New Beginning

Last day of the year! Yay. Tomorrow is 2014!!! My Gosh what is waiting for me!

I am super excited for the new year. It is going to be challenging and great I believe. 

Time for new goals to set. 

I just found this funny video that is actually so real. You set a New Year's resolution, but two weeks later, resolution fails! Hah! 



It is actually not easy to keep up. We get excited for new beginnings and we set new goals and resolutions. But do we follow? 

I admit, so far, I always fail in keeping my new year resolutions. But again, I'm going to try my best this time and be determinate. Especially since new things are going to happen on this coming year. 

2013 was good. Neutral. Being a lawyer and living life. Oh yeah and I started my Masters in Law! I will be finishing that this coming year! 

So excited for 2014. It will be a year to remember. May it be good upon all of us.

Remember

Cheers!

Getting a Job

I am the happiest person in the world at the moment!!! It is the second time ever in my life that I experience this kind of happiness that cannot be described, that makes you cry a lot, out of joy. First was when I became a lawyer, and today is the second time. 

Here's why. 

But first things first.

INTERVIEWS!

I find interviews funny. Figuratively speaking. 

It is that moment where you are negotiating about yourself with another person, trying to be the best so that person could buy you. You are actually selling yourself to someone. 

If you really think about it, it is the same as when you go to a shop looking for something that you need to have, and the salesman convince you to buy this specific product, because it is better, for many reasons. You listen to the salesman, maybe ask some questions and then you decide weather you want to take it or not. 

At interviews you are the product and the salesman. The interviewer is the customer. Your job is to convince the interviewer to buy you because you are such a good deal that they shouldn't miss out. 

Here's the story. 

My friend told me about this Law Firm in Haifa that is specialized in Torts that is looking for a lawyer. As I heard this I immediately called the firm to see if this is relevant yet and I sent my resumé.

I wasn't expecting much, but I wanted this to happen. I wanted to find a good Law Firm specializing in Torts to work at, and to be at Haifa city especially, so I could go live there as well. 

I still do have my job at the moment at the office in Afula. It's been one and a half years already. My boss is great, convenient and we are friends. But the office is not specialized in only one field but deals with different kinds of cases, such as family matters, labor law, execution, bankruptcy, real estate, and more. 

It was good, as a beginner lawyer, to be exposed to such different types of cases, because now I know almost everything. But I think it is better to choose only one field and be good at it. I want to be good and even the best in the Torts field. I don't think you can be the best when you work with so many different things. Because you could be good but still not the best. Experience make you the best. And you gain that only by choosing to work with the specific thing you want to be the best at. That's what I think. 

Anyways, the day after I sent my resume I became anxious because I thought they would call me and they didn't. I waited another day and yet nothing. Four days after, when I was about to lose hope completely, they call me! They said they would like to see me next week. Oh the excitement! I passed the first step. 

Getting a job goes through stages. First, is when you send out your resume and you wait for them to call you back. When they call, it means they read your resume, liked it and would like to meet you. Means you have a potential in getting the job. 

Sometimes, getting through that first step is the hardest. Because there is nothing you can do about it but trusting your resume. The resume must be so good to make the employer interested in knowing more about you and wanting to see you. 

When you pass the resume step, you get in the next one by receiving an invitation for an interview at the firm. 

I was so excited to go to the interview. I was a little bit scared because I didn't want to screw up. I wanted them to like me and take me. I thought that the first step is over and now it is my turn to do the job and convince them to choose me.  

Two lawyers from the firm interviewed me. I was nervous at first, especially when I saw two interviewers not one, but it was good. They asked me questions but most of the time I was the one talking. I talked about how much I like the job, their field, their firm and how good I am. 

They told me this interview was some kind of screening/sorting interview, where they meet all the applicants, interview them and if any pass this interview would have to go to another interview with the boss, the owner/manager of the firm, and he gets the final say on this. 

They told me to wait a week for the answer.

It was so hard to wait. As the days went by the more nervous and anxious I became.

Then finally they call me. I was invited to the next interview with the manager, next week. I was told to bring with me papers that I wrote. Oh the happiness and excitement! I passed the interview and I am meeting the manager! I was so happy, I felt I'm getting closer and closer to get the job. 

So I meet the manager. The interview went pretty well. It took much more time than the first interview (about 30 mins) but it was great! They also seemed pretty nice people. At the end he took the papers I brought and asked me when is the holiday so he would give me the answer before Christmas (they are Jewish). Since the holiday is on Tuesday and Wednesday, he said he will give me a call on Sunday, before the holiday. 

Again, the anxiety. It is another week of waiting. I hate to wait. I couldn't stop thinking about it. Getting the job I figured would be the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. 

As agreed, on Sunday he calls me. He didn't call in the morning so I was getting all sad because I thought maybe he's not going to call at all because maybe the answer is negative. 

But he called me! He accepted me! He said "We are now shaking hands as if" I was super happy but we had to meet again on Thursday to agree on the formal stuff and details (work hours, salary and stuff). 

