, do I truly tell anyone how I feel about them, about my life or about my experiences, until today.

Heartbreak happens, which I discussed. It's the healing that's hard.

At the age of 18, I was admitted into one of the most prestigious schools on the West Coast - in my admissions application I had analogized my life to a rain drop that had found its way. I embarked on a journey that would take me to a double major in Psychology and Organizational Studies with a minor in Chicano Studies (granted I was qualified for a triple major, but did not petition.) Little did I know that the storm would not be over for me until Law School.

Society would never dream that a person, a woman, like me could ever fall so deep into manipulation, but I did. For nearly six years of my life, I was oppressed and hiding behind the shadows of a smile and a laugh. On the outside, I was confident, driven and nothing could get in my way. On the outside, I was beautiful and shining. On the inside, I was torn, depressed and constantly dreaming of a way out. I wasn't allowed to be upset, so I learned to self-control and consume myself in school, work and helping others. The last person I realized I needed to help was myself.

Even now, I'm ashamed to admit that a person as powerful as I am now allowed someone to break me down - but it happened. I am telling my story because I want people to know that there is a way out - there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just have to let things go and realize you are more important.

So, here it goes...

For six years of my life, from the age of 17 to 23, I was in a relationship with a coward - who I thought was perfect. Love truly is blind. This person used to push me, pin me against walls, verbally abuse me and constantly bring me down. I always thought I deserved it because he made me feel inadequate, and I let him. He made me believe that no one in this world would ever like me, love me or look at me the way he did. So, on the outside - I was confident, smiling and always happy (the typical social butterfly.) Deep inside, I was miserable, constantly afraid and silent. People will judge me - they will judge you. They will tell you they don't understand why you put up with it, and the honest truth is that people don't know why they put up with manipulation. However, the important thing now, is that I tell my story because I think a part of it was that I couldn't imagine a way out - I didn't see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I ended things with him one day, because he hit me. So, I looked in the mirror and I told myself - this isn't what I want or deserve in life. I deserve better and I need to get out.

You deserve better. Being UNHAPPY is the defining factor, the fact that there is no violence shouldn't be your indicator. Just because someone brought you a moment of joy, doesn't mean you deserve to be in a sea of misery. If the person makes you cry, makes you feel less than you are TRULY worth - and trust me, you're worth A LOT - then you need to look in the mirror. This is what I wish someone would have told me before I had to be slapped in the face to realize my worth.

At the beginning of a break-up, especially where the person was manipulative, you feel like you're in a cave. Everything is dark, you have no idea what is in front of you and you have no idea where you are going.

But, you trek through it...even when you feel a rope pulling you back, because you know - or at least hope - that the other side is going to be there. So, I started my journey.

For the first few months, I obsessed. I cried myself to sleep, I focused on law school and occasionally I'd cry in the library while reading something about Criminal Procedure because I couldn't get my mind off what was behind me.

Then, I asked myself - why am I doing this? My cousin, Jessica, was one of my inspirations - she still is. She looked at me and told me: you need to stop. You need to look at the person that you are and you need to realize that only you can change your own future. Stop.

So, I did. Maybe I had been manipulated in to believing I wasn't enough, but that wasn't my reality. Six years is a long time, but it is not and will not be the rest of my life. So, I started trekking through that cave - I realized that I am loveable. I am empowered and I do not need validation from anyone other than myself.

I started running; doing things I forgot I loved to do - read, travel, take pictures, write, hike up a canyon to see some stupid waterfall (jk, I loved it). I even forgot that I used to play the piano. And I saw the light, I could see it...and I thought, I'm there. I've reached the end.

Well, here's the kicker. I met someone - heartbreak happens, and we shouldn't let it define us. We should focus on the light at the end of the tunnel. But, we also need to realize that we can't forget the path we took to get to the end, because it will effect us.

When I first met him - we will call him, "Dentist" - I thought he was so sweet. I was myself around him, confident, happy and I conveyed it. I liked him and he liked me. But what I couldn't see is that the scars from trekking through that cave, were still there and I hadn't quite learned to trust a new adventure. I liked Dentist, but imagine my surprise when I was the person that called him three days before he left to school across the state and told him I wasn't sure where we were going.

