Jennifer Medina is a national correspondent for The New York Times based in Los Angeles who covers Southern California and Nevada. Before talking with Harold Meyerson about the future of American labor, she confessed to her worst habit, occasional screaming in traffic, and to doing something called “Yoga Booty Ballet” in the Zócalo green room.
What’s your worst habit?
Waiting ’til the last minute to do anything and everything.
When did you last break a sweat?
Last night, doing Yoga Booty Ballet.
What’s on your nightstand right now?
A lot of jewelry because my 1-year-old daughter has figured out how to pull jewelry out of my jewelry box, so it’s out of her reach that way. A bunch of books that I swear I’m going to read. And a bottle of lotion.
What was your favorite toy as a kid?
I don’t know if it counts as a toy—coloring books. I loved coloring books. And crayons.
How do you pass the time when you’re stuck in traffic?
Listening to lots of NPR. I’m in traffic a lot because lots of my job is driving. … Lots of calling people on the phone. And occasionally screaming.
What’s the ugliest piece of furniture you own?
Our dining room table, which has been in my husband’s family since he was a kid. But we’re too cheap to buy a new one.
What movies, if any, can you quote by heart?
Does Rent count?
What’s your favorite under-the-radar L.A. restaurant?
Mexikosher. It’s a Mexican kosher restaurant on Pico. I don’t know if it qualifies as under-the-radar anymore because the chef was just on the Food Network. I think it’s the only place to get kosher carne asada in L.A.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Not to be afraid to drive or wander aimlessly.
What promise to yourself do you break most often?
To be disciplined.