Waiting again. I got accepted but for some reason I wasn't feeling it just yet. Everybody got excited much more than I was for the news. 

Today is Thursday. Today I had the last meeting with the boss. The meeting that changed my feelings completely. It went great. Better than I imagined. We agreed on everything, all the details. On February 1, I start working at the firm. 

I couldn't believe it. It is the moment where it hit me that it is it. I got it. Best Law Firm, nicest people (boss and coworkers) and the field and place I wanted. 

The thing is, I was only looking for a job so specific, that I wasn't searching on the internet or anywhere. I was only asking friends if they know any office or firm that deals with Torts, all kinds of damages and insurance companies. It is what interests me and where I want to be. 

It is just amazing how it all went so well.

He told me they chose me out of many other applicants. He said the two lawyers didn't pass anyone else but me to meet him, and that he has confidence in them and what they chose. It meant so much to me hearing this. I thought not many people applied or were interviewed because the job offer was an internal information. But I was wrong. It felt so good. I am good. 

We shook hands and I headed to the university, I had a class. I couldn't remove the smile off of my face. I was so happy and you could tell. I wanted to go celebrate. I couldn't sit quietly during the class. 

As I got in the car heading home, I burst into tears. I felt so blessed. I recapped my life so far and all the things I had accomplished. I felt proud and content. Especially when I called my parents to tell them the news. They were super happy. I was happy mainly not because I did it, but rather because I made my parents happy and proud of me. This is what I always wanted. I am here to make those who made me proud and I think I just did it.

Thinking about all the things I achieved so far; everything went smooth with me. From the moment I started my training period, to passing the Bar, to working as a lawyer, to studying Masters and to finally get the best job in the world. Everything that I wanted happened.

The secret is, I believed that I am good. I believed that I am going to get it. Every goal I had I believed in it. I could even imagine myself having what I wanted. It works. (:

I got the job!!!!! 

Of course after the university I went out with friends and celebrated with some drinks and cocktails (: 

By the way, I already told my boss that I got a new job and I'm leaving. It's not easy saying goodbye. We have a bond. We are friends. But you have to move on, move forward. 

So excited for the future now. Can't wait. 

xx

Christmas is just around the corner

Today is a special day (11.12.13) although nothing special has happened, But, something special might happen next week!! ;) *excited*

The weather is freezing cold here. Snow is falling, which is not usual for this season in our country. We might get white Christmas this year, who knows? :) *crossing fingers*

On this day, the Christmas Market in Nazareth was supposed to start (a week full of shows, shopping, food and awesome things). Every year it happens around this time and it starts with the event of lighting up the big Christmas tree in the city square, followed with Christmas music and fireworks. Pretty awesome thing. But it was postponed because of the bad weather. 

Last year it started on the date 12.12.12, and the year before, on 13.12.11. This year we are going to miss the date 11.12.13, but it's better they postponed it. 

Anyway, I am excited for Christmas this year, I even already had the Christmas tree and Christmas decorations up in the house couple of days ago (which is not usual for me since we are always the last to decorate for Christmas. Sometimes we do it on the 24th! Hehe).

It is truly, the most wonderful time of the year. 

Ever noticed how Christmas music lift you up and you automatically become happy when you hear it?? It is the spirit ;)! 

Speaking of which, I just saw this video, it is so cool and amazing what the airlines did for it's passengers! I love it.

Life!

Never take what you have for granted!!!

Life is not easy, could be surprising sometimes and shocking. 

We are being put in harsh tests through this life, where our loved ones pass away or really bad fatal things happen. 

Well, one of the YouTubers that I follow, Charles Trippy, found out he has Cancer! It was shocking to find out because he is such a nice guy, so young and healthy. I've been watching his daily vlogs for many years and so I am attached to him very much. The news affected me a lot. So sad. 

My best friend's dad also apparently has Cancer. I know him personally and I love him. He is so nice and their family is so close. His condition is getting worse and I am afraid for that. I cried... I know how much they are close and how sweet he is. 

Sometimes it's just not fair... Why the worst things happen to such good people?

In addition to all that, my other friend's dad also is not in a good condition. I don't know what he has, but he has to visit the hospital 3 days a week for Kidney Dialysis. 

!! What's going on? 

I look at the things I complain about and I figure how stupid I am for not cherishing every moment and everyday I have with my parents and loved ones around me safe and healthy. 

I am grateful for so many things. Life is tricky. Can't take anything for granted! 

But why do bad things happen to good people? 

I can't understand this, but what I know is that the life we are living here on earth is temporary. I believe that what ever happens is a test. It is definitely difficult but that's the way it is. We need to pass the tests to move on. 

We need to be strong, unite, encourage eachother, be there for one another and never lose faith, no matter what. 

Just keep breathing...

A Strong Will of Living

A new month! Let's have some goals to achieve by the end of October! (: 

I just did a list of goals for me. Hopefully this time I'll stick to it! 

