Adventures of Out Law Mama

Leapster Mania

2009-11-20T10:05:00.000-08:00

I may occasionally bash electronics for kids, but let me set the record straight. Sometimes, I love them and believe they can be great learning tools...OK, and babysitters. Take for instance the Leapfrog Leapster. This is a wonderful toy that both of our kids loved! It is a handheld computer device that operates various game cartridges, much like a beginning model of a Nintendo Gameboy or DS.

The Leapster is for younger kids than these other two devices though, and is actually designed to be educational. There are games that help with learning numbers, alphabet, shapes, math, spelling and more. Many cartridges are themed around popular characters or movies, like Dora the Explorer, Thomas the Train, and the Disney Princesses.

Boy Wonder's Leapster, that he got at about age 3, was green, and he used to play it for hours. As he got older, we bought more advanced games to fit his readiness level and interests. Our Little Princess started messing around with her brother's games far before she could understand them, but once she did, she realized they were "boy" games and wanted ones more suited to her. We got her a few "girl" games, and eventually a pink Leapster, partly to make her happy, but mostly because between the two of them, the old one had taken quite a beating and did not always function properly anymore. This is not to say they are easily breakable. They are not. These are tough toys, made for real kids that do play rough sometimes.

I love that the Leapster allows the kids to play video games while learning really important skills, plus, it is perfect for keeping them busy while waiting in lines, riding in the car, sitting in a restaurant, or just any time. It's the right time of year to find a Leapster on sale at many places. This is one toy you will not be sorry you bought!

Slacker Finally Posting

2009-11-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

OK, so its been a slow posting week. Would you believe my dog ate my update? No?

Seems like time for a Friday update.

What has the week held? Well - hop on over to Wife's blog to see cute pictures of the kids' visit with Santa a couple days ago. We are already on the third Santa visit of the year. This one was at Picture People and was pretty adorable. (I've already blocked out the memories of the kids' crazy behavior posing for pictures when Santa was not in the room.)

Last night we attended the Harvest Festival at Boy Wonder's school. It was a spaghetti feed, with carnival games, raffles, bake sale and autumn photos. This was all thanks to the PTO, which Wife is Co-President of, and the wonderful volunteers. It was a very successful event, and the kids had a great time playing games, winning prizes, and then for Boy Wonder, trading them with his friends. He seems to have reached an age where trading things is a lot of fun. He's even trading in his Build-a-Bear Bearville online computer game.

On the networking front I attempted or actually made email contact with about 9 people, completed 2 informational interviews, received about 6 new contact names. Although I am currently so tired that it is hard to feel enthusiastic about anything, I think it was overall a pretty good week.

Happy Weekend everybody!

Realities of Electronics

2009-11-17T13:52:00.001-08:00

Today a friend and I were comparing the lives of our children with our own childhoods with regards to multiple input. It is not unusual for a child today to be texting and listening to an iPod, while talking to a friend sitting next to her, and there might even be a TV or computer game involved, as well. No doubt kids are better multitaskers when it comes to digital input than many of us adults, but what is the long-term impact? Are they increasing mental abilities, or simply not developing the capacity to really focus, or have much of an attention span?

One of my friend's doctors has suggested the latter, based on an article for which I do not have a reference. She said the tvs, cell phones, and other electronic devices need to be strictly limited until over the age of 18. This makes sense on some level, but there is the reality that children have to compete in the real world. Taking away their technology might put them at a serious disadvantage - limiting their skills and understanding of cultural norms and expectations. On the other hand, it could give them a distinct advantage. Maybe they would develop skills lacking in many of their peers.

Taking Charge of a Monday

2009-11-16T14:48:00.000-08:00

It was a nice weekend. Wife and I went to see The Time Traveler's Wife, which was quite good, especially given the complexity of the book. We did a bit of Holiday shopping, spent some good family time together, and I even managed to clean some of the gutters. Perhaps the next rain storm will not lead to a week's worth of dripping from the gutter onto our patio as said gutter overflows!

