Just for Today, Why I Love My Job

This job has its ups and downs, like most.


Clients can be demanding, mean, and refuse to listen. Sometimes all at once. But there are also rewarding moments where I feel like the work I do is really making a difference and helping someone who didn’t know where else to turn. That’s one time when I really love this job.

Another time I really love my job is when I have intra-office memo conversations with my law partners like the one below. The back story is that a well-known law firm in the Twin Cities changed its name to something completely different this month, and Brianna and I both thought it was weird.

So, I suggested we change our law firm name from Robichaud, Anderson & Alcantara, P.A. to O’Scooty, Flopsie, Banjo & Waka-Waka, P.A.

On Thu January 17, 2013 at 10:26 AM, Kristina Lund-Alc wrote:

KLA - Jan 17/13 - 10:26 AM - i just made myself lol

________________________



On Thu January 17, 2013 at 10:26 AM, Brianna Zuber wrote:

BBZ - Jan 17/13 - 10:26 AM - me too! That would be better. Plus we would get street cred with the africans and Irish.

---------------------------------------------

On Thu January 17, 2013 at 10:27 AM, Kristina Lund-Alc wrote:

I get to be waka-waka. thomas can be Flopsie.

---------------------------------------------

On Thu January 17, 2013 at 10:27 AM, Brianna Zuber wrote:

Bj is O scooty, so I guess that leaves me with Banjo

---------------------------------------------

On Thu January 17, 2013 at 10:28 AM, Kristina Lund-Alc wrote:

I think Banjo is a good name for you. Let's make sure to submit this to the board next meeting.

---------------------------------------------

On Thu January 17, 2012 at 10:29 AM, Brianna Zuber wrote:

It is sure to be approved

New Year

I get reflective twice a year- at the new year and at my birthday. It’s a good time to think about where I was, how far I’ve come, and where I’m going.
For me, highlights of 2012 include:
• Falling in love;

• Celebrating a whole handful of years as Johan’s mom and starting to think about and prepare for Kindergarten;

• Restarting regular yoga practice;

• Paying off some debt;

• Doing a cleanse, going (mostly) caffeine and gluten free;

• Losing 20 lbs;

• Significant home improvements to prepare to sell my house;

• Reentering the world of international travel via an epic trip to Africa;



There is also a whole slew of things I’m excited for in 2013…


• Putting my house on the market, looking for and probably moving to a new place with Andrew, Johan, and Gonzo.

• A trip to Miami with Andrew and my law partners at the end of January;

• Doing another cleanse in February;

• Losing another 20 lbs;

• Traveling to Amsterdam and Budapest with Andrew, Johan, and my mom in April-May for Moira’s wedding;

• Wedding festivities for my wife including a bachelorette soiree in New Orleans, a wedding at Camp St. Croix, and a Johan wearing a turquoise bow tie.

Of course, one of the best parts about being reflective is acknowledging how the previous year brought me so many wonderful places that I never expected. Hoping this year brings more unexpected adventures for me and for you, dear reader.

To Johan on the Occasion of Your Fifth Birthday

Dear Johan:
Today you turn 5 years old! A whole handful of years. You are smart, funny, quick-witted, kind, empathetic and the joy of my life. You bring laughter and music to our home. Even sitting in traffic is more fun with you as we tell jokes. I love our time after school when we sit on the couch and snuggle. We talk about our days and shares hugs. I love bedtime when I read you books and then sing Woody Guthrie songs to you. I love it even more when you join in the singing. I love sitting at the dinner table with you talking about little and big things. I love watching you learn new things—recognizing letters, doing math, understanding presidential politics, swimming, taking care of Gonzo, managing feelings, and making friends.

My greatest happiness and my greatest challenge is being your mom. I mean that in the best way. You make me think about the things I do and the words I use. You make me determined to make this world better- because I want it to be better for you. You make me feel full of hope. You have a keen insight and a warm heart.

We just elected Barack Obama to be our president for a 2nd term. I am so proud of the way you were involved in the election. You watched all the debates with us, learned about the candidates, and formed opinions. We voted no on marriage discrimination and we voted yes to Barack Obama. You came with me to the polls and helped me put my ballot in the counting machine. This is such an important part of our lives and I’m so glad we shared it together. You wore shirts and buttons proudly, standing up for what you believe in. Keep those convictions, honey. They will take you far.

Our lives have changed a lot in the last year. Some people have gone. New people have come into our lives. These are big changes that sometimes are hard. It’s hard to miss people we care about. It can be a challenge to be part of a new household where things aren’t quite how they used to be. I want you to know that you have handled these challenges with love and in such a big-boy way. But, as you know, change can also be good. It can bring us new people, love, and a whole lot of fun. Welcoming Andrew into our lives is a way that we have changed and grown for the better. He loves you so much and I know you love him. It is such a joy for me to see you and Andrew having fun, goofing off, and being pals. You amaze me every day. Your bright and optimistic spirit inspire me. I want you to know that no matter who comes or goes, it’s always you and me. We are the best team ever and I’ve always got your back, kiddo. Our family may change again as the years go on but what will never change is that you and I are a family.

I am so excited for what age 5 will bring. You will start Kindergarten. You may even ride a school bus! You will lose a tooth, gain more knowledge, and continue growing up to be a wonderful kid. I am so lucky to be your mom.

Happy Birthday, my little (getting bigger) sweetie. You are my favorite kid in the whole world. I love you up to Pluto and past all the galaxies and stuck to the very furthest star.

