I guess I'll try to sum up the past year (gulp) without being too boring.
My blogging really slowed down early last year as I wrapped up my final semester of law school. Of course, almost as soon as I graduated it was time to get busy studying for the Bar Exam. My entire summer was spent either studying for the Bar Exam or curled up in a ball crying over how there was no point in studying because there was simply NO WAY I was going to pass.
After taking the Bar, my life was quiet for about a month. During this time I wanted to start blogging regularly again but I just didn't have it in me. The thought of attempting to create something that others might want to read seemed overwhelming. My mind was in recovery mode, from three months of 10-18 hour study days 6-7 days a week, from the years of law school that had come before that, and of course, from the years in undergrad that had come even before that. For the first time, there was nothing to study. And my mind went on autopilot.
Of course, autopilot didn't last long. Two days before I found out I'd passed the Bar Exam (that's right -- I passed!!) I was offered a job. Over the past ten months I've been practicing law. It's honestly taken me so long to become an attorney that sometimes when I sit back and think about the fact that I am one, I giggle. I'm an attorney. Teeheehee. :D
I've honestly liked practicing a lot more than I thought I would. I went into law school thinking I'd love practicing, but left wondering if I'd like it at all. While in law school I realized that I loved the study of law and being around others who are likeminded and share similar passions. But I began to wonder if I'd like the practice of law as much as law in theory. To my surprise, I've enjoyed it. A lot. I love the people that I work with and most of the time I even love my clients... haha.
So over the past ten months, we've been a two-parent, working household for the first time. And it's sucked. Our house has STAYED in a constant state of clutter and unfolded laundry. My son started the first grade -- I blinked -- first grade was over. Because my drive to work is (wait for it) 1.5 hours ONE WAY, we had to hire a nanny to pick up Maddox from school and take him to piano practice and swim practice. If we'd have sent him to after-school care he wouldn't have been able to continue his lessons in either.
It's been so chaotic. And I've hated it. Although I've loved my work, I hated my ridiculous commute. (Yes, it's my fault that I took a job that far away from where I work but I had my reasons.) I also hated the thought of second grade starting next month -- me blinking -- and second grade being over. Not again. And more than anything, I've hated not being able to put my family first.
So, after about two months of talks and prayer and thought, I turned in my notice. This Friday, July 26th, is my last day. My husband is BEYOND supportive and good grief I'm so thankful for that guy.
Where do I go from here?
Well, the plan is to start my own practice so that I can work part time and schedule my case load around what matters most, my family. I hope to have my practice up and running by January. In the meantime (and this is my favorite part) I'll solely be homeschooling Maddox. It's something I've been wanting to do since before he started kindergarten but I couldn't do it because I had to focus on my own education.
So, next month we start homeschooling. And, soon I'll slowly incorporate my part-time work into my routine as well. I'm beyond thrilled! Maddox is so excited too. He's done great in public school, but (like most children) some subjects come easier to him than others. I'm looking forward to seeing how much he'll excel in math now that he won't have to sit in class and wait on other children to finish their work. And I'm looking forward to seeing how much he'll improve in reading now that we can spend extra time on it.
To wrap this up: I'm back. I've been gone. But I'm so glad to be back!
