A little of this and a little of that

Finally met with my pro bono client yesterday. At least I have something to do, now. I'm also working the Legal Aid intake clinic tonight. I'm trying to increase my positive karma.

***

I emailed the firm that was waiting 3 weeks to do call backs. They said they are still interested in me--just moving slowly. That is my only remaining glimmer of hope. I think I've found 2 jobs to apply to in the past two weeks.

***

In the meantime, DH is moving right along on the website for my solo firm. We spent a couple of weeks scratching our heads trying to figure out a design. We looked at lots and lots of other attorney websites, and let me tell you, the vast majority of them are really, really bad. We've finally come up with something that is coming together very nicely. If DH doesn't kill me first--he doesn't generally have his clients sitting right next to him offering input while he is designing.

***

After going out with a friend last weekend, I realized that my wardrobe was lacking in going-out attire. I have a closet full of professional clothes. I have shorts and tanks. I have jeans--which will not see the light of day again until at least October, because it is too hot to even consider putting on a pair of jeans. And I have mom capris.

So I didn't have much to choose from last weekend, or for the outdoor concert I am attending this weekend. I decided that I wanted a super-casual summer dress. I rarely wear dresses, because I just don't have the body type. I am short-waisted, and have a wide rib-cage--so it's hard to find something large enough in the bodice that doesn't bag everywhere else. (I have no hips whatsoever--so I often end up with saddlebags where my hips are supposed to be.)

Anyway, I went out yesterday and tried on a dress that I would normally never, ever consider. It is a black knit halter dress, with an A-line cut. The fit was actually pretty flattering (as opposed to the empire-waist dresses that just make me look pregnant). I also picked up a pair of silver chandelier earrings (I rarely wear earrings, and when I do they are just my simple diamond studs) and some sparkly black flip-flops. The whole outfit was less than $40, and totally not mom-like.

The problem is that I bought a backless dress and I have some crazy-ass coloring on my back right now. I have always been pale and freckly. Now I'm multi-colored and freckly.

A few weeks ago I took the girls to the beach. PS was charged with putting sunscreen on my back. There are now jagged shades of brown (formerly bright red) where she missed. DH says it looks like someone threw acid on my back. This week I took the girls to the pool. Now there is a big red circle, where, once again, no sunscreen managed to land. Kids are useless at helping with sunscreen, and my back looks like a piece of modern art. At least my hair is really long right now and should cover most of it.

SuperBob Update

I got a call back from the low-cost vet clinic today. They will do the heartworm treatment for $265--which is less than 1/3 the cost from the vet. But they can't get him in until the end of August. They said it was ok to wait, but he needed to get back on the heartworm preventative. The clinic also doesn't do an x-ray or blood panel, which the vet wanted to do, but said wasn't absolutely essential for treatment. DH and I are considering having the vet go ahead and do these things--but it will be about $250.

And the clinic said that Bob would have to be crated for 30 days following his treatment--only out when on a leash. I anticipated this from my internet research--but it is going to be a hige challenge.

Bob has never been crate trained. Yes, yes I know that is our doing and that if we were good dog owners we would have crate trained him. We did purchase an outdoor chain-link kennel for when the yard guys come and when the kids' friends are over (Bob can be rambunctious and he is big enough to be scary to kids who aren't used to big dogs.) Bob ripped the darn thing apart! So not only do I need to find a crate, but it needs to be something that he can't destroy.

And then there is the concern that crating Bob is going to get him all worked up anyway, defeating the purpose of crating him in the first place. He may have to spend 30 days sedated. Poor Bob--I was on bedrest for most of my pregnancy with the twins and it sucked. I can't imagine being stuck in a cage for a month!

The Amazing Adventures of SuperBob

Last night as we were about to head to bed, DH and I heard Bob going nuts outside. We peeked out the back door to find Bob nose to nose with a curled up snake.

At that point, we could only see that it was bigger and darker than a garden snake--and was possibly a rattlesnake. I was yelling at Bob to come inside, but Bob was having none of it. Then the snake suddenly lunged at Bob--and fortunately missed.

Somehow, DH managed to shoo Bob into the house. I was terrified that the snake would strike Bob. My SIL's lab was bitten by a rattlesnake about a year ago. The dog nearly died and the vet bills were astronomical.

