Fight One In Four

So I'm  back from the big apple and exhausted. I promise to share my adventures tomorrow, but today I want to share someone and something that is near and dear to my heart. Today is a guess blog from my Miss Texas titleholder.

Meet Anna Combrink, Miss McKinney 2012. Anna is a sophomore psychology major at UTA. As part of the Miss Texas Pageant, each titleholder must have a platform. This is an issue they are passionate about and speak on. Anna's platform is Fight One in Four: Sexual Assualt Awareness. So, without further ado, here's Anna!

Hi, I’m Anna, Miss McKinney 2012 and blogger at Owls and Lace. I like to wear many hats. But my favorite hat to wear is probably the one that has to do with my platform, Fight One in Four. That’s the one where I get to advocate for a cause that means so much to me.

In America, a fourth of all girls are sexually assaulted by the age of eighteen. It’s also been estimated that 17.7 million women in the United States will become a victim of sexual assault or attempted sexual assault in their lifetimes. This is ridiculous. Especially when you realize that the majority of those women know their attackers.

This is where my platform, Fight One in Four, comes in. My sophomore year of high school someone really close to me was assaulted. And I didn’t know how to handle it at all. So I got on the computer and did what I do best, I googled. But it’s not something people really talk about.  So I decided I would become the resource, any way possible.

I talked to counselors at the women’s shelter, read books, got in contact with RAINN and learned everything I could about how different victims responded. And then I created an advocacy group that not only raised awareness for the prevalence of sexual assault in America, but also taught other people what to do if someone they knew was assaulted. Like always listening and being supportive, not casting blame on the victim in any way (For example saying “Well, were you wearing something that made him think you were interested?”) and how to deal with your own emotions. Something most people don’t know is that in rape there is more than one victim. Secondary victims are the family and friends of the primary victim, and they often deal with just as many emotions as the primary does, however they feel like it’s not a justified emotion since it didn’t directly happen to them. But you handle them the exact same way. Just like it’s not the victim’s fault, it’s not the family or friends fault. No one is to blame but the assaulter who made the chose to ignore her lack of consent.

Another thing I do is support victims who are dealing with their case. I’m not a licensed therapist, so I obviously can’t counsel them, but I can be a friend, and sometimes that’s what they need. Whether it’s bringing them a little present on the day of their testimony or just staying up talking to them when they’re being chased by bad memories.  

If you want to find out more about Fight One in Four or just helping out with the cause you can find me here or learn more at RAINN.org.

Confessional Friday

TGIF! Now it's time to confess with Leslie @ A Blonde Ambition.

1. I'm headed to NYC today and  have no qualms about the fact that I am leaving the office early to catch a plan or that the motion I have been paving must go out today (but prepared me as already printed out all pertinent parts and is just awaiting the actual motion to be done) and that if I'm gone not my problem (ok, yes it totally my problem and again I have prepared in advance)
2. that I realize #1 was much more than a confession but in reality was my sense of fear that I will get fired if I'm not here when said motion needs to go out.
3. I'm a worrier.... no really you didn't get that from #1 or 2?
4. I have turned some of the secretaries and paralegals onto my shoe obsession.... and now I will turn you onto it too. I am addicted to Poetic Licence shoes.. .check them out. They are a little quirky, but oh so cute.
5. I still listen to the same radio morning show that I did in elementary school. Sad that I know everything about these people.
6. I'm get to argue my first motion next week and I'm excited and terrified all at once!
7. Grey's Anatomy still gets me everytime.. I mean someone does not pass their boards? The Chief got it on w/ Harper Avery? Kepner lost her V-card to Dr. Hotty Avery? And Alex and his soft spot for women... come on!
8. Social media tends to blow things out of proportion, i.e. the media circus caused by the Yankees announcer who crucified a couple for not seeing a crying boy when they caught a foul ball at Wednesday's Ranger game... come on people.... get the facts before you  post! The couple had no idea the little one was upset....

