I love working. I love having the job that I currently have...getting up in the morning, making coffee and putting on my "job clothes." I love walking around in heels and a cute outfit, as petty as it sounds. And I love that all the time and money that I invested in law school is finally starting to pay off. I can't tell you how many times I questioned whether law was the right path to take over the past two years. Mike always said, "Why don't you wait until you start practicing before you make another life decision?" ("And get into more debt" is probably what he was thinking.) Regardless, he was right and I am really enjoying the office where I am and the assignments I am given.
However, with this major change, another event has shifted. Mike is a full time student. He has classes that he attends, but for the most part, he creates his own schedule. When I had nothing to do, this was great. We would watch movies late into the night, sleep until noon and then he would go off to school. It was wonderful and ridiculous at the same time. Wonderful because I really do love to sleep. Ridiculous because while he had a place to take off to, I was still at home. And so, we have moved to Dallas. We have a cute new place that is decorated "girly" and I have more motivation to do things around the house than I have had in two years.
The issue is that Mike is still on the same schedule. In fact, he just left at 11:30 pm to head to school. This drives me nuts. We have argued about this for years, going around and around. But the crux of it is, you can't change someone. I think part of it is control and wanting to somehow control him? (or at least his time schedule because I think I know what is better for him?) Are there really night owls and morning people? Personally, I believe I am more of an "after 11 am" kind of girl, but whatever. I am struggling to somehow accept this chapter of our lives (that seems to be going on FOREVER) but I don't know that it will ever change. Another chapter will always offer struggles, and I understand that. It's just this one that I am currently trying to figure out.
I am headed to bed while my husband is headed to school.
Well, this was a juicy post. I always wonder why people put their whole lives out on the internet for anyone to read. I don't mind doing it because I hope that someone out there is somehow relating to me. I know that I read blogs where I am happy to know that I am not the only one experiencing different things. (Do I sound like Oprah? She always says silly things like that. "I know, some of you are out there cooking dinner, and you just had your Ah-ha moment!)Regardless, we will continue to figure this whole marriage thing out one day at a time. :-) Good night!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Bookstores and My Twin
This afternoon I went to the bookstore. I love books. I love being at the bookstore; it is one of those weird places of solitude for me where you can browse for hours and not realize how much time has gone by. I personally think there should not be any cell phones allowed there as major decisions are being made. You can decide whether you are in the mood for the best sellers, the Classics, or Oprah's Book Club. (I got one of each today.) I have decided that I needed Anna Karenina in my "library" at least to get used to the idea of reading it. Then when I decide to conquer this 817 page literary masterpiece, I will have it in our home. When we moved from St. Louis, Mike's mother couldn't believe that we were both bringing all our books with us. She asked me why I wasn't going to donate them to Goodwill or throw them out. These thoughts horrified me. Who throws out books? As cheesy as it sounds, once I finish reading a novel, it has somehow impacted my life, whether I know it or not. And what if I want to read it again?
One of the best things about my parent's house is their collection of books stacked along the walls in the basement. For summer reading, we rarely had to buy the books - my parents usually had a copy. And when we are bored over the holidays or when we are visiting we can always go downstairs and find SOMETHING that will suit the mood we are in and entertain us for at least a few days. So, at some point, I hope that Mike and I will have that for our children. Novels for our children that we have held in our hands and thought about or even been educated by. (I am going to make sure that Mike's criminology books are locked up so our children don't get any weird ideas...:-)
Anyway, back to the beginning. While I was browsing the store, I began looking in the cookbook section. I have really been trying to be more domestic since we moved, and I enjoy putting dinner together, knowing that it is healthier than the pound of wings Mike would order otherwise. Ever since I watched Julie & Julia, I have wanted to get the Julia Child's cookbook and attempt to create some French dishes. I know, this is not original, I am sure that everyone who watched that movie was somehow inspired (maybe?) to begin exploring these recipes. However, I was shocked to see how expensive cookbooks are! Yes, I get it. You will have them forever. But still - I couldn't justify spending that amount of money on a cookbook and decided I would either get it on my next trip or ask for it for Christmas.
After dinner this evening, I checked the blog of the girl with whom I feel I am in competition. Remember the one that does all the same things I do, but seems to do them better, faster and more beautifully? Would you believe that she JUST BOUGHT THE JULIA CHILDS COOKBOOK?? Then she posted pictures of several of the recipes that she has made from it. I couldn't believe it.
