Almost a lovely Sunday

It actually was a lovely day. Only one disappointing event occurred, although it had no real impact on my life. But. The Patriots lost. So sad. Had it been any other team I think I would have been more alright with it. I mean, it happens, they lose sometimes. But with the week leading up to it and all the trash talking by Rex Ryan, I was really hoping that the Patriots would win. Just so I didn’t have to hear from Rex Ryan.  Although, I am curious who it will be personal with next week. I don’t normally cheer for the Steelers, but I will be now.

The Bears/Seahawks game was entertaining. I enjoyed watching it. So, at least one good thing came out of the football today…Packers/Bears! Go Pack Go.

And my husband is also now happy because I can focus on cheering for the Packers for the remainder of the playoffs instead of the Patriots.

Other than football, we’ve just hung out. I made breakfast…that doesn’t happen often. We drank far too much coffee.  Played with both kids. One by webcam, which is always entertaining. Cuddled with kittens. I was lazy and didn’t cook anything beyond breakfast, canned soup and frozen pizza were the remaining feasts.

Now we’re watching the Golden Globes, and waiting for Andy Roddick’s match to begin.  Well, I’m watching. My daughter is sleeping and my husband is only slightly paying attention. Most of his focus is on Madden 11.

Hope ya’ll had an enjoyable Sunday as well.

 

Saying Goodbye to 2010

It seems fitting that my 2010 post would follow directly after my Christmas post.  I  never post anything when I plan.  I’m putting that on my goals list for 2011 though.

2010 seems to have flown by faster than years past.  It was a busy year at times, but then others we were able to sit back and relax.  The fact that today is December 31st still blows my mind.  It doesn’t seem like it should be here yet.  At the same time, our kids also can’t be as old as they are, yet, they are.

2010 brought much joy.  So much joy.  Lots of laughters, and moments that made me say “Awwwww”.

In 2010 I got a little older, to the point where I’ve started forgetting how old I am. Seriously, I have to think of the year I was born and figure it out.  No, I’m not really that old.

In 2010, our daughter was born, and my stepson became the best big brother! He also entered first grade.  This is why I feel so old.

In 2010 our daughter got 6 teeth, started crawling then the next day started cruising/walking.  She’s on the go constantly now, and loves playing with anything musical.

In 2010 my stepson lost his first teeth, and made out like a bandit with the tooth fairy.

There are well over 6000 pictures documenting the year 2010.  And we had family pictures taken in South Carolina and Michigan.

In the summer of 2010 we played at the lake, watched lots of T-ball games, had weekly storytime in the park, went to see Chipmunks: The Squeckuel, Toy Story 3 (yes, I cried) and Despicable Me in our tiny town theatre that made it so much more enjoyable, went to minor league baseball games, caught lots of fish, and ate far too much ice cream.

In 2010, we had lots of family time, playing a whole lot of board games, video games on the Wii, running around the house and swimming in the backyard.

I attempted my first networking experiences in 2010, and neither of them turned out at I thought, or resulted in actually networking.

I attended my first ICLE seminar and became part of the ICLE Partnership.

I took a Family Law exam for an Associate Attorney position and got an interview, but, unfortunately, didn’t get the job.  The drive alone makes me okay with not getting the job, although I would have loved the job.

I read a lot more books than in years past thanks to my Kindle.

In 2010, we owned 5 cars, now only 4.  We said goodbye to a family pet who is now with a new family, with much more room for him to play.  We did less remodeling than in years past, and took less trips.  We were a blessing to others, and blessed ourselves.

We lived plenty, laughed lots, loved unconditionally.  It was a blessed year, that went by far too fast.  But I look forward to all that 2011 has to offer!

Here’s to you, here’s to us, here’s to 2011 being a wonderful year for everyone!

