I have become addicted to FarmTown and Farmville on Facebook. I must check my farm or work there several times each day. I am obsessed with growing my crops and harvesting them in a timely manner. I arrange my schedule to be at home in time to harvest my crops.
Am I crazy or what?
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Celebrations
There was a lot to celebrate this past weekend with me passing the bar. Now I think it is time to stop celebrating for a while. We celebrated Friday night with dinner at Sol, Saturday with my friend D then with another friend for her birthday, Monday with friend A.
My wallet is empty and I have managed to eliminate more than a few brain cells with alcohol.
Time to get to work.
My wallet is empty and I have managed to eliminate more than a few brain cells with alcohol.
Time to get to work.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The waiting is over.
I started law school in January 2005 at age 51. I graduated in May 2009. At the end of July, I took the Bar exam along with 609 other people. We had to wait - though not patiently, I'm sure - until September 25 for the results.
I went to work on Friday as usual. I had an office day planned. I was not sure I would be in any kind of emotional condition to be around others after the results came out. I stayed in my office and worked quietly passing the time. My officemate - Ty - asked what time the results would be available as he came in. I told him about 9 . He said he would wait for my shout to let him know I passed. I had my doubts.
A parent called about 8:30 and I got involved in finding an answer for him in the Code of Alabama. Just as I got to the website, my cell phone rang - my classmate and fellow examinee Jeff calling. I swallowed and answered the phone. He asked if I knew anything yet. I said no. He told me he had been checking the bar directory and named some friends who had passed. He finally said it didn't look good for him or me. I took a deep breath and said we should start our study plan for February.
For some reason, I decided to look for myself and opened the Alabama Bar website. There was a new icon on the home page called "Did I Pass the Bar?" I clicked on that and entered my Social security number. A new screen popped up that said "Congratulations. Your name has been certified to the Alabama Supreme Court as having passed all parts of the Bar Exam. Further information will be mailed to you soon."
I did a double take. "Hold on, Jeff," I said. I backed out and enetered my SSN again. The same screen popped up again. I told him. We chatted for another minute about those who passed and those who did not and ended the call.
I gave a shout for Ty. He came over and I told him I passed. We hugged. Then we headed across the hall to tell my other co-workers. As I started through the door - hands raised in victory - two nurses were trying to exit. They asked after my health as I was acting very out of character. I said I was fine. I turned to the boss's office and called to her secretary, "I passed." I saw a co-worker in the boss's office who jumped up and came toward me. The boss and another co-worker came as well. I broke up that meeting. Several others entered from the other office. They all applauded me, hugged me, congratulated me.
After that hoopla, I returned to my office and began calling my family and friends. Everyone was so excited for me - and I was quite proud of myself.
When I arrived home, there was an envelope in the mail from the Bar with my exam scores. I sincerely doubt that I knocked the top out of the test, but it was a respectable passing score.
We celebrated at Sol Azteca - as usual - with margaritas.
On Saturday, my certificate arrived from the Alabama Supreme Court, allowing me to begin the practice of law.
Wow.
I went to work on Friday as usual. I had an office day planned. I was not sure I would be in any kind of emotional condition to be around others after the results came out. I stayed in my office and worked quietly passing the time. My officemate - Ty - asked what time the results would be available as he came in. I told him about 9 . He said he would wait for my shout to let him know I passed. I had my doubts.
A parent called about 8:30 and I got involved in finding an answer for him in the Code of Alabama. Just as I got to the website, my cell phone rang - my classmate and fellow examinee Jeff calling. I swallowed and answered the phone. He asked if I knew anything yet. I said no. He told me he had been checking the bar directory and named some friends who had passed. He finally said it didn't look good for him or me. I took a deep breath and said we should start our study plan for February.
For some reason, I decided to look for myself and opened the Alabama Bar website. There was a new icon on the home page called "Did I Pass the Bar?" I clicked on that and entered my Social security number. A new screen popped up that said "Congratulations. Your name has been certified to the Alabama Supreme Court as having passed all parts of the Bar Exam. Further information will be mailed to you soon."
