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NOLA
Has anyone tried the Dansko Veda sneakers? They’re so cute and they seem like they’d be good for me because they have that little heel. I need more support than most flat shoes. Anyway, I’m wondering what size I would order. I usually wear an 8 in sneakers and an 8 1/2 in heels. Zappos reviews seem to indicate that they run narrow, so I’m thinking the 39?
HereThere
If you need more support, what about the Reebok EasyTone (I think that’s what they are called) or similar shoes the have you work out while walking? I know it sounds odd, but I put one of those on and suddenly realized what having support in a shoe felt like – had legitimately never realized that other people had shoes that really support their feet. I know that isn’t the brand you mentioned, but thought I’d suggest it anyways. Of course, if you want something that doesn’t look like a sneaker, this will not work.
NOLA
I guess I was thinking it was kind of fun to have sneakers with what looks like a heel. I don’t wear sneakers much (other than to work out) and I thought the Danskos looked cute.
viclawstudent
Don’t know about the sizing, but just wondering which of the colours you were eyeing? I really like the red ones and the orange ones.
NOLA
I know, the red are so cute! I don’t know! The red flower print are only $44.99 at 6pm so that’s really tempting.
Anonymous
I bought a pair and returned them (to REI) because they were huge. I’m normally 6 1/2 or 7. Bought 7s, but based on the fit, I probably would have taken a 6. I bought red, but felt the red sole still made them look a little nurse-like. Not that there’s anything wrong with being a nurse… But I’m not.
NOLA
Oh that’s really good to know! They look really wide in the front, which is why I was surprised that someone said they ran narrow. The ones I’m looking at have white soles, more like an old fashioned lace-up sneaker: http://www.amazon.com/Dansko-Veda-Womens-Clog/dp/B003X1QB9C
Is this what you had?
Bluejay
I don’t have the sneakers, but I’m a size 8.5 or 9 in US sizes and I always take a 39 in Dansko. I’d guess you’d be a 38, but since it’s Zappos, maybe order two pairs and return one?
Church? (Boston)
Any suggestions for a church in Brookline near Allston? I know it’s a Jewish area, but the only church near me that I can find is shut down. Somewhere on the T is fine, too. I can’t find anything less than 20 minutes on the T or 25 minutes walking and am hoping there is one closer that I just can’t find online. Thanks!
Belle et Rebelle
There’s St. Paul’s Episcopalian on St. Paul St. in Brookline, just south of Beacon St. Not super close to Allston, but if you get off on the St Paul stop on the C line, it’s maybe a 10 minute walk (might be closer to the D line stop in Brookline Village). I think there might be another church (no idea what denomination) on Harvard Ave between Beacon St. and Brookline Village, but I don’t know what it’s called.
I’m not really a churchgoer, so I can’t speak to what it’s like at either of these, but I hope this helps.
anon
There are a few between Coolidge and Brookline Village , including the St. Paul one – St. Mary’s is Catholic and I don’t know the name of the other one, but both are on Harvard. Both are very close to stops on the 66 bus.
momentsofabsurdity
I have a friend who attends CityLife downtown (may be too far for you). I checked it out one Sunday but it felt a bit too evangelical for me but the people were very nice.
P
I went to Church of our Saviour (Episcopalian) in Brookline (25 Monmouth St — at the BU Central stop on the B line or the St Mary’s stop on the C line) for 5 years and really loved it (and miss it).
What kind of church are you looking for? Any particular denomination/style?
OP - church
Thanks all! I’m Roman Catholic, so that’s what I was looking for – sorry if it wasn’t clear! Thank you for your suggestions – I’ll start checking these out.
anon
Another suggestion would be to call either hotels or the Universities in the area – they all usually have a list of services in the area.
R in Boston
NOLA – left you a response in the last thread, but wasn’t sure you’d see it. Thanks for your thoughtful response – I appreciate it!