Now, I don't generally have a problem with snakes. We have come across several of them while hiking, and they just slither on their merry way. When the twins were about 3, we found a little rat snake on the front walk and the twins carried it around in a Mr. Peanut jar for 3 days until I made them release it before it starved to death.

And once when the twins were babies (in a different house) we awoke to find a garden snake curled up in the bottom of the Exersaucer (Ok, that one freaked me out a little bit.) But we had lots of garden snakes at that house, and we lived in peace as long as they stayed in the garden.

But this snake was big (you can't tell from the picture, but when it slithered away it was about 4' long), looked suspiciously like a rattler, and was trying to strike my dog. It had to go.

My plan was to take it out with the .20 gauge from the safety of my living room window. DH insisted the neighbors would call the police if I discharged a firearm and that I would be hauled to the clinker--despite my insistence that I could definitely beat the rap for firing at a potential rattler. I'm a good shot and our yard is large enough that the .20 gauge couldn't do much damage beyond our fence even if I missed.

Instead, DH went out with a shovel and a bucket. I was hoping that he was going to beat the darn thing to death with a shovel. Nope, his grand plan was to shoo the snake into the bucket. And then what?? It's not like the snake couldn't just slither right back out. And don't ask me what he planned to do with it if he did manage to trap it in the bucket--put in it the aquarium and keep it as a pet?

The snake actually did crawl about 4" into the bucket. Then it backtracked and started slithering across the yard. Snakes can move pretty freakin' fast. DH did not start beating the snake with the shovel--despite my shrieks of "Kill it! Kill it!" And it slithered under the fence and into the front yard where it disappeared.

We are pretty sure that it was a rat snake and not a rattlesnake. The rat snakes looks like a rattlesnake, but does not have a rattle and is not venomous. DH never heard a rattle, and you can see the tail in the picture, and it does not appear to have a rattle.

Still, I'm not thrilled that this creature was found sitting about 10' from my house and 5' from my kids' play fort. Venomous or not, it can still bite, and I don't want it going after the dog or the kids. I guess the good news is that Bob is perfectly willing to protect us from snakes (I'm pretty sure he'd be useless against burglars-he doesn't even bark when the doorbell rings.)

Really, God? Really??

I feel like I just keep getting punched in the face over and over.

I took Bob to the vet this morning for his annual checkup and shots. He was a couple of months overdue, and this was our first visit with a new vet.

The vet kept going on and on about what a good-looking dog he is, coat was in good shape, ears were perfectly clear, teeth were pearly white, no fecal parasites.

Unfortunately, an hour after we left the vet called to tell me that Bob had tested positive for heartworm. He can't tell how extensive it is without an x-ray and additional bloodwork. And he warned that treatment would be pretty expensive--about $1000 because he is such a large dog.

Bob tested negative for heartworm at his last vet appointment a little over a year ago, and was on a heartworm preventative. Unfortunately, we were not so great about giving him the heartworm preventative every month. So it's basically my fault that Bob has this serious and expensive-to-treat condition.

I'm just about at the end of my rope. I'm not sure I can handle any more emotional or financial hits.

Yummy summer entertainment for kids.

Today we made ice cream in a bag. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it actually worked and tasted really good! You do have to shake pretty vigorously and the kids weren't the best shakers, so theirs were more like milkshakes, but mine hardened up pretty well.

No we're having a Harry Potter marathon to catch up before the new movie this week. (Yes, I've read all the books and I've seen all the movies, but I have a memory like a sieve, so a little refresher is a good thing.)

Sotomayor hearing

So, being unemployed with nothing better to do, I am watching the Sotomayor confirmation hearings. This is my first go 'round watching confirmation hearings--so perhaps I am just naive. But some of these senators are major asshats.

Some of the Republicans seem to be taking an opportunity to lecture, bordering on a personal attack in their opening statements. I'm listening to Sen. Graham of S.C. who wants to ensure everyone knows he is unhappy with the nomination, but has admitted that Sotomayor will be confirmed absent a "melt-down." He keeps making snippy little comments which just aren't necessary. It really makes the senator look like a pouty little-leaguer who just lost the big game. Sen. Sessions also made his share of snippy comments--although he was less openly hostile than Graham.