I did a double take. "Hold on, Jeff," I said. I backed out and enetered my SSN again. The same screen popped up again. I told him. We chatted for another minute about those who passed and those who did not and ended the call.
I gave a shout for Ty. He came over and I told him I passed. We hugged. Then we headed across the hall to tell my other co-workers. As I started through the door - hands raised in victory - two nurses were trying to exit. They asked after my health as I was acting very out of character. I said I was fine. I turned to the boss's office and called to her secretary, "I passed." I saw a co-worker in the boss's office who jumped up and came toward me. The boss and another co-worker came as well. I broke up that meeting. Several others entered from the other office. They all applauded me, hugged me, congratulated me.
After that hoopla, I returned to my office and began calling my family and friends. Everyone was so excited for me - and I was quite proud of myself.
When I arrived home, there was an envelope in the mail from the Bar with my exam scores. I sincerely doubt that I knocked the top out of the test, but it was a respectable passing score.
We celebrated at Sol Azteca - as usual - with margaritas.
On Saturday, my certificate arrived from the Alabama Supreme Court, allowing me to begin the practice of law.
Wow.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Politics
Today I am amazed at the bigotry displayed by some members of my community regarding the upcoming speech by the President to school children.
Without a clue as to what will be said, the format in which it will be said or the content in which it will be said, members of the community are violently opposed to the speech and refuse to even hear the common sense side of it.
One woman posted that she recalled "whatshisname" (actually Bush 1) speaking to students when she was in school but does not recall what was said and believes today's children will be much the same. She was attacked as being stupid for not remembering and thinking someone's children may have poor memories.
Let's be for real here. Most children will never recall in five, ten or twenty years what was said. Many will not even recall that the POTUS spoke to them via tv. It is no longer an important event for kids to watch something on tv in school. Kids see everything from Sesame Street to movies of Hitler's army annihilating the Jews on a regular basis at school. What makes a speech from the POTUS so controversial? Especially when his topic is scheduled to be The Importance of Education?
It certainly is beyond the scope of my understanding.
Without a clue as to what will be said, the format in which it will be said or the content in which it will be said, members of the community are violently opposed to the speech and refuse to even hear the common sense side of it.
One woman posted that she recalled "whatshisname" (actually Bush 1) speaking to students when she was in school but does not recall what was said and believes today's children will be much the same. She was attacked as being stupid for not remembering and thinking someone's children may have poor memories.
Let's be for real here. Most children will never recall in five, ten or twenty years what was said. Many will not even recall that the POTUS spoke to them via tv. It is no longer an important event for kids to watch something on tv in school. Kids see everything from Sesame Street to movies of Hitler's army annihilating the Jews on a regular basis at school. What makes a speech from the POTUS so controversial? Especially when his topic is scheduled to be The Importance of Education?
It certainly is beyond the scope of my understanding.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Life After Law School
I have recently discovered what many people do after law school.
They play on FACEBOOK all day.
I have gained numerous "friends" from my law school days through invitations in Facebook. I have planted and work a FARM in FARMVILLE where friends are my neighbors and send me gifts each day - and ask for gifts in return. It is so pleasant to find a lemon tree or a cow in my gift box! And I can give them a chicken or a fig tree in return. And we pleasantly agree to help out our neighbors when they are overcome by weeds. How nice.
And I get regular updates from all my friends - telling about their day and plans. Everything I wanted to know. And the pictures are so nice!
One thing I never expected was to "meet" my next door neighbor on Facebook. My sons are Friends with her - and she asked to be added as my friend as well. We have chatted a bit - but never met face to face.
Don't you just love the world of cyberspace? I do!
They play on FACEBOOK all day.
I have gained numerous "friends" from my law school days through invitations in Facebook. I have planted and work a FARM in FARMVILLE where friends are my neighbors and send me gifts each day - and ask for gifts in return. It is so pleasant to find a lemon tree or a cow in my gift box! And I can give them a chicken or a fig tree in return. And we pleasantly agree to help out our neighbors when they are overcome by weeds. How nice.