NOLA
You’re welcome! I was still subscribed to comments, so I got your other message as well.
bar SOS
Please help. I can’t talk to my family or friends taking the bar about this because the former don’t understand and the latter have issues of their own. The CA bar is now only two weeks away. We have a simulated written exam on Monday for which I am not prepared, at least for the essay portion. I am drowning right now. I have such high anxiety about the bar. I did not even realize it was anxiety — I feel belligerent almost, or my mind goes blank whenever I open the books or my computer to write an essay. I know nothing, I have nothing memorized, my MBE scores are abysmal, and I have passed maybe one essay as graded by my test prep company. The only thing that calms me down is the mental image of going into that test knowing that I can re-take it. But the financial cost, the humiliation (I will be at my first job when results come out, and surely will be asked about it; although I won’t lose my job, there may be other repercussions and surely a loss of respect from my supervisors and colleagues?), and the stress of the actual test days may break me. Is there any hope? Can I still do this? How?
Two questions
This may not be the most possitve help, but one of my coworkers who was hired before the bar results came out told everyone ahead of time that she didn’t think she was going to pass because she was sick when she took it. She didn’t pass and everyone just thought it was because she was sick when she took it. Whether or not she was really sick we will never know. I think this is a perfectly legitimate thing to do. There is so much pressure and anxiety surrounding the California bar, and whether you pass it the first time or not has nothing to do with how good a lawyer you will ultimately become. And yet even lawyers I know are twenty years later taking pride in the fact that they passed it the first time even though it means nothing but that you are good at memorizing and spewing back.
SF Bay Associate
I work at one of those big law firms. Several of my colleagues failed the first time. It is widely understood that failing the bar happens to smart people sometimes, whether it’s nerves or computer failure or sickness or misreading a question or whatever. Every single person in your office knows a smart person who, for whatever reason, failed the bar the first time. They probably know smart people from their law school class as well as respected colleagues who failed the first time. I have classmates who failed the first time who were very smart. One of the partners I work for failed the bar the first time. Another one of my colleagues who failed the first time s/he took it recently made partner. Yet another first-time-fail colleague is kicking booty, and will soon be up for partner. Failing the bar totally sucks because it’s a personal ego blow and you’ll have to take it again in February, but the “humiliation” and “loss of respect from your supervisors and colleagues” are not things you should be worried about. There but for the grace of god/karma/whatever go I, and go all of us.
Anon NJ and MD Bar
I completely understand how you feel! Although I am clearly not taking the CA bar, it is still super stressful and no one understands! One of the professors for my review course said that it is just as much a psychological test as it is an intelligence or memorization test. It’s okay to stress and freak out a little, but don’t let THAT make you fail. Lots of people fail the bar. It doesn’t mean that they are not smart and it shouldn’t cause anyone to lose respect for you. I freaked out and googled people who failed the bar and Hilary Clinton came up! I don’t think anyone would have less respect for her for failing the bar the first time.
Also, I think it really helps to know that everyone taking the bar is freaking out right now. How you feel is completely normal! I certainly feel better knowing that there are others who are not passing practice exams with flying colors yet. My mother used to tell me that stressing doesn’t make you get things done any better for faster. So stop stressing, take a deep breath, and get back to work so you can kick @$$ on that exam!
Belle et Rebelle
Okay, deep breaths. Yes, you can still pass. Do not put too much stock in the scores you are getting on the practice MBE and essay tests. I think they grade the practice essays extra hard to motivate you to study more, and I can tell you that when I took VA 2 years ago (I also took MA in ’99), I got a really bad score on the practice MBE at this point in the summer, too, and I still passed.
Taking the bar is inherently stressful, and you are not the only one freaking out right now. Truly. My advice to you is to do what you can to learn the material over the next two weeks, do practice essays every day, even if the model answers are impossibly perfect and feel demoralizing, and just do the best you can. Do not freak out about not knowing enough of the material – no one knows it all. Learn what you can and practice applying what you do know to fact patterns by doing practice essays. Try to get some sleep and a little exercise and eat well.
I really do think your chances of passing are probably much higher than you think, but what the others said is true. Even if you don’t pass, you will be okay. It happens to a lot of people, including a lot of very good lawyers. It would suck to have to take it again, but it’s not going to damage your career.
Anon NY Bar
As everyone has said, it’s true, lots of people have failed and gone on to be successful and there is some comfort in the fact that you’ll get a second chance but you still have two weeks to go. Regardless of what happens, you’ll feel better if you really give it your all and focus for the next two weeks.
