The Great Spirit

This song is shrinking my head...

2007-05-21T15:44:00.000-04:00

I told the witch doctor I was in love with you
I told the witch doctor you didn't love me too
And then the witch doctor, he told me what to do
He said that ....

Ooo eee, ooo ah ah ting tang Walla walla, bing bang
Ooo eee, ooo ah ah ting tang
Walla walla, bing bang...
Ooo eee, ooo ah ah ting tang Walla walla, bing bang
Ooo eee, ooo ah ah ting tang Walla walla, bing bang

What Mike just said...

2007-05-11T15:54:00.000-04:00

This whole thing is entirely too scandalatious. I'm glad the week is rapidly drawing to a close.

Amen, brother.

The sun shines bright in the old Kentucky home...

2007-05-05T12:18:00.000-04:00

If you don't know that today is the 133rd running of the most exciting 2 minutes in sports, you really ought to get out of the office (or out from under the rock) more often. Attending the Kentucky Derby ranks near the top of things I would like to accomplish in my lifetime, and preferably when I'm still young and wild enough to have more fun than the Queen of England.

This year, I came close. Grandstand tickets were within my reach. But alas, the greatest spectacle in horse racing eludes me once again. But you better believe I'll be placing my bets this afternoon, watching the hat parade leading up to the race, and then cheering on my picks.

And without further adieu, my favorites from the field:

Win: Nobiz Like Showbiz (8-1)

Place: Street Sense (4-1)

Show: Tiago (15-1)

Although Curlin is also a favorite to win, I am betting against him. Tiago is the half-brother of 2004 Derby winner Giacomo (with the same owner and jockey). Even though I picked him to show, I'm hoping Tiago takes it all.

Notes on the media...

2007-04-16T20:45:00.000-04:00

I don't know about y'all, but I am really looking forward to Tiki Barber's debut on the Today Show. I think he will be an excellent addition to the mix, and not just because he's Tiki Barber. He's clearly smart, outspoken, ambitious, and I think he will do well in broadcast journalism for NBC. And this is all in addition to the fact that he is intelligent, charming, and beautiful - hopefully a winning combination for my favorite morning news.

Having said that, I am now watching MSNBC coverage of the Virginia Tech masacre, and I'm not impressed at all with Keith Olberman's coverage of the horrible tragedy. Speculation and criticism of the responding officers and administration this soon in the investigation is just not fair, but such easy game for these reporters gunning for ratings.

Retrospect is always the bullshit gold mine of the media.

The Dove Birds

2007-04-16T20:02:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, a couple of doves busily built a nest on my patio. They made a huge mess with mulch, twigs and pine needles, but I let them be. I'm not a huge fan of birds, but I am not going to interrupt nature.

By yesterday evening, the doves had settled into nesting on top of one of the pillars just under the roof's awning. I saw them trade off sitting in the nest, and I assumed the female had laid her eggs already. I checked on them this morning before I left. All seemed well with my new houseguests. Despite my slight fear-factor for birds, I got a little excited about keeping watch (from afar, of course) on the couple and having baby dove chicks cooing on my patio this spring.

As soon as I got home tonight, I went to check on the doves. No nest, and even a bigger mess on my patio floor, including one small broken, splattered dove egg. I have no idea what happened.

So sad. I really wish they would come back and stay, but I suppose what happened is probably for the best. I guess that's life (nature, whatever), but I don't like it. :(

UPDATE: Shortly after I posted, I noticed one of the doves sitting in the yard, then on my patio railing. The dove is now perched back up on her post. I can't see a nest, though it's possible that the nest is sparse and beyond my line of vision. But the dove is back, hopefully sitting on a second egg.

Tuesday UPDATE: The doves are gone again, I think for good this time.

2007-04-10T12:18:00.000-04:00

The difference between ambition and spawning salmon is that one of them ends in sure death.

See no evil, hear no evil

2007-04-09T20:23:00.000-04:00

Every night on my way home from work, I pass under a major interstate overpass. Every night, I see the same two shopping carts parked under the overpass, filled to the brim, usually covered with blankets. Most nights, I see the same elderly gentleman sitting next to the carts, watching traffic.

When he isn't there, I wonder where he has gone. And what if someone takes his stuff?

When he is there, I always resist the urge to pull over, take up a seat next to him on the concrete, and ask him his story.

I wonder what he would have to say about all the people that pass him by every single day.

I FOUND AN EGG!!

2007-04-08T19:40:00.000-04:00

Until today, I thought the best thing about this year's Easter holiday was that Splenda finally came out with sugar-free Peeps (aside from the true meaning of Easter, of course). Y'all know I love me some Peeps. Not as good as the original lavender bunnies, of course, but they will suffice very well for this girl trying to not eat sugar.

Today, however, I was invited to spend Easter with Kelly and her family, who celebrate Cascarones on Easter. Three words: So. Much. Fun.

Best moments include:
* Searching the yard obsessively for 54 festively-dressed eggs filled with confetti with Kelly, her sisters, T, sweet Anna and her parents.
*Trying to point out my finds to Anna (at two, the only true egg-hunt-worthy-candidate), despite my desire to screech "I FOUND AN EGG!!" and keep it for mysef.
* Running around the yard busting eggs on other people's heads. Greatest stress-relief!
* Having confetti stuck in my hair... and loving it.
* T telling me that she loves to busts eggs on my head, for no other reason than to make me laugh like a loon.
* Cheesy potato casserole. And cupcakes.
* Holding Lily Marie, two weeks old.
* Tita's (Kelly's mom) commentary on the wine - "This bottle is a lot better than the first." - and then realizing it was the same wine.
* Being included in another family's holiday tradition.

Wishing everyone had so much fun this Easter!

A dog's life... and food...

2007-04-08T19:03:00.000-04:00

I've been worrying about my dog food for Milo due to the ongoing recalls (check bottom of article for links to Menu Foods, etc. sites and new info). I'm not freaking out too much - Milo has been fine. But I feed him Eukanuba and some of their brands have been on the recall list, albeit none of their daily dry dog foods like the one I feed my dog.

Then, yesterday, Milo's favorite dog biscuits - Old Roy - were recalled as well. I talked to my sister, resident vet (tech) and clinic manager, and she suggested I find a holistic food with no wheat gluten, at least until the recall scare passes. I did some online research, particularly with regard to feeding a "natural" diet as opposed to commercial dog food, and I decided due to vitamin and supplement issues to go with holistic food.

Once again, Trader Joe's comes to the rescue. That store absolutely rocks. I found Bench & Field Holistic Natural Canine Formula, and I switched Milo over today. He seems to love the stuff, and I'm no longer worrying about further recalls. Eukanuba has been great for 5 years, but now it's just not good (safe) enough. I'm not sure I ever will feel comfortable feeding him over-processed, commercialized food.

I've never been one to worry too much about organic/holistic vs. non-organic/non-holistic, for either myself or Milo. But this pet food recall has me really thinking about what goes into our food products. Milo is my family, and this has touched me personally. So what goes into the products we buy for ourselves, for our families? Something to think about...

April 1, 2007

2007-04-01T21:42:00.000-04:00

My new baby? Maybe... ;)

Grand Cayman, finally

2007-04-01T21:23:00.000-04:00

Most beautiful place I've ever been!

Indiana? Not even close!

Lots of seagull poo on the pier. Beautiful, but I'm just sayin'.

Median age: 72 And the drivers in Cayman need these signs!

Rum Point. Breathtaking...even when you whack your shin on coral while snorkeling.

My goal for retirement.

From the pier. Funky sea creatures below.

No frowning possible here!

So. Much. Fun.

*sigh*

I've been terrible about posting, but I finally up-loaded these pictures. Time of my life, December, 2007.

Someone had a party...

2007-04-01T20:43:00.000-04:00

Hey! Are we gonna have a dog party?!

Stop yourself. Where's my margarita?!

WooHoo!!

Is it me, or is it cold as balls in here??

Mr. & Mrs. Hottie McHotterson

Gettin' your Mills on!

Someone busted into the pear brandy!

Kellies!

So much for the dog party!

Yeah, yeah... I'm just getting around to posting these pics as well, but too much fun to go without sharing. February, 2007 ~

What Mike just said

2007-03-30T10:33:00.000-04:00

"Some of the best parties I've ever been to are the ones I have at home by myself with a bottle of Jack. I control the music, I don't have to tip a bartender, and I like my dogs more than I like people."

A common occurrence

2007-03-29T10:46:00.000-04:00

It is 10:48 a.m. and I have yet to accomplish one thing that I intended to do this morning. Not that I haven't been busy - I have been. Just not busy with the work I anticipated getting done before noon.

The same thing happened yesterday, too. At this point, I'm almost two days behind schedule. Maybe if I stop taking those afternoon Twizzler breaks, I won't have to announce my total failure to make any progress.

My current front-runner for this spring's cutest shoes ever:

2007-03-28T18:12:00.000-04:00

LOVE

2007-03-21T20:04:00.000-04:00

* I love spring.
* I love daylight savings time.
* I love leaving work early to meet friends for a drink.
* I love my dog's shaggy spring fur coat.
* I love fresh flowers bought for myself at Walmart for $4.99 that last for more than a week.
* I love working with grateful clients and the lessons I learn from those that aren't.
* I love the new Hinder CD.
* I love Harry Connick Jr.'s Oh, My NOLA CD.
* I love John Mayer's Trio CD.
* I love watching the same news at least twice in the morning before getting in the shower.
* I love the babies that my girlfriends have had recently or are going to have soon.
* I love Silver in the City.
* I love judicial efficiency.
* I love friends that don't let me slip through the cracks.
* I love driving with my windows down.
* I love flip-flops and sandals and painting my toes pink.
* I love the easy sound of laughter. And the sound of sleep.
* I love Charles Shaw Shiraz and Trader Joe's.
* I love my family.
* I love being invited to holiday events.
* I love Jimmy Buffett.
* I love having Jimmy Buffett tickets.
* I love a humble apology.
* I love working hard and seeing the results.
* I love Cole Porter theater reviews, especially when a friend has a starring role.
* I love premonitions and deja vu.
* I love having synethsesia because I see all words and music in vibrant color.
* I love planning next year's vacation.
* I love green bananas.
* I love childhood memories and the opportunity to relive them with old friends.
* I love realizing how blessed I am.