Come on ladies, confess with me! And tune in Monday for a guest post by Miss McKinney 2012 talking about her platform Fight One in Four. ~The Illegal Blonde

It's Ok Thursday

Wow, its Thursday again! This week has flown by for me! I leave for NYC in 24 hours!!!! So here it is It's Ok Thursday with Neely and Amber! So... It's ok

• to eat out every day for lunch when you are meeting good friends
• that during hot yoga when I was supposed to be concentrating on me I was mentally packing for NYC
• to love who you want, no matter the color, religion, or sex of that person
• to be super excited for TCU football season.. Hello Big 12!
• to have counted down the minutes until i could buy season football tickets
• to not like Dance Moms: Miami, I totally miss Abby!
• that even though Glee has gone a little too far out, I still watch because of the songs
• that #ToddlersAndTiaras cracks me up every time, where do they find these people!?!
• to work out really hard this week so I can EAT in NYC!
• that I kiss my Chloe pup before hubs when I get home... right?
• that I feel like I actually know all the people whose blogs I read and feel a tad let down when they miss a day... ( I mean come on how do I know your every move if you don't post?)

What's ok with you today? And Next week I'm introducing you to a new guest blogger! In the meantime check Anna out over at Owls & Lace! ~The Illegal Blonde

Soul Mates

It's time to get a little waxing poetic on you all. Today's topic: soul mates. This came up in coversation with a friend of mine and it really got me thinking: do we have just one soul mate?

 Yes, I'm happily married to hubs, and we share lots of things, but my friend got me thinking that perhaps your soul mate doesn't have to be the one you marry, or even someone you romantically love. I decided I liked this, and it made sense.

Webster's defines the soul as "the immaterial essence, animating principle, or actuating cause of an individual life," "the spiritual principle embodied in human beings, all rations and spiritual beings, or the universe," or "the moral and emotional nature of human beings." Mate is "one of a pair," or "companion." So its the person who is your coordinating essence. But who says this has to be your partner in life, or even just one person?

I believe that my best friend K is one of my soul mates. She gets me, she can know what Im thinking before I say it, and often thinks, and feels for me. She knows what I need to hear v. what I want to hear, and well she just rocks.

My friend C is my intellectual soul mate. We similar back stories, life experiences, and thoughts. Conversations with C often complete themselves because we just connect on a different level.

V well she is def my soul mate, but because she brings out the best of me. She has instilled in me the true essence of who I should be.

And hubs, well duh he is my soul mate, I married him! He is the ying to my yang, he balances me out and balances our relationship. He's steady and exacting. He sees the practical day-to-day to my big picture (Im forest, he's trees). He reinforces my morals and keeps my emotions in check (tough job, someone should give that man a medal).

So, yes I believe we have soul mates, but I am of the opinion that we have more than one. And we might have some that have come and gone and ones we may never meet. Its those people who complete you. Who are your soul mates? (and thank them, cause sheesh they put up with you but choice! lol) ~The Illegal Blonde

There is no "I" in Team

I was reminded again yesterday that practice of law is not always glamorous or fun. It was one of those days when a motion had to go out and it included a zillion parts and well pieces of paper! So there I sat in my large office, with my degree on the wall sorting papers... So Law & Order right... WRONG! There was a split second where I wanted to scream this is not what I went to school for, but I remembered that not all things in any job are glamorous or fun.

It's the small, seemingly mundane tasks that go noticed. When you help to get something out the door, or compile lists, designations excerpts, and even alphabetize. People recognize when you are a team player. I admit its more fun to draft an awesome motion or response, but there is something to be said about the "thank you" you receive when you help someone else out.

It shows you are committed to the job and can see the bigger picture. People are more willingly to give you other projects when they see you are more than happy to draft that affidavit or sort through a 100+ page depo. Plus, when its billable it doesn't matter what it is, right?!

And don't forget tomorrow is Adminstrative Professional's Day. Take time to thank your secretary, paralegal, runner, or whomever is there to support you. I am no better a lawyer than the wonderful people who support me. ~The Illegal Blonde

Wine, Wildflowers and Friends!