I marched into Mike's office and started telling him about this outrage (and how it is a little weird.) Mike suggested that (and this is so typical of a scientist) all bloggers might have the same types of personalities and so it is not absurd that this particular girl (who now lives in Seattle - see, she just had a big move, just like us) would be doing all the things I am doing. I still think it is crazy. And so, I may be putting up Rachael Ray for a little while, sucking it up, and investing in Julia Childs. I will let you know how that goes :-)
One of the best things about my parent's house is their collection of books stacked along the walls in the basement. For summer reading, we rarely had to buy the books - my parents usually had a copy. And when we are bored over the holidays or when we are visiting we can always go downstairs and find SOMETHING that will suit the mood we are in and entertain us for at least a few days. So, at some point, I hope that Mike and I will have that for our children. Novels for our children that we have held in our hands and thought about or even been educated by. (I am going to make sure that Mike's criminology books are locked up so our children don't get any weird ideas...:-)
Anyway, back to the beginning. While I was browsing the store, I began looking in the cookbook section. I have really been trying to be more domestic since we moved, and I enjoy putting dinner together, knowing that it is healthier than the pound of wings Mike would order otherwise. Ever since I watched Julie & Julia, I have wanted to get the Julia Child's cookbook and attempt to create some French dishes. I know, this is not original, I am sure that everyone who watched that movie was somehow inspired (maybe?) to begin exploring these recipes. However, I was shocked to see how expensive cookbooks are! Yes, I get it. You will have them forever. But still - I couldn't justify spending that amount of money on a cookbook and decided I would either get it on my next trip or ask for it for Christmas.
After dinner this evening, I checked the blog of the girl with whom I feel I am in competition. Remember the one that does all the same things I do, but seems to do them better, faster and more beautifully? Would you believe that she JUST BOUGHT THE JULIA CHILDS COOKBOOK?? Then she posted pictures of several of the recipes that she has made from it. I couldn't believe it.
I marched into Mike's office and started telling him about this outrage (and how it is a little weird.) Mike suggested that (and this is so typical of a scientist) all bloggers might have the same types of personalities and so it is not absurd that this particular girl (who now lives in Seattle - see, she just had a big move, just like us) would be doing all the things I am doing. I still think it is crazy. And so, I may be putting up Rachael Ray for a little while, sucking it up, and investing in Julia Childs. I will let you know how that goes :-)
Friday, September 17, 2010
And We Are Still Leaking
So...it rains a lot here. These torrential downpours where out of no where the rain just starts coming down slanted, thunder is rumbling and lightening is flashing. I really don't mind the rain - just not at 5:00 when I am headed home from work and can't park in our garage. Soooo....as I told you, we had some minor issues with the house. When I asked Mike when the people were coming back to do the repairs, he replied, "I'm gonna be honest. I had a paper due so I wasn't really listening." WHAT? Apparently today was the day they were coming back. No one was home. Now it is pouring. Of course it is.
So, I after I just mopped up the office, I called our landlord. He made me feel like it was our fault that no one was home. Ok, in a way it was, but why didn't they try to call me? Besides, I could hear that our landlord was in a bar and I seemed to be interrupting his darts game. He gave me the number to call for the handy man, but of course, who picks up a 205 area code after 5:00? (or ever.)
Mike does have class at 7, so I am alone to listen to the rain, watch Oprah and Project Runway and hope that this guy calls back. Tomorrow we are supposed to go to Oktoberfest here (I know it is September) but it is featured in USA Today every year as one of the best ones. HOPEFULLY we will get the garage cleaned out and be able to enjoy ourselves. Have a great weekend!
So, I after I just mopped up the office, I called our landlord. He made me feel like it was our fault that no one was home. Ok, in a way it was, but why didn't they try to call me? Besides, I could hear that our landlord was in a bar and I seemed to be interrupting his darts game. He gave me the number to call for the handy man, but of course, who picks up a 205 area code after 5:00? (or ever.)