And I get regular updates from all my friends - telling about their day and plans. Everything I wanted to know. And the pictures are so nice!
One thing I never expected was to "meet" my next door neighbor on Facebook. My sons are Friends with her - and she asked to be added as my friend as well. We have chatted a bit - but never met face to face.
Don't you just love the world of cyberspace? I do!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Back to School
Sales - new clothes - a new ink pen and a clean notebook - I always loved the rituals associated with going back to school. Guess that is why I became a teacher. I still enjoy these things - but I have come to hate this time of the year.
I work in the attendance department of a school system.
While attendance is not my job, during the back to school event, it becomes my job.
Every morning when I get to work, there are already families lined up in the hallway waiting to be served. Parents do not come alone. They bring all the kids, the neighbor and the neighbor's kids, along with their third cousin who is in town for an extended visit and all of her kids. Inevitably, the kids scream and cry - constantly. Or they whine. Yes, it is hot - what sea of humanity in a crowded hallway is not hot? Yes, there are no amenities. We are an office building, not a daycare center or restaurant. We will assist you as soon as possible, but you do realize there are about a hundred people ahead of you. I understand that you must get back to work after your lunch hour. I have the same problem. We have been working all summer - and had two months when no one came in the office and we could have processed your enrollment in half of your lunch hour, but you chose to wait until the day before school starts to come in. Yes, you must have all the required paperwork for me to complete your enrollment - and you may have to come back if you don't have it. It is the law - and I'm sorry, but I don't know you well enough to go to jail for you.
I managed to get home after only an extra hour at work today.
School starts in the morning - and I have been assigned to assist with enrollment at a high school with a new principal. Should be great fun. Can you tell I can hardly wait?
I work in the attendance department of a school system.
While attendance is not my job, during the back to school event, it becomes my job.
Every morning when I get to work, there are already families lined up in the hallway waiting to be served. Parents do not come alone. They bring all the kids, the neighbor and the neighbor's kids, along with their third cousin who is in town for an extended visit and all of her kids. Inevitably, the kids scream and cry - constantly. Or they whine. Yes, it is hot - what sea of humanity in a crowded hallway is not hot? Yes, there are no amenities. We are an office building, not a daycare center or restaurant. We will assist you as soon as possible, but you do realize there are about a hundred people ahead of you. I understand that you must get back to work after your lunch hour. I have the same problem. We have been working all summer - and had two months when no one came in the office and we could have processed your enrollment in half of your lunch hour, but you chose to wait until the day before school starts to come in. Yes, you must have all the required paperwork for me to complete your enrollment - and you may have to come back if you don't have it. It is the law - and I'm sorry, but I don't know you well enough to go to jail for you.
I managed to get home after only an extra hour at work today.
School starts in the morning - and I have been assigned to assist with enrollment at a high school with a new principal. Should be great fun. Can you tell I can hardly wait?
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Rest
There is something really comforting about sleeping in your own bed - with all the good stuff that goes with it! After a good 8 hours, I feel much better.
Today should be busy and fun. I am about to get groceries - one of those necessary evil things to do, made only slightly better by the fact that I can now shop without the distractions of clothing, shoes, electronics, etc. Just the food. I love it.
After that, I may take a nap. Should be fun. Another stretch in my own bed.
Dinner plans with an old friend who has a girlfriend who does not understand that he can have a good friend who is female. This is so childish. But I am willing to meet the bitch - whoops, I mean lady - and let her see for herself that I am no threat to her.
Today should be busy and fun. I am about to get groceries - one of those necessary evil things to do, made only slightly better by the fact that I can now shop without the distractions of clothing, shoes, electronics, etc. Just the food. I love it.
After that, I may take a nap. Should be fun. Another stretch in my own bed.
Dinner plans with an old friend who has a girlfriend who does not understand that he can have a good friend who is female. This is so childish. But I am willing to meet the bitch - whoops, I mean lady - and let her see for herself that I am no threat to her.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Finally.....