Some days it is hard to keep a positive perspective on the job search, or maybe I should just call it "Project Network." Although there is an occassional non-lawyer job posted that I could, and do, apply for, by and large that is not how people get jobs, and really not how new lawyers get hired. It's mostly word-of-mouth, unless you were fortunate enough to actually have clerked for a place in a position to make a job offer. I did not.

At any rate, I did not give in to the "blahs" today! I wanted to, but instead I took a walk in the chilly November air, then sent out 6 emails to folks to whom I've been referred, and actually did conduct one brief informational interview. Now, I have the ball rolling for the week! Yeah, me!

More Networking Happenings

2009-11-12T13:24:00.000-08:00

Networking update - again, I remain grateful for the generosity of those willing to spend time offering advice and insight to me as a new graduate and job hunter. My progress this week has involved eight outgoing emails, responses on about half, one completed informational interview, two new contact names, four names that I already had (second referrals) and three people who all want to call me tomorrow. Friday seems to be the meeting day for these busy attorneys. I was also reminded of three professional organizations that I needed to look into for activities and other information. I also listened to one Career Services workshop session regarding networking.

One interesting thing that has happened in the course of my conversations is that another field of law related to environmental law, tribal law, has been suggested to me as a possible area to pursue. This interests me greatly, and is a good fit with my undergrad studies. So many possible paths on this journey!

So, for those of you looking, as I am, or those still in school who may someday find yourself in my position, this is what I'm doing about a month after being sworn in. I certainly remain optimistic that the right contact is just around the corner, or has maybe even already been made. All it takes is just one person, at the right time.

Online Education

2009-11-12T12:54:00.000-08:00

Isn't it interesting how even a few years ago, online higher education degrees were just coming into popularity, and there were really only a few schools doing it? Now, it seems like the options are plentiful - both via traditional schools that are now offering programs online through a virtual campus, or through speciality schools who only offer online programs.

I came across a degree program for Organizational leadership masters the other day and read through a bit of their material. I could be mistaken about this, but it seems to me that this type of program is really geared towards the more practical components of a higher degree, rather than a lot of theory. It seems like that is what the target market would want. These programs are mainly aimed at adults with jobs who are fitting an online program into an already busy life. These people want to gain practical skills that they can put to use, rather than spending hours (years!) on academic theory.

It will be interesting to see how this trend develops over the next decade, and whether the online universities are ultimately given as much respect as a degree earned at a traditional school.

All the Answers

2009-11-11T08:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our Little Princess' first day of her 7-week, 2-day-per week preschool run by the local high school. She was so excited, and has been for months! She is so ready for school, and thankfully, had a truly wonderful day.

Last night, when I got home, she noticed that the dogs had left muddy footprints on the kitchen floor and wanted to mop them up. She has her own kid-sized cleaning tools, so she got out the mop, and the bucket, that I do not believe we've ever let her use except for the purpose of carrying around supplies. She informed me that the old-fashioned way of mopping is to fill the bucket and dunk the mop. I agreed, and even finally agreed she could put a little bit of water in the bucket.

As she filled her bucket, I told her not to get it too full. Here was her response, full of 4-going-on-14 attitude and delivered with the patience one reserves for those who are a bit mentally slow:

"I am a big girl now, Mom. I am in school now, you know!"

Well, guess she told me!

The Count!

2009-11-06T11:01:00.000-08:00

Ha! This is a picture from our work party that was just sent to me. Reminds me how crappy I was feeling last week! Still, I made a pretty fine vampire! :) (My make-up during the next night's Trunk or Treat was even better.)

My Week in Review

2009-11-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

So, we've reached another Friday.

My week did not end as well as it started.

Boy Wonder has been out of school, experiencing a fever all week. Doc checked him on Tuesday for possibilities of pneumonia, but he's clear - Thank God - and cough seems to be getting better.

Only spoke with two attorneys this week on the networking road, but do have two more set up for next week, and one that is on constant reschedule. I have several emails out there awaiting responses. I sent three new ones today.