Plain and simple:

I was afraid and because I never learned to say the most simple sentence: "I like you. You make me smile and I want to see where this could go," he thought I wanted to end things. So, he did what any person who had been hit would do - he walked away from the blow.

I wish I could go back to yesterday. I'd tell that person just how I feel, but instead I focus on the future - on the light at the end of the tunnel because I realize that it's through trekking through life that we learn from our mistakes. Not everything is going to be a storm, and sometimes we will make mistakes because we expect the storm to hit. Dentist was great and I honestly hope that one day, we meet again.

So, here is what I wish I could say now:

"Dentist,

You changed my life. You came into it quickly and it was bittersweet. You made me laugh and you shared a piece of your life with me. Thank you. I'm sorry things went sour because I was too afraid to express how I feel. We didn't get to say our last goodbyes, but what I do know is this: I'll be thinking of you from time to time. It'll make me smile, but most importantly - I'll be thanking you for making me realize I have to focus on one thing - the BAR EXAM. I'm telling you now that you've changed my life because you taught me something: if you want something in life, you have to go for it. You had a goal and you focused on it. I have a dream and I'll get there."

Maybe I'll meet him again... But what I care about NOW is remembering I have something more important at my reach. It's what I've been dreaming of since I was 5 years old when I walked into my classroom with a brief case, just to tell everyone that I would be a lawyer one day....

I am looking at the light at the end of the tunnel - because it IS there- I promise. And if you need help - never be afraid to ask. I said that I'm not good at expressing how I feel, well in this case - I learned I need to reach out and tell people how I feel (or if I need a hand.) An important friend of mine did me the greatest favor: he agreed to take away my IPhone and change my Facebook password. Society is so driven by technology these days! But you know what? I love him for it because I know that at the end of the day, he is one of the supports I need to reach my light... and a girl should never be without those people in her life that truly, unconditionally love her. In my case: my parents, my family and my true blue friends.

My focus in life right now is to pass the bar - focus on the bar and not look over my shoulder at the, "what if I had only said what I meant?" Mistakes happen, we can't let them define us - but more importantly - we have to look at the light. We have to reach for the light and we need to realize, I need to realize, that right now the light is on July 24th. I am days away from taking the bar exam.

I need to pass the bar; do it once and work harder than I have EVER worked in my entire life for the rest of this month. Because after that, the rest of my life I can spend it looking for a new adventure, a new light and realize that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes it'll be worth it, sometimes it will be a missed opportunity - but above all else - I have to remember that nothing in life is free. So if trek is what I need to do to see where the light will lead - then trek I shall.

To my loves: look for your light at the end of the tunnel. Remember how beautiful of a person you are and remind yourself EVERY day of your life that you mean the world to someone - to me. You think I'm confident, strong and incapable of being hurt. Everyone falls, everyone gets hurt. It's HOW you get back up that makes the difference. It doesn't matter how many tears I get on my arms, how many 2am phone calls I receive... a true friend loves unconditionally. A true friend would spend an hour writing about things she NEVER talks about just so that you can see that there is a way out. You will meet someone new and even if it doesn't go the way you want or think, at the end of the day you have the most important person by your side: YOURSELF. Look for your light. Never forget your scars, but PLEASE don't turn your back on the light at the end of the tunnel because I am there waiting for you on the other side. A better tomorrow is waiting for you.

And if all else fails, think about how sexy you'll look with your Berkin, Rolex or whatever your poison may be. Dwelling isn't going to get you to that goal. When you see me with my Berkin as I walk through the State Capitol, you'll know I've reached my goal. :)

Heartbreak Happens

It's been almost a year since I have written, and let me tell you has that year been a tumultuous tumble. In the past year, I've broken up with my fiance and had my heart stomped on a couple more times by him. I am in a better place, and I must say that now I realize how co-dependant I used to be on someone else.

Heartbreak happens, but we cannot let it define us. Loss of love and friendships happen, but we can't let it taint the memories. The fact of the matter is that at one point in our lives, those people were exactly what we needed at that moment. Whether it be a friend you used to drink and laugh with at your favorite bar, an ex best friend that once was the girl you turned to for everything or even, the love of your past life. I say past life because that's just what it was - another life. The life that you shared with those people is over and instead of dwelling, we need to embrace those moments and take them for what they are - learning experiences. Souls will meet because it's what we need to grow, but sometimes those souls drift apart - when they want different things and take different paths. As heartbreaking as it may be, those moments in life make us stronger, better and more resilient. Embrace heartbreak and let it lead you to a better tomorrow.

