How I Make That $ Honey!

 

Yes, linking up with Lindsay to share How I make that money!

In case its not obvious from the err blog title, I am a lawyer. Yes, whether you love or hate us, I am one of those. But let's back up just a tad to see how I got here...

I graduated from Texas Christian University in 2005 with a BA in political science and history. I was in a sorority, and was the Feature Twirler!

Me on the left

Yes, sounds pretty destined for law school right? Wrong! I had the best work-study job in college and well, like all good TCU alumni stayed put. Yup, I went to work as the Asst. Dir. of Donor Relations. I began doing donor events and working with our annual giving society. Then I moved into the scholarship/stewarship coordinator position. I basically matched students to endowed scholarship and reported on well over 400 scholarships. Oh, and I planned a teensy little dinner for 350+ students and donors. LOVED my job, but more so LOVED the ladies I worked with. I had been with them since I was 18 and a freshman. I could have stayed there forever, but I knew I wanted more. So, I decided to do what I originally planned to do and head to law school.

I headed out west to Texas Tech University School of Law in Lubbock. I had a love/hate relationship with Lubbock. Needless to say, but I only made it 2 1/2 years there before I got married and finished at SMU Law School in Dallas. I graduated from law school May 2011 and took the bar in July of 2011.

My current job is one of the places I clerked at between 2&3L year. We are a mid-size litigation firm that has been in Fort Worth since 1922. We practice all kinds of law, but my practice focues in transportation and insurance law. I do a smatteting of family matters and some general litigation as well. I am almost done with my first year of practice, yippee, yahoo! I will no longer be the baby lawyer!!

So, you can find me behind my desk M-F from 7:30am til between 5:30 and 6! Need a lawyer, you know where to find one now!

Friday's Letters

Dear Husband - Why glad to have you home. Too bad you will probably be gone again soon. Dear Dessert - Why must you taste so good on the lips, but linger on the lips, thighs, abs, etc...? Dear Vacation - You cannot get here quick enough! Dear Blog Friends - I love reading about your lives everyday! I look forward to it so much and I always know I am in for a good laugh, cry, snot, chuckle, etc... when I read you. Keep it up! Dear Ann Taylor Loft - Umm love when you have a 50% sale, the day after I spend money at you causing me to return to you to buy more. Dear Brain - Good job today recalling random knowledge regarding the DTPA that you stored there a year ago for that lil test you took to become a lawyer. Dear recent law grads - The bar is done! Yay! Now please return to normal and realize that its over and done with so harping, worrying, crying, whining about it will only annoy me more. Dear Suits - I love you so. You make my Thursday nights, yes Harvey Spector I mean you! Dear Hubs - Seriously we need this vacation so bad,  because it requires is to be in the same room for more than like 3 hours! Dear Pageant Family - I am so excited to join you and be the new AD for Miss Tarrant County! Dear Potential Sponsors - I need donations! If you think you have anything a pageant girl needs, let me know! Or if you want to donate to the largest provider of scholarships to women, let me know. Dear Chloe - Daddy is home, so please return to sleeping under the bed and not on my head.

Happy Friday Luvs!

It's my fav link up of the week! So here goes: It's ok...

• to stare at your computer for 2 minutes then realize its been 20 and continue to stare
• to eat the entire piece of cappacino mousse cake at dinner last night in the company of pageant friends, because 1) I no longer compete 2) I worked out this morning and 3) I so needed it
• that all i can think about is that I will be on vacation in 6 days!
• to go into a store for sale items and buy things full price
• to have a good cry every once in a while for no reason at all, it cathartic
• to love your friends who are taking the bar, but secrelty are ready for it to be over so they will return to normal
• to just not quite care about the election yet and be annoyed by the gazillion annoying commercials
• to quasi-crash diet before vacation so that i can a) look good in bikini and b) induldge on good

What's ok with you?

