The Waiting Room

Now that the LL.M. stuff is out of the way, I can return to the projects that I have abandoned for the past week.

My house is a mess! Laundry is backed up too. So, today is a good day to get that done. Husband is going to work in the backyard. It's time for the Spring Cleanup. One of the many downsides to living in Lake Effect Snow Central is that one cannot keep up with doggie indiscretions. So, our backyard is littered with doggie droppings! It can be very overwhelming!

Tonight is movie night. I have not seen Ocean's 12, so that's our pick. We are also making pizza. Yummo!!!

Have a fab weekend everyone!

I finished the personal statement and the application. Thanks to electronic filing, my application is on time.

Whew! Now, time for a nap. Then, dinner and drinks with Husband!!!!

Sunjaya is STILL on Amercian Idol.

After a long day of writing and a good night's sleep, I am in the editing phase with my personal statement. It is actually going quite well.

I have to listen to music when I write. During my practice days, if I was under the gun to finish a brief or something, I would listen to Sarah McLachlan. But for this, I have been listening to a lot of U2, mostly Achtung Baby, All That You Can't Leave Behind and The Joshua Tree. So far, I have not found any lyrical references in my statement. Hmm, maybe that would be the thing to spice it up!

I am drinking more coffee too. I used to be a serious addict. During my law school day, I could down a pot of strong black coffee in the course of one morning. Yep, I was bouncing of walls! I have weaned myself down to a lite blend. It's not bad. But, I could really go for a Tim Horton's Ice Cappuccino!

I will finish my draft of my personal statement for the LL.M today.

I had a good 40 minutes of writing this morning. That seems to be the trend. I only have about 40 minutes of good quality writing before my brain becomes fried and writer's block sets in.

On top of that , the Boy has a bad case of spring fever. Last night at doggie play group, he was put in doggie time out because he tried to pick a fight with a 120 pound male Doberman. Not smart, considering that the Boy is only 70 pounds. The Doberman almost kicked his ass! Today, he is barking incessantly. I think I will take him for a quick walk to settle him down so I can get some writing done.

ETA at 3:57 PM: I had another productive 45 minute writing session this afternoon. And the Boy was very good on his walk.

ETA: 10:06 PM: Well, it's done. I will spend tomorrow revising and editing. I am going to bed. Lots to do tomorrow!

Angry Pregnant Lawyer had a post about theme songs. I think this makes a great Music Monday post.

For most of my life, my theme song has been I'm Still Standing by Elton John. For most of my life, people have told me that I can't do something for various reasons. This song is just my "fuck you" to the naysayers and doubters.

Lately, my theme seems to be Taking the Long Way Around and Everybody Knows, both by the Dixie Chicks. I guess they describe where I am right now with life and other crap.

From Taking the Long Way Around:

Well I fought with a stranger and I met myself . I opened my mouth and I heard myself . It can get pretty lonely when you show yourself . Guess I could have made it easier on myself . But I, I could never follow . No I, I could never follow . Well I never seem to do it like anybody else . Maybe someday, someday I'm gonna settle down . If you ever want to find me I can still be found . Takin' the long way . Takin' the long way around .

From Everybody Knows:

Tell me now . If you came sneaking up behind .Would you know me . And see behind the smile .I can change like colors on a wall . Hoping no one else will find what lies beneath it all . I think I hide it all so well.
Steppin' out . Everyone can see my face . All the things I can't erase . From my life . Everybody knows . Standing out . So you won't forget my name . That's the way we play this game . Of life.

So what's your theme song and why?

ETA: Husband wants to play too. He selected Another Tricky Day by the Who. I think he chose it because it is a metaphor for his life.

(Just gotta get used to it) We all get it in the end. (Just gotta get used to it) We go down and we come up again. (Just gotta get used to it)You irritate me my friend. (This is no social crisis) This is you having fun. (No crisis) Getting burned by the sun. (This is true) This is no social crisis, Just another tricky day for you.

You can always get higher, Just because you aspire, You could expire even knowing. Don't push the hands, Just hang on to the band, You can dance while your knowledge is growing.

This is no social crisis. Just another tricky day for you, fellah.