Love, love ~

Question of the day

2007-02-16T13:12:00.000-05:00

If you found yourself standing next to Tony Dungy while turning in an enrollment form at your daughter's school, would you say hello? Congratulations? How 'bout them Colts?

Or would you simply say to yourself, "Oh, there's Tony Dungy. I bet he gets tired of people bugging him."???

Hooray!!

2007-02-05T09:28:00.000-05:00

I want this job!

2007-02-02T10:03:00.000-05:00

So sad

2007-01-29T14:56:00.000-05:00

Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro was euthanized Monday after complications from his gruesome breakdown at last year's Preakness, ending an eight-month ordeal that prompted an outpouring of support across the country.

My two cents

2007-01-29T07:47:00.000-05:00

I don't understand this whole rush to announce that you are going to announce your candidacy for the President of the United States. I mean, seriously. Rudy isn't just hanging out in New Hampshire doing tax-free shopping. He's obviously joined the fight, but he hasn't even announced that his hat is in the ring yet. I like Rudy a lot, but he needs to get off the fence already.

And Hillary. For the love of God. Hillary is possibly the most annoying woman in America. No doubt she's incredibly intelligent, but I don't think she's doing women any favors with her bitchy attitude. The past two months of Hillary soundbites - "I'm in it to win it!" - has been more than enough for me. And how about that uncomfortable innuendo this past weekend comparing her experience with "evil, bad men" to her husband, Bill? She stands by him when he gets some strange in the oval office, only to take distasteful jabs at him when it suits her political agenda? Yeah, that's classy.

Other than Hillary, I listen when the other candidates (or soon-to-be-candidates) speak. And although campaigning has begun early this time around (annoyingly so), it can't hurt to have the extra months to evaluate these people - and their respective agendas - that want to lead this country. We're in for some changes around here, and we all have a responsibility to be informed.

Weekend perspective

2007-01-28T14:07:00.000-05:00

It occurred to me that if a bad haircut is my biggest worry of the week (which, in the big scheme of things, most certainly is not), then I am a lucky girl. Sometimes it just takes a dear friend to tell you that he likes the hair, that I'm beautiful regardless, and that there are more important things going on in my world to give me some perspective.

And this morning, I got in an extra-long workout with the new iPod. I've been out of the workout routine for a couple of weeks, and it was good to get back to it. And I loved having the iPod rather than relying on my treadmill neighbor's choice of TV channels. I've gotten most of my music downloaded and organized in playlists, and thanks to some helpful comments from my previous post, I've figured out how to use it at work. Good deal.

So it's Sunday now, and I haven't worked yet this weekend. I've got some medical records here at home to review, but I've decided not to go into the office. And you know, I feel a little guilty about that, but I refuse to let it bother me too much. As most of my lawyer friends that also work weekends know, it's a struggle sometimes to balance what you think you should be doing and what you think you can accomplish during the week. When I go into the office on Saturday or Sunday, I get a tremendous amount of work done. I don't work well at home (too tempted to play with the dog, watch E!, talk on the phone, mess around in the internet, clean the bathtub, anything but work), and I get "caught up" on the weekend. This weekend I'm feeling a bit rebellious about the job, although I know I'll have to pull some serious hours the next couple of weeks. But that is one of the great things about practicing law - for the most part, you know your workload. You know what needs to be done, and you can generally anticipate how much time it is going to take to stay on top of things. So I'm going to put my self-imposed guilt aside and enjoy the rest of my Sunday. I've got plenty of things to do here, and work will undoubtedly be waiting for me tomorrow.

Besides, Milo was sick last night and being the perpetual baby that he is, I was up with him a lot. I gave him a beef bone yesterday, and it was apparently a bit much for his little digestive system. Poor little guy had the worst upset stomach, and I had to deal with the results of a beef bone gone bad. So maybe we'll take a nap today (although he's not waiting around for me, as he's currently crashed out on top of the sofa). Or maybe I'll watch Bridget Jones for the thousandth time. Or maybe I'll actually clean the bathtub.

At any rate, happy Sunday!

The Breakup

2007-01-25T09:32:00.000-05:00

I fired my hairdresser yesterday. It was like breaking up with my last boyfriend. The look on his face almost made me change my mind, but one quick look back in the mirror sealed my resolve.

Here's the deal: I like my hairdresser a lot. He's adorable, loves dogs, has great stories, invites me to parties, and his shop is within walking distance of my office. Also, he's patient with me and he gives a great head massage. And he's accomodating with appointments and he's not outrageously expensive, and he listens to good music.

But I don't trust him. When he cuts my hair, I sit with my hands clenched under the cape, scrutinizing his every move with the scissors. I've been letting my hair grow out since a moment of insanity three years ago when I cut my long hair very short on a whim. I understand the "in-between stage" and the "growing out phase" more than I care to. But I also want a consistently good haircut, and I'm not getting that. He doesn't cut with confidence, and he doesn't seem to be helping my hair get through its various stages of growth. Apparently, his idea of growing it out meant cutting it short again and starting over.

And maybe I'm overreacting, but yesterday was just more than I could take. My hair looks stupid. You know your hair is bad when people say, "Well, it'll grow." And I know it will, but right now, I hate it.

My secretary, bless her heart, told me this morning that the only difference between a good haircut and a bad haircut is two weeks. Unfortunately, I think it's going to take longer than two weeks for this disaster to grow out. In the meantime, please don't look at my hair.

Good to know

2007-01-25T09:22:00.000-05:00

In case you were not already aware, you can buy chicken in a can. You can find it on the shelf next to your standard "chicken of the sea" so be careful not to get your animals screwed up.

And I hear it makes an incredible cheesy chicken dip.

2007-01-22T08:06:00.000-05:00

GO COLTS!!!!

I'm bringin' schlepping back

2007-01-18T14:44:00.000-05:00

Contrary to popular belief (held, perhaps, by only me), I cannot have one iTunes library that plays my music and playlists from both home and work. Rather, I can download music from both computers but to separate libraries, and you cannot synch those two libraries. Even more frustrating - I cannot dowload two libraries to one iPod. WTF?

So here I am, with some music downloaded from iTunes at work and most of my cd's uploaded at home. Everything from home is downloaded on my new iPod, but I can't add in the music downloaded at work. And I don't think I can play my iPod through my computer at work, though I'm not completely sure about that. And as if this little tech experiment wasn't bad enough, I bought some little thing that supposedly would allow me to tune my car radio to an unused station and play my iPod through my car stereo, but after several attempts I have been unable to get anything but loud static overriding my music.

So much for technology. Maybe I'm missing something here, but I'm just not into listening to my music through ear buds. First of all, ear buds are creepy little things, and second, I don't like music going directly into my brain. It makes me feel clausterphobic. I thought this would be good for organizing my music, but if I can't even listen to my stuff in the car or at work, what's the point? I'm sure there are some iPod accessories that would be useful (i.e., a docking station), and maybe I'll consider that once I get over the initial disappointment. For now, I may have to go back to schlepping my cd's around again.

UPDATE: After further investigation online this afternoon (for some of us, billing what pretty much shot in the ass today), it appears that you can somehow synch to more than one computer. But I cannot figure out how to do it, and I haven't got the patience. Maybe tomorrow, I'll ask our resident IT guy. He's one of those people that always runs around with earbuds in and his iPod strapped to his arm with one of those weird arm things, like a banker used to have. Or like he's going jogging, but he wears a suit. Very strange, but hopefully he'll be of some help.

I'm bringing sexy back...

2007-01-13T13:45:00.000-05:00

I am currently writing a demand letter (and by "letter" I mean I am on page 11 single-spaced and still counting, with attached relative documents standing at approximately an inch thick) to defense counsel telling them all about the nasty and permanent injuries, pain and suffering that their product caused my client, not to mention the economic damages. I'm sure defense counsel will not appreciate the length of my weekend masterpiece and will most likely make note of the case caption, speed-read the letter, note the demand amount, and take one deep breath before summarily dismissing my proposal. But my client deserves to have her case set forth in detail, and this is just the beginning of our case. Plenty of time for negotiations down the road. And quite frankly, if I were defense counsel, I'd likely do the exact same thing.

At any rate, I took a break earlier from this saucy project and finally stepped into the 21st century. I joined iTunes. Several downloads later (yes, including JT's catchy sex-o-licious tune), and I'm completely hooked. I can have my playlists accessible at both home and work, and I'm wondering what rock I've been under that prevented me from realizing this little gem before today. Of course, now I'm hardly going to be able to resist the temptation of buying myself an iPod so I can have the same bazillion songs available everywhere I go. Along with sexy, I'm bringing back the 80s, too.

I'm much more impressed with my technological advancement today than I am with this demand letter. That's all.

Cutest thing ever

2007-01-12T09:49:00.000-05:00

Today is the little monster's birthday. He's five. I let him sleep under the covers this morning way longer than I normally do, and then we had a little dog party before I left for work.

When I first got Milo, he weighed less than 2 lbs and he looked like a little tiny ewok. I used to take him to my office with me, where he would curl up and sleep on top of my desk next to my computer when he wasn't tripping over his feet chasing a tennis ball back and forth. Back then, I worked for much cooler people than I do now.

Good to know

2006-11-27T13:29:00.000-05:00

It is possible, given enough rum, to fall off a poolbar barstool and actually sustain bruises.

Ho ho ho and a bottle of rum...

