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The Truth About Tinsel, Trees, and Traditions

24 Dec

“Christmas was on its way. Lovely, glorious, beautiful Christmas, upon which the entire kid year revolved.” ~A Christmas Story

Does that picture make my teeth look like they're chattering?

Earmuffs Santa. I’ve a feeling you’re not going to like this.

I’m not going to lie to you, Christmas is not my favorite holiday.  (I can almost hear the sleigh bells halting and making a last-minute detour to skip my house). But before you start to question if my heart is two sizes too small, let me explain myself.

It used to be.  As a kid I lived for it.  I loved tearing through the gifts and (as any kid would) hated when Mom would make us sit at the top of the stairs for a picture on Christmas morning as the four of us kids jostled for the best position once she said go. But as I grew older, what I loved were the people, the traditions.

It was the craziness of 15 cousins, you’re Grammy cupping your face in her hands after a big hug as she told you how much she missed you.  It was Christmas Eve at Grandma’s house, the laughter and chatter of family and warm welcoming fire.  It was falling asleep on the car ride home while snow flakes fell softly against the window and Dad reading Twas the Night Before Christmas before tucking us into bed.  It was the sound of trains, the ugly ornament contest, the smell of cinnamon rolls and Grandad’s hug after you gave him his 20th “World’s Greatest Grandpa” mug.  It was those moments, those places, those people and those memories that made Christmas my favorite holiday.

We all have those traditions and at one point or another we watch them change.  Christmas is different now.  We moved, people passed away, and traditions changed. It’s been tough as someone who loves family traditions, but these past couple years, I’m beginning to see the beauty in it all.  This is the in between time, the exciting part.  We’re making our own traditions, borrowing the old and embracing the new and making them our own.

Real tree of course

So while this Christmas I sometimes miss what I knew as a child and people I held so dear as well as those I love who are far away this holiday, including my best friend (things are just not nearly as fun without him) I’m realizing it’s just part of the growth, the evolution, the change, and that there is so much beauty wrapped up in the in-between.

Yep, I have the sneaking suspicion me and Christmas…will make up some day soon.

Someday I’ll look back and remember this as my kids fall asleep in the backseat on the way home on a Christmas Eve that was filled with rich tradition that they’ll always remember.  Caesar doesn’t count, although he is loving this Atlanta Christmas in the 50 degree weather so I’m sure he’d welcome this tradition.

And because it’s Christmas Eve here’s a little something from a Christmas classic:

“Christmas Day is in our grasp so long as we have hands to clasp. Christmas Day will always be just as long as we have we. Welcome Christmas while we stand, heart to heart and hand in hand”

See.  My heart isn’t made of stone.  I’m off to go grab my favorite winter ale, put some Christmas music on and finish wrapping before Santa gets here.  Merry Christmas everyone!

The Ghosts of Bloggers Past

23 Dec

“First rule of blogging is…update regularly”

 

Photo from Radeka Photography

 

You’ve seen them, the huge ghost town of blogs on the internet.  The ones that get left behind when things get too busy, the ones that look like old myspace pages and haven’t been updated since 2008.  Well just as mine had one foot in the grave, I’m pulling it back out.

I’m not giving up that easily! I can’t believe it’s been over two months since I’ve posted!  So much has happened and I can’t wait to tell you about it all and catch up on what’s going on with you.  Law school has been a whirlwind but I have the first semester under my belt and now that I know what to expect, it’s time to get my life back in order.

You know how there are just times when you just have to sit back and just let life happen, roll with the punches, adapt to the changes and then make a game plan and get back on track?  That was this fall to me.  So much was changing that I knew I had to just take it as it came and then figure out how to mesh things together with the new life, the new schedule, the new to-do’s.  One thing that is definitely sticking around is posting.  No matter how far away from publishing I get, I have learned through this semester (a lot of things really but one of them is) I love to read and write.  I didn’t pick up a single book this entire semester and hardly had time to write.  And while some things have to be put to rest when life gets hectic I’ve decided writing isn’t one of them.  I miss it and I miss you all too much.

