Speed Dating

Saw this link up over on Lia Joy's blog and thought hmmm sounds like fun!

• I was born in Pennsylvania and I am the second-youngest of like 20+ grandkids
• My mom is the oldest of 7 kids
• Moved to Texas when I was 2, so I just say that I was born in the wrong state
• Met my hubby of almost a 1 1/2 while working for my alma mater
• I began competative baton twirling at the age of 3 and was the feature twirler for TCU. Go Frogs!
• After 3 years in fundraising I went to law school (no not on a whim)
• I could live off of cereal, but against my better judgment, I don't
• but my fav cereal is special k chocolaty delight!
• My child is a 2 year-old shih tzu named Chloe Elaine
• We have a Robin's nest with 2 babies and 2 eggs residing in our boston fern (i check on the em daily)
• I'm a former beauty queen
• I've been known to stay up all night to finish a good or bad book
• I have a shoe/purse addiction
• I am a beach girl at heart and could spend endless hours laying on one reading under a tree
• I could eat at Panera 7 days a week and never get tired of it
• My boss intimidates me
• I can quote only one TV show: Friends and one move: Legally Blonde
• I hate driving. it's seriously my least favorite thing to do and I do it for 45 min each way to and from work ( I blame the college boyfriend I had who lived 3 1/2 hours away and I drove there almost every weekend)
• I have developed quite the hostile-driver persona since starting my job
• People ask me what kind of law I practice or what my specialty is and my answer is "whatever they tell me to do"

So, heard enough or want to know more? Link Up! Share your tid bits! But most of all, enjoy Thursday!!

 

Rock {me} Hard Place

I know you have all had those moments where you feel like you are damned if you do and damned if you don't. Well my moments like these often come when hubs is away. Now, I'm not complaining per se or dissing the hubs, but it seems that when he is out of town I just cannot win. I mean remember the great possum incident of Easter weekend? Then there was the power outage last summer when he was at the College World Series... it just seems I can't win. So it should have come as no surprise to me that he leaves for one night and the rain decides to come.

Rain, how is this a bad thing you ask? Well, my hubs is a weather-phobe of sorts. I mean this man can live and die by the weather forecast. He does this because he worries obsesses over the dog and weather. I mean what if she goes outside during the rain and gets wet and come back into the tile-floor kitchen? Heaven forbid! So when it even could possible be rain we puts up a fence around our patio so she can still go outside, but can't get in the flowerbeds grass. So when it rained last night and this morning and Mr. Weatherman told me it was going to possible rain again I did what I thought he would do and put up the fence. At 6:30am while in a skirt and heels. I was so proud of myself. I stood back examined my work and even took a pic to show hubs how well I did.

Wrong. His first text back to me was "why?" So I explained the forecast and weather report and he still insisted that he had checked the weather and it did not say rain.... Newsflash hubs, IT IS RAINING RIGHT NOW IN TEXAS! So, I think ok, he will be so proud of me for doing what I think is insane anyway... next text... "did you give her water and food?" Well duh, yes what do you think I am a horrible puppy mom? I mean I did have her before we got married and she is still alive. Now it hits me. When he keeps her inside he does not feed her, nor does he give her water.... (fear of pee pee inside).

At this the tears swelled up i my eyes and I felt so defeated. No, good job hun, nice call, so proud of you... no strike 2 for the wife! And I only began to feel worse as I drove into downtown and noticed only sunny skies. So now I have left my poor baby girl fenced into the patio (when she normally as the whole yard and kitchen) and this "rain" does not look to be coming back and I feel like Ive struck out again.

So here I am stand in between the proverabial rock and hard place. I'd just like to catch a break. So my lesson for the day: Men/husbands/boyfriends/fiances... just because we do not do it just like you does not mean its wrong and for heaven's sake when we do try to do it like you do praise us. We women need verbal praise. A simple thanks honey for that goes a long way in our books.

Rock the Vote

If I could sing to you all I would sing the old School House Rocks sing about voting or how a bill becomes a law because today in the great state of Texas its election day. Yes that means get up, get out and vote. Voice your opinion by casting your vote.  The vote you cast today impacts who is your president, senator, congressman tomorrow...

