it's tough out there

I'm in the twilight zone--awaiting bar results.

I turned down one tutoring job after being in the learning center for 2 hours. It was that hectic. Still trying to get paid for those hours of tutoring I did. I might have to call it a loss if I can't get a fee waiver for Small Claims court. $35 to file a claim for $50. Doesn't sound so smart, does it?

My friend got me a job at a market research facility where I am a glorified housekeeper. I make sure the rooms are stocked with cookies, coffee and water. I clean up after the clients leave. The facility is 5-10 minutes from my apartment. There's plenty of downtime when the focus groups are in session. I can work at night after the pro se clinic. By day, I'm someone and by night, I'm just a nameless girl in all black that appears silently to fill important people's water cups. It keeps me humble.

The market research "hostess" job makes me think about how I see mostly young women as admin assistants or office housekeepers. At this job, I have to empty the dishwasher, wipe down kitchen counters, and keep things tidy and well-stocked. It's domestic work, but in the public sphere. Is that why you rarely see men as admin assistants?

More job musings to come.

I've seen better days

This guy backed up into me in the parking lot at dim sum on Sunday. He said he'd pay for my damages. Now he's alleging that I'm 50% fault! I wasn't even moving!

Spent 1+ hour giving recorded statements to the insurance company. Saw my phone bill. Great, just great.

fun times at the clinic

I haven't really written much about work on the blog. I work at a legal clinic that helps people who don't have attorneys comply with the rules of federal civil procedure. I make sure their pleadings are in order and that they understand what the rules are for each phase of the lawsuit. Sometimes I research and ghostwrite their pleadings.

The other day, we had to turn away someone, because she was already an attorney. She went to a top 5 law school! I said, "No offense to us, but why is she here?" The other volunteer attorneys nodded in agreement. The attorney who met with her told us she was sued. I guess being the overly cautious type, she wanted advice from experienced lawyers. I would have probably done the same.

on a peddle boat in Catalina

All smiles since the seasickness has not kicked in.

In other news, the fruit flies are gone, but now I have real flies. Internet, you did not warn me of this.

homemade fruit fly trap

Oh internet, what would I do with you. You can't see, but there are definitely fruit flies drowning in wine at the bottom of this trap.

Bonus, the internet taught me how to uncork a wine bottle (to supply the bait for this trap).

Fish fail

I went fishing for the first time last Saturday. My brother's friend, Jordan, just bought a boat. No one on that boat knew how to fish. No one knew how to launch a boat. Jordan had never driven a boat. Recipe for fun times.

We went to Huntington Beach early in the morning with sandwiches, coffees and a grill ("just in case we get lucky"- Jordan). Jordan and Greg attempted to launch the boat. They told us there were far more YouTube videos on how not to launch a boat than how to launch a boat. Objective: don't drag the SUV underwater.

Successfully launched the boat. 2 other friends were late/ got lost, so we did donuts around the port waiting for them. OC Sheriff's department asked if we needed assistance.

Went out to sea. Had an anchor but nothing to secure to the anchor. We floated toward the shoreline and had to drive back out every 20-30 minutes. Lifeguard tower warned us we were getting too close to the swim zone.

Docked the boat. They were total noobs at this too and I saw other groups staring at us. After that, we went to "Claws" in Garden Grove. Enjoyed seafood caught and prepared by professionals.

Vegas!

We headed out last Friday night. My cousin generously let us stay in her condo. We went to Encore Beach, Studio B buffet and Marquee. Silly me, I didn't know that there were "hot" clubs in Vegas. I guess those are always the new ones? My friend tells me Studio B and Gallery are the place to be. I felt bad, because Steph and I got comped everywhere and Kevin had to pay. =/ Next time, an estrogen only trip.

Here are the few pictures from my camera.

The girls:

The couples:

Boring posing.

She's giving the camera ferocious tiger.

My instruction: "Give me pensive. You're thoughtful. You're wondering where to put your money now that T-bills have been downgraded."

There's a lot of a dumb pictures of Steph and me dancing which have been omitted.

We left early Sunday morning. I got back and realized I was missing a BBQ. Sad.

I started my first week of work! I got a call from another tutoring place and I was at the courthouse, so I couldn't call them back right away. I'll be persistent this time.