I arrived safely back from a fun and relaxing Girls' Trip 2012! In case you missed it, I have a great group of girl friends who are a mix of sorority sisters and TCU alumna who embark upon the Texas Hill Country Wine & Wildflower tour every spring. We head out Friday morning enjoying wineries along the way, spend the night in Fredericksburg at a B&B and then head out again Saturday.

Friday we toured Solara, Buena Vista and Salt Lick, yes they also have a winery in Dripping Springs. I loved Solara, the view was great and we enjoyed a picnic spread. (ok well more of an indoor lunch since it was pouring down rain)

Next stop was Salt Lick. Most known for its BBQ, it now has a winery in Dripping Springs. The grounds were gorgeous, but the tasting room was very small. Then we ended our tour with a stop at Buena Vista. This was great, though it was not as scenic, they also have olive trees and we did an olive oil tasting as well. I had never done one and let me tell you it was great! I got some blue cheese stuffed olives for the hubs and a great bottle of white!

Then we headed into Fred for a little rest and checked into our super cute B&B. This is part of the fun of this trip, enjoying a different B&B each year. This one was large and we each had our own bed! (how lucky for us).

We enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant and then headed in to bed.

The next day we woke up and just enjoyed out morning. This group of ladies has been friends for quite some time now, and some of them have been friends since childhood. It was fun this time because we now have 4 married among us and one has an 11 month old. My friend Lou's mom joins us and is the tour guide/greatest cook ever and she talked with us in the morning and I think she was amazed and how much we have all grown up. Heck, I think we surprised ourselves. Long gone is the boys/hair/make up and instead the convos ranged from politics/religion/marriage/raising kids, thought I admit we did look up all our names in urbandictionary just for kicks and some MAJOR giggles.

Comfort, TX

The pugs!

Me and S Roz

Saturday included two more wineries and a stop in Luckenbach! Can't miss this place, home of Gruene Dance Hall! One of our stops was Comfort, Texas. Our first stop.... old fashioned ice cream parlor! Yup, we had not even had lunch, but we all got a cone and enjoyed. We then toured the antique shops and even met these super cute pugs who lived in one of the shops. These guys had their own rooms and even performed on command!

We had another fab picnic at Singing Waters where we again enjoyed great conversations and even spotted a couple of cross-dressers. Yes, the definitely led to some great topics of conversation.  The night ended with  later dinner (b/c they lost our reservation) and more great catching up.

Mama C and Me enjoying some live music 

We headed home Sunday and back to reality! All in all, it was a great trip and much needed girl time with some of my best friends. Hope you all had a great weekend, and if you ever get the chance you should head down to the Texas Hill Country and enjoy some Texas wine! ~The Illegal Blonde

Friday's Letters

 A little late, but here we go!

Dear Hubs - Thank you for saying I'm sorry even when I know you don't want to. Dear Chloe - Please stop digging in the backyard and eating my petunias! If you're bored, we will get you some new toys, but leave mommy's flowers alone. Dear Girlfriends - We are on our annual trip! Yay! So far it has been a blast and I cannot wait to share the rest of this trip with you ladies! Dear MIL - Thank you for listening to me vent/talk last night about random things. Dear Hubs - When Smash is one, don't try to have a conversation with me, its futile. Dear Work - Please do not fire me for taking one personal day. I know I have only been employed for a couple months, but I need this! Dear New Office - I love you.

Have a fabulous weekend all! I will be continuing my tour of Texas hill country wineries with my fabulous friends! ~The Illegal Blondehttp://comeoneileen86.blogspot.com/2012/04/fridays-letters_20.html

It's Ok? Thursday {Link Up}

Today's It's Ok, linking up as always with Amber! It ok....