Setting Goals

So I cannot believe the outpour of positivity surrounding yesterday's post. What started as a rant/vent/self-reflection really got me in the mood to do something I have not done since 2L of law school a while--set some goals. Yes, you heard me good 'ol fashion put them down on paper/blog goals. I mean, they (and who the heck is they anyway) that if you write them down you are more committed to accomplishing them. So here goes:

• spend at least one day each month electronic device free with my hubs (this will be more a problem w/ him than me)
• have a date night that does not involve just dinner
• argue my first hearing (without it being cancelled)
• get admitted to the ND of TX and 5th Circuit
• hang out with my college girls friends at least once a month
• go to another wine painting class
• visit the BFF in Austin
• bite my tongue when hubs does something that bugs the heck out of me and let it go
• oh yeah, let things go more
• run a 5K this fall
• get a bike and ride around the lake
• meet blog friends in person
• go back to NYC before I turn 30
• send out all the baby gifts I have bought before these babies are toddlers
• bring in a new client
• CREATE MY OWN HAPPINESS

You hear it people, goals set, now let's start checking them off!

When Life Gets You Down

I need to vent here for a moment, so hold tight. Quit complaining people! And this goes for myself included. If you are unhappy with something, rather than stand around complaining, whining,  moping, do something. You are the controller of your destiny. I'm not saying we don't all  have the occasional bad day, unhappy thought, I'm talking about the constant moper. The person who always seems unhappy about (insert complaint of the day). If you hate your job, look for something new, if you hate your weight, get moving, eat healthy, if you hate your relationship, say something, or look at yourself and see if you are the cause of the unhappiness.

My point is, standing around discussing the same problem or issues day after day does nothing but make you more depressed and annoys me your friends. I admit I do have done this more than once. I found myself doing it just yesterday. And then I looked backed over the series of texts and thought, wow I sound depressing. But the thing is I have done nothing to change the situation I was "depressed" about. You can only move mountains if you actually stand next to the sucker and push.

Perhaps this is more than a vent and more self-reflection. Happiness is created. So, I guess I should get to moving and creating insteading of griping. Happy Tuesday everyone!

Tales of a Work Widow

My husband travels for work. Today, Canada, tomorrow who knows. Some wives may think this is horrible, but I love it. Don't get me wrong, I miss him, but sometimes its nice to have the house to yourself. I mean we both need our space, and hey I lived alone before him. Though it does pose a few problems. It means I have to take the pup out in the am and pm (and I'm not a  fan of the dark). It means I have to remember to do the odd things he takes care of like, the trash, locking up the house, opening the dog door, setting the A/C, etc.. Amazing how you never realize how many small things can take so much time in the morning. Which means I had instant oatmeal for breakfast and my hair is in a bun, but he we got all the things done and made it out of the house only 5 minutes late. Check plus for me! Just makes me appreciate the little things he does that much more!

As for Monday, well other than the sweets binge I had this weekend, I was pretty good. We celebrated a friend's birthday and then I had some much needed family time yesterday. Now just 10 12 day and I'll be on the beach in Puerto Rico, but who's counting ;)

Celebrating Southern - Texas

In lieu of Confessional Friday, its Southern Friday y'all! To finish off Leslie's celebration of all things southern today we will discuss why I love the south and more importantly, Texas!

Though I was not born in Texas, I jokingly say my mother moved me here as fast as she could. We migrated from Pennsylvania just before I turned 2 and have never looked back. Like seriously, I can count on one hand the number of time I have visited my family back in PA.

So, why do I love Texas? Let me count the ways:

Big Hair! I love my some Texas tease!

Football y'all! From the MoJo of Midland, to the Dragons of Southlake, to my alma mater and the 1998 State Champion Panthers from Duncanville, football reigns supreme in these parts.

if you look really close you can find my brother front row far left!

And speaking about football, college football also reigns down south. Is it just me, or is everyone in Fort Worth really psyched for the Frogs entrance in the Big 12! Go Frogs!

