After I graduated law school, I took off for three weeks to travel with my college roommate. Given the state of domestic and foreign relations at the time my parents- whom I was still living with- were very nervous about “two young girls travelling alone.” To appease their concerns, I promised to keep in touch. I kept in touch with my parents by …
Recently I sat in the middle seat on a cross county flight, between my husband who had the aisle seat and a stranger who had the widow seat. Several times during the flight the channel on the television I was watching unexpectedly changed. After the second time, I realized the channel changed because the stranger next to me had put his arm on the a …
On Friday morning I started, what will be, a long custody trial. As most lawyers will tell you, trial work can be emotionally and physically exhausting as well as mentally challenging. You really have to be “on” 100% of the time throughout the entire proceeding. Custody trials, by their nature, can be emotionally draining not only on the litigants …
I always thought of myself as a good patient. I rarely, if ever, take a sick day from work. In fact, I do not recall the last time I did. I push myself to get whatever I need to get finished, no matter how I feel. Sunday, I woke up with an apparent stomach virus. I stayed in my room most of the day in my pajamas, alternating between complaining, …
Professionally, I had a difficult week last week; juggling several court appearances, late nights at the office, and a few emotionally charged cases. To say that I was pre-occupied with work last week would be an understatement. On Saturday morning I ran a few errands in a local shopping center. When I had finished my errands I walked in the TJ …
Another Gotham member and I had a long discussion this week about a former colleague. Several years ago, our former colleague had made a series of bad and, arguably, exceedingly unethical business decisions. As a result, she lost her job and paid a civil fine. To my knowledge, that was the extent of her “punishment.” I remember, at the time, being …
On Friday, I had the occasion to take the Long Island Rail Road into Manhattan for a court appearance. Sometimes, while on the train, I enjoy just sitting in my seat, looking out the windows, and just watching the world go by. You never know what you might see. On Friday, the view was particularly beautiful. The ice-which had been so difficult t …
In the world of social media, “likes” are very important. I recently noticed that my daughter had taken down a picture she had posted on Instagram. When I asked her why the photograph was removed she told me, “Because I didn’t get enough “likes” in the first hour it was up.” Based on my Facebook year end history I am a good “liker.” Apparently, …
In Yiddish the word for jinx is kaynahora. Kaynahora is roughly similar to “knock on wood” and is often spoken to ward off a jinx after praise or good news. Kaynahora is a contraction of three Yiddish words: kayn ayin hara, literally not (kayn) the evil (hara) eye (ayin). Essentially, kaynahora is a word that one uses when they want to ward off the …
Anyone who knows me knows I love to travel, my fear of flying notwithstanding. And my husband and I have tried to instill our wanderlust into our children. We have always taken them on vacation during Christmas vacation and, in the past, have tried to take them travelling more often than once a year. In addition, on each vacation, I try to sched …
I have a habit that, I know, annoys my friends and family. I, generally, do not listen to my voice messages on my cell phone. I will, almost always, call them back but, when asked about the message they left, I have to admit that I did not spend the time to listen to it. Conversely, if I call someone on their cell phone, I generally will not …
I had an experience this week that truly showed me that, no matter how we perceive ourselves, there are others who see us quite differently. While I am admittedly over fifty years old, I do not perceive myself as being “old” or looking “older.” That perception was challenged this week when I stepped onto the subway in Borough Hall, Brooklyn to g …
I had one of those horrible days at work this week. A client had an angry and emotional breakdown in the halls of the courthouse. Her breakdown had nothing to do with the results we were getting in court--in fact, we had just gotten a highly favorable recommendation from the judge--it was just a function of who she is. I had no time to gauge my o …
I realized the other day that I am a creature of habit. I love my routines. On Saturday mornings, I’m up by 9:00 a.m., then on the treadmill, a shower, coffee, and then, by 10:15, I’m sitting at the kitchen table writing my blog. Sunday mornings one can generally find me drinking my coffee, reading The Times and cooking dinners for the week. My …
Growing up, the topic of proper manners and consideration of others was an important topic for my Mom. We were taught to always say, “please,” thank you,” and “excuse me.” Whenever I called a friend at home I always begin with, “Hello, this is Rona, may I please speak to ____?” I guess with the use of cell phones and caller id, that last lesson is …
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