Bad Reps For Disability Lawyers, Guardian Ad Litems?

I am a new attorney, trying to eke out a side practice in law while staying in my old job. Don't know whether I will practice law full time or not. Most times I do want to go full time, but can't figure out how to do that. Especially in this economy; especially since I am single and there is no other income or person who provides benefits

Two of the legal areas I am interested in are disability law and juvenile guardian ad litem work. I am already a disability lawyer, with a couple of clients. I like the work, but it is slow. I heard a judge say the other day that claimant representatives (lawyers) do not the have the best reputations with the judges. That they consider many disability lawyers to be lazy, etc. Some of that, apparently, is seen as an outgrowth of the slowness of the process, that it makes for bad lawyering. At least that is what he seemed to be saying.

Then the other day, I heard that an assistant DA said she had never seen a good guardian ad litem. I guess she sees a lot of them--I don't know for sure, but I guess she does; juvenile issues must creep into the domestic violence cases she handles.

But never seen a good guardian ad litem? That is pretty strong. Of course, that is just hearsay to me, as I didn't hear her say that; someone else just told me she said that.

I feel kind of depressed--both of my areas seem to be looked down on, at least from these two people. Yes, they are only two people, but their opinions carry a lot of weight.

Christmas Cookies As Gifts

I didn't have time to make Christmas cookies for gifts this year, so I had to buy all of my gifts. Which means of course that I spent too much money. Ouch. But I have made Christmas gifts in the past and want to do so again in the future, maybe next year. Part of the problem is knowing where to get good containers for cookies, whether you are giving them as gifts or for use at home. I am wanting to find some
great jars for cookies and treats, That way, if you give cookies in a nice jar, they get two gifts: the cookies and a cookie jar! Next year will be the year I am organized for Christmas.

Still Need To Lose Weight

I thought I had lost weight, but I tried on a couple of tops yesterday and guess what?? They didn't fit. I am so bummed. I know some clothes run small, and maybe this was the case. But still it bummed me out. I need to lose weight. I want to look pretty and be healthy, and this is the best way to accomplish both goals. I want to date again, and I know guys won't be interested until I lose some pounds. I am going to read up on some diet aids, maybe something like Lipofuze and others. Also, maybe some appetite suppressing teas.

My Fledgling Law Career

I am still working full time at my old job and still doing a little bit of law on the side. My second disability case is coming up for a hearing sometime soon--don't have a date yet. In addition, I have written a petition to establish paternity and the court date for that is set. I may also work on a petition to terminate parental rights and then an adoption. (this is a horrible situation, and I want to help). The one case I have that I feel frustrated with is a short sale/deed in lieu. Someone had to quit paying her mortgage because of a hardship situation, and I am trying to oversee a short sale and if that doesn't work out, a deed in lieu. The problem is these large banks talk a big game, but then they do what they always do: foreclose. The good part is she doesn't want to keep the house, so that is not an issue. She just wants to have as little impact on her credit as possible.

The ramifications and seriousness of being a lawyer has really hit home These people are depending on me, and I have to give them my best. And I will.

Need Some Warmer Clothes

I am here in New England visiting my sister who just gave birth to twins. It is a lot colder up here than where I am from. I packed some of my warmer clothes, but I had gotten rid of most of warm clothes in my last closet clean out. So I realize now that my warmest clothes are not warm enough!

If I am going to visit a lot, and I am because of the babies, I need to buy some new winter clothes. I have been looking at things like North Face clothes and getting some ideas of what I might need. I need a new
winter coat or jacket, and I looked at some North Face jackets. A new coat is my number one need, but I will continue looking online and hitting the malls. I'd love to find a sale! And soon!

I like the look of boots, like Ugg boots, but I don't want to spend the money when I can't wear them much at home. So, I might just try to buy a coat and some new sweaters and warm-ups. I did notice on the website their North Face sports bras. Who would know! That is another item I need to buy. I can't even find my sports bras anymore.

Need An Updated Sink

Again, as I think ahead to hopefully one day renting out my condo, there are some things I need to do to update it. One is maybe get an updated cool sink. I have seen some interesting kitchen sinks when I have been out and about, and I need to check online too. Would love to have a white porcelain sink, or a neat new metal one. Just need to go look and see what the new styles are. People love updated kitchens, so I need to get a new stove and dishwasher too. Maybe new cabinet? Oh dear. More money needed!

Updating My Condo

I am really getting into the nesting mode, which is good for me, as that is usually not the case. I am starting to sort out, clean out and get clutter free. Yippee! Not there yet, but am definitely working on it. Things I need to get for my condo as soon as possible: new dishwasher, new toilet, shelving for my laundry room, new carpeting in hallway and bedrooms, and maybe some plantation shutters. Plus getting a new kitchen table and maybe a new sofa. Whew! I need to hit the consignment shops and garage sales to try to save money. Here's to a new, cooler space in 2011!

Mystery Shop At The Airport

When I go to the airport tomorrow, I have to go early enough to do a little work. As part of a mystey shop, I have to pretend to apply for a credit card. I have done it before, and it is not hard. You have to pretend you are just walking by and happen to see their kiosk. Then you go over and pretend to apply for a card with a fake social security number. You are supposed to observe their salesmanship, demeanor, the neatness of the kiosk, etc. And then, I might get to do it again on my return trip, if there is another sales rep working the desk. I want to make sure I do this well, because I just messed up another mystery shop with the same company, and I don't want to get a low score!

Leaving On A Jet Plane Tomorrow

I am only working a half day tomorrow, and then I am flying to Boston to see my new niece and nephew. I can't wait--am so excited. Of course, that entailed me buying a plane ticket, which I can't afford. But I got online and looked for some flight deals, and found an unbelieveable fare. I am glad, because that made it affordable for me to go.

I love to travel, more than anything really. I love the