Of course, the Democrats are irritatingly kiss-assy. We've heard about about her qualifications about 5 times over (and we're only 90 minutes in.)

Read what you want into my comments, I'm about a non-partisan as you can get. I like Sotomayor, but I'm a little concerned about where she will fall on the pro-choice/pro-life spectrum.

I can't imagine having to sit there quietly while one after another throw hateful comments at you, about why you aren't right for the job and why some other hispanic would be better (Sen. Graham's statement.) She's obviously smarter, and pending the outcome of these hearings, will have a far more prestigious career than any of these goofball senators who are grilling her.

Maybe her ability to maintain poise and grace during this hearing is as telling about her qualifications as anything else.

Facebook and Tragedy

Facebook seems to have a way of putting us within 6 degrees of separation of tragedy over and over again. I guess I've lived a somewhat charmed life in the sense that I have not personally had to handle any stunning tragedies.

Today I learned via Facebook of a father (the ex-husband of a friend) who drowned in front of his children this morning--right after saving one who had fallen into the water.

Over the past few months, I learned that I girl I went to high school passed away from brain cancer. I learned that another classmate has had a stroke. My god, I'm 34--not old enough to be losing my contemporaries to cancer and strokes!

I learned that a former classmate was married to a man who was paralyzed in a hugely publicized incident.

I also learned that an old friend's father passed was found unresponsive, and a short time later that he had passed away--all via facebook.

I think I preferred the "ignorance is bliss" state of mind. Suddenly hearing of all these terrible things forces me to consider my own mortality (or even more frightening, my children's mortality).

Overheard at LC's house

DH: "Hey, TT, do you want a chicken leg?"

TT: "No thanks, I'll take a drumstick!"

Thank God I'm Married

I met a friend for drinks last night at this tiny divey honky tonk where the beer is cold and cheap and served in a can. We met at 7 and ended up staying much later than either of us intended. (We had to refill our parking meters twice.)

When we first arrived, there were only a couple of others in the place, but as the night wore on, the crowd thickened and shots started pouring into plastic cups (for them, not us--I am well past the shot shooting era of my life.)

Watching drunken mating rituals was entertaining for my happily-married-with-three-children viewpoint. Whatever they are out there looking for, I've already got.

But I was stunned by the number of hot young girls hooked up with bald, fat old men. Most of the women in the bar were 10 years younger than me, and most of the men were at least 10 years older than me. WTH? Why weren't these girls going some place full of cute, young frat boys. Just because you're old doesn't mean you're rich, and these old guys didn't exactly give off an aura of success.

Anyway the people-watching and judgy snarks about the selected attire of the other patrons made for a fun evening. But I am so glad this is a once-in-a-blue-moon thing and not an every-weekend-hoping-to-find-the-right-guy kind of thing.

And now for something fun

If you have not checked out Awkward family Photos, you must go there now. Freakin' hilarious.

Adventures in finding office space

My biggest challenge with my plan to go solo is finding office space. I need to keep my overhead as low as possible, and office space ain't cheap.

Ideally, I could work out some kind of office-sharing agreement with another attorney--but I'm not sure how to go about that. I've attended a local bar association meeting, and the attorneys in my little town weren't especially friendly and welcoming. They clearly did not want to encourage any competition to settle in. So I'm not sure how to work out the whole office sharing thing. There also does not appear to be any local bar association newsletter in which to advertise.

Another alternative is a virtual office. For a couple hundred bucks a month, I would have access to office and conference space in a nice office building for a set number of hours each month. This would work great if I were building my practice in Big City. But if I go solo, I want to stay close to home (have to, really, to avoid child care costs I can't afford), and there are no virtual offices in the 'burbs.

So I have been looking at low-rent local office space.

The first place I looked at was in another suburb, about 10 miles away. It is a small town that is experiencing a lot of growth and it doesn't have a lawyer. (But the income and home values are approximately 1/2 what they are in my suburb.) There is a small office for rent there for $500/month. That was definitely more than I wanted to spend, but I was hopeful that if I liked the place, I could negotiate the rent.

The "office" ended up being a small room inside of larger retail space in a strip of attached buildings. The space would be shared with a gift shop, through which clients would have to navigate to reach my office. No conference space or reception area at all. Definitely not something that says "successful lawyer."

