The Waiting Room

I am traveling to Hometown today. My great uncle passed away. He was 87.

My great uncle was like a second dad to me. He came to live with my mom, my brother and I after my dad died. He taught me so much and gave so much.

• He gave me an appreciation for the Blues and a love of B.B. King. Whenever I hear The Thrill is Gone, I smile.
• When I was in college, I took a job as a waitress at a local restaurant. I worked the 5 AM to 1 PM shift. He would get up at 4:30 AM to drive me to work five days a week.
• He told Husband and I stories about serving in Africa in WWII.
• He helped me move several times.
• He would always listen to me when I felt like no one understood me.
• He taught me to enjoy life and it's OK to have a drink everyday.

I could go on, but I think I'm gonna cry.

I got a response from Alma Mater Law School. The head of the search committee told me that the committee will be making a decision on interviews by the end of the week.

I am so nervous. I really want this job.

Oh, I did get another rejection letter from University in Very Big State. Here's another thing that bothers me. Why do rejection letters start out with "Your qualifications are impressive", but end with "We decided to choose another candidate."?

That "but" is what bothers me. It feels like a back-handed compliment.

If my qualifications were impressive, why wasn't it good enough? What was lacking? What do I need to do to make myself more desirable?

Some may say that I am not entitled to an explanation. Maybe so. But I look at it this way. If I am applying for similar positions, with the same skill set that I used for the position I was just denied, I would like to know what I can do to improve my chances.

Is that too much to ask?

No theme today. Just feeling a little random.

• Ants Marching by Dave Matthews Band
• Still Desire You by Melanie Doane
• Wave on Wave by Pat Green
• Take the Long Way by the Dixie Chicks
• Tried to be True by Indigo Girls
• Here is Gone by the Goo Goo Dolls
• Sign 'O the Times by Prince
• Plush by Stone Temple Pilots
• Dreams by Fleetwood Mac
• While My Guitar Gently Weeps by the Beetles
• Fortunate Son by CCR
• Rooms on Fire by Stevie Nicks
• Almost Blue by Diana Krall
• Sea and Sand by the Who ( Inspired today's Present Thought at the sidebar)

That is an understatement.

It is such a ridiculous dance, no? You send resumes, hoping that someone will take mercy on your soul and grant you an interview. You sit and wait, wondering what is going on as your resume is passed from in-box to in-box. You wonder why no one has called or emailed you, thinking maybe your information was lost in some vortex. You check your mail, hoping you don't receive the dreaded "FU" letter.

You start to question your own ability and value.

What drives me crazy are the letters that state "Thank you for your resume. We will be in touch." I received a letter from one law scholl which stated:

Dear Professor Seeking Solace:

We are in receipt of your resume and cover letter for the position of Clinical Law Professor. We will review your qualifications to determine if you are a match with our search criteria.

Excuse me? Is this a job search or an application for Eharmony? Do they have 29 different dimensions of compatibility?

Would it be so hard for those involved in the process to give some indication of the process? I have to give credit to one University that I applied. In the letter, the search chair explained the time-line for thier search, from resume deadline to the granting of interviews. It was comforting to know that someone understood how stressful and frustrating the job search can be.

I sent a follow up e-mail to Alma Mater Law School regarding a position that is tailor made for me, except for the 10 years of experience in curriculum development. (Sorry, I was too busy practicing law. But, at least I did gain some experience at Former College).

Keep your fingers crossed.

Anastasia has this great music meme on her blog. I could not resist!

Name your top 10 most played bands from your music library.

1. Sarah McLachlan
2. Sheryl Crow
3. The Who
4. U2
5. Melanie Doane
6. Jimmy Buffett
7. Dave Matthews Band
8. Shawn Colvin
9. Bruce Springsteen
10. Barenaked Ladies

What was the first song you ever heard by #6?

Cheeseburger in Paradise when I was a kid. I had no clue who Jimmy Buffett was until I went to college and heard Margaritaville in a bar.

What is your favorite album of 2?

Come On, Come On. It has a classic rock sound.

What is your favorite lyric that 5 has sung?

So I have proved, some things can't be moved. And here I wait. But my faith is weak, and the water is creeping up to my chin.And I'm waiting for the tide to turn. Waiting for the tide to take me....away.

Waiting for the Tide by Melanie Doane

How many times have you seen 4 live?

Sadly, only once.

What is your favourite song by 7?