And because I’m not a new years resolution type of person, I’m going to get a head start on this, even if it’s just 8 days.  I can’t wait to tell you all everything and to catch up.  It’s been way too long.  So although I told myself on the drive from Cincinnati to Atlanta that I was going to detox on caffeine this Christmas break, I’m going to go grab a cup of coffee, log on to what is sure to be a mountain of a google reader and catch up.  Cold turkey is too much to ask right?  You have to come down off caffeine slowly.

What have you all been up to?  What things tend to fall to the wayside when you get too busy?

Cup of Joe and a Clingy Case of the Mundays

19 Oct

Coffee is the best thing to douse the sunrise with.  ~Terri Guillemets

I brought you a cup made just the way you like it

Good morning from Cincinnati!  If we were really having coffee this crisp fall morning, I would pick you up a to-go cup because this morning we’re on the move.  As we’d walk down the city streets of Cincinnati we’d watch it wake up, my favorite time of the day.

If we were really having coffee today, I’d want to hear all about your weekend!  You’d probably ask about my fall break and although I can’t wait to tell you all about a perfect week in Nashville, I would have to save that for another time.  A time when I haven’t been up since 5 am and when I wasn’t rushing to a busy day of classes and conference calls.

And to be completely honest, somehow the case of the Mundays has seemed to follow me to Tuesday.  Weekends are still hard in a new city and coming back pre-dawn Monday morning from a great weekend back home was tough.  Even though I know it’s only for a season and that in the big picture, 3 years isn’t that long…it’s tough being away from home.  Lately, I feel like I’ve been living in two worlds and this Tuesday I am missing the one I’m used to, the one I love with places and people I know and who know me.  This Tuesday,  as we’re rushing around for coffee in my new city, I would have to stop and ask you for your honest opinion, “This will get easier right?” It will get easier to come back right?

And then I’d probably laugh because you’d probably be looking at me like I’m crazy and say that doesn’t sound like me.  And you’d be right.  I love new places and love change but at the same time, I have realized that it’s the people that mean the most to me.  I guess I’ll just have to find a way to open the arms my world wider to include both.  These are just growing pains.

But before we parted ways to get caught up in the hustle of the day, I’d pass on this delicious recipe that I recently tried.  Everyone needs a simple apple pie recipe for the fall right?  Plus, it would go great with coffee!  Enjoy!

Flat Apple Pie
Originally from The Pioneer Woman
Ingredients
-5 peeled & sliced Granny Smith apples
-2 Tbs. flour
-Juice of 1/2 lemon
-1/2 c. sugar
-1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
-1/4 tsp. salt
-1 recipe Perfect Pie Crust
-6 Tbs. butter

Directions
-Preheat oven to 375-degrees.
-In a large bowl, stir together the apples, flour, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar and salt and set aside.
-Roll out two pie crusts into large circles and place the circles on large baking sheets.
-Place half the apple mixture on one crust and other half on the other crust.
-Fold over the edge of each crust so that it covers 2-3 inches of the apple mixture. No need to be artistic – the more rustic the better.
-Dot the tops of the pies with chunks of butter.
-Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the filling is golden and bubbly. If the crust appears to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
-All to cool slightly, then slice into wedges with a pizza cutter.(makes 2 pies) 

Pioneer Woman’s Perfect Pie Crust
Pie crust is normally so difficult to make and so finicky.  So you can see how I was a little apprehensive to tackle this one.  BUT, this was so simple!  I am going to use this crust all the time now.
Ingredients
-3 c. flour
-1 tsp salt
-1 ½ c. vegetable shortening
-1 egg
-5 Tbs. cold water (I put some ice water in a freezer until I used it)
-1 tbsp. distilled white vinegar
Directions
-Combine the flour and salt in a large bowl.
-Add in shortening.
-Using a pastry cutter, gradually work the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles tiny pebbles. About 3-4 minutes.
-Lightly beat the egg with a fork, then add it to the mixture.
-Next, add the cold water and vinegar.
-Stir the mixture together until it’s just combined, then remove half the dough from the bowl.
-Place in a large plastic bag (do not seal) and slightly flatten with a rolling pin. After flattening, seal the bag tightly. Freeze. (Repeat to freeze second half.)
When ready to use a crust, remove one from the freezer and allow it to sit on the counter to thaw slightly, about 20 minutes.
-Remove from the bag and place on a lightly floured surface.
-With a rolling pin, begin rolling the dough from the center, outward.
-If  the bottom is really sticking to the surface below, use a nice, sharp spatula to loosen it and sprinkle some extra flour on top.
-Flip over to finish rolling. Remember to roll from the center in single, outward strokes; not back-and-forth rolling.
-Loosen and lift the pie crust and carefully lay it over a pie pan. Using your hand, lightly form the crust so that it fits inside the pan and overlaps the edges.
(makes two to three 9-inch pie crusts)

