11 Days and Still Counting...

So I really need a vacation. I'm stressed, I'm overwhelmed, I'm in dire need of some rest and relaxation. I've missed two days of work in the last two weeks, but it was because of a migraine and strep throat. Not exactly restful or relaxing. Will be done with my course of antibiotics before I take off on the 21st, so I couldn't be happier. It is going to go exactly as planned - fun, booze, Viva Elvis, naps, sunshine, more booze, more fun...it's going to be perfect! I miss you, Vegas. Don't worry doll. I'll be there soon.

36 Days and Counting

Yep, 36 days until Las Vegas. Think I'm already ready to go? You're 100% correct. I NEED a vacation. I'm swamped, overwhelmed, and freaking out a bit. Ready to be there already. Beyond ready.

Who Knew?

Who knew I was capable of sleeping 12 hours a day (no, not continuous but still totals 12)? I'm really not the kind who can sleep in. My body clock gets me sleepy around the same time every day and wakes me up around the same time. Turns out that I am capable of hitting my body's snooze button several times and sleeping a full 12 hours in a 24 hour period.

So I'm still on my (literal) ass-kicking journey to shed unnecessary pounds. It seems to be going well so far. It quite nicely coincides with my exercise classes (pole dancing!) wherein I focus on my breathing, my body's reaction to music, and my enjoying time off for 2 full hours every Sunday night. I deeply enjoy these classes. Men aren't allowed in the building and there are no mirrors in the room. I am able to escape to an entirely internal place for 2 hours. I force my cases out of my mind. For 2 hours, they aren't important. It's just me, dim red light, and no judgment. No judgment from myself or from others. I love it! Who knew all I needed was a bunch of women, sexy music, and my hair down while I writhe to sexy music to like exercising!

It's also kinda weird how my thoughts on sexy music have changed. The class forces me to slow down, forces me to love my curves, forces me to be selfish. My outlook on sexy is changing, and oddly enough, I'm still absolutely in love with the super high heels and feeling sexy in them.

Alright. I spent today sleeping in, lazing around, and did a TON of laundry. While doing laundry I read my new book. Now, I'm going to kick back, watch a movie, and have another indulgent evening with my fabulous self. I'm also making a mental shift of what constitutes "indulgence." It doesn't have to be decadent food - it can be a 2 hour pole dance class, a nice glass of wine, an hour with my book... It is what I want to define it to be. It's liberating and fabulous!

Lawyer Stats

Lawyers are allegedly more likely to be overweight, depressed, drug and alcohol abusers, and commit suicide than any other profession. That's right, folks. We've even surpassed the dreaded dentist.

I'm not depressed (I was during law school), don't abuse drugs or alcohol, am not contemplating suicide, but I am overweight. I was thinking about semantics and maybe why Americans are generally overweight. I think, at least for me, the words have gotten in the way in the past. I hate to "lose." Losing a motion, a trial, etc., are awful things. They stink. I've never been good at losing, be it cards, games, whatever. So it was hard to wrap my mind around losing being a good thing.

That's why I've decided to stop thinking about it and using the word "lose." I'm shedding, beating, winning, or something else. So, fingers crossed! It has started off on a positive note!

So You're a Lawyer...Now What?

I spent an astronomical amount of time and energy (both mental and physical) trying to get through law school without downing a handful of pills, and then encountered the exact same sentiments when I failed the Bar. Not the first time because I honestly didn't deserve to pass, but the second time, when I missed passing by a gnat's eyelash (or, in translation, LESS than one [expletive] MBE question - and no, I don't know how that's possible). That was the worst feeling I think I've ever encountered. I deserved it and didn't get it.

So I'm a lawyer now and I'm spending a crazy amount of time and energy trying to be a "good" one. I'm putting in hours that would terrify the average person. I'm now a regular at my dry cleaner's with all the suits and business shirts for court appearances and depositions. I asked for more responsibility, and boy have they responded, hence the frequent trips to the dry cleaner. And I'm pretty sure I can blame the hours I work on neglecting my blog.

So I took stock of what else I was neglecting and realized when I stepped on the scale yesterday at the doctor's office that it's ME that I've been neglecting. My blood pressure is excellent, cholesterol is fantastic, everything is great except my weight. I've never been this heavy in my life. So I decided to take positive steps towards health. Am I scared, you say? Terrified. I am afraid I can't do this. I'm afraid I'll fail, give up, walk away, and someday hit 300 pounds. Success is what motivates me and failure is what terrifies me, so you can see how this would be conducive to a total meltdown, especially since I have an opposition to a motion for summary adjudication due Tuesday. Yikes.

But I decided to start today. I signed up with a weight loss program and wrapped my mind around doing it. And my BFF has been so supportive that I could give her an open-mouthed kiss. The first week will undoubtedly be the hardest and I know I'll be cranky. But what's a week of cranky compared to feeling better? So here goes! Wish me luck.

Dancing with the "Stars"

I don't watch DWTS because I think these "celebrities" have any particular skill for dancing. I also don't watch it because the music is good - because it REALLY isn't. I watch it for the train wreck effect. The music is awful and the dancing is likewise sub-par. And it's like the people in the audience take the "criticism" by the "expert judges" personally. Seriously? They're all a joke.

I've had a rough day. Motion to vacate arbitration award procured by fraud was denied and client didn't get justice. On the other hand, we defeated a MSJ in another case. Either way, I still can't help but feel like justice and the whole judicial system suffered.

Anyway, I'm going to curl up in my big cozy blankies, watch the train wreck that is DWTS, and face tomorrow with dignity and hope. Oh yeah, and I'm having my taxes done on Thursday. Or, if it's not a possibility to get them finished, I'm getting an extension.

Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On

I'm not a fan of earthquakes. I'm not really a fan of most natural disaster-type occurrences, truth be told. I was sitting on my bed with my laptop and wondered if I was suddenly feeling dizzy or something. Then my cat looked up at me like I had tossed her in a bathtub with a toaster. She was completely freaked out. My other cat, who was laying on my tv asleep, lifted her head, looked around, and put her head back down.

This was a particularly long earthquake. It started shaking, kept shaking, kept shaking, and finally stopped. I was less than pleased. Granted, earthquakes scare me less than when I was in the mid-west, the power would be out for hours, and there would be a tornado watch or warning. I HATE earthquakes too.

So I thought of my friend who I knew was at his office. He's in Century City and on the 17th floor. I called to make sure he was okay. He was, but was also a little freaked out. This was the first time he was just by himself in his office during an earthquake. Funny though. He was in a deposition during another recent earthquake. The somewhat skiddish court reporter said "we're having an earthquake" and put it on the record.

So I'm reminiscing about the last time there was an earthquake that freaked me out. I think we've had three since the Bar-quake. I've been home for 2 now and was in my car for another one. Maybe this is a good sign for my favorite Bar taking friend. Maybe the quake means he passed this time. Here's hoping anyway.

We're fine. Both cats are already sleeping again by the time this post was done. So I guess it can't be that bad. But I do need to get a better/updated earthquake kit. Since we've had 4 in the last 2 years, I really need to do that.