First CLE

Today I had my first experience with a CLE. For those of you that don't know. CLEs are continuing legal education. Every year, attorneys are required to attend so many credit hours. I had to attend it today for a class. As a law student, you do not have to pay to attend these conferences (which was really great becuase they are soooo expensive). My pre-trial litigation professor thought that it would be beneficial for our class to attend a session. The session that I attended was the "Do's and Don'ts of Trial Practice"

This was a pointless hour of my life. There was a panel of 6 judges from all over the state that gave their opinions about what they expect out of attorneys in front of them and also fielded questions from the crowd. Although I thought they were common sense, here is what I "learned" from my CLE today.

1. Always come to Court prepared
2. Always be respectful to the Judge
3. Always be civil to opposing counsel
4. Always dress professionally
5. Always be nice to the Court clerks

Seriously, I sat drove across town and sat for an hour to learn that?

It was lame. But I got an awesome nametag that says Missouri Bar and my name. It makes me really happy!!

Well, it is time to go pack for my weekend in Versailles.

Personality Test

So today during my conflict management class, we had to take a personality test for our orientation to conflict.

Big surprise, I learned that I was in between a competitior and corroborating.


But it got me thinking about myself more and more today.

I know that I can be a bitch. My dad even brags about the fact. I know that only my dad would be proud to have a daughter who is a bitch. But my agressive tendencies come out more in certain situations and around certain people. I have more agressive and bitchy around those that I don't know or don't like. I hold grudges like you wouldn't believe and once you have crossed me, it takes a lot for me to forgive you. I try not to pick little fights with my family and typically allow them to get away more with crossing me than most. Which is probably where my uncompetitve side comes from. I try to keep family relationships the best. Too bad not everyone in my family thinks that way.

Though I was very surprised that so many people in my class were in the avoidant approach to conflict. I wouldn't have been surprised about a few, but like half of the class was. I was under the impression that most of the people going to law school are all more Type A and more aggressive. Most of the attorneys that I know are like that. Maybe those are the people who are not planning on practicing or planning on being trial attorneys.

Something to ponder. But I just learned today what I already know about myself.

But I also tend to be a little nicer to those closest to me. I have let my guards down to my family and closest friends.

Weekend Home

This past weekend was a wonderful weekend for me. I love going home to see my family.

Friday night when I got into town, I sat around with my mother to visit for a bit. The boys had been working at the hosue all day making a corral for the cows. We as a family fed the cows that night and had dinner together. After dinner, we just sat around and talked. The pups all played.

Saturday morning, I was up bright and early with Dozer. He thought I needed up at 5:30. We played for a little while before anyone else was up. My mom and I headed into town. We did a little shopping and had lunch with my grandma and nephew. We picked up lunch for the boys and came home. I spent the afternoon cleaning and working around the house. Chris was working outside. We had a nice dinner with my parents, then headed back to our own house for a movie night. It was pretty relaxing.

Sunday was a chilly day. We spent the morning inside. The pups played all morning. They wrestled inside and outside. Here are a few pictures of my favorite pups.

It is hard to believe that Dozer is actually the older brother. They enjoy playing but sometimes they get a little serious. Both pups are very jealous and want all the attention and all the toys. I actually got caught in the middle of a fight Sunday morning. Dozer, despite being small, got ahold of my arm and wouldn't let go. Today, my arm is still purple and swollen. Guess I learned my lesson to leave that to Christopher.

I got on the road around 2:30ish. I stopped at three Wal-Mart stores along the way looking for special candle holders for the wedding. We found some that both Chris and I liked so I wanted to try to get them all now before Wal-Mart stopped carrying them. So, after stopping at 3 stores, I purchased 76 candles. We only needed 75, but we wanted to get a few extra in case one breaks. So I still need to pick up a few more. But there are two more Wal-Marts in Columbia and this weekend, I will be by at least 2 more.

When I got to Columbia I picked up dinner and Maggie came over. It was a nice way to end the weekend.

Now I am just ready for this week to be over and get on with the next weekend.

One Year from Today

I just wanted to share with all of you that one year from today I will be getting hitched!!! We are both so excited and hope that the next year continues to fly by!

I'll be away from the computer this weekend as I will be at home with Christopher, my pups and my family. Hope that you have a great weekend!!!!

Ceremony Reading

I have finally found a reading that I like for our wedding ceremony. For the most part, I haven't been real particular about what I wanted read at the ceremony. We are supposed to have 4 meetings with our minister and I am hoping that he will get to know us well enough that I won't have to write out word for word what I want said during our wedding. We want a more traditional ceremony and Chris is very anti writing our own wedding vows.