One of the things on my list of goals is trying to eat healthy as much as possible; during this month I'm quitting all garbage food, as in fast food, fried food, sugar, oil and so on, and work out more, every day.

Somehow, as I finished my list, I remembered something interesting that I haven't shared yet.

Some years ago, I had a dream that I died; (I still remember it so clearly as it happened yesterday).

I was all by myself in a place that was nothing. I was floating while there was absolutely nothing around me nor above or under me. It was just a nothing in a whitish color. 

In front of me there was a big bright light. Out of that light, a hand was stretched out towards me. As I was trying to figure out what's going on and looking at it, a voice out of that light said "Come. It's your time." I was like "What?" 
Him: "You died. Come." 
Me: "No... Not yet."
Him: "But it's your time. You just died." 
Me: "No please. I don't want to die now. Let me go back!" 
Him: "It's over." 
Me: "Give me just one more chance. I don't want to die now. Please. Just one more chance." 
Him: "Ok." 

Hah! I woke up then! 

It was a long conversation. I was literally actually begging God to let me stay and give me one more chance to live. 

The dream was real to me, especially since there wasn't anything extraordinary about it, as in seeing the face of God or remembering specific details, like the color of the hand or the voice. Some told me that maybe I really died and God gave me another chance, or that maybe it was a sign from God telling me something. 

At that time I remember I took the dream as a funny thing because of the begging part. But yes, it was/is interesting. 

Another incident that happened was a near death experience. 

It was summer, first year of college. I was in the sea swimming with my friend, when all of a sudden, a big wave hit us hard and dragged us with it in the water into the sea. It hit us hard where we flipped over in the water and I remember almost hitting my head on the ground (lucky I had covered my head with my hands, so my hands hit the ground and protected my head). 

It was awful and painful. And because we flipped over in the water, we/I didn't know where the surface was or how deep I was in the water, so I thought I was going to die. I tried to swim to get out of the water but I couldn't. I was almost convinced I am going to drown to death. 

At that moment, all I thought about was this: I don't want to die!! This was the first thing that came to my head. I thought about my future and how I just started college and still have many dreams and things to do in my life, so it just wasn't the time for me. That's what I thought and all I cared about. 

The funny thing about this, is that people usually (on my opinion) when they have a near death experience and almost dying, they tend to think about all the important things to them and about their past and life. I actually surprised myself by thinking about my future and the things that I want yet to achieve, instead of what would I be leaving behind if I died. 

Isn't that interesting as well? 

I just don't want to die!  

It's not because I am afraid to die or afraid of what's going to happen to me when I die. I have a strong faith in God and I don't worry about that. 

I don't want to die because I don't want to miss the life on earth. I want to see what will happen in the future. I want to live, experience, fight, love, give and see what will I achieve and where will I be in the future. I wanted to study, work, get married, be a wife, a mother, a grandmother, experience all of these things.

I love life. It is a journey to me. Therefore I don't want to die young and miss it out!

Peace xx

Becoming Insane

Well here's a funny thing...

Usually, lawyers, tend to exaggerate in the describing, when they talk about things or when they write appeals. 

We do so to get what we want; to make the judge feel sorry and give us what we asked for at the end of the day.

So I came to notice lately that when I am writing an appeal for someone and I am describing the situation or the life of that person, I start getting into details and try my best to show how miserable that person is as much as I can, while imagining some kind of sad background music playing. Like I actually hear myself telling the story and making it so sad, while a dramatic sad music playing in the background, in my head.

LOL.

I guess I get myself too much in the story as I am typing, to make it more terrible and sad. I think I am getting good at this - the exaggerating thing! 

But really, I do imagine some sort of sad music whilst describing a miserable life...

I know, I'm crazy! (:

By the way, with that being said, I'll take the chance to clarify this; It is not true that lawyers lie. There is a difference between lying and not telling the truth. Sometimes we just don't tell the whole truth. And if we lie, usually it is an acceptable lie, where even the judge knows that it is a lie but it's just okay (it is complicated a little bit and I'm not getting into that now), but that's just all. We don't lie but we do exaggerate and make huge big deals out of little tiny things.

Life by Ashton Kutcher

I just watched Ashton Kutcher speech at the Teen Choice Awards 2013. I love him!

In his speech he talks about the three most important things that he learned before he was knows as Ashton;

"I believe that opportunity looks a lot like hard work. When I was 13, I had my first job with my dad carrying shingles up to the roof, and then I got a job washing dishes at a restaurant, and then I got a job in a grocery store deli, and then I got a job at a factory sweeping Cheerio dust off the ground. And I've never had a job in my life that I was better than. I was always just lucky to have a job. And every job I had was a stepping stone to my next job, and I never quit my job until I had my next job. And so opportunities look a lot like work."

