A Sad State of Affairs

07 Monday Dec 2009

Posted by in Guatemala, opinion, politics

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A couple years ago I set up this application on my gmail account that sends me daily emails about articles that come out online about Guatemala. Usually they’re pretty uneventful news, and sometimes it’s an article about something completely off topic, but the writer happened to throw Guatemala in there somehow. It was helpful, however, when I was writing my research paper for my International Law class on the Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), since I got updates about anything it was involved in and was able to incorporate them into my paper.
Today I opened the email thinking it would be just as uneventful as the weeks before, but I was sadly disappointed. There were several snippets about the vigilante justice that has been mounting in Guatemala. This isn’t something new over there, but it seems to be escalating at alarming rates. I remember when Jeff and I were in Guate for Christmas in 2007, he saw a magazine article where two men had been caught (I forget what for), and the town made them fight each other for their lives…so one of them ended up killing the other, with the whole town watching and cheering. Jeff was shocked, but all my Guatemalan friends who were hanging out were immune to such [common] reports.
I’m sure most people in the United States are wondering what would make ordinary citizens take up action and become so violent and aggressive. The BBC recently reported on the bus driver extortion scheme that has been going on in Guatemala for quite some time now. Basically, gangs threaten bus drivers by making them pay a monthly “protection” fee, in exchange for not killing them. What this means is that gang members are pulling up to buses with dozens of innocent people, kill the bus driver, and then either drive off or try to rob a couple of the people on the bus while they’re at it. Not necessarily something you want to see on your daily commute to work.
The problem with this is that no one is really stopping them. The government makes half hearted attempts that end up being more of a hassle than actually providing a solution to the problem. An example of this was the fairly recent enactment of a new motorcycle law. It appears that most murders being committed where being done by two individuals on a motorcycle: one would drive, the other one would shoot. So they enacted a law that only one person was allowed on a motorcycle. You can imagine how helpful that was. People who are in the business of constantly breaking the law and murdering people are not going to be held back by meager traffic laws. The worst part about this law was the inconvenience it caused people: motorcycles are a huge mode of transportation in Guatemala, with whole families being taken to work/school on a single motorcycle.
Other than that, not much has been done to alleviate the situation. I haven’t heard of any sound legislation or changes to the system to catch the gang members responsible. In reality, many of the crimes in Guatemala go without ever being investigated or any action taken to find and punish those responsible (about 98% actually, if you can believe that). It’s this inaction that leads ordinary citizens to take action into their own hands. NPR published an article detailing some of the recent acts of vigilantism, and the opinions of those who now feel safer in their towns because of it.
I can see why the people of Guatemala are frustrated, and I hope the government, the CICIG, and NGO’s will take it upon themselves to install some law and order in the country. I know the CICIG has been trying for a while to clean out the police department (PNC-Policia Nacional Civil) in order to make them effective in enforcing the law, rather than breaking it. Until the citizens of Guatemala feel they are being protected by the authorities, they won’t be able to keep them from protecting themselves, no matter how inhumane or barbaric these acts seem to us. This leads to the conversation of human rights and whether the victims of vigilante acts are being punished without due process of law…we’ll save that conversation for a later time, since I have probably lost the attention of most of you already :)

Charity of the Month: Intro

02 Wednesday Dec 2009

Posted by in Charity of the Month

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Throughout the years I have been privileged enough to find out about some amazing organizations that do great work around the world. I’ve always wanted to spread the word around about who they are, what they do, and what they stand for. Lately I’ve been getting some comments and fan mail regarding this blog (keep them coming, they totally make my day!), so with a good following here it seems like the perfect opportunity to showcase these organizations.

My purpose in doing this is twofold. These organizations, for the most part, are working on pretty slim budgets, so any donations they can get are appreciated. My hope is that at some point you see an organization that touches your heart and decide you would like to contribute towards that organization. I know many of us don’t have spare money lying around (including myself), so my larger purpose in doing this is simply to bring awareness to the issues being highlighted by these organizations. It always amazes me how much goes on in the world around us, and most people have no idea because we get busy with our lives and routines, and the news is too busy reporting on Tiger Woods and Lohan’s most recent late arrival in court. My hope is that you will read about issues affecting people around the world through this humble blog of yours, and will be inspired to discuss these issues with your friends and family.
Keep your eyes peeled for a later post with December’s “Charity of the Month.”
(Also, if you know of an organization you would like me to write about, feel free to comment below or send a message to alexandra.m.armstrong@gmail.com).