2006-11-24T18:33:00.000-05:00

Not that you would have noticed my absence (given my lackluster posting again) had I not pointed it out, but in less than 24 hours I will be perched upon a beach in Grand Cayman for the next seven days, soaking up sun, drinking rum runners, and digging my toes in the sand. Oh yeah, I'm soooooooo excited!

It seems as though no time is ever a good time to take a week off for a vacation, but I tried my best to leave my office and caseload in decent shape. Work has been busy, as usual - it always is - but I'm hoping the break will recharge my batteries for another year of lawyering. After more than a year of learning the ropes, I'm ready to get away from the action for awhile.

Thanksgiving was a great start - family, turkey, meeting my cousin Jake's great new girlfriend (she's a keeper, and our family could use a new member) - but I miss my grandfather more than words can say. I suppose the holidays are for counting blessings and remembering loved ones, and I definitely will be doing that this year.

So... I'll try to post occasionally from the Caribbean for those of you still braving the The Office and Old Man Winter. Love love!

Ho ho ho and a bottle of rum
Santa's run off to the Caribbean
He thinks about boat drinks and fun in the sun
Ho ho ho and a bottle of rum

Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of rum
Santa's run off to the Caribbean
Marimbas, calimbas, he's playing steel drums
Ho ho ho and a bottle of rum

Ho ho ho and a bottle of rum
Santa's run off to the Caribbean
A week in the tropics and he'll be all right
Sporting a tan as he rides out of sight

On being trashy

2006-11-10T13:23:00.000-05:00

Kelly P. hit the nail on the head today when I mentioned in an e-mail that while she's certainly not a refined Southern lady, Britney Spears isn't "all that trashy." I gotta give it to Kel - she sums up Brit's current status pretty well:

Stop yourself. Seriously, y’all. Let’s examine Brit Brit’s many missteps over the past few years….married some friend and immediately got it annulled (? Divorced?) like, the next day. French kisses Madonna on national television. Marries Senor Dickwad-Manpris and proceeds to pop out two babies in two years and completely makes a fool out of herself on national television w/hottie Matt Lauer with her idiotic talk and gun chewing and miniskirt wearing and bra showing. She can’t seem to get a handle on the carseat laws in the state of California…not really very hard – just use one. She formed an unhealthy obsession with cheetos and zit medication and dirty hair. And all the while, her career - which I will grant you, was impressive and her early CDs were fun and she was a hot dancer – went into the shitter. And the worst thing of all….she effing told her husband…the father of her two young children…that she wanted a divorce using language normally found on a license plate. F*ck.

What does Brit Brit need to do? Well…she needs to go to school. I am sure that her Mouseketeering probably got in the way of a solid education…she needs to hit the local community college and figure out what the hell is going on in her world.

I will take back the fact that I said she was “trash” – but damn…………

Calling foul

2006-10-25T14:16:00.000-04:00

Rush Limbaugh can join his fellow teammates Mel Gibson, Kevin Federline and my ex-husband in the Jackass Corner.

Yesterday, Limbaugh accused Michael J. Fox of faking his Parkinson's disease in an effort to promote stem cell research. His comments were absolutely despicable.

First of all, Michael J. Fox is not faking his Parkinson's. But if faking Parkinson's and using your celebrity influence could change the conservative stance on stem cell research, I might get on board with the hoax. I find the republican-imposed ban on stem cell research nearly as despicable as Limbaugh's comments.

Second, I don't think Limbaugh - with all his skeletons spilling out of the closet - ought to be spewing his ridiculous opinions across the air. Something about glass houses and stones has put a pretty big dent in his credibility and judgment.

I need a miracle

2006-10-25T09:15:00.000-04:00

I never realized how dark circles and puffy eyes could make me look so old and tired.

That is, until I couldn't find anything to make them go away.

Growing old gracefully is for the birds.

Weekend Wrap

2006-10-15T17:58:00.000-04:00

As summed up by a phone call earlier from Kelly P. -

KP: What are you doing?
me: Just walking in the door from Wal-mart and Target, now opening some new Harvest Essence potpourri to put in a basket. You?
KP: On my way home from the office. What'd you do yesterday?
me: Worked in the morning, ran errands, then cleaned my carpets last night, which took forever because I had to map out my strategy so that I got perfect lines and didn't walk across wet carpet. Two hours later, I had clean floors. Fun times.
KP: Oh, I love my new vacuum cleaner. It leaves serious lines on the carpet. So this is what our lives have been reduced to - working weekends and getting excited over clean lines in our carpets. So pathetic, right?
me: Something like that...

So yeah, not a very exciting weekend on my end. But my trial is off - we settled the case, which I did not think would happen. I guess the pressure and costs of last-minute motions, pending depositions, and anticipating long hours spent prepping witnesses was enough to bring everyone back to the table. I'm glad we got it done, but I'm still looking forward to trying my first case. And getting the case off my desk has allowed me a breath of fresh, fall air.

Halloween is in the air. I haven't been to a full-on costume party in several years, but my new neighbors invited me to their Halloween party. Though I'm not sure if I'll attend yet, it occurred to me last night that I'm not very creative when it comes to costume ideas. I remember coming up with a handful of ideas last year for Kelly's T., but none of those seem like a good idea for a 30-something. On the other hand, since when have I been overly concerned about acting my age?

A couple of final miscellaneous Sunday items:

- I realize I need to update my blogroll as some have stopped posting and some have been taken over by drug adds and an Asian influence. I'll get to it soon.

- Please check out Postsecret if you have not been there. A new book is coming out in two weeks. I used to visit every Sunday out of some voyeuristic sense of peeking into the secret lives of others. Now I visit because it gives me a weekly dose of perspective and hope. What Frank does with the secrets is an amazing artistic endeavor in community creativity, but the importance of his project runs much deeper than art. It is an act of humanity.

You are not ready, grasshopper.

2006-10-03T18:53:00.000-04:00

Milo is currently on the patio trying unsuccessfully to catch a grasshopper. So very cute, but there's no way Milo is going to catch that thing.

I had some depositions in northern Indiana this morning. I got back to Indy awhile ago, but opted out of returning to the office downtown. The deposition was difficult, and quite frankly I'm feeling a bit burned out today. So instead, I hit the gym for a workout, where I encountered one of those men that lives to lift weights. Ugh. But while I plodded along on the treadmill, I got a good view of some serious muscle flexing, gung-ho push-ups, and amateur boxing moves. I decided that was a better show than anything I would have encountered at the office, and it made the workout a little less boring.

No doubt I've got lots of work to do. I've got a trial most likely starting in two weeks (unless the case before us doesn't settle, but I've been told it probably will), and the feelings of panic and uncertainty have set in. Trial prep has been a great experience, but proving the case to a jury is a whole different story. Sigh.

The leaves are changing, I love October, and regardless of the outcome of the trial, it is going to be a good month. As a segue to fall, I posted some of my favorite fun pictures from this past summer below.

I'm just a summer girl, I wear my flip flops...when we get together, the party never stops...

2006-10-03T18:24:00.000-04:00

Taking some liberty with language arts

2006-09-26T11:34:00.000-04:00

I just got out of a meeting in which someone used the following words:

snidbits, n. - a ridiculous combination of "tidbits" and "snippets"; and

flustrated, adj. - an even more ridiculous combination of "frustrated" and "flustered"

Made-up word combinations is one of my pet peeves. Someone else at the meeting said, "a couple three" as in maybe two, maybe three. Also a peeve.

But you know, I stayed tuned in the entire meeting, in part so I could continue to silently critique the grammar skills of those around me.

Girls rock your boys

2006-09-23T14:08:00.000-04:00

I can't resist:

Quiet Riot's "Cum on feel the noise" is currently playing on the 80's rainy day mix.

Hilarious!

It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you

2006-09-23T12:42:00.000-04:00

Okay, Santana wasn't cutting it, either (see post below). I switched to internet radio, and GUESS WHAT?! They have a rainy day mix. Who knew? They also had a genre called "Evening Melancholy" but I decided that might send me completely over the edge into pointless tears.

I chose the Project 80s rainy day mix. I just heard "Jessie's Girl" by that hottie, Rick Springfield and "Africa" by Toto. I love that song.

Seriously. Back to work now. But in case you need a rainy day mix, too, go here.

Laughing like children, living like lovers

2006-09-23T11:54:00.000-04:00

I have the blues this morning. I thought it was rainy-morning-gloomies when I woke up, but now that it is nearly 11am, I've determined that I've definitely contracted a very severe case of the blues. Grrr... I hate that. And its not helping my damn motivation, either. I was out of town/out of office yesterday, and I have a shitload of work to catch up on today. I finally tumbled out of bed around 8:30am, took the longest shower ever, threw on a baseball hat and sweatshirt and headed downtown. I've been at the office now for nearly an hour, and I have yet to bill one single minute. In fact, this is what I've done:

1. enter office, turn on light, groan at pile of crap in my chair.
2. push pile of crap onto the floor.
2. grab mail from mailbox and make pot of coffee.
3. open mail, get mad at an order granting ALL the defendants motions in limine (over my strenuous objections last week), get stressed out at multi-district litigation notices on cases that aren't even mine, start worrying about pile of crap on the floor.
4. turn on computer. check e-mail. answer all personal e-mails, save business e-mails for later.
5. find tunes appropriate for the blues. pick Darden Smith.
6. check blogs. respond to more e-mail.
7. realize moody tunes are not helping. change tunes to Santana.
8. take a personal phone call.
9. get more coffee.
10. step over stressful pile of crap on the floor.
11. start this post.

Yep. This sucks. I've gotta snap out of it and get busy here. Lucky for me, the blues never last long, so I should be fine by tomorrow. Or so I hope.

50/50

2006-09-20T22:06:00.000-04:00

For those of you still checking in here for my sporadic summer posts, I thought I'd make the visit worth your while by answering these pressing personal questions:

50 questions:

1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? "What the hell did Zach do to my hair yesterday?"