Nothing in the world is completely wrong; even a stopped clock is right twice a day (Paulo Coelho's words, not mine). Someone in the world loves you and wants you to succeed. Don't dwell on the small travesties of life. Take your trials as a learning experience and pick yourself up. Everyone falls, you will fall... But it's getting up that makes life so important.

Love is what makes us strong and gives us hope. Love yourself. Truly. Even with your flaws. You are beautiful just the way you are. Don't let drugs alter your state of mind. Let YOU do it. Drugs and alcohol are not the solution, they are a distraction from your dreams. Focus. Have your fun; don't drown in it. Because as high as those drugs take you, as low they will make you fall. You can't control substances...what you can control is the knowledge you feed your brain, the nutrients you give your body and the people you let into your life. Life is like a cup, you need to fill it with water to survive. But fill your own cup, don't depend on others to do it for you. If you fill your own cup, it will stay stable. Don't let other people or things be your water. Let them in to paint and color your water, but don't let them BE the painting or your water. Heartbreak happens, but don't let it define you.

Life's Pandemonium

Lately, I have been restless and lost in my thoughts. I have days where I feel an overwhelming sense of doom - my heart will quench and thoughts will rattle my tranquility. Other days, I am floating through the world like the wind - choosing my course and exploring every crevice. ♥ I've had to learn to let go of my anxieties and let fate control. Only preparation will help you take on the adventures life will bring.

I have experienced many new friendships this year; it has been a whirlwind of chaos and sometimes I think I am about to lose control. Classic over-thinking on my part. Yet I am always apprehensive about my choices after meeting new people or being in a crowd. Most people do not believe I am shy because I have the tendency to throw myself into a room and smile. That smile is a facade for a young woman whom is terrified. The only repose I have is to control my environment by talking. However, the minute I am alone to reflect begins the self condemnation of things I should have said or could have said and the worry that someone will have misunderstood me and my identity will somehow be threatened by the night.

In the summer of 2010, I had met the President-Elect of a phenomenal organization in Los Angeles that helps empower the Latino attorneys throughout Southern California by bringing in support, opportunities and unity. We not only support one another, but other organizations that focus on making the professional environment in L.A. more diverse through community outreach (for all people of any race, color or origin).


It has always been my belief that a strong support system can be your rock in times of anguish - whether it be self-support or through friendship, family or even being lost in your own thoughts.

I told this man about my ideas for the students of the organization. It was my vision to build a network of support where people could turn to each other for help, questions and friendship. Of course, there are the things that you can control and those you cannot. He ultimately selected me to be part of his board and through the course of that experience I have learned that all you can do in life is be prepared. I can disperse information and enthuse about all the opportunities the organization can bring, but only those that are willing and desire to be a part of the organization will join. There are those traveling in their own paths that may not have time or the will to co-mingle with your path. It is especially bothersome when I feel I am treading on another's path because I never mean to harm; I just get caught up in trying to make my vision perfect. Thus, I lose myself in despair when I feel lack of support or when I don't know if I did something right.

As a member of the board of this Latino Organization, there are many social interactions involved. You can imagine how frightening this situation can be in a young woman who feels an utter sense of abandonment every time she meets someone new, is presented with situations she cannot control, or any time she is disappointed.

It is in these moments of loss that I try to remember how lucky I am to have met such amazing professionals who have guided the paths of many and set the pavement for others to walk upon or the students that have their own dreams/accomplishments and have given me the opportunity to bask in the sunlight of their path. It is in these moments of (my perceived)disaster that I try to remember that I have a group of amazing friends who may not be there at the moment, but would come to me should I fall. Most importantly, I remember my bout with depression when I was an adolescent...

It was during my years as a teen in boarding school - yes, boarding school - that I learned to pick myself up when I fall. Literally and figuratively. I learned my lesson while trying to walk up a familiar path with my eyes closed. I took one step forward and the stability I had beneath me disappeared. Instead, I was confronted with air as I tumbled into the dirt, onto thorns and leaves and covered in dismay. I laid in the ground with tears in my eyes when suddenly I came to the realization that even on a familiar path you cannot go without observing. If your mind is closed and your eyes are closed, then you will never see what is directly in front of you. However, you will never learn without taking a risk (so long as that risk is not fatal). When you do fall, because those moments will come, all you can do is pick yourself off the ground and keep traversing that road.

