6/26/06
I registered for Bar/BRI today...
I thought I was going to have a heart attack. So far, I have managed to put the Bar in the farthest reaches of my mind and mostly forget about it. I refused to sign up for Bar/BRI my 1L year just-in-case I flunked out--or maybe because I though it would jinx me. But my PR prof recommended the Bar/BRI MPRE prep, which requires Bar/BRI registration and down payment. So I bit the bullet and registered. I seriously had heart palpitations. It is much easier to ignore the Bar breathing down your neck when you haven't invested any $$ in prepping for it (except for the $100k or so being piddled away in law school tuition). Anyway, I hope the MPRE prep is worth the bar anxiety it is creating--but I guess I would have had to register sooner or later anyway.
6/23/06
I passed Con Law!!!!
I was seriously worried about not passing. It was hardest test I have ever taken, and I swear I didn't know the answers and just made crap up. I was praying for a C-. Anything to keep from having to re-take the class. I got a B-. I have no idea how. I don't even care that it was below the curve, I was just happy to have passed. The rest of my grades came in a month ago, and I have been on pins and needles waiting for this one. Now I feel like I can finally enjoy my summer.
6/21/06
You learn something new every day.
Between today and last Monday I have learned more about blood splatters than I ever thought I needed to know. The science behind it is actually pretty interesting. For instance, did you know that you can get a good idea of what was used to commit a murder by the size of the droplets in the splatter? Apparently smaller droplets are the result of higher velocity impact (i.e. a gunshot) and larger droplets would result from a lower velocity impact (i.e. a baseball bat).
6/19/06
License to Speak (in Court)
Woo Hoo! I got my temporary bar card in the mail today. Now I can start trying cases in the DA's office.
We are still prepping for the murder case that goes to trial in 3 weeks. We spent today interviewing all of the investigators and then we toured the crime scene. I got to visit the lovely trailer trash community of Easy Living. Seriously. The place was called Easy Living. You just know that can't be a high class place.
We are still prepping for the murder case that goes to trial in 3 weeks. We spent today interviewing all of the investigators and then we toured the crime scene. I got to visit the lovely trailer trash community of Easy Living. Seriously. The place was called Easy Living. You just know that can't be a high class place.
6/17/06
I survived
Last night DD invited 5 girls over for a slumber party. Plus my three meant 8 crazy little girls running around. Since this wasn't a birthday party or anything, I didn't plan any activities, figuring that the girls would just kind of hang out until it got late and then settle in for a movie.
Ha! They fought constantly. One of them, L, was trying to boss around the rest, and they fought back. I went upstairs to find three of them crying. The first one I found was L. When I asked her why, she reported that my DD told her that she should probably leave since she couldn't get along with anybody!
I realized then that I probably needed to intervene. This is probably the cheeziest thing I have ever done, but I didn't know what else to do. I made all the girls sit in a "feelings circle". I had a macaroni bead necklace that I named the "speaker necklace", and only the person wearing it could speak. Then one at a time, each girls got to say what she was upset about, and then apologize to anyone whose feelings she had hurt. It actually worked out pretty well, and everybody got along after that.
Later, I indoctrinated them into the world of The Goonies, the slumber party staple from my generation, and they followed that up with the new must have for all girls, High School Musical. In the end I think they all had fun, but I think we will all be taking naps this afternoon.
Ha! They fought constantly. One of them, L, was trying to boss around the rest, and they fought back. I went upstairs to find three of them crying. The first one I found was L. When I asked her why, she reported that my DD told her that she should probably leave since she couldn't get along with anybody!
I realized then that I probably needed to intervene. This is probably the cheeziest thing I have ever done, but I didn't know what else to do. I made all the girls sit in a "feelings circle". I had a macaroni bead necklace that I named the "speaker necklace", and only the person wearing it could speak. Then one at a time, each girls got to say what she was upset about, and then apologize to anyone whose feelings she had hurt. It actually worked out pretty well, and everybody got along after that.
Later, I indoctrinated them into the world of The Goonies, the slumber party staple from my generation, and they followed that up with the new must have for all girls, High School Musical. In the end I think they all had fun, but I think we will all be taking naps this afternoon.
6/16/06
PsychoMom
I don't think I have ever blogged about PsychoMom before. She is the mother of one of DD's friends. I first encountered her when I became DD's Girl Scout leader last year (yes, I was dumb enough to take on Girl Scout leadership at the same time I was starting law school--but that's a whole other post).