I think it is only fitting that this day comes just one day after we remembered those who have served before us in order to ensure the right to vote today. Blessed are we in the land of the free and the home of the Brave. So, hug a soldier and VOTE!

Friday's Letters {link up}

Dear Starbucks - You brought back Mocha Coconut for summer and I love/hate you. Dear Hubs - I love that we finally had a mature discussion instead of a fight, we are big kids now! Dear Brain - Yeah I'm going to need you to not crap out on me right now, work is busy and I kinda need you. Dear Work - Yeah see brain and as much as I love billing I need Monday! Dear Chloe - Mommy apologizes for not  being around much this week. Dear J - I heart you and our Turbo-kick dates! Dear F - Fun-filled rita Friday @ Colonial! Dear Family - I love you and all, but we've seriously got to work on your guilt factor and timing. Dear Summer - Seriously, are we going to have a repeat of last year? Cause I'm not sure I can handle 115 with no pool. Dear People with a Poll - Knock, knock its me!

TGIF all and have a safe and happy Memorial Day. Remember those who can before you and will be here after ensuring your freedom.

It's OK Thursday!

Yes, perhaps my fav link up and it comes at a so-needed time! So link up! And then head over and check out Neely's fabu blog! So this Thursday I declare It's ok...

To cry on the way to work when your route is closed due to someone's inability to drive!

To go to the bagel place stand in line for 3 minutes and then walk out because in the 3 minutes no one helped me! Customer service people!

To get made at Ann Taylor Loft when I make an online purchase and then one of those save $50 off your $100 purchase emails pops up like 5 minutes after I just placed my $134 order...

To get upset with hubs, have a mature argument discussion about it and then congratulate ourselves for having such a grown-up talk!

That hubs and I spend more time apart then together, its good for our relationship

That I love the spoof of 50 Shades of grade that the local radio morning shows has been doing

To still be scared too death of screwing something up at work or missing a deadline

To cry just because I can

To be in the middle of turbo kick and think, ya know I could so still compete in pageants

To dance like no one's watching when everyone can!

What's ok with you this week?

When You Stuff Yourself Silly

Ok ladies, we all have done it a zillion time once. We have that indulgent weekend o'food. Mine was this past weekend when I went to hood a good friend of mine from law school. There was hawain food at 9pm, the most amazing cookies ever, crabbed stuffed fried avocado, penne with lush cream sauce, steak, bacon-wrapped stuffed jalepenos, shrimp.... you get the picture. I was one giant food vaccuum! Needless to say I still managed to find room for dessert!

So, Sunday evening I decided it was time for a detox! But why is it that when you want to return to normalcy people leave your office and we have celebratory cobbler and such? (I mean three people this week, that is a lot of goodbye-dessert). So I'm sticking to it and here I am to share some of my healthy options to kick start your after-indulgence weekend!

• oatmeal - yummy for breakfast and filling! Keeps your powering through your morning.
• salad - yes I know sounds boring, but the fibrous lettuce makes you feel full and again keeps your from getting the munchies come 3pm. Add in lots of veggies, fruit, and I even slice up a little turkey breast and voila! Just avoid dressing, go for salsa instead.
• Coconut milk in my coffee. I just cannot start my day without my coffee. So I left my lattes in the dust this week and went for some old fashioned coffee with french vanilla coconut milk instead of creamer. No fat and so yummy!
• Up your protein! I tell my Miss Texas girls this all the time, you should be a walking protein machine! I am a fan of Pure Protein bars. They are great post workout (especially those 5am ones I do Monday and Thursday before work).
• Yummy banana coconut shake smoothie. This is my go-to filling shake. Imagine frozen bananas, almond milk and cinnamon!
• Almond butter! I prefer the raw kind that you crank out yourself at the store. Its great on whole wheat toast or bagel thin and great shot of protein!
• Egg whites and turkey bacon! This has been my staple breakfast for years (aka from my pageant days) I make it even easier by simply nuking my egg whites in the microwave for 60-90 seconds and voila! (spice with up w/ salsa or add in some flax seed)

Of course, I  had to get back on my workout wagon, but I will leave that for another day! Happy healthy eating all!