I would suggest that you study your notes/outlines for x amount of time, then do that subject’s MBE and then outline the essay for that subject. Rinse and repeat for each subject. Doing the essays will really help you to learn the material as well as what the bar examiners think is important. Review the model answers and keep a running list of points to memorize. The essays are all about testing multi-pronged tests, ie what is a valid K? Mutual assent, consideration, acceptance. How do you create a valid will? Capacity, intent, requisite formalities, etc. Good luck, two weeks is still two weeks! Oh and i think you should ignore the people freaking out around you. Not good energy.
shebringshomethebacon
“Igonore the people freaking out around you”: this is the best piece of advice, IMO.
Francie Nolan
Hey. We still have two and a half weeks. That half-week counts for something. Also, we can definitely do this. Hang in there.
Eleanor
Yes, there is still tons of hope, and you can do this. I took the bar last summer (not CA), and right up until two days before I was failing MBE practice tests, and I would try to quiz myself on different topics and I couldn’t remember one thing about them. I did maybe two practice essays and then stopped because I was so freaked out about the MBE I felt like I had to focus on that and maybe could halfway b*llsh*t the essays. After I took the test I felt awful, and like I had probably failed. I tried to prepare everyone in my life for my potential failure.
As you can probably guess, I passed with plenty of room to spare. Now I can’t believe I freaked myself out so badly. The test prep companies make the practice tests much harder than the real thing, so try to calm down, although I realize that’s easier said than done. I thought the most useful study tools were flashcards, but then I’ve always been a flashcard kind of person.
Remember, even if you do fail (which is far from certain, or even likely), it is not a reflection on anything about you personally. Smart, hardworking people fail the bar, especially CA. Good luck, try to relax, and know that we are rooting for you.
OTOH
Ok, take a deep breath, and listen to the story of someone who had to take the NYC bar twice (yep, that would be me):
When I studied for the bar the first time, I was utterly exhausted. This rarely happens to me so I decided that passing the exam wasn’t worth the damage I might do to myself if I ignored the messages my body and brain were sending. I attended the Barbri classes and studied some but no more than I could handle. Unsurprisingly, I failed.
I was doing a one-year fellowship when I took the bar again. This time, I started making it a point to review outlines whenever I had some down-time two months before the exam, and I took three weeks off to study full-time. I went into the exam knowing I was going to pass and that’s exactly what happened.
That I had to take the bar exam twice has rarely come up in the more than ten years since then and it has had no impact on my career. In fact, I got a job offer from a top law firm (by most standards) while I was waiting for the results. I went on to be a successful associate and am now doing an academic fellowship in the hopes of becoming a law professor. It may be harder to maintain perspective when you’re already at a firm and everybody around you has passed but if that’s the case don’t allow anyone to turn it into a pity party and just tell everyone you’re happy for them and that you will pass it the next time.
So my advice is to remind yourself that if failing this exam is the worst that happens to you this year, your life is very good. Being at peace with a bad outcome may help you not waste too much energy freaking out about it. At the same time, try to study hard and smart and tell yourself this will increase your chance of passing, be it this time or on your second try. Best of luck!
bar SOS
Thank you all so much. I appreciate your kind words and anecdotes. Breathing deeply, and keeping the chin up.
2/3 attorney
Hey, I don’t know if anyone posted this yet and don’t want to read the whole thread to check, but I got 25% off at Banana today just for walking in the store. All regular priced and sale items.
after biglaw
After 3+ years in biglaw, where do litigators go? All of my corporate peers seem to be finding in-house positions relatively easily, but in-house litigator positions seem more rare. Any [this site] success stories in landing an-house litigator position after biglaw?
Herbie
Hi after biglaw – former litigator, current in-houser here. Your observation tracks mine. It seemed easier for transactional lawyers to move in-house. The exception at my firm were our labor lawyers. They also left very easily to go in-house. Litigators rarely left to go in-house.
So what’s a litigator to do? Your ability to move is going to depend largely on the company. I got my job because my company has a super small legal department and was looking for a generalist who could manage litigation and negotiate contracts, along with all sorts of one-off stuff. They didn’t need someone with 10+ years of first chair jury trial experience, etc. So that’s a possibility, and you’ll usually find those kinds of positions at companies with smaller legal departments. I do see lots litigation-type positions open at companies across the U.S., though. Chevron and Microsoft come immediately to mind. Take a look at job postings on LinkedIn and acc.com. They’re out there, although it doesn’t feel like there are as many as transactional openings.
after biglaw
Thanks, Herbie! I’ve started looking at the companies/sites you mentioned.