It started with her occasionally asking me to take her daughter to or from the meetings--she couldn't do it because she had a baby (2 year old). This excuse didn't fly too well with me since at that time I had two three-year olds, and still managed to get my child where she needed to be. Still, I didn't think much about it at the time, as it was only a minor inconvenience.
My big mistake was asking if her DD (S), could come over for a play date over the Christmas holidays, since I would be out of school. She interpreted this to mean that I would be her holiday babysitter, and invited her daughter over several more times unless I could come up with an excuse to avoid it. And then she realized that I had all school holidays off, and thought that I would be happy to watch S all of those times, too. I finally put my foot down and told her that even on breaks, I still had to spend a great deal of time studying, and that when I wasn't studying, I wanted to spend what little time I had with my own children.
Over the next few months, she would be the only mom who couldn't attend many of our girl scout functions (because of the "baby). The biggest event was a mom/daughter campout in late May. It was the first time camping for many of the girls, and we though having moms there would be the best way to break them in. I felt so sorry for S that her mom was the only one not there. I told the mom that the girls would probably be tired when we got back, and that it would be between 10-12 Sunday morning--probably earlier rather than later.
The camping trip was miserably hot--100 degrees, high humidity and not a breeze the entire weekend. We were in cabins, but they were hotter than being outside (and of course un-air-conditioned). The heat plus the camping experience left the girls (and me) absolutely dragging by Sunday morning. We were up early, ate cold breakfasts, and were on the road by 8 am.
At 9:30, I tried to call PsychoMom to tell her that I would be at her house in 20 minutes. No answer. I tried her cell. She was at church. She said church didn't get out until 12, and could S just stay at my house until then.
I was exhausted, dirty, cranky and at my breaking point with this woman. More importantly, both of our daughters were exhausted and dirty. I told her that my DD and I were headed straight for the shower and bed and that I thought that her DD needed to do the same, and that no, she could not leave her until 12:00.
I'm sure that she thought I was the wicked witch of the west, making her miss church and all, but I really didn't care. When she arrived, she brought church clothes for S and dragged the poor child for church. I am certainly not against gong to church, but I think it is reasonable to miss under certain circumstances, and this was one of them.
I really thought that after that, she would leave me alone-ahhh, but no.
Within a couple of weeks she called to see if S could come over because she didn't have a sitter. I told her that I was working full time over the summer and would not be home. She asked what I was doing with my kids for the summer. I told her that I had a nanny. Then she had the gall to ask if S could come over and stay with my nanny! I was almost stunned speechless, but I finally managed to tell her that I did not fell comfortable with that.
When school started again in the fall, she again wanted to know what I was doing with my kids. I told her that I would be home in time to pick them up from school most days, and the nanny would be here on other days. She of course saw this as an open invitation for me to watch her kid.
I finally told her point blank that law school was not community college, I spent about a 60 hour week between classes and studying, and that I could not have extra kids running around when I was trying to work in the afternoon. I went on to tell her that I had no interest in babysitting--ever--and I recommended child care options to her. (I knew that she had been mooching free child care off of others for the last year). Once again, I though this would get her to leave me alone.
She hasn't asked me to watch her DD since then, but she has invited my DD over a few times. I mostly try to avoid the invitation, because I just don't want to get started with her again. I have yet to figure out if she is manipulative or just completely clueless. I did let DD go to S's b-day party a few weeks ago, but when I went to pick her up I saw an empty wine bottle and glasses sitting on the counter. I don't think it's appropriate to down a bottle of wine when you are supervising other people's kids.
Now PsychoMom has emailed again this week wanting DD to come play. She said that S is home with her grandmother (whom she has told he has dementia and can't be left with "the baby"). I just want her to go away!!!!!! I haven't responded yet, and I don't know how or if I will. It seems kind of immature to just ignore, but no matter how impolite or direct I am with this woman she will not stop. And since our kids go to the same school and there is a reasonable chance they will end up in the same class at some point, it is unlikely that I can avoid her forever. Ugggh. How do you deal with people like this?
It started with her occasionally asking me to take her daughter to or from the meetings--she couldn't do it because she had a baby (2 year old). This excuse didn't fly too well with me since at that time I had two three-year olds, and still managed to get my child where she needed to be. Still, I didn't think much about it at the time, as it was only a minor inconvenience.