What to Expect When You're Practicing

I feel like this should be a class in law school. It should include lessons like:

• how to handle your mentor leaving
• what to wear when you will be inspecting a roof
• how to climb a ladder
• how to copy & paste draft discovery
• how to knock and enter a partner's office
• what do you do when people don't like each other
• how to balance your caseload
• what not to wear, law office edition
• whom do you trust
• when do you tell someone you are too busy to take on something new
• being a rainmaker (and what the hell is one)
• how to handle the weight you'll gain your first year

No one gives you a guidebook, and the training wheels come off way too early.  My mantra "Pretend you are calm and cry when you get home."

Advice for a Law Grad

This time last year I was about to graduate from law school. I had no idea what was in store for me. So this time around I am again headed out west, but its to hood a new law grad. So here's my advice to those of you about to embark upon the journey that is bar review:

• Yeah, you can still have somewhat of a summer during May and June... July, July is the real deal peddle to the metal time
• GO TO CLASS! I REPEAT: GO TO CLASS! Yes I know most of you are only sitting there watching a video, but do it. And do it on the day the class is assigned. I get that I did not go to every lecture, but I was watching it at the same time as they were.
• Take breaks, you do not need to study 24/7. Trust me your brain, nor your loved ones, can handle you stressed out and tired.
• Eat healthy foods. The last thing you need to do is sit at your desk slaving away munching on candy, cookies, and chips. You will feel like crap and your body and brain will be dead and sluggish.
• Do something fun each week. Go to a movie, see a concert, go out and see your friends (those one not also studying for the bar) You will need something other than bar review
• Do not think that you need to recreate the wheel. Do not attempt a new study pattern just because its the bar. Do what has worked for you in the past, just on steroids.
• Look at old essay answers, they let you know what the examiners are looking for.
• Memorize that DTPA opening paragraph (i think even my dog could repeat it by the end)
• You can cross out and re-write your answer on the procedure and evidence (3 times even) I did it and passed
• it's ok to finish before everyone else. Do not second guess yourself.
• it is ok to cry after the exam (or each essay)
• DO NOT LOOK BACK! Once you walk out of that room do not consult your outline. You cannot change the answer, so do not torture yourself.
• YOU ONLY HAVE TO PASS. No one cares what your grade was on the exam, first, last, its all the same to your employer or potential employer. Hence you overachievers, let it go.... just need to know enough!

Good luck to everyone! Meanwhile, watch out LBK I'm coming at ya!

It's Ok Thursday

Linking up again this fabu Thursday with Neely! It's ok.....

• that I'm terrified I'll miss a deadline, it'll keep me on my toes, right?
• that I want to eat cupcakes everyday?
• to eat something sweet after lunch (love me some 100 calorie yogurt pretzels)
• to need coffee before I can function
• that I'm driving to Lubbock this weekend by myself, because I get to hood one pretty awesome new attorney and get to see my bestie!
• that the boxes of files now residing in my office scare the every-living crap out of me
• that I asked whether condemnation and eminent domain were the same thing
• to look at my wedding ring and feel slightly green with envy
• to sit in my office with a sweater and my heater on... I'm little people and its cold in here!
• to gossip, as long as its done in the privacy of my own office or via email (right?)

What's ok with you this week?

Tales of a Pageant Girl

So, by popular demand here is a look into my life as pageant girl. These pictures are from my time as a Miss Texas Titleholder circa 2007 (oh to be 24/25 again!)

Me and the current Miss Texas, when she was Teen Texas

My Faith! Now one of my best friends, who sang in my wedding

With Pat Green

With Coach Gary Patterson from TCU!

Hubs and I long before he was hubs!

Mom, wearing her wig, this was duirng the height of her chemo

This is when I  met my sister!



New Beginings

In the attorney world I have found that people either work at one firm their entire career or they move on to better pastures. I know at our firm we have several attorneys who have only worked here. I'm not sure if that is the nature of the law or our firm, but I think it speaks volumes. I think it says our firm invests in associates to build them into partners. It means we are doing something right is so many people stay year after year. So, its sad when someone leaves. My husband laughed when I told him we have "last day cake." But this time its is "my person" as one of our partners called this associate.

To tell you the truth this person is awesome. I have been taught so much in such short by this person. Never tells me no or too busy; always there to lend a hand or ear; teaches me how to do things instead of criticising; patient when I ask a zillion questions about the same thing; and reassuring me that I can do this. Yes, as a partner put it this was my person.