Also, if you don’t mind my asking, can you please elaborate what you mean by “manage litigation”? I ask b/c a lot of in-house litigation postings have similar language, and I’m curious as to: a) what “managing litigation” entails and b) how a potential in-house litigation candidate could demonstrate she could/would be good at “managing litigation.”
Herbie
Apologies in advance for the length of my response. For me, managing litigation means overseeing strategy and working with our outside counsel to execute that strategy. Reviewing/revising pleadings, briefs, discovery requests/responses (I don’t take the first cut at drafting anything). Directing settlement strategy. And doing all of this while thinking big picture about implications for the company long-term. I also am responsible for making sure outside counsel stays on budget or corrects course when the budget looks like it’s going to hell in a handbasket. I review all the bills, and I get the lucky job of working with our outside counsel to reduce those bills where appropriate (probably the part of my job I like least).
You asked about demonstrating that a candidate would be good at “managing litigation.” The short answer is, probably having undertaken significant responsibility in your caseload and having breadth of experience. In other words, are you the person down in the weeds just doing doc review, or are you the person with the 30,000-foot view of the case and the strategy you need to execute on all the moving pieces to get the case postured correctly/most advantageously. I can give you an idea of my background that I think helped. I was just starting my 5th year of practice when I moved in-house. I was at the point where I was overseeing and running cases start to finish. That included submitting budgets to our clients, supervising and delegating work to junior associates, and developing strategy (obviously in conjunction with the partner). In other words, I was lead day to day on my cases. I didn’t have any trial experience (because the only case I ever worked on that went to trial happened when I was a .5-yr associate, and I didn’t get to go), but I’d done tons of the pre-trial / post-trial stuff. Selecting exhibits, prepping witnesses, preparing directs/crosses, jury charges, motions in limine, MNTs, etc. I also had significant depo experience, some hearing experience, and substantial experience in other areas (such as being lead counsel on a case that went up to the state supreme court and having been responsible for all appellate briefing). I’d been to multiple mediations, which I think is really helpful in learning how to think strategically about settlement.
So if you’re looking to go in-house for a litigation position, my [unsolicited] advice to you is to do what you should be doing in the first place: look for gaps in your experience, and then do your best to fill those gaps. Raise your hand and volunteer to take on unfamiliar tasks so you can develop new skills. Get out of your comfort zone.
Hope this tome of a post was helpful!
after biglaw
Herbie, thank you so much. I really appreciate your thoughts; over the span of 1 weekend, you’ve given me what multiple recruiters couldn’t: a viable “how to get your butt in-house” action plan. I’m still processing your thoughts and definitely will have a few more questions re what you said but just wanted to say thank you!
Not the OP but a related in-house lit question
What is life as an in-house litigator like? I too am in biglaw litigation (though only 1 year in) and have thought about life after biglaw. However, everytime I hear of a junior litigator going in-house (and agree with the posters above that it’s rare), I wonder if he/she is leaving too early from biglaw. From what I understand, training in in-house is rare as is the chance to take depos/engage in the day-to-day discovery tasks.
With all that in mind, how does an in-house litigator provide value to her internal client (the company)? From a biglaw perspective, “value” can be quantified in terms of whether or not I’m meeting my billable hour requirement. I’m less clear as to what measures of “value” an in-house litigator would be measured against.
Herbie
@”Not the OP but related in-house lit question” – I’ll tackle your question about how do you provide value. Keep in mind that I don’t just do litigation, so others who are more specialized will have different answers.
I provide value by supporting the business. That means recognizing that our business people don’t care how the legal sausage is made. They’re concerned about how something is going to impact that project they’ve been working on for a year, our relationship with a long-standing business partner, our budget, or our profits. So a large part of my job is taking off the nerdy lawyer hat and instead asking, what is the pragmatic business solution here? I know this is probably a bit cryptic, but there are plenty of situations in which you could spend beaucoup $$ on outside counsel/litigation only to achieve the same result as if you’d stepped back and asked, what tools do our business people have to resolve this? Many times, I guide negotiations from the background without ever interacting directly with the other side. I’ve realized that one of our lawyer skills that is really handy in-house is to look at a problem, ask what solution our business people want, and then strategize what moves our business people need to make to get as close to that solution as possible. Here’s a basic vague example where I have changed the relevant details (and which I hope still makes sense). I recently worked on a service/support contract, initial draft provided by the other party, that provided for, say, Z support calls for $X. I asked our business person– is Z enough? He said, well, we could probably use Z+2, so let’s go back with that. I said, let’s go back with Z+5 for $X, anticipating that we’ll end up negotiating it down to around Z+2 for $X. We got Z+5 for $X. Win.