Cranks, a B* term, is short for cranky. My entire household has a serious case of it.

I am battling with this personal statement. It is going very slowly. I feel like I am having a tooth extracted. BTW, it is due by the end of the week. Pressure...great. I did spend about two hours today working on my draft, but I don't have much to show for it. I am also sore from my workout yesterday. I started weight training again after nursing a shoulder injury. I also added squats to my weight circuit. OWIEE!!!!!! Oh, and I have PMS.

Husband woke up cranky this morning. I am not sure why. Husband thought he could get rid of his cranks by taking the Boy for a brisk walk. The Boy had other ideas. The Boy barked, tugged and whined the entire time. He also engaged in some trash-barking with Nemie (short for Nemesis), a black Lab who lives across the street. Husband returned even crankier than when he left. He is working on installing a new shower door for our bathroom. I have the my headphones on, but I can hear "FUCK" and it is not coming from anything that I am listening to.

Husband and I tried to take a nap this afternoon, but the Boy just went nuts. God forbid anyone, especially another dog, walks past our house. The Boy goes running from the upstairs bedroom down to the living room. I have hardwood floors, so one just hears his claws scaping the floor. He makes a flying leap onto the couch, so the intruder can see him through my picture window. He does this while barking at about 150 decibels. Needless to say, no one napped.

I think Boy's cranks are really just a case of spring fever. He is never this disobedient or nuts. Right now, he is passed out on the floor next to me in the office. I am afraid to move, because I might wake him up and encounter Hyper-Boy.

I think I want to order take out tonight. I just can't fathom the idea of cooking!

Oh crap...the barking begins again!

What better way to honor my 500th post and Friday Dog Blog by showing off the Boy!!!!
The Boy goes to a doggie play group once a week for some fun and frolic. Here he is being chased by one of his playmates, a Rottie named Bear.

The Boy has a new friend named Duke. Duke is a 15 month old Boxer-Lab mix. At first, the Boy wanted nothing to do with Duke. Duke kept pestering the Boy play with him. Finally, the Boy gave in.

This is what happens to the Boy after an evening of frolic at doggie play group. I call this pose "Drunk Dog"!
That's one tired pooch!!!

Here's to 500 more posts!

Things are pretty slow 'round here. So here are some things that are on my mind.

• The personal statement for the LL.M is going much better. I was having the worst time getting started. I got some insight from Husband that has helped the writing process.
• Sinuses are still bugging me. I did not sleep very well last night. Plus, Husband was snoring and the Boy has some serious gas. I can't believe Husband slept through the chemical weapon attack from across the room!
• I found posting for a job in a Southern State with a woman's name that looks interesting. It's not a teaching position, but a position as coordinator of Judicial Affairs. Hmmm...Interesting.
• American Idol is really starting to bother me. Sanjaya Malakar has to go!
• I was watching Today this morning and people were up in arms. Not because of the US Attorney scandal. Not because of the war, Not even because of Brittney getting out of rehab. No. People were upset because Meredith wore white before Memorial Day. I guess we have our priorities in the right place. (I don't see anything wrong with wearing white, so long as it is not head to toe white and it is done the right way).
• I don't normally get political on my blog (I will save the political commentary to the more able Arbitrista), but the whole US Attorney scandal just stinks. You don't fire eight well qualified, stellar attorneys in the middle of a elected term, unless something is up.
• Husband and I want to book our spring vacation this week. We changed our minds and are headed to St. Petersburg-Clearwater area instead of the Keys. Anyone been to that area? Do you need a car?
• This is my 499th post. Any ideas on what I should write for my 500th?

And so have my seasonal allergies. My sinus passages are killing me.

Pass the Tylenol Allergy Sinus!

