For those of who who have read my blog for a long time (or probably even new readers), you're used to reading about my adventures in food and drink, with a generally amusing jackass story peppered in for good measure.  But today, I want to talk about the other big part of my life — pro bono. 

As you may know, I run the pro bono program at a large law firm.  People often ask me if I would give up my "day job" to become a full time food writer.  At this point in my life, absolutely not.  Some people give back to the community outside their jobs, but I learned early on that I am happiest when my work itself gives back to the community.  After a brief stint as a litigator, which wasn't particularly fulfilling to me, I worked hard to build a career in the pro bono world.  It has always been incredibly important to me that my work has an impact in the world, and with minor exceptions, every job I have had is somehow in the public interest.  I love food and drink, but in the end, it's not going to cure the world's evils, help keep a family from being kicked out on the streets, keep a domestic violence victim away from her abuser, or give someone the safety of political asylum.  The work I do every day ultimately achieves those goals, which is incredibly fulfilling.

Image courtesy of Hugh at Gaping Void.

I hadn't gotten my hair cut since April, so I visited Carlo last night. Don't you love it?  I really like what he did to my lips, too. . .

Having one of these kind of days, except amending my original time period from 6 months to 3 years.