I titled this entry "Life's Pandemonium" because sometimes life can be a world of torment and chaos. However, it is in these moments we have to take a step back and realize we cannot control everything that comes our way. There are moments where you will guide your path and others where the path will guide you. All you can do is dream of what is over the hill and be ready when the trail surprises you. Experience is the teacher of humanity.

Listography and Graffiti

It's strange because I never thought I was one to be so organized. My earliest memory of anything remotely "list-ish" is when I had to fill out 100 things I wanted to do before I die in 8th Grade. I've since lost that list, but there are a couple of things that I do have; I thought I would share.....

Latin American Places to Visit
I feel that I should present this with my reasoning. When I was a kid, I always knew I was Mexican. My father made sure my brother and I were proud of our roots, but as I grew older I realized there was more to it than a sense of pride for your culture. Within our own cultures we stereotype and reject one another for being too dark or too light (mostly too light!) I don't think it should be about that.... I think that if we all supported one another as a group, we could achieve great things. So, I decided to embark on a journey at the age of twenty that would lead me to the insatiable desire to experience all, or at least most, Latin American culture.

The Latino America Travel List:
1. Mexico - check
2. Guatemala
3. El Salvador
4. Honduras
5. Costa Rica - Check
6. Panama
7. Nicaragua - Check
8. Columbia
9. Uruguay
10. Paraguay
11. Peru - Check
12. Ecuador
13. Argentina - Check
14. Chile - Check
15. Bolivia - Check
16. Domincan Republic
17. Cuba
18. Puerto Rico

I suppose I could always discuss the lands I've visited, or share pictures with you...but mostly, I think you should understand what a dream it is for me to visit a foreign land. It's like a rush of fresh air in my veins every time I start to land into a foreign land. Sometimes a surreal feeling comes over me as I wander the cities and try to experience every aspect of a place. Traveling is much more to me than a vacation; it is an exploration. I am very found of Paolo Coelho, so let me share with you my favorite quote. It is very simple: "Beautiful places are meant to be explored."

Listography is somewhat of a new form of expression for me. I've always been one to journal and write down places I'd like to go. However, I never thought of having one binder or place to place all these lists. It's almost a refreshing idea. I have created a few and I am very excited to be able to check a couple of them off. Instead of always getting a new sheet of paper and losing it, I now keep all my lists in one spot. I can write freely, or rather, list freely.

Another thing I've listed is Places to Dine:
1. Jim Danny @ Sacramento, CA
2. Tito's Market @ El Monte
3. Chimichurri @ Santa Ana
4. Surati Farsan @ Artesia
5. Foo Foo Tei @ Hacienda Heights
6. Mirabelle @ West Hollywood
7. Babita @ San Gabriel

There's a bunch more, but I encourage you to try new things. You never know when you'll find something that you love.

Thoughts on Graffiti
Another thing I've been viewing is this website about a graffiti artist who draw the Monopoly man all over L.A. I would love to give you the website, but I am not sure I should. I, by no means, promote vandalism. However, I think this street artist makes some valid points about some forms of graffiti being artwork. There is a big difference between "tagging" and "graffiti." Tagging seems so oppressive to me - emotionally. You have to "tag" to claim your space or feel power. How can a person be free or powerful if they aren't creative, but merely vandalizing? Is tagging to incite fear or make a claim really beneficial to society? I think not. Plus, it's really annoying. Does anyone really care that you can write your name and make it look like 3 year old wrote it? Aren't we a little past that state in life?

Graffiti art is much deeper. It's about getting your message across and inciting discussion. Letting your creativity express a different take on the world. Instead of fighting for space or power, it's pure expression. I only wish there was a more accessible manner for these artists. It's a shame that we, as a society, allow the entertainment and business industries regulate what is popular. It makes many people, who are much more talented, fall behind in the shadows. Some of these people might even have a real message to give us. What happened to all the people that wanted to give us a voice though music and art? Now all I hear is stuff about sex, drugs and violence. Either that or some pompous artist discussing how grandiose they are. Sure, we like to dance to this music... but it's not like it really makes this a better world. We're really just putting money in the industry's pockets. Yet, I almost wonder if being in the shadows carries more of an impact. Maybe the whole appeal to being underground is that it's secret.