• to feel stressed out that I'm missing work tomorrow for a non-work event, right? Cause I am. Seriously, the thought of not billing hours and somehow being fired is killing me....
• that I put tons of thing in my "shopping bag" online but never actually buy them.
• that I love my new office, but miss my old next door neighbor (just not the same w/o shouting hello to AP)
• to tell your titleholder to stand up straight even when you do not always do it. Do as I say not as I do, right?
• to be ecstatic to spend the next three days with my gorgeous, wonderful friends visiting wine in the Texas hill country (but secretly going to miss hubs and the furry baby)
• to nod at the partner while he explains something to you and agree and then google what the heck he was talking about
• to not be able to find the answer to legal issues... I mean contrary to popular belief, there is not answer to everything (hint hint law school profs!)
• that i have cried twice this week on my way to work because im just in a funk!

What's ok with you? ~The Illegal Blonde

Who's Your Doppleganer?

 

Yup, I caved and have linked up for this one. I've never been told I look like anyone famous so this was kind of exciting for me. I decided to give it a whirl with three different photos. Here are the results:

 

1. My headshot from Miss Texas circa 2007...., eh not a fan of any of these but not bad

 

 2. Law School Graduation circa May 2011... Yes Ben Kingsley.... Don't ya see it? Renee maybe,  but who is that lady on the end?

3.But here is my favorite. My wedding day... ya know the day you think you look the most gorgeous in the world and savor forever? Yes Jan. 2011.... and the results? ALL MEN!!!  I would say I should fire my make-up girl, but its my sister, and well she did a great job! I am convinced this thing is rigged to  make you laugh and yes at yourself!

Happy Wednesday all!

Lawyering

So I'm often asked what its like to "lawyer" or my family will ask how lawyering went today. I'm not sure how many TV dramas people watch, but no I do not represent criminal, I do not spend time in the jail brokering deals,  nor do I spend time in the courthouse.

I spend my days researching issues, drafting motions and discovery, and responding to opposing counsel's motions... aka I write a lot. I also do other random things like find documents that contain certain words or find a case that says xyz and was most likely heard in such and such year... (you new lawyers know what I am talking about). But mostly I'm learning about what it means to practice law. It's so not what they teach you in law school.

No one stops to teach you how to draft discovery or write a motion and yes you may learn what terms means, or what some of the various motions do, but no one teaches you to draft them and do it well! No one teaches you what it's like to bill hours, to think about what you are doing ever 6 minutes, or didn't do. Law school doesn't tell you about filing at midnight or juggling several cases for several partners. They fail to mention what its like to exist in a firm. They try to tell you, but its hard to explain.

What they do teach you in law school is to think, rethink, and think again. Question why things are they way they are and to never stop. Look at every issue and look at it again.

The practice of law is just that, you practice every day, hoping to achieve perfection. But law is an ever changing, ever evolving concept. Each judgment rendered is a potential new twist and turn to the law.

So, as you're reading this, I'm not going all Alex Cabot on someone, I'm sitting in my new-to-me, with the Aggie-colored carpet office billing typing away! ~The Illegal Blonde

Oh What a Weekend!

So I had quite the weekend! It included playing mom to two young women, big hair, pageant walking, and moving.

I spent Saturday and Sunday morning with my pageant girls! This was Spring Meeting and they had a blast. It brought back memories from my days of competing, but so much better! This meeting was fun and informative. The new directors are awesome and have secured some great sponsors for the girls including shoes by Jessica Simpson and Sketchers and some cute opening number gowns! I sure did not get that great stuff when I competed! But overall I hope my queenies feel more informed and excited about pageant week. My Miss also got quite the lesson in Texas teasing and poofing and my teen learned the greatness of eyeliner & mascara (and a great pair of heels, oh what it does for the legs!). Love my girls and am so proud of them!

My Teen & Miss!

Sunday, after pageant, I headed home to my hubs and pupppers. Oh how I miss them when I'm away (but I admit a whole king-sized bed to myself for a night was great). Came home did a few loads of laundry and then headed to... work. But, not to work, well not that work, but to move offices! Yup! I got a small upgrade. We are playing a little office switch-a-roo and I got new digs! Promise to show pics soon, but I wish I had a before shot... From manly office to women's corner! Though I did have great help from hubs and my puppy-girl.