Things I’ve Learned in Law School…

13 Oct

Oh, sweetheart, you don’t need law school. Law school is for people who are boring and ugly and serious. And you, button, are none of those things. ~ Legally Blonde

 

Sorry...I just couldn't help myself.

 

Here I am, almost halfway through my glorious fall break and even though we don’t have midterms in law school, I figured I should probably look back and review what I’ve learned.

So, in these first 6-7 weeks of law schoolpalooza, here is what I know:

Nothing in moderation. Work hard, play hard, it’s an occupational hazard.  And don’t think this applies to just law school.  (You runners and type A-er’s, you know who you are and you know this applies to you too).

I will be spending a lot more money on makeup this semester. Who knew I’d have suitcases under my eyes needing to be covered up every morning.  I didn’t budget for that.

Running keeps me sane. Or at least from slipping completely into insanity.  No matter how busy it gets in law school or with jobs, anything, you need to do what keeps you sane.  For me it’s running right now and writing when I can.

Sarcasm and dry humor is part of legal jargon. My teachers crack me up.  I thought I was sarcastic.

Everybody has their crazy. Thank you Erin O. Anderson for this gem.  It’s so true.  There are some funny people in law school and I’m one of them.  You should see me with highlighters now.  Oy ;)

Anything you want is worth working for. People gripe and moan about how hard law school is, which is true.  And lord knows I’m guilty of complaining sometimes.  But I think working for 3 years really gave me a different perspective.  It’s tough learning how to learn a whole different world but if you put the work in, you can get whatever you want.

One day my back will write a thank you to my locker. I have become the bag lady when I go home with all my books.  I am thinking about beginning to count just walking to and from my car as strength training.

And on that note…These law school books could be made a lot better. Look, law school book publishers, I know how books are made and designed.  Why can’t you have a fun cover, one that actually makes me WANT to read it instead of such a foreboding cover.  And while we’re on it…I know what it costs to make a book…this is ridiculous.  When I get out of law school I’m going to start a law school book publishing company because this is just a racket.

Never lose yourself. One of the first things the 2L’s and 3L’s told us was to never forget who you are and why you wanted to come to law school.  Never lose yourself in it.  I think this is great advice not just for students but for anyone.  I had problems with this in my job and because of that, I’ll never let it happen again.  You are not your profession.  Make sure to never lose yourself.  Keep doing what makes you you.  Never let yourself just become your job.  Have hobbies, go explore, never be complacent.

Savor encouragement, even if its silent.

There is a sausage theory of law. I know, don’t ask.  No one wants to know how sausage is made and no one really wants to find out how law is made.

I love what I am doing and wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Pour Me a Cup

12 Oct

Behind every successful woman is a substantial amount of coffee.  ~Stephanie Piro

 

Photo by Andrew Collins

If we were having coffee this morning, I would be ducking in out of the warm Nashville rain and greeting you at one of my favorite spots for coffee and people watching, Fido.

I would join you in line and apologize for being late after just having breakfast down the street.  I’d order Roscoe’s Pumpkin Latte and we’d weave through the people to take our seats by the window looking out onto the hustle of Hillsboro Village.

As I would look out I would tell you how I miss this town and all the crazy things that happen here, like seeing Taylor Swift yesterday with her mom while eating lunch.  I would tell you how much I miss places like this with people like this but how despite all the growing pains I am utterly and completely happy with where I am in life.  Terrified but happy  nonetheless and how I’m learning that a little fright never killed anyone…just keeps you on your toes ;)

I would want to hear all about what’s been going on with you since I fell off the face of the earth these past couple months engulfed in this new world of law school.  I’d apologize for being a bad friend and thank you for your patience with my bad communication which I’d blame on what I’ve dubbed, the Law School Lull.But I’d look you right in the eye and tell you from the bottom of my heart, that doesn’t mean I don’t think about you each day and wonder how you are. We’d probably laugh as I explained the craziness and new life balancing skills I’m learning :)

I’d warm my hands and sip my coffee and listen.  I’d laugh with you at what’s happened since the last time we’ve talked and how things have turned out.  It’s never what you expected but it always turns out better doesn’t it.