My big mistake was asking if her DD (S), could come over for a play date over the Christmas holidays, since I would be out of school. She interpreted this to mean that I would be her holiday babysitter, and invited her daughter over several more times unless I could come up with an excuse to avoid it. And then she realized that I had all school holidays off, and thought that I would be happy to watch S all of those times, too. I finally put my foot down and told her that even on breaks, I still had to spend a great deal of time studying, and that when I wasn't studying, I wanted to spend what little time I had with my own children.
Over the next few months, she would be the only mom who couldn't attend many of our girl scout functions (because of the "baby). The biggest event was a mom/daughter campout in late May. It was the first time camping for many of the girls, and we though having moms there would be the best way to break them in. I felt so sorry for S that her mom was the only one not there. I told the mom that the girls would probably be tired when we got back, and that it would be between 10-12 Sunday morning--probably earlier rather than later.
The camping trip was miserably hot--100 degrees, high humidity and not a breeze the entire weekend. We were in cabins, but they were hotter than being outside (and of course un-air-conditioned). The heat plus the camping experience left the girls (and me) absolutely dragging by Sunday morning. We were up early, ate cold breakfasts, and were on the road by 8 am.
At 9:30, I tried to call PsychoMom to tell her that I would be at her house in 20 minutes. No answer. I tried her cell. She was at church. She said church didn't get out until 12, and could S just stay at my house until then.
I was exhausted, dirty, cranky and at my breaking point with this woman. More importantly, both of our daughters were exhausted and dirty. I told her that my DD and I were headed straight for the shower and bed and that I thought that her DD needed to do the same, and that no, she could not leave her until 12:00.
I'm sure that she thought I was the wicked witch of the west, making her miss church and all, but I really didn't care. When she arrived, she brought church clothes for S and dragged the poor child for church. I am certainly not against gong to church, but I think it is reasonable to miss under certain circumstances, and this was one of them.
I really thought that after that, she would leave me alone-ahhh, but no.
Within a couple of weeks she called to see if S could come over because she didn't have a sitter. I told her that I was working full time over the summer and would not be home. She asked what I was doing with my kids for the summer. I told her that I had a nanny. Then she had the gall to ask if S could come over and stay with my nanny! I was almost stunned speechless, but I finally managed to tell her that I did not fell comfortable with that.
When school started again in the fall, she again wanted to know what I was doing with my kids. I told her that I would be home in time to pick them up from school most days, and the nanny would be here on other days. She of course saw this as an open invitation for me to watch her kid.
I finally told her point blank that law school was not community college, I spent about a 60 hour week between classes and studying, and that I could not have extra kids running around when I was trying to work in the afternoon. I went on to tell her that I had no interest in babysitting--ever--and I recommended child care options to her. (I knew that she had been mooching free child care off of others for the last year). Once again, I though this would get her to leave me alone.
She hasn't asked me to watch her DD since then, but she has invited my DD over a few times. I mostly try to avoid the invitation, because I just don't want to get started with her again. I have yet to figure out if she is manipulative or just completely clueless. I did let DD go to S's b-day party a few weeks ago, but when I went to pick her up I saw an empty wine bottle and glasses sitting on the counter. I don't think it's appropriate to down a bottle of wine when you are supervising other people's kids.
Now PsychoMom has emailed again this week wanting DD to come play. She said that S is home with her grandmother (whom she has told he has dementia and can't be left with "the baby"). I just want her to go away!!!!!! I haven't responded yet, and I don't know how or if I will. It seems kind of immature to just ignore, but no matter how impolite or direct I am with this woman she will not stop. And since our kids go to the same school and there is a reasonable chance they will end up in the same class at some point, it is unlikely that I can avoid her forever. Ugggh. How do you deal with people like this?
I lost my broom
DD is having a slumber party tonight, so the house is getting the deepest cleaning that its had in quite some time. But we can't find the broom. I can't imagine where the broom could have disappeared to--it's not like something that could be buried at the bottom of the twins' toy box. Very weird.
6/1/06
School's Out for Summer...
I have been out of school for a couple of weeks now, but today was the last day for my girls. The last day is always kind of bittersweet. It is hard to say goodbye to teachers and friends that are moving away or who you won't get to see all summer. My twins will be moving to a new school for kindergarten next year, so they will have to make all new friends and won't get to see their old teachers at all. One little girl was crying her eyes out at having to leave her Pre-K teacher.