On the contract side, my job is to make sure our contracts accurately document the deal our business people struck, assess the risk inherent in the contract, and point that risk out. With very few exceptions, my job is not to get in the way of getting the deal done. I’ve seen other in-house counsel get stuck insisting on ticky-tacky changes that ultimately mean nothing in the big picture. All they’re doing is holding up their client’s deal. I negotiate and push hard for the changes that matter (which I LOVE), and I don’t worry about making concessions on changes that don’t.
Coach Laura
After biglaw- I’ve been wanting to post this job for a while so I’m taking this opportunity. One of my favorite companies – Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has a job posting for Associate General Counsel. http://careers.gatesfoundation.org/job/Seattle-Associate-General-Counsel-%28Business-TransactionsPRI%29-Job-WA-98101/1792618/?from=email&refid=27417394&utm_source=J2WEmail&source=2&eid=243-201206170700-58283231&locale=en_US It would be cool if someone from [this site] would get the job but I guess I’ll never know…
CountC
Only slightly related. A friend of mine is a lawyer for the Gates Foundation, used to be in DC but now he is out in the Seattle office. If it was a DC position, I would apply!!
after biglaw
For Coach Laura – thank you! The Gates Foundation posting isn’t in my area of law, but I’ve forwarded it to a friend who lives in the Emerald City and who is looking for just that type of position!
momentsofabsurdity
I talked to my sister today and heard a funny story – I’m sure the Hive can relate, or at least will be amused. She said today she went to the salon (it was one of those hole-in-the-wall, Vietnamese-run, mani/pedis for $24 type places) to get her brows and upper lip waxed, and the aesthetician said, “Oh honey – you sure you don’t want to wax your chin too??? So much hair on your chin!”
My sister said she gasped and told me she had no idea she had any hair on her chin. I told her she wasn’t crazy – she doesn’t! At least unless she’s grown a beard since I saw her last month.
I’ve definitely been “upsold” like that before (and I almost always go ahead with it because OMG what if I DO have hair on my chin and I just never noticed??) So I’ve definitely been in that position, for example, while getting a pedicure — “Honey, you want a brow wax? No? You suuuuuuure? You need a brow wax! Your brows are really hairy!” It sure is an effective sales technique, even if it relies on creating panic and shame.
Any other fun/funny maintenance stories?
mamabear
Yes, the Indian threading lady asked me, “Don’t you want to be clean? Beautiful ladies have a clean appearance,” trying to up-sell me to a full face threading, as if the regular transparent body hair on my forehead and cheeks made me look like a homeless person. Then she proceeded to rip the skin off my upper lip threading my non-existent mustache.
I decided not to get threaded anymore.
Anonymous
Yes, I was upsold a lip threading. Never again. Glad to know this thing happens to everyone. It’s the Quickie-Lube marketing model for female grooming.
Bluejay
My eyebrow lady always asks (when I’m on the table with her putting wax on my brows) if I want my lip waxed, too. I’m like, um, there’s no hair there. Really? At least it would make sense to try to sell me an underarm or bikini wax…
lawstudent678
In need of a nail polish suggestion. I’d love a sheer, pale pink that’s minimally noticeable, but looks nicer than plain old unpolished nails.
I’ve tried several OPI shades and they’ve been too pale/opaque (they look almost white, and are great for normal use, but not for a professional setting). I had a similar experience with two shades of Essie. I’ve also tried Chanel polish in rose cache, and it’s too close to my skin tone (ends up a weird tan-ish color, despite my very fair skin).
Any suggestions appreciated!
Anonymous
Have you tried mademoiselle from Opi? I just got it today and i really like it for the office. It is sort of close to my skin tone, but I still like it.
30
For pale pinks, I like Essie Mademoiselle and Dior Incognito. I am also currently obsessed with (but do not yet own) Julep Jennifer. (FWIW, I have super-pale skin with yellow undertones). I’d recommend going to Sephora (if you have one nearby) and playing with some colors–nothing beats seeing a color on your own nails.
