Sweat, Baby, Sweat

I've been thinking about off the wall song lyrics lately, and I just re-joined the gym yesterday and thought about going today. I didn't go, for the record, but I considered it which is a step in the right direction. I also put "buy a new padlock" on my to-do list for tomorrow, so I'm on the right track. I also looked up the group work out list at my local gym, and think I'll go on Tuesday morning if I get the padlock tomorrow. It's better than nothing.

So, the title of this post is a wink and a nudge to the Bloodhound Gang song lyrics from about ten years ago and their one hit wonder glory. I always liked getting on the treadmill and just letting go, listening to my Ipod, letting my head feel much clearer. It always made me feel like I was working stuff out in my head. I never liked showering there because I felt gross in the cold shower, but I now that I think about it, I guess I don't need a lock if I am not going to shower there. But I don't want to go there, come back home and then go to the office. I'd rather shower there and go to the office. So I'll buy the lock and go.

Anyway, a house about 2 blocks from mine caught fire today. It was scary and I feel terrible for them. I left for the laundromat and was only gone about an hour and a half. I drove right by the house on my way there, and by the time I got back the firefighters already put it out and were packing up. I have no idea how it happened so quickly, and the craziest part is that I never saw or smelled smoke during any part of the day. But thankfully, I heard that no one was hurt, but it looks like the whole house was gutted and that the roof is destroyed and it will probably have to be torn down. It's so sad. It makes me grateful for having the minimum things of life - a home to go to, even with its frustrations and problems. It's a home, and my biggest frustration right now is figuring out when to go to the gym. I'm very blessed and very thankful, especially at this time of year, for my blessings. We should all be thankful for such things.

Shop Town USA

I am an admitted Black Friday shopper. I have no plans for recovery or stopping. You may think it's a sickness and you'd be wrong.

I bought several hundred dollars worth of pretty pretty clothes for myself yesterday. Don't get me wrong, I also bought things for everyone else on my Christmas list as well, but I needed work clothes. So the cool things I bought for everyone else included pretty baby clothes for a friend who is about to have a little one, a cool electronic gadget for my niece's ipod, a down-alternative comforter for my sister, some clothes for my mom, and I already bought a cool thing for my Dad. Either way, I bought a lot of stuff and I think I'm pretty much done with my shopping. Hooray!

I'm Tired

I've been working since just before 10 this morning, and it's now about quarter to 6. It's Saturday. I wrote more than like 14 pages today already, including reading about 8 cases. I'm tired. I've also revised a letter to opposing counsel that my co-counsel went crazy on (he is more offended by opposing counsel's behavior than he realizes). I'm just tired. Oh, did I mention I was filing electronic documents with the federal court until almost 11:30 last night? No? Yeah, that might have something to do with it too...

Sick and Twisted

I've been thinking a lot about licenses these days, who deserves them, how long it's been since I got mine, that I need to physically go to the DMV to renew my driver's license, etc. I think it was 364 days ago (give or take a few hours) since my Bar results came out. The Bar is doing the sick countdown of days until it releases results. 8 days...7 days...18 hours...57 minutes... Seriously, as if people aren't on the edge enough?

And I have to go down to the DMV to visit with a sea of humanity to renew my license. Fun! Who doesn't like to go there? And have their picture taken? Can't think of a better way to spend a couple hours. And the next available appointment? The day before my federal trial is scheduled to start. Timing? Impeccable!

As if the weirdo from the deposition from the other day couldn't get any more twisted, apparently today he was almost normal. I know, I didn't believe it. The attorney who was there didn't either. No shouting, no bloodshed, no fist pounding on the table. I wondered if he was high or sedated. Who knows? Either way, at least the session was more professional, and that is better for the client. I couldn't believe that guy. I continue to believe it's an anomaly and maybe this is just the calm before the storm. People don't go from a**hole to calm for no reason. He's as twisted as that stupid Bar countdown, and he'll never change.

Anyway, it's 9:22 and I'm still waiting on my co-counsel to get me a document so I can e-file it and go have dinner and go home. Any day now I'll get it. It's only due before midnight, so I guess we've got plenty of time. The thing is that I'm cranky and haven't eaten. I want to go home. I'm also really tired of this whole waking up at 4:00 a.m. thing for no reason.

Hope you all have a great night!

Box-Top License

The deposition today was the worst I've ever encountered. It was worse than insulting. The attorney was crass and nonsensical and arrogant...and those were his good points. He was asking idiotic questions and tried to bully the client and me. For those keeping track, that didn't go over well. And a (partner?) big firm attorney should know better than to behave the way he did. I met the other named attorney on the case during the lunch break. She shook my hand, looked me in the face, was courteous and professional. I prayed she was taking over. Alas, she didn't even stay. Ugh. More hours with Captain A**hole. I even walked out at the end. It was absurd. I don't believe it. I've never come across anyone so unprofessional, discourteous, condescending, and outrageous. I talked to my defense friend C tonight and told him that all the good defense attorneys out there should get together and get rid of this guy because he is the reason that we (the public at large) believe the stereotype about defense lawyers. Insane...