"The sexiest thing in the entire world is being smart and being thoughtful and being generous. Everything else is crap, I promise you. It's just crap that people try to sell to you to make you feel like less. So don't buy it! Be smart, be thoughtful and be generous." 

"Everything around us that we call life was made up of people that are no smarter than you. And you can build your own things, you can build your own life that other people can live in. So build a life - don't live one, build one."

Back to School

The excitement! The nervousness! The happiness!

I got accepted to study Master's degree (LL.M.) specializing in Law and Health at the university of Haifa!

I couldn't be any happier when I heard the news. They waited for the last minute to tell me this, only 3 days before the program starts. 

I was just getting back from an amazing four days trip and even was sleeping when they called to announce me. I was so thrilled.

The program that I got accepted to, is what I had as a first priority on the application form. I wanted to work and specialize in that feild. Also, Haifa is the city that I always wanted to live at. I love Haifa! Maybe I will find a job there and live there as well, then it will be just perfect. 

I have classes only two days a week, every Thursday afternoon and Friday. I guess they took into account the fact that students for Masters probably have jobs and work during the week, so they made it an afternoon and a Friday when most people don't work. 

The attendance to the classes is required and there won't be any breaks during the studies, for the whole year. 

And... It costs ALOT! Not a normal university tuition. It has a specializing program to it, not just a degree. It costs three times the usual university tuition! I'll need to stop being a spendthrift for real!

Anyway, it was weird to get back to school. I felt like a kid getting excited for her first day at a new school. I was like who's going to be with me in class, will I make friends quickly, would there be someone I know, will my classmates be nice, how is it gonna be... etc. Especially because in this program we'll be approximately 20 students only.

However, it was a good feeling. 

The first day at school was good, but most of the students were friends with each other from before. I think I was the only one who came by herself. At the break I was left alone. I grabbed my phone and called someone just to seem busy. I thought it is not going to be easy to make friends if they have already friends. 

I saw a girl I knew before, that is going to be my classmate this year. She was with two other classmates when she came to say hello. At the break they just passed me by and didn't even invite me to sit with them although I was obviously by myself. 

It wasn't nice of her, but it's alright I thought, it would get better, it's just the first day's awkwardness.

So the next day was already better. I became friends with that girl and her friends and we all hung out. Also I got to meet my other classmates and they all seem like wonderful people. I am so lucky for even this worked out the best. :) 

I am truly grateful. Thanks to God. 

By the way, MA is so different than BA. It is so much harder. The teaching method is different and it requires a lot of reading, analizing and criticising. But again and always will say it, if others can do it, I can do it. Nothing is impossible. ;) 

Last Minute Trip

I am back from an absolutely amazing vacation. 

Such a relaxing trip. Couldn't ask for better!

First of all, we found this cheap deal to go to Taba, Sinai, for the weekend (3 nights).

At first, for our decision to go there, we received negative feedback from relatives and people around us. It is dangerous there at this time, for it is in Egypt and things are not quite good or safe there. But well, it is really close to the border and even my country itself, where I live, isn't safe, so whatever, right? :) So we went.

Everything went smooth. As we got to the hotel, very early in the morning, we waited only half an hour to receive our perfect room, whilst everybody else had to wait 6 more hours to get theirs (according to the hotel regulations you must wait till 14:00 to get your room and we got it at 8:00). We got this special treatment because my mom is a travel agent, who works with this hotel a lot, and since I am her daughter, we get to be VIP. My friend enjoyed this. :) 

The weather there is so hot and dry. It is perfect especially at night time. All the Four days we spent on the beach. It is the Red Sea. The most amazing sea ever. It has a lot of colorful fish and beautiful things under the water. It is also very clean water. It was amazing. 

The first thing we did was buying a mask and a snorkel to see the fishes. It felt so good to swim between the beautiful sea animals. It was funny to look at the fish face to face! I only wished I had a waterproof camera with me. But grateful for my brain for it can take pictures and store them in my memory! It was so fun, we did this everyday. 

I have to admit that it was my first time ever snorkeling. It wasn't easy to get used to breathing under the water, although it looks easy. It took me a while to be able to breathe through the snorkel. It was fun and totally worth it.

Another thing we did was renting a Paddling Bout. We were in the middle of the Red Sea on the boat, relaxing, enjoying the calm sea and the beautiful view around us, with this, amazing song, by Avicii. We had it on the loudspeaker when all around us was pure nature. It was absolutely beautiful. We were so much enjoying and cherishing life.



We also did messages and relaxed a lot during this trip. 

On the last day when we had to leave, we decided to take advantage of where we were and go to Eilat city. Shopping in Eilat is awesome because you pay a reduced price for it is tax free. 

So yes. We shopped a lot and ate there. 

What more could we ask for? :)

Best trips are the last minute trips!

Becoming Famous

LIES LIES LIES LIES ...I DON'T LIE!

Two days ago, we went out to have dinner at this nice restaurant in the town square.

