Weekly Report

Well, this is no way to grow a blog! Dear readers, I am still making the adjustment to my new job. I've gone from a job where leaving at 4 was "staying late" to a career where getting home at 7 means I still have several hours of work to do. BIG CHANGE. This weekend, I was so exhausted that I spent most of the day Saturday in bed surrounded by my kiddies.

Speaking of the kiddies, this has also been a big change for them. Keep them in your prayers- it has been hard explaining to them why I can't pick them up anymore or take them to school most days because I have to go to work early. Strategically, I took this job because I wanted to be able to do more for them. I hold on to that knowledge when I question this commitment. I pray that once the dust settles, I can find a balance that works for everyone.

Speaking of balance, I have come to the realization that I need help. I am currently putting ads on Craigslist and asking around for a good daily babysitter, and a part-time cook and housekeeper. When I'm home, I want to be mommy. Not stressed about preparing dinner or trying to mop the kitchen floor. I used to consider these things pretentious. Now I consider them the cost of doing business.

The good news- I really like this job. My coworkers seem like smart, down to earth people and the work (so far) is interesting. My goal is to become a great attorney. I believe that I have found the right firm to achieve it.

Excellence is deliberate and life is about balance. Those are the themes of this blog and I hope to be able to write more often once my schedule stabilizes (and I don't have to spend my evening hours writing briefs and doing research).

Have a great week!

One Week Down....

Hello Dear Readers!
I made it through my first week!  I have been too pooped to keep you updated, but hopefully, that will change as I adjust to my new schedule. This blog is definitely under construction- most of which takes place inside my head.  I am giving a great deal of thought to the direction I'd like to take in the coming months as I adjust to the new job, prepare for the Bar,  and generally try to budget my limited time in the evenings between family life, "home-work" and me time.  The good news is that I am more excited about this blog than ever and I have great expectations for its growth over the coming months.  The challenging part will be making it happen. Please bear with me while I make some adjustments that may require me to limit posting for awhile.  Know that the blog is always in my thoughts and I would LOVE to hear from you whenever you feel like leaving a comment.

Excellence is Deliberate-  I know that now more than ever.

Take care!

My First Day of Work

 Today was my first official day of work.  I spent it in training at another office.

1. Blue suit and pearls.  CHECK.
2. Three and a half hours of individual computer training on fascinating subjects like how to use email and save documents. CHECK.
3. One hour lunch/ pep-talk with partners and local restaurant. CHECK.
4. Two hour tour of firm library and lecture on how to save money doing online research. (Access to certain databases is up to $24.00 per minute) CHECK.
5. Ten minute introduction/welcome to firm conversation with Managing Partner.
6. Thirty minute presentation on short/long term disability benefits. CHECK.
7. One hour of awkward introductory banter with random attorneys/staffers/passersby at every doorway and cubicle in the place. CHECK.
8. Five minute trip to the bathroom to enjoy a snickers bar in peace. CHECK.

Day one is in the books. I survived:)
Tomorrow I get to do it all over again in the office where I will actually work.

This Blog is Still Active (in case your were wondering)

In a word ... BUSY.  I never thought two weeks would pass before I would make time to update this blog.  Sorry for the delay. Here's a quick update on things I coulda/shoulda/would've been blogging about since we last spoke:

On the Mommy Front:

• My oldest son turned SIX.  Major milestone for our family.  My baby is six!!  I only have 12 more years to get him ready for the world.  He also came in first place in the poetry category of a Spanish contest at his school and played Abraham Lincoln in the Kindergarten production of "America. "  Two more proud mommy moments.
• We found a new pre-school for my youngest son. Honestly, it is almost criminal what a difference money can make when it comes to educational opportunities for our children.  NIGHT and DAY.  We thank God for his current school, because they were there when we needed them and they were all we could afford.  I will always be grateful for the care they have shown both our boys and the understanding they have shown us when we needed it.  But I am so glad that he will be moving on to a school instead of a "day care" in the near future. 

On the Career Front:

• I wrapped up my old job and said my goodbyes. Not sure what to make of the fact that more of my coworkers told me they were jealous than happy for me. In the end, several folks really came through with sweet parting gifts and well wishes and my exit interview was basically an open invitation to return anytime. 
• I officially submitted my application to sit for the July 2011 Bar Exam!!  This accomplishment single handedly monopolized 80% of my non-work time since I last posted on this blog.   The application itself is over 50 pages long and basically requires detailed information about every aspect of my life except my (non-mental) medical history.  I had to provide more than 20 names of references and none of them could be former supervisors.  Driving records. Transcripts. Fingerprints.  Certificates of Good Standing from other jurisdictions where I am licensed.  Old bar application. BRUTAL.   Passing the Bar Exam is the centerpiece of my career goals for 2011, so this is the first of  many posts on the subject.

That's a quick update.  I'm sitting here full of nervous energy because tomorrow is my first day of work at the new gig.  Excited? Yes.  Nervous? A little.  Eager? Of course.  If I'm not too pooped at the end of it all, I'll report back tomorrow with an update.

Excellence is Deliberate!