Despite all of that, I am glad they are done. It will be so nice to have all of the girls in the same school next year--and in one right by our house. We weren't sure if K would be full-day or half, but today I confirmed it was full-day. Woohoo! I think my girls are ready for full day, and it will save me a bundle in child care expenses.
I am a little sad, though, because while my girls' summer is just getting started, I just gave away more of my free time. I was offered the job that I just interviewed for here in my little suburb. It is only 2 days/week, but that is in addition to the 2 days/week that I will be in the D.A.'s office. At least I get Fridays off. And a 10 minute commute will be really nice (compared to the hour drive to school). I think it will be a great opportunity--and hopefully it will help me make some local connections.
Despite all of that, I am glad they are done. It will be so nice to have all of the girls in the same school next year--and in one right by our house. We weren't sure if K would be full-day or half, but today I confirmed it was full-day. Woohoo! I think my girls are ready for full day, and it will save me a bundle in child care expenses.
I am a little sad, though, because while my girls' summer is just getting started, I just gave away more of my free time. I was offered the job that I just interviewed for here in my little suburb. It is only 2 days/week, but that is in addition to the 2 days/week that I will be in the D.A.'s office. At least I get Fridays off. And a 10 minute commute will be really nice (compared to the hour drive to school). I think it will be a great opportunity--and hopefully it will help me make some local connections.
5/26/06
Ok, so it's been a while
Life just went crazy. The day I finished my final exams, I got a call that there had been a death in the family and had to leave town. That was fun--I haven't spoken with my mother in about 6 months, and then I had to deal with her for 3 days--ick. And my oh-so-classy family was consulting me about probate issues before the deceased was even in the ground. And the deceased had only recently been released from prison, and his "estate" was mostly in cash, so I really don't think they want to get the probate courts involved. Luckily for me, I haven't had will and trusts so I was pretty much useless in that conversation.
The next weekend DH graduated, so his whole family was in town and staying with us. I actually like my in-laws (who are like the Cleavers, as opposed to my own screwed up family), but a housefull of people is always a little stressful, and we were in a rush to get everything together, since the house had fallen apart during finals, and I had been out of town. Than God DH is out of school though. Two students in the family was just too much. He now has his M.S. in software engineering.
In the midst of all this we have had two jury trials going on at work. The first was the child murder case. The jury did not find guilt on the capital murder charge (a co-actor already pled to life to avoid the death penalty), but gave the defendant life for injury to a child. I think everyone involved was glad to finally have a a resolution to this very emotional case.
The current case involves a meth lab and a bunch of other bad stuff. The defendant just looks like a bad guy and he was quite entertaining on the stand. And I have learned all about how to make meth in case my law career doesn't pan out. (But my gosh, when you see the stuff they use it is no wonder these idiots are always blowing themselves up.)
Finally, in other news, I still haven't found an actually paying job this summer. I am beginning to feel a tiny bit rejected. My grades aren't terrible (although I still don't know if I failed con law), I have good legal experience, I'm beginning to think its just me. It's hard for me to get too upset, though. I am happy only working two days a week for the D.A.'s office. I get to hang out with the kids the rest of the time--or I can go to work if a trial is going on.
I did interview for one last job earlier this week, though. Only because it is in my little suburban town, not ten minutes from my house. They seemed to like me and claimed to be impressed with my resume, but we'll see. It was with a solo practitioner who does primarily family law. According to her son, she is the go-to lawyer for the well-to-do seeking divorces in my area.
Yep, that's right, her son. I was interviewed my her husband and her son. No they aren't lawyers nor involved with her practice. Apparently she has made some poor hiring decisions in the past, so they came to help her out. I don't know if that will help me or hurt me, but the husband and son seemed nice enough, and I wouldn't mind a job close to home that could help me build local professional connections. They said they would let me know something early next week. If I don't hear something, then I'll know that there really is something I am doing to screw up my interviews.
The next weekend DH graduated, so his whole family was in town and staying with us. I actually like my in-laws (who are like the Cleavers, as opposed to my own screwed up family), but a housefull of people is always a little stressful, and we were in a rush to get everything together, since the house had fallen apart during finals, and I had been out of town. Than God DH is out of school though. Two students in the family was just too much. He now has his M.S. in software engineering.