I’d probably tell you how terrified I am of finals, finding the right internship in the summer and paying off loans and you’d probably laugh and tell me now wasn’t the time to worry about it and you’d be right.

I’d share secrets with you like how some days I get overwhelmed that I feel I can’t do it or I’ll never understand these new concepts but how the very next day something will happen and I know, this is what I am supposed to do. I’d tell you how I love my teachers, love learning and love laying my head down after a long day knowing that I’ve worked hard at something I love and want.

I’d tell you how last night’s run with The Boy was the best run I’d had in a while which is exactly what I needed because I was getting nervous that I might not be able to do the marathon in December after so many rough runs.

I’d tell you how great it is to spend a whole week with my best friend.  I’d tell you how it makes me realize both how much I miss him and how lucky I am to have his support even from far away.  I’d tell you that I hope I’m the same for him and that he can feel that from miles away even when he’s having a bad day.

We’d have so much to catch up on and after all that as I would head back to my car, I’d be so thankful so a simple cup of coffee and great friends to share it with.

Happy rainy Tuesday!

 

Virtual Coffee

I first learned about this over at Dear Abby Leigh and like her, as someone in a new city (and one where I still have yet to find a decent coffee shot) I loved the idea!

My favorite part about joining this world of blogging is the people I meet.  I love the idea Amy over at Lucky Number 13 came up with where each week on Tuesday, you shave a virtual cup of coffee with your friends.

Join in and have a cup with me.

Fall is the New Spring

11 Oct

“Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.” ~William Cullen Brynat

 

From We Heart It

 

Spring is overrated.  At least in my book.  I’m not sure what it is but I’ve always felt more alive and more at home in the rich reds, welcoming oranges, comforting yellow and soothing browns than the bright pastels of spring.

Fall has always meant exciting new beginnings.  From working in the publishing world where you hoard all your  best books until Fall for release in  anticipation of the Christmas rush to now being back on a school schedule, Fall means things are happening.  It’s always been my favorite time of year.

This week is Fall Break and as I was driving through the rolling hills of Kentucky into Tennessee yesterday, my heart was utterly and simply happy.  The colors were stunning and there was just something in the air.  I love Nashville in the Fall.

I don’t know about you but my whole taste shifts in the fall.  It is the oddest thing.  My car is filled with music from Iron and Wine to Sarah Barielles (seriously great Fall music, get her new cd, it’s on repeat in my car).  I have the urge to make pies and pumpkin cookies (I have some great fall recipes coming later this week).  The beer selection in my fridge changes from refreshing golden wheat to hearty oktoberfests, ambers and spicy pumpkin beers and I like my coffee to have tastes of caramel, toffee or pumpkin. And who doesn’t like pulling out those fall sweaters and boots for the first time.  But more than going back to those fall traditions, tastes and activities, it’s also a time of renewal.

 

Also from We Heart It

 

This is an odd dichotomy I know but the way fall enters does this with such grace might be the secret to why I love it so much.  I have always been someone who despite loving to try new things, there are some things I will never give up.

Everything in my life is new right now. I am embracing it and loving every minute of learning and meeting new people, but this fall break I can’t tell you how excited I am to be back in Nashville, to catch up with the friends that are my heart and soul.  Fall is the time when you gather.  Whether it be for football, to pick out that perfect pumpkin, or Thanksgiving, we gather.  We gather and are thankful.  These people, just like fall traditions, inspire me and energize me.  This fall I have so much to be thankful for.

Not only that but there are so many new things happening this fall.  I am learning so much and thriving off of doing what I love every single day (and most of every night right now ;)  Just like the leaves, everything is changing and I am so excited about it.  This is my time to grow…why wait for Spring?

So here’s to corn mazes, pumpkin spice lattes, pies, pumpkin patches, cozy cups of coffee while reading the latest book from your favorite writer, football, dinners with friends, family and spiced apple cider.  Here’s to the colors changing, leaves crunching under each step of a morning run, and to that something in the air that heralds in the new season, filled with the people we love, traditions we cherish and the changes to come.  Happy Fall!