So I had been looking around on a few websites and came across this and I cried when I read it. So I wanted to share it with all of you. The only thing we might chance is who will do the reading. This says that the maid of honor and the best man should read it, but I think we may have our mothers read it instead. Chris's best man isn't big on speaking in public and I don't want to make it harder on him than it had to be.

So, without further delay, here is the reading:

The Hands of the Bride and Groom

Maid of Honor

Bride's name, please face Groom's name, and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. Bride and groom should be facing each other, his upturned hands resting in hers.

These are the hands, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.

These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.

These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within your womb.

These are the hands that look so large and clumsy, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time.

These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief rack your mind.

These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you.

Best Man

Groom's name, please hold Bride's name's hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you. Bride should now place her upturned hands in the Groom's hands.

These are the hands that are smooth, young, and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.

These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurts, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it's time to let go.

These are the hands that will massage tension from your neck and back in the evenings, after you've both had a long hard day.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.

They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope, each time she tells you that you are to have another child; that together you have created a new life.

These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.

These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together, as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.

Priest

Dear Father, bless the hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted to reaching for your perfection. May Bride's name and Groom's name see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter, and guide.

We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you now and forever, Amen.

Good News!!!!

Before I share the good news, I should probably give a little background information since I wasn't blogging at the time the whole thing started.

Late summer of 2009, Chris's mother found a lump in her chest. After doing several tests and a biopsy, it was discovered to be cancer. In October of last year, she underwent surgery to remove the tumor. The doctor was confident that he removed all of it and was sure that since he had caught it early that she would fully recover. Her tumor was sent to California for another test and it was revealed that her breast cancer was only 7% likely to come back. She underwent a couple months of radiation and had been on a chemo pill since her surgery.

About a month ago, Cheryl started having some major pains in her abdomen. Turns out that one of the side effects to her chemo pill is ovarian cancer. (I'm sure that you are thinking why does an pill to prevent one type of cancer cause another. I had the same thought and still do not know the answer to that) The doctor initially ran a few tests but could determine the cause of the pain but immediatly took her off the medication. She had to undergo another biopsy.

Well, tests results are back now and everything is CLEAR. No cancer!!! Everyone is so excited. So, hope that you all have a happy Tuesday too!!!!

I love you Cheryl and I look forward to seeing in about a week and a half for the annual Apple Festival!!!

Tomorrow is the day

So, I just spent about an hour prepping my dad for his court hearing tomorrow. Although it is just a default hearing (or supposed to be anyway) he still needs some advice.

Just in case you don't know what I am talking about, this is a lawsuit (beautifully drafted by yours truely) that I filed on behalf of the dump trucking business. Last summer we bought a new motor from a company in Michigan. We had problems getting the motor after paying for it. But the real problems happened this summer when the motor blew up due to the fact that the motor had used parts in it and it was not properly assembled. The guy jacked us around and refused to pay for the rebuild or the parts. Therefore we decided to have the motor rebuilt ourselves and sue for the damages.

The case was originally was set for hearing on September 2, 2010. But the defendant (yep, there is me using legal language) asked for additional time to answer and hire an attorney in Missouri. As of about 10 minutes ago, a check at casenet reveals that he still hasn't filed an answer or filed an attorney. My mom thinks that an attorney will show up tomorrow and asked for a continuance (which would be granted) but dad and I think no one will appear. It is just hard to say at this point what would happen.

Hopefully we get out judgment tomorrow. Then the next step will be trying to collect in the state of Michigan. That will be an adventure in itself.

So, I'm a terrible blogger

First off, I would like to apologize for being missing in the blog world. Life has been so crazy and I barely have time to eat a lot of times.

So here is a recap of what has been going on.

Last weekend. Friday night I had dinner with Maggie. Saturday, I hosted a lunch BBQ at my house for the girls that I work with (but only 2 showed up). Saturday night, Maggie and I went to babysit for one of the attorneys that we work for. It was actually a blast. We played at the park and at this place called Going Bonkers. It was a HUGE indoor play place (like at McDonalds). The kids were all over the place there. Sunday was a day for grocery shopping and I visited the Columbia bridal show (which was lame).

This week was just a mess. One of my classes was cancelled all week and another class was cancelled on Thursday. But despite having an extra 4 hours during the week, I felt like I was 10 hours behind all the time. School has been crazy. It occupies all my free time. Work was a disaster this week too. My manager was gone Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, leaving me in charge of the department. I had to handle all the emergencies that came up, which happened about once each day. I had to go in some extra times this week and actually worked 8 hours more than I am scheduled for. I had dinner with Maggie and Sara and we watched wedding shows after refreshing us on season 1 of Glee (which starts again on Tuesday and I am soooooo excited)

Today has been a pretty good day. Maggie and I went to Jefferson City for a new adventure. We hit up a few antique stores, had lunch and did a little clothes shopping. It was a pretty successful day and we had a lot of fun. We came back to my house totally wore out, watched a Hallmark movie and made homemade biscuits and gravy for dinner. It was yummy. I am so exhausted and ready to crash. I feel like such a loser. Last night I crashed at 10 and then tonight I will be asleep by 10.

