Carpe Diem

This Blog Has A Name.

2011-10-12T00:35:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

It is finally here (drum roll . . . )--the moment we have all been waiting for--the unveiling of the new name for my not-so new blog: "Carpe Diem." A little grandiose, but definitely a motto to live by. If you have never studied Latin, or watched the Dead Poet's Society, "carpe diem" means: SEIZE THE DAY.

I know so many amazing people and, while an online forum is a poor substitute for talking story over some Cafe Rio-mouthwatering pork burrito, or watching the Wolverines or Cougs win a close game over their arch-rivals (the "Wicked Witches of the West" or "Universities of Voldermort," collectively), or while surfing, hiking, skiing, or playing an intense game of Settlers, Ticket to Ride, or Hand and Foot--blogging will at least help us stay connected until the next time we can get together in person.

I created this blog to help bridge the gap that geography and life circumstances inevitably create. So, wherever you are and whatever you are doing, I hope you are seizing the day and reaching for that next handhold on your climb in life! Go for it!

Happy Chinese New Year!!

2011-02-02T23:27:00.000-08:00

I have discovered a new favorite holiday: Chinese New Year. Sure, I did not technically just "discover" it--I have known about Chinese New Year for a long time, but I just didn't realize how beautiful of a thing it is until now. No, I am not talking about firecrackers or the year of the rabbit and different predictions--those are all fine ingredients of an even finer holiday--but no, I am talking about second chances.

You see, Chinese New Year is a new beginning...after the ordinary new beginning for the Western World, January 1. So what does this second new beginning mean, exactly? It's a godsend, a second chance to keep my New Year's resolutions. Like many people, I start off the New Year with good intentions to make changes that will help me accomplish things and improve my life. Then, I inevitably fail miserably at keeping these resolutions, and right about this time of year I start feeling a little discouraged and resign myself to yet another year of mediocrity.

But not this year (famous last words), because someone named "Chinese New Year" stepped into my life. Now, I have had over a month to mentally prepare to make the changes necessary to accomplish my goals. I have a better idea what it takes, what I am capable of, and I am ready to take the leap. Thank you Chinese New Year--you have changed my life.

Here is a clip of a Chinese New Year celebration in Chinatown, Honolulu, HI. My buddy Zack's bank played for it--there was catchy music, a lively crowd, delectable treats, and a feeling of optimism about 2011.

Happy Chinese New Year!

It's official--I am Esquire Gray.

2011-01-30T19:29:00.000-08:00

So, after finally deciding what I wanted to do with my life, months of studying for the LSAT, going through the law school application process, graduating from college, passing the patent bar exam, surviving three years of law school, taking the HI bar exam, and ethics exam, I finally got sworn in as an attorney. What a process and what a relief.

My swearing-in occurred at my firm because I couldn't attent the earlier larger ceremony with the judges, and the bar examiners told me that a public notary could administer the oath. My firm has several notaries, so I asked a secretary, Judy ("Judge Judy" for the ceremony) during lunch if she would do the honor. With little advance notice, she and other people at my firm helped out, reserving the conference room, taking pictures, offering congratulations and support and presenting leis. Thanks you guys!

Well, now I can sign papers, hand out business cards, and even argue in front of judges. Only question is, who will I sue first (mwuah mwuah mwuah)?

New Year's Resolution: Blog

2011-01-23T20:00:00.000-08:00

Back by popular demand, the blog is up and running. This post is about a love of my life that I unintentionally left by the wayside, ignored but not forgotten--a bright fire of yesteryear that appeared to have degenerated into cold dark embers. Yet deep inside, unknown to anyone, there burned a deep loyalty, a yearning--a passion suppressed by circumstance that was reawakened on my trip last August to Argentina. What is this love, you ask, so powerful that years of neglect only led to an eruption of heartfelt blog-declaration of allegiance? Glad you asked--it's The Beautiful . . . Game--the most popular sport on the planet--a pastime, hobby of (some would say) spiritual dimensions and astrological proportions. A game that is in many way an analogy of life, and one that people from all races, societies, cultures, and economic backgrounds can and do share. In English, it's football, in Spanish--futbol, in Italian--calcio, Portugese--futebol, German, fussball, and to those of us Americans who grew up eating sliced oranges during half times, it's soccer.