It brings people together to know we share something in common. Maybe that's why we visit new lands, new restaurants and new forms of expression because it gives us something to share with others. In sharing, perhaps, we find deeper connections with people. I like the sound of that.

The Truth About Relationships

People fight. It's inevitable. No matter how much you complain to your friends or want to kick a person in the peanuts, you'll soon come to realize that if you have someone who's willing to work with you, even when you're both irrational, you have found unconditional love. Don't settle for any less than the best and when you do find that special someone make sure that they are willing to accept you....all of you...even that deep dark angry side and vice versa. Love is not one-sided.



P.s. Violence is wrong no matter what. That is not the best and don't accept it, ever. A person not willing to respect your body doesn't deserve you.



People cheat. Someone who repeat cheats is better left single. This doesn't mean people don't change, they can. However, if they're not willing to learn from their mistake and change, they don't deserve your love. A mistake is a mistake, but a habit is, and probably always will be, a habit.



People judge. Hey, it's what we do inherently. Sometimes we can do the very thing we are judging and not realize it. We are all hypocrites to our own degree. It doesn't make us bad people, it means we haven't fully learned about ourselves or to accept others. Do find those people in your life that accept you and love you. Maybe people judge, but true friends and true lovers can learn to look past their ideals and opinions to try to understand you. To be able to understand and interact with another person is what can make or break a relationship.



People love. Whether it be a family member, a friend or a significant other. We all love. Some we love unconditionally and some we can only take so far.True, it's better to break the ties that hurt you, but it doesn't mean you have to stop caring. At some point in our lives we will lose someone we love to miscommunication, passage of time, betrayal and even neglect. This doesn't mean it won't hurt. Losing someone hurts, but some love isn't meant to last forever. The most aspect of love is to love yourself and surround yourself by people who you can love and they can reciprocate.



Most important of all, do find that person that calls you their shining star. Find that man (or woman) who makes you feel like everything in the world is beautiful. That doesn't mean you're going to have a perfect love because no love is perfect. People do fight and judge - though they should never cheat because that's not love if you're always looking for an escape. If you can both work for each other and put in to the relationship equally, then it is a true blessing. True love is the kind that will last not because it is filled with perfection - perfect relationships usually mean that one person is hiding because no one can agree 100% of the time. True love is the type of love that will stay present, stay focused and stay trying to learn and adapt to you. It is the kind of love that wants to be with you through thick and thin. The love that shouts at you at the top of their lungs and that you shout at the top of your lungs, but end in compromise or try to understand. It is the love that will hold you at night because they want you to be safe and they want to be by your side. It's the love that wants you to be a better person and that you want to make a better person. It is the love that will hold your hand, even when you tell them you are confused. So, don't settle for any less than the best...but don't think that love is perfect...because it's not. It is the imperfection that makes the relationship stronger and helps us understand each other. It is the imperfection that makes us realize we are right (or wrong) for each other - whether it be a friend or lover).



I dedicate this to the one that made me realize all this.... :)

Laziest Law Student In the World

I've come to the conclusion that I am the laziest law student in the world. No, really. I've been thinking about the time and effort I put into my schoolwork and it's quite pitiful compared to all the people that slave away reading book after book of information. I suppose it's because I'm so attached to socializing that I've decided having a balance of everything is better than focusing on one straight shot.
Haha - these are the shots I focus on:



I'm kidding. Seriously though, I know I'm going to be an amazing attorney one day, whether or not I am #1 in my class or unknown. It goes along with my philosophy of never checking my class ranking - if it's good, I'm just going to become lazier and if it's bad I'll only get worked up about it. The only reason I know I'm doing well is because I got a letter from Law Review - apparently that's supposed to be a good thing..

That's pretty much my rant for the day about law school. Aside from having to deal with legal questions - I think I should start answering simple ones...though...I should have a disclaimer, shouldn't I?

It's just that here's a thing few people know about:

1. Attorney-Client Privilege: When a person (client) speaks to an attorney about any legal matter (legal advice), it is privileged (ONLY) between those two people. So, you really shouldn't have anyone else in the room when you're talking to your attorney about private information. Even if it's your mommy.