It's a tie between What Would You Say? and Grace is Gone.

What is a good memory you have involving the music of 10?

Their live shows are awesome. Part concert, part comedy! When I saw them in December 2006, they sang God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman. When it came to Sarah McLachlan's part, they announced "And now...Sarah McLachlan!" followed by "I wish!"

Is there a song of 3 that makes you sad?

Not really. They are not known for sad lyrics. But if I had to choose, I would say Behind Blue Eyes.

What is your favorite lyric that 2 has sung?

Strong Enough pretty much describes me. It totally explains my moody behavior. Especially the lyric

When I've shown you that I just don't care. When I'm throwing punches in the air. When I'm broken down and I cannot stand. Will you be man enough to be my man?

How did you get into 3?

They are Husband's favorite band. When we started dating in 1987, he introduced me to them. I have been a fan ever since.

What was the first song you heard by 1?

Possession. I became an instant fan.

What is your favorite song by 4?

One. I think it's the best song they have ever done.

How many times have you seen 9 live?

Twice. Awesome shows! The last show we saw was during the Rising tour. One of Husband's friends got the actual set let written in Springsteen's handwriting. We have a photocopy of it.

What is a good memory you have involving 2?

I saw Sheryl Crow last summer with John Mayer. Awesome show it was also an anniversary present from Husband.

Is there a song of 8 that makes you sad?

I'm Gone from These Four Walls.

What is your favorite album of 5?

Adam's Rib. It's an awesome disc.

What is your favorite lyric that 3 has sung?

That's hard, because Pete Townsend is one of the greatest songwriters. And the Who's songs are very conceptual. But one of my faves is from Baba O'Riley

Out here in the fields, I fight for my meals. I get my back into my living. I don't need to fight, To prove I'm right. I don't need to be forgiven.

Another fave is from Another Tricky Day:

(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.

What is your favorite song of 1?

It's a tie between Possession and Adia.

What is your favorite song of 10?

Jane. I also love Pinch Me.

How many times have you seen 8 live?

Once. Just her and her guitar at a small club. Awesome.

What is your favorite album of 1?

Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. It is one of those albums that you can play from start to finish without skipping a track.

What is a great memory you have considering 9?

It's not my memory, but Husband was at the concert in 1983 when Springsteen mentioned that President Regan had mentioned him in a speech. Springsteen's response was "I guess he never heard the Nebraska album!"

What was the first song you heard by 8?

Sunny Came Home.

What is your favorite cover by 2?

Sweet Child of Mine. Some versions of the Globe Session have it. She also does a great version of Led Zeppelin's Rock and Roll in her live shows.

I have been tagged by Brazen.

Ten Weird Things About Me:

1. I am extremely flexible. Even at age 39, I can still put both my legs behind my neck from a sitting position.
2. I can belch on command.
3. I eat dry cereal because I am mildly lactose intolerant.
4. I did not learn to tie my shoes until I was nine years old. Somehow, I just could not grasp the concept.
5. At least once a year, I fall down the stairs in my house.
6. I did not play with baby dolls as a kid (I did play with Barbie). Maybe that explains my lack of a mommy gene.
7. I hold conversations with the Boy.
8. As many of you know, I am biracial. My mom is of Polish and Croatian descent and my dad is Black, but many people think I am Asian Indian!
9. I love tomatoes but hate ketchup. And I love cucumbers but hate pickles.
10. I take five different medications a day for my numerous medical problems. I think I am a walking pharmacy!

OK, I am supposed to tag six people, so Pi, Chaser, Joy, Weezy, Bellona and Inside the Philosophy Factory you are up!

Yesterday was a beautiful day. It has been so bitterly cold lately, plus we have received about two feet of snow in the past week or so. So, I decided to take the Boy for a walk.

It was so nice to feel the warm sun on my face. And, it was about 35 degrees too!!! So, that did melt some of the snow. But there are some people in my neighborhood and on my walking route who refuse to shovel their sidewalks, despite the fact that there is a law which says that one has 24 hours to clear their sidewalks after a snowfall.. So, I have to trudge through about six inches of snow in some spots. I know there are some elderly people who cannot get out to shovel, but more often than not, it is mostly well able people who just don't do it. What are they waiting for...the eventual lawsuit that will result if someone slips and falls in front of thier home?

But, I digress....

