13.1 done

I guess my pattern of running races is a little counterintuitive.

My first race ever was a marathon (Walt Disney World in January 2010). My second was the Nike Women's half marathon in San Francisco, which was yesterday. My third will be a 10K in the Bronx this Thanksgiving. It doesn't really make sense because I never worked myself up, but it seems to have worked so far for me.

Being able to run a race is a bit enthralling because you experience physical pain, start to get mentally tired, yet know that you can and will cross the finish line. It's an exciting build up where you interact with thousands of other runners, see the kindness of many volunteers on the course, and challenge your body. I can't say that I even actually enjoy running as a recreational sport, but I love participating in road races. Getting to your runner's high can be an amazing feeling where you truly understand what your body is capable of...that currently takes me about 10-12 miles to get to.

The only problem I find though is a the post-race depression that I feel...okay, maybe it isn't as severe as depression, but I get this sense of loss and emptiness. This is a well-documented phenomenon of working toward this goal, completing it and then not really knowing what to work for or what is next. I guess my only recourse is to keep up for the next race. Unfortunately, I didn't have much time to train for Nike Women's, but still did well considering that. I guess my take home message from this race is that with adequate training and time, I can improve even more and that is hopeful, right? :)

now what?

A summer of studying for and then taking the California bar exam has come and gone. Though I have no idea how I did on the exam and will not know until mid-November, I am happy to be done for now. The question has become, what should I do next?

Well, I have roughly a month and a half before I start my yearlong clerkship. In between that time, I hope to have lots of fun, cook often, and enjoy myself. I will be moving to New York and plan to take full advantage of all the summer events that will take place; it is almost unbelievable how much the city has to offer. I also have A LOT of shopping to do from furniture for the apartment to basic necessities to buying work clothes.

The highlight really will be our trip to Peru, which will take us down the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Though hiking with a large backpack for three days straight without a shower in sight is something I have never endeavored before, I am so ecstatic about the opportunity to really get the full experience. The second half of our trip has to be changed around because the airport we were going to use has had some issues due to union protests. This means things may be a little on the fly, but I think it will be a wonderful first trip with Hayes. Our travel styles are so different so I think it will be great to learn how to adapt to each other.

Though this summer has not been very social, I feel blessed to have had so much time to spend with my mother. I am constantly understanding what a strong independent woman she is and strive to be more like her. She teaches me so much about myself and I like that we can grow together. It definitely is a little strange that this is officially my last time living under her roof, but I am excited for all my adventures to come.

Here's to life, liberty, and property. :)

run like a girl.

This past week marked this year's Boston Marathon. I was so sad not to be out on the route running my heart out, but opted out of trying for it because I knew I would be in New York so much this semester and would not have the time to train. I have been itching to get back into running and looking for the perfect opportunity to do so. Tonight, I found out that the very popular, and hard to get into, Nike Women's Half Marathon has guaranteed discount entry to students. I have had several friends run this race in the past who really loved their experiences.

Upon doing some research on the race, the general consensus is that the race is better situated to be a half marathon. I thought this would be a great endurance event to ease my way back into the running universe with thousands of women. Even better, the primary beneficiary of this race is Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, my charity of choice. I ran my Disney Marathon through Team in Training and it was SUCH a good way to learn about LLS. I have heard so many stories about blood cancer survivors and the fight for research and patient care.

Though I am not running this race through LLS, I have decided to fundraise for them to make this next event both meaningful and memorable. If you are able to support this cause or would like to learn more, please ask me or visit my fundraising website. http://www.active.com/donate/mch2005/shannonliu2011

what a feeling.

Now there is less than one month before I am finished with law school exams and final assignments. I am brimming with anticipation, though I know this just means that the bar exam studying and taking will be coming up soon.

This examination preparation and examination are tearing quite a hole in my wallet:
Bar/Bri examination preparation: $3,842.50 (and this is with a $550 discount, but also with a $250 deposit)
Bar Examination: $712.00 (this includes a laptop fee; now that's ludicrous.)
Moral Character Determination $476

Let's not forget a couple of other fees that are necessary for California bar licensure: the registration for the State Bar and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam.

Putting all these fees together puts one above $5,000 for the ability to practice law in California. In addition to these fees, one must endure a grueling three day examination. I must say that I am not tickled pink at the prospect of this summer's events.