Then we headed to the-inlaws for a little grandparent time (Chloe loves her grandparents) and mexican food! All-in-all it was a fun-filled, whirlwind weekend. Here's to a great week in the new office! ~The Illegal Blonde

Confessional Friday {Link Up}

Linking up with Leslie for Confessional Friday! So, let's dish:

• I cheated on Starbucks this morning with a local place called Scooter's. It's actually a frozen yogurt and coffee shop... I have passed it every morning on my way to work and have been wanting to stop and so this morning I did. I opted for no yogurt, but got a non-fat, sugar-free mocha for waaay less than S's. YUM!
• I may have dozed off for a split second at work yesterday afternoon... shhh don't tell any of my bosses! I was reading an expert report and clearly it was less than thrilling.
• I have been interviewing expert witnesses for a case I'm helping with and we all know how afraid I am of talking on the phone... well fear either conquered yesterday or made worse...
• Today starts Miss Texas Spring Meeting and I am little worried about my girls. Neither have competed before so they are in for a BIG surprise today. Hang in there ladies, this is quite the roller coaster.
• I splurged at Kohl's. I just can't get enough of that place. Love the LC by Lauren Conrad Collection and Simple Vera Vera Wang... And to top it off I got $40 a couple of dollars in Kohl's cash... and got to go back for more! See these shoes I grabbed?

• My husband and I will spend more weekends apart than together due to the many things we do, i.e. he was gone last weekend, I'll be gone the next 3: SM, Girl's Weekend, then NYC!!!
• I have decided I hate my bangs that I thought would look cute on me, but really I feel like they make me look like I'm 12 or 50...
• Lawyers copy & paste. In case you didn't know that you do now. We are notorious for finding something that "works" and not recreating it. But, I'm not one of those who bills for the same amount of time

OK, I need to stop or I could go on and on and on.... What do you need to confess this Friday (or in my case blab on and on about...) ~The Illegal Blonde

 



An Award? For Me?

So how surprised and honored was I when logged onto my computer yesterday and found I had been nominated for my very first blog award!! I'd like to thank.... Courtney @ Courtney Cakes for this award! If you have never visited her blog, well get your butt over there!

Now, back to me--did I mention I got an award? It'll look so great amongst the twirling trophies and law school moot court awards, won't it?

Ain't it pretty?

So here were the rules:

Each Nominee Should:

1. Nominate 15 fellow bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award
2. Add an image of the Versatile Blogger Award. 
3. Thank the blogger who nominated you in a post with a link to their site
4. Share seven completely random facts about yourself
5. Include this set of rules
6. Inform each nominated blogger of their nomination


Thus begins my random facts:

1. I began baton twirling at the age of 3... yup you heard it people 3!
2. I can wrap my leg around my body in a pretty interesting pretzel type move: check it out!
3. I'm both any only child and the youngest.
4. I LOVE cereal and could probably live off of it.
5. I haven't had fried chicken in like 7 years.
6. I bit my nails until I was 25 year old.
7. I competed in Miss Texas prelims for 3 years before I won a local title.

And... drum roll please, I nominate:

1. Katie @Whats Crackalacken

2. Leslie @ A Blonde Ambition

3. Ashlee @ And They Lived Happily Ever After

4. Katie @ Chocolate Covered Katie

5. Stephanie @ BEAUtiful Mess

6. Katie @ Dashing Dish

7. Christy @ Is There a Dr. In The House?

8. Katie @ Keep Calm & Carry On

9. Legally Certifiable

10. Messy Dirty Hair

11. P!nky @ P!nk Persistence

12. Kate @ The Anniversary Home

13. BeeBeeZFa @ The Lawylering BeeBeeZfa

14. The Girl in The Red Shoes

15. Marianne @ for always roaming with a hungry heart

So thanks again Courtney & go forth bloggers and nominate away! ~The Illegal Blonde

 

When Work Follows You Home

I packed up for the day, locked my computer and turned off the light to my office. I walked to my car and headed toward home. I cursed at the traffic, and rolled my eyes at the people who just don't get how to merge. Got home, changed my clothes for kickboxing, kissed hubs and was ready to blow off steam. And then I saw it, work, curled up right there in my backseat... a stowaway!