It was an amazing time. The Boy had a blast. He does this thing where he uses his head to plow through a snow drift. Sometimes, he will just stop and roll in a snow drift. At one point, looked like a headless dog! I will try to get a pic of him doing this. It is simply hilarious.

Oh yeah, I had a good time too.

Did you miss me?

I took a few days off to spend some time with my mom. She was not feeling well, so I thought I would spend some time with her in Hometown. She is doing much better.

I have 197 new posts listed on Bloglines. Geez, you guys were busy talking among yourselves. And I didn't even have to give you a topic!!!!

Well, I have a lot of catching up to do...

ETA: For those of you who were wondering, I was unable to get tickets for the Police. Sadly, the show I wanted to attend sold out VERY quickly. The announced a second show, but no luck. They are adding shows, so there is hope...

Great big hugs to all of my bloggy friends out there!!!!!

Courtesy of the lovely Brazen

Your Candy Heart Says "Hug Me"

A total sweetheart, you always have a lot of love to give out. Your heart is open to where ever love takes you! Your ideal Valentine's Day date: a surprise romantic evening that you've planned out Your flirting style: lots of listening and talking What turns you off: fighting and conflict Why you're hot: you're fearless about falling in love

As seen at Arbitrista (formerly Publius

In 1968 (the year you were born)

Lyndon B. Johnson is president of the US North Koreans seize USS Pueblo and 83 man crew in the Sea of Japan Communist troops attack Saigon and 30 province capitals in the "Tet Offensive" Martin Luther King is assassinated in Memphis, TN Senator Robert F. Kennedy is shot in California after celebrating presidential primary victories American troops destroy a town in South Vietnam in the "My Lai Massacre" Peggy Fleming wins Olympics figure skating gold medal The United States Congress repeals the requirement for a gold reserve to back US currency Student protesters at Columbia University in New York City take over administration buildings and shut down the university LL Cool J, Lisa Marie Presley, Jeri Ryan, Lucy Lawless, Celine Dion, Traci Lords, Tony Hawk, Kylie Minogue, and Sammy Sosa are born Detroit Tigers win the World Series Green Bay Packers win Superbowl II Montreal Canadians win the Stanley Cup 2001: A Space Odyssey and Planet of the Apes are the top grossing movies The rock musical Hair opens on Broadway The Beatles' White Album and Simon and Garfunkel's Bookends are released Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, debuts on NBC

I spent part of yesterday wrapping up my law practice now that the Divorce from Hell is now over. It was just a mater of closing out the last file, sending the closing letter to the client, and contacting my insurance agent about my malpractice insurance. As I was working, Jimmy Buffett was singing "Changes in Attitude, Changes in Latitudes". It was the inspiration for my Present Thought located on the sidebar.

That's was pretty much it. No big fanfare, no tears.

I wrote a series of posts about leaving the legal profession last year. The decision to walk away was not easy. I thought I would have wrapped up much sooner. I think I wrote that I had officially closed the practice in December 2005, but the Divorce from Hell changed all that. Plus, it hard to let go of something that is a huge part of who you are. Something that you worked and sacrificed a great deal to achieve.

Don't get me wrong, I have some great memories of my stint as a practicing attorney. I have met some great people, who are not only peers but friends. I have also met some people that I honestly believe there is a special place in Hell earmarked for them. I have helped some people who really needed a voice. I have also given hell to some people who really needed to hear it.

And I am not going to lie, I made good money. But it was never about the money. Money means nothing when your soul isn't in it.

So, that's it. I plan to keep my licence current, just in case. But as far as practicing goes, that's all folks.

But, it has been one hell of a ride.

The Police have announced their tour dates.

Go here!!!

In honor of Valentine's Day, a little list of some of my favorite love songs.

• Your Song by Elton John (This is my and Husband's "song")
• Ice Cream by Sarah Mclachlan
• God Only Knows by The Beach Boys
• Iris by Goo Goo Dolls
• If You Don't Know Me By Now by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes
• My Girl by the Temptations
• Vision of Love by Mariah Carey
• Hello, It's Me by Todd Rundgren
• Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton
• I'm Not in Love by 10cc
• Open Arms by Journey

There are so many more... What are your faves???

The Boy loves the snow. When I let him out, the first thing he does is roll around in the snow. Even on days where it is below zero with frigid wind chill, he would be out there rolling and playing in the snow. In fact, I do not shovel a path for him in the backyard. He just uses his head as a snowplow and dives right in!