My first day in Argentina, after a red-eye flight across half the planet, I went straight from the airport in my white Fiat rental car to a neighborhood in Buenos Aires called Lanus, arriving just in time to watch one of the greatest rivalries of South America: the Classico between Lanus and Banfield. Words are inadequate to describe the emotion, the enthusiasm, the sheer passion of the fans, so maybe a video will help provide a sliver of the atmosphere:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNhrvZVFNLM

Here are some highlights from the game I attended:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkWBVUdBVd0

It was a nail-biter, and while Lanus didn't win, at least no one died.

I was already hyped about soccer because of the World Cup, but this trip just put me over the top.

Here are some highlights from the World Cup:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBD9h0jUq3w

P.S.: In what other sport do you get commentating like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gS6Np-g_h5w

So, what I am going to do about it? Play, of course... (to be continued)

Back in UT

2010-05-23T09:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I finished all the requirements for graduation, moved out of Ann Arbor, and jumped on a plane to UT. It's hard to believe I'm done. There were good times, good friends, and a lot of stress. Overall, it was a positive experience and a wonderful opportunity to receive a quality education.

I'm not exactly sure what's next, but I'll begin studying for the Hawaii bar next week and then start work in September. Before starting work, I'd love to go back and visit Argentina. We'll see if it works out.

It's kind of sad to move on to another phase of life, but also exciting. Hopefully, I'll make it back to Ann Arbor someday to cheer on the Blue. Thanks everyone, for all the good times.

Final Stretch

2010-03-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

Well, Spring Break is over and there will be no more skiing for a while. It felt great to be on the slopes again and it was nice see family and friends. Now I'm back in Michigan for the final stretch of law school. Just two more months until graduation. That's a scary thought because I have a lot of work to do. Guess I better get back to the books. :)

Back in Ann Arbor

2009-10-04T10:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Hoover St., Ann Arbor. Props go to Sid for finding a house in such a great location--close to the law school, IM building, and Big House (which allows us to sell parking for $25/car). There are some drawbacks, however, to living so close to the stadium--like people littering on our lawn and trying to use our bathroom on game day--but all in all it's a lot of fun.

Besides actually watching the football game, one of funnest things about game day is all the people. 114,000+ people cram into a few city blocks, almost all sporting the maize and blue. Sometimes it's fun to sit on the porch, grill some brats, talk with some of the old-time fans and watch the people as they go by.

It's nice to be back in Ann Arbor for another year of school and reunite with classmates, friends, and family (even though a few aren't here anymore--you are missed). Go blue!

My New Blog

2009-07-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to create a blog. Wikipedia says that a blog "is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video . . . A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages and other media related to its topic."

I will try meet the criteria for a blog by including: 1) commentary, 2) descriptions of events, 3) other material such as graphics. First, I will describe the event of creating this blog:

I drove home from church on my moped about 45 minutes ago. I was feeling pretty good about my craigslist $500 moped because, even though I had to kick start it to get it again (despite the new week-old battery), the exhaust did not erupt into a cloud of smoke in the church parking lot as it did this morning.

So I drove back home to my apartment building, wind and bugs rushing through my hair (having forgot my helmet during the mad rush to get to church only a little late). After waiting five minutes for the elevator to reach the fourth floor of the parking structure (the elevator on the left was broken, again), I just barely had walked into my studio when I realized I left my cell-phone with my moped. So I went back down (waiting another five minutes for the elevator to reach my floor) to the parking structure, mildly annoyed at forgetting my cell phone and mildly annoyed about waiting for the elevators, but not letting that keep me from chatting a little in the elevator with a Philipino lady, visiting from Tulsa. Seeing that my moped was still where I left it, I let out a sigh of relief, as I always do when see that it hasn't been stolen, yet. My phone was there too, although I wouldn't mind if that got stolen. That's because my phone doesn't work--so I decided to satisfy my need to communicate through a blog and created this.

OK, so there's a description of an event. Boring, long, but an event nonetheless. The "other materials and graphics" requirement can be met with my profile pic (go cougs!). Now, the only elements I am missing for a "typical blog" are links to other "blogs, Wep pages, and other media."

Okay, here is a short video of animal attacks (it's very short and I don't think you will regret visiting this link):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXXw0foafQY&feature=yva-title

Last, here is a short clip (made by someone from my church) that fits the Fourth of July theme:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkTKQsYWBxc&feature=channel

The blog is up and running. :)