Mike does have class at 7, so I am alone to listen to the rain, watch Oprah and Project Runway and hope that this guy calls back. Tomorrow we are supposed to go to Oktoberfest here (I know it is September) but it is featured in USA Today every year as one of the best ones. HOPEFULLY we will get the garage cleaned out and be able to enjoy ourselves. Have a great weekend!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Content
I don't want to jinx it, but things are going extremely smoothly right now. Almost to the point where I would like to say we are getting settled, and finally, content. Of course nothing is ever normal here and there are going to be the daily occurrences that make me throw my hands up and say, "of course." A quick example - last week we had horrendous storms from some Tropical Depression. (I know, I should watch the news.) Regardless, Mike called me into the study to show me where water was leaking in through the windows. As he continued to search the house for further damage, he found a piece of the garage ceiling had fallen down and water was coming in upstairs.
Once we called our landlord, he came out and took care of it which was a relief. It is definitely a plus that we are renting - who knew that crazy storms pass through Texas all the time? We also have had some issues with the shower door in the master bath. The issue is, I got stuck. It was really the scariest thing! We have a glass shower and I shut the door (like normal people do.) When I was done, I went to step out and the door wouldn't open! After several attempts, I started banging on the shower door and screaming, "HELP." Of course, I had closed the door to the bedroom and Mike had the tv on downstairs so he didn't hear me. As thoughts of me being found passed out from lack of food and water ran through my head, I finally decided to kick the door. I was vaguely worried that I would break the glass, but the thought of continuing to be a rat caught in a cage was not enticing. After my second or third kick the door bounced out. Mike couldn't figure out why I was so upset when I came downstairs dripping and frantically talking jibberish. The door will be replaced on Wednesday.
Aside from that, nothing too exciting is going on. Mike's best man came into town on business and was our first non-family guest. Of course, he arrived the day the house started leaking, but oh well. He was a good sport and we really enjoyed his company. (He also didn't say anything when I woke up in the middle of the night and realized there were no sheets on the guest bed.) I snuck in to give him another blanket (which is kind of weird in retrospect) but I felt horrible! Damn martini on a Wednesday night!
That's about all the exciting stuff. People drive like crazy people here, and it is still in the high 90s. No one really cares about college football (go figure) but I am going to try and be a good sport and see if I can root for the Cowboys. I am really enjoying work and have been able to go to court twice, which is kind of a rush for me. I know, I am a dork, but it is so fun! Sooo, that is what has been going on in our lives. Don't worry - not much has changed. Mike left for work/school a little while ago and I am about to curl up with a book. Hope all is well!
Once we called our landlord, he came out and took care of it which was a relief. It is definitely a plus that we are renting - who knew that crazy storms pass through Texas all the time? We also have had some issues with the shower door in the master bath. The issue is, I got stuck. It was really the scariest thing! We have a glass shower and I shut the door (like normal people do.) When I was done, I went to step out and the door wouldn't open! After several attempts, I started banging on the shower door and screaming, "HELP." Of course, I had closed the door to the bedroom and Mike had the tv on downstairs so he didn't hear me. As thoughts of me being found passed out from lack of food and water ran through my head, I finally decided to kick the door. I was vaguely worried that I would break the glass, but the thought of continuing to be a rat caught in a cage was not enticing. After my second or third kick the door bounced out. Mike couldn't figure out why I was so upset when I came downstairs dripping and frantically talking jibberish. The door will be replaced on Wednesday.
Aside from that, nothing too exciting is going on. Mike's best man came into town on business and was our first non-family guest. Of course, he arrived the day the house started leaking, but oh well. He was a good sport and we really enjoyed his company. (He also didn't say anything when I woke up in the middle of the night and realized there were no sheets on the guest bed.) I snuck in to give him another blanket (which is kind of weird in retrospect) but I felt horrible! Damn martini on a Wednesday night!
That's about all the exciting stuff. People drive like crazy people here, and it is still in the high 90s. No one really cares about college football (go figure) but I am going to try and be a good sport and see if I can root for the Cowboys. I am really enjoying work and have been able to go to court twice, which is kind of a rush for me. I know, I am a dork, but it is so fun! Sooo, that is what has been going on in our lives. Don't worry - not much has changed. Mike left for work/school a little while ago and I am about to curl up with a book. Hope all is well!
Friday, September 3, 2010
A Little of This, A Little of That
I just got off the phone with Best Buy for the second time in a week. Mike decided when we moved here that he needed new bookcases to keep all his Criminology books in, and found a pretty good deal at Best Buy. (In all fairness, one of his old bookcases is now in use as a china cabinet.) So, we ordered two bookcases to be delivered. When they arrived, one of them looked like the workers at UPS had taken a hammer to the sides. When we called to explain the situation, Best Buy sent out a new bookcase, but failed to pick up the old one. In addition, the new bookcase has a big chunk of wood take out of it. I now have two 100 pound pieces of wood laying in the middle of my entryway/dining room.
