Tag Archives: Law School

Don’t be a Stranger

7 Oct

Photo from We Heart It

As anyone in law school knows, and anyone who is thinking about law school will find out, fall of your 2L year feels like a tornado. A cyclone of class, interviews, applications, and job hunting. We are merely two days away from fall break and I already feel like I have a full semester behind me.

In the midst of this storm, you are preparing for interviews, updating your resume and combing your writing samples for mistakes. You get to know your resume like the back of your hand, and are ready to answer any question that might come your way. Let’s just put it this way…you definitely want to be candid, but you don’t want to be surprised in an interview.

This is why it was odd that while I was going through the interview process this fall, I suddenly found myself going off script.

I was sitting in an interview one Friday afternoon when I was asked about my previous summer experience. Softball right. OK. I told them about my writing, about going to court with the attorneys, and the special projects I was a part of. But then, I was asked, “What was the most important thing you learned from that experience.”

Before I could think about it, I said, “How to see people.” Immediately, in my head, I panicked. What was I saying?! How to see people, come on. That’s not a concrete answer. They are probably wondering what’s wrong with me. Not surprisingly, I was asked to explain.

Click here to read the rest.

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Diary of a Law Student

9 Feb

“Do you think she woke up one morning and said: I think I’ll go to law school today.” ~Professor Callahan

I know.

I just can’t help myself.

I can’t stay away from the Legally Blonde quotes when I’m talking about law school.

Forgive me.

But I have some big news so I’m excited and when I get excited I tend to want to laugh…

I know, it’s weird.

What’s even worse is that that is my reaction when something really awful happens.  I’m working on it.

But again, forgive me.

Ok, so the big news…

Remember that time when I decided to quit my job and go to law school, all the crazy stuff that happened along the way and then how everything just fell in place, even if it was at the last minute?

Then fast forward to right now, where I am in my second semester of my 1L year and although it is crazy and hectic, I am absolutely loving it!

Well I have been given an amazing opportunity to be one of the law students that posts on the law school’s blog and I couldn’t be more excited!

Of course I’m really looking forward to writing about all the crazy things that go on in law school.  But more than that, as someone who benefited so much from all of you who read who are in the legal profession or in law school, and have encouraged me along the way, I want to pay it forward.

I love all the funny stories you all have shared with me to make me feel comfortable, the advice to steer me in the right direction and how everyone, no matter what school you went to, had THAT kid in your class.  But more than that, it’s the community and like I said, I want to pay it forward to those who are going through the process I did recently.

Some of it will be informative and informational, but for my first law school blog…I will write about my first day of law school where you are terrified of your own name!

I’d love for you to check it out and let me know what you think.

Oh, and don’t be freaked out by the long hair.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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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Plan B

12 Jul

“The most successful people are those who are good at Plan B.” ~ James Yorke

I'm gonna need it

At this point I don’t know why I keep planning.  I’m throwing out the to-do lists, the sticky notes and the planner…well…I might hold on to the planner.  Just for a bit longer.  It’s my safety net.  I can’t cut ties yet.

How funny is it that not even a week after I let one thing go, releasing my clenched fist…I tighten it again on yet another thing.  Sometimes I wonder if I will ever learn…

If you haven’t already noticed, I am a planner.  Sometimes to a fault. Especially when it comes to big decisions in my life I like to think things out and figure out my plan of attack.

I don’t like when I have to deviate from said plan.  I get all bent out of shape.  You know how people always say, where one door closes another door opens.  I hate that.  I want the door I want to open to open!  It’s probably just locked, or needs some WD-40 but you better believe I’m going to get that door to open!  Turns out…and for probably good reason, every door is slammed shut and bolted up except for the one I need to go through, the one that’s best for me.  I’ve seen how this has forced me to go in the right direction, and I am thankful for that but for some reason it’s always surprising when it happens.  Call me stubborn.

When that door shuts, I am forced to go to Plan B.  This is exactly what happened last week.

The sign on Door A as it reads right now

Here’s the deal.  I am still in between what law school I will be at in a little over a month.  I have been accepted to go to a wonderful school and I’m excited, but I really want to go to a law school that I have been wait-listed for.  I just believe in my heart of hearts that it would be the best fit for me.  I’ve done everything I can to boost my chances should there be extra slots and honestly thought that when deposits were due just a couple days ago, they would have extra spots and they would call my number to tell me the good news.

Well…as some of your know, grad school admissions are just crazy now.  With so many out of job and looking to go back to school, programs are seeing an influx of students like they’ve never seen.  The admission people at this school have been fabulous at keeping me in the loop which I appreciate more than they know.  When I emailed them on the day deposits were due saying that I hoped some poor sap’s check got lost in the mail last week though, I got some back news back.  They received a record number of deposits and exceeded their numbers.

Waiting...