Out of no where, this man, the owner of the restaurant (I think), comes by asking us which one of us is a lawyer. He said the cable guy said one of us is a lawyer. 

We looked at him pulling a-what-face and I immediately said "Not me!" and he left. 

What the heck? Why did I say that? Until right this moment, I am still thinking about it. Why did I do this?? I could've even kept silenced or even say Me! Why to lie? 

Exactly two minutes after this, I hear, in such a loud voice, someone behind me saying "HELLO LAWYER". I look behind me and I see this guy, in the middle of the restaurant, with that man (the owner) next to him, smiling at me.  

Oh am Gee. Everybody heard him, including that man. I felt SO embarrassed. Of course I smiled back at him and greeted him, with a little mumbling, whilst that man was looking.

I think I turned all red. 

That little lie I said didn't even last five minutes. The truth is, I even surprised myself how easy it came out. I'm not used to lying, and for me to have to lie is a pretty big deal.

I hate lying, I'm not used to lie and I don't lie. 

But here's the thing;

Lately, I'm meeting my clients everywhere. I'm being known. Wherever I go, I meet a client, and I hate that. 

For me it's work related. And when I'm off, I'm off. I'm not dressed the same, I'm not as serious, and so I don't like my clients to see me that way. Also, it feels like I don't have a life of my own, I will be considering every step I do by being that well known. 

Maybe that was the reason why I said "Not me" like that.

I felt really humiliated by lying that day. I think I shouldn't care that much when I see a client. I mean I'm sure they realize I have a life apart from work, right?

I don't know, I wish to never meet up with a client outside of work. 

One Crazy Day

What a day yesterday has been! CRAZINESS-AWESOMENESS.

It all started with work related things. My boss asked me to go to the court in Haifa city and then when I finish to go to the court in Kraiot - different city. And since my boss knows me well, he said "You can go to the mall afterwards." (instead of returning to work) :) 

It was Sunday. I called my friend if she wants to come with me to courts and maybe afterwards we can go to the beach or to the mall. Of course she agreed, it's her day off and I sounded like a good idea - fun day.

So we did. First we finished with both courts. Then we sat at a good italian restaurant to eat brunch. After that we went to the beach. 

It was such a good beach day. It was windy a little but the water was warm and the sun was hot! We got tanned.

As we were lying under the sun, my friend jumped with the idea of belly button piercing. She just grabbed her phone and searched for the number of the closet Piercer around. She called him if he's opened, and decided to go immediately. 

Seriously it was just a sudden of thing. We did talk about it before, and how we love it and wish we had it, but there was no plan of doing it that day, just like that. 

No deep thoughts followed the decision. She just suddenly said "I am going to do it. That's it. I am going." I was like what? really? are you sure?

I have been wanting this always and forever. The belly button ring. I remember even since high school days. But my parents didn't like it and that's what kept me from doing it since. 

Many friends of mine has done it. I always found it very pretty. It is as if that place (the belly button) meant to have something shining in it. It makes it look beautiful. Everytime I go to the beach I look at all the girls with the piercing and wish I had one. Also everytime I go to the mall I start looking at all the belly button rings wanting to get one. See I always wanted to have a belly button piercing. 

Anyhow, my friend said "Do you wanna do it? I am doing it!" I said "I don't know..." Aaah I really didn't know what to do. I want it so much! I just wasn't thinking of doing it right that moment. 

I decided to go with her, shop around and watch her doing it. I told her maybe I'll do it too. But she didin't believe I will.

So we went. It was exciting. Stressful. 

I looked for a ring with her. I picked one and she picked one. I told the Piercer I just want to watch. He took my friend to a closed room and refused to let me in. 

I tried to listen through the door curious of what's going on; is she going to scream, how is she going to react, what is he going to tell her... 

I was nervous. 

It took barely 3 minutes and they were out. She was happy! Holding her shirt up showing me the piercing. It was reddish but it was fine! 

The piercer looked at me and said "Yalla? come on!" I was like nooo... My friend also was pushing me to go for it. It was such a stressful moment. I was under so much pressure. It was like in my head I want to do it so much but I was scared! Scared if it's going to hurt and because I didn't give it enough thought to really go for it. It happened just within minutes and we found ourselves at the piercer! 

I took a deep breath and said OK! I thought it's either now or never. I thought I'm here. She did it. If I am going to walk out now, I know myself I'm going to chicken out later and not do it. I will stay forever wanting to and not doing it. So I decided to go for it!!! I gave my friend my purse and went in. 

Oh My Gosh, it was sooo painful! I don't know how my friend didn't feel anything. She told me it doesn't hurt and she looked pretty well and happy to me. 

I felt the whole process. I even screamed at the end. 

When it was over, I felt bad, I got dizzy and had nausea. I just got up, looked at myself in the mirror and wanted to throw up. I couldn't speak to him anything. Even my ears were shut. 

The piercer was like are you okay? what are you feeling? Drink this water. I told the piercer I'm fine. It just happens to me sometimes from needle shots and blood tests and stuff like that. I told him it's ok. He made me lie on my back again with my legs up. I was sweatting. 