As much as I will miss my person, I know that bigger and better things lie ahead for this person. I wish my person nothing but the best and extend my gratitude for being a wonderful teacher, mentor, and friend. Now, Its time to put on my big girl lawyer pants skit and keep calm and lawyer on!

An Ode To Mothers

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day! My loving pup Chloe Elaine gave me a super cute card and well I was so honored that she remembered! My day was spent with my mother in law and V. Hubs and I joined together the families and went for Mexican!

But Mother's Day is about so much more than my mom. See, I am blessed to have so many "moms." This child was raised by a village of moms who taught me what it means to be a mom. From my mom, to V to my best friend's mom Mrs. C, to HC, then add in the ladies I worked with for 7 years at TCU.... Yes, I am blessed. I have learned to cook, clean, sew, what it means to be loved unconditionally. I was taught about life, boys, and men. They have picked up when I was down, and raised me up when I was weak. They put me in my place when I was being a brat at 5, 15, and 25. They watched me graduate, graduate, and get married and I know they will all be there when I become a mom. I have so many people to look up to to show me the way.

Yes Mother's Day is about all moms, and for me... all my "moms." So thank not only your mom, but all the women who have taught you what it means to love.

My Most Used Products

These are my must have products that I use all the time! As you can see sometimes I indugle and other times I'm a CVS special!

Neutrogena makeup, $12
Fresh skincare, $95
Avon body moisturizer, $6
Butter London nail lacquer, $14
Bumble and Bumble thick hair, £21
Revlon Lip Butter ColorBurst, $7.49

All in (4) Day's Work

Alas, it is finished! That not so brief, brief.... yeah my name is officially on a Fifth Circuit brief! As stressful as it was, I am so glad I got the experience. I am grateful to the partner who indulged my writing and trusted my fact-finding. The hardest part proved not to be in the words, but the darn style! I'm not sure how many times we redid the pagination, table of contents, table of authorities, spacing... you get the point. I do not know how our secretaries do it! They are wonderful, and the paralegals... THANK YOU!! You are the glue that holds the mess of a firm together.

In other new, I got a makeover! Thank you to Jenn at MunchkinLand Designs!! She is awesome guys, seriously. Check her out, have her redo your blog. She knows just how to make you be more you! So leave me some love everyone, let me know what you think! And happy almost Friday.

Tales of a Lawyer

I was drafted a couple of days ago to help some partners in our office with a brief. (Really, quite the opposite, a brief is not well, brief). I, first year associate, practicing circa 2011, was asked to help with a 5th circuit brief. Wow! Awesome, but due in 4 days? Wowzers! Needless to say this has been quite the whirlwind last couple of days.

I have learned more about a case than I ever needed (or probably wanted) to know in a mere 3 days and attempted to become an expert in damages law (no small feat). The brief is due today, and well as much as a great experience this has been,  I would (and hubs would love) for me to return to normal. Pray for me! ~The Completely Stressed Out, Exhausted Blonde

Back on Track

I did it this morning... I stepped on the scale for the first time in like 2 months. I knew I shouldn't, I knew it would not be good, I knew it would cause that chill up my spine. Now, for those of you who know me, or those who don't, you are thinking, whoa hold on there missy, there is no need for you to worry, you look great. And yes I am not saying I am fat. I am in touch with reality that I am thin. But we all have that ideal weight, that happy place where we feel free to wear a tummy-baring shirt or well a bikini. And for an ex-pageant girl this ideal can be a little out of touch with reality.

I had brunch with two of my ex-queen sisters Sunday and we discussed this very thing. It is hard to go from pageant diet to real life. It's hard to go from egg whites and chicken to well... carbs. I have been out of the biz for a lil longer than my other two counter-parts and have managed quite well, but suddenly it has hit me. I blame it on the impending big 3-0... My body has decided it hates me from my total junior high breakouts to the extra 5 pounds that I just cannot seem to get back off from girls' weekend.

So, as summer looms ever closer ( I mean it was like 90 this weekend) I am going to get back on track! No more trail mix after-dinner-snack, extra bowl of cereal, small pieces of candy at work, or flavoured lattes! I've got one more diet dr. pepper in the fridge and after that no more! Just 5 small pounds and I will be happy. So, bring on the great toning exercises, metabolism boosting snacks, and a way for me to not feel like I'm starving at 9am and 3pm....