I tried to ignore it as I punched, kicked, and burpeed my way through Turbo Kick. But it wouldn't budge. Daubert, Robinson, and sneaky TRE 702 latched on like bees on honey! Crescent kick did not phase them. Motion to Strike blocked my upper cuts and back kicks like Bruce Lee! Darn that work.

 When the class was over and I limped to my car, [work] followed. No amount of water or powerade could flush work from my system. Guess that means I'm a lawyer.... We all experience it at some point in our lives and some of us can avoid it and others let it take over. Those who find a balance between work and home are the better for it! Meanwhile, those of us who are fledgling associates will wear work on our shoulders for now.

Happy Hump Day all. ~The Illegal Blonde

30 Before 30

I get really excited when I go to the mailbox and sitting there in its plastic cover is the newest Glamour. Call me a teen, but I still love it! So, there I was Friday evening flipping through pages while laying in bed with the pup when I saw it, the article that stopped me in my tracks: 30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She's 30. I stopped, paused, caught my breathe and sighed. Lovely readers, I will be ... eeek... 30 in 6 months. So there I was afraid to look at this list, but I did. I just needed to see what I had and had not done, or better what I needed to accomplish in 6 short months.

By 30 you should have:

1. one old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you've come - check!
2. a decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else on your family - check!
3. something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour - check (but seriously could use another one)
4. a purse, a suitcase, and an umbrella you're not ashamed to been seen carrying (need umbrella)
5. a youth you're content to move beyond - double check !
6. a past juicy enough that you're looking forward to retelling it in your old age - well there were those 3 1/2 years of undergrad...
7. the realization that you're actually going to have an old age--and some money set aside to help fund it - working on it right after I pay off those pesky student loans
8. an email address a voice mailbox and a bank account--all of which nobody has access to but you - got it!
9. a resume that is not even the slightest bit padded - yes, err kinda of
10. one friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry - LOVE THEM BOTH
11. a set for screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra - does one Phillip's head count?
12. something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it - hello Christian Louboutin's I got with my first law paycheck!
13. the belief that you deserve it - always working on that one
14. a skincare regimen, an exercise routine, and a plan for dealing with those few facets if life that don;t get better in 3d - workout, yes, skincare.... umm well yeah i still have zits
15. a solid start on a satisfying relationship, and all those other facets of life that do get better - hubs rocks

By 30 you should know:

1. how to fall in love without losing yourself - check
2. how you feel about having kids - well i know, just working on hubs
3. how to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship - you got it
4. when to try harder and when to walk away - come on, do we ever really learn when to walk away?
5. how to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn't like to happen - duh
6. the names of the secretary of state, your great grandmothers, and the best tailor in town - Hilary, Myrtle, and Angel!
7. how to live alone, even if you don't like to - check
8. where to go--be it your best friend's kitchen table or a yoga mat--when your soul needs refreshing - hello hot yoga!
9. that you can't change the length of your legs, the width of your hips, of the nature of your parents - got it
10. that your childhood may not have been perfect but its over - Lord do I ever know this one and Amen!
11. what you would and wouldn't do for money or love - again, seriously?
12. that nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs, or not flossing for very long - learned the hard way - darn cavities
13. who you can trust, who you can't trust, and why you shouldn't take it personally - work in progress
14. not to apologize for something that isn't your fault - uhh yeah, i'm queen of I'm sorry
15. why they say life begins at 30 - can only hope it does!

How many things do you have or know? Though 30 is still 6 months away, I'm not ready just yet... ~The Illegal Blonde

The Easter Bunny Hopped over Our House

Easter is by far my favorite holiday. I loved getting a new dress and hat and gloves when I was a little girl, and enjoyed the egg hunt at church. I love ham, and mac & cheese, and a bunny cake. This year I was supposed to host Easter at my house, and then hubs had to go out of town. Now, I love my in-laws, but I'd rather not have them over without him. So we decided I would forgo the meal this year and perhaps we would try again next year. So I was up for a nice relaxing weekend, just the pup and I... yeah right! I did not get a visit from the Easter bunny, no I got a visit from the Easter.... possum!