2. How much cash do you have on you? After paying for dry cleaning this afternoon, I'm left with about 42 cents.

3. What's a word that rhymes with "DOOR"? WHORE!

4. Favorite planet? Um, Uranus, of course.

5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? Garrett, auto mechanic who recently removed the hail dings from my pretty little Passat.

6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone? No favorite, really. Currently, the Bare Naked Ladies sing "If I Had a Million Dollars" when my phone isn't on silent.

7. What shirt are you wearing? White tank top, pink raggedy IUPUI hoodie.

8. Do you "label" yourself? Label myself? No. But if I did, I'd label myself a sometimes-princess with a black box warning.

9. Name the brand of your shoes you're currently wearing? Today - Nine West black slingbacks. Currently, Hanes cotton footies.

10. Bright or Dark Room? Depends on if I want to be able to see you.

11. What do you think about the person who took this survey before you? Nice guy, decent kisser, very funny but has anger-management issues, doesn't speak to me anymore since a falling-out over divergent political points of view. But I still check his blog occasionally, and I ganked these questions from there.

12. What does your watch look like? I don't generally wear a watch. They make me feel slightly clausterphobic.

13. What were you doing at midnight last night? Dreaming.

14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? "Thanks 4 coming out 2day. It was like the good old days!" from E, who has un uncanny ability to talk me into exchanging responsibility for fun.

15. Where is your nearest 7-11? They still have 7-11s?

16. What's a word that you say a lot? Love.

17.Who told you he/she loved you last? Kelly P. after I talked her ear off on my way home about office scuttlebutt.

18. Last furry thing you touched? Milo's squashed face.

19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days? Does wine count?

20. How many rolls of film do you need developed? None. Really.

21. Favorite age you have been so far? 22, although 33 is giving 22 a run for the money.

22. Your worst enemy? Time.

23. What is your current desktop picture? Home - Milo, cutest dog ever. Office - A sunny beach in Grand Cayman.

24. What was the last thing you said to someone? Conversation with my mom about canned mushrooms vs. fresh. Canned mushrooms make me gag.

25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be? I'll take the million. Why would I want to be able to fly?

26. Do you like someone? Check yes or no.

27. The last song you listened to? Currently listening to old Nickelback, compliments of AJ.

28. What time of day were you born? Late morning, winter, 1973, nearly a month overdue, and not an attractive baby.

29. What's your favorite number? I hate that question. But my favorite color is pink.

30. Where did you live in 1987? With my parents. I was 15, mostly a brat and perpetually grounded, often stuck in my bedroom with my equally-mouthy Siamese cat, listening to Prince, Bon Jovi or The Cure and writing teenage-angst poetry.

31. Are you jealous of anyone? Sometimes.

32. Is anyone jealous of you? Not likely.

33. Where were you when 9/11 happened? I was at work, sitting in my office at the Chamber of Commerce when I heard about the first plane hitting the World Trade Center. I followed it on the internet and radio, and I called my mom at work. Shortly thereafter, I walked to a business down the block that had a television. I got there just before the first tower fell. I will never forget standing in the middle of a barbershop, looking up at the TV in the corner with all these other people from downtown businesses, watching the tower fall on live TV and knowing that thousands of people just perished at that very moment. The collective silence among us was a moment I will never forget.

34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Take it as a sign that I didn't need those animal crackers anyway.

35. Do you consider yourself kind? When I'm not being snarky, yes.

36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? No. More. Tattoos.

37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? J'aimerais apprendre à parler le français.

38. Would you move for the person you loved? Across the street - yes. Across the country - only for the most passionate love ever.

39. Are you touchy feely? Generally not so much unless I know you and like you, or I have been drinking.

40. What's your life motto? Work hard, play hard. And love thy neighbor.

41. Name three things that you have on you at all times? Cell phone, lipgloss and gum.

42. What's your favorite town/city? Indianapolis is a fantastic city. I also really like the rural little farm town where my parents live in central Indiana. They have a gas station (with fantastic pizza), a liquor store, a funeral home/furniture store (same building, owned by the same family, not sure if they have "bury your loved one, buy a new sofa" sales or not), a grain elevator, and a place where you can get a tan and rent a tuxedo at the same time called "Tux-n-Tan." There's nothing to do there but watch the crops grow and sit on the front porch and gossip about the neighbors. I also love Mattepoisett, Massachusetts and Georgetown, Colorado.

43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? Diet cherry coke and a banana for lunch. And my dry cleaning.

44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? Um, 1992?

45. Can you change the oil on a car? No, but I bet Garrett can.

46. Your first love: what is the last thing you heard about him/her? First true love - his birthday was yesterday, and I googled him. Apparently he is having some pitching problems with his fantasy baseball team, but he just made a promising trade. Personally, I think the fact that I still google him is not nearly as screwed up as the fact that he is still addicted to fantasy baseball and now discusses it on the internet. And yes, I still miss him.

47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? Not far enough.

48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? I attended a formal event for our local trial lawyers association last spring. I wore a fancy black dress, accessorized by very painful but very cute shoes, pearls, and a glass of champagne.

49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? Nope. I'm good.

50. Have you been burned by love? Yes, badly. But I've since learned to be more careful. And buy more aloe vera.

Just in case you forgot

2006-08-23T11:45:00.000-04:00

SallieMae causes me to have severe loan-rage. I have two loan payments, each due 10 days apart. I have to make two online transactions each month. Although typically I make them at the same time, I want to make one payment. According to the representative I just tried to speak with, it is not possible for them to accept one full payment and split it between the two loans, nor can they consolidate those two loans. Of course, I did not understand why that is not possible because the rep speaks some other language clearly not native to Indiana.

I did, however, understand this: "SallieMae can not do for you. You pay online now?"

Don't tell me to play nice. I'm about ready to kick someone's ass today.

We are the people our parents warned us about

2006-08-19T12:54:00.000-04:00

I know I've been incognito again lately. I'm not at a loss for post-worthy thoughts, but I just haven't taken the time to post them. So much to do before the end of summer. At any rate, here are a few things that have been bumping around in my head:

* That John Mark Karr dude that confessed to killing JonBenet Ramsey is completely creepy weird. For the record from this wanna-be-homicide-detective, I am guessing that his confession is false. I also never bought that the parents were involved. Also completely creepy weird is the fact that the murder was nearly ten years ago, and it seems like yesterday to me. And one last thing that is creepy weird: The American obsession with this case and the press's obsession with showing those beauty pageant clips over and over and over.

* In other national news/gossip, I found it note-worthy that Mel Gibson's blood alcohol content was only .12% and he's a self-admitted alcoholic. Being wasted is never an acceptable excuse for being an asshole, but if he's going to use that excuse for making such deplorable anti-semitic remarks, I would have thought the BAC would have been a lot higher. Give me a break, Mel. You're a dick.

* The Jimmy Buffett concert a couple of weeks ago was absolutely fantastic. AJ and I hooked up with some fun, grass-skirt-wearing neighbors in the parking lot and drank a lot of Coronas. The summer's worst pick-up lines also came out at Buffett, including: "Six weeks does not constitute a committed relationship, so let's make out." and "You look exactly like my ex-husband, only you're more tall and less drunk."

* I saw a report the other day that more Americans can identify Taylor Hicks than Samuel Alito, and more people can name the Seven Dwarfs (Sleepy, Sneezy, Grumpy, Bashful, Happy, Doc and Dopey) than the Supreme Court Justices (Roberts, Breyer, Ginsburg, Stevens, Scalia, Kennedy, Thomas, Souter, Alito). This is so pathetic, really. Please people - get to know your Supremes. They make decisions that affect your lives.

* I went to the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard a couple of weeks ago with Kelly P. and her entourage. I like NASCAR generally; I loved going to the race. So much fun. But apparently calling people on my cell phone and telling them to listen to the cars as they come around the track is slightly annoying and doesn't have the same effect as being there.

* In other fun girlfriend news, I'm going to Florida for Labor Day weekend to visit a childhood girlfriend, and I'm totally jazzed to get out of the office and onto the beach for three days. And then TR comes back to visit me (the biznatch moved to Kansas City a couple of months ago) the following weekend, and I'm totally jazzed to get out of the office and onto the patio at M&J's and drink Blue Moons. Tonight I'm going over to Kelly's to eat enchiladas and reinforce to T that teenage boys are, in fact, the worst. And AJ and Mel and I have a spa day coming up in the near future that should be absolutely ripping. Anyone else seeing a trend here??

Not a good look

2006-07-31T10:09:00.000-04:00

I spent the better part of yesterday at the pool. I used sunblock, but I still got a pretty good sunburn.

I just looked in the mirror here at work and realized my face is nearly the same color as my pink and orange striped shirt.

I look like a complete idiot.

Lately it occurs to me what a long, strange trip it's been

2006-07-29T13:27:00.000-04:00

I just spent the last few minutes reviewing a very lengthy and detailed list of property lost from a 1970's Winnebago that was destroyed (and I mean destroyed) in a collision. The sheer size of the list alone is noteworthy (4 pages, single-spaced), but some of the items on the list are ... well, interesting:

* 20 bungy cords
* George Foreman electric grill
* portable commode
* vacuum sweeper
* bag of sponges
* 40 foot sewer hose
* goop glue
* purple comforter
* Bugle Boy dress pants
* Dave Mathews concert shirt
* steer horns
* 2 ron jon hats
* 2 smokeless ashtrays
* Reader's Digest books
* stacy's contacts
* extra big cooler

I have never seen the driver of this vehicle, but I can just imagine him with the Bugle Boys, concert t-shirt and ron jon hat, smokeless ashtrays and bags of sponges. What I really want to know is whether those steer horns were affixed to the front grill of the Winnebago because that would be really cool.

Happiness is...

2006-07-27T13:42:00.000-04:00

... getting this fantastic Jack Johnson CD in today's mail at work and listening to it on repeat for the next four hours. Thanks, AJ! I'm lovin' it.