I caught R.E.M's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame over the weekend. Some of my faves include:

• It's the End of the World as We Know It
• Man in the Moon
• Superman
• Radio Free Europe
• Orange Crush
• Fall on Me
• What's the Frequency, Kenneth?
• Stand
• Pop Song 99
• Losing My Religion
• Drive
• Nightswimming

Today's To-Do List

• Finish taxes, now that I figured out how to calculate Husband's options from his old employer. Done. We are getting a refund which NEVER happens.
• Have financial summit with Husband. We have one every couple of months just to make sure we are on the same page. Done. After 10 years of payments, my student loans will be paid off by the end of the year! WOOHOO!
• Call Lowe's and see if the shower door I want is in stock, and if it is, go and pick it up.
• Work out. I have not done that since Tuesday.
• Clean up the house. I got a little lazy this past week
• Finish laundry. See reason above. Done
• Wash bed linens. Done
• Finish application for the Boy to join Angels on a Leash

Hopefully, I will finish everything in time for Movie Night. Tonight's feature is Casio Royale!

Update at 5:25 PM: Fell asleep after doing taxes. Napped for two hours. I guess that's what doing taxes does to a girl.

There's not much snow left for the Boy to roll in!!!!

I am really tired today.

Husband and I spent 2.5 hours on the phone last night with a very good friend of ours who is having serious martial problems. He wants to go for counseling, but his wife refuses. He has tried everything to make things work. She is either unwilling or unable to meet him halfway. What makes matters worse it that the couple has two children that our friend feels are suffering from all the turmoil.

Our friend wants me to help him find information about filing for divorce in the state where he lives. He hopes that it will not come to that, but he does want to know what hoops he will have to jump through if the worse case occurs.

I told him that I would talk to some of my lawyer friends and see if they know of any attorneys in his state that would be able to help him. I also told him that I would provide him with some general information. But, I really want to keep my involvement as a support figure rather than a legal one. First, because there is a conflict here, since this person is a friend. I do not handle issues for friends or family. Second, there is the emotional connection. When I would represent people in divorce matters, I could distance myself from their issues. It's a whole different matter when it is someone you know and care about is involved. You can be objective, but it has been my experience that friends do not want you to be objective.

In any case, divorce, or even the thought of divorce, is not a pleasant thing. It's tough to see someone you truly care about go through something very intense. I just hope our friend can get through this.

Part of the application for the LL.M program requires that I write a personal statement. I know I can totally bullshit my way through it Attorneys are the masters of bullshit, and yours truly can really dish it out. But I hate having to write about myself. It just sounds so much like begging to me. (PLEASE....let me in your program!!!! I am oh so good and oh so smart!!!!).

Also, I have to discuss my thesis proposal. I have not kept up with legal trends as well as I should. Basically, I just did enough to satisfy my continuing legal education requirements in order maintain my licence.

I do have some ideas. I think I would like to focus on Family law. That seems to be the area that I gravitate to the most. Also, I had a couple of cases during my practitioner days that had some really interesting issues. One case involved a woman who was a foster parent. She had adopted a five year old boy after having fostered him since he was a baby. The next year, the woman was named the foster parent of the five year old's half brother, who was two years old. The boys had the same mother, who lost her parental rights and disappeared. The biological father (a druggie) and paternal grandmother of the two year old wanted custody. The adopted mother wanted her son to have visitation with his half brother. After all, they are bothers, and the two boys bonded. Should be a no brainer, right? Well, the paternal grandmother did not want the children to have ANY contact with each other.

HUH????

To make a long story short, the case ended up going to trial. Despite having written one kick-ass brief, shredding the paternal grandmother on the witness stand and a comment by the judge after the case that she wanted to rule in my favor I lost the case. I lost the case because my state's law is unclear as to the rights of half siblings where one is adopted. I could have appealed the case, but I didn't. I had just started my practice and I could not afford to eat the huge expense of an appeal. My client did not have much money either. None of my peers wanted to give me a hand. So, the decision stood. My client and I both cried about it. She totally understood, but I still feel like I let her down. That is one of my biggest regrets as an attorney. I think I could made a huge difference. I wish I would have just bit the bullet and done it.

Anyway, I have to get cracking on this. Any suggestions on how to get started????

I am so done trying to fix this template!!!! I think it looks OK. I wanted to keep the pic, but I had to cut the background for a solid color so that you all could read it!

Off to bed!

I wanted to change my template for a while now. What do you think?

Also, any of you commenters or lurkers who want to come out of the shadows and become one of my "Friends in Low Places", speak now!