 

Christmas Recap

We celebrated Christmas early this year since my stepson is only home for a short amount of time.  If we wait then he has little time to play with his presents, and we’re stuck cramming everything into an even shorter time.  I hate that.  I like being able to enjoy the holidays as much as possible, this way allows that.  Besides, Christmas to me is about Jesus’ birthday, presents can be opened any time.  Although, Santa did leave presents for the kids to open Christmas morning.

There were lots of toys and games and tools and kitchen ware.  Even some feet pajamas for my husband. Oh is that ever a picture.  I think he may frown upon me posting it though.

I’m so excited about my kitchen goodies!! No, seriously, I am!

Some highlights of the gifts.

My husband got a Tron toy...yet to be opened, possible never to be opened.

Stepson got an At-At. He loves it. Pretty sure my husband loves it just as much!

Daughter got a Rainbow Brite doll. Yes, Mamma loves it more than she does. Right now anyway.

I got lots of goodies for the kitchen! Pampered Chef cooling rack, cranberry bakeware, KitchenAid mandolin slicer, garlic press, Rachel Ray mopples & EVOO container. Awesome.

My EVOO will LOVE living in this!

Say cheese! I've got a block of pepperjack just waiting to be sliced!

Oh how I love thee. I have wanted these for years. Yay!

Beautiful accessories.

 

Merry Christmas … Happy Holidays

I wish a joyful celebration from my family to yours. May you find peace, laughter & blessings in this sometimes chaotic time of the year!

Thankfully, most of our Christmas celebrations are done now.  The last one is tonight. Ahh.  I’m looking forward to a relaxing Christmas day, spending time with my husband, stepson & daughter. Since my stepson is home for a short time we planned everything to take place before Christmas so that we’d get to enjoy the day at home playing, laughing and celebrating the reason for Christmas.

I love buying gifts for our kids, and trying to find just the right gift to get that one reaction that shows pure excitement. But I love love LOVE enjoying the time with my family more than anything. I worry about there being too much focus on gifts, and not enough on being thankful for the real gift we’ve been given and why we celebrate Christmas.

Jesus is the reason for my Christmas season. I’m thankful for His gift and so blessed by what I have in my life.

Merry Christmas y’all!

 

Thankful

I’m thankful everyday for the life I have, and the people I am blessed to have in it.  But on Thanksgiving I reflect more on everything I’m thankful for.  The list grows every year, and becomes more reflective on my growing up.  When I was young I was thankful for all the “things” I had, now, while I appreciate the things I have, I am more thankful for so much more.

I’m thankful for my husband, my stepson and my daughter.  There are the most important people in my life and are amazing.  They each continue to give me so much than they’ll ever know just by being them.  They have made me a better person.  A more caring, patient, kind and generous person.  I am thankful for that, and for them.  I would truly be lost without them.

I’m thankful for my parents.  They have believed in my when others shook their head and said I was crazy for making decisions in my life.  They have supported me emotionally when I’ve needed it most.  They are there when I need them.  And most importantly, they love the people are most important to me, like they are also the most important to them.  Watching them with my family continues to bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart.  I can never give them the appropriate amount of thanks.

I’m thankful for my extended family and inlaws.  Especially days when they drive me a bit nuts because on those days I’m even more appreciative of my husband, and his patience and understanding.  And dealing with my ranting.

I’m thankful for my friends.  Admittedly, I’m not the easiest person to get along with, my friends accept me for who I am.  And love me even when I’m not easy to love.

I’m thankful for our home, and that we have money to pay our bills.  I’m thankful that we’re able to give back.  I’m thankful for the small moments in life that mean the most.

I’m thankful for my life.

Happy Thanksgiving ya’ll!

 

Content

When I first started this blog it was intended to be a place for me to rant about work and law school annoyances, and tell stories about those same places that amused me.  Then I graduated law school and quit my job.  I had also planned to write about my family, my stepson and husband are always good for at least one story a week.  And of course the happenings outside my family, you know, while driving or shopping or just looking out our front window.  I had even planned to throw a few legal opinions out there, my take on whatever was happening in the world of lawyers or politics.