Just some couple minutes and it passed. I got back to normal. I wonder why this happened? Was I that scared? Did it hurt that bad? I guess so. 

It really was painful to me. Funny how my friend was so fine with it, during and after. I wasn't at all! Look how different people are. Each person is different. The question "Does it hurt?" is for vain. If the person didn't feel anything doesn't mean you won't either! (and vice versa)

When the piercer had done with me, he turned to me and said "So it's not that bad as you thought it'd be, right?" LOL. In my mind I was like are you kidding me? It was worse than I thought it'd be. If I knew it would hurt that much I wouldn't have actually done it. So I kept silenced. I just smiled at him. That was my reaction. 

What a day. 

I still can't believe I did it. I look at it and question myself if it's real! All those years I have wanted it. It was something close to a dream to have it. Maybe inside I thought I would never actually do it, for too many reasons. And then all of a sudden it happens, after years and years of wanting. So what I feel is weird. I am happy I did it finally, and I love it, but I still can't believe I I have it. 

It still hurts like crazy though! It needs some time to heal (up to a month). But I love it. I'm so proud of myself!

Well, here's a motivation to stay slim, keep a flat belly and work out! ;)

Death

Three days ago, my mom's uncle passed away. 

He died at the age of 82. He was sick. 

It was horrible. 

I felt weird and sorry, especially for my grandfather. The man was his youngest brother. 

I believe that there is nothing a person can say that would make it better or any easier. It's a loss. It doesn't matter if he was an old man or a little boy. It doesn't matter if he was ill, suffering or not. It is all the same. No death is good. 

I used to think that as the man is older or especially if he was suffering (out of a disease) and passed away, is easier than if he was a child or a healthy young man.

I don't think so anymore. 

Death is death. It is that empty place left behind. 

That bed, that chair, those stuff... Now what? 

But it's life. It's how it works. We deal with it with time. 

Consequences

What If... ?

Lately I've been thinking a lot about the issue of consequences in our actions or choices in our daily lives. 

I found out that people don't really think about the concept of things... For if they did, they would have prevented themselves from doing what they did.  

For instance, a friend of mine got caught by the police driving after having some beers. The police officer took his license and was suspended for six months (he had put a good lawyer to have a minimum suspension possible). 

The judge explained to my friend that he is not allowed to drive during those 6 months nor even touch the steering wheel, otherwise, he'll go to jail for three months. My friend's lawyer also explained that to him, for if he would get caught driving, nobody will be able to help him and he will spend three months in jail for sure. 

Nevertheless, my friend is driving! He said he drives carefully with notice if there is a police around. He wishes to not get caught and drives carefully. 

The thing is, I guess it is hard for us, humans, to imagine something happening to us that never happened before, or that we know it happens to others but we are sure it's unlikely to happen to us. 

Why would we think that we are different? I don't know, but it is like that. 

Here's a good example of how people don't think about the consequences of their actions and believing they'd never get caught. 

Today we had a court hearing for fraud accusation.

Our client has a gambling problem. He has land plots and assets which he gambled upon and lost that wasn't only his, without his family notice. Even his own house he gambled on. 

He was determined he's going to win, but he kept losing.  

Finally he got caught by the Land Administration Authority for illegal land transactions and fraud. For such offences he will spend some good years in jail. 

When he showed up to his trial, you could see all the shame and guilt on his face. His relatives were sitting in the courtroom, crying. 

He looked so regretful and full of shame. It seemed like he never thought he'll be standing in that position. He was blinded with his gambling problem, he thought he will get everything back. He thought he would never get caught. 

Look where he is now.  

Sometimes things are just more serious than we think. Jail is jail. Don't do things you know are against the Law. Don't go by thinking you'd get away with it. You actually might get caught. But then what? Have you thought about that? Think. Don't be stupid. There is no turning back in life. What is done is done. Regretting is for vain. Be wise. Think. Think about the consequences of every action you do. 

Some other thing we don't usually think about - the concept of Hell. 

What about Hell? Is there such a thing? What if? What's gonna happen to us after we die? What if it was real, are we ready to put up with the consequences of our everyday actions? 

We choose to not think about consequences maybe because it is more convenient for us that way.   

Cross-examination at Court

I am back from court. I had a sitting where I had to interrogate a woman for not answering a court order. 

It went well, but here's the thing;

While sitting outside the court room, waiting for the judge to call us in, you could tell the woman was terrified. She was shaking, worried and not calm. Every second she turns her head to look at me. She knew I'm her opponent. I am a lawyer and she is not. She knew she did something wrong for not obeying the court order. You could tell she fears the coming. 

I, in the other hand, was calm. At first I didn't care how afraid she was. I came to do what I had to do. I came to make her pay. But then, looking at her shaking and looking so scared, made me back off a little. All of a sudden I felt sorry for her. I felt that maybe she just did a mistake and didn't expect herself being in that place at the moment. 