Am I Hispanic Enough?!

02 Wednesday Dec 2009

Posted by in life

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I was driving down 1st Street in Santa Ana today, on my way to my first OC Hispanic Bar Association Committee meeting, and a familiar panic came over me.

I was taken back to my freshman year in college, leaving my cozy (ahem, small) Santa Rosa dorm at UCSB, and walking to El Centro for my first La Escuelita meeting. I knew what I would find when I got there. It wasn’t anything new, and I was rather used to it, but it still made me nervous and slightly frustrated. As you can probably tell from my blog picture, I don’t necessarily scream “HISPANIC!” or “LATINA!!” so, people usually give me the head slightly tilted, what-is-this-gringa-doing-here look when I attend Hispanic events/meetings/functions. So on my walk to El Congreso I’m thinking, “are they gonna think I’m Hispanic enough to belong in this group?” Once I got there, I had to sit in my seat patiently until my opportunity came to use my Latin accent, which doesn’t usually happen when I introduce myself (Hanson and Armstrong as last names don’t help my cause!). So I waited until I could say “mucho gusto,”un placer,” “igualmente,” or something else that lets people know I’m one of them, and not some crazy outsider who doesn’t belong and they have to be cautious about.

I remember walking back to my apartment with my roommate Belveth sometime around my junior year in college, and talking about the difficulties that Latino’s face because of their skin color. The argument was that I have it easier because I look white. I don’t deny that. I agree that Latino’s, and other minorities for that matter, have it harder sometimes because of their skin color. My argument, however, was that I suffered the same discrimination, but by my own culture. It may not necessarily keep me from getting a job or getting into a prestigious school, but it still hurts. I remember being in high school and always having Hispanic friends, but I was never part of their clique. We were friends from a distance, and that was enough. It was fine with me too, until my cousin transferred to my high school for her senior year. The daughter of a Guatemalan mother and a Mexican father, she had the Hispanic name and the Hispanic look. Within the first few days, she was in with the Hispanic cliques, and I started wondering if maybe they accepted her so easily because of how she looked.

And so it’s been throughout the years, including the rest of my college years. Every time I attended a NAK or Sigma Chi party, or a La Escuelita event, I got the looks, and every time I had to say something to convince them that the white-looking girl actually belonged where she was. It doesn’t compare to what other minorities have to face, but it still hurts to be excluded from your own culture because of how you look, and having to continually prove yourself to them.

So here I was, turning on Flower, with the same butterflies I had my freshman year in college. Thankfully once I got there no one asked why I was there, or why I was interested in volunteering with their organization, but that may be because I jumped on the opportunity to use my Hispanic accent when throwing out a few Hispanic names…and I did get the nod from the people around me: “You speak good Spanish” they said. “Fue un placer.” “Igualmente.”

Update on My Job Search Adventures

02 Wednesday Dec 2009

Posted by in career, work

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I actually got another call from the legal firm that had contacted me for a job interview, and then said never mind because I didn’t have bankruptcy experience. It turns out they don’t really need someone with bankruptcy experience and they’re willing to train, so they set me up with an interview. I went in today and was excited to find out that the attorney actually also practices immigration law (which is what I want to do). I think it went well, and it could be a good place for me. I’m a little nervous because it’s a relatively new firm, but I gotta start somewhere. Should hear back from him in a week…we’ll see what happens with my job search adventure!

This too shall pass

02 Wednesday Dec 2009

Posted by in life

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I sure hope so.

I’m not usually one to sulk and brood over the negatives in my life: I like keeping things happy, cheering people up, and minimizing the trials and tribulations of my life. But it’s hard to remain positive when this general mood affects not only yourself, but so many people around you. I have several close friends in mind who are going through the same things that I am, feeling emotionally drained and not really seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m sure this is caused by a variety of things in each individual’s personal life, but the common factor is the lack of money and jobs right now. Most of us have at least a college education, we’re smart, good people, and it’s not making a difference. This situation really starts affecting your self esteem when you’ve graduate from college, received a master’s degree, and you can’t even get a job as a secretary, assistant, or a position at your local retail stores. I’m at a point in my life where I thought things were going to finally start falling into place, not falling apart. Jeff and I were commenting on how last year we were broke and couldn’t buy the gifts we would have liked for our friends and family, but comforted each other with the thought that this time next year, we’d be better off. I didn’t occur to us that we’d actually be worse off than we were last year.
It’s easy for people to try and comfort you by saying things will get better soon, but it’s tough to take that in stride once you’ve been hearing it for so long and things haven’t gotten better. Don’t misunderstand, I appreciate the sympathy and encouragement from friends and family, and I really DO believe that things will get better, it’s just getting harder to remain hopeful that it’s going to happen soon.