Dude, I hope Wal-Mart was close by!

You can't make this stuff up!!!!

The lovely B* inspired this playlist. I think many of us have been in a funk lately, especially yours truly. So, here are some coping songs to get us back in the groove.

1. You Gotta Be by Des'ree
2. You Can't Always Get What You Want by the Rolling Stones (B*'s pick! Great song!)
3. I'm Still Standing by Elton John
4. Closer to Fine by Indigo Girls
5. Walk On by U2
6. Bitch by Meredith Brooks
7. Soak Up the Sun by Sheryl Crow
8. Don't Give Up by Peter Gabriel
9. It's Your Thing by the Isley Brothers
10. For Once in My Life by Stevie Wonder
11. Better Days by Bruce Springsteen
12. Here is Gone by Goo Goo Dolls
13. Nick of Time by Bonnie Raitt (Inspired the Present Thought at the sidebar)
14. I Got You (I Feel Good) by James Brown

So what do you listen to in order to cope with the world?

We lost an hour of sleep due to the time change. But the Boy didn't adjust his wake up call. So, instead of getting a cold nose in my ear at 7:30 AM, I got it at 8:30 AM.

So, I guess I did not lose an hour after all!

• The Boy is going nuts today with his barking. My next-door neighbor is having a new roof installed, so there is a lot of noise.
• Speaking of the Boy, we received our application to participate in a program sponsored by our local SPCA called "Angels on a Leash". The program has volunteers and their dogs visit hospitals and nursing homes. I am really excited about doing it. The Boy is very sweet and would make an excellent therapy dog.
• The Boy has to go through a temperment and obedience test, which I am not worried about because he has completed basic and advanced obedience, plus agility training. I continue his training at home on a regular basis. But, I am concerned about the "other dog" category. The Boy gets excited sometimes when he sees another dog that he wants to visit, but can't. He starts biting on the metal clasp that hooks his collar to his leash! I am surprised that he has not broken a tooth!
• One of the questions on the application asks what my opinion is regarding euthanasia. Why is THAT important??
• Is it just me or is American Idol really annoying this year??? I can't stand Antonella!!!!
• Speaking of American Idol, I like the Daughtry song "It's Not Over." I wonder if the rest of the CD is just as good???
• My malpractice insurance is officially cancelled. Yippie!!! That's $225.00 that can stay in my pocket!!!
• We have decided to go to the Florida Keys for our vacation in April. Now, I just have to finish the taxes....
• My printer is broken. It makes this rattling noise when you try to print something.
• I know a couple of you have left Blogger for WorldPress. Is it better??

Final bullet: Thanks for all the comments about the LL.M thing. I hope I did not sound conceited when I mentioned the not having to work thing. I am proud of what Husband and I have accomplished over the years. We worked so hard to get to this point. We saved and went without many things in order to reap the benefit now. I am in a unique position so, I am going to submit the application and just see what happens. Wish me luck!

One of the biggest difficulties with trying to find a job in the academic world with only a JD (I have an MA in a totally unrelated field), is that many undergraduate institutions do not want me because I don't have a PhD. Some potential employers have gone as far to say that those holding a JD need not apply. At the law school level, I am experiencing some resistance because I do not have a LL.M. (Master of Law). But the bottom line is that the market is extremely competitive, especially at the law school level.

The thought occurred to me that I could go back and get my LL.M. Alma Mater Law School has a program that would take about a year to complete. The program also contains a thesis component. I have been going back and forth, trying to decide if this is an option for me.

Pro:

• It would allow me to specialize my studies
• It would give some advantage in the job market for law schools
• It would only take a year, unlike a PhD, which could take longer.
• I can actually afford to pay for my studies, which will allow me to focus entierly on my studies. I worked two jobs during my final two years of law school, which resulted in receiving average grades.
• I will make some contacts that may be helpful in the job search when I am done.
• No entrance exams required. Just the application, transcripts and two letters of recommendation.