I was devastated.  I read the email and could feel the hot tears welling up.

I couldn’t believe it.  I was sure Plan A would fall in place.

I was able to get out a short sentence telling the Boy what had just happened (you know, so he doesn’t think I just spontaneously burst into tears like a mad woman) and he did the best thing he could have done at that moment.

He said, “I am so sorry J.  I know you probably don’t want to talk about it now, but when you do just let me know. I’ll be here.”

Later that afternoon we went on a LONG walk. I laid it all on the table.  We talked about the pros and cons, what to do next and why Plan B can be just as good or even better than Plan A.

He was so right (but don’t tell him I said that ;) .  He voiced everything I knew but just needed to hear.  Ok, so Plan A looks like it may not work out.  That doesn’t mean we abandon it.  That doesn’t mean we give up or throw in the towel.  BUT it does mean we start to formulate a Plan B.

Onward and Upward!

I felt so much better after our 4 mile walk/talk.  I know that no matter where, I want to go to law school.  I have two great options right now so I need to do everything I can to try to get to school #1 but also pursue #2. So that’s what I’m doing now.  Rethinking, reformulating and relaxing in the fact that I am going to do all I can and that eventually, I will be in the right place.

Seriously, there should be a 12 step program for people like me.  I’m learning :)

As a side-note…it is truly amazing how much you learn about yourself and those around you when you push beyond your comfort zone.  As frustrating and as scary as this all seems at times, and no matter how many times I scrap a plan, I cherish this time!  It’s exciting and I am learning so much!  I am going to make a point to never be complacent, always try new things and stretch my limits because it’s in this scrapping of plans and sleepless nights that you figure out who you are and what makes you stronger.

You know what…I might have to ask for one of my sticky notes back.  Just to write this little gem on it.  Maybe put it on my mirror, or in my car or better yet, on my arm:

“If you want to make God laugh, tell him your future plans.” ~Woody Allen

In the words of D.A.R, “Yes, I know…but when will I ever learn” I’m right there with you sister. :)

How are you with Plan B? Ever had to re-route?

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So Good

30 Jun

“He is good, so good.  And he treats your little girl like a real man should.” ~Carrie Underwood  

I know, I just quoted Carrie Underwood.  No, I’m not sure what wrong but I just couldn’t get enough of that song when I was driving home from Nashville this weekend.   

Maybe it was driving through the rolling hills of Tennessee…  

Maybe it was because I just had a great weekend with my boys in Nashville…  

Or maybe it’s because for the first time, I stopped worrying about it and just let it be…  

But as I was driving back from Nashville, thinking about the weekend, what’s ahead, new jobs, dreams, struggles, time together and time apart, family, friends and home, I came to the conclusion that everything is going to be good.  So good.   

I know it sounds simple, and it is, but sometimes that’s the hardest stuff for me to figure out.  Sometimes I overcomplicate and over analyze things.  I sometimes ask the wrong people for advice or psych myself out.  

The second question people ask when they hear I’m going to law school is about the Boy.  What is he going to do?   (Here’s the most asked question)

Ziplining this weekend in Nashville. I know, the hats are hot. Safety first kids.

It’s been just over a month since I packed up my life and headed south for the summer before making the trek up north for school in the fall.  So many new things were happening.  I was moving, going back to school in a new city and the Boy was graduating, and starting a new job.  I was torn between excitement for both of us and wishing we would be there together going through it all.  Some people had horror stories of long distance relationships going array and this did nothing to calm that nagging fear in the back of my head.  Again, sometimes I over think things.   

The Boy and I have definitely been a part.  He’s spent summers back home, or in Spain.  I had to travel for work a lot and holidays have been spent with respective families, he’d travel for running etc. And it’s always been good.  Not “good” like fine/so so or any other watered down version of this word that people toss around but good.  So good like the Carrie Underwood song.  Really really good.  It’s always been a time where we learn about ourselves and each other going through new things.  It’s when I get back from the day and can’t wait to hear from him, talk with him and hear what he’s up to.  It’s always tough not having my best friend around all the time to hang out with but it always makes me realize what I have and so excited to be there again.   

I know, I know.  I don’t normally share this type of stuff on my blog…nor do I normally quote Carrie Underwood.  I don’t know.  Maybe it’s the heat.  

The boy when we went to the GA Aquarium

Or…maybe it’s because I haven’t heard very many encouraging words about all this so for anybody else who has ever or will ever go through this…it will be something for you to think about and hold on to.   

I also write this to say thanks to those who have been amazing and so supportive through all this.  I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you.  