Student loans have me in a state of panic/depression/run-for-the-border and change my name. I am looking into my options, and although it seems bad now, I think it will actually end up OK, or close to OK. Clearly, when I entered law school, and took on so much debt, I did not count on the economy being in the toilet. Eventually, the tide will turn, and I know I will be happy for my fancy credentials. Today, well, the tide is out.

Here is something good about this week:
Jake Drake: Class Clown. This is a chapter book that I started reading to the kids at bedtime this week. Wife found it for Boy Wonder. It is a fun book - about a second-grader trying to deal with a grumpy student teacher who won't smile and is making everyone's life miserable. He finds power in becoming the class clown. I think I may be enjoying it even more than the kids, although, Little Princess was laughing out loud, slightly hysterical, at the antics two nights ago.

Yes, that is a good thing.

Confession

2009-11-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

Today's confession: I apparently am about 12.

Ever attend one of those meetings that you are sure is going to be all talk and no substance, and then sit across from a friend that you've recently talked to about playing Bullsh*t Bingo at said meeting? Yes, me too - yesterday. My friend and I should not have sat across from each other where we could catch each other's eye, because that was all it took to nearly send me into spasms of laughter. I was so close to losing it entirely. I tried looking at the floor, the ceiling, my can of Coke. I tried thinking of serious subjects. I settled for nearly biting my tongue in half while thinking, "You are a professional. Pull yourself together." You got it - that just made it worse.

Remember the "Chuckles the Clown" funeral scene from Mary Tyler Moore? OK, many of you are too young for that reference. There was something more recent.....George's funeral on Gray's Anatomy. I was afraid that was where I was headed yesterday - totally inappropriate laughter over something that wasn't even funny.

Ah, good times.

Maybe today I can snicker if someone says the word "duty."

Networking Update

2009-11-03T12:52:00.000-08:00

It appears that I am finally getting the upper hand on what has probably been a case of H1N1. Beyond the first couple days of being mostly miserable, it just left me, and Wife, wiped out. Today, it is actually past noon and I am still functioning well. Boy Wonder has had a relapse, so we are watching him closely for signs of a secondary infection, but so far, appears to be either another bug, or an actual relapse. We've been in touch with his doc so we know what to watch for in case he needs to be seen.

I had mentioned tracking the job search here, but then last week was pretty much a lost week all around. This week, I have already made two phone appointments for informational interviews and completed one of them. The other would have been completed yesterday, but the other attorney got tied up, so we had to reschedule. ("Other attorney" - that sounds pretty good, right?)

I have over 40 people on my networking list - some I have met and/or spoken with, others are names that have recently been given to me and I still need to contact. Everyone I have spoken with has been so generous with their time and ideas, and many have offered names of colleagues they think may be able to offer useful advice. There is much good work being done out there, I just have to find my way in!

A Rewarding Late Start

2009-11-02T08:16:00.001-08:00

After a great weekend of Halloween fun, Boy Wonder awoke with a fever this morning. We may be heading into Round 2 of this thing, and most of us were not at 100% from Round 1. Ugh.

So, because I was quite tired and moving slowly, then taking care of the boy, I got a late start out the door this morning. I rushed to my car to be greeted with ice covering the windshield. Great. I started the car and called in to Wife to please open the garage door, because my ice scraper had been tossed in the garage in favor of Friday's trunk or treat decorations - tombstones, spider webs, spiders, spooky lights and dry ice. (I suspect photos can be, or soon will be, found on Wife's blog.) She graciously came out and scraped my windshield (Thanks, honey!) while I ran back in the house for a quick potty break - fearing my late start would mean a long drive in.

A few minutes later, I was on my way, and was rewarded with a spectacular sunrise - full of that amazing pink-orange color rarely enjoyed outside of sunrise or sunset. As I drove across the bridge, the sunrise colors spread out behind the mountain and then stretched into purples and blues, and then into a low lying fog bank. It was simply magical. I half-expected a castle to appear from behind the fog. By the time I arrived at work, the sun was up, and it was clear it was going to be a beautiful morning. I snapped the above shot on my way from the parking lot.