A common conversation I’ve been having with friends is the centuries old question of why bad things happen to good people. Personally, I don’t think I’m a bad person: I’m sure I’ve offended people at some point in my life, but I doubt it was anything major; I’ve worked hard thus far in my life to get the education I have, I love and value my family and friends, and I try to appreciate all the things I do have in my life. I’d like to think I have pretty good karma. So why are things so difficult right now?
I’m reminded of a writing class I took in college where we discussed the Book of Job from the Bible. Job was a guy who did everything right, and was being tested by God time and time again, and he was asking God why this was happening to him. I just hope things turn out as good for my friends and I as they did for Job: he made tons of money, had beautiful children, and lived way longer than any of us really care to live.
Cheers to staying hopeful!

My Job Search Adventures

25 Wednesday Nov 2009

Posted by in career, work

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So like most unemployed people, I was excited when I saw a job prospect on Craigslist. I know, I know, Craigslist isn’t the best place to search for a job, and don’t worry, it’s not my only source, but there seems to be some good stuff every now and then.

There are so many emotional ups and downs to being unemployed and looking for a job that I won’t even go into detail on that, but I will explain my dilemma: I’m either not experienced enough for some jobs (see old post on that) or I’m over qualified because I graduated law school. SO, I was pretty excited when I found the following post on Craigslist today:

“Attorney Needed (Bilingual)
Looking to hire an attorney who has recently passed the bar . . Applicant must be able to work in a fast paced environment. Must be meticulous in calendaring and MUST work well with deadlines. Experience is not a must. Please email resume as soon as possible. We are looking to hire immediately.”

That’s it.

A few things that jumped out at me: 1) I’m bilingual, 2) I recently passed the bar, 3) I like the idea that experience is not a must. So I spend some time making a general cover letter that is not overly specific on any area of law (since none was stated) but highlighting my general skills and experiences. I was pretty excited when I checked my voicemail a few hours later and already had a call back requesting that I come in and interview tomorrow. So I call them expecting to leave a voicemail (since it was already past 6:30 p.m.), but I actually had the pleasure of speaking with someone.

They answered their phone in Spanish (so fast, in fact, that I had no idea what the guy said), so I was pretty happy I was not lying about my bilingual skills, and asked (in Spanish) for the lady that had called me. Through my conversation with Lady, we set up a time for me to come in tomorrow to interview, and I request their address so I know where I’m going. Then she inquires “You are bilingual, right?” Well yes, I know my all-American name probably doesn’t help, but I have it in bold on my resume, and I applied for the job, and I was able to get her on the phone, right?

Then I ask what area of law they practice. Granted–they didn’t mention this in the job post, and they said experience wasn’t necessary, but I thought it might be a good idea to do a little research before I go in tomorrow. “Bankruptcy, chapters 7 and 13. Do you have experience with that?” Uh…no. Thoughts going through my head in the split seconds before I have to formulate a response: my resume mentions NOTHING about bankruptcy–it’s actually all immigration and public interest law, so there’s no mistaken the fact that I have no experience in bankruptcy law and yet they called ME; I can’t even pretend to have experience in that area because I really have no clue; and finally: it doesn’t matter right? They said experience wasn’t necessary. So I’m honest and I tell Lady that no, I don’t have experience in bankruptcy.

“Oh…well…that’s a problem. We won’t need you to come in tomorrow then…I’ll check with the attorney and I’ll call you if he changes his mind.”

Huh. Really? I have a feeling she is going to have many similar calls. If you want experience in something from your applicants, you should state it in the job post, and you should look for it on their RESUME.

We passed the bar!

23 Monday Nov 2009

Posted by in life

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I’m sure thousands of bar passers for decades now have experienced what I experienced on Friday, November 20th: constant nausea every time I thought about getting my results at 6 p.m.! Thing is, Katie and I had discussed the possibility of having to take the bar again in February, and we had made our peace with the idea. What made me want to throw up every five minutes was having to face my friends and family. Having to take the exam again was second to that. The other issue that was talked about with fellow bar takers was the protocol to inform one another about our results–no one wants to inquire if you don’t know you’re going to get good news. After much strategery and discussion, we decided to just rely on self-disclosure. The minutes after 6:00 pm were some of the most chaotic I’ve had lately–phone calls, texts messages, facebook status’ were been tossed around left and right.