Other things I love about the South? Southern gentlemen. There is just nothing quite like a sweet young man calling you darlin or ma'am, and not because he is being sexist or rude, but because his Mama taught him right. I admit I'm about as progressive as they come, and I can open my own doors, pump my own gas and change a tire, but sometimes, its just nice to have the door opened for you, or that hand to help you down the stairs. It's the tip of the hat by the cowboy and the gentle push of his arm as he glides you are the dance floor. Say what you will, but sometimes manners are just so darn sexy!

My other Texas loves? Well, here they are:

I have truly enjoyed celebrating all things southern this week! Tell me, what do you love about your neck of the woods?

Celebrating Southern - Parties

Party you say? Like a southern one? Well, instead of discussing the good ole fashion southern BBQ, wedding, or the like, I'm talking about the boat party. Yes, I know the song just floated through your head.... I'm on a Boat this Thursday telling you how we party up Texas-style on the lake.

Exhibit A: Possum Kingdom aka PK

Hell's Gate

 

That's right, drive on up, drop anchor, and tie yourself off as you float, bob, and party it away on the lake. It's like one large barge out there! Yes, cue  Red Neck Yacht Club. It's so true!

Exhibit B: Floating the River

Us Texas love some water and beer! So, head down south to the Guadalupe River, rent a tube, one for your, one for your cooler, and float away!

Yup, its not a summer or a party on the River with your friends Miller and Bud. Just remember the sunscreen, and no glass containers.

I know it does not sound refined, or gentrified, but its a party Texas-style all summer long on the rivers and lakes across the state. If you were looking for southern flare a la southern weddings, do not look here, about the only thing southern at my own wedding was blonde hair and good tan!



Hump Day

Yes, its Hump Day, and to top it off, I am back (early) from trial and struggling to get motivated! Maybe it was the 45 minutes of administrative crap I had to do from last week, or the 10 minutes I spent trying to figure out what I was doing before trial popped up, or the 15 minutes I spent looking for the copy of the brief I am trying to reply to... Either way, I am not in the work mode yet.

Though, here are some things I learned this week.

• I am cursed. Seriously, put me on something and it will inevitably get continued.
• My stomach does not like rich foods...(my taste buds on the other hand)
• Not sure what I did before satellite radio
• I love chick-fil-a
• Some people really like to hear themselves talk (mostly lawyer, who should probably not sometimes) Ex. 1: opposing counsel
• People think if you are from Texas you hunt, fish, and ride horses (have you met me?)
• my marriage works because we never spend more than 1-2 days together at a time
• I have no clue what women my age like (I apparently, dress old, act old, and like old)
• what the 7th amendment is really all about
• Arkansas is beautiful! Hello, talk about some scenery!
• my husband worries about things I do not even think about.
• I slouch way too much

Ok, so there are my random ramblings. Glad to be back, err kind of.

Friday's Letters

Dear Friday - thank you for coming oh so quickly this week. Dear face - yes I know I went and had you sandblasted, but stop peeling, like now... its gross and people are starting to stare at work. Dear Cake - yeah well I love you, but hate what you do to me, I  mean you just jump in my mouth without asking whenver I see you. Dear Hubs - when you come home late from baseball, please do not turn on the brightest light in the bedroom and proceed to wake me from my slumber. Seriously, I'm not nice when I do not get my beautyrest. Dear Chloe - get off my pillow! Dear Work - I will be away from you, but not next week as I hike it to Arkansas for trial. Dear Tone It Up - My abs and legs are killing me from your workout, I love/hate it!

Happy Friday all, I'll be MIA next week while in trial, but don't forget me!

Things Are A Changin'

I have been in a rut! Yes, you heard me rut. I have eaten the same thing for breakfast since 2007, and same lunch since 2008. I do the same workouts, had my hair relatively the same, and have even shaved my legs in the same pattern since like I dunno 1994? So I decided some things needed to change, change is scary good right?