I want to turn the whole thing upside down

I'll find the things they say just can't be found

I'll share this love I find with everyone

We'll sing and dance to Mother Nature's songs

I don't want this feeling to go away

What's in your bag?

2006-07-26T09:05:00.000-04:00

At some point in their lives, most people (okay, most drinking-kind-of-people) have kept, stored, carried, or hid some kind of stash in a purple felt Crown Royal bag with the gold drawstring. One of my girlfriends once had her grandma sew her a pair of pajama bottoms from the bags she collected, and Tiff still wears them to this day. There are so many creative uses for the purple bags, even the Crown Royal website took note.

Items that travel nicely in the Crown Royal bag include*: card money, marbles, GI Joe parts and Barbie parts, fireworks, make-up, dog bones, cards and pictures you can't throw away from your ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, highlighters and other school supplies, tobacco products, non-tobacco products and accoutrements, fishing tackle, dice and playing cards, condoms, beach supplies, miscellaneous crap from the bottom of all other bags, etc. * These items are not necessarily items that I myself have kept in bags, but rather items that have been suggested to travel well by others. Clearly, I don't keep GI Joe parts in my bags.

I recently discovered a new use for the little royal purple drawstring bag. I'm not much of a Crown drinker anymore, but I had a bag tucked in the catch-all drawer in my kitchen that came in very handy when nothing else seemed to do the trick. Perfect!

So, what's in your bag?

The world went and got itself in a big damn hurry *

2006-07-24T20:55:00.000-04:00

Every firm has the person: the person who can "get things" for you. Sometimes it is the guy who has some elusive pull with the Powers That Be. Usually, it is the non-descript paralegal/secretary/legal assistant with a very large filing cabinet drawer and more power than anyone other than the managing partner. This is a good person to make friends with.

At my firm, the person who can get things is Stacy. She's been there for years, and I mean years since she was a kid out of high school. She's worked her way up, she's smart as a whip, she knows the scoop and rarely talks smack, and she has a very large filing cabinet. I befriended Stacy shortly after becoming a clerk here because she was friendly, fun, and knew how to get office supplies. She also taught me how to enter my time and send mail and find the ladies room. And she has more shoes than anyone I know except AJ. I respect her, I value and appreciate her, and I like her very much.

In my time at the firm, I have asked Stacy for the following, included but not limited to:
* A lint brush
* Excendrine
* Band-Aids
* Pepto-Bismol or Rolaids or something to keep me from throwing up
* Double-sided tape (when the hem in my pants' cuff came undone)
* Baby powder
* Gum, mints, anything to mask Bazbeaux's garlic pesto
* Clear nail polish
* Assistance with the fax machine (for the thousandth time)
* Kleenex

I have also consulted Stacy on the following:
* Litigation strategy
* How to approach the partners on various issues
* Firm history
* Gossip
* Filing requirements and pleadings protocol
* Case management assistance
* How-the-Hell-do-I-find-that-on-the-network
* Advice about men

Stacy is an absolute peach. Every firm has a Stacy, and I hope everyone appreciates her/him as much as I do.
______________________________

I know I've been on blog hiatus. It's happened before, and I appreciate those who still check in. I've thought about pulling the plug, but I think my motivation to spout my opinons and fluffy observations will overcome my recent lack of motivation to post. Sometimes you just need to get back in the saddle and ride. Thanks for hangin' in.

* Name that quote, kids, and don't look it up online! :)

At the drive-in, in the old man's Ford...

2006-06-27T09:39:00.000-04:00

"You know how to win the hearts of men with sweet talk like that."

My way or the highway

2006-06-22T14:30:00.000-04:00

Direct quote from my boss:

You need to give yourself another 6 months to get comfortable and then start pushing people around and make this firm and your practice what you think it should be.

Start pushing people around? Clearly, he does not spend much time with me.

Business casual

2006-06-22T06:56:00.000-04:00

I would be so much more motivated to go put in another long day if I could just wear my super cool pink and yellow striped pajamas and flip-flops.

I think I'm going to start pushing for a more relaxed dress code at the office.

On the flipside of excellent

2006-06-20T10:40:00.000-04:00

And at least I am not TR:

Subject: massively hungover and hating life
Content: Last night i swang on the swing with the swingers. wish you were there.
: ) i drank red wine, then white wine, then gin/soda/oj, then gin and tonic. sick.

Try not to vomit in the trashcan today, sweetie.

cute shoes + positive horoscope = pretty decent morning

2006-06-20T10:37:00.000-04:00

Your mental powers are functioning at an extremely high level, dear Aquarius, and you will find that your mental agility is setting the stage for a very productive day. You're quick with your words, and you are able to pull facts and information out of thin air in order to prove your point and get your pertinent message across in the most efficient manner possible. Speak with confidence, and be articulate. You will command the respect of everyone around you.

Dear Lord, I can only pray that these words are even slightly prophetic today. Any boost in mental agility, productivity, and respect would be greatly appreciated.

I ain't gonna lie

2006-06-20T08:41:00.000-04:00

I have on, like, the most adorable shoes.

Cutest. Thing. Ever.

2006-06-13T10:03:00.000-04:00

For future reference

2006-06-13T09:21:00.000-04:00

If you steal my stapler, I will hunt you down and kick your ass.

Let me tell ya how I really feel...

2006-06-12T18:27:00.000-04:00

It's raining more than men out there

2006-06-10T13:05:00.000-04:00

I'm at the office today, which is not noteworthy. What is noteworthy is the Indy Pride Festival and Parade going on in the park just to the north of my building. Trying to get to the office this morning was a bit of a nightmare with the street closings, but I did get to see some pretty interesting sights, i.e. two very hot young men in spandex rainbow-striped boyshorts (and nothing else) dancing on a float and a trio of colorful unicyclists carrying gay pride signs. The festival appears to be in full swing now that the weather has cleared. I am currently listening to "It's Raining Men" (hallelujah!) for at least the third time through my 14th floor window as I type this post. Apparently, RuPaul is headlining, though I have been unable to spot him/her from up here.

Hopefully the rain will hold out for the rest of the afternoon. Looks like they're having a blast down there. Besides, I do like that song, and it goes just fine with drafting motions and pleadings.

UPDATE: The volume of the festival is now at an all-time loud. It is so loud that the plastic covers of my overhead flourescent lights are rattling with the bass beat of some crapola music. I'm all for loud and proud, but this is getting ridiculous. It sounds like a Rave going on in the conference room next to my office.

Bring it on

2006-06-10T12:39:00.000-04:00

TAMPA, Fla. - A federal judge, miffed at the inability of opposing attorneys to agree on even the slightest details of a lawsuit, ordered them to settle their latest dispute with a game of “rock, paper, scissors.”

The argument was over a location to take the sworn statement of a witness in an insurance lawsuit.

In an order signed Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Gregory Presnell scolded both sides and ordered them to meet at a neutral location at 4 p.m. June 30 to play a round of the hand-gesture game often used to settle childhood disputes. If they can’t agree on the neutral location, he said, they’ll play on the steps of the federal courthouse.

The winner gets to choose the location for the witness statement.
____________________

I'm all for creative solutions to settle disputes, especially when the disputes between attorneys becomes a petty squabble (although I have to admit that I'm partial to picking locations for depositions and the like, and I usually try to get my way in that regard). Rock, paper, scissors has always been one of my favorite "fair-and-square" methods. Brilliant order by the judge, in my opinion.

Of course, I would still be pissed if I lost the match. I would demand a re-match. Best three of five is the way to go.

On replay in my head

2006-06-10T11:55:00.000-04:00

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else
Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

Playing the bones

2006-06-04T16:17:00.000-04:00

Vince Welnick, the Grateful Dead's last keyboardist, has died at the age of 51.

Welnick was the last in a long line of Grateful Dead keyboardists, several of whom died prematurely, leading some of the group's fans to conclude that the position came with a curse.

Welnick had replaced Brent Mydland, who died of a drug overdose in 1990. Mydland succeeded Keith Godchaux, who died in a car crash shortly after leaving the band. And Godchaux had replaced the band's original keyboard player, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, who died at 27 in 1973.

A fresh (lime) perspective

2006-06-04T16:10:00.000-04:00

From PostSecret.com

On Parade

2006-05-28T20:15:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to be invited to the 500 Festival Parade with Kelly and her super-fun family. These people know how to do up a parade - close parking, front row seats, cotton candy, and a cookout to follow with the best fresh margaritas, grilled steaks, and lots of cheese. I'd never been to the parade, and I got pretty excited over just about everything, including the celebrities, the marching bands, the kids, and race car drivers, and Florence Henderson. Kelly's dad told me I was a great parade spectator. Kelly's daughter, T, told me I was embarrassing. All in all, we had an absolute blast, and the weather was perfect.

After the parade/cookout at the Scanlan's, I went over to Kelly's place to soak up some sun on her back patio. Her daughter and I engaged in some mutual negotiations to get Kelly to approve T's Sunday movie plans with her boyfriend. At the age of 15, T reminds me quite a bit of myself, though I think T is a much better daughter than I was at that age. She's a great kid, but I cannot imagine the trials and tribulations of raising a teenager, especially a teenager with her first boyfriend. Oy.

I put some hours in at work today, listening to the 500 race via internet, then had dinner with my own family to celebrate my sister's birthday. I was tasked with getting the cake, but unfortunately I waited until late this afternoon to make that happen. My sister almost ended up with the hot pink-iced Barbie cake with glitter sugar on top, one of the two left in the cake cooler at the grocery store. They had a more age-appropriate alternative, but I think the Barbie cake might have been better, and certainly would have been more fun. My grandma came down with my parents. She is such an amazing woman - very full of life and words of wisdom, even since my grandfather passed away. She informed me today that she thinks the internet is the work of the devil. She also pointed out that by the age of 33, she had 5 children.