It's over!
I realize that it has been months since I posted. Way too much has happened to describe it all. Here is the VERY short version:
Prince Hubby-in-name-only came back to Birmingham, was diagnosed with cancer and is now in chemotherapy, living in a run-down house on northside without water or electricity. Prince 2 was selected to work as a Blackfoot at Camp Winnataska for the summer - is now home, has plans to go back to Jeff State and hopes to get his job back at Papa John's. Prince 3 was frying chicken until the store closed last week. He needs a job to keep his car, phone and apartment. Prince 1 finally called me today after 4 months and things are looking better there.
As for me, I finished law school. Had a very fun party with all my bestest friends afterward and got sang to. The next day I started studying for the bar exam - and kept at it four or five hours every day - at least six days a week - until it happened. The test was 15 hours of hell over three days. But I felt good when I left there every time. It helped to know that I had so many people who believe in me and were praying for me. My family and friends, my DoN sisters, my bridge friends, my officemates, my friend's prayerline group... more people than I could even know. Prayers were going up and messages flooded my inboxes and my cell phone. At times it felt like the pen was writing for me because I really wasn't sure, but what was written sounded so right.
Now I have to wait - a couple of months for the results. And I have never been patient.
I realize that it has been months since I posted. Way too much has happened to describe it all. Here is the VERY short version:
Prince Hubby-in-name-only came back to Birmingham, was diagnosed with cancer and is now in chemotherapy, living in a run-down house on northside without water or electricity. Prince 2 was selected to work as a Blackfoot at Camp Winnataska for the summer - is now home, has plans to go back to Jeff State and hopes to get his job back at Papa John's. Prince 3 was frying chicken until the store closed last week. He needs a job to keep his car, phone and apartment. Prince 1 finally called me today after 4 months and things are looking better there.
As for me, I finished law school. Had a very fun party with all my bestest friends afterward and got sang to. The next day I started studying for the bar exam - and kept at it four or five hours every day - at least six days a week - until it happened. The test was 15 hours of hell over three days. But I felt good when I left there every time. It helped to know that I had so many people who believe in me and were praying for me. My family and friends, my DoN sisters, my bridge friends, my officemates, my friend's prayerline group... more people than I could even know. Prayers were going up and messages flooded my inboxes and my cell phone. At times it felt like the pen was writing for me because I really wasn't sure, but what was written sounded so right.
Now I have to wait - a couple of months for the results. And I have never been patient.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Yea Me!
I finished my income tax! I e-filed the federal and have the state ready to mail in the morning.
The idea was to get it all in so I have a check to spend for spring break's vacation.
Hope it works out right!
The idea was to get it all in so I have a check to spend for spring break's vacation.
Hope it works out right!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Should I just go to bed now?
Today has been a terrible, horrible really bad day.
I woke up with a headache - a rarity these days. Sinus I'm afraid. One eye swollen shut. Nasty.
I went to work. It was ok - except that I had to deal with a situation that seems to be lingering much longer than it should. Little LaFontanya - a 7th grader who threatened her teacher last November - has been trying for two weeks to leave the alternative program and return to the school where she did her damage. The teacher did sign a petition for LaFontanya's arrest, but the school had been given a bogus address. The sheriff went to arrest LaFontanya and found no such address, so the case was closed. When teacher saw LaFontanya back at school, she went off and demanded that something be done. We explained to grandma - mama is locked up at county - that LaFontanya had to stay in alternative school until her case has been fully resolved by the court in accordance with state law. Then grandma went off one me because her sweet baby cannot be so bad that she has to be locked up. Sometime between last Tuesday and today, they took LaFontanya to court and now they want to take her back to school again. That ain't happening yet. She is on six months probation with the court - so she stays in alternative school for six months. All that made me late to my hearing.
Only one hearing. Easy. Done quickly. I gather my stuff and head back to the office.