So this week, I decided to try again. I drove around the little downtown square in my town looking for available office space. I found one that looked promising, with another attorney in the same space. I called the leasing agent who said he had an office for $200/month.

I went to take a look today. OMG, it was worse than the first space. I swear I have a closet in my house that it larger than this alleged office. It had nasty stained commercial carpeting and a homemade built-in desk made out of plywood. There was a modem with a bunch of wires sticking out sitting on the floor. I guess it had free internet.

I spent about 5 seconds in that office before I turned around and walked out. Working out of a closet is not the image I want to present to my clients.

I can certainly work out of the spare bedroom in my house--but I really need someplace to meet clients. So the search continues.

Another fabulous day in the fabulous life of LC

I knew it was too good to be true when it only cost $220 to fix the A/C in my car last week. Today I was heading out on an errand when it started making a funny noise. Every time I accelerated it sounded like a baseball card stuck in bicycle spokes. This was especially concerning because we were planning to drive 400 miles to Hometown tomorrow.

So I called the shop that did the previous repair and they got me in right away. And then informed me that the air compressor was going out, and it is attached to some belt that would take out lots of important stuff if it did. Cost of repair-- $1300.

Um, yeah I DON'T HAVE A JOB!! I do not want to spend $1300 to repair my 7-year-old vehicle with 130,000 miles! There are much better things that I can think of to spend that kind of money on.

Unfortunately, I don't have a choice. I can't just turn off the A/C--the average temp this time of year is 100. And the guy said that I still run the risk of the belt breaking and messing stuff up even if I don't run the A/C.

I did however, call another shop. I was not especially happy with the first shop for not figuring all of this out the first time around. (I was pretty surprised when they didn't tell me the compressor needed to be replaced on Monday, because my research had indicated that was the problem.) And I really need to spend 2 full days without my vehicle and cancel my plans to leave town because they didn't bother to look beyond the obvious on Monday.

Anyway, the 2d shop quoted me about $1000 for the repair. The guy spent about 10 minutes with me on the phone explaining what needed to be done and why it would cost so much. He also said the chances were slim that the belt would break if I don't run the A/C (whereas the first guy was trying to convince me that I was driving a ticking time bomb--and was obviously peeved when I told him I was seeking a second opinion before dropping $1300.*)

So I guess I'll take it into the 2d shop tomorrow and cancel my weekend plans. I honestly didn't want to go anyway, but I had promised my dad that I would be there for his installation as the Grand Poobah of his lodge. I guess I won't be learning any DaVinci Code Masonic secrets, after all.

*WTH is up with mechanics who treat me like a moron because I am a woman. Hello?? I guarantee I have more education than you and I am 90% sure I'm smarter that you. And I spent a good part of my childhood hanging out in the garage with my dad. My first car wasn't running when I got it. I had to change out all the belts, the oil, rotate the tires, change out the master cylinder, bleed the brakes, replace the CV joints, and help out with any other repair that needed to be made. So while I am not a mechanic, I have a decent idea of what is going on under the hood of my car. And if I don't, I am going to call my dad or my grandfather before I bring my car in to you, so that I know whether you are trying to screw me over!

An opportunity?

Last night I received an email from my aunt, forwarding an email from an out-of-state attorney (a close friend of theirs) who is looking for a family law attorney in my area.

I honestly don't know any family law attorneys--but could probably ask around to get a name. Or I could try to sell myself--after all, that is what I'll be doing if I go solo, and I am jumping in with my legal aid case.

I haven't decided how to respond yet. DH and I agreed to give it until the end of summer before launching my solo firm if it becomes necessary. Going solo really isn't my top choice. The financial instability terrifies me--especially when I consider the amount that I owe in student loans. We can get by on DH's salary--but only while my loans are deferred, and they can't be deferred forever.

Nevertheless, I have been preparing for "Plan B," should it become necessary. I have received quotes for insurance and advertising, I have looked around a bit at renting office space, DH has started designing my website and I already have a domain registered. I signed up for a virtual PBX system which gives a free 800 number, fax, and the aura of a real office for minimal cost. Yesterday I filled up a virtual shopping cart with office supplies to get an idea of the cost of the bare minimum to set up my office (about $150.) DH has speced out a new computer and the software I would need.