On Procrastination, Planning and Patience

4 Oct

“The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry…”

And here’s my addition, “So why do I even try.”

From We Heart It.

Hi.  My name is Jaye and I am a recovering planner.

Life is so funny sometimes.  This whole summer, I learned time and time again that sometimes good things happen when you just let go, unclench your fist and let it happen.

As someone who color-codes her moleskin planner, has a to-do list for everything and has a list of goals, that my friends, is terrifying.

This summer there was a seismic shift  in everything.  I moved from a home I absolutely loved, quit my job and uprooted to go back to school. It’s not surprising that my coping method was to plan.  That way, even with all the changes, I had some idea of what was going to happen, right?  Wrong.  The more I clenched my first about different things, the more things slipped out of my fingers.

I tried it with my best friend.

And I tried it with law school.

It was funny to me to go back and read those two post now that I know the ending.

SO…since I’ve been eerily quiet on here for the past two months, I wanted to tell you all how this worked out so that you can laugh with me and see how funny and strange it is that sometimes when we just let go, it all falls into place.

Here it is, the beginning of one of my favorite months and I’m almost 6 weeks into law school at…my #1 choice! After I wrote the Plan B post, I gave in.  I planned on going to my #2 school, which was a great one as well.  I went to visit with the family on our way to vacation, got an apartment, my schedule, did my summer reading and was ready to go.

What I felt like for a couple weeks. The roamer. From We Heart It.

On one of the last days in Michigan, we went into town and I had a couple of messages so I dialed the number, keyed in my password and sat to listen.  My heart stopped when it was a message from the admissions dept of my #1 choice for law school.  I’m not sure I heard anything that was between his name and “call me back.”

I called back immediately but it was too late to get to him.  I tried to calmly leave a message then I hung up and tried not to go insane.  This was it.  This was either my no for sure or maybe, just maybe, I had a spot.  I was a wreck that night.

The next day we were going to visit family.  I got in the car and listened to my ipod trying to drown out the “what if” thoughts that kept swirling around in my head.  I looked down at my phone and I had one missed call.  Are you kidding me.  It was them.  I called back and left another message, again trying to be calm and probably failing miserably.

A couple of minutes later he calls back, we start to talk and it cuts out.  AGH!  This is the one time in my life I’ve ever hated northern Michigan.  Cell service is horrid.  This is then followed by my dad pulling on and off the road trying to find service.  Finally I get on the phone with him and he said he had great news.

I was in!  I was in!  I was in!

To say I was excited would be a gross understatement.  When we pulled in for breakfast, even though I try not to do it, I had to call the Boy at work.  We were both so excited!  He was probably more excited that his girlfriend wouldn’t be so batty now that this was over ;)  All the studying, the tests, the applications, the recommendations, writing samples and waiting was done.  I was headed to the school I wanted to go to.

Now I just had to get all my stuff packed, re-route plans and get to Cincinnati before orientation started in a week.  THAT’S where my planning skills could kick in.

And now, 6 weeks into this, I have so much to tell you all!  I can’t thank you enough for all of your encouragement and making me smile through this whole process so many how many times I have to learn the lesson that seems so dang simple…just let go!

I have the sneaking suspicion someone was trying to teach me patience. I think part of the reason I plan is because then you know what’s coming ahead of the curve.  I hate waiting till the last-minute to know what’s going on.  And getting me to be patient is probably like pulling teeth.  But I have learned this summer about the beauty of knowing what you want, working hard to get it and then relaxing in the fact that things will happen as they are supposed to happen.  And I can’t rush it.  HA.

So I have the feeling I’ll always be a planner (especially now when they tell us our lives are going to be planned out in 6 minute increments…are you kidding me?!?!  I’m not even that crazy ;) but I’m also learning that sometimes, you just have to wing it.

Watch Out Children…You Never Know What Might be Lurking in the Dark

28 Jul

Monsters are never as cute as they look in the pictures

What’s your favorite memory of summer?

Does it involve the lake?  A beach perhaps?  Does summer conjure up images of family, swimming, warm sunny days and lazy nights?

For me…one of the most vivid memories of summer for me revolves around…a monster.