And watch out for a new design launching soon! ~The Illegal Blonde

Fifty Shades of Yumminess!

So after hearing much ado about the Fifty Shades trilogy I broke down and ordered it only ipad. I was a tad resistant as I have not managed to finish a book since I started practicing. But I just needed something fun and had heard so much about this one.

OMG!!! I am addicted. And to the morning anchorwomen who said it was poorly written and could not get past the first 5 chapter... I no longer will watch you. Blasphemy! Now, is it the next Hardy or Bronte, umm no, but come on people, it was my friend J called "Mommy Porn" (or my husband called MILF porn). It provocative, riveting, and yes it did tend to get my girly parts enticed! I just could not put it down, not even to go to the gym... yes Christian and Ana went to the gym with me and I loved every filthy minute of my 30 minute stairclimb!


I think what draws me in is that you have heard about some of the things in this book, yet most of us have never explored them. It's like the modern day Harlequin romances my mom used to read! It's books like these that entice us, they allow us to be transported to some other time or place, it let's us live out some dream.

And let's face it, we all have met/dated that guy. The one who you want so badly, but know you shouldn't. The one who wants everything but commitment? Come on ladies.... read it!

So for the naysayers out there. Remember, not every book has to be a prize-winning novel, or essay on the status of humanity. I mean, I'm not a Harry Potter/Twilight/Hunger Games fan, but you do not see me knocking those that are. To me its simple, books are a form of entertainment, escapism at its finest. You don't see anyone calling Nicholas Sparks or J. K. Rowling bad do you? ~The Illegal Blonde

Confessional Friday Letters {link up}

Linking up today with two of my favs and since I could not choose I did both, so here's Confessional Friday and Friday's Letters.

I have eaten way too much this week and I'm off to date night with the hubs tonight at Truluck's!!

I may have said yes to a large project at work that I have no qualifications for and now may need to back track.... (can we say 5th Circuit brief)

I am terrified to handle my first hearing today... (don't tell my boss)

Chloe Elaine stinks... yes the pup needs a bath, but we have both been so busy we have not been able to give her one, hence puppy salon tomorrow!

I do not like sushi. Yeah, not going to lie, the thought of raw fish kind of eeks me out. I do not mind a good fully-cooked roll,but not the raw. I also never feel like I've eaten when I have sushi.

Put one tortilla chip in front of me and I cave... bring on the salsa and quacamole and I'm sunk!

 

Dear Chloe - you stink.... take a bath... ok sorry mommy and daddy are taking you tomorrow! Dear Hubs - Thank you for date night tonight! And for being you. Dear Work - yeah you, that thing that pays my loans.... you're alright. Dear Pretty - Thank you for being an awesome friend, lunch date, brunch date and closet from which I can borrow. Dear J - You rock! Thank you for stepping in and designing an awesome ad page for Anna! Dear XPG Live - Thank you for supporting Anna and designing and awesome website for her and sponsoring your autograph cards! We owe you!!! Dear Most Awesome Secretary Ever - Thank you for being my work-mom, listening to me, helping me out and looking out for me!

Alright people - Confess, write letters, go forth this glorious Friday and rejoice!

It's OK Thursday {link up}

 

It's Thursday already?!? Yay!!! Linking up with Neely today! It's ok....

 

That I forgot panties on Monday post gym and went commando, but not ok that I left my bra today... yes had to teck back home for said over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder....

 

That I still have not recovered from NYC

 

That I have worn my new Jimmy Choos to work 3 out of 4 days this week, and I will be sporting them tomorrow when I'm arguing my first motion!!! (go me)

 

To be baby crazy... my co-workers has the most adorable boys!

 

To be super excited that I am not taking finals for the first time in 3 years, and I  do not feel bad for those of you who are.... it's school suck it up!

 

To google law terms when I have no clue what they are or just need the quick and dirty

 

That even though I have eaten out almost every day this week, I am looking forward to date night this Friday!!

 

To not be sure whether or not to go more blonde at my hair appointment tonight or not....

 

That when my boss comes in the door I tend to freak out and my heart rate jumps about 30 beats (this will end right?)

