My job does have some perks

Remember that crazy deal I worked on in December and January that had me living out of a hotel (or, more accurately, a conference room) in New York for so many weeks? Well, the woman who led the business team for my client in that deal was honored tonight for her efforts to promote diversity at her company and, more broadly, in the media industry. Her husband, who is also a significant firm client, suggested that we buy a table and come for the party.

The firm did buy a table, and I was invited to join. Which meant I essentially got a free trip to New York (complete with first class high speed train tickets and nice hotel that leaves me oranges and chocolate with a handwritten note saying how much it loves my firm) so that I could go to a fancy party with two of the more prominent lawyers in the firm and some important sports media clients. It's the sort of client development work that I think is fun (and also a good reminder that, if I'm going to keep doing this work, I really need to start watching sports).

After the dinner, I split off from the group and met up with Tarek (a good friend from law school and fellow associate at the firm), who recently returned from a two year assignment working in Saudi Arabia. We talked for way too long over drinks at a fun bar (I had mint lemonade) and got caught up on our various life projects.

Now it's time for bed -- I've got to be able to get back to real work tomorrow.