I could go forward and try to take this case.

But what if I do get an offer next week or next month? Will a firm be turned off if I bring family law clients with me? I haven't been interviewing with firms that practice family law. Or will it show that I have the gumption to move forward when I am unemployed?

Also, although I have done a lot of research so far, there are still additional steps to be taken should I take on an actual paying client. At a minimum, I would have to open an IOLTA account. Is it worth the hassle, just to stick my toe in?

I don't know--but I am reluctant to turn down any opportunity at this point.

Today's conversation

"Mom, Bob's pink thing is hanging out." (Bob is the dog.)

"Mom, what is the pink thing?"

"It's his pen!s."

"But how come you can't see it all the time?"

"Because it only sticks out when he's happy. The rest of the time it is shriveled up where you can't really see it."

"But why is it covered in fur?"

"I have no idea."

Food

I have to say that I made some fabulous dishes to take to my neighbor yesterday. I baked Poppy Seed bread with Glaze that is so yummy and super easy. (It made 2 loaves, so I kept one and gave the other away.) The glaze really makes the bread, which reminds me of the poppy seed muffins that I would occasionally splurge on at Paradise Cafe when I was working.

I also made chicken salad and Strawberry and Spinach Salad. I just kind of do my own thing with the chicken salad. I chunked 3 chicken breast halves, diced 1 rib of celery (for crunch), a quarter cup or so of dried cranberries (for color and a touch of sweetness), and a quarter cup or so of walnuts. I add just enough mayo to moisten the mixture. I don't like mushy chicken salad!

This was my first time making the strawberry and spinach salad, and it is to die for! The dressing really makes the salad--but don't add it until you are ready to serve because the spinach wilts quickly once the dressing is added. Also, the dressing calls for sesame seeds and poppy seeds, which I think I will omit next time. I'm not sure they added anything and I could live without the seeds in my teeth.

Oh, and on the salad, I followed one of the reviewers' advice and added sugared almonds. They were so easy and really added a nice crunch and flavor. Just take 1/2 c. almonds and 3 T. sugar and heat until the sugar caramelizes--delish!

All of it was very easy, and made a great summer dinner. Although DH and the kids refuse to eat chicken salad, and instead opted for barbecue chicken sandwiches. Very easy and pretty good. (But this is not an all-day slow-cooker recipe--the chicken will get mushy if cooked for more than 6 hours. When I'm working I will start it on high when I get home from work, cook until I go to bed, then refrigerate and it is great the next day.)

Ups and Downs

The A/C problem was only a broken belt--yea! I had been poking around the internet and reading of $1200 repairs, so I was anticipating the worst. My car is ready, but I have no means of retrieving it, so I guess I'll be hanging out at home today.

I called to reschedule with the recruiter, but she is leaving town, so we can't meet for 2 weeks. Sounds like it was just an informational meeting, and they didn't have anything specific in mind.

I am beginning to sink into a well of hopelessness. I need to start working again. I am disappointed that I have not heard anything from Terrible Commute Firm, because I thought that interview went really well. I sent a follow-up today, restating my interest and inquiring whether I am still being considered. It drives me nuts when firms that interview you don't have the courtesy to let you know they aren't interested.

I've seen a couple of new postings for firms that rejected my resume, but never interviewed me. I met the qualifications they advertised, so how can they decide I'm not the one if they don't bother to interview me? Obviously they aren't finding anyone better if they are still looking after a month.

I'm trying to remain optimistic about Conservative Firm, which isn't doing callbacks for another week. But I think (but am not at all sure) that I saw a new ad for them this morning. If it is the same firm, they have redrawn their required qualifications and I don't make the cut.

Why does no one want me? Every single person that I have ever worked for in the legal field has complimentary things to say about my work. I know I'm good at what I do--I'm just not very good at interviewing.

Ok, ok, I'll stop the pity party.

I feel like a jerk

I was awakened last Tuesday night by flashing lights outside my window. They were from an ambulance in front of my elderly neighbors' home. As I was contemplating whether to go offer assistance, an EMT got in the rig and left. I never saw them load anybody into the ambulance and there were no lights or sirens and no apparent hurry. I assumed it had been a "false alarm."

