Law Students

Dear red tape - enough already!

Posted on May 18, 2009
My physical therapist told me her goal is to make me as comfortable as possible until the surgery. I am currently going to p.t. for lumbar traction twice a week and she recommended that I get a take-home lumbar traction machine for the other days. After my last appointment, she handed me a piece of paper that had three steps (1) call insurance company; (2) give them this code; and (3) ask them these two questions...

When physical pain leads to emotional turmoil

Posted on April 30, 2009
This has all happened so gradually that I didn?t really notice it. I have been living with pain for months and was obviously well aware of what it was doing to me physically. But it was not until recently that I comprehended the extent of what the pain was really doing to me...

I popped out of bed.

Posted on January 28, 2009
For months now, getting out of bed has been one of the more dramatic parts of my day. Despite my top of the line mattress and sleeping on my side with a pillow between my legs (doctor recommended) - I still wake up in pain. The worst part is physically moving my body off the bed...

Fear

Posted on January 27, 2009
I am having a cortizone epidural in my spine today and I am scared.I am not scared of the local anesthetic. I am not scared of the large epidural needle. I am not scared of the fact that they have to move over my sciatic nerve to get to my herniated disc...

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A glimpse inside of me

Posted on November 14, 2008
I've been miserable and whiney for months now. I won't say "depressed" - but definitely miserable. Granted, some may say I've had good reason (see, dissolution of my lawfirm). As if that was not enough, I have also been dealing with this crippling back paid...

Sentimental First Year

Posted on September 24, 2008
Today marks one year to the day that I began as an associate at my law firm. Time sure does fly. Most of you who know me (or know where I work) are aware, there is some looming uncertainty about the future. I refuse to allow today to be about that. Today is about the fact that I work with an amazing group of people doing things I truly love doing...

Fried

Posted on September 09, 2008
I am feeling the brain-fried levels of stress I felt during my first ever law school exams. (Like when I made a grilled cheese sandwich but forgot to remove the plastic wrapper.) Yeah.Yesterday, partner handed me edits on one of the summary judgment motions...

Why I have not written...

Posted on September 06, 2008
I looked at my "To Do" list and realized I was having some trouble prioritizing. It seemed like everyone wanted his/her stuff done immediately. I spent all week watching the pile of assignments grow all the while trying to warn these partners that I was already swamped and beginning to drown...

Titleless

Posted on August 04, 2008
Hello? Anyone out there? Can't blame you if you're not. But if you are, well then, hello! I have a lot to say, but not really much to say at all. Instead, I figured I would update/bore you with what is going on over here.First off, the "Killer Socialization Project 2008" has been overwhelmingly successful...

This lawyer thing is hard

Posted on July 25, 2008
I had to deal with my first ever unhappy client this week. Not fun. A friend summed it up quite nicely: "gotta love climbing the steep learning curve without a safety net."

Something to read

Posted on July 20, 2008
Remember this time last year...when I was gearing up for a big trip. Ah, travel, how I miss thee. Anyway, since I am apparently too busy to travel, blog, sleep, etc., I figured I'd introduce my fair readers to friends of mine who are traveling this summer...

Second Amendment

Posted on June 25, 2008
The Supreme Court should be handing down their opinion on the D.C. gun ban case this week. (They didn't do it on Monday which leaves today and tomorrow.) My quick and dirty prediction - an individual right to bear arms with a rational basis review for any restrictions on that right & SCOTUS kicks it back to DC to scrutinize the law...

One liner of the day.

Posted on June 23, 2008
Me: The judge did what? Are you kidding?Partner: If you are thinking of jumping out the window, please hold it open because I'm going to join you.(After finding out that judge moved our hearing up from July 7 to June 27 - which for those of you without a calendar handy is this Friday...

Why I have the best secretary in the world

Posted on June 20, 2008
Work yesterday was one of those super busy days where at least one person on every assignment in my stack needed something done. I was getting emails from clients and partners all day. The problem is that I spent from 8:30am to 3:30pm at a client site so I was not really available to work on anything else...

Celebrity sighting

Posted on June 14, 2008
Apparently I'm the first person in over 20 years of his doing this that has asked to wear the coat. Whoda thought?

I'm "outing" myself

Posted on June 10, 2008
Here goes: I have decided to become a runner. Yep, I had one of those "I've found something I want to accomplish, I'm up for the challenge, and come hell or high water, I will get this done!" moments. And in that moment, I decided that I want to become a runner...

Went to fill my car up this morning

Posted on June 09, 2008
Decided it would be a better financial move to wait until my next paycheck.

Celebrating my heritage

Posted on May 04, 2008
Hope you have a Killer Cinco de Mayo my friends.

Quick updates

Posted on April 17, 2008
Sorry for not keeping you loyal readers posted on my daily goings on. I realize this three-week blog down time is unacceptable but I'm going to need some extra time in my day to keep up over here. I have gotten a few emails asking how things are going so here are some quick updates...