Happy Monday!

Trunk or Treat!

2009-10-29T12:12:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night is Trunk or Treat at Boy Wonder's school. Parents decorate their trunks and the kids do the trick or treat thing by going car to car. The kids and I bought our decorations a couple weeks ago - before we all got sick. We have some tombstones, spider webbing, the requisite spiders, plus a scary sounds Halloween CD to pop into the player for the proper ambiance. We also have two big plastic tableclothes, Halloween-themed, of course, that will probably just about cover my little Scion xA. We do need some kind of lighting. I'm not sure if the interior light will do the trick. Maybe a large flashlight for backlighting behind the tombstones, or some kind of led tail lights would do the trick. I'm considering picking up some dry ice for a nice fog effect. We'll see how I'm feeling by tomorrow night. Right now, it is lunch time, and I am feeling like a nap would be good.

I'm Back!

2009-10-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

I may not quite be at full speed, yet, but I'm in the running! Today I went to work, accomplished work-related tasks, and managed to dress up for Halloween! (See Wife's blog for pictures.) I am a vampire - no, not with the short black skirt and black tights - black pants, black chrome-studded belt (something about that belt says "vampire" to me) white shirt, vest, cape, and make up that makes me look as bad as I felt a couple days ago!

Today, I guess we best wash all the towels, counters, kitchen faucets, door knobs...etc....and hope we don't recycle our germs around the family again. I figured if you had H1N1 once, that was it....Wife heard a rumor that it may not be the case. Well shoot, what was the point of getting it once then?

Road to Recovery - Day 5

2009-10-28T14:27:00.000-07:00

So, for anyone counting, this makes Day 5 of sickness for me. I think we're pretty comfortable with saying we all had H1N1. Our pediatrician said that at this point, any sickness with a high fever is most likely H1N1. Kids are doing great. The Little Princess has started with some cold symptoms today, but overall feels good. Quite an improvement over the end of last week for her! Wife and I are still VERY tired and could use quiet children right now. My headache has subsided and I think I may actually be able to go to work tomorrow.

Yup - tomorrow I may be among the living, doing emails, reviewing contracts, checking out our website directory, and avoiding everyone else's germs! I think I may dress up as a vampire - with white make-up and dark eyes. Here's my line for when people ask how I am:

"I'm still feeling a little pale." *grin*

Higher Education

2009-10-28T14:04:00.000-07:00

Down sick again today. Ugh.

I can imagine a time that I will once again be calling up alumni, networking, dealing with my student loans, but for now, figuring out how to navigate the TV remote is about my speed.

Speaking of loans, and higher education, it seems that the latest and greatest in higher education are the online degree programs. The place where I work is moving more and more focus and funding in that direction. It makes sense to cater to what not just the up and coming generation wants, but also what fits into the schedule of adults returning to school - mostly working parents with day jobs. Online may be a perfect answer for that demographic.

Although I am personally past even wanting to think about school, the Western Governor's University is one that if I were at a different point in life, I'd want to look into. Their website has a good deal of information about how and why the online university was formed, their theory of education, their accrediting bodies , and their National Advisory Board, which is filled with prestigious organizations. They deal with both graduate and undergraduate degrees, with a variety of specialties. Their tuition is very affordable, especially when compared with what I paid. I would say it is comparable with my undergrad degree...20 years ago!

The site has a lot of information, and for anyone considering going to, or back to, college, I would think this would be something really worth investigating.

