Its been so long since I last wrote, I don't remember when it was. I think it was in the spring (I suppose I could look it up, but, frankly, I'm too lazy this morning).
It has been quite a summer. If we talked in March, I would have told you that I would not have expected any major changes in my life. Well, life has a way of fucking up what you think is going to happen. I left Goldberg Pickett (long story that will not be discussed here) and joined Greensfelder, Hemker, & Gale in St. Louis. Greensfelder is a large firm (one that would not have interviewed me after law school), but it is going well.
As I sit in my office, contemplating the journey to get here, I am often thinking of the many different paths that can get you to an end point (what ever that end point might be for you). I can't say that joining a large firm was my ultimate goal, really, at any time. If I was honest, though, I'd admit that I probably came to that conclusion more because I did not excel at the class room part of lawschool. I was adequate (and in those classes that I liked, more than adequate), but nothing more.
I did not join law review or the other status parts of law school. I did do international moot court, but even that fell into my lap. It was, of course, the reason I decided to become a public defender. It was in moot court that I discovered how much I enjoyed that part of being a lawyer. It was not the writing, the research, or the other stuff that we do. It was court. I'm not sure where I would be without that international moot court team. Even still, my grades were okay, but Greensfelder (or any similar firm) would have had no interest in me.
I joined the PD's office which, in my opinion, is a fantastic way to go out into the legal world. You meet a lot of people and you handle cases on your own. Its a little sink or swim, but it is great training for real life as a lawyer. I loved it, but, as with most public sector jobs it wore me out. I believe that EVERYBODY is entitled to the best defense, and money should not be an issue. Many pay that lip service, but to me, it is a fundamental princple on which this country is founded. In any event, I left the PDs and joined Larry Goldberg.
I worked hard for and with Larry. We had some good times and I've left. Leaving was much harder than I thought it was going to be. I'm not sure why I thought it would be easy, when the reality is that I saw those people (Christy, Cassie, Larry, and Paul) everyday for 7 years. I saw them more than I saw my family in many weeks. It was weird, certainly, in the beginning, to not see them, not to talk to them...it's easier now as I get used to the people at GHG.
In the end, I am very thankful for the position I now have. I am able to provide for my family and I get to keep doing what I love to do. I suppose that is all we can ask for, right?
I guess the point of this rambling entry is to remind people that many times things work out. I said in the beginning, I'm not going to discuss why I moved, but remember that things have a way of working out.
"I know it seems hard sometimes but remember one thing through every dark night, there's a bright day after that so no matter how hard it get, stick your chest out, keep your head up, and handle it." -- Tupac.
Enjoy your day everybody
It is what the title says, it is simply what I think. nothing more and nothing less.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
W Hotel - 172 West Adams, Chicago IL
I am in Chicago (well, I'm leaving in about 2 hours) for an arbitration this week. I visited last year for a mediation, but I was only here for a couple of days. This time, though, i stayed at a W Hotel (its on West Adams). Last year I stayed at the Westin.
Admittedly, I try to stay at Sheraton properties only because I get points there and I am hoping it will net Bec and I a free trip to a decent destination (suggestions, please).
This hotel, though, is bizarre. The room has an interesting theme. Big flat screen TV, ports to hook your computer to TV, etc. They have multiple outlets (which is normally a huge problem). The bed is on a platform. It also has a faux fur thing on it. I am not sure how to describe it. That is not the most bizarre thing about this hotel or room (best for last).
I checked in on Monday and when I walked into the lobby, it resembled a club more than a hotel. The lobby has two disco balls that, at night, are bouncing light all over. The lobby is two stories, near the ceiling, the hotel flashes a "color of the day". the first day, purple reigned supreme. The second day, neon pink. the third yellow. the fourth, an electric blue. Unfortunately, I Will not be here tonight to find out the Friday color.
The elevators (something I have never noticed in hotels before), have 3D art in them. they are good, but a little unnerving. Further, the elevators contain a black light. I've never seen that before in a hotel.
The best thing about this place is this. As you sit at the desk, on the right, there are cubby holes where the hotel staff put various items for purchase (at outrageous prices). $6.00 for a a 1/4 sleeve of Pringles?? When I asked if they had a vending machine to avoid such a ridiculous charge, I was told no, but there was a 7-11 near by.