One of these people is the Law School Wife.  I read this post a couple of weeks ago and I think it hit the nail on the head.  The circumstances are different but the point remains the same.  She talks about how people would say they’d never stay together through law school cause it’s so hard blah blah blah, but after a year, she’s found that’s not the case.  She says law school didn’t break those people up.  Deeper issues or an incapadability did, not law school.  I think the same applies to long distance. She says,  

“Either you tackle the issues together, or you don’t. It’s not about law school. It’s just life. The couples who can’t handle the speed bumps, the curve balls, the stress of being an adult–those are the couples who will break up. The couples who know how to work through problems together, to work through stress together, to speak to each other with kindness even when the going gets tough, those who realize law school is just a phase and that work is just a job, those who know how to play together will stay together–”  

I love it. It’s not law school, or the distance or anything else that’s hard, life is hard.  She says some people/couples sink and some swim.  Law school, and I’d say anything tough like long distance etc., weeds out the sinkers.  And makes the swimmers stronger.    

 
 

Enjoying some of Sweetwater's Brew and watching the World Cup

 This coupled with talking with the boy and another dear friend’s comments I saw this weekend about long distance relationships being a great experience to learn about each other and grow has made me…dare I say it…excited.  

I have loved our weekends together, out having fun, exploring, laughing, seeing friends and doing things we’ve never done before. I love our talks during the week and how he can make me smile miles away.  I look forward to growing together as we learn about each other as he is starts a new job, I’m at law school and so much more.  

So…on the windy road home from Nashville, with Carrie Underwood playing as the backdrop after a perfect weekend behind me and infinite possibilities ahead of me, I decided no more overthinking, overcomplicating or worrying.  I came to the conclusion that I knew was the right one all along.  

So, to the people who doubt and ask about me and the Boy and how we’ll make it though, I can say with conviction and confidence that no matter where we are, these challenges and weekends and long nights are going to be so good.  

I can’t wait!  

Thanks Carrie ;)   

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If You Want it, You’re Going to Have to Pry it From My Cold, Dead Fingers

16 Jun

“Every luxury must be paid for…” ~Casare Pavese 

Give me my blackberry!!!

 

Ok, so maybe the title is a little intense and I may be acting a bit like a spoiled child here but before we get into the story and you are absolutely repulsed by my tantrum…understand that a) most of this revolt was going on in my head where outside I was as cool as a cucumber and b) I did come to my senses. 

Since making the decision to leave my job as a book publicist where I was making money to go to law school where I would accumulate debt for the first time, I have been faced with many decisions where I must put the luxuries I’m used to behind.  It’s not huge earth shattering things but these are things I have gotten used to and giving them up makes me feel like I am moving backwards.  I know, I know, it’s not true but I’m just being honest when I say that although in my heart of hearts and in the corners on my mind, I know I’m moving in the right direction, sometimes it all seems overwhelming and I pause hoping I made the right decision.  

When I quit my job to go back to school, I knew I’d have to give up my fancy laptop, brand new blackberry and any disposable income I might have and buckle down.  Time to go back to living like a college student, eat Ramon noodles and drink cheap beer.  I just didn’t realize how much I had gotten used to these simple luxuries.  

My beloved B

 

The phone was my first order of business.  I had a company blackberry with an unlimited plan.  I figured I’d just switch the name and keep it.  I love being able to check my emails, send tweets, update facebook and feed my social media addiction whenever I want to.  Well…turns out it would cost around $130 a month.  That’s more than my family pays for 5 lines. After doing some research, I just felt like I couldn’t justify paying twice as much for my blackberry when I should really be saving money.  

The red-headed step child

 

So…last night, on that cold dark dreary night I turned in my smartphone.  I went in, told them the plan I wanted, the phone I would need and gave them the blackberry to switch my contacts.  The guy commented on how easy I was making it for him.  I just knew I had to rip off the band-aid.  If he asked me if I wanted to new blackberry or smartphone I was afraid my resolve would weaken.  He switched my contacts and my number and said it was just a matter of time.  

“How much time do we have,” I asked as I looked down at my faithful blackberry. 

“Well,” he said, “You could have up to 24 hours but as things start switching, the blackberry will do less and less.  You may have less than three.” 

A death sentence.  

The death of the blackberry.  

I whispered my goodbye and tucked it into its box hoping to make its last hours as painless as possible.  

Today “eric” came to work with me today but by the way he’s hiding in my purse, I think he knows he’s not wanted ;)  

I’ll miss B.  But there is a time for everything right?  Do I really need a blackberry in school?  No.  I will have plenty of time after I graduate for that.  

Age old problem...PC or Mac

 

Now I’m facing the same thing with #2 on my list…my computer.  I had a snazzy macbook pro and fell in love.  My trusty HP from my undergrad days is on its last leg (when did I all the sudden become a technology morgue??) and it’s time for a new one.  I want a mac. Consumer Reports isn’t helping by telling me it’s the best thing out there.  But the sticker price is making me think this one out.  I know it’s the age-old question…mac or pc but I’d love your opinion.  All of you are working professionals who also reign in the blogosphere.  Should I go cheaper and break down to get a pc?  Or is this worth the extra money? 

