Success!

I survived my hearing and did not make a fool of myself! I remembered to call the judge and opposing counsel "Judge." The court reporter told me I did a great job and that I spoke loudly and clearly. (Though I sincerely doubt it shocks any of you that I was loud.)

The sitting Judge said "I suspect Ms. Lewis is going to be a great lawyer one day." The comment may sound a little weird, but in context it was meant to be a compliment. My opposing counsel thanked me twice for doing a good job and helping with the case. All and all, it was a fantastic first hearing! Praise the Lord!

I have two hearings next week and one the week after that. Hopefully my nerves will not be an issue before every hearing... Though I suspect it will take me a few more times to get comfortable.

Most importantly, I had a great time in court. Today was a great day. I think it finally hit me, I am a real attorney people!

Butterflies

I have my first hearing this afternoon and I am a little nervous. It is an attorney ad litem appointment in which I am representing unknown heirs... and there aren't any... So I don't really have a client and thus there is no one that I could possibly disappoint... but I am still nervous.

My nerves stem from never having done this before and not wanting to make a fool of myself in front of the judge... Technically two judges because my opposing counsel used to be a judge as well.

If you read this before 2:45pm, say a quick prayer for me. I know what I am doing, I know what I need to say... I just have never done it before. I guess I have to start somewhere, right?! Got to love trial by fire... Haha... No pun intended!

I survived the swine flu

Last week I had the swine flu (well I think it was the swine flu since I got a flu shot) and it was brutal. I have never had the flu before... I had always heard it was unpleasant but I had never experienced it firsthand. Now, I can attest to its awfulness. I did absolutely nothing for an entire week... I think I may have talked to or texted a few of my friends at one point. And maybe the TV was on... though I do not remember actually watching anything. All I remember is sleeping, coughing, blowing my nose, shaking, taking lots of medicine and drinking lots of fluids.

My extroverted personality was going a little stir crazy after being cooped up in my house for 5 days, but I took all my tamiflu and was close to good as new after a week. I am trying to take it easy this week and slowly ease back into my normal schedule... though I may have made a few more plans than normal this week (did I mention I didn't see people for 5 days...).

Public Service Announcement: Remember to wash your hands.... It is flu season people! Though I did wash my hands and I got the flu anyway... But I figure washing your hands can never hurt...

Who's Bad?

Last night my friends and I went to our favorite restaurant, Gloria's. I heart Gloria's... but more importantly, I heart my friends. They make me laugh... I have a few pictures to prove it, but for the sake of my friendships, I will not post them... Kung fu and monkey, your secrets are safe with me.


After dinner, we went to see the Michael Jackson cover band "Who's Bad?!" It was a blast other than the drunk people invading my space. Not cool people! I would definitely see them again, but maybe from further back next time.

Nostalgia

I have never been one to fear change. I tend to embrace the future with open arms. When I graduated from college, I was sad to be leaving my dearest friends, but excited about what the next chapter held. I felt the same way when I graduated from law school last year. I always remember the past fondly, but am rarely nostalgic.

Fast forward to last week's Southwest Classic. I cannot begin to explain how much I was looking forward to the game. I have been to a few games since graduation, but I was no where near as excited as I was this year. Hands down more excited than I ever was while in school at A&M (and I was always pretty excited then). Maybe it has something to do with being completely done with school, but I was watching my Ags play with a new excitement and (shockingly) a sense of nostalgia. As I watched A&M starting strong in the exciting first minutes of the game, I was transported back to College Station, sitting beside my best friends, cheering like a madwoman for the Ags. I looked over at the student section and couldn't help but smile. Such great memories.

Did anyone else experience an increased zeal for their college team after they graduated? Something about being removed from college and looking back makes the memories all the sweeter and the devotion to my team all the stronger. Thank you Lord for such an amazing college experience and for blessing me with better friends than I could have ever imagined.

We did not win the Southwest Classic, but there's always next year. Who wants to go with me?! Last weekend I realized with a renewed vigor that A&M will always be my team. Win or lose, I will remain devoted. Possibly frustrated, but always devoted.

Gig 'em Ags!


P.S. Cowboy's Stadium is a fantastic stadium! Props Jerry Jones.

Tree Dog

My little puppy is now a full grown dog (lets hope she is close to full grown anyway). She is weighing in at a whopping 53 pounds. She remains a puppy but shows signs of growing up one day.

She eats my parents woodwork and is still enamored with branches. She has yet to master the art of licking and not play biting people and digs holes in the yard. Regardless of her flaws, I already love her dearly.

She is getting better on her walks, though she still cowers when around other dogs. Anyone want to volunteer their dog to help socialize mine? I promise she won't bite your dog, but she might run away from it! She poses for the camera and lays on her back and play with her toys above her head. Both are adorable. I am still working on getting a picture of her playing with her toys though. Apparently her toys are camera shy.


In addition to to claiming the couches, my dog also lives under our bushes when she is outside. All the better to find sticks, I guess. I got a quick video to document her new den. She does have a dog house... But I doubt she will ever use it.

Random Thoughts During My Lunch Break

I have been in a blogging funk recently. Life is busy; with youth starting back up and my full time law gig... I have not found much time to blog. Sorry guys! I plan to back post a couple events in the next week or two and include some pictures of my growing puppy. She looks like a full grown dog these days.

I went to my 2nd journey editors meeting on Tuesday night and was pleased to understand every word of the conversation. I am still nervous about editing but hopefully my writing and editing skills will improve during the process.

I was appointed to my first case as an attorney ad litem last week. I am excited to meet with the proposed ward and his mother. However, I am a little nervous about the whole process. I will keep you all updated.

My thoughts on the working world generally: Holy heck, time flies when you work 5 days a week. Mom and dad, I get it now. Being an adult is something I have to come to terms with but I really do miss the lack of responsibility that comes with youth. I recently bought health insurance, car insurance, and I am looking into IRAs for the first time. All good things but truthfully, I miss the days of blissful ignorance.

My mom got 2 pins out of her hand yesterday and is about to start physical therapy. Such a long process; but she still seems to love my crazy dog despite everything.

Alright, time to get back to work. Sorry for the randomness!

Workin' 9 to 5... What a Way to Make a Living...

Tomorrow will be my first day as a full time associate at my law firm. Woohoo! Truthfully, part of me is mourning the loss of flexibility in my schedule but the overwhelming majority of me is ecstatic for the increased responsibility, ability to learn, salary, and consistency in my schedule.

Darn You Fashion

I am wearing lovely new shoes today. I bought them at Target and find them to be trendy, work appropriate, and pretty. So pretty. I posted a picture but it does not do them justice.



Only problem. Breaking them in is killing me. I already have 2 blisters and it is only 1:00pm. This is going to be brutal. Hopefully they break in quickly. In the meantime, if you see me hobbling around downtown Dallas, have pity on me. I don't have replacement shoes or band aids with me. And know, even though I have a limp in my step, I still love my shoes. (What is wrong with me?!)

Brief glimpse of DC

During my last day in Baltimore, Tess graciously appeased my pleas to visit DC and took me on a 30 minute tour of our great capitol on the way to the airport. It was mainly meant as a teaser, so I would have to come back. Needless to say, it worked. I snapped a few pictures from the car (a obvious theme of my trip). I can't wait to go back!!! And hopefully get out of the car next time. The Smithsonians are calling my name.