I have consistently lacked confidence throughout my academic career, so I owe a HUGE thank you to all the family and friends who have supported me and believed in me throughout the years :)

And Katie: you still owe me a happy dance!

Dinner with the Cheney’s!

19 Thursday Nov 2009

Posted by in food, friends, recipes

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After continuously hearing from Brooke how her and her sister cook dinner all the time, Jeff and I finally got an invite! Here are some pictures from our night of great food and even greatER company:


I apologize for the weirdness of the picture above…I still had a weird setting on my camera…but these are the amazing ladies that fixed us dinner :)




Homemade hummus!










mmmmMmmm! Everything was delicious, but I think we all got second helpings of the green bean casserole….



And what’s dinner without dessert?! –>

Brooke made an AMAZING apple crisp, which she said was pretty simple to make.

In case anyone wants to try to make the apple crisp at home:

Prep time: 30 minutes
Bake: 30 minutes
Oven: 375
Makes: 6 servings

Ingredients:
5 cups sliced, peeled cooking apples
2 to 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup regular rolled oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup butter or margarine
Vanilla ice cream (optional)

1) Preheat oven to 375. Place fruit in a 2-quart square baking dish. Stir in sugar.

2) For topping, in a medium bowl combine the oats, brown sugar, flour, and nutmeg. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle topping over filling. NOTE: Brooke said she would have doubled the topping recipe because it wasn’t enough. Proceed at your own risk!

3) Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until fruit is tender and topping is golden. Cool slightly. If desired, serve warm with ice cream.

*Thanks to my Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book for this one*

Obsessive Compulsive Reading Disorder

18 Wednesday Nov 2009

Posted by in books, hobby, life

≈ 6 Comments

I’m a huge fan of books and reading, something I owe to my mom. Although I’ve enjoyed books of all types, I’m coming to realize I’m more of a “series” reader. When I was young, I read all the Little House books (which I still have!) and most Anne of Green Gables books. In my older years, I became obsessed with Stephen King’s Dark Tower series, and I’ll openly admit that I’ve read the Twilight series multiple times. My latest conquest: Harry Potter.


As much as I love getting into a series, here are my problems:

1) It sucks when it’s over. I’m sure most people have experienced that feeling when you finish a book, kind of an emptiness, or longing for it NOT to be over…or maybe it’s just me. Either way, this feeling is intensified when you’ve invested 4, 6, 8 books in the reading. You’ve spent that much more time getting to know the characters and their dilemmas, and it’s that much harder to let them go and face your own reality.

And,

2) I’m obsessive about finishing. This happens to me with any good book, not just a series, but a series makes it that much worse because I’m just rushing and obsessed with moving on to the next book. (Here’s my Catch-22: I can’t wait to finish, but then I finish and I’m left with problem #1. Ah the inhumanity of it all!) I really just can’t be productive with anything else going on in my life until I’m done. Jeff knows what I mean. The poor guy has to deal with a zombie in the car while he drives, while the zombie is off in God knows what fictional universe.

I really wish I could just take my time and enjoy each book, prolonging the unavoidable end. This would also allow me to be semi-productive at carrying on my normal, daily life activities, rather than constantly thinking: “I could be reading my book right now!” But since it’s something I’ve just accepted….any reading suggestions out there?

Going Solo?

17 Tuesday Nov 2009

Posted by in career, work

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Don’t freak out, the title has nothing to do with Jeff and I, thankfully he’s deciding to stick around :) I went to a workshop today that was put on by my law school, giving advice on how to start your solo practice. I’m thinking this is because their employment statistics are looking pretty horrid and they need those of us who are unemployed to get a “job,” stat. Anyhow, aside from having to raise some capital (or put aside my law school loans by deferring them again and opening up some new credit cards), the most difficult thing is-obviously-getting clients.

So my question to all of you, dear readers, is: will you be getting a divorce, have custody issues, seek a fiance visa for someone you met in a foreign country and now wish to marry and bring to the United States, need a visa for someone you are employing from a foreign country, need a will or living trust, in the near future? I’m sure these are all things you can fit into your lives somehow. If so, let me know so I can seriously start considering career options….thank you!
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