Catching Up

I did my first arbitration last week. I had a blast! I was able to question 6 witnesses and participate in the entire two-and-a-half-day event. I think this qualifies as quasi-"trial" experience. The lead partner was pleased with my work, as most of the other attorneys readily informed me. I also made it through the arbitration without anyone asking whether I was a "real lawyer." Always a plus.

I feel as though things are going well in my life. I suppose everyone goes through times when they feel like nothing is going their way, or they are experiencing so much change that nothing seems certain or dependable or likely to stabilize. With the exception of the tragic death of my good friend's brother a few weeks ago (a VERY big exception, I know), my life is beginning to feel "normal," stable, like the pendulum is swinging up again. I am getting more and more work all the time, which is a big confidence-booster. I have this very good "gut feeling" about my 27th year. I am content right where I'm at, and I sense that there are good things to come. I am hopeful -- hopeful that I'll be a good attorney, hopeful that I will experience new things (and not feel trapped), hopeful that once again I will have an innate sense of purpose and direction, rather than just trying to get through life.

The time has come for "right living." Not in the religious, legalistic, follow-all-the-rules, live-in-a-cave kind of way. In the adventuresome, experiential, living-on-the-edge, leap-of-faith kind of way. But that life still requires much discipline, self-improvement, patience, sacrifice, and caution. The "college years" are all about quantity -- not quality: How much life can you pack in to a few short years, even if you make some (not so little) mistakes along the way? But a mature, quality life comes not from "settling down," but from making wise, healthy decisions which lead to long-term happiness. It's not about fear, but about recognizing the benefit of the examined life. Passionate, fearless, daring, adventurous -- all things I always will be. But from now on, I'll put the quality before the quantity.

~E

Team Ginger

My good friends and their wonderful senses of humor created these T-shirts to support Dustin and show that we are all fighting for his recovery:

Let me know if you are interested in getting one and I'll post details.

~E

Dustin

For those of you looking for updates on Dustin's condition, please click here.

~E

Shifting...

...as in like tectonic plates. When tragic events happen, I'm always amazed at how it only takes a few seconds for the world to be completely different. A good friend of mine was in a boating accident this week. He's badly injured, in the ICU, and in a medically-induced coma. He suffered a skull fracture and the doctors suspect some brain damage. They don't know the extent at this point. We got word that they were going to try to wake him up this morning, but after running a CT scan decided against it. They now think they make wake him up on Monday. He has swelling on his brain. Of course we are all praying for a full recovery, but in the meantime, the waiting game is torturous. I'm so worried for him.

~E

More Stats

And since it's been over a month since I posted anything, I'm allowed to post twice in one day. This is my great catch of the weekend on my first Yellowstone float this year. He's a beautiful male brown trout. He's 19 inches long, and we guessed he weighed about 3.5 lbs. It took me about 15 minutes to get him in. I was scared twice that I lost him. He completely made my day. :)

~E

Stats

I'm training for the Montana Marathon's half marathon in September. This will be my second half marathon. I'm in my fifth of eleven weeks of training, and I haven't missed a run yet, although some have certainly been better than others. I ran 59 miles total in July. I've finally started to lose weight (5 lbs!), and I've set a new goal for August of running 75 miles total, which I should be able to complete in 28 days if I stick to my training plan.

This summer weather has been killing me, even though this year hasn't been that hot comparatively. Anything above 65 is just too hot for me run in. So I wake up at 6:00 a.m. to get my runs in before work. I slept in today, however, and now have to run 4 miles on a treadmill at the air-conditioned gym. Boo.

~E

A Full-Fledged Lawyer

Keeping busy as usual. Last week I had my first post-law school summary judgment oral argument in district court in Helena. I spent a lot of time preparing: re-reading my briefs, writing and re-writing my outline, and I even practiced in front of my dad, which was actually fun. He asked lots of questions and kept me on my toes. The real thing wasn't as exciting. The whole hearing took about a half hour, and the judge didn't ask any questions of either side. I was flying solo (no partner overseeing my performance) which was actually a big relief. Although I would have liked some feedback, I felt a lot less pressure going into a situation which already made me nervous. My argument went smoothly, and even though the judge did not make a ruling from the bench that day, as I was leaving the courtroom the opposing attorney shook my hand and said, "Congratulations on your first win." That was good feedback.

Contrast that situation with my first post-law school court appearance. I was representing my brother-in-law for a minor ticket in city court. When he and I showed up for court, the bailiff instructed John to sit on one side (with the other defendants) and for me to see on the observers' side. I informed the bailiff that John was my client and that we needed to sit together. He squinted at me skeptically and asked, "You're an attorney? You're a full-fledged attorney?" Feeling very young and very annoyed, I smiled sweetly and simply replied, "Yes, I am." After my heels had cooled a little, I came to appreciate the humor in the situation, and wished I had thought of some witty retort. My family, knowing me all too well, just howled when they heard the story, which was relayed to them by my sister. Seven years of post-high school education, a hill of debt, and a three-day exam after all that in case the system didn't get enough of your money and your life, and I still can't get no respect. Ah well, keeps me humble.

~E