Besos,

Mama

Back to Blooma

Blooma was born (I think), right around the time my only child was born, in the fall of 2007. I first discovered Blooma in early 2009 when a friend invited Johan and me to try a BYOB yoga class. Johan was just about 1 and we had a grand old time. While at the studio, I saw that Early Bird Yoga was offered at 6 a.m. Because I have to work at 7:30 a.m., I thought this class was perfect for me and began attending regularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This worked out because Eduardo would stay with Johan while I was at class. I found my time at Blooma physically, emotionally, and spiritually fulfilling. I was a healthier person and better mom because of it.

Then life, as it does sometimes, threw me a curve ball. In the fall of 2010, my marriage was ending. I sought solace on my mat at my Early Bird classes. I sometimes crumbled into child’s pose, weeping. The amazing instructors helped me through a most difficult time. They didn’t ask questions or pry, just lingered a bit longer during hands-on adjustments and communicated their support non-verbally. My time at Blooma on my mat was respite during that difficult journey.

Some months later, my parenting situation made it impossible for me to continue with Early Bird classes. I was a single parent with no one to watch Johan  in the early morning hours. I continued my yoga practice at another studio and at home, but always missed the early class. Arriving in the dark, watching the sun come up to greet the Minneapolis morning in a space that I found supportive and non-threatening, and that helped me grow in my practice, enhancing my life in every way. I was sad to walk away from Blooma.

Then, something wonderful happened. A new person entered my life. I told Andrew about Blooma and the ways it had been there for me in good times and in bad. And, because just when you think life is done twisting, it finds new ways to surprise you, today I returned to Blooma after over a year hiatus. It was emotional for me to return. My head was flooded with memories: the first time Johan and I entered the studio; the wonderful music during the early bird practice; the tears I cried in front of other yogis as I navigated divorce and single motherhood. As I unrolled my mat and began practice, it was like meeting an old friend. We’ve both changed, but not too much. We recognized each other at once, greeted each other warmly, and fell back into our familiar dance. My body and mind and soul feel rejuvenated after the class this morning. I can’t wait for next week. We have some catching up to do.

Moral Test

Today when leaving the grocery store, another driver hit my car. I had backed out and was stopped, and he hit the rear of my car. My back bumper is pretty scuffed up. I got out of my car and a kid came over and said his parents don't speak English. He was Latino. I walked over to his parents and said I speak Spanish. The woman was crying. There were a couple more kids in the back seat, including a baby. The man who hit my car told me he and his family were tourists (not true) and so he doesn't have a Minnesota license or insurance (probably very true.) Knowing plenty about insurance, car accidents and immigration, I was pretty sure that this was an undocumented family driving without insurance out of necessity. If I called the police, the man would get a ticket for driving without insurance and possibly be turned over to immigration authorities. He would likely face deportation or voluntary departure. His wife would be left alone with 3 kids until she could come up with the money to reunite the family. It could take years. Over a minor scuff on my car. So, I told him everything was fine and we went our separate ways. It will probably cost $800 to get a new bumper but it just seems wrong to risk tearing a family apart over a car bumper. I would have always wondered what happened to that family if I had forced them to interact with the police. For me, it's just money- a minor setback in saving for my next trip- but really just a blip on the screen. And this, my friends, is a great example of how broken immigration laws are. Undocumented people can't get drivers licenses. If you don't have a license, you can't buy insurance. If you get in an accident, you face criminal sanctions and huge financial consequences for not having insurance. I, for one, won't be part of it. Now. Anybody know of a good body shop?

Rock the Garden

More to come on Africa, but for today, I want to remember Rock the Garden 2012 that Andrew and I attended last Saturday.  It was an Ode to Minneapolis.  A perfect summer day- it started out hot and humid, and transitioned to this wonderful cool breeze by sunset.  The Minneapolis food trucks were all around (hello Korean BBQ Banh Mi, will you be my best friend?) and local vodka was served with fruit punch. 

Andrew and I spent much of the day with Dessa and her boy, at least during the part where she wasn't kicking ass and taking names on stage.  After Doomtree's performance, we toasted the fact that they "won Rock the Garden" with some of that Vodka and fruit punch.  And then some more.  Aaaaand maybe a little more.

Just as afternoon turned to dusk, Trampled by Turtles took the stage.  Beautiful sounds with a beautiful backdrop.  We could see the Basilica, the Cherry and the Spoon, and much of the downtown skyline as we sat on a blanket on a hill in my favorite city.

The couple sitting directly in front of us most of the day was probably 65 or 70 years old.  They wore jeans and Chacos and the man had a Jansport backpack with buttons like "Save Darfur,"  "End Human Trafficking," and "Vote No on the Anti-Marriage Amendment."   They were happy and affectionate.  I kept wanting to tell them that I hope I'm just like them when I'm old, but there didn't seem to be an appropriate way to do that without creating much awkwardness.  So I just told Andrew and our friends.

I've been loving this video that the Walker Art Center put together which captures this lovely day so well. 

Under African Skies

It’s hard to believe it was almost a month ago that we left for “A Walk on the Wild Side: Los 4 Hermanos.” It would be a 300 page book to tell every story in detail (or one blockbuster movie coming to a theater near you in summer 2012.) Over the next couple months, I will share some highlights.

There was one afternoon in Kruger Park that we went on a game drive. Those of us not driving had imbibed just a couple beers. It was Sarah’s birthday. It was unseasonably warm and the sun shone bright. We drove through the Savannah listening to “Graceland.” That album, by the way, is an Opus.

I looked out the window, saw different varieties of antelope leap through the grasses, felt the warm wind whip my hair around, and reveled in the yellow-orange glow of the sun surrounding me. I looked into the car and saw my three best friends all around me. We laughed, talked, and made merry.

I thought to myself, who in the world is luckier than me? Pretty clear that the answer is no one.

Here are a few photos from that extraordinary afternoon.