After the bar exam, however, I will have some some exciting changes. In August, I will be moving to New York and will move into Hayes's and my first apartment together. I will have that whole month to run errands, buy things for our place, and cook dinner every night. (What a lucky boyfriend I have!) I hope to find many worthy recipes to provide nutrition involving plenty of summer produce, taste, and variety. Think color with all of this! I thoroughly enjoy cooking, but it will be even better cooking for two and having a lot of time to devote to the efforts. Hopefully, I will get suggestions for tried and true culinary concoctions, other than engagement chicken (http://www.glamour.com/magazine/2006/07/engagement-chicken).

This fall, I will begin my journey into attorney-hood as a judicial law clerk. I think it will be a great opportunity to utilize my research and writing skills while getting to watch lawyering in action and get the judges' insights. It will be a great experience to live in New York until fall 2012 and then make my way back to my beloved California.

In less than one month, my life will inexplicably change. I will move from the city I called home for the last three years, have some great quality time with my mother while studying my butt off for the bar exam, go on a couple of amazing trips, and take huge steps geographically, career-wise, and relationally. Though this year has been a tough one so far, I am constantly reminded of the blessings that I have been given. In this season of Lent, I am particularly mindful of just how loved and blessed I truly am.


peeking out of the wilderness with rosy tinted glasses.
no, really, just a fun picture from my last law prom, a huge indicator that law school is coming to a close.

the big easy.

I spent the last week with fellow law students in New Orleans providing legal service, exploring the city, and eating wonderful food. Most of us had never been to New Orleans and it was such a great time to both contribute to the growing economy and also personally see the devastation that the city has gone through and is still growing from. In the very touristy parts of the French Quarter, it is almost impossible to experience remnants of the difficult recent past because of all the excitement taking place.

Highlights of the trip came in the form of amazing food, great people, and fun times. Each day was sunny, warm, and chock full of memories that I will cherish for a long time. It was fantastic to spend time with new friends who are progressive and ready to make a difference through their future careers.

Here are a few photos from my time in NOLA. Not pictured is the rest of the food I had, which includes: BBQ ribs with macaroni and cheese, collard greens; bread pudding; 1/4 chicken with green salad and baked beans; muffuletta sandwich; jambalaya; gumbo; boiled crawfish; cheesy grits; shrimp po' boy sandwich; praline bacon. Basically, the food was not to be missed.














View from Kristie's and my fabulous hotel balcony, where we were able to listen to live music every afternoon and watch the St. Patrick's Day parade head down Decatur Street.

Here is a blurb of my thoughts regarding the trip: Going on the New Orleans pro bono trip was a great last spring break in law school for more because I was able to meet great progressive law students, explore a city that has been affected so much in the recent past, and learn more about the legal needs of the community. I had never been to New Orleans and touring the most impoverished areas really gave me a perspective on the city's struggles that I am sure most tourists do not even give a second thought to. There is still so much more growth that New Orleans can undergo to restore itself: from getting people to move back to the city to having legal knowledge and assistance to propel people forward. I had never dreamed that the food would be so delicious or that the people would be so friendly and hospitable. I conducted an intake interview with a longshoreman who had been discharged from his job and even through his difficult situation, he remained kind, calm, and gracious. BU's initiatives to continue these trips is such a testament to the emphasis on getting out of Boston and providing our skills to those in need. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity and proud to have been a part of such an inspiring group and trip.

Now, it is absolutely crazy because commencement is exactly two months from now. The finality of this all is really starting to sink in; I am excited for what is to come (other than bar examination related matters) though I am becoming nostalgic for the memories I have made during the past three years in Boston and beyond.

exciting things in the horizon

2011 is already starting off to be an interesting year due to the huge amounts and unbelievable frequency of snowstorms followed by icy conditions. The weather has proved to be difficult for everyone, from public transportation delays and closures, snow days, and shoveling endlessly. It has gotten in the way of my being able to get to New York once for my internship, but I am hoping that does not happen again.





Naturally, I am pretty excited to escape the winter cold and be able to walk outside without being terrified of slipping. The warmer weather will also bring many wonderful adventures. Though this summer will be an undoubtedly intense one filled with studying for the bar exam, there are many other things to look forward to.

This May, I will finish my last set of law school finals. Right after, my mother and I plan to take a cruise around Northern Europe (starting in Copenhagen, going to Berlin, Tallinn, St. Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, and ending back in Copenhagen). I think this will be an amazing way to bond with my mom and go to some places that I have never had the opportunity to visit before. On May 22, I will be enthralled to participate in my school's commencement ceremony.