Yup, you heard me right. I woke up Saturday morning and was about to head out for a walk with Chloe, when there next to my water hose was Peter Possum (or Pauline), curled up... playing well, possum, or so I thought. So I just took Chloe and went on our walk, figuring our friend would mosey along. Nope, still there. I called hubs, who was BTW not much help 300 miles away, but still. His advice: just nudge it with a 7 iron and tell it to get out. Yeah right! Like I'm going anywhere near that thing, let alone "nudging" it with anything. So I waited it out. By 8:30 I was headed to the gym, still there. 9:45.... still there. Now I had to be at the Easter egg family event by 10:45.... and my guest was still there. Now I was mad. This thing needed to move. I could not let my precious baby girl in the  backyard with this thing waiting for it.

So I called hubs again. He tells me again to just nudge it. Now the possum at this point has rolled over and is breathing shallowly. Now I know that they are notorious for well doing this, but I fear this thing was dying. I mean this nocturnal being is sleeping in broad daylight? Finally I called animal services. They do not have anyone trained in possum removal, but they would send a police officer. Police? I can just imagine this.

Police Officer: Well ma'am what can I do for you?
Me: I've got an uninvited house guest.
PO: burglar?
Me: no, possum
PO: Great...

Needless to say Mr. Officer removed, by now dead, possum from my yard. (yes people dead... he dies right there by my begonias! I will find out today if he was indeed rabid, as this is what was expected.

Hubs is never allowed to go out of town again. Every time he does something happens, i.e. big storm and power outage, leaking hot water heater, POSSUM! When hubs returned early Sunday morning, there were no Easter baskets or egg hunts, just possum memories.

Hope you all had a blessed holiday weekend whether it was Easter or Passover. What did you do this weekend? ~The Illegal Blonde

Friday's Letters

Linking up with Ashley for Friday's Letters!

Dear Baby Lawyers: I know its hard right now b/c we have been working for a while and are starting to wonder how we fit into the bigger picture, but hang on! I hear life gets easier better in year 2, or 3, or 7... Dear Chloe: Just you and me this Easter with Hubs gone, let's run outside and get really dirty! Dear Hubs: I promise Chloe and I are not getting dirty, messing up the house, or shopping... ok small white lie! Dear Easter Bunny: I would like a giant chocolate bunny, jelly beans, and a truffle egg in my basket Sunday. Dear Pageant Girls: I know we have a lot to accomplish in a week , but we can do it!Dear Girlfriends: Loved our lunches this week, cannot wait for Girls' Trip in 2-minus 2 weeks! Dear Readers: Happy Good Friday, Easter and Passover.

Happy Friday all, God Bless ~The Illegal Blonde

Linking up today with Neely & Amber!

It's ok that I am slightly excited that hubs will be out of town for a few days and I get the whole house to myself (and well w/ Chloe).

That I wore my almost shoulder length hair in a bun twice this week so as to avoid fixing it.

To have a love/hate relationship with the bangs I am currently sporting.

To feel a little unsettled at work still since I'm not quite sure where I "fit" in.

That I will only be home one weekend this month and its this weekend, when hubs is gone...

That I way super excited for my first trip to NYC and have been secretly planning how to shop eat  ummmm enjoy? my way through it. :)

I am addicted to Dance Moms and Dance Moms: Miami!!!! Just so good to watch (its cathartic)

That I have no idea what half the words I have been typing in this medical summary mean and have to stop every 5-7 minutes to google a term.

And , is it ok that I kinda want someone I know to either need a divorce or get sued so I can nab my first client and feel important? (not that I wish divorce or lawsuit on anyone, but come on help a girl out?)

What's OK with you this week? (or not ok.... I'm down with that too!) ~The Illegal Blonde

WILW: Lunch Dates, Pageants & Nail Polish, Oh My!

Make sure you link up with Jenn for What I'm Loving Wednesday!