In the midst of all this we have had two jury trials going on at work. The first was the child murder case. The jury did not find guilt on the capital murder charge (a co-actor already pled to life to avoid the death penalty), but gave the defendant life for injury to a child. I think everyone involved was glad to finally have a a resolution to this very emotional case.
The current case involves a meth lab and a bunch of other bad stuff. The defendant just looks like a bad guy and he was quite entertaining on the stand. And I have learned all about how to make meth in case my law career doesn't pan out. (But my gosh, when you see the stuff they use it is no wonder these idiots are always blowing themselves up.)
Finally, in other news, I still haven't found an actually paying job this summer. I am beginning to feel a tiny bit rejected. My grades aren't terrible (although I still don't know if I failed con law), I have good legal experience, I'm beginning to think its just me. It's hard for me to get too upset, though. I am happy only working two days a week for the D.A.'s office. I get to hang out with the kids the rest of the time--or I can go to work if a trial is going on.
I did interview for one last job earlier this week, though. Only because it is in my little suburban town, not ten minutes from my house. They seemed to like me and claimed to be impressed with my resume, but we'll see. It was with a solo practitioner who does primarily family law. According to her son, she is the go-to lawyer for the well-to-do seeking divorces in my area.
Yep, that's right, her son. I was interviewed my her husband and her son. No they aren't lawyers nor involved with her practice. Apparently she has made some poor hiring decisions in the past, so they came to help her out. I don't know if that will help me or hurt me, but the husband and son seemed nice enough, and I wouldn't mind a job close to home that could help me build local professional connections. They said they would let me know something early next week. If I don't hear something, then I'll know that there really is something I am doing to screw up my interviews.
5/8/06
The end is in sight
One...more...exam. Then I'm done--at least until the Fall. This has been my busiest semester, and all I want is to lay around the house watching the soaps all summer. Ok, maybe not the soaps--I didn't even watch those when I was a SAHM. And last week when I was getting my nails done I caught part of Days of Our Lives (I think) and as best I could tell, someone with MPD was giving birth, with one of her personalities there to cheer her on. That was definitely a big reminder of why I don't watch soaps. But I'm sure I can find something equally mind-numbing to keep me occupied this summer.
Right now, I am only planning to work for the DA's office two days a week. Basically because that's all the child care I can afford for an unpaid position. I have interviewed for a few other jobs, but no luck and I don't really care.
On the child care front--after much kid juggling, we have hired a new nanny. I ran ads online and in the local paper and interviewed on Saturday. This time I went with the grandmotherly type. I'm a little wary of a younger girl after getting burned by the last one--and most of the younger ones weren't going to be available for after-school care in the fall anyway. Hopefully this lady will stick around. She was in her last position for 10 years.
Oh yeah--and I think I failed Con Law. Seriously. It was the hardest exam I have ever taken in law school, and the only law school exam where I truly didn't know the answers. It' not like I didn't prepare--I was in class, I read the assignments, and I spent 4 days prepping for the exam. I just didn't get the questions he was asking. (i.e. Tell me how the court cited Marbury v. Madison in the following 10 cases. First, I am not good with remembering cases with only the name and no further prompt. Second, umm, I don't remember. I just kept falling back on judicial review, but that seems a little obvious)
If I passed, it won't be pretty. If I failed--well I don't know what. That was con law 1, I am already a year behind with it because I transferred. It is only offered in the Spring, so if I have to re-take it, it would be in the last semester of my last year. So would I have to take Con Law 2 before I re-take Con Law 1.
In better news, my family law exam was today, and it was very straight forward and easy. If I can just survive PR tomorrow, I'll be home free (except for that whole failing con law thing).
Right now, I am only planning to work for the DA's office two days a week. Basically because that's all the child care I can afford for an unpaid position. I have interviewed for a few other jobs, but no luck and I don't really care.
On the child care front--after much kid juggling, we have hired a new nanny. I ran ads online and in the local paper and interviewed on Saturday. This time I went with the grandmotherly type. I'm a little wary of a younger girl after getting burned by the last one--and most of the younger ones weren't going to be available for after-school care in the fall anyway. Hopefully this lady will stick around. She was in her last position for 10 years.