Welcome D.C. Sport's Chicklet!

Posted on April 17, 2008
Our very own little bitty D.C. Sports Chicklet arrived this evening, three weeks ahead of schedule. No surprise that this little one would pop out early considering the Caps are in the midst of some important games. Anyway, mom and dad are doing well (although truth be told mom sounded a little out of it when I talked to her;-) I present Kalina Grace:What a gorgeous little gal...

Simply Amazing

Posted on March 31, 2008
Welcome Home.Red carpeted arrivalRed White & Blue balloon archesJazz bandsSold out stadiumBen's Chili Bowl halfsmokes Curly "W" pretzels Beer in souvenier Nats cups Enormous American flags F-16 flyoverPresidential first pitchBaseball-shaped Washington Post standsTeddy getting lost during the President's raceHelmet sundaes (albeit the wrong teams)Snuggling under a blanketGame-winning homerun in the bottom of the 9th !!!Welcome Home.

Help! Need help car shopping

Posted on March 28, 2008
As an American, in an attempt to boost our economy, I have decided to purchase a new car. This is a pretty big decision that mostly came about because my 10-year-old Ford Explorer is telling me that he's done. And by "telling", I mean, squeaking and grinding and refusing to allow me to unlock his doors...

Satellite terminals, hail storms and terrorist dogs...

Posted on March 17, 2008
...otherwise known as my weekend.Prelude: I spent quite a bit of time and money preparing for this weekend's trip. The sole purpose: to pick up Killer from Louisiana. In January, I booked a flight where I could have him in the cabin with me. I had my travel agent follow up twice with Delta to confirm all the details...

Just when things were settling down...

Posted on March 13, 2008
My life is about to get turned upside down. But in a good way. My favorite little guy in the whole world is coming live with me. Starting Sunday, I will be sharing my apartment with a chihuahua named Killer. I'm nervous about the transition, but I am so excited that I finally get him...

I can't write about it

Posted on March 09, 2008
This has been the worst week ever. I have no doubt I will look back on this week in years to come and tell the stories about how bad this week was. I'm willing to predict that for the rest of my career as an associate, no week will ever compare to this one...

Karma's got my back

Posted on February 04, 2008
I am sometimes amazed at the level of jackassedness I encounter on my morning metro ride. I got onto the metro during rush hour and luckily there were a few seats. Of course, there were also a few folks that obviously never got the metro-etiquitte memo...

Ch-ch-changes

Posted on January 31, 2008
I'm not ignoring you. I just don't know what to say. I used to have a blog that people read. I used to have interesting things to say (at least I think so). I used to have an anonymity that I could hide behind allowing me to express myself openly through writing...

New little guy

Posted on January 14, 2008
Best...letter...ever!

Washington Post unfair?

Posted on January 03, 2008
Last night as I was switching lines over at Metro Center, I noticed bunches of WMATA workers posting up signs like this: My first thought was "oh come on! everyone has to protest something in this damn town." Then I wondered if I had missed the declaration of war between WMATA and the Washington Post? As I watched them hang these enormous posters and banners, I wondered who was footing the bill for these huge very nicely designed posters...

It's been quite a year

Posted on December 31, 2007
In a phone conversation last night, a friend said "wow, you have really had a horrible year." I thought woah, wait, huh, no...I've had a great year. I guess things lately have been less than rosey and that has tainted what was arguably one of the best years of my life...

Holiday reflections

Posted on December 25, 2007
Five days at Disney with the family...very different as an adult...disappointed by an old friend...so much love for my nieces...Ann Marie is me...Jessie cuddles up on my chest...family interactions give me insight into myself...Return home to work...wow, DC is home now...

We love our football!

Posted on December 21, 2007
This is priceless!I, personally, am working on a super-important brief due the following day. Perhaps I should notify my team that I will be unavailable the evening before.

I am alive

Posted on December 16, 2007
Sorry for the absence guys, I went on a pre-Christmas vacation and completely forgot to update the health status before my departure.I am still battling this post-op infection. For those keeping track, we are at 3.5 weeks now. Still on antibiotics, still have a scar-tissue-infection bump on my jaw, bump is still pressing on the nerve which means I still have no feeling in my bottom lip or chin...

Misery

Posted on November 29, 2007
I can admit when I am wrong. (I can also find ways to shift blame...stupid doctor!) So, my brilliant plan to schedule oral surgery right before Thanksgiving to avoid missing work...well, that fell through. In fact, today is Thursday (one week and one day since surgery) and not only did I miss Thanksgiving, but I still have not returned to work...

No Turkey for you!

Posted on November 20, 2007
Actually, no turkey for me.I'm getting my wisdom teeth pulled tomorrow. The day before Thanksgiving. Before you say "oh, you poor thing" like everyone else, I should tell you that I am looking forward to this.I will not have to travel on the busiest travel days of the year...

