This fall has been challenging. With the twins now in middle school, we are busier than ever. We are lucky if we get one weeknight in any given week that is unscheduled.
And work has picked up a lot. It is good news, because we have been really slow for a long time. But the frenetic business is draining. And I remain the only full time associate supporting 5 partners (not to mention my own growing book of business). While I have been able to do whatever they need for a very long time, I have lately been turning down work because I am completely maxed out. I am frustrated by not having any support for my own cases or someone that I can hand work off to at this stage in my career. Such is the life in a small firm, I guess.
And the asshole ratio for opposing counsel has increased substantially in the last few months. I have always loved my job, but dealing with so many pricks lately is making me rethink my line of work. I am feeling very burned out lately, and it does not help that I rarely get a moment of down time.
But... I took off this coming week. The kids are out of school all week and it's our only chance to take a vacation until summer (and we did not get more than a long weekend last summer). Honestly, I would be perfectly happy chilling out at home all week. What I really need is a slow down. I love traveling, but I just can't generate a lot of enthusiasm for this trip. I don't even have our days planned, which is totally contrary to my control freak personality. (Gee, once I read what I have written so far, this sounds like textbook depression. Hmmmmmm.)
Anyway, we're headed to New Orleans tomorrow. We've stopped while passing through on trips elsewhere, but we have never spent more than a few hours there. We love what we've seen in our short visits, and wanted to spend more time exploring the city. (Of course, I've received more than a few inquisitions-"You're taking your kids to New Orleans? For Thanksgiving?!?") Yes, yes I am exposing my children to new food and music and art and culture. You might try it sometime, Judgy McJudgersons.
So, yay, vacay! And I'm sure we'll have fun once we're there, even if I'm being rather grumpy right at this moment. Worst case, there will be plenty of booze and beignets.