Tomorrow's agenda: studying (gross)

I hope to be better this week. I will be hurrying to get everything done as I will be heading home to see my family. Three weeks is too long to not see Christopher. Just 10 1/2 months to go.

5 Question Friday

Although it was a short week, I am still so happy that it is Friday. Last weekend was so busy I didn't have time to relax and I hope to do some of that this weekend, but who knows if I will. But class starts in about 30 minutes and then I will be off to work from 10 - 5, so I thought that I would get in my 5 Question Friday before the rest of the day started.

1. Do you feel guilty spending money on yourself? Most of the time no. I don't spend a lot of money on myself because there are so many things that I would rather spend money on than new clothes and shoes (even though I love shoes). So when I do spend money on myself it is usually for something that I really, really need.

2. How well do you know your neighbors? Here in Columbia, I know a couple of my neighbors, not overly well, but it is a college town and neighbors change sooooo often. Last weekend I was invited to the birthday party of one of my neighbor's daughter. Of course in Pomona, I know my neighbors really well. For one, my mom and dad are one. The other neighbors around us are really nice. They have all stopped by to meet us shortly after we got the house. Since we have stopped to visit with them frequently. Larry (one neighbor) brought his tractor with his bucked over the other day to smooth something in the barn (we have a 966 cat front end loader and it wouldn't fit) and so Chris brought him a load of rock. Aww, I love the small town life
3. What age are you looking forward to being? Currently 24 - 2011 will be a great year for me. Two weeks after my 24th birthday I will graduate. Just a few months after that I will take the bar exam. A couple months after that I will be getting married :) and then hopefully get sworn into the Missouri bar and start practicing as an attorney. Big things will happen for me at 24

4. Do you get excited when the mail comes? Why? Only when it is something to get excited about. I don't get excited about bills, but I get excited when my grandmother sends me cards for every holiday and tapes a piece of gum on the inside.

5. What is your earliest childhood memory? That is a hard one. I have several memories from when I was young, but I'm honestly not sure which one came first. I'll have to think more about this one.

Hope that you all have a great weekend. If you get bored this Friday and want to play along with 5 Question Friday, head over to My Little Life and linkup.

Weekend Recap

I love long weekends. It was so refreshing to be home for 3 days. I got everything done on my list that I wanted to get done and then some.

Friday, after class, I went into work for a few hours. I got on the road about 12:30. I stopped at Steak and Shake in Rolla and picked up my dad dinner. I get that for him every time that I come down. Once I got into town, I headed over to the sheriff department to pick up my CCW certificate. Got word Friday morning that I passed the background check (big surprise there). Chris went and got his hair cut. I picked up take out for dinner. Chris and I ate with my parents and played outside with the puppies for a while. All four of us also headed up to our place and fed the cows. Those calves are seriously like pets. They like their little treats and will let you pet them. It was a good evening and felt so good to be home.

Saturday, I was up early in the morning. Dozer was up around 5:00 and was ready to go. We spent some time outside and had breakfast together. My mom and I headed into town around 9. We had a list of things to do. We started by heading to the pet store to get a few things. I then headed to Elite Image to get a hair cut. I just wanted a little trim. I'm growing my hair back out for our wedding next year, but the hair needed a trim to keep it growing nicely. I ordered a new cell phone. I'm very excited about it. It has been a while since I got a new phone and have never bought the latest and greatest. This time I splurged and got a nice phone. It will be delivered in a couple of weeks. I had a great lunch with my grandmother. After lunch, mom and I ran a few more errands, and were back at the house around 2. We brought lunch to our boys. Chris and my dad had been working on the farm all morning. Outside at the house is starting to look really good. They back of the barn was their big task this week and it looks amazing. Too bad I forgot to take a picture. After lunch, the boys worked a little more on the house.

Around 4:30, Chris and I headed out to his aunt's house. There was a ton of family out there. We had a great dinner. My contribution was homemade ice cream. I feel terrible going to family functions where they feed me empty handed. They told me not to bring anything for the main meal so I brought dessert. It was a hit too. It makes me feel really good for Chris's family to like my food, especially grandma. The entire fmaily thinks a lot of people who can cook/bake, so keep trying to impress. We spent most of the evening outside playing with the kiddos and visiting.