Oh yeah--and I think I failed Con Law. Seriously. It was the hardest exam I have ever taken in law school, and the only law school exam where I truly didn't know the answers. It' not like I didn't prepare--I was in class, I read the assignments, and I spent 4 days prepping for the exam. I just didn't get the questions he was asking. (i.e. Tell me how the court cited Marbury v. Madison in the following 10 cases. First, I am not good with remembering cases with only the name and no further prompt. Second, umm, I don't remember. I just kept falling back on judicial review, but that seems a little obvious)
If I passed, it won't be pretty. If I failed--well I don't know what. That was con law 1, I am already a year behind with it because I transferred. It is only offered in the Spring, so if I have to re-take it, it would be in the last semester of my last year. So would I have to take Con Law 2 before I re-take Con Law 1.
In better news, my family law exam was today, and it was very straight forward and easy. If I can just survive PR tomorrow, I'll be home free (except for that whole failing con law thing).
5/4/06
I had no idea that there were states where you can't pump you're own gas.
Jeremy Richey's Blawg Crazy Law: I Will Pump You Up!
It's interesting that came across this post today. I was just telling DH that I wished there were still full service stations. He gets irritated with me because I will run the vehicles down to empty, and he is the one always stuck getting gas. I know this is very girly, but I don't like getting gas. You have to stand in the wind and it messes your hair up. I somehow always end up getting gas on my hands and smelling of eau de gasoline until I can wash my hands. I'm not about to set foot in a service station bathroom to wash and the instant hand sanitizers don't kill the smell. Thank God for pay at the pump. At least I no longer actually have to walk inside a gas station.
I'm really not an elitist--gas stations are just yucky, and if I could just drive in, let someone else fill 'er up, and go about my business, I'd be happy to.
It's interesting that came across this post today. I was just telling DH that I wished there were still full service stations. He gets irritated with me because I will run the vehicles down to empty, and he is the one always stuck getting gas. I know this is very girly, but I don't like getting gas. You have to stand in the wind and it messes your hair up. I somehow always end up getting gas on my hands and smelling of eau de gasoline until I can wash my hands. I'm not about to set foot in a service station bathroom to wash and the instant hand sanitizers don't kill the smell. Thank God for pay at the pump. At least I no longer actually have to walk inside a gas station.
I'm really not an elitist--gas stations are just yucky, and if I could just drive in, let someone else fill 'er up, and go about my business, I'd be happy to.
5/2/06
All hell has officially broken loose
The nanny has apparently quit with no notice. Right in the middle of freakin' finals. So I have to study with three kids running around. And try to find a new nanny ASAP-which is seriously interfering with my study time.
To make matters worse, DH was informed by his boss yesterday that my schooling is causing him to be away from work too much. WTF??? Everyone that he works with is childless. I guess they got used to him having a stay at home wife who could deal with every detail of our children's lives. Apparently it hasn't occurred to them that had I gotten a job, he would have to attend to the kids just as much if not more than he does now. When something comes up, we look at who has the most important stuff going on, and the loser deals with the kid stuff. That is what parenting is. And its not like this happens weekly.
And the most infuriating thing, is that when he took this job, they touted how family friendly it was. They knew then that he was a parent. And quite frankly, if he wanted to be the type of man who put his career before his children, he could easily take a contract job that would pay 2-3 times what he is earning now.
I'm so glad to know that having children is not only impacting my own career, but also my husband's. This is a great world we live in, really. And his boss is just going to be soooo much happier when he realizes that DH is going to have to take off so that I can take my finals. One more week and then he won't have to deal with the kids for the rest of the summer. But the next week is going to be hell.
To make matters worse, DH was informed by his boss yesterday that my schooling is causing him to be away from work too much. WTF??? Everyone that he works with is childless. I guess they got used to him having a stay at home wife who could deal with every detail of our children's lives. Apparently it hasn't occurred to them that had I gotten a job, he would have to attend to the kids just as much if not more than he does now. When something comes up, we look at who has the most important stuff going on, and the loser deals with the kid stuff. That is what parenting is. And its not like this happens weekly.
And the most infuriating thing, is that when he took this job, they touted how family friendly it was. They knew then that he was a parent. And quite frankly, if he wanted to be the type of man who put his career before his children, he could easily take a contract job that would pay 2-3 times what he is earning now.
I'm so glad to know that having children is not only impacting my own career, but also my husband's. This is a great world we live in, really. And his boss is just going to be soooo much happier when he realizes that DH is going to have to take off so that I can take my finals. One more week and then he won't have to deal with the kids for the rest of the summer. But the next week is going to be hell.