That’s how I came up with the name Legally(Ir)relevant.  I planned to have some stories that were, and some that weren’t relevant to the legal community. Or weren’t relevant to anyone, at all, except me.

None of that happened.  And here I am.  Still wanting to write about the random and not so random happenings in my life.  My biggest problem is timing.  The most annoying and funny things (with the exception of my children’s funny happenings) occur outside my home.  So by the time I get home and can write about what happened, I’ve forgotten.  Or I think of things in the middle of the night.  When that happens I could, and sometimes really should, just get up and write.  But my sleep habit is sporadic enough as it is, I’m not sure if my getting up and sitting in front of the computer is the best addition to my nighttime routine.  I was sure that once I had my Droid that I would write more, because there’s an app for that.  That hasn’t happened either.

But.  I can start fresh.  This is my second day this week.  That’s something!

If I could remember a funny story to share, I so would.  I can’t.  Oh, but to follow up with the comments for cans, I plan to go shopping tomorrow and drop stuff off after the shelter either after or on Friday.  I want to get the items there before holidays are consuming everyone.  I’m excited to go shopping for the donation.  In addition to the cans, I’m going to pick up some other items that they may need.

For now, I need to sleep.  Night ya’ll!

 

Holiday Spirit

I’ve been getting in the holiday spirit earlier and earlier in recent years.  Growing up I always disliked the holidays.  The added stress and being spread between families.  Mostly the added stress that came with my extended families getting together.  I’m pretty sure nobody in my family gets along with everybody.  I have one extended family that I always get along with, we’ve always been close.  That holiday get together I look forward to, all the others I dreaded.

And then I met my husband.  Holidays took on a different look with him and his son.  There was joy.  There was happiness.   I had fun buying presents for him and his son.  I looked forward to celebrating together.  Cooking a big Thanksgiving dinner was even something I longed to do.  And as it turns out, really good at!  Who knew?!  So for a couple years in a row we hosted holiday dinners.  They went great.  I looked forward to them.

Then something happened.  I’m not sure what.  But now I’m getting back to the whole feeling of dreading the holidays.  I hate it.  A couple weeks ago I was planning Thanksgiving, and even Christmas.  I contacted family members to make suggestions.  And in return I was met with snide backhanded comments about family members and reluctance to plan.  It frustrated me.  This has continued ever since.  It shouldn’t be this difficult.  To me, the holidays are supposed to be about family, giving, celebration, love, appreciation, friends, peace, sharing, God, being thankful for everything in your life, and finding a way to show your loved ones how much they mean to me.  This is also something that I try to do throughout the year.  But holiday time just gives me more of a reason.

I’m finding my holiday cheer is lessening as the days go on, and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet.  I’m not happy about that.  So, I’m focusing on my immediate family, and the family members that I know share the same beliefs about the holidays.  I’ve decided that instead of letting those people who are dampening my holiday spirit get to me, I’m going to be the bigger person and give them extra joy and politeness.  Because it would seem that maybe they need the extra bit.

I’m looking forward to enjoying my daughter’s first Thanksgiving, and having my stepson home for Christmas vacation.  I’m looking forward to stuffing myself full of turkey and cranberry jelly, pumpkin pie and pecan pie.  Sharing repetitive stories with my family.  Wrestling with my younger cousins.  Finding the perfect gifts for my husband, stepson and daughter.  And giving back to the community I live in.

Daisy has a cans for comments blog that has inspired me to do a little extra this year.  Please comment there so we can give more and more.  I’m removing my limit on 50 comments too!  We give to Goodwill and Salvation Army every year.  In fact, this year, I forced my parents to give the stuff they were cleaning out of an extra room to Goodwill instead just throwing it out.  I like to help out friends who don’t expect it because I know how difficult life can get some days.  In my need to regain my holiday spirit, I’m going to be donating to our local shelter, not just in the cans that I’ve committed, but I’m also going to find out when I can volunteer my time.  I feel like I should be doing more in my community.  I love my city, and I want to be more involved.