Sunday was essentially a repeat of Saturday. Chris and my dad worked outside all day. I did a good cleaning of the family room, kitchen and downstairs bath. We had an awful smell in the house. We think an armadillo died under the house. Chris crawled under the house but couldn't find anything. Next place to look is under the front porch, but it is low to the ground, and I'm not sure Chris can fit. We had the windows open in the house all day Saturday and Sunday and that helped a lot. Chris worked on fence and who knows what else. He didn't share with me and really as long as he was busy I didn't care too much what he was doing. The plan was to work outside since it was such a beautiful day and then next weekend when it will be crappy weather, he will be working inside.

About 5:30, Chris and I headed to go visit his mom again. I spend most of the evening playing with the kiddos. We spent the evening outside and the kids are obsessed with playing baseball. Here are a few of the pictures that I snapped when I wasn't catching.

Little Sadie is my favorite!!! 

Monday, I got up early with Dozer again. I met Jeannett and her son Seth at Hillbilly Junction for breakfast. It was so great just to visit with her. We email a lot when I am away at school, but seeing her in person and actually being able to have a conversation was a lot of fun. When I got back to the house everyone was already working on some landscape projects at my mom's house. I tried my best not to get dirty. Chris's mom stopped by the house on their way out of town. Dozer and I spent some time on the 4-wheeler. It is amazing how much he likes going for rides. Here is a picture of the two of us.  He rides on the front. I just can't go as fast by myself with him. If Chris and I are both on there and we can better hold him, we go a lot faster which Dozer really likes.

I got back into town just before 5. I went to the grocery store to pick up a few items and then headed to campus to meet with my co-counsel for my pre-trial litigation class. I was so exhausted when I got home. I unpacked, showered and crashed.

Hope that everyone had a good weekend too!!!

5 Question Friday

As many of you know, I have really been looking forward to today. I have to manage to survive one class, 2 hours of work and a three hour drive, then I will be home!!!!! Thank goodness. Just wanted to post my 5 Question Friday before I left.

1. What do you do when you have time to yourself? Lately, it has been wedding planning. I also enjoy scrapbooking and reading. I always read every night before going to sleep. What a great way to relax!!!

2. When you look out your kitchen window, what do you see? In Pomona, I see our driveway, part of the field and the county road. It is a pretty great view. Here in Columbia, it is not so exciting, I see the the townhouse next to mine.

3. Who/What would you want to be reincarnated as? Oh, goodness. I have no idea. I don't know of anyone that I would want to be. Maybe just being in someone elses shoes for a day, but not to be reincarnated as.

4. What is your biggest pet peeve about other people's kids? I hate when people cannot control their kiddos especially in a public place. It drives me nuts and makes Chris not want to have kids at all. Secondly, I was raised to be very polite and cannot stand rude children

5. Regular or Diet soda? I don't drink any soda now, but when I did, I would never touch a diet soda. Gross!!!!

Hope that you all enjoy the holiday weekend. If you have time this Friday, head over to My Little Life and play along for 5 Question Friday.

Can we say ready for the weekend?

I am soooo ready for it to be Friday. I have been counting down til tomorrow since two weeks ago.

Tomorrow I get out of class at 9:15, I will go into work til about 12 - 1 (ish, depending on the work load). Though, I might not be able to sit still during work because I will be so anxious to get on the road. Then a 3 hour trip down the beautiful 63 highway to Howell County.

I'm so glad that it is a long weekend. There are quite a few things that I want to get done this weekend. Here are just a few
 ~ First and foremost, spend some quality time with Christopher
 ~ Play with my puppies that I have missed so much
 ~ Sit on the deck and enjoy the beautiful weather
 ~ Get a hair cut (I never tried to find a new hair stylist in Columbia)
 ~ Visit with Chris's mom, step-dad and brother (they are coming into town too)
 ~ Visit Jeannett (one of my bridesmaids)
 ~ Paint some trim
 ~ Discuss some wedding stuff with my mom
 ~ Have lunch with my grandma since I missed her birthday last weekend

Geez, I hope that I have time for all that plus anything else that comes up. I've just missed being home these past two weeks and I'm anxious for the return!!! Only 11 months to go til I move home for good!

Is is possible that we are finally here?

I just signed up for my 3L composite photo. AHH!!! This photo is taken of each 3L in thier suit attire that is framed in the law school and used for other purposes for the law school. You can also buy extra copies of it as well. (not that I intend to, who needs a waist up picture of themself in suit attire, not this lady)

But it is starting to seem more real that this is my last year of school ever. Sure I will have continuing eduation (CLEs) and such but this is it. In just a few short months I will no longer walk around Mizzou's campus, I will no longer have to lug around huge law books and my computer, I will not spend my evenings studying (well, not every evening), I will be able to enjoy my life and get used to a schedule that I love.

Well, that is all that I have to share right now. It just seems crazy that over 5 years ago I started on this journey at school and graduation was such a far away dream and now it is here.

Hope your Wednesday is going fantastically.