In the holes, you would find, a W CD, Altoids ($5), pretzels, spicy mix, roasted cashews, m&ms, snickers, raw almonds, Oreos, FIJI water, and, drum roll please. ........................................................................................ AN INTIMACY KIT. yes ladies and gentlemen, the hotel provides you with:
2 condoms,
2 towelettes
1 bottle of lubricating jelly
all of the very low price of $10.00. Quite a hotel this place. I hope everybody has a great day.
-- cp
Admittedly, I try to stay at Sheraton properties only because I get points there and I am hoping it will net Bec and I a free trip to a decent destination (suggestions, please).
This hotel, though, is bizarre. The room has an interesting theme. Big flat screen TV, ports to hook your computer to TV, etc. They have multiple outlets (which is normally a huge problem). The bed is on a platform. It also has a faux fur thing on it. I am not sure how to describe it. That is not the most bizarre thing about this hotel or room (best for last).
I checked in on Monday and when I walked into the lobby, it resembled a club more than a hotel. The lobby has two disco balls that, at night, are bouncing light all over. The lobby is two stories, near the ceiling, the hotel flashes a "color of the day". the first day, purple reigned supreme. The second day, neon pink. the third yellow. the fourth, an electric blue. Unfortunately, I Will not be here tonight to find out the Friday color.
The elevators (something I have never noticed in hotels before), have 3D art in them. they are good, but a little unnerving. Further, the elevators contain a black light. I've never seen that before in a hotel.
The best thing about this place is this. As you sit at the desk, on the right, there are cubby holes where the hotel staff put various items for purchase (at outrageous prices). $6.00 for a a 1/4 sleeve of Pringles?? When I asked if they had a vending machine to avoid such a ridiculous charge, I was told no, but there was a 7-11 near by.
In the holes, you would find, a W CD, Altoids ($5), pretzels, spicy mix, roasted cashews, m&ms, snickers, raw almonds, Oreos, FIJI water, and, drum roll please. ........................................................................................ AN INTIMACY KIT. yes ladies and gentlemen, the hotel provides you with:
2 condoms,
2 towelettes
1 bottle of lubricating jelly
all of the very low price of $10.00. Quite a hotel this place. I hope everybody has a great day.
-- cp
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Am I crazy???
I have no doubt that most people would say, yes, I am fucking insane. I might agree with them. I suppose, though, the true evidence of that is not some of the things that come out of my mouth, or the topics that float through my head on a daily basis, or even some of the things I've done. The real evidence of that is that I signed up to run a half marathon in April.
You may be asking yourself, why the hell would Pickett do that? The smart ass answer is, b/c I am crazy. The real answer is that I have decided its important to be in better shape (good shape?) b/c I have children. I guess, in the end, I'd like to be a good example for the kids of not only the benefit of hard work, but also the importance of being healthy. the kids see Bec and me work out and we talk about the importance of exercise, but I want them to see it too. Not for aesthetic purposes b/c we'd like them to believe that everybody is beautiful in their own way, but to know that a healthy body is a good body.
I have lost almost 40 pounds since January 2011. I'd like to lose more, and it is coming off, slowly but surely. Bec and one of her friends decided to do the half marathon in December. She asked if I would like to go to (its in Champaign, IL). I said, yes, and I'll run in it.
I know myself, and without a goal of some sort, I would eventually revert back to bad habits (chicken wings, hamburgers, etc etc). Bec is doing a great job cooking for the family (and me). We actually had bean soup on Sunday night. Anybody that knows me well knows that is not something I would have eaten 5 years ago (though I suppose that is another reason why Bec is perfect for me, or possibly just perfect).
She is keeping me on track and things are going well. I am hopeful that by the time I run the half marathon, I'll be down another 12 pounds (1.5 pounds / week). I would be happy with that. I do know, though, that after this half marathon, I'll need to sign up for another one in the fall. As I said, without a goal, frankly i don't have the discipline to keep moving forward. I don't know what I'll run in the fall, whether it will be in STL (if there is one) or some place else. I am excited, though, with the training for the April half marathon. I am to the point where i look forward to running. I've always liked (maybe too strong of a word) working out with weights, but running was something I''ve loathed.
In any event, we are moving forward and I'll keep moving forward. Its 6:42 AM and I need to get to work. I hope everybody has a great Valentine's Day. Show your significant other that you care, if even by writing a short note.