This is not a hide under your bed monster or one that stays confined to the closet in your room.  No, this one roams in the dark and strikes unexpectedly, to the exact place you feel safest…family vacation.

No children, you are not safe.

I was asked to be a part of Ashley’s series, A Childhood Summer, where she asked people to recount their childhood memories of summer.  I decided it was time to break the silence ;)

Check out my guest post here.

What’s your favorite memory of summer?

Books to Get Sandy

22 Jul

“There is a temperate zone in the mind, between luxurious indolence and exacting work; and it is to this region, just between laziness and labor, that summer reading belongs.”  ~Henry Ward Beecher

Why is summer reading so popular?  There’s something almost romantic about it.  All those who never pick up a book during the cool breeze of fall, the chill of winter or the sunshine of spring, all indulge themselves in a love affair with reading during the lazy summer months.

I even fall into this attractive trapping.  I  always have a book I’m reading on my bedside table.  But there’s just something different.

Every May I can’t WAIT to make my summer reading list.  I scour trade magazines, all the summer reading lists in copious amounts of magazines and ask my most trusted friends what they’re reading.  Then, I come up with the master list.  The list of books that will have sand in their spines and tanning lotion smeared across their cover.

Dragging all these books with me is making me rethink a Kindle

Later this summer, I’ll pack my bags to head to Pittsburgh for a family reunion which I fear might look remarkably similar to an episode of Jersey Shore (I’m working on my fist pumps).  After a weekend there we head to Northern Michigan to my favorite place on earth for two weeks.  I can’t wait.  Sleeping in, seeing family, the lake, coffee in the morning while looking over the bay, running, cooking, writing, and of course, reading. My heart is about to explode with excitement.

So…here is my summer reading list in no particular order.

1. “The Passage” by Justin Cronin. Even though my day job isn’t publishing anymore, I am still a publishing junkie.  since February, magazines both trade and consumer alike have been touting this as the must read book of the summer.  I’m intrigued.

Love

2. “Kitchen Confidential” by Anthony Bourdain. This spring my favorite chef/author/host/traveler and resident BA came out with a new book called “Medium Raw.”  I am addicted to his show No Reservations and pretty much envy his life so I was excited to read it.  Then, like I do with most books, I decided I should probably start at the beginning, with “Kitchen Confidential.”  I can’t wait to read this book.  I love Anthony.  I love his no BS attitude, his wit and his love of all things native in the places he visits, from the culture and the food to the people.
3. “The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest” by Stieg Larsson. I have been waiting for this for a year!  Normally I will wait till the whole series is over to pick up a book so I don’t have to wait…patience is not my strong suit.  i.e. Harry Potter and seasons of 24.  I picked up “Dragon Tattoo” because I was curious about all the hype.  I had never liked crime novels or thrillers in the past so I thought I was safe.  Wrong.  When done with the 2nd book, I considered ordering this one from Amazon UK so I could read it before it was released here.

Here's where you'll find me

4. “Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins. My aunt who practically devours books told me about this one and I trust her completely since she’s the one who got me hooked on David Sedaris.  I’ve heard this book is addicting.  Is this series final yet ;)
5. “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett. I know, I planned to read this back in January but I never got to it.  Now’s the time.  I’ve heard such great things!
6. Oxford American‘s Best of the South. I fell in love with their southern food issue. The writing is spectacular and so funny in just the right way.  I can’t wait to read the newest installment.
7. “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall. Training started this past week (soft training, before the training program kicks in) for a half marathon and marathon this fall so I need some inspiration!  I’ve heard a lot about this book and it normally centers around barefoot running.  You won’t see me running a marathon barefoot but I’m really interested in this book.  And it was given to me by a dear friend and runner herself so that makes it even more fun!
8. “A. Lincoln: A Biography” by Ronald C. White Jr. Ok, so a little different from the others right but I am a closet history lover.  Recently I have been fascinated by Abraham Lincoln and am really excited to learn more.  I used one of his quotes in my personal statement for law school and really think I’ll like this book.

Speaking of law school, I may or may not have  a TON of summer reading I have to do for law school but these books will be my sweet relief.

And now my friends, this begs the question, what are you reading?

All the gorgeous pictures are from WeHeartIt.