4/25/06
Another stinky interview
Today was my interview with the small firm. This is the first time that I have removed all references to my children from my resume (and conveniently deleted my college graduation date from my resume so as not to reveal my SAHM status). Things were going well, until they asked whey I live in [small suburban community]? My usual answers is because of the great schools. But of course, I couldn't say that because I'm trying to avoid the issue of my children. I think they could tell I was uncomfortable with the question--so of course they persisted. Was I married? Yes. Did I have children? Yes. How Many? I would prefer not to talk about my personal life.
Yes, that is the answer that I gave. I read in some career advice column that was the appropriate response to this line of questioning. Let me tell you now that it isn't. I could tell that my interviewers were completely taken aback by my response. Then they proceeded to tell me that having children was actually a benefit in family law, most of the (female) lawyers there had children, and that was not a concern. So then I had to backtrack and explain what an impediment my children have been in other interviews, and I revealed that I do indeed have three children.
I actual believe that they don't think my kids are a problem--but my trying to cover it up might be. The bigger problem is my internship with the DA's office and the child advocacy clinic placement that I have in the fall. They want someone who will continue through the next year. Something I would be willing to consider--especially if I thought there was the potential for long term employment, but not at the sacrifice of my other opportunities.
Then they asked when I could start. I told them as soon as finals were over, except that the following week I would have four days in which to complete a law review application and if possible I would like time to work on that. This apparently was my biggest mistake. They do not want someone on law review because it takes up too much time. Especially for someone who already has another internship, a clinic placement, and three kids. In fact they told me that the prospect of law review (which we don't even know if I'll make) is much more concerning to them than having kids. Arrrgghhhh! I just cannot make anyone happy--most firms want someone on law review.
Oh well. I guess we'll see what happens. The good news is that I really don't care if I get this job or not because I was looking forward to having three days a week off to hang out with my kiddos. But it seemed like a nice enough place if they do make an offer.
Yes, that is the answer that I gave. I read in some career advice column that was the appropriate response to this line of questioning. Let me tell you now that it isn't. I could tell that my interviewers were completely taken aback by my response. Then they proceeded to tell me that having children was actually a benefit in family law, most of the (female) lawyers there had children, and that was not a concern. So then I had to backtrack and explain what an impediment my children have been in other interviews, and I revealed that I do indeed have three children.
I actual believe that they don't think my kids are a problem--but my trying to cover it up might be. The bigger problem is my internship with the DA's office and the child advocacy clinic placement that I have in the fall. They want someone who will continue through the next year. Something I would be willing to consider--especially if I thought there was the potential for long term employment, but not at the sacrifice of my other opportunities.
Then they asked when I could start. I told them as soon as finals were over, except that the following week I would have four days in which to complete a law review application and if possible I would like time to work on that. This apparently was my biggest mistake. They do not want someone on law review because it takes up too much time. Especially for someone who already has another internship, a clinic placement, and three kids. In fact they told me that the prospect of law review (which we don't even know if I'll make) is much more concerning to them than having kids. Arrrgghhhh! I just cannot make anyone happy--most firms want someone on law review.
Oh well. I guess we'll see what happens. The good news is that I really don't care if I get this job or not because I was looking forward to having three days a week off to hang out with my kiddos. But it seemed like a nice enough place if they do make an offer.
4/23/06
We lost our case
Our trial ad trial was Saturday and we lost to the Whiners. Sort of a hollow victory for them, though, since no one on the plaintiff's side has won this case yet. They didn't perform better than us, they just had the facts on their side.
We got critiqued by our jurors and two judges. Most of the comments were very helpful, but there was one young college student who must have been overcome by the power of criticizing a law student. She trashed all of us, but while she was doing it all of the other jurors were rolling their eyes and shaking their heads.
Mostly I'm just glad its over. Trial ad was a huge time suck and it was keeping me from paying enough attention to my other classes. Now I can settle in and start thinking seriously about finals.
In the meantime, I've also taken off from my externship until finals are over--so I probably won't have anything interesting to post in the next couple of weeks.
We got critiqued by our jurors and two judges. Most of the comments were very helpful, but there was one young college student who must have been overcome by the power of criticizing a law student. She trashed all of us, but while she was doing it all of the other jurors were rolling their eyes and shaking their heads.
Mostly I'm just glad its over. Trial ad was a huge time suck and it was keeping me from paying enough attention to my other classes. Now I can settle in and start thinking seriously about finals.