Charmed Girl
It was a special collection this spring, so it might be challenging to find. OPI had a lovely sheer line, the New York City Ballet line. The light pink was called Barre My Soul. I like it as it is sheer (at three coats, I still see nail line) but it looks “clean.” I also really like the grey one. Good luck!
Bluejay
I have and love Shall we dance? from the Sally Hanson Salon Manicure line. It is opaque and a really nice ballet-slippers shade of pink. With a top coat, it lasts me about 4 days which is good for a manicure (on my toes it lasts 2 weeks).
lawstudent678
Thanks for the suggestions!
Not sure if this is unique to the store here, but my local Sephora only has their brand of nail polish, otherwise I’d have a blast trying on every different pale pink there is.
Anon
Chanel ballerina or allegra as an expensive option. Butter pink ribbon for middle range. Rimmel’s pink in the French manicure line as an all over for for dirt cheap.
ELLENWatch
To KLG and anyone else interested: I have completed and posted my roundup on Ellen’s writeing format. Comments welcome as always!
AnonInfinity
I believe part of the reason Ellen’s spelling is getting worse is that it’s not always Ellen posting. I think that sometimes other posters post as Ellen and misspell random words, and some misspell more than others. I don’t know that anyone has admitted to posting as Ellen sometimes, but the fact that her writing style varies sometimes leads me to think this.
Thoughts?
ELLENWatch
I have updated the post to address your question.
AnonInfinity
I love it! Thanks :)
I think I’m more in the middle of the spectrum you identified.
w. coast
Interesting question: for medical reasons, I’m without a sense of smell for the next month or two, which means I’m nearly without a sense of taste. Only sweet, salty, acidic/sour, and hot seem to make it through. The only foods that are really appealing are things like grapes (sweet/sour), pickles (sour/salty), and salsa (sweet/hot/sour). Anyone had any experience with this before? Other than these, any ideas of foods that might actually make me want to eat for the next few weeks?
Eleanor
A friend’s mom lost her sense of smell and so couldn’t taste anything either, but she started really liking beer because she could still kind of taste it. I realize this isn’t food, but you might try it if you want to taste something.
CountC
I lost my sense of smell for over a year and unfortunately, the only thing I could get any sort of enjoyment out of was hot sauce and cracked red and black pepper. I put them on everything. It wasn’t so much that I could taste them as must as it provided a sensation. At least you know there is an end in sight. When I was without that sense (among others), no one had any idea if or when it would come back. I’m at about 80% now, which is sometimes good and sometimes bad!!
Good luck!
Bluejay
I’d suggest making different sauces that you can add to dishes to provide flavor. Mango chutney would probably be good, or sweet and sour or sweet chili sauces, maybe even curries. I make a really easy spicy yogurt dip (can be used as a sauce) – brown a diced yellow onion in olive oil, shake in cayenne pepper and a touch of garlic, add honey and simmer a minute or so. Then put it in a mixing bowl and mix in a quart of plain yogurt (I use Greek for a dip, and the runnier European style for a sauce). You should be able to taste the sweet and spicy flavors.
Bluejay
BTW, watch out for heartburn/acid reflux if all you can manage are hot or sour foods. You may want to ask your doctor what she’d recommend to prevent it.
"Allergies" PSA
I have lost my sense of smell (I hope temporarily — if you want the gory background story, Google this site .com and my handle). Which means I also have lost a lot of my sense of taste. I can still taste very sour things, but that’s about it. I have found two things:
1. Texture (and to a lesser extent temperature) of my food is more important to me now. I especially crave crunchy things so that, in the absence of flavor, I have something to signal to me that I am eating. Current favorite: non-fat chocolate frozen yogurt with pecan pieces.
2. I seem to be overeating these days. Because I can’t taste anything, I don’t ever get that “Oh, that piece of fish tasted great and now I’m done” feeling. In fact, I seem to keep eating to try and achieve some flavor, and then before I know it, I’ve eaten way too much and don’t feel well. I know you are having the opposite problem, but maybe my solution will help you, too. My solution is to order/make only meals that I know I like and are good for me and whose portions are right for me and to eat them. When I eat something out of my normal routine, that is when I overeat. Maybe you can do the same?
scientist
What would you wear to the Olympics? I’m going to some of the events in week 1, and I haven’t a clue what I should pack. Thoughts?