A Publicist and a Lawyer

14 Jul

“Whoever tells the best story wins.”  

When I first told people my secret , I was getting a lot of fun questions about my career change.  I understand that…who would quit a paying job,  do a 180, go into debt for the first time and willingly live like a poor college student again.   

I get it.   

I wish you all could have been with me when I told people at work, because for the most part, the response was the same.  Since you couldn’t be there, let me show you how it went down.  

Jaye: So…I’m going to be quitting to go to law school (I’m not good at transitioning so normally big announcements like this come as word vomit. I’m working on it.)  

               Others: Law school?!  

Jaye: Yep.  Going to be a lawyer.  

                Staring at me trying to figure out if I’m joking…  

                                         1…  

                                               2…  

                                                     3…  

               Others: Huh. A publicist to a lawyer.   

Jaye: Yep.  

     Others: Well that’s an interesting switch. (read in between the lines,   “what is wrong with that girl”)  

Jessie the Publicist from Arrested Development. Have I told you how fabulous this show is yet?

I would just laugh.  I can see how on the outside these two careers have nothing to do with each other. However, it’s the similarities in these two that helped get me on the right path.   

When I was contemplating what I wanted to do, I took inventory of what I love to do and what I’m good at.  I’ve learned that there is a job for everything (despite what your high school counselor tries to tell you).  Don’t decide WHAT job you want to do…instead, find what you’re good at and what you like to do and there’s a job for it.  So…here’s what I knew, I loved certain aspects of my job as a publicist: the people, building relationships with authors, publishers and media, problem solving, finding the story and communicating that story, as well as the writing and the production aspect of it.  

Ok, so there were a lot of things I liked but for many reasons, I knew I wouldn’t be a publicist forever. It fit well but as Goldilocks says, I wanted something to fit “just right.”  So I brainstormed, talked to people I respect about the career change.  After which began long months of studying after work, a 7 hour test and furiously applying to law school while trying to keep my day job.   

Bob Loblaw, one of the 3 lawyers in Arrested Development. I know. I'm obsessed, but that's for another post.

During that whole process and now working at a law firm this summer I not only have been assured that this is what I should be doing but have seen how many similarities there are between the two practices.   

What do you think makes someone a good lawyer?  After observing many lawyers, I would venture to guess it’s the same thing that makes a good.   

Just like an author/publicist relationship, lawyers need to build a relationship with the client, based on trust and communication.  The more I work the more I learn it’s ALL about relationships whether it’s authors/media/publishers or clients/other attorneys/judges.  Problem solving- check and check.  What happens when a book just isn’t getting PR…time to go back to the drawing board and rework the pitch.  Law is all about problem solving and coming to a resolution.  Then of course there’s the writing and the planning/production aspect that they share.  For one you’re planning trips and book tours and the other you deal with court dates etc.  But my favorite part is the story telling.   

I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself. I love Buster. He's my favorite.

When you get down to it, both law and publicity is communicating a person’s story, whether it’s in a courtroom to a jury or a pitch to media.  I love that.  I love digging in, finding the facts, finding the key elements and then figuring out how to tell the story.  It’s for these reasons that I am excited and I know that this is where I need to be.  I’ve found my sweet spot!  

I’m not going to lie, I was pretty nervous as I walked out on my last day with my cardboard box full of things.  What if I made the wrong decision?  What if this isn’t the right thing for me?  What if I don’t like it?  

The good news is, I absolutely love it!  And although I might be older than most in law school since I worked for three years, I think it gives me an edge.  I know what I like and what I’m good at as well as what skills I can improve on.   

That’s what your high school guidance counselor should tell you when they sit you down and make you choose a profession in the 9th grade so you can take the right classes to position yourself to go to the right school.  Instead of making you choose a profession, they should ask you what you like, what you’re good at.  And if you don’t know right off the bat, that’s fine!  People (as I did) get so hung up on what major, what job etc.  Who cares?!  I went to a liberal arts school that was known for business, started out a biology/musical theater major and ended up in journalism.  Explain that! haha.  The important thing is to constantly learn about yourself, what you like and what you’re good at.  Only then will you be happy.  Hmmm…maybe I should’ve gone to be a high school counselor ;) Nah.   

See what the 2nd most asked question is when people hear I’m going to law school…

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