I considered visiting my neighbors the next day, but I have only met them a couple of time and I didn't want to be the nosy neighbor. But I happened to be in my kids fort yesterday when she arrived home, and said, "Hi!" over the back fence. My neighbor told us that her husband had passed away the night we saw the ambulance.

I just feel terrible for not checking in on her. He had been in poor health, but his death was sudden and unexpected at that moment.

The services are tomorrow, a couple of hundred miles from here. (They moved in only about a year ago.) She mentioned that several out-of-town relatives were coming.

Now I'm scrambling to prepare some food to take over. It is so hot here that traditional comfort food just sounds too heavy. I'm thinking chicken salad with sandwich makings and a fruit plate. And maybe some kind of breakfast bread.

I wish there was more I could do now--but we did give her all of our contact numbers and told us to call if she needed anything at all.

A little advice

Do not shout to whatever random deity may be listening, "Can you please throw a little more shit at me? Please?" Because, the answer is "Yes." It can always get worse.

DH and I hopped in the car today to run an errand. About 30 seconds after we pulled out of the driveway, the A/C stopped blowing cold air. It wasn't even blowing lukewarm air. It was blowing HOT air.

At about the same time, the thermometer on our patio was reading 110.

Of course, this happened at about 4:30--when no repair shop in the world was willing to take us. So we will be A/C-free until at least Monday.

And I have an interview on Monday. There is no way in hell I can drive 25 miles to an interview without A/C when it is 100+ outside. It would not be a pretty picture once I arrived. Fortunately, the interview is just with a recruiter, so I have emailed to see if we can reschedule for later in the week.

The rest of the day was pretty good. We hung with the kids all day and then went to see fireworks. (Where we were rained on by soot and bits of shell the entire time--I think the random deity is still punishing me. But the show was great.)

Ugh!

I just received a phone call from my former secretary--at 5:15 on the eve of a 3-day weekend. I assumed it was DH calling, or I probably would have let it go to voicemail.

She said that I had received a magazine from an industry organization that my firm had signed me up with, and wanted to know if she should forward it to me.

I've been gone for more than 6 weeks, and have presumably received numerous mailings in that time, but suddenly she wants to know if I want my junk mail forwarded? She beat around the, "so what have you been up to?" bush a couple of times, and I gave intentionally vague answers. But she eventually came right out and asked whether I was working.

I am almost certain that someone told her to call to find out my status. I think that it might have been a result of my cashing out my 401K this week (my seed money if I go solo.) The plan administrator--who is the office manager, would have to sign off, and would therefore be alerted to what I was doing.

Maybe they think I'm destitute and feel bad for treating me like shit. Maybe they are up to their eyeballs in work, since two more associates have quit since I did, and think there is some chance in hell that I would go back there. Maybe they are just being nosy.

Regardless, whether or not I am working is none of their f'ing business, and they really shouldn't have sent my former secretary in to do their dirty work. At the very least, they should have come up with better cover for their phone call--like a question about a case I was working on. But to call about junk mail--really???

Do I sound like a paranoid crazy person?

Stupid Mom Move

I told the twins to let the guinea pig run around in SS's room while PS cleaned out her cage. We have a little carrier, but the poor creature spends her whole life in a cage, and I though she might like the chance to roam a bit. (She is more timid and apt to scratch than our previous guinea pig-maysherestinpeace-so the kids don't play with her as much.)

The only way she could get into trouble in SS's room is if she got under the bed--a daybed with a trundle. So I told the kids, "block off the front of the bed and make sure she doesn't get under there."

Just because I can foresee the future doesn't mean I can prevent it. Five minutes later I hear, "Mo-oooomm! Stephany's under the bed." (I hate "Mo-oooommm!" Nothing good ever follows "Mo-oooomm." If I'm lucky, it's just whining or tattling. If I'm not so lucky bodily fluids or animal carcasses are involved.)

Of course she is. And we can't see her because of the trundle. And I'm afraid we'll squish her if we try to move the trundle.

So the kids are on guinea pig watch, locked in SS's room and hoping Stephany makes an appearance soon. I don't think she's coming out--this is the most nervous animal I have ever seen. But hopefully she'll get hungry soon. She does love to eat, and is almost as big as a cat.