It begins to sprinkle rain. So, I am going slowly - about 58 on the interstate. I look up and see the big gray car of a state trooper by my side. He drops back and turns on the blue lights. I pull over. Then pull over further. Then he gets on his speaker and tells me to pull over even further. I did. He then comes to my passenger side, but I can't roll down the window as it is broken. He opens the door. He informed me that I was driving without a seat belt on. He got my license and insurance. He also asked about my cracked windshield. Next thing I know, I have not just one, but TWO tickets to pay by April 20.
I am taking half a day off so I can go to court with Prince 3. We meet and go to court. He pleads not guilty, we get a court date of April 1 and leave.
Now Prince 2 is stuck downtown with no gas. He expects me to come take care of it.
No wonder my head aches.
I woke up with a headache - a rarity these days. Sinus I'm afraid. One eye swollen shut. Nasty.
I went to work. It was ok - except that I had to deal with a situation that seems to be lingering much longer than it should. Little LaFontanya - a 7th grader who threatened her teacher last November - has been trying for two weeks to leave the alternative program and return to the school where she did her damage. The teacher did sign a petition for LaFontanya's arrest, but the school had been given a bogus address. The sheriff went to arrest LaFontanya and found no such address, so the case was closed. When teacher saw LaFontanya back at school, she went off and demanded that something be done. We explained to grandma - mama is locked up at county - that LaFontanya had to stay in alternative school until her case has been fully resolved by the court in accordance with state law. Then grandma went off one me because her sweet baby cannot be so bad that she has to be locked up. Sometime between last Tuesday and today, they took LaFontanya to court and now they want to take her back to school again. That ain't happening yet. She is on six months probation with the court - so she stays in alternative school for six months. All that made me late to my hearing.
Only one hearing. Easy. Done quickly. I gather my stuff and head back to the office.
It begins to sprinkle rain. So, I am going slowly - about 58 on the interstate. I look up and see the big gray car of a state trooper by my side. He drops back and turns on the blue lights. I pull over. Then pull over further. Then he gets on his speaker and tells me to pull over even further. I did. He then comes to my passenger side, but I can't roll down the window as it is broken. He opens the door. He informed me that I was driving without a seat belt on. He got my license and insurance. He also asked about my cracked windshield. Next thing I know, I have not just one, but TWO tickets to pay by April 20.
I am taking half a day off so I can go to court with Prince 3. We meet and go to court. He pleads not guilty, we get a court date of April 1 and leave.
Now Prince 2 is stuck downtown with no gas. He expects me to come take care of it.
No wonder my head aches.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Never wear the old glasses!
There are very few things that I would advise someone to NEVER do. Yesterday I learned that wearing the old glasses is one to put on that list.
I was in the midst of my normal morning routine when my glasses disappeared. The progressive lenses required for me to drive, read, walk, etc. I looked all over for them. I KNOW that I took them off to finish my make-up and brush my hair out. They were not on the desk where I left them. I looked all over and found nothing. I called my son to come help. He had to find clothes and come over since he has no classes on Friday and had planned to sleep very late. He yelled a bit then came over. He took a cursory glance at a few surfaces and declared he could not find them. Since I could see nothing, I had to take his word for it. I went to work in an old pair.
My head ached all day - the deep kind of headache way behind your eyes. I begged the boys to look for the glasses - even offered a reward. No luck. I came home and tried to read a bit or check the email, but I was unable to read anything or even see my computer's screen in any way that made sense. So I gave it up and went to bed at 7:30.
This morning, my head was still aching. I slept until 10:30 trying to make it all go away, but that didn't work. I tried to get an appointment for a massage, but she is all booked until Tuesday - and if my head still hurts then, I may be jailed. I decided to take another look for the glasses. After all, they did not just disappear into thin air, right? They have to be somewhere in this room.
Not on the desk. Not under the desk. Not on or under the bed. Not on the dresser or hiding in a drawer. No where in the bathroom. Oh well. I'll just grab some shoes and go but some reading glasses at the dollar store to hold me until I get an appointment. Wait - what is that??? Is it???? Yes, it is my glasses!!!!!