2. Law students really don't know much about the law. Sure, they memorize a bunch of stuff...but you shouldn't ask your law student friends about things because they most likely won't know the practical answer. They can't really help you unless they've had experience. And if you're in law school - I'm sure I shouldn't have to tell you this because you already know - don't give legal advice without explaining that you have limited knowledge. You could get in trouble.

3. New Laws in your State - I'm only naming the important ones:

- Driving Under the Influence (AB 1601/Hill) Effective in January 1, 2012, this bill authorizes a court to order a 10-year revocation of the driver license of a person convicted of a third or subsequent DUI violation, with possible reinstatement after five years if specified conditions are met. (You shouldn't be drinking and driving anyway!! It puts other people and yourself in danger!)

- In Los Angeles County, plastic bags are being taken away from some areas' grocery stores. You'll either have to pay 10 cents per bag or go to the grocery store with a reusable bag. However, on a health issue note - if you buy meats, make sure you wash your bags because deadly little bacteria will lurk and pounce on your otherwise healthy immune system (though you should be washing anyway - it's gross).


- Trans-fats are illegal in your local pastries! Damn! I guess that means no more pan dulce for me!

- Terminally-ill inmates will be released on doctor's note, regardless of what their crime is. I don't think I like this very much, but if people are so frail they can't get up, maybe they won't really be a problem anyway. Perhaps it's nature's way of weeding out the bad people.

- Blue Alerts on those freeway signs means an officer was shot and the suspect is still out there somewhere.

- It'll be a misdemeanor to impersonate someone on the Internet if the intention is to deceive or injure another person. DON'T USE SOMEONE ELSE'S IDENTITY!!! The internet is the future, so you can't hide behind it anymore.

- Online traffic school will now be regulated by some division of the DMV. It means it'll be harder to pass - boo!

- For you pot-smokers without a card: having an ounce of marijuana is no longer a huge misdemeanor. It's an infraction. But, if you plan on using that brain of yours, you shouldn't be a pot head anyway. It affects your hippocampus negatively and makes your memory less-effective. If you're an idiot anyway...do what you want...and come to me when you get in trouble! Just kidding, I'm sure you're not that much of an idiot. Haha. :)

Most of this stuff you can figure out if you watch the 10 o'clock news. But in case you don't...now you know.



This is the stuff that matters to me.....

- Lady Gaga's new single will debut Feb. 13. Her new album - Born This Way - will be out some time in May 2011. Whoot whoot!!

- Priceless by Nicole Richie was out September 28. It's on sale at Barnes and Noble right now. Though her books are not exactly intellectually stimulating. they are quite entertaining and filled with drama. Read it if you hate looking in the dictionary and want an easy read.

- My beautiful friend J, has launched her own website. She has pretty cool taste in music (I'm too random to help you all out). You should check it out: JaniceLlamoca.com

- She & Him have some out with a version of "I Put a Spell on You" and it is available for digital download.

- Donkey Kong came out for the Nintendo Wii Last Year and it is A-Mazing!

INTERESTING STUFF

Lake Superior University (where is that anyway?!) came out with a list of banned words thanks to our generation. Ha:

1. Viral (Should we say Trojan now? I'm referring to the internet virus...but really...you could use it referencing to how they prevent STDs).
2. Epic
3. Fail (I guess we can't say "epic fail" anymore! Poor Katy Perry)
4. Wow Factor (I've never used that...)
5. BFF (Whatever, that was so 5 years ago. Everyone knows we say "besties" now)
6. Man up
7. Live Life to the Fullest (I just want to point out that's a phrase, not a word. Good job University of Lake Superior. What a epic fail!! HAHAHAHA... I think "Live it Up" sounds better anyway!)

RANDOM THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

I turn 24 this year and now I feel old (though since going to graduate school I feel young because I've realized most people take time off in between). Anyway...my thought is:

As long as we have our good friends and anti-aging cream, who cares how old we are as long as we have fun! :)

Besides, as I told my friend who turns 24 tomorrow (he told me he feels like he should be more mature and responsible at this age): Look at all the oldies we go to school with and how immature THEY are. We're too young to be mature!

Mind you, because I don't want to offend anyone, we think 25 is old...but next year we'll think 26 is old and so on and so on... :)

The End.


P.S.
Happy New Year!! :)