Red Headed Lawyers

I'm defending a deposition today and I'm particularly excited about today's adventure. Opposing counsel has been particularly obnoxious pulling stupid stunts. Now he wants to take three days of our client's deposition even though there is no reason whatsoever for three days of it. Why he needs 3 days is beyond me. But he's been outrageously litigious and absurd and unprofessional about it.

So, on Saturday I had my highlights re-touched and my hair has a gorgeous red color to it. I adore it. It also makes me feel a bit more fiery than I normally do. And especially since I have been brought on board with this very prestigious firm, my confidence level has shot through the roof. So I am really excited about heading into this deposition "hair first," so to speak.

I actually only know of one other red-headed lawyer. She's very successful and she's a pistol. She's not afraid to speak her mind, she's confident, and she's very accomplished. I'm getting there, and I'm very excited about defending this deposition today! Gotta run. Have a great day!

Office Supplies

Who knew a girl could get so excited about business cards? But yes I did. The legal assistant ordered my business cards yesterday. She asked me if I wanted 250 or 500, and I rationalized it out to 500. It really makes sense though since every appearance requires 2 cards, every depo requires one for the reporter, videographer, opposing counsel, etc., so I think 500 is a far better decision. It also made me feel more permanent. :-) She also had me order from the big supply book any desk supplies I think I would need, so I got a drawer organizer, a tape dispenser, in and out boxes, a box of my favorite pens, a paper clip holder, etc. It was fun. I also wanted a lift for my computer screen, but they were like $80, and I just couldn't rationalize spending that much money for something so trivial, even if it's not my money. I'll put a big book under it for now or something. Who knew that ordering office supplies could make me feel so happy?

Sleep

I only got about 4 and a half hours of sleep last night. I had nightmares and woke up early and was then pissed off about my stupid former office drama. Ugh. Drama and I've had enough. That after working a 12 hour day. And today I worked a long day too, but I did go to dinner to celebrate my new job. But I have a motion that has to go out sooner than later, and I am never going to hear the end of it if it doesn't get filed tomorrow, so that's what's going to have to happen. So, good night, my friends. Have a great night, and I hope you have restful and quality sleep.

The Firm

I got an offer! From the firm I've wanted to work at for a really long time. The lawyers are excellent and I get along well with the support staff. The money is good and I'm just so relieved to be where I feel like I belong. I feel comfortable, like I finally feel like it fits, like my unbelievably hard work has finally paid off, like someone is finally recognizing my hard work. It feels really good, and I'm just so happy. I just got chills!

One Down, Two to Go...

I just heard back the tentative on one of my MSJ's. Two of the claims were kicked, but one of them we knew was going to get kicked, and the other we had strong suspicions was going to get kicked. However, the third claim survived! Hallelujah! A good friend asked me how it felt to be done with writing the oppositions. I can say with certainty that it doesn't feel nearly as good as winning! Now, I just have two more to go, but I like the feel of winning. It's a trend I'd like to start and continue. :-)

Cranky as Job Requirement

I think it's either an unspoken job requirement or something that befalls you once you become a court clerk, at least at lower levels, that you're cranky. I called a court clerk this morning because traffic was unholy and I was going to be late (which, if you know anything about me, you know I consider nearly unforgivable), and I started calling at 8:20. The Court opens at 8:30, but I wanted to give them as much forewarning as possible. It's the least I could do for my transgression. So the clerk answered the phone and I started to explain when she cut me off and said "Uh, you know the Court doesn't open until 8:30...wait, hold on, the other line is ringing..." I was as polite as humanly possible because I know how (terrifyingly) much power the clerks have, but seriously? If you don't want to start working until 8:30, don't pick up any of the phones! And I fell all over myself thanking her for taking my call and again when I got there. But do all clerks have to be cranky? This is a common thread I've seen. I know they have a very hard job and most attorneys that they deal with are jack asses. I fully acknowledge this. But it doesn't mean you have to be cranky. Try being sarcastic. Or punchy. Or sugary sweet. That might scare people. I appreciate you and all that you do, believe me. You have saved my tail on more than one occasion. But I've always been grateful and professional. Share that with me, huh?

To Follow or Not to Follow?

As you can see, I started a Twitter stream. I primarily made the decision to start said Twitter stream because the MGM Grand is having a contest for a free night if you tweet your sins. Since most of my sins are work-related and I could really use a free night in Vegas, I thought it was just natural. So I am following the MGM Grand and a friend of mine from law school.

As I am very new to this whole Twitter thing, I'm also fairly unfamiliar with etiquette rules and such. But my law school friend has (probably begrudgingly) followed me, as have two other people I don't know. So my question is this - Am I supposed to "follow" these other two people? I've checked out their streams. But what is the protocol? Any words of wisdom?

Your Twitter in solidarity...