Amicus blog for DC gun case*

Posted on November 14, 2007
(Alternate title - My Two Cents: Added to the Already Overflowing Piggy Bank)Dear Supreme Court of the United States,As I am sure you are well aware, especially after your private Friday meeting last week, the Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit struck down D...

Inspiring

Posted on October 26, 2007
I am inspired by people. Not all people, of course, but some people. I like to look around and take note of what I can learn from others. Sometimes I watch strangers and just wonder what it is that they could bring into my life if I knew them. This also helps me to appreciate the amazing people I do have in my life...

Well that's annoying

Posted on October 23, 2007
I got a 7:30 AM phone call this morning! Normally, this would be a dire emergency in my life. Family, work, friend, etc. It was a lady from the doctor's office about an appointment I had three weeks ago. I got a tad nervous.Her: "Ms. B, I am calling in reference to your appointment on October 1...

How I found out.

Posted on October 18, 2007
(Alternative title: Why my attorney photo is going to rock.)It's 10:35am on October 17, 2007.I'm sitting at my desk trying to get some work done when an outlook pop up reminds me that my attorney photo will be taken in 15 minutes. I put on some lipstick, check the mirror and hope that my hair is okay...

Pretty soon, if you google my full

Posted on October 17, 2007
Pretty soon, if you google my full name, a new website is gonna come up....because I PASSED THE BAR!!!HUGE thanks for everyone's support.And HUGE congrats to my girls Schwartz & Arianna for passing!!!

BAR WARS

Posted on October 15, 2007
While we wait with baited breath, at least we are entertained. This is downright amazing!Thanks to the Floridian over at JDUnderground for the heads up:-)

Results

Posted on October 12, 2007
I'm freaking out with the rest of you. Once this 2,539 pound weight is lifted from my shoulders, perhaps I can get it together to post something here. Until then, I will just keep pushing refresh.

Australia (post-Sydney)

Posted on September 20, 2007
After we left Sydney (with new Camera in tow), we headed north to CAIRNS. Not sure how or why we got it in our head that a trip to Cairns meant beachy time, but there are not actually any beaches there. Well, there was a big man-made lagoon with large metal fish but the nearest beaches were a 30 minute bus ride and they really weren't all that...

One of the more amazing things I saw on vacation

Posted on September 17, 2007
About an hour or so of the coast of north Australia......after snorkeling over the Great Barrier Reef with Nemo......upon returning to the boat......the nice bartender man shows me this......in a can. Simply amazing.

Home sweet home

Posted on September 16, 2007
After 44 days with 15 flights to 8 countries, I am back in the U. S. of A. I had the most memorable six weeks of my life but it is really good to be home. I don't start working for a week, so have some time to organize pictures and process my thoughts...

Bleave me

Posted on September 07, 2007
Gee, now the keyboard is all in Greek. And I thought Turkey was bad. Actually, Turkey was nice. Quite nice.Due to "snafu" at the airport (read: we were a day late for our flight out of Dubai), our time in Istanbul was cut short. I had just enough time to meet a nice Turkish boy, have our first date, meet each others friends, have our first fight, have him tell me that he loves me and ask me to marry him...

Dubai is heaven

Posted on August 28, 2007
Honestly, after 4 days in Delhi, I'm pretty sure anywhere would be heaven right now, but Dubai has been good to us so far. We only arrived last night but were quick to notice the stark contrast. I am going to be honest and say that right now, money is surely buying my happiness...

I am alive

Posted on August 22, 2007
I am soooo sorry. (Especially to those of you who have emailed concerned about my lack of posting.) I am alive and doing just fine, but sweating buckets. I am typing this from a tiny internet cafe in Chiang Mai. Since everything on the screen (minus my writing) is in odd characters, I have no idea if this will work or not...

G'day from Australia!

Posted on August 11, 2007
Wow. Sydney. Not sure where to begin. How about night one when my trip was colored a little grey by the theft of my camera. My really nice camera. My camera with pictures of Hawaii and the Sydney Harbour from the airplane. Yep, stolen right off my table at the bar...

Mahalo Hawai'i

Posted on August 06, 2007
When K and I arrived in Honolulu, we were actually quite surprised at the lack of stereotypical Hawai'i. No one met us at the airport with leis. No beautiful women were hula dancing. In fact, since we arrived so late on Wednesday, we had dinner at a pizza place as we watched hookers mulling around in front of us...

The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow!

Posted on July 31, 2007
Too bad I won't really be seeing the sun tomorrow since I'll be on planes all day long. However, when the sun comes out Thursday, I'll be there to soak up those rays on a beach in Honolulu. For the next six weeks, I'm on vacation. A real true vacation...

Decompression

Posted on July 28, 2007
Wow.As one of my dear friend's away message says right now "there are no words." There really are not. But I'll try. I've been decompressing and talking things over with other fellow bar exam takers and one thing is certain, we all feel pretty much the same...