AnonInfinity
Something very comfortable. Possibly with the colors of whatever country I was rooting for?
cbackson
My city hosted the Olympics when I was in my late teens. It was a blast. Not sure if you live in London or are visiting, but I always tell people that being an Olympic city will make you love the games and hate the IOC (don’t get my started on Fascist-sympathizing Juan Antonio Samaranch and his band of dispossessed minor European aristocrats). So I hope you have a wonderful time.
As for what to wear: comfort is absolutely key, especially for shoes. There’s often a lot of standing and waiting in lines (transit, ticket checks, security, etc.). Also, sometimes the venues are aggressively air-conditioned, so make sure you have a sweater or jacket you can put on in case it’s an icebox. If you’ll be at an outside event, bring a hat for the sun. And I often brought binoculars – it was fun to be able to see details that you couldn’t make out from far away (competitors’ expressions during the medal ceremonies; an arrow in a target; or just funny details of what the equipment looked like).
scientist
I’m a current Californian going to visit BF’s family. Comfort is definitely something I’m considering, but also why I’m having issues deciding what to pack. Shoe recommendations would be appreciated!
Anon
I’m going to the Olympics too and was wondering the same thing. If you want to wear USA shirts, Old Navy has a bunch.
cbackson
I have some great Miz Mooz flat leather mary janes that combine attractiveness and walkability-they are my go-to shoes for active-but-not-wilderness travel. I’d be packing something like that. Or cute sneakers (like Pumas).
Polgara
I’m an American expat in London, and am also going to some events. I’m planning on wearing my New Balances and jeans and a tshirt, possibly with a cardigan. I second cbackson’s suggestion of Pumas if you want something a bit smaller. My big recommendation is just to plan to carry as few things as possible in with you – they are saying the security to get into venues will be like it as at the airport (including limitations on liquids). And be prepared, if you take the tube it will be packed.
Chris Mathews' "Hardball"
Has anyone read it? A short review?
"Allergies" PSA
Paging Godzilla:
Went to ENT for a CAT scan after 3 weeks of antibiotics and a 6-day Medrol pack. My sinuses are completely full of fluid and other gunk. Not a single space for any air. (They are supposed to be completely empty with only air in them.)
Two options:
Medical treatment: 24 days of Prednisone, 2 weeks of even harder core antibiotics, 24 days of Pulmicort nasal spray. Then another CAT scan to see if they are clear. CAT scan later to see if it comes back.
Surgical treatment: general anesthesia, through each nostril, clear it all out physically. CAT scan later to see if it comes back.
I am on day 3 of Prednisone.
Two pieces of good news as per ENT:
1. Because my sense of smell returned while I was on the Medrol, it is likely that once my sinuses are clear, it will come back.
2. It appears to not be a brain tumor. (Yes, I was sobbing when I asked this question.)
Godzilla
Steroids steroids steroids. Sigh. I’m so sorry you’re going through all of this. And since we’re discussing nasal fluids…my CAT scan also showed my sinuses clogged up with all kinds of business. Taking nasonex only turned me into a drippy mess, which might have been the point? I don’t know.
My doctor showed me the before/after scans of someone with our issues. And handed me the business card of his surgeon friend. It doesn’t feel so good, does it? Hang in there, gurl, we can do this.
"Allergies" PSA
So are you going to have the surgery? My ENT says it is general anesthesia.
Late Night Freak out
Not sure if there is anyone around to even answer this, but here it goes! Starting a new (non-law) job in the lovely sweaty mess of DC. It’s business casual, but normally I would wear a suit regardless on my first day. Can I get away with pants and a short sleeved blouse? Bring a cardigan and/or blazer? I don’t have any light colored suits that currently fit well – medium gray skirt suit that would do (blazer sleeves are long).
nona
Heat trumps. I’d even go for a skirt (no hose) with your short sleeve blouse, and bring a blazer, just in case.
Basics
What you or Nona suggest sounds fine. But I would make it a jacket, not a cardigan.
NB
DC is the only place I have ever lived where I felt my shins sweating. I would probably wear a skirt suit (without hose) with a short sleeved shirt underneath — commute without the jacket, but bring it (1) to look professional later and (2) to deal with the overly conditioned air you might face (which for me makes me a sneezy sad mess when my hot, sweaty body has to start dealing with the cold).