I was in the midst of my normal morning routine when my glasses disappeared. The progressive lenses required for me to drive, read, walk, etc. I looked all over for them. I KNOW that I took them off to finish my make-up and brush my hair out. They were not on the desk where I left them. I looked all over and found nothing. I called my son to come help. He had to find clothes and come over since he has no classes on Friday and had planned to sleep very late. He yelled a bit then came over. He took a cursory glance at a few surfaces and declared he could not find them. Since I could see nothing, I had to take his word for it. I went to work in an old pair.
My head ached all day - the deep kind of headache way behind your eyes. I begged the boys to look for the glasses - even offered a reward. No luck. I came home and tried to read a bit or check the email, but I was unable to read anything or even see my computer's screen in any way that made sense. So I gave it up and went to bed at 7:30.
This morning, my head was still aching. I slept until 10:30 trying to make it all go away, but that didn't work. I tried to get an appointment for a massage, but she is all booked until Tuesday - and if my head still hurts then, I may be jailed. I decided to take another look for the glasses. After all, they did not just disappear into thin air, right? They have to be somewhere in this room.
Not on the desk. Not under the desk. Not on or under the bed. Not on the dresser or hiding in a drawer. No where in the bathroom. Oh well. I'll just grab some shoes and go but some reading glasses at the dollar store to hold me until I get an appointment. Wait - what is that??? Is it???? Yes, it is my glasses!!!!!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Office Work
For the past three days, I have been in my office. I had the unequalled opportunity to "catch up on my paperwork". Only problem was that I had very little to catch up on.
Wednesday I took a sack of mail with me - sorted through it - paid a few bills - checked on a couple of things by phone - and played countless games of free cell and hearts. (Remember that I run Windows 98 at the office)
Thursday I read some of my novel - answered a few phone calls - scheduled a few hearings - played countless games of free cell and hearts - and little else.
Today, I actually did my reports for the month of January - that took a whole fifteen minutes. I scheduled a few hearings for next week - played countless more games of free cell and hearts - and actually went to lunch with a few of my coworkers. That was the best part.
Next week, I only have one office day scheduled. Thankfully.
Wednesday I took a sack of mail with me - sorted through it - paid a few bills - checked on a couple of things by phone - and played countless games of free cell and hearts. (Remember that I run Windows 98 at the office)
Thursday I read some of my novel - answered a few phone calls - scheduled a few hearings - played countless games of free cell and hearts - and little else.
Today, I actually did my reports for the month of January - that took a whole fifteen minutes. I scheduled a few hearings for next week - played countless more games of free cell and hearts - and actually went to lunch with a few of my coworkers. That was the best part.
Next week, I only have one office day scheduled. Thankfully.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Old, New, Treasured, True
Friends.
In the past month, I have reconnected with an old friend. It has been amazing that we can pick up our friendship right where it left off a year ago. I am still unsure as to why we needed a break, but I am sure I will find out at some point. It has been nice.
I have also had the chance to see a couple of other old friends. One friend's mother passed away and I went to the graveside service. We had not spoken in several years after some very harsh words were passed. It was nice to be there for her in spite of the rift - and I do believe she appreciated it.
Another old friend was there as well - and it was nice to see him as well. I do hope we can get together for lunch soon - or I may have to string him up! For someone retired, the Wolfman stays very busy!
New friends are becoming a part of my life as well. There are some through school - some through blogging - and some through my new online chapter of sorority. I am excited about the prospects of having these new influences in my life - and sharing bits and pieces of the daily grind with them.
All friends are treasures - jewels, gemstones, silver and gold. Precious in so many different ways. I am grateful for all of my friends - and thankful they are a part of my life!
In the past month, I have reconnected with an old friend. It has been amazing that we can pick up our friendship right where it left off a year ago. I am still unsure as to why we needed a break, but I am sure I will find out at some point. It has been nice.
I have also had the chance to see a couple of other old friends. One friend's mother passed away and I went to the graveside service. We had not spoken in several years after some very harsh words were passed. It was nice to be there for her in spite of the rift - and I do believe she appreciated it.