 

That I'm pale and have not had a decent tan since last summer... pale is the new tan!

 

What's ok with you this glorious Thursday? ~The Illegal Blonde

 

 

 

 

 

I LIke to Argue

Perhaps its not a surprise to anyone that lawyer would like to argue, but I just came to this realization oh ya know yesterday. Ok, so truth be told I don't like it per se, I just think I have it down to an art. I know what words will jab the most pain into someone's gut, I use words that are so big, but so on-point, and I've perfected the tone... somewhere between flippant, condescending, and polite. Did this takes years to perfect, no apparently I have been a championship arguer since I could talk. Negotiating snacks, naptime, toys.... yes I was a born lawyer.

Now, I'm not looking to win said arguments, I revel in the fact of walking away from an argument having put my best self forward; I was eloquent, but poignant. This does not mean I don't sometimes have a pang of guilt for the tongue lashing, or overzealous advocacy of some perhaps silly point, but I do enjoy knowing my side came across with ease.

So now I apologize to those that have witnessed said artful arguing. Mom, yeah I know I was a tough lil cookie as a kid, even downright obstinate, V - yes I know as I got older I got more stubborn and probably bratty, Brother - yikes, sorry!, Hubs - you poor soul, forgive me now for the past and what I am sure to be future arguments... Love you all. ~The Illegal Blonde

Blonde in the Big Apple

I made it home from the Big Apple Sunday, and boy was I exhausted. And I sit here watching Smash as Katherine McPhee dances through Grad Central Station and I can say I have been there! My world wind NYC adventure started off with a slight hitch... my plane was delayed for an hour and a half. But after we took off, I was off!

I landed and took a can into midtown to the W where I was staying. I met up with my friend C from home and M from law school. We went to a couple of bars and I got the NYC scene. We then ended the night with a hotdog from Krifdog. YUMMO! Onions and relish for me please!

Rockefeller (very small)

Saturday began with a run through Central Park and some New York coffee. Then I headed out for some shopping. I just happened upon Saks Fifth Avenue and its 20% off sale! Yes you heard me sale at Saks! Hello Jimmy Choo!

Then I headed down the street to Rockefeller Center, stopped by the Today Show studio and Top of the Rock. Then I meandered down the Radio City Music Hall and just ya know caught a little of the NFL draft, no biggie.... Hubs was, how should I say jealous shocked! His wife at the draft.... not sure he realized I only went because it was Radio City, I wanted Rockettes, not football players.

best friends since 6th grade!

Then I met up with my sister A from high school. We talked and caught up as we walked the streets. We grabbed a delish red velvet cupcake from Crumbs and ate in Bryant Park. After catching up I headed back to the hotel to get ready for The Lion King! Great show, I saw it in London, but it never loses its charm.

Then we embarked for the meat packing district and a yummy place to eat: Spice Market. It's down the street from Kardashian headquarters Hotel Gansvoort.

Sunday I ventured into the subway and headed to the WTC. Yes, me myself alone in the subway. I mean I did the tube in London, this should a no-brainer. Well I made it the the Brooklyn Bridge stop and knew I could easily walk to the WTC. So I stopped by the Brooklyn Bridge and began to walk... in the wrong direction... When I saw water I knew it was wrong way for me. So I made an about face and finally made it to the WTC. I walked around the grounds and saw the fountains and memorials. It was very moving. Amazing to think there used to be huge buildings there. I can still remember being in my freshman dormroom when the towers fell.

home from Grandma & Grandpas!

My trop back to midtown, not so easy. I could not remember which entrance I used and chose another one. Well, then I was on the wrong side of the tracks and had to exit, pay again and start over. Then the train I needed was not going because of construction so I had to take the Q to Union Station and transfer to the 6.... then I was going in the wrong direction again... Yeesh! The London tube was so nice.... I finally made it back to Grand Central and was back to the hotel. Hopped in a cab and I was off!

NYC was great and I could see myself living there. It made me long for ole London-town. But it was great to get back home to my loves! Farewell NYC, but not goodbye.... The Illegal Blonde

Brooklyn Bridge

Grand Central Station

NFL Draft @ Radio City

WTC Memorial

WTC site

Memorial Names

Infinity Pool

Home of the Rockettes or the draft

St. Pauls Cathedral