Con:

• Going back to school at this stage in my life seems like a huge challenge. I have been out for 11 years now and getting back into that student mode is a little scary, especially after being the professor!
• If I complete the program, then what? Will I be in the same position that I am now, except I have one more sheepskin on my wall?
• Do I continue to look for jobs while I complete my studies? What if I get an offer?
• (This is the big one) Why am I even considering this? I have accomplished so much in my lifetime, shouldn't I be happy and just enjoy the rest of my life, knowing that I really don't have to work?

I am really hoping for some insight from you all. And if there are any lurkers out there, especially and law folk, I would appreciate you input as well. I have to submit my application by April 1st.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and words of encouragement regarding my job situation. It helps that so many of you have walked this road and came out OK.

It has been a tough road for me since all of this happened. The job situation, the blowout with my in-laws at Christmas and the death of my great uncle has resulted in a deep depression that I just can't seem to shake. Taken separately, these issue would not bother me so much. But, these issues happened in a short period of time, one after another, without any time to work through each issue before a new one surfaced.

Husband and my doctor suggested that I get some help to work some of these things out. It's hard because I am quite the guarded person. I don't open up very easily, not even on my blog. But, I think I need some help getting through all of this. So, I started seeing a psychologist to work out some of these issues.

Hopefully, I will mend.

I received letters today from two schools, one local community college and one law school in a southern state. They wanted to inform me that they are suspending their search for the faculty position I applied for until further notice.

I can't put into words what I am feeling right now.

Given my recent news (see post below), I am feeling rather melancholy...

I Don't Wanna Know by Sheryl Crow
Blue by Joni Mitchell
Thanks That Was Fun by Barenaked Ladies
Everybody Knows by the Dixie Chicks
LA Song by Beth Hart
Surrounded by Chantal Kreviazuk
Fire and Rain by James Taylor
Grace is Gone by DMB
Have You Ever Seen the Rain by CCR
Probably Wouldn't Be This Way by Leann Rhimes
Full of Grace by Sarah McLachlan
The Thrill is Gone by B.B. King

I got a rejection letter from Alma Mater Law School. I thought I would at least get an interview.

I feel like crap right now.

Profgrrrl sent me five non Katie Couric style questions. Here goes...

1. Do you have a harder time deciding what to wear or what to cook/ eat for dinner on a daily basis?

Not really. Usually it just comes to me in that moment. I will think "Spinach enchiladas sounds good." or " I think I'll wear my gray Nine West pants with my pink Ann Taylor Loft sweater.", and it's done. If I can't think of anything for dinner, it usually ends up being a pick night which means that Husband and I pick at whatever is in the fridge!

2. If you didn't have to work, would you still choose to work?

Great question because I am dealing with that exact situation since losing my job back in December. Husband makes enough money that I don't have to work. Even before my job loss, my salary was gravy. But now that I am trying to figure out what my next move is, this question is a bit more profound.

I am a fiercely independent person who must be doing something to feel productive. Sitting at home doing nothing is so not an option. But at the same time, I don't know if I want to jump back into the "rat race". I have accomplished so much and I am only 39 years old. I have done the lawyer thing and the professor thing. Could I find the same feeling of value and productivity by volunteering my time or working part time? I don't know. Do I plan on using this time to start a family? No. (Husband and I are child-free by choice, mostly because of my many medical issues).

So, I guess to answer you question...I honestly don't know...yet.

3. What kind of volunteer work appeals to you most?

I really would enjoy working with the local animal shelters. I am a huge advocate for shelter adoption. That Pedigree commercial just breaks my heart. The Boy was a shelter dog whose previous owner surrendered him because he was no longer a cute puppy. With some training and a lot of love, he has become an awesome dog. I think people should not overlook the diamonds that can be found at the local shelter.

I would also like to work with the Boy as a therapy dog. He has the perfect temperament for it.

4. What was your most frivolous purchase of last year?

Husband and I did purchase tickets for the Who which ran about $300.00, but could not go to the show because of a snowstorm.

I did purchase tickets to see the Police!!!! (Yes, karma finally kicked in). I got the $95.00 tickets not the $200.00 tickets though.

5. What daily event pleases you most?

Husband and I spend a few minutes each day just talking about stuff. Not problems or issues. Just stuff. It is very relaxing and allows us to stay connected.