Have a great day.
be easy
-cp
You may be asking yourself, why the hell would Pickett do that? The smart ass answer is, b/c I am crazy. The real answer is that I have decided its important to be in better shape (good shape?) b/c I have children. I guess, in the end, I'd like to be a good example for the kids of not only the benefit of hard work, but also the importance of being healthy. the kids see Bec and me work out and we talk about the importance of exercise, but I want them to see it too. Not for aesthetic purposes b/c we'd like them to believe that everybody is beautiful in their own way, but to know that a healthy body is a good body.
I have lost almost 40 pounds since January 2011. I'd like to lose more, and it is coming off, slowly but surely. Bec and one of her friends decided to do the half marathon in December. She asked if I would like to go to (its in Champaign, IL). I said, yes, and I'll run in it.
I know myself, and without a goal of some sort, I would eventually revert back to bad habits (chicken wings, hamburgers, etc etc). Bec is doing a great job cooking for the family (and me). We actually had bean soup on Sunday night. Anybody that knows me well knows that is not something I would have eaten 5 years ago (though I suppose that is another reason why Bec is perfect for me, or possibly just perfect).
She is keeping me on track and things are going well. I am hopeful that by the time I run the half marathon, I'll be down another 12 pounds (1.5 pounds / week). I would be happy with that. I do know, though, that after this half marathon, I'll need to sign up for another one in the fall. As I said, without a goal, frankly i don't have the discipline to keep moving forward. I don't know what I'll run in the fall, whether it will be in STL (if there is one) or some place else. I am excited, though, with the training for the April half marathon. I am to the point where i look forward to running. I've always liked (maybe too strong of a word) working out with weights, but running was something I''ve loathed.
In any event, we are moving forward and I'll keep moving forward. Its 6:42 AM and I need to get to work. I hope everybody has a great Valentine's Day. Show your significant other that you care, if even by writing a short note.
Have a great day.
be easy
-cp
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Personal Responsibility
Now that I have kids, I think I am more sensitive to personal accountability and responsibility. The wife and I were talking today about it. It seems that much of this country has moved from personal accountability and moved towards me me me.
You may think, after reading that first paragraph, that I am a conservative. That is not true...I am as liberal as anybody (well not anybody, Paul Yarns is more liberal than me). However, I am a firm believer in some social equality issues that prevent me from considering the republican platform (opposition to gay marriage, opposition to abortion, irony of small government that controls what I do in my home -- does nobody else notice that?)
In any event, my issue with the democrats, and many liberals (no offense to my liberal friends), is what could be considered to be lack of personal responbility. It is a difficult question. If there is a poor white child in rural missouri, is it fair that your parents were poor, and your cousin makes meth? is that your fault? according to many of the republicans, it is your fault and you should be able to pull your self up by your boot straps. on the other hand, that same kid should have some responsibility and do the best with what they have. I know that the child that I have described has a significantly more uphill battle than a similarly aged kid with equal intelligence who was born in Ladue. The kid in Ladue will assume they are going to college and will be able to afford it? Do we want a country where a child's chance of success is almost directly related to their parents? Aren't we dooming an entire portion of society to poverty and to never really having a chance?
The repubs will have you believe it only takes hard work, and they are right in part. Clearly, the kid in rural missouri needs to work and take advantage of what he can, but, is it fair that the kid in Ladue, frankly, does not really have to work?? The current system is not working. On the other hand, I am not a socialist/communist (my more well-read friends will tell me I don't know which is which -- and they are correct).
I don't think the wealthy should be required to pay for everybody (though increased taxes aren't the end o the world). I do think, though, that every kid should have the opportunity of a very good education. There is no doubt that our system is failing the kids, and it is not b/c of the dedicated teachers that do their jobs well everyday. it is more than that. it is systemic. it needs to be fixed.
Frankly, I would suggest the Federal Government give significant money to subsidize school districts that do not have the tax base. Ladue School District should not exponentially more wealthy than other school districts just because the wealthy live there. Can nobody see the vicious circle that creates? Good tax base, good schools. more wealthy people move in. higher tax base, better schools, etc etc etc. On the others side of the coin, are the poor neighborhoods. low tax base, bad schools, depresses real estate, and the circle of poverty continues.