Anyhow, I'm currently sitting on the patio having a glass of wine. Milo is curled up under one of the planter stands, taking in the last bit of this evening's sun. I am loving the idea of not having to go to the office tomorrow. I brought some work home, and I plan on getting it done while lounging by the pool.

I love everything about summer (except the fuzzy hair).

Pretty as Kelly

2006-05-28T20:03:00.000-04:00

From Kelly's backyard

Dirty Drunkards

2006-05-26T15:43:00.002-04:00

I'm working on a dram shop case this afternoon. I found both of the following items of interest:

Hypnotic Liquor HPNOTIQ is a uniquely different and sophisticated blend that is unrivaled today. HPNOTIQ combines the most exceptional characteristics of Pure Cognac, Premium Vodka, and natural Tropical Fruit Juices to create a level of quality and taste that is refined and elegant. After a lengthy maceration, the fruits reach the climax of their aromatic flavor potential. The tropical nectars are then carefully proportioned and blended with each other. This extraordinary blend allows the consumer to enter a new world of taste and sensations as never experienced before. Hypnotic LiquorPrice: $26.46
_______________________________________________

IC 7.1-5-10-14 Sales to habitual drunkards prohibited

It is unlawful for a permittee to sell, barter, exchange, give, provide, or furnish an alcoholic beverage to a person whom he knows to be a habitual drunkard. (Formerly: Acts 1973, P.L.55, SEC.1.) As amended by Acts 1978, P.L.2, SEC.720.

Two thoughts come to mind:
1. I tried this Hypnotic once. It's nasty. But reading the description made me think about sex.
2. There is no statutory definition of "habitual drunkard."

Looking forward to pickles

2006-05-25T15:01:00.000-04:00

Relish:
1. An appetite for something; a strong appreciation or liking: a relish for luxury.
2. Hearty enjoyment; zest.
3. Something that lends pleasure or zest.
OR
4. A spicy or savory condiment or appetizer, such as chutney or olives.
5. A condiment of chopped sweet pickle.
6. The flavor of a food, especially when appetizing. See Synonyms at taste.
7. A trace or suggestion of a pleasurable quality.

It bothers me that this word has two such different meanings. When someone says that they "relish the thought of...", the sentiment is ruined by the fact that I think of sweet pickles rather than enjoyment, appreciation, pleasure or zest. The word has been ruined for me.

A little kinky

2006-05-25T09:00:00.000-04:00

For the first time this year, humidity set in this morning. It rained overnight, and was hazy humid when the sun came up. I opened my patio door around 4:30am, and by the time I was out of the shower drying my hair, the air was thick. As a result, my hair is a little fuzzy today.

I love summer, but I don't like my fuzzy hair.

Gone for a week, and this is all I got

2006-05-23T12:47:00.000-04:00

My co-workers are the loudest people I have ever worked with. I routinely close my door because I cannot deal with the loudness. Generally, I don't like loud noise. Specifically, having loud around me all day makes me bitchy. There are very few scenarios that require speaking at the decible level of a televangelist with a broken microphone, and work is not one of those scenarios. Really. I don't need to know about your hearing, your client's child custody arrangement, your deadlines, your stupid cat's hairball, or the broken printer in the mail room.

You know what else makes me bitchy? Senior associates.

On a lighter note, I just ate the best salad ever from the downstairs cafeteria. What made it so great? The red pepper/sunflower seed combo. And it was $3.50.

I fully intend on leaving promptly at 4:45pm today. I might even leave earlier. That'll show those loud talkers.

People need people, Steve. It has nothing to do with sex. OK, maybe 40 percent. 60 percent. Forget it.*

2006-05-15T20:58:00.000-04:00

Top ten (current) reasons why having a guy around on a consistent (semi-consistent would suffice just fine) basis would help me out:

10. My closet light is burned out. I cannot reach the light fixture by standing on a chair. I am certain to wear brown shoes with black pants any day now.
9. I don't know how to drive a standard stick shift. I would like to learn so that I can drive my car like a maniac down Keystone Avenue along with the rest of the maniacs.
8. I don't get asked out to "couples events" by my married friends, not that I wanted to go to that Murder Mystery dinner party in the first place.
7. Occasionally, I would like to wake up to something less stinky than Milo's breath.
6. None of my girlfriends watch ESPN, and I've long since forgotten when Baseball Tonight is on since I'm usually watching E! without anyone reminding me that there's more to life than Brangelina.
5. We could make fun of those repulsive eHarmony commercials together.
4. I could replace that standard black & white photo of some random hot guy placed by the manufacturer in my photo collage. I could stop pretending I know who he is.
3. Sometimes I like to wear a guy's flannel pj bottoms at the end of the day and then claim them as my own.
2. Girls don't usually appreciate my Beavis & Butthead references nearly as much as guys do.
1. Men have tools that I find attractive.

* From Singles. Alternate post title: Fish without a bicycle, my ass.

Makes me laugh every damn time

2006-05-15T11:26:00.000-04:00

"I'm leaving here in about 30 mins to drive to Lafayette for my oral argument. Very nervous. Call me if you can or I'll try to backdoor you." *snicker*

Three Buck Chuck Love

2006-05-13T14:54:00.000-04:00

I first learned the difference between a pinot noir and a pinot grigio at the age of 21. I took a job working at Foxfires, an upscale restaurant owned by Garfield creator Jim Davis located in Muncie, Indiana where I attended college at Ball State University. Mr. Davis had a passion for wine, and his restaurant boasted over 250 selections from a wine cellar with over 5,000 bottles of every imaginable variety. And so my love affair with wine began.

I started as a hostess and eventually worked my way up to server and bartender. All employees were required to attend monthly wine classes. We were expected to understand varietals, the regions from where they hailed, and which wine of the month would pair best with the peppered ostrich with blueberry bordeaux sauce or the smoked turkey and wild rice salad with mango salsa. When I first began, my taste leaned toward keg beer and Jim Beam. But I caught the wine bug quickly, and I spent extra time with the sommaleir learning to distinguish a fine cabernet from a mediocre one.

At some point along the way, I began dating the rep from the best wine distributor (crazy Robert), and we attended all the dinners and tastings and wine events together. He was a complete wine snob, and we argued often over good versus bad wine. He took me to Napa Valley for a whirlwind tour of the wine country in an effort to educate me a bit. Unfortunately, I don't think the experience refined my taste much since I didn't always spit during the tastings (resulting in my being drunk and unable to distinguish nuances), but it was an incredibly fun adventure even if Robert was a bit disappointed in his attempt to instill some wine sophistication in me.

I love wine. I appreciate the good stuff, which doesn't necessarily have to cost a fortune, and I absolutely enjoy an expensive red with a good meal. But I also like the not-so-good stuff, the wine you can barely call wine. Yes, folks, I'm talking about my beloved Arbor Mist.

I was just informed by the owner of my favorite liquor store - the store I've been loyal to since moving here, the store that sells fresh limes and lemons and knows me by name, the store that always carried that crappy Arbor Mist - that they will no longer be carrying Arbor Mist. Apparently, I was one of 3 people who ever bought the stuff. When I expressed my disappointment, the owner said, "Why would you drink that crap when you can drink a decent bottle for the same price?"

Because sometimes I like Arbor Mist over ice. Is that so wrong?

Sunday afternoon porch perch

2006-05-07T16:23:00.000-04:00

Push it real good

2006-05-07T16:13:00.000-04:00

I've spent the majority of my day lounging around, reading on the patio, watching E! and basically doing very little. But I've earned a day off. TR and I finished the Mini Marathon yesterday - all 13.1 miles of it - in under 4 hours. Keep in mind that I went into it with zero prep, having decided to take Kelly's spot on Thursday. Had TR and I trained (okay, had I been able to keep up with her), I think we could've walked it in under 3.5 hours, and that's my goal for next year.

It was hard. The first 6 miles really were no problem - TR and I had a so much fun chatting (being snarky), enjoying the weather (getting some sun), and listening to the sideline entertainment (preachers, rockers, cheerleaders, beer-drinkers, carribean drummers, cloggers). We hit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway just before mile 7, and walking the famed 2.5 mile oval was incredibly cool. But once we got off the track, we both started feeling the pain. By mile 10, Bitchfest 2006 Amanda Style had set in, and my feet were killing me. The next three miles were absolute hell, but I was not about to get on the short bus back to the rest and recovery area. Besides, I would have missed out on some of TR's most hilarious end-of-race commentary.

So we crossed the finish line waving to the cameras, collected our medals, grabbed free bananas, and headed for the beer garden, where we shed our socks and shoes, sat in the grass and drank free beer with our free bananas. It was an excellent day, and an inspiring event for me. I am so glad that I had the opportunity (thanks, Kel) and that I finished (thanks, TR), and Idefinitely plan to do it again next year.

Of course, I can barely move today and my right big toe looks like it might fall off, but that's all relative.

Run for the Roses

2006-05-06T16:28:00.000-04:00

My Kentucky Derby picks:

Brother Derek: Current odds 8-1, bet to win
Keyed Entry: Current odds 35-1, bet across the board
Lawyer Ron: Current odds 9-1, bet to win or place

Brother Derek is not the favorite (A.P. Warrior is the current favorite with 13-1 odds), but he's been nearly undefeated, has had great odds this week, and his trainer has a tug-at-your-heartstrings story.

Keyed Entry is my longshot (thus, the across-the-board bet). But he's got a great jockey, and I like betting on one underdog.

Lawyer Ron is on a six race win streak and his odds are good. Last year, I picked Closing Argument to win (huge longshot, but sentimental with the lawyer-theme), and he was barely nosed out for the win by Giacomo.

I love the Derby.

Learning to fly

2006-05-05T07:53:00.000-04:00

Rising tides lift all boats. So when someone close to you experiences a windfall or especially good luck, dear Aquarius, the ripple effect reaches you. Change is in the air. And while everything that is happening is positive, sometimes you feel as though it is occurring too fast. You feel a bit off-balance, with little or no time to adjust. Even windfalls take some time to get used to. Give yourself time to settle in to your new circumstances.