I will be spending my summer up until the end of July studying for the bar exam. Of course, this completely warrants having a celebratory trip after the dreaded examination. August, consequently, will be a great month. I will be moving to New York and have the bulk of the month to settle in and get the place in order. Then Hayes and I will embark upon our first real vacation, heading to Peru to visit the iconic Machu Picchu, the Amazon, and whatever else we can fit into nine full days.

I know that this year is one in which I am going to be challenged and need to be patient, but I also know it will be a year of so much growth, self reflection, and progress. I think I can handle whatever comes my way. :)

one of the only times that it's best to be flaky

In honor of Lunar New Year, I have decided to finally post about a fun food experience I had last month.

When I was at home this winter break, my boyfriend and I spent a lot of time traveling around California visiting relatives, friends, and places we used to frequent and love. Of course, California is kind of a mecca of great food and great fun; during our trip, we went to some amazing places and had delicious food. This list includes: my favorite Thai restaurant in Los Angeles (Palms), a delicious hot pot and sushi meal made by Hayes's uncle, my favorite Creole restaurant (Creola), great pho and bun bo hue, steak at Harris Ranch, pizza in Berkeley (Zachary's and Cheeseboard), Suppenkuche (known for "das boot" of beer), my favorite Korean food (So Gong Dong), artisanal ice cream (Ici, Bi-Rite, and Mitchell's), In N Out, and so much more. Even though we had all this great food, my favorite culinary experience by far was at my grandmother's house in Sacramento for Christmas.

My grandmother pulls out all the stops for dinner and makes many Hunan style dishes when we come over. I am always impressed by her cooking and I know Hayes and I hope to get tips from her next time we visit. This time, she taught us how to make scallion pancakes. This dish seems so simple to make, but in order to make it multi-layered and flaky, much time, work, and strength is required. Many companies and restaurants make these in a haphazard way and the pancakes still taste good, but they pale in comparison with regards to taste and texture.

Here is what you'll need (you can experiment with amounts of each based on your preferences):
-Flour
-Water
-Oil (roughly 2 tbsp. for each pancake)
-Salt (1 tbsp. to taste)
-Scallions (cut up, as much as you like)
-Surface to roll dough on
-Rolling pin
-Pan or wok

First, you will want to combine flour and water to make a thick dough. You can use your hands to knead the batter (My grandma's advice is to keep pushing the dough down rather than mixing it around) through and through such that there are no dry flour bubbles remaining. This can be left overnight to make sure that it thickens and leaves well.

The next morning, when you are planning to eat the pancakes, you will want to divide the dough into several parts, depending on how many pancakes you want to eat.



The key to a good pancake is making sure it has plenty of layers; this is done by taking the dough and spreading it very thin (and consistently the same thickness throughout). My grandma has a really cool pull-out chopping block that we used and also a standard rolling pin. Her advice is to flatten it out, going from different angles from time to time to keep all parts of the pancake the same thickness. Also, make sure to flour the top of the surface you are using so that the dough doesn't stick to it.

After the dough has been thinned out, you will want to sprinkle salt all around the surface; a tablespoon of salt should do for the whole pancake. You then will want to put about one tablespoon of oil on the surface as well; this can be distributed on the pancake easily with a basting brush.

Next, you will want the dish's namesake: scallions! You should have the scallions cut up already and you can take about a handful to put onto the pancake, making sure to distribute it evenly and not too lumpily.



At this point, you will roll the pancake like a burrito, making sure to keep the ends closed off so the oil does not seep out.




Now you will come across the second step to ensuring perfect layers. Here, you will take the "burrito" and keep wrapping it around while pressing down on the dough. It ends up looking like this, until you use the rolling pin to completely press it down.




After using a rolling pin to press the pancake down to its shape (which is much smaller in circumference than when you first rolled it out), you should be able to see the scallions peeking through.



You are now ready to cook this sucker. The best way to do this is to use a wok or a pan that is non-stick. You will need some oil and then will put the pancake in to cook, flipping regularly until lightly browned.

Your pancake is finally done! You can cut it as you please and repeat as many times as necessary to use up the dough you have made. I assure you that you will enjoy this wonderful breakfast treat, which goes well with some soy milk. It is not the most healthy option, but it is important to indulge once in a while.



Enjoy!