Mindless Fun

2009-10-27T17:16:00.000-07:00

This weekend, even though we were all sick, was kind of fun. Wife and I stole a couple hours here and there watching the old Beverly Hills 90210 while the kids were in the living room watching their own shows. Another confession - we record the old 90210 series. It is such good, mindless fun and reminds us of "the good ol' days." It is really enjoyable to make fun of Brenda's drama, Kelly's bitchiness, Dylan's tragic life, Steve's self-centeredness....and the rest. Brandon, however, is still impeachable. Gotta love Brandon. Anyway, recording the show is fun - no commercials, no Foreman Grill, no nuphedragen, no latest craze exercise contraption. Just crazy teen/early 20-something drama. It was just our speed this weekend....and yesterday....and today. Wow - I hope I am better tomorrow!

Not Part of the In Crowd

2009-10-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

Do you ever feel like you are part of the "out" crowd? OK, that is a little funny since I am "out" and all....but I mean, technologically. I have a confession to make: I do not have an iphone, iphone accessories, or even a wanna-be iphone. My phone does not have a full QWERTY keyboard, does not surf the net, or order pizza for me. Well....sometimes that last one. *grin* Somehow, I do manage to make phone calls and send text messages, but one of these days, probably about the time something really new and cool comes out, I'll get an iphone!

Not Having Much Fun

2009-10-27T16:36:00.000-07:00

Thought I was doing better last night. Today - bad headache and so tired. Kids tried to stay quiet and had some good moments, but they are feeling fine and not so much into being quiet. Ugh. I did not even feel good enough for Wii or playstation 3. OK, we don't really have a playstation, but today, it would not have mattered. Yesterday, I played Wii Mario Kart for a short time. Today, not so much feeling it. Though, maybe suggesting some video games for the kids later would be a good plan. More peace and quiet is just what I need!

Bouncing Back Up

2009-10-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

You know that nasty flu that is going around? The one we've all been hearing far too much about? It seems to have struck our family. Last Thursday, our Little Princess came down with a fairly high fever and laid around on the couch all day watching TV and napping. It was sad. By after school Friday, Boy Wonder had a high fever too, though the Princess was feeling "medium" with no more fever.

Wife and I both said a sad good-bye to our fun weekend plans - a visit to see her family, and a celebration of passing the bar and getting sworn in with my friends. By day's end, I too was feeling feverish, and though the thermometer never confirmed it, think I was hit too - headache, sore throat, tired....Wife felt much the same.

Today I stayed home from work, Boy Wonder stayed home from school, and we all continued Day Three of being shut-ins. (Wife notes it was her Day Five...ugh!) At one point, the rain was pouring down and the Princess really wanted to go on a rain walk. No one had a fever anymore, and we all needed to get out of the house, so we figured, "What the heck!" We took the dogs, and went splashing through our neighborhood. The kids managed to find a puddle deep enough to flood right into their boots! I was happy I'd bought a waterproof pair of women shoes last year that are really more like boots. We played Good Samaritan and unclogged the drain that was causing the huge deep puddle....it was quite impressive when the water finally started flooding into the drain - it swirled down just like a giant toilet. Very fun for us all!

We don't yet know what tomorrow will bring. So far, no fevers at all today. That is good news!

Things That Make You Go...Hmmmmm...

2009-10-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

You know how sometimes when you are surfing the web you come across something you just have to share?

Then you think - who is the right person to share this with? Will it offend so and so?

Then, you do something crazy and just post it to your blog, because, well, people come there to read your strange stuff, so reader beware.

So, now, without further delay - I smuggly present today's oddity:

Yes, today I found on sale the straight-jacket backpack. I have no idea about the size - I suspect it to be more of a fashionable purse size - something you could put a wallet, keys and a flask in - but does it really matter? Now, it is seriously questionable that I would ever actually carry anything this close to a purse, but c'mon, the humor factor is high here! It also comes in white. Perhaps it would be a great accessory for a Halloween costume, or a prize at a Halloween party, or maybe you just need it for that special night out on the town you've been planning. You KNOW the looks you'd get. You want one, don't you?

A Good Read

2009-10-23T09:34:00.000-07:00

Ever since reading The Da Vinci Code, I have loved Dan Brown. I first read it at some point over the last three years. This was one of the best books I'd read in a long time. I've since gone back and found Angels and Demons and Deception Point. I've not read Digital Fortress or the new one, The Lost Symbol. I will though. I am just spacing them out a bit so I can really enjoy each one unto itself. (Besides, I already have three other books going - all non-fiction, which I find easier to start and stop and keep several juggling at once.)

