Another Skippy in Book Four: Ichi-no-Tani 2017

Last night, Chinese Boss requested that I research and write a brief response to the United Air incident. After all, the passenger that was bloodied and dragged off of the plane was of Asian descent; and our clients may see themselves in that incident and want to know “What if that was me?” Because it was a current topic that had gone viral; BBC, Forbes, and CNN were instant research hot spots and the entire thing took me twenty to thirty minutes to write. I tried to balance Personal Rights (to bodily autonomy and personal safety) to FAA Regulations (technically, an airline can forcibly remove you from any flight for any reason legally). Chinese Boss and Male Secretary were impressed that I was able to research and write so fast, so casually, and so well. A nice ego boost.

Especially considering what I am TRYING to do today. I am reading a lot to try to understand immigration law… but I want to be doing for our clients. Me reading up and trying to stumble through an entire EOIR/Change of Venue/Attorney Substitution triple filing? I mean… I’m flattered that they want me to do that for the client but… with how little I know, that could take a long time and still be done terribly. And I get it… better to try my hardest and fail then not try at all. But I have a duty and obligation to help the client and do what I can for my firm. I guess what I’m saying is… I’d like to do that.

Interesting information but a share for how dry these 283 pages are: “Prior to the
creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Immigration and
Naturalization Service (INS) was responsible for enforcing immigration laws and
administering immigration and naturalization benefits. INS was a component of the
Department of Justice. INS has been abolished and its role has been assumed by DHS,
which is entirely separate from the Department of Justice. “

And just heard back from Chinese Boss who has asked me to focus on doing the work first and then reading the manual second. Which I totally appreciate and approve because we need to help/take care of our clients. But it also sounds a bit weird… because do it, then learn it… just… doesn’t sound right, right?

Well… it took me over an hour and I had to annoy Chinese Boss a lot but… I finished writing two forms for immigration. Forms. Not motions or briefs. Not… things that take time and thought. It took me an hour and pestering another human to do forms. Goos fraba. Immigration is difficult stuff. Another reason why I think people who talk about “them immigrants getting into this country not knowing nothing” are perfect examples of fucking idiots. Those immigrants who never have to deal with the legal system, Immigration Control Enforcement, or Department of Homeland Security? Maybe. But as a majority of immigrants (including refugees and many who are listed as “undocumented”) DO deal with the legal system, ICE, or DHS… many immigrants have had to go through a lot more than any natural born citizen just to work here. You were born here, raised here, had opportunities for an education here, got a job from your uncle Ricky’s friends former boss until the company went under? Maaaaaybe don’t be such a dick to immigrants if they find work and you don’t.

Obviously, I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. There aren’t a lot of Immigration Lawyers in this country for a reason and that reason certainly isn’t because there aren’t enough clients! Immigration law is tricky. And, for foolish reasons, it isn’t exactly highlighted in Mid West Schools. “Immigration Issues” are for Coastal Schools who have to worry about border control… is a foolish but common misconception. So… yeah. I should be easier on myself. But I’ve never been that guy. Do it well, do it better, work harder… kind of my setting. Which is why my inherent duality becomes an issue. Because the other side of that coin is “who cares, don’t do it, fuck it.” As you’ve all seen not too long ago. These fundamentally dichotomous opinions exist in me all the time and have always made me gravitate towards Two Face. Because… seriously… that’s what it feels like I have in me sometimes. The easiest one for most people to understand/empathize with is (1) I want to be healthier and better looking. Opposed by (2) I want to have free time and not be in more pain than I have to be. (1) I want to make a lot of money and help a lot of people. Opposed by (2) I want to have time for friends and family. Maybe that is the truer heart of the issue. We’re always playing against The Clock. And while money can’t technically buy more time. It can help us use our time differently. What matters conflict for you? Do you dislike cooking, find it takes too much time, can’t find healthy/easy/affordable? Money. Hire a cook that has a background in dietary science. Feeling sluggish, run down, tired all of the time? Money. Get a full body scan and hire medical professionals to monitor and fix all the little things wrong with you. Want to make the world a better place without interrupting your life? Money. Open and fund charities that focus on your personal philanthropic interests.
While some people focus on resources like clean water, clean air, shelter… those of privilege can focus on resources like money and time. And (interesting, controversial point) there are many people of privilege that are broke and/or struggling. There are lots of people in the United States that have at least one meal a day; have a safe(ish) place to live.... their worries aren’t “primal resources” but are matters like money and time. Resources are resources.

Ha! How’s this for familiar?
Soooooo… I don’t personally have any clients. I’m just helping other clients. Including Asylum cases. I have something I can/could/should write. But… I have no clients. I have no court hearings scheduled until Monday. Soooo.... at 3 p.m. having just walked around the city with White Boss and a Client… I kind of don’t want to work on that for the next two hours. I’m a terrible person. Partially because of that… partially because… since I have not clients… I’m bringing nothing to the firm and very little to myself. Granted- this connects with the above about not being hard on myself. After all, I’ve been a Des Moines Attorney for all of 7 days. In that time, I’ve already worked on 6 different cases, attended court 4 times, and written a Trending Topic Law Article. But… meh. I’m impossible. I don’t want to be SWAMPED, I don’t want to have NOTHING, but I also want to feel like I’m earning decent money. Yup. Impossible to please. That’s me!