This morning's horoscope is interesting in light of my feelings of being off-balance this week. I'm not sure about the windfall aspect, though a couple of my friends have been extraordinarily lucky recently. And I feel like I've had enough change lately, thank you very much. On the other hand, some things about my lifestyle could use a positive-change-overhaul. Yeah, I'm working on it.

TR and I are going to walk the Mini Marathon tomorrow morning, which should be highly entertaining. I decided to do it yesterday afternoon. I have not trained at all, unless you count walking Milo around the lake a few times a week "training." I am pretty sure I might either die at about mile 9 or end up on the slow bus for losers, but I'm going to give it my best shot. Surely I can walk 13.5 miles, even if it almost kills me, right? And besides, it should be a motivator for getting my ass in better shape this summer. Kelly registered for the event, but since she is going to be locked in her office all weekend preparing for trial, she offered her spot to me. When I'm about to pass out at mile 9, I will keep on walkin' for Kelly, who will be stuck in trial prep hell, which is not as bad as discovery hell but certainly more stressful.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2006-05-04T13:04:00.000-04:00

Most hilarious baby face ever.

Um, is this chicken or is this fish?

2006-05-02T15:06:00.000-04:00

I'm feeling a bit unsettled today, like something is out of balance, I've forgotten something important, or something is about to happen.

Could be that I ate cinnamon before bed last night. Or maybe my panties are on inside out (I haven't checked yet). Or possibly the fact that I am still working on discovery (life is discovery, then you die). Maybe this is what happens when you stop being polite and start getting real (and has anyone noticed that Key West Paula is giving Chicago Tanya a run for her money on being psycho?).

I can't quite figure out what it is, but I don't like the feeling one bit. I need a remedy. Suggestions?

'Cause I'll be rockin' this party eight days a week

2006-04-30T15:25:00.000-04:00

I am in discovery hell this weekend. I hate discovery. I hate discovery more than I hate moths. I would rather eat moths than finish this discovery.

And because of (or in spite of) my current state of discovery hell, I am still sitting squarely at 18%. I have not found a new cause, called my grandma, given any money, or gone to church. On the other hand, I have been nice (relatively, I think), have not killed any bugs, have acted unselfishly (I let Milo sleep in the middle of the bed this morning) and have given myself a healthy dose of reality and moral consideration.

At any rate, I'm considering getting an iPod Nano this afternoon. I went over to Kelly's last night (for some lounging on her fabulous new patio furniture, pinot grigio, and mutual commiseration over discovery hell), and her T got one for her 15th birthday. T was listening to Nirvana's "Come As You Are" and she shared her earbud with me. I started to tell her the story about how much I loved Nirvana when I was in college and that I was sitting outside of Ben & Jerry's in the Village on free-ice cream-day when some kid on a skateboard told us that Kurt Cobain had committed suicide. T stopped me and said, "Yeah, Amanda, you've told me this story like three times already." Oh. Well. You'll have that.

I wonder if the Nanos come in pink.

Guilty feet have got no rhythm

2006-04-30T14:08:00.000-04:00

If you are a successful, respectable, professional, handsome man, and you just so happen to still have a cropped brown leather jacket like this one, circa 1987, in your closet, don't be surprised if when your girlfriend finds it she a) laughs hysterically and busts out some Janet Jackson tunes, b) questions whether you and George Michael were separated at birth, c) takes a picture of said jacket so she can make fun of you with her girlfriends, or d) all of the above.

This jacket should have gone to Goodwill along with the ex-wife's leg warmers, swatch watch and neon Ocean Pacific off-the-shoulder shirts.

Caption, please?

2006-04-28T09:58:00.000-04:00

Apparently in high school, this guy was a hot, sexy soccer player with normal hair.

This is how you remind me

2006-04-28T09:08:00.000-04:00

TR and I had a little porch party last night. The evening was too nice to waste it inside, so we met for drinks at a Broadripple patio after work. Three drinks in, we decided to relocate the party to TR's front porch. A bottle of wine later, we decided to download some iTunes and dance around like teenagers.

Except by that point, we were both too retarded to figure out how to download anything. So we went back to the porch swing and contemplated Jewish history, whether our dogs can love us more than people can, and why we love men. And we ate way too many fabulous chocolate truffles given to us by TR's sweet husband.

Good times. LeChaim!

Girl, you know it's true

2006-04-27T09:34:00.000-04:00

For the most part, I consider myself decent human being. I'm compassionate, giving, and usually very loving to my fellow mankind.

However, I am quite aware that I'm a truly awful person about 18% of the time. I don't know how that compares to everyone else's number on the truly-awful-going-to-Hell-scale. Maybe 18% isn't all that bad, but I'm thinking I ought to work on getting my number down closer to 10%.

Some things I can do to decrease my truly awful percentage:
* Cut back on being snarky (not fun, but probably necessary)
* Remember my morals and stick to them
* Stop killing spiders and moths
* Get my ass out of bed and go to church on Sundays, consistently
* Try to be less selfish and demanding and insistent about getting my way
* Find a new cause I am passionate about and volunteer my time
* Be nicer to people I don't like, including my neighbor and his wretched girlfriend
* Call my grandmother at least once a week, except during Wheel of Fortune
* Be more patient (this will be a true test for me)
* Start being more honest with myself (because I prefer to live in my own bubble of reality)
* Give an equal amount of money to the Humane Society as I spend on shoes this year

I'm open to more suggestions.

Just being honest with myself this morning, folks.

In through the out door

2006-04-26T12:57:00.000-04:00

I just left the following voicemail:

"Hey - got your message. Call me back. No need to call the main line. I'll be in my office so you can get me through the backdoor."

Um, yeah. I started laughing before I could hang up. Very mature of me.

Oops, I did it again

2006-04-26T11:02:00.000-04:00

I see that BritBrit, queen of WT, is knocked up again with yet another Federspawn.

Or maybe Maury Povich is the baby daddy this time.

Home peeps home

2006-04-24T15:28:00.000-04:00

We returned to our offices today! Not everyone is back in the building yet and security is still very tight, but we are thrilled to be back in our own space. The only casualties suffered in my office include one plant (which was not that healthy to begin with) and the lucky bamboo (which apparently was not that lucky, either).

Not much time for creative thinking today. I've got a bazillion (yes, really a bazillion) little things to catch up on and loose ends to tie up. But at least I can actually accomplish these things with relative ease from my own comfort zone. And I had a box of lavender peeps in my desk to return to.

One of my better Mondays, I must say...

flowers, pocketbooks and getting my eyebrows waxed

2006-04-20T11:40:00.000-04:00

I've been reviewing discovery documents this morning, but my mind has hardly been on my work.

If I spent as much time thinking creatively about work as I spend thinking creatively about other things, I'd probably be a brilliant new attorney. Instead, I am an average new attorney and brilliant in other areas of my life that don't earn me money.

And I'm okay with that.

It's taser time

2006-04-20T09:11:00.000-04:00

If you behave in such a way that a police officer must use his taser gun on you, don't come to me wanting to sue the police. And even if you're "back spasms" are somehow related to the electrical shock you received, I will tell you that you wouldn't have shock-related-back-spasms if you hadn't been acting like a jackass in the first place.

Get over yourself, taser boy.

Supreme Court Votes to Allow Citation to Unpublished Opinins in Federal Courts

2006-04-13T08:01:00.000-04:00

The Supreme Court on Wednesday adopted a historic rule change that will allow lawyers to cite so-called unpublished opinions in federal courts starting next year. The justices' vote represents a major milestone in the long-running debate over unpublished opinions, the sometimes-cursory dispositions that resolve upward of 80 percent of cases in federal appeals courts. Currently, four federal circuits ban the citation of unpublished opinions outright, while six others discourage it.

Article here.

Noteworthy, but rather gross, point: 9th Circuit Judge Alex Kozinski opposed the rule change, in part because the unpublished opinions are drafted "entirely" by law clerks and staff attorneys. Judge Kozinski added, "When the people making the sausage tell you it's not safe for human consumption, it seems strange indeed to have a committee in Washington tell people to go ahead and eat it anyway."

I get Judge Kozinski's point, but comparing opinions drafted by law clerks and staff attorneys to sausage unfit for human consumption is not the analogy I would have gone for.

Last evidence of destruction and working-from-home perks

2006-04-11T22:39:00.000-04:00

Blogging has been light with the work chaos and without consistent access to the internet. We moved into temporary office space yesterday (still no phones or server/internet), which has, for the most part, brought about the end to working from home. However, we found out today that the building/city Powers That Be might let us back into our offices permanently (and while construction continues on the floors above us) by the end of next week. I can only hope! I still have not been in my office and am missing out on getting work done. I know that once I return, I will be busier than ever trying to catch up. In the meantime, the firm has worked really hard to keep things up and running.

Some more fun noteworthies from this past week:

* Plumber's Crack is not attractive. I appreciate the fact that you are fixing the pipe in our temp office so that we may have water/coffee/drainage, but please remember to wear some underwear that actually fit you next time. Or jeans with a belt. I don't want to see your ass while I'm trying to fix my sore throat with some green tea and honey. On the other hand, your ass was kinda cute.

* Decorating my patio into living space has become a bit of an obsession with me since the weather turned warm. I love to be outside. This weekend, I bought some fun chairs, table, planters and stands, but I was disappointed that the flats of flowers weren't out yet. And then, driving home this afternoon, I saw flowers being delivered to the local hardware/garden store. The flowers look like they have weathered the storms we've been through lately, and they need a little help. So I ended up leaving with a trunk-load and backseat-full of flowers, hanging baskets, two huge bags of potting soil, and coconut shell windchimes. A little love and MiracleGrow should easily transform what was a large empty patio into the peaceful, colorful garden of prettiness I always knew it could be.

