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