In the meantime, I've also taken off from my externship until finals are over--so I probably won't have anything interesting to post in the next couple of weeks.
4/21/06
I have an interview
I have not yet found summer employment. I haven't been too worried about this because I will be working for the D.A.'s office and getting school credit--still something that actually pays would be nice, and anything I can add to my resume is a good thing.
So yesterday, the Career Services sent out a job opportunity with a small firm that focuses on family law, but does a little bit of everything. I sent my application out last night, and they emailed me today to set up an interview. That's a good thing, right???
Only two problems. They didn't sound too excited when I told them that I would need to continue working at the D.A.'s office to meet my credit hour requirements. And it pays exactly what I pay my sitter. So I wouldn't actually make any money--but at least I would break even--as opposed losing money as I am working for the D.A.'s office.
Anyway, I guess I'll go to the interview and see what happens. In the meantime, I'm just happy someone finally found me worthy of an interview!
So yesterday, the Career Services sent out a job opportunity with a small firm that focuses on family law, but does a little bit of everything. I sent my application out last night, and they emailed me today to set up an interview. That's a good thing, right???
Only two problems. They didn't sound too excited when I told them that I would need to continue working at the D.A.'s office to meet my credit hour requirements. And it pays exactly what I pay my sitter. So I wouldn't actually make any money--but at least I would break even--as opposed losing money as I am working for the D.A.'s office.
Anyway, I guess I'll go to the interview and see what happens. In the meantime, I'm just happy someone finally found me worthy of an interview!
4/19/06
I think the Whiners earned us some brownie points
We had our pre-trial conference today. The judge was ready to hear our arguments for our motions in limine. Of course we had to tell him that we were precluded from arguing our motion because the Whiners went to the prof. The judge asked them if they were prepared to argue against it. Of course they weren't. He was disappointed, because he liked our "creative lawyering" and he seemed a little miffed that the other side went around him and directly to the prof. Yea for us. He also sided with us on all our other arguments--probably more out of fairness than anything. He admitted that this case was weighted toward the defense and that we were wise to try to fight in pre-trial.
We were also informed that the Prof will be sitting in on our trial. There are 16 trial going at the same time--so I don't know if all of this has anything to do with us being selected.
We were also informed that the Prof will be sitting in on our trial. There are 16 trial going at the same time--so I don't know if all of this has anything to do with us being selected.
4/18/06
Stupid Whiners
Our trial ad trial is this week, and our opponents went whining to the professor after they got our motions yesterday because they didn't like our strategy. Instead of fighting it in our pre-trial conference tomorrow with a judge, they went behind our backs and convinced the prof that what we were doing was unfair.
The case involves a kid getting hit by a car. It is very heavily weighted toward the defense, who is alleging that everybody else around was responsible instead of him. We wanted to limit his defense to fighting off his own negligence, so we brought motions in limine to prevent evidence of negligece of two other parties. The defense don't like it because the rules stipulate that we can't fight contributory negligence. The thing is, we aren't fighting contriutory negligence--we are simply stating that any negligence by a caregiver or parents is not imputable to the child to bar his recovery. They can still be contributorily negligent--it just doesn't matter. I even talked to the prof about this strategy before we went forward with it and he said it was ok, but he thought they would be able to fight it off. Apparently they don't want to fight, they just want to whine.
The case involves a kid getting hit by a car. It is very heavily weighted toward the defense, who is alleging that everybody else around was responsible instead of him. We wanted to limit his defense to fighting off his own negligence, so we brought motions in limine to prevent evidence of negligece of two other parties. The defense don't like it because the rules stipulate that we can't fight contributory negligence. The thing is, we aren't fighting contriutory negligence--we are simply stating that any negligence by a caregiver or parents is not imputable to the child to bar his recovery. They can still be contributorily negligent--it just doesn't matter. I even talked to the prof about this strategy before we went forward with it and he said it was ok, but he thought they would be able to fight it off. Apparently they don't want to fight, they just want to whine.
4/13/06
I'm still alive
As it turns out nobody was trying to poison me. She was actually more worried about the negative perception that I had of her. We had a nice lunch and talked about our kids and what we wanted to do after law school. Then, this afternoon, I talked to my professor. He just wanted to talk to me about the impact of the non-settlement on my grade, but wasn't at all worried about my in class comments. All that drama for nothing!
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