I am off to file the papers from the Divorce from Hell today. After that, I am free!!! Free from crazy clients. Free from arrogant and nasty attorneys. Free from malpractice insurance payments!!!!! I can now say that I am a former attorney. (More thoughts on this later.)

Husband is taking me out to lunch to celebrate. I think we are going to dine at our favorite Indian restaurant. They have an awesome lunch buffet.

WOOHOO!!!!!!!

ETA @ 2:00 PM EST: It's official...I am done!!!! And the Indian food was absolutely delish!!!

Husband found out that he is getting an end of year bonus. When his division of Big Computer Company was sold to Smaller Company, one of the things that he lost were the huge mid year and end of year bonuses that funded such wonderful vacations like Hawaii and Aruba. We have always saved for our vacations, mostly because we want to avoid getting into debt. So when these bonuses came around, it was, well, a bonus. So we while we were sad to see the bonuses go, it was not the worst thing in world.

But, now it looks like we are getting a bonus. Plus, we are getting a tax refund, something we NEVER get. So vacation here we come!!!

So, now the dilemma. Where to go???? We are thinking of going in March or April. I went through this last year, and you all out there in blog land were very helpful in your suggestions. So I am asking for your suggestions again. Here are some of the criteria that Husband and I must have:

• We love the beach!
• Warm weather, at least 80+ degrees.
• I like the idea of the all-inclusive. It is a little more expensive, but you don't have to worry about paying for anything. This is not a deal breaker, but would be nice.
• I don't like people bothering me or trying to sell me something while I am on the beach.
• We are not into touring too much. We just like to slug on the beach.

OK, inspire me!!!!!

I have received a couple of letters from potential employers, acknowledging the receipt of my resume. What is interesting is that many of them are address to "Dr. Seeking Solace."

I do not have a PhD. I have a JD. JD stands for Juris Doctor. Some also call it a Doctor of Jurisprudence. Does that mean I have the right to call myself Dr?

You can't hold a banjo and not smile!

• Dueling Banjos by Eric Weissberg
• Squeeze Box by the Who
• Take it Easy by the Eagles
• Goodbye Earl by the Dixie Chicks
• Angry Any More by Ani Di Franco
• Perfect World by the Indigo Girls
• Don't Come Around Here No More by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
• The Lucky One by Alison Krauss
• Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy) by Big and Rich
• On the Road Again by Willie Nelson
• I Know Why by Sheryl Crow

• I am not really into the game this year. Probably because my team is not in it this year. What is really funny is that people paid a ton of money to sit in the rain!!!!
• Is it just me or are the commercials really lame this year?????
• Prince was pretty cool. I liked the bluesy version of All Along the Watchtower.
• The Puppy Bowl is the best thing on TV!!!! The Boy is getting a kick out of watching the action!!! Here is the Boy watching TV!

GML just emailed me this pic of little Frankie! I guess he thinks the dishwasher is a spa!!!!

David Lee Roth is back with Van Halen. And, Eddie's kid is going to play bass on tour.

OK, I am taking bets. How long before Eddie kicks Dave out of the band AGAIN?!?

• The rodent did not see his shadow. For his sake, I hope he is right.
• I grew up near Punxsutawney, PA. Let me tell you, the people who made Groundhog Day got it so wrong!!!
• Thank you "ER" for interfering with my sleep last night. Great episode, but damn......
• Pink Cupcake is back!!!! Welcome back !!!!
• I got some good news on the "Divorce from Hell" front. The judge signed the judgment!!!! The court is going to mail it to me today. So, all that is left is to make the copies and file it. Then, this madness will be over! That means only one month of malpractice insurance payments!!!!!
• I have been a bad girl on the workout front.
• GML appreciates all the comments about her new baby! She is one proud mom!!

Some of you may recall that my friend, GML, lost her beloved Zoey last month. (She and her husband really appreciated all the comments!). Well, GML and her husband are the proud parents of a baby boy...

Frankie is a nine week old Golden Retriever. According to GML, he is a very good puppy. He sleeps through the night and has absolutely no fear. And he loves the snow!!!! This is my favorite pic.

GML's other boy, Eli Blue, is having a tough time with his new little brother. He wants know when Frankie is going home! It's funny because Zoey acted the same way when Eli came to live with the family!

I can't wait until summer. Eli and the Boy are buddies, so I am sure there will be some tail wagging fun when Frankie joins the mix!