Another old friend was there as well - and it was nice to see him as well. I do hope we can get together for lunch soon - or I may have to string him up! For someone retired, the Wolfman stays very busy!
New friends are becoming a part of my life as well. There are some through school - some through blogging - and some through my new online chapter of sorority. I am excited about the prospects of having these new influences in my life - and sharing bits and pieces of the daily grind with them.
All friends are treasures - jewels, gemstones, silver and gold. Precious in so many different ways. I am grateful for all of my friends - and thankful they are a part of my life!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Acid Indigestion
I got no relief.
The exit exam stopped me. Not only did it wear me out physically and drain me emotionally, but it flat out whipped my butt.
I didn't pass.
The only "bright" spot is that several of my friends will be joining me for the second opportunity to pass. Misery truly does love company.
Now I have to beat the time crunch I set for myself when I conveniently forgot that my application to sit for the bar exam must be postmarked before February 1. I did get the basic application done today with a few exceptions - places where they forgot to put a box for typing on the pdf form. I'll have to get my secretary to finish it on the typewriter for me. Then I must get it notarized and in the mail - along with four money orders totalling $465. It can be done.
I'll keep you posted.
The exit exam stopped me. Not only did it wear me out physically and drain me emotionally, but it flat out whipped my butt.
I didn't pass.
The only "bright" spot is that several of my friends will be joining me for the second opportunity to pass. Misery truly does love company.
Now I have to beat the time crunch I set for myself when I conveniently forgot that my application to sit for the bar exam must be postmarked before February 1. I did get the basic application done today with a few exceptions - places where they forgot to put a box for typing on the pdf form. I'll have to get my secretary to finish it on the typewriter for me. Then I must get it notarized and in the mail - along with four money orders totalling $465. It can be done.
I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
How do you spell relief? (Part 1)
I label this part one as it isn't over yet. That comes next week.
Today was my first opportunity to take the senior exit exam at my law school. It was a mock MBE - 100 questions followed by a 45 minute break - then 100 more questions. It was exhausting. And I can honestly saw that I am not sure if I answered any of the questions correctly. Now I have to wait until at least Tuesday to find out if I passed or if I get to repeat this lovely experience again in four weeks.
I'll keep you posted.
Today was my first opportunity to take the senior exit exam at my law school. It was a mock MBE - 100 questions followed by a 45 minute break - then 100 more questions. It was exhausting. And I can honestly saw that I am not sure if I answered any of the questions correctly. Now I have to wait until at least Tuesday to find out if I passed or if I get to repeat this lovely experience again in four weeks.
I'll keep you posted.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Memories
This morning I got up very early and found Prince 3 to accompany me on an errand. I chose him because he is the handiest of the three princes, and this job needed someone who can wield a hammer or a saw. We met a couple of friends and a dog and proceeded to a vacant, closed school - where I once taught for 19 years.
The place looks like a war zone now, but the memories within it are numerous. I went in search of a special one of my own - wanting of piece of dear old (Blank) high school for my very own.
My dad attended this high school and graduated in 1941. When I was first hired to teach there, I found it ironic that it already had a place in my history. My first day on the job - being an obedient and eager young thing at the time, I proceeded to decorate my classroom - and of course, put an appropriate educational theme on my vast bulletin board.
While placing paper on the board, I noticed the name TERRELL carved into the wall. That is my dad's name. Since this was before cell phones and even before phones in the classroom, I had to wait until I got home to call him and discuss it.
Sure enough, he did carve his name into the wall in that room way back when he was a student assigned to a boring study hall in that very same classroom, just after his shop class.
The old school is slated for demolition any day now. But I wanted just a piece of it before the walls come tumbling down - as well as a chance to be in that room one more time. I decided that the wrecking ball would not take my piece of history - nor will the school board miss that one piece of wall when the building is destroyed.
I am now the proud owner of my dad's carved name from the walls of his alma mater.
The place looks like a war zone now, but the memories within it are numerous. I went in search of a special one of my own - wanting of piece of dear old (Blank) high school for my very own.