* Favorite lyrics of the week: Right now, she's probably saying "I'm drunk"and he's a thinking that he's gonna get lucky. Right now, he's probably dabbing on 3 dollars worth of that bathroom cologne...

* I am the proud new owner of a pale pink straw cowboy hat.

* Milo has a new game: As soon as I turn on the shower in the morning, he bares his teeth and barks like a rabid dog, acting as if he might bite my ankles if I actually step into the bathtub. I have no idea where this comes from. I don't think I want to know.

* I am finally reading The Da Vinci Code. Interesting. Great read.

* I am behind on responding to e-mails. So if I haven't responded to the most hilarious customized chimpanzee-speaking messages sent my way, it isn't because I didn't appreciate it or laugh my ass off.

That's about all. A week in the life...

Funny stuff, even without the jazz hands

2006-04-07T12:40:00.000-04:00

If you watch American Idol, or even if you don't watch (like me), go here to KP's blog and have a good laugh. Some very funny shiz right there about the contestants, and an unfortunate but hilarious post here (kind of like when you watch that scene from "Fargo" when the wife falls out of the shower with the curtain and you know you shouldn't laugh but you can't help yourself, and again when she tries to run through the snow blindfolded. Not funny, but sick-and-twisted-funny nonetheless) about a girl with a wooden leg AND a glass eye. Seriously.

Bird's eye view

2006-04-06T09:33:00.000-04:00

So, we are still out of our offices, and it appears that will be the case for quite some time (anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months). Yesterday morning, building management/police allowed twelve people from our firm to access our office for 30 minutes only. Each of us reported to the department chair our essential files and whatever else we absolutely needed from our office. I was allowed to request whatever could fit in one box, so I asked that my managing partner clean off the entire top of my desk and grab a couple of files from my bookshelf. I've been unpacking and setting up to work from home this morning on the essential projects. Unfortunately, his sweep of my desk did not include my favorite pink pen, my lucky bamboo, or my desk calendar, but I think I can survive.

Fortunately, our floor did not sustain massive amounts of damage. We had a few windows broken out and some water damage in those offices, but nothing like we thought earlier in the week. Now it's just a matter of waiting until we are cleared to go back in and get the firm up and running again. For now, the partners are looking for temporary office space, and they have set up a location for us to gain access to supplies, fax, printers, and the server in the meantime. It really is a logistical nightmare, but everyone has done an amazing job of pulling together and making sure we are still in business.

Thanks to Kelly for sending the inside view picture posted here.

The good, the bad, and the brief

2006-04-03T21:39:00.000-04:00

Our law firm is one of more than a dozen that has been displaced by the damage caused by last night's violent storms. While our floor did not sustain a direct hit, the floors above us did, and those law firms will have to contend with much greater damages and impact to their business than we do. However, none of us can return to our offices for the foreseeable future due to water damage, structural issues and falling debris. It could be quite some time before we are able to get to our offices and our files. Some may see this as an opportunity for an unexpected vacation from the daily grind. I, however, am completely stressed at the thought of not being able to do my work or take care of my cases. I have never wanted to be in my office with all its little luxuries quite as much as I want to be there right now.

The Indianapolis Bar Association has put the call out and offered to act as a clearinghouse for available office space, as well as graciously offered their own space. And the Marion County courts will accomodate the affected firms. Hoosier hospitality and the Indianapolis legal community at its best.

A northside firm took us (partner, myself and another associate, and co-counsel) in this morning so that we could continue to work on our immediate case from their office. The attorneys and staff were incredibly accomodating - offering internet access, copiers, projection equipment, coffee, and empathy. Our hearing is in a neighboring county tomorrow morning. While we could likely get a continuance based on the circumstances, we are substantially ready to go and there is no need to request a continuance. Besides, our co-counsel is here from New Orleans, and we are geared up for this hearing. The case is an emotional one, and we are all deeply invested in it, professionally and personally. Albeit the circumstances today were difficult and chaotic, but our client and our case matters so much more that the inconvenience.

Speaking of co-counsel, I had only met him via phone prior to today, and it was an pleasure to meet him in person. He is an expert at litigating this particular kind of case, and he was absolutely amazing today. Not only does he have the most charming southern presence (think Matthew McConaughey meets Harry Connick, Jr.), but he has been through much worse with his practice in the past year having been displaced himself for many weeks due to Hurricane Katrina. His perspective kept us grounded and focused on the task at hand. What the attorneys and legal system have been through in Louisiana is incomprehensible to most of us.

So, we are ready for tomorrow. The brief will be hand-delivered to the court prior to the hearing, and our strategy for the argument is ready to go. As in any adverse situation, resourceful people pull together and figure out how to get things done. I'm exhausted, but the experience has been poitgnant.

Thanks to all for the e-mails and phone calls today offering to help. I will keep you posted!

Storm briefs

2006-04-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Having grown up in central Indiana surrounded by corn fields, I'm used to spring thunderstorms, including those that bring about hail and tornados. I have never been afraid of the weather. In fact, as a child, I would rather risk the tornado than brave the alien crickets in my parents' cellar. In the 15 years I lived on that farm, I never did seek shelter in the cellar.

So I find unsettling that I was absolutely terrified last night when the storms ripped across Indianapolis. I ended up in the bathroom with Milo, pretty certain that we were going to be hit by a tornado. Fortunately, we were fine. Unfortunately, Milo was about as scared as I was, and he's still hiding under the bed this morning.

So, no damage here. I can't say the same for my office. I got a call from the office administrator around 1am telling me that our office building had been damaged - windows blown out on the floors above ours and structural damage. And the sprinkler system was activated, so I have no clue if my office (which is just below the damaged corner) is a soggy mess this morning. The building has been completely closed down - no access allowed.

This is not good for me. I spent the majority of last week working on a case, writing 2 briefs. One brief was filed on Friday; the other brief must be filed today in anticipation of an oral argument hearing tomorrow. I spent all day Saturday and Sunday working on this case. When I left the office last night, I placed my cases and research and all other briefs in a neat pile on my desk and saved my brief to the server, with every intention of returning to the office by 7am this morning to continue the work. I should also point out that being under the gun on time was not a result of our procrastination; opposing counsel filed 3 briefs on this case this past Monday. The managing partner on the case was out of town on Spring Break. Another associate and I have had an insane week of trying to pick up the ball and run with it.

And now this intervening act of God has thrown quite the wrench in my Monday plan. I cannot access the server from home, and I don't have copies of the prior briefs and research from opposing counsel, nor do I have any of my own notes. Just finding a way to gather all the material I need (not to mention I have no printer here, either) could take the better part of the day, and the brief still needs a lot of work. Ironically, I hauled this case back and forth with me every day last week. Sunday night was the only night I didn't pack it all up and bring it home with me. So frustrating.

I spoke with my partner on the case a little while ago. We're going to try to use someone else's office and resources today to get things ready for tomorrow's hearing, including getting the brief finished and filed today. There's a ton of work to do, but this case means a great deal to both of us. I'm sure we'll pull it off, but certainly not under the best of circumstances.

Ironically enough, our co-counsel on this case is from New Orleans. He's flying in this morning. Compared to what he's been through since Katrina, getting through today should be a piece of cake.

Wish us luck!

Why you gotta always be up in my grill?

2006-03-31T22:02:00.000-05:00

Because I have nothing better to do...

The times, they are a-changin'

2006-03-30T19:19:00.000-05:00

When I was in college, the first warm and sunny days of spring brought about an annual tradition: skip afternoon classes, buy cheap beer, sit on someone's front porch (preferably one in the "Village"), listen to music (Grateful Dead, Pearl Jam, The Eagles, Jimmy Buffett, Nirvana, The Why Store) and hang out. Sometimes we'd kick around a hacky sack or throw a frisbee in the front yard. But mostly, we'd just sit and drink and smoke and waste the afternoon away.

I loved those times of carefree, debt-free, responsibility-free bliss. Today, I wanted to find some friends and a front porch, and I even would have sprung for some beer, though maybe not the cheap stuff we used to drink. Today was the first day of warm and sunny spring, and it made me happy.

Of course, these days I've substituted the front porch for the office. I think I need to start some new traditions, or maybe just touch base with the old ones.

Not quite what I had in mind

2006-03-30T19:09:00.000-05:00

Overheard in a voicemail* tonight:

"Yeah, Amanda, call me back. I want to know what you've been doing this week. I want to hear your inner-most thoughts. Basically, I want you to regurgitate your diary to me."

Regurgitate my diary? I don't think so.

* from my sick and twisted friend/ex-boyfriend, Robert.

Overheard at lunch

2006-03-30T13:16:00.000-05:00

"I had no idea marriage would be such a tremendous invasion of my privacy."

I won't be ignored, Dan!

2006-03-30T11:37:00.000-05:00

This morning's most obscure reference:

The e-mail exchange:
Amanda: Mike, I need that affidavit. Can you send it to me, please?
Mike: Hey - what's the soup du jour downstairs? Or do you want to go to Bazbeaux's?
Amanda: I don't know about the soup. I need that affidavit before lunch. Send it now, please.
Mike: Let's go to Bazbeaux's.
Amanda: You're going nowhere until I get that affidavit.
Mike: Laura's in on Bazbeaux's. She likes to reek like pesto all day, too.
Amanda: WTF? Stop ignoring me and send me the damn affidavit!
Mike: Who are you, Alex Forrest?

Smells like toxic waste

2006-03-30T09:09:00.000-05:00

You know that funny chemical smell that dry cleaning leaves on your clothes?

Yeah, I hate it.

Cowboy up!

2006-03-27T20:53:00.000-05:00

My sister had a date last night. She called me today and said that she knew that it was going to be a good date when he pulled into the driveway of her farm driving a black dooley F-350 diesel 3/4 ton pick-up truck with running lights.

What is that?! I had to spell-check "diesel" to write this post.

I can't relate, really, but whatever floats her boat.