1. I decided this summer no extreme blonde highlights, I opted for copper lowlights. 
2. I did not do cardio first in my morning workout! I went not to the second level to hop on the dreadtreamill, I stayed in the weights and got my lift on, then embarked upon my cardio session. Goal: get in my optimal fat burning zone!
3. I got microdermabrasion and a Retin A peel. My skin has been looking blotchy, ruddy, zit-proned. So I grabbed a super great Groupon and took a chance! Loving the results BTW. Basically I have a whole new face with minimal side affects (little red and some peeling)
4. I am starting the Tone It Up plan! I was turned on to this site by Leslie over at The Bargain Blonde, seriously check chica out, she rocks! anywho, she blogged about this amazing site and needless to say I was hooked. I bit the bullet and got the plan. Check it out!
5. I am letting things go! From the things that hubs does, to annoying people in general! I do not need any more stress in my life, so if you rub me the wrong way, I'm not letting it bring me down!

So, here is to embracing the change, in with the new, old with the tired and weary!

Figuring it Out

Perhaps one of the biggest struggles of being a first year associate is figuring it out. (this applies to most jobs, but much more so in the law world). What do I mean you ask? Well, simply figuring out not only how to be a lawyer, but how to be the lawyer that gets clients, has great billable hours, and awesome success rates. As a first year, this also entails learning how to be the lawyer that the partners you work for what you to be.

As a baby lawyer you must go from knowing some basic black letter law and how to "research" to knowing how to push a case through. You have to know when you are supposed to take initiative and when to take the back seat. You struggle with, do I reply to this email, or do I sit idly by because its better left to a partner. It's the fine line between looking like you know what you are doing to, looking like you could care less: it's enough to make your head spin and you shoulders ache. And, when you factor in that for someone who works in a smaller firm, you have to learn how walk this fine line with more than one partner (I likened this to dating several people at once, can't call Bob Frank and Frank George), you can begin to understand why lawyers are stressed. It is an everyday balance of nose to the grindstone and nose somewhere else if you catch my drift.

The life of a lawyer is unlike any other job. There is no quick move up the totum pole, no fast track in most firms. The right to partner is slow and sometime monotonous, but rewarding when you make it. The key (not that I by any means have the experience to tell you the actual "key") is to stick it out, have a keen eye to details, learn who matters and what matters to each person you work for. Find a confidant, a mentor, a secretary or paralegal who you trust and glean information. Ask questions, seek advice. And bill hours ;) With that enjoy a few laughs on behalf of lawyers everywhere!

Love is Spoken Here

I have been married for 1 and half years (well it technically it came Sunday)! There I was sitting on the couch staring at the TV hubs next to me and I was like whoa, we have been married for a year and half! Where did the time go? I realized how fast time flies when you are super busy (you totally thought I was going to say having fun...) The truth is, marriage is work people.... It's an everyday job. You do not get vacation or a free day. You have to constantly be an active part of your relationship.

This is not a friend who you can go weeks without talking to and simply pick up where you left off. Its not that winter coat or sandals that come out once a season. Marriage is 365-24/7. I am constantly learning things about my husband and myself (ya after 6 years we are still learning) and its great. As we both grow and change we have adapted--sometimes this adaption is easier than others, but we have done it together.

We have endured moves, job changes, slow times, fast times, families, and stress. But through it all we have learned how to communicate better and I believe our relationship is stronger than ever. Sure we have our moments, I mean don't we all? But at the end of the day or week, we know that we have each other's back and each other's best interest in mind. It's the time when we are on the couch, not saying anything, but we both know what each other is thinking, because in our home, love is the unwavering language.

Friday's Letters

Dear Anna - You are doing so well this week at Miss Texas! I am so proud of you! Dear Mindy - Sweet Teen! You've come so far and I am so proud of you. Dear Lovely - Thank you for being there for me no matter what, for having wine at 10pm, and never judging. Love you! Dear Hubs - Thank you for dealing with me when I'm tired and grouchy. Dear Food -  go away! Dear Chloe - You have go to find a new place to sleep because Mommy wants her pillow back and I cannot stand the licking! Dear Hubs - Ya know sometimes I need to do things just because I want to. Dear Friday - Thank goodness you are here.