My dad attended this high school and graduated in 1941. When I was first hired to teach there, I found it ironic that it already had a place in my history. My first day on the job - being an obedient and eager young thing at the time, I proceeded to decorate my classroom - and of course, put an appropriate educational theme on my vast bulletin board.
While placing paper on the board, I noticed the name TERRELL carved into the wall. That is my dad's name. Since this was before cell phones and even before phones in the classroom, I had to wait until I got home to call him and discuss it.
Sure enough, he did carve his name into the wall in that room way back when he was a student assigned to a boring study hall in that very same classroom, just after his shop class.
The old school is slated for demolition any day now. But I wanted just a piece of it before the walls come tumbling down - as well as a chance to be in that room one more time. I decided that the wrecking ball would not take my piece of history - nor will the school board miss that one piece of wall when the building is destroyed.
I am now the proud owner of my dad's carved name from the walls of his alma mater.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Back to the grindstone
Three days.
That's it.
Just three days.
I have been back at work three days after an 11 day vacation. I am still energized and ready to go. I am the first one in the office in the morning and the last one to leave. My work is all done. I even did my secretary's work since she is on vacation.
The question is: Will I still feel this energized after 30 days? or even after 60 days?
Guess we wait and see.
That's it.
Just three days.
I have been back at work three days after an 11 day vacation. I am still energized and ready to go. I am the first one in the office in the morning and the last one to leave. My work is all done. I even did my secretary's work since she is on vacation.
The question is: Will I still feel this energized after 30 days? or even after 60 days?
Guess we wait and see.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Winding Down
As I savor the last few minutes of my vacation, I have many thoughts about how I spent my time. I know I stayed in bed way too much and was down in the dumps even more.
At this point, I am energized. I had my B-12 shot and I am ready to go back to work. Eleven days off in a row is almost more than I can stand. How did I ever manage teaching with ten weeks off in the summer?
I have a list of at least twenty things that need to be done immediately in the morning. I just hope that I have a few minutes to take care of some of them before the crowd rushes in. We usually have a large influx of new students after the break - and I have to help get them registered. Add the fact that 7 of the 9 students that needed to come for conferences didn't show and will probably show in the morning. And I have hearings that start at 11:30.
It will be a busy day. I'm so ready for it!
At this point, I am energized. I had my B-12 shot and I am ready to go back to work. Eleven days off in a row is almost more than I can stand. How did I ever manage teaching with ten weeks off in the summer?
I have a list of at least twenty things that need to be done immediately in the morning. I just hope that I have a few minutes to take care of some of them before the crowd rushes in. We usually have a large influx of new students after the break - and I have to help get them registered. Add the fact that 7 of the 9 students that needed to come for conferences didn't show and will probably show in the morning. And I have hearings that start at 11:30.
It will be a busy day. I'm so ready for it!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
It's Time
I have been so busy since the new year started that I have failed to post. Sorry about that, my friends. I have been on a cleaning spree - not that it was needed, I promise. I just had to do my bimonthly laundry gig and some straightening up. I hope to run the vacuum in a bit. My dog sheds badly, so it is needed often.
I have decided that I will make every effort to be cheerful this year. My depression is showing through way too much in my musings. I have made a few resolutions that I will share with you:
I have decided that I will make every effort to be cheerful this year. My depression is showing through way too much in my musings. I have made a few resolutions that I will share with you:
- I will take my meds on a fairly regular basis.
- I will make an effort to lose weight by eating less and exercising more.
- I will try to get my finances in better order.
- I will make my kids more accountable for their expenses.
And to do all of these things, I have just ordered refills for all of my prescriptions and filled my weekly box. I have placed the "Shapely Secrets" DVD in the machine so I can do it at least once per day. I have registered for Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University and start next week. And I have handed each of the kids their phone bills, due tomorrow.
Just a few other things that need to be done. Think I'll go make a list.
That is one way to procrastinate against cleaning - make a list of the cleaning that needs to be done.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