What is amazing is the way Dan Brown weaves mystery, science and religion all together an a way that is fascinating. To call his books "page turners" is an understatement. I was at a bookstore not long ago and came across a book on sale
called Beyond Angels and Demons: The Truth Behind the Fiction. Though I did not buy it on the spot, I did pick it up and flip through it. Fascinating!

This book covers many of the historical places and objects that are discussed in the book, Angels and Demons. It is interesting getting a "behind the scenes" glimpse at the real life objects and their symbolism, beyond Dan Brown's portrayal. Although this is certainly not the definitive book on Catholic symbolism, fans of the book are likely to be intrigued. As I said, I did not buy it, yet, but if I see it on sale again, I may pick it up!

Watch Out!

2009-10-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

There comes a moment in every woman's life where she must ask herself, "Do I have enough watches?"

I believe I now have 10-15, but the answer is still, "no." I do not yet have this beauty by Fossil:

There is just something about watches - the balance of form and function - that pleases me. The funny thing is, ever since the birth of our first child, I rarely wear a watch. When Boy Wonder was born, I didn't want to snag him with the watch, plus there was all the hand-washing, and bathing of the baby, and well, lots of reasons that it didn't matter what time it was.

Now, I love buying a nice watch on sale, or even better, receiving one as a gift. I add each new treasure to my collection, look at it frequently, wear it sometimes, and appreciate it always. Take the above watch, for instance, it is not just your average watch. It is brown, water resistant, sports a tiny diamond, and features three chronograph dials. Don't ask me what the heck those do, beside look cool, because it doesn't really matter. I don't even need the watch to keep time. I have my cell phone for that. Still, keeping accurate time is a bonus, particularly if the phone is not handy. No reason to believe this battery-powered quartz movement watch would not be an excellent time-keeper.

I bet this watch feels good. Nice weight, pleasant texture, and would probably draw compliments.

Maybe I am just a freak, but I suspect there are other watch-lovers out there just like me.

The L Word - The Final Season

2009-10-23T08:10:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I extolled the virtues of The L Word. This partly because the show ended its final season last March, and partly because it was not as good in its later seasons as the early ones. Still as the only lesbian-centered drama, it was ground-breaking television, and even when the story lines were weak, the eye-candy was pleasing. Kate Moennig, Jennifer Beals - no one can really complain about that!

I have just realized that the Final Season is on sale in DVD, and I believe is the only season we are missing from our collection. The final season was only 8 episodes, and centered around the murder investigation of one of their own. In the first episode, Jenny, who was always a bit of a psycho - sometimes lovably so, and often not, is found dead in the pool. Through each proceeding show, we find that pretty much everyone had motive and opportunity to be the one who killed her. In the end, there is no resolution. Maybe she even killed herself. The resolution, or lack thereof, drew a lot of criticism from loyal fans for director Ilene Chaiken. Many saw it as a pubicity stunt for her potential next SHO project, which would have been a spin-off of The L Word (it was not picked up by SHOWTIME). Others just thought it unfair and poor story-telling. She basically claims that who did it is not important, because in the end, it was a show about relationships, and that theme remained true throughout, even to the final scene.

Always entertaining television, even when frustrating, this is one set I will eventually own.

First Friday Report - There Will Be More

2009-10-23T07:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday!

It is dark, rainy and rather depressing, but here I am, making the best of it. Our Little Princess was down with a fever yesterday, but is hopefully on the road to recovery today. This morning looks promising, anyway. There is nothing quite like a fever to act as an appetite suppressant. Poor girl ate almost nothing yesterday and laid around like a lump watching TV most of the day. Today, she is already much more active and seems more like herself. Let's hope it was just a 24-hour virus, or extremely mild H1N1, and that the rest of us stay healthy!