Like I said in the beginning…I know I sound like a spoiled brat.  When it comes down to it though, I’m happy to give up these things if in the long run I can save some money by decreasing my bills.  I just miss it and want to make sure I’m cutting the right corners.  

What do you think?  Do you give up some luxuries now to save in the long run?  Is so, which ones? 

Is there a luxury you would absolutely not give up?

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I Simply Cannot Help Myself

3 Jun

“We run, not because we think it is doing us good, but because we enjoy it and cannot help ourselves…The human spirit is indomitable.” ~Sir Roger Bannister, first runner to run a sub-4 minute mile 

I could get used to these

Welcome to Hotlanta, where the peaches are sweet, the kudzu grows, sweet tea is a natural resource and boiled peanuts are the way to go.  It is truly living up to its name.  I’m afraid that with all the humidity, I might actually grow gills soon. Truthfully though, those actually might come in quite handy while running.  

Speaking of running…I am happy to report I put my first run in after a month and a half off due to a pain in the a$$ injury.  Literally.  I took the time I needed to to let the muscle relax, stretch it out and get ready to gear up again.  Truth be told, I probably could’ve started running two weeks ago but with leaving my job, packing, moving, the Boy’s grad party, starting a new job and not being in the same state for more than a day or two until now.  I just didn’t want to make starting up again any harder than it had to be so I decided to wait…you know, till it was 90 degrees outside ;)  

So, I decided that this week was my D-day.  Time to get back in shape.  As much as I dreaded the coming two weeks where running would not be fun, ok, it would be flat-out dreadful…I missed running. Training for the marathon made me a junkie. I craved it.  I couldn’t help myself.  I missed how great I felt during and after a hard run after a long day.  I missed conquering miles and each time going longer than I had before. As hard as it is, you get past the tough part and then running is relaxing and enjoyable.  

Never have I ever been a "cute" runner. The people who work out and don't sweat are freaks of nature in my book.

Tuesday was my first day of work and afterwards I was beat.  I got out of the car at home and couldn’t imagine running. As I was debating in my head about what to do (I mean, today was the first day back, I couldn’t just skip it!??) my dad asked if I wanted to run with him.  Perfect.  I warned him that I hadn’t run for over a month and he might have to drag me.  He told me not to worry about it cause he ran slow so it would be a nice easy run.  

We set out for a 2.5 mile run.  It’s hard when you first start not to talk yourself into going longer, my last run was my 20 mile training run so 2.5 seemed piddly at first but boy am I glad I didn’t up it.  It’s so important when you first start running to listen to your body.  If you set an unrealistic goal you’ll never be able to meet, you just set yourself up for failure.  Be smart when planning your mileage especially when you start out.  I have learned this lesson the hard way.  It’s just not worth being a stubborn runner then being discouraged because you can’t meet your goal.  

What I pretended to see on the road to keep me steady

Alright, so back to the 2.5.  First of all, how is it still 87 degrees at 5:30 in Atlanta.  I walked outside and started sweating.  Ugh.  I just keep telling myself this will help me get in shape faster.  So we set out and I was bracing myself for my piriformis to hurt but it didn’t.  I was running pain-free!  I was ecstatic! I went out slow, much slower than my regular pace but I was running! The hills and heat got to me around 1.5 and I had to stop for a second with my dad but then he started two seconds later and I followed suit.  

I know so many people have commented on this blog while I was training for the marathon about how they wanted to get out and get running but just couldn’t get past that nasty two weeks.  So, I am going to share the good, the bad and the ugly about me gearing back up in hopes that people see that yes, it does hurt and it’s not pleasant at first but if you stick with it, you WILL get through it and find that yes, running can be enjoyable! 

Soon I'll be like this where I run for fun

I am so glad my dad went with me and encouraged me to get out there.  As hard as it was to put one foot in front of the other, it was easier knowing someone was leading the way  and way more fun (ps…he’s not slow ;)   I think he was only being nice to me ha). So here’s what I’ve learned so far about starting to run: 

1. Don’t plan to go too far, start with something you can do.
2. Start out slow. (Why is this always the hardest rule for runners to follow)
3. Find someone to run with or hold you accountable. It was great running with my dad and of course knowing I need to keep in shape so that when I get back to Nashville, I can run with the Nasties is keeping me on track.  And of course, even though she’s not right beside me, my TPFL is keeping me accountable every step of the way :)
4. Give yourself a pat on the back when you’re done.  The first steps are the hardest but be confident in your plan and you’ll get past the tough part in no time. 

What would your suggestions be all my runner friends to those starting out? 

Oh and even though it’s a day late, happy National Running Day!  What did you do to celebrate?  Go for a run?  Decide to start running?

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