It's Ok to Be Thank ful Thursday

Doubling up today for a short/quick ThurMonday post.

It's ok...

To wear oversizzed sunnies and an oversized hat to the pool, I do not need anymore sun damage to this face!

To get all gussied up to attend a pageant, I'm a has-been former, I need to look good!

To drink wine while enjoying said pageant

To have no desire to work today.

To  hate everything about my body except my arms

 

So thankful....

That I could celebrate freely yesterday

That I got to see one of BFFs twice in one week

That I have a job (that I love) to go to today, even if I do not desire to be here

for my pageant friends and family

for my beautiful titleholders who have done so well this week!

For the hubs, even when he does questionable things

For my puppy girl Chloe, she just warms my heart!

Tues/Friday?

So while this is technically Tuesday, its also Friday... because tomorrow is a holiday! I'm trying to get excited about this mid-week day off, but somehow its hard. By no means am I upset that I get an extra day off, it just seems, well off. I get to sleep in, but get up early the next day. I get fireworks and Miss Texas prelims, but no long weekend? Oh well, I shall celebrate anyway! Celebrate America, freedom, land of Free, home of the Brave! Apple pie and right to vote! So, star-spangle me up and call me Martha Washington or Betsy Ross.

Here are a few of the things I will be enjoying this 4th of July! P.S. If you are in the DFW area, head out to the Allen Event Center and watch 40 ladies compete for the title of Miss Texas!

4th of july by lynn-alexander on polyvore.com

Monday Musings

So, does anyone else feel like this is a waste of a short week? I mean a holiday mid-week just does nothing for my excitement. No 3-day weekend, no real party due to the 6am wake up call the next day... Oh well, guess that perpetual calendar thing has its drawbacks.

So, what are your plans for the July 4th holiday? I will be in Allen, TX cheering on my titleholders (Anna Combrink Miss McKinney) as they compete in the first night of prelims for the Miss Texas Pageant. Three days of prelims followed by finals on Saturday. And the best part, the pageant returns to television this year! Though its limited and not live in the DFW market, its a huge step forward for the organization. I hope everyone will either tune in, or head out to the Allen Event Center and watch 39 of the brightest, most talented women in Texas compete for a chance to head to Miss America!

As a former contestant, I know the benefits of this wonderful organization. The Miss America Organization is the largest provider of scholarships to women. I helped pay for law school during my competition days. I also made some of the best friends of my life competing. My sister Taylor and my BFF Faith! I truly believe in the power of this organization. It prepares young women to enter the workforce able to take on any challenge. It promotes the Children's Miracle Network as well. I may be a hasbeen now, but I will always cherish the opportunities I had as a titleholder.

Ok, enough now.... check out the pageant if you are in the DFW area, or check it out on TV! Happy Monday everyone, and happy holiday week.

Miss McKinney

Miss Garland's Outstanding Teen

Sunday Social

 if you are reading this then you have one day left of the weekend... so read up then grab a book, your bathing suit, a drink & head to the pool! But, first check out what Neely & Ashley are up to this Sunday Funday. On to this week's link up:
 What is your favorite store to shop at?

So I cannot just pick one, so my top 3:

for all my staples

pricey but great workout gear

cause i can find anything I need here

If you could afford anything and everything, which designer brand would you covet?

Burberry. Or Laundry.

Must have closet staple?

My nude Jimmy Choo pumps!

Favorite kind of shoes? (brand or type)

I have a ton of Gianni Bini shoes. They are stylish, yet classic. But when I'm not at work, I live in flats. I want a pair of Tory Burch flats, hint hint hubs....

Best clothing deal you've ever gotten? (sale or amazing find)

I would say my black Stuart Weitzman peep-toe pumps that I got at DSW for $30! I have had them since 2008 and I live by them.  I have a thing for shoes.

Style you'd love to try?

Boho. I'd love to be able to done a long skirt and flowy tops and by free, instead of a slave to my preppy conservative lawyer style.