I began this with personal accountability and responsibility. I very much believe that everybody needs to do their share to better their lot in life. I also believe that the poor kid in rural Mississippi, or the City of St. Louis should not be so disadvantaged from the start they have no realistic chance. Consider this, there may be a kid in a City school, or a school in rural Alabama that is extremely intelligent. She might be great at science. She might have the potential to discover the cure for cancer or aids, or some other global problem. Instead, though, she goes to school with substandard supplies and classrooms with too many children. Nobody recognizes her intelligence, potential, or will to learn. Her family is poor and her mother works two jobs just to keep food on the table. As she gets older, with no guidance from anybody, she hides that she is smart b/c she is 15 and is more interested in boys than books. She quits studying. She is still smart, but she never considers college. She ends up working as a CNA, waitress, or hotel clerk. She never works in the field where she had the most to give. Shouldn't every kid have a chance? Let's put the personal responsibility on the kid, but give them an equal chance.
these are not complete thoughts. These are not finished projects. But ultimately, I want my children to have every chance and I want them to work for what they get. I also want them to recognize that not everybody is as fortunate as them and giving back is a good thing too. Perhaps, that is something the republicans have forgotten.
Have a great day
- cp
You may think, after reading that first paragraph, that I am a conservative. That is not true...I am as liberal as anybody (well not anybody, Paul Yarns is more liberal than me). However, I am a firm believer in some social equality issues that prevent me from considering the republican platform (opposition to gay marriage, opposition to abortion, irony of small government that controls what I do in my home -- does nobody else notice that?)
In any event, my issue with the democrats, and many liberals (no offense to my liberal friends), is what could be considered to be lack of personal responbility. It is a difficult question. If there is a poor white child in rural missouri, is it fair that your parents were poor, and your cousin makes meth? is that your fault? according to many of the republicans, it is your fault and you should be able to pull your self up by your boot straps. on the other hand, that same kid should have some responsibility and do the best with what they have. I know that the child that I have described has a significantly more uphill battle than a similarly aged kid with equal intelligence who was born in Ladue. The kid in Ladue will assume they are going to college and will be able to afford it? Do we want a country where a child's chance of success is almost directly related to their parents? Aren't we dooming an entire portion of society to poverty and to never really having a chance?
The repubs will have you believe it only takes hard work, and they are right in part. Clearly, the kid in rural missouri needs to work and take advantage of what he can, but, is it fair that the kid in Ladue, frankly, does not really have to work?? The current system is not working. On the other hand, I am not a socialist/communist (my more well-read friends will tell me I don't know which is which -- and they are correct).
I don't think the wealthy should be required to pay for everybody (though increased taxes aren't the end o the world). I do think, though, that every kid should have the opportunity of a very good education. There is no doubt that our system is failing the kids, and it is not b/c of the dedicated teachers that do their jobs well everyday. it is more than that. it is systemic. it needs to be fixed.
Frankly, I would suggest the Federal Government give significant money to subsidize school districts that do not have the tax base. Ladue School District should not exponentially more wealthy than other school districts just because the wealthy live there. Can nobody see the vicious circle that creates? Good tax base, good schools. more wealthy people move in. higher tax base, better schools, etc etc etc. On the others side of the coin, are the poor neighborhoods. low tax base, bad schools, depresses real estate, and the circle of poverty continues.
I began this with personal accountability and responsibility. I very much believe that everybody needs to do their share to better their lot in life. I also believe that the poor kid in rural Mississippi, or the City of St. Louis should not be so disadvantaged from the start they have no realistic chance. Consider this, there may be a kid in a City school, or a school in rural Alabama that is extremely intelligent. She might be great at science. She might have the potential to discover the cure for cancer or aids, or some other global problem. Instead, though, she goes to school with substandard supplies and classrooms with too many children. Nobody recognizes her intelligence, potential, or will to learn. Her family is poor and her mother works two jobs just to keep food on the table. As she gets older, with no guidance from anybody, she hides that she is smart b/c she is 15 and is more interested in boys than books. She quits studying. She is still smart, but she never considers college. She ends up working as a CNA, waitress, or hotel clerk. She never works in the field where she had the most to give. Shouldn't every kid have a chance? Let's put the personal responsibility on the kid, but give them an equal chance.
these are not complete thoughts. These are not finished projects. But ultimately, I want my children to have every chance and I want them to work for what they get. I also want them to recognize that not everybody is as fortunate as them and giving back is a good thing too. Perhaps, that is something the republicans have forgotten.
Have a great day
- cp
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