Ok, ok. That title is such a tease. It suggests that I am going to be writing about something deep and insightful, like starting over after a rough time, bouncing back from a breakup, or something along the lines of one of my favorite song lyrics: “Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” (SO 1998.) Yes, that would be an excellent topic for a post. But not for today.
First, my apologies for the radio silence on my blog. I have been half uninspired, half busy having fun, and half (YES I know that makes 1 1/2 — shhh!!) trying to tie up all the loose ends at work to avoid having to answer calls from my law firm on my cell phone while I lay on the Maui beach and soak up some sun and some R & R. The long awaited vacation is almost upon me!! After months of fantasizing, as of Wednesday I am leaving L.A., work, and all my everyday worries behind. I can’t wait!
And here comes the real meaning of the title — it is the end of the summer in the world of my firm, since all the summer associates are about to leave. We even had the “end-of-summer” party on Saturday. But for me, the highlight of my summer is still to come! So the “end” of the summer is just the beginning…ok, it’s cheezy. So sue me. (I feel like I say that too much. As though there is not enough litigation in my life as is! Sheesh.)
The end-of-summer party was classic of my firm. First, there was the dress theme. When I was a summer associate, the theme was the Roaring 20’s. Where everyone else was understated in black dresses and pearls, I was too eager and new to know any better, and I took the theme seriously, borrowing a full flapper costume from a friend–fishnets, hair feather and all. And I didn’t even have the wits to be embarrassed about it at the time; I’m just cringing in hindsight.
Anyway, the theme of Saturday’s party was Black and White. Everyone was quite tastefully dressed…the only people who stuck out were those who missed the black and white memo (polka dot pale blue tie, anyone?) but all in all, my office-mates clean up well.
The evening was held at a partner’s home; he’s one of my favorites and I’m on 2 cases with him. Earlier in the week, I had told him an answer he liked for one of our cases, so he told me that as a “reward” he would specially make me a Cosmopolitan at this party, even though it wasn’t on the drink menu. (As I tell this story, you must picture that this partner is pushing 70, and of everyone in my life he reminds me most of my grandfather. So NO, it’s not sketchy, it’s just funny.) All week he bragged about his Cosmopolitan.
When I arrived at the party, I walked over to say hi to the host and others. They were standing adjacent to the bar that was set up outside; in addition to the bartenders there were several waiters circulating and offering hors d’oeuvres. Immediately, the host broke from the group, grabbed my arm and steered me into the kitchen, where he pulled out the lime juice, cranberry juice, vodka, triple sec and martini shaker that he had set aside. He mixed the drink and waited expectantly as I sipped it. He wasn’t joking around — he mixes a mean Cosmo! Later, when my drink ran out, he dashed inside to pour me another one. Now there’s a host. (Does it take 70 years of life for a man to be that attentive? Kidding!)
The food at the party was really sensational — there were all sorts of food stations. I meant to work my way around, but after a generous helping of the best chicken curry I have ever had, and a cone full of yummy French fries, I was stuffed.
Then, the dancing began. All the bigtime partners were there and it was adorable to see them dancing with their wives or husbands. Our jobs are stressful and takes its toll on many relationships, but some of these couples have been together for decades and you can just see how happy they are together. It’s a beautiful thing to see.
And with that, the “summer” has come to an end.
A couple of more things before I bid you adieu for the evening, dear readers. First, I really wanted to do my laundry tonight. But 2 of the washers are broken and the other 2 are being used. Either I will stay up late tonight (doubtful) or wait till the last minute tomorrow (likely). This is one of many reasons that I often fantasize about my own little house. *Sigh*.
And now, another confession. These days all my confessions seem to be about the awful TV I find myself watching the couple of nights a week that I stay home and veg with Noodles. Tonight the new gem is: Scott Baio is 45 and Single. I don’t even want to explain. It’s exactly what it sounds like. Wow, new shows need to come on and I need to get TiVo…stat.
Little Miss Law 