Today marks Mike and my's 3 month anniversary. My dad started laughing when I told him that my parents should fly us to the beach to celebrate. I feel like it has been WAY more than three months! Who gets married, moves, starts a new school, starts a new job, gets fired from the job and hired at a new job when you first get married? It is ridiculous. Granted, I am very happy to be married to Mike and have a job FINALLY, but there still seems to be something missing. I'm wondering if I am one of those people who is always going to find something to get upset about or if I just need to complete the transition here by finding some really fun friends.
It is currently 6:15 pm and I am still waiting for the temperature to fall below 90 so I can go run. (Also, my IPOD is dead and charging.) That is one of the things I just searched through about 6 boxes to find...Mike is getting ready to go to school and do work and I am going to....? Sorry if this sounds very "I feel sorry for myself today." My best friends from home were all together this weekend, either pregnant or as new mommas and I think I am feeling a little far away and in a sense, left out. It's weird that they are all going through this very precious stage in life together and I am not.
We have made some friends here and were lucky enough to spend some time at their house yesterday stuffing ourselves and watching college football. We had a great time and are looking forward to continuing to hang out with them! Ok, I am going for a run - hope everyone is having a great Labor Day weekend!!
Today marks Mike and my's 3 month anniversary. My dad started laughing when I told him that my parents should fly us to the beach to celebrate. I feel like it has been WAY more than three months! Who gets married, moves, starts a new school, starts a new job, gets fired from the job and hired at a new job when you first get married? It is ridiculous. Granted, I am very happy to be married to Mike and have a job FINALLY, but there still seems to be something missing. I'm wondering if I am one of those people who is always going to find something to get upset about or if I just need to complete the transition here by finding some really fun friends.
It is currently 6:15 pm and I am still waiting for the temperature to fall below 90 so I can go run. (Also, my IPOD is dead and charging.) That is one of the things I just searched through about 6 boxes to find...Mike is getting ready to go to school and do work and I am going to....? Sorry if this sounds very "I feel sorry for myself today." My best friends from home were all together this weekend, either pregnant or as new mommas and I think I am feeling a little far away and in a sense, left out. It's weird that they are all going through this very precious stage in life together and I am not.
We have made some friends here and were lucky enough to spend some time at their house yesterday stuffing ourselves and watching college football. We had a great time and are looking forward to continuing to hang out with them! Ok, I am going for a run - hope everyone is having a great Labor Day weekend!!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Reunited and It Feels So Good
I am a little nervous to tell y'all this, but...I have a new job. I know. It is crazy. However, I am actually working in the LEGAL field, doing all the stuff I trained for three years to learn how to do! On Monday I met with another attorney whom I had been referred to. He is the DA of some area in Dallas and apparently is the "Guy to know." I explained my situation and we mulled over the fact that the legal market is saturated and there are no jobs for aspiring young lawyers like me. He told me to "hang on a minute" while he made one call.
A few minutes later, he was rushing me out the door because the lady he called was leaving in 30 minutes. Apparently the firm where I was headed had just fired their clerk (that scares the heck out of me.) I talked with the two attorneys in the office and they said they would give me a call the next day to let me know one way or the other. Can you believe I finally have my own office, with my own computer and a WINDOW?? It is so exciting. I am just scared to death of doing something wrong and getting fired yet again, so I am trying to be as by the book as possible.
Today was exciting because I got to go to court with one of the attorneys. Although I wasn't allowed to speak, it was still a lot of fun to be in the group listening to what was going on. So finally, two years after graduation, I am hoping we might just be on the right path!
A few minutes later, he was rushing me out the door because the lady he called was leaving in 30 minutes. Apparently the firm where I was headed had just fired their clerk (that scares the heck out of me.) I talked with the two attorneys in the office and they said they would give me a call the next day to let me know one way or the other. Can you believe I finally have my own office, with my own computer and a WINDOW?? It is so exciting. I am just scared to death of doing something wrong and getting fired yet again, so I am trying to be as by the book as possible.
Today was exciting because I got to go to court with one of the attorneys. Although I wasn't allowed to speak, it was still a lot of fun to be in the group listening to what was going on. So finally, two years after graduation, I am hoping we might just be on the right path!
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