Here’s to me taking back my holiday spirit!!!!  I will not let my holidays be ruined by someone else, it’s my decision how good my holidays will be.

 

What’s new?

I wish I had some amazing story that would explain the length of time between posts.  I don’t.  I’ve been doing the mom & wife thing, watching football, taking steps to open my practice, and trying to find more time.  Everything but the more time thing is going well.  I seem to have the most time at night.  When I’m the most tired.   And least able to put a coherent sentence together.

I’m still trying to figure things out.  What direction I want this blog to go.  How I’m going to set up my practice and draw in clients.  The best way to balance a practice and family so that I can spend the most time with them as possible.  And most importantly, how in the world am I going to continue shopping at Babies R Us without going broke!?   Seriously, they have the cutest clothes.  Every time we go in there I find myself sucked into the clothing section, drooling over adorable little outfits for my daughter.  None of which she needs since she’s growing far too quickly to be in one outfit for more than a month!

So, basically, nothing is new.  I’m hoping to write more.  No, I really am.  I’ll be back tomorrow.  Or at least next week!

 

Powering down

I’m part of a listserv and recently a question was posted asking how we powered down…going from attorney mode to non-attorney mode. Since I’m in the middle of starting up my practice, I haven’t had the reason to switch modes.  But this question got me thinking, and worrying a bit about how I would do so.  I may not have cases to worry about right now, but I do have all the business start up worries and normal family life concerns.  And those things keep my brain very, very busy.

I’ve always had an issue with relaxing and switching my brain off.  I’m constantly thinking about what needs to be done and when.  I sleep very little because of that, nevermind the infant I live with…it’s my brain that keeps me up most of the night.  For fun and relaxing I hang out with my family, play video games or board games, read, write, golf or play tennis.  BUT.  My mind still keeps going.  It never stops.  Ever.  My doctor says it hyperactivism, or something like that.

This issue isn’t new to me.  All during law school I would find myself waking up in the middle of the night thinking about the laws I had learned that day, or dreaming about cases I had read.  It was even worse during the bar exam.  Never a good thing when you’re hoping for a peaceful night of sleep.  I hated it then, but I’m hating it even more now.  Before it was bothersome and annoying, but I dealt with it because that’s just how my body is.  But having an infant at home, I need to figure out something different.  I always make time for my family and spending quality time with my stepson, but since he not at our home all the time, I haven’t felt like I missed out on much because when he is home I make an extra effort to focus more on him and the family rather than all the craziness in my head.  Now that I have a child at home all the time, I am more concerned that if my brain doesn’t get powered down once in a while, I may miss out on more than I realize.

Any suggestions from folks who have this issue would be great.  I’ve got some sleepytime pills that should help me at night, but I still need something for the wakeful time, which will always be where more of my time is spent.  I love sports, playing and attending.  I love being active, relaxing with a book, and just vegging with my family.  I just need to love my brain not being so active!

 

Insanity defense

I took criminal law and procedure in undergrad and law school. I didn’t mind the subject, I found it very interesting, but if I was going to practice in that area, it would be on the prosecution side. Not defense. Because of defenses like this.

A person goes out, gets drunk, plays around with some drugs and then breaks the law. Instead of owning up to their wrongdoing and facing the consequences, they claim insanity. Someone else drugged them while they were out partying it up. Therefore, they shouldn’t be held accountable for their actions.

In our state you can’t claim insanity if you’re voluntarily intoxicated. But apparently coupled with a claim of being drugged it’s okay to use the insanity defense.

I don’t get that. People lie. Especially when faced with 20 years in prison for beating elderly people. And their previous lifestyle was one that seems quite cushy.

Don’t get me wrong, I understand that people do get drugged. But those people are usually victims. Not people who beat an elderly couple and then claim to remember certain parts of the beating and not others, and the parts remembered or forgotten change depending on the day.

I’m writing this based on my thoughts as a lawyer and a family member.

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