1) Loving that we had no deaths in yesterday's tornados that ripped through North Texas! Everyone is safe and sound as far as I know. Funny side note: called my mom on my way home from work to tell her my brother and I were fine and she had no clue what went on! She officially lives in timbuktu Calvert!

2) Two lunch dates this week with two of my beautiful friends! Nothing like catching up with the girls!

3) I was roped into graciously agreed to serve as a resource director for my old pageant system for two Sweeper girls. I am beyond blessed to get to help these young women prepare for Miss Texas! Again, sponsors needed.... hint hint....

4) I'm obessed with nail polish. Not any certain color, though love me some pastels from OPI, but just in general I like wearing it.

5) Dance Moms and Dance Mom: Miami. Yes I know I should not love it, but I do. It takes me back to my dancing days and twirling days... though my teacher never yelled like that.

6) Babies! I have like a zillion pregnant friends who are popping them out left and right! Makes me a week bit baby crazy....

What are you loving this Wednesday? ~The Illegal Blonde

To Blog or Not to Blog?

So a FB friend posted that he was amused that people still blogged.... Gasp! Does this friend not know of the big 'ole blogosphere out here? Yet it got me thinking why people blog, why I blog.

Hubs asks me this question frequently, but coming from someone who is not on facebook and learned to email circa 2006, I do not give him much credence. However, I tell him I blog for me. It's a way to vent/cry/scream but also a place to have creative license. I can talk about things that interest me or bug me or I'm passionate about. Blogging is also a great way to connect with new people and network.

So although I'm rather new to blogging and haven't met any of my blog friends in person, I am proud to say I have a blog. I have learned about places, people, and fashion; I've cooked new meals, put together outfits; and most importantly I have an outlet that lets me be me! I mean where else can I go from politics to fashion in one week?

So be amused fb friend, I still like ya! So why do you blog? ~The Illegal Blonde

Marvelous Monday

Happy Monday All! I know I was a bit MIA last week, but I was on a whirlwind adventure.... ok so maybe not an adventure,  but I was out of the office and out of town.

I spent Thursday and Friday in Dallas at the SMU Air Law Symposium. For this of you not in the legal world, or academia this is the preeminent Aviation Law Event. Imagine me, however, baby lawyer walking into a room full of men in suits.... Yes like 300 of them and about 50 women. To says its a make-dominated field is an understatement. I spent two days learning lots about the aviation law field, not when I saw learned, it was not necessarily all law related. I truly enjoyed getting to meet people in this unique area of law and learning lots.

Then Friday after, hubs and I sped out of the Metroplex for the Hill Country of Austin. My lil sister was getting hitched to her prince charming. Her story with her new hubs is truly a fairytale and it was wonderful to share in her day. The wedding took place at a small resort overlooking Lake Travis. She had an outdoor, 11am ceremony which was gorgeous! We laughed, cried, and were truly blessed to share in this love story. I also got to see one of my fav law kids!

Me, the bride, and our good friend. We are two JDs and a soon to be JD!

Hubs and I took this opportunity for a lil vacay. We stayed at the gorgeous Barton Creek Resort and Spa! This place is gorgeous. Tucked in the hill country, beautiful scenery, great pool, and took in a game of mini golf. We used this as a time to relax and enjoy each other.

We then zipped home early Sunday because hubs had a baseball  game for his company team and I had new pageant girls to meet! I am serving as a resource director for some Miss Texas contestants this year and we have lots to do before Spring Meeting in two weeks!

I have the pleasure of preparing Miss McKinney and Miss Garland's Outstanding Teen. If you would like to sponsor one of these ladies let me know!! These ladies won their respective titles through the sweeper pageant, which means it does not come with a great prize package per se. If you would like to donate your time, talent, or $$ they would appreciate it. We need hair, wardrobe, tanning, and each contestant has to sale ad pages for the program book. It's a lot to accomplish, but the experience is worth its weight in gold.

I met some of my best friends by competing in the Miss Texas Organization (as in my sister, the bride from this weekend...) Happy Monday all!