Feeling sorry is my problem. Being nice. I thought how could I cross-examine her right now? I am not evil. I wanted to approach her to tell her it's okay. I wanted to protect her. I had a mixed feelings and thoughts. In one hand I have my client to protect and give him his rights and money, and in the other hand I have this poor woman that doesn't even know her fate after the coming sitting.

Anyway, I didn't approach to her or anything. I grabbed myself together. I stopped all those thoughts and snapped myself out of this mess. I remembered the first sentence I learned in this field: "Put the feelings aside". I focused on my client's needs and rights and went in the courtroom. 

As the interrogation started, after a couple of questions and answers been said, a lawyer came in the room and presented himself as her lawyer. I felt better. I saw her face brighten a little. More relaxed. And we continued. 

Maybe I felt now we are more equaled a little. I don't know.

It went well. the court ruling was charging her with the amount of money she had to give my client. 

I don't know what to think about my job. Is it not for me? I really wanted to go easy with the cross examination on her. I didn't want to "ruin her life". How should I handle those situations and feelings? Maybe by time and experience? I don't know. Will learn.  

Looking Young

Okay so I am 26 years old. Yet I look like I could still be in high school.

Some people love and ask for ways to look younger than their age. But as for me, I hate it.

I am a lawyer. My job is serious. But sometimes I am not taken seriously for my looks. And it sucks.

The other day I went to the Ministry of Justice. There was a line of people standing waiting for the security check to get in. Instead of waiting I approached the security guy and asked him if lawyers also have to go through this check or could I get in immediately. The security guy hazed at me for a moment and said "Don't you think you are too young to be a lawyer?" 
He was serious and said it in a mocking way as if I had said a joke, and he continued his work. 
I asked him that question because usually as a lawyer I can show the security guy my licence and he lets me in without any checks. That's what I do when I go to Courts. So I wondered if it's the same at a government institution. Apparently it wasn't. But I got offended for the guy's reply to me. 

Lately I am noticing at Court sessions that the other parties don't take me seriously enough. I see that as soon as they see me as their opponent, they gain confidence and make me feel like I am too young to be there or that I don't know stuff enough or have as much experience as they do, especially opponent older lawyers. 

And that affects my self confidence. :(

Last month I was abroad with the family. At the country border on the way back, we had bought whiskeys, one for each to carry, (since each above 18 years old is allowed to get only one, it's the rules, I don't know if it's so in every country). So at the Customs Declaration on the borders, We declared that we bought whiskey, but then the man looked at me and said "Wait, how old are you? Are you 18 already?" I was like what I am 26!! He said "Wow ok". 

Yesterday we went out to a pub. We've been asked for an ID check at the door. As I gave the woman (yes it was a woman) my ID she looked at it and said "Wow what?! 87? Wow believe me you barely look 18". 

We laughed so much. 

But seriously, it is one of the things that bother me.

I Was Here

I heard this song and I LOVED the lyrics. It is me. It is exactly why I keep a blog. 

The song is called "I was here" by Beyonce ;

I wanna leave my footprints on the sands of time, know there was something that, meant something that I felt I left behind. When I leave this world, I'll leave no regrets, leave something to remember, so they won't forget, I was here. I lived, I loved, I was here.

I did, I've done everything that I wanted, and it was more than I thought it would be. I will leave my mark so everyone will know, I was here.

I want to say that I lived each day, until I died, and know that I meant something in, somebody's life. The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave, that I made a difference, and this world will see, I was here, I lived, I loved, I was here. 

I did, I've done everything that I wanted, and it was more than I thought it would be. I will leave my mark so everyone will know, I was here. 

I just want them to know, that I gave my all, did my best, brought someone some happiness, left this world a little better just because I was here.

I was here, I lived, I loved, I was here. I did, I've done everything that I wanted, and it was more than I thought it would be. I will leave my mark so everyone will know, I was here.  

:)

Also,  The video is amazing ;

Perfect Holiday

We landed and I smiled.

Then for some reason I remembered Joey from friends trying to say "my name is Claude" in French. (if you don't know what I'm talking about you should check it out!) :)

Je te flouppe fli!

Aaaaaah it was so good! 
I am in Paris! Pariiiiiiiiiiis! I fell in love.

Oh the excitement, it was almost too much to bear when I had booked the tickets to Paris and had to wait over a week to go.

I actually have a list of cities and places to visit. Paris has always been on the very top of that list. I thought of Paris as such an amazing beautiful city to visit.  I wanted to see the Eiffel Tower and the famous Shanzelize street in Paris. I love the language as well, I think it's so nice and romantic. 

And here it happens. :)

Not only have I went to Paris, but I visited and stayed at my very best friend's in Paris. She took me to see many wonderful-famous places in Paris. Took pictures, had fun and got to meet her friends and hung out.

It was great.

