Freeeeeee!

Starting today I am off through New Year's Day.  This is the longest I have ever taken off, although it's only 5 working days. And it's not without some guilt...we are super busy right now (ironic since half the reason I picked next week for vacation is because litigation is typically slow in December). Still, I'm so, so happy for the down time. I've already billed substantially more this month than I have in any one of the last several months, and it will be back to the grindstone as soon as I get back.

It has been a good week professionally for both DH and me.  In addition to my victory on Monday, we found out late yesterday that we (mostly) survived summary judgment in another case.  We took over this case about 3 weeks ago (2.5 years old, set for trial in Feb.) I had 3 days to learn the facts and law and to draft a response, and the prior lawyers had no faith we would survive SJ. But we did--yay!  And Big Boss actually called me to thank me and acknowledge that I had done most of the heavy lifting to make it happen--that kind of acknowledgement never happens!

DH and I both got our reviews this week, too, which came with very nice financial surprises. This was especially good news for DH who works for a REIT and who's income has been a bit stagnant due to the economy (and hopefully telling of a general economic upswing). Mine came with talk of partnership--which has been mentioned before, but more in passing, and surprised me a bit because I'm only a 5th year.  The gist was that it was discussed this year but decided against because of economic reasons (of which I am well aware), but is certainly on the table in the near future.

Now I have three days to shop, wrap and pack.  Actually, the shopping is mostly done. I'm just debating whether I'm brave enough to endure the crowds to try to find an extra pair of jeans to take along (probably not--I hate shopping and crowds, there's is a reason God gave us the internet and UPS.)