What made my trip be even better and a dream holiday was going to Budapest. In Budapest I stayed in the Hilton hotel which is on the same building of the biggest mall in Budapest. I literally open the door and I am in the mall! How awesome is that? I was living in the mall!! 

I was able to shop in the morning, in the evening and all the time, when it opens till it closes. I was able to go to the mall wearing the slightest clothes on with slippers. Also instead of having to carry all the things I buy, I was able to go put them in my room and continue shopping afterwards. 

Ah and I must mention it was the end of the season and everything was on sale! I bought so many things. :)

Other than that, the hotel was great as well; good breakfast and it had a spa and a gym opened 24h.

It was the perfect holiday for me... Starting with Paris and ending with living in the mall. Shopping, tourism, friends and awesomeness.

A Lawyer by all means

Today I had a Mediation Meeting at Court.

It was good but it was that moment where I saw myself changing. I really became a lawyer by all means.

Here's the thing...

I wanted to become a lawyer for the sake of justice. I wanted to be nice, protect people and defend. I also consider myself an emotional person - could be affected pretty easily from anything. I also tend to believe people more than have doubts and suspicions.

That is who I am. Or actually I guess that's who I was.

I am a lawyer for 9 months now. I can see that I had grown and learnt a lot by practicing law.

The case was about Labor Law and Employees Rights. We represent the defendant in that case which is the employer. 
At the Mediation meeting, the woman which was the employee started to cry. She began explaining her rights and how our client didn't pay what he had to and all the things she should have gotten. She was looking me in the eyes, swearing and crying so hard. I kept telling her no, you got what you should get and I just didn't care she was crying that much. Wasn't affected at all.
The Mediator said he would lean more to her since she looked honest and most likely to has been exploited. The Mediator looked at me and said "you lawyers don't care about people and rights. All you care about is money." He said "I will write a decision now as you want but I won't feel good about it or content with myself. You however don't look for right, wrong or good. All you look for is your pocket."

His words shocked me! The Mediator was talking to me! All the things he said was referring to me. I immediately replied to him saying "My client is not with us today, sir. I know the woman was crying and swearing, but my client did the same. He too was crying and swearing that he paid her every cent and more. To us my client was honest just like this woman seems. Not me nor you nor her lawyer know the truth or what really happened. Maybe all she is doing is acting because she wants money. Maybe what she is saying is not true. The fact she was crying doesn't mean anything. To me, my client is honest as well and he said he paid her everything."

The mediator looked at me without saying a word. I continued "What we know is what we see on papers. Being a good actor should not affect our work. This is not about money or not looking for justice. this is about not really knowing the truth. Because both sides, to their lawyers, seem honest."
The Mediator quietly said "True."

I convinced him. I felt proud.

One time back when I was just a trainee lawyer in court, a man managed to convince me about something that was completely lies. He acted pretty well and made me feel sorry for him so he can get what he wants. He was only making up stories and was a good actor. I did lean for him and believed him.
That moment when I realized he had fooled me, made me realize why lawyers are suspicious all the time and doubt everybody. I realized that I shouldn't be fooled again. I decided since to put my feelings aside, know that the truth is not really out there and focus on my client's needs only.

I haven't really thought about all that, till my reply to the Mediator.

Life gives you lessons.

I only hope to stay humble and make justice. I am learning how my job works... But I would never want it to change me from being a human being.

Goodbye 2012

Bye bye 2012... You were really something!!

I always say, exactly at the same day as today, that I need to write a sum up of the past year; for each year a summary. I've never done that so far, probably for my laziness...

But this year I decided to do it. It is fun to keep.

2012 was a year to remember. Everything/life-changing events happened to me.

Last year started with worries, difficulties, challenges and dreams. I became a Lawyer in that year. I did go through so much to get where I am and I am getting pretty good at it.

The other day I found out that something that I did/wrote got very good value from very big well-known law offices. I am talking about a Damage Calculation that I did in a very complicated case... Where i was on behalf of one of the defendants in it. The other law offices which represent the other defendants in that law suit, just joined my Damage Calculation without them writing any! 

For me, by them doing so, made me extremely happy. It meant a lot to me and to my proud boss (that does nothing and leaves everything on me). Those 4 law offices that represent the other defendants in that case, instead of them doing/writing what they had to, they just leaned on what I did and just "joined" it. That's all what they did. That meant that what I did was pretty well done that those big offices decided to just join it as it is! :) very proud :)

2012 ended with good things; as for my journey to become a lawyer you can click here, and for my life afterwards you can click here. :)

I progressed through my job so much in so little time. 2012 was good to me. 

I can't wait to see what 2013 is keeping for me. I am excited for the future.

I will write down my resolutions for this coming year and maybe share it later.

2013 started with my very loved ones, hopefully it'll end that way and be the best year ever so far :)

xoxo

By the way just noticed, 2013 is the first year since 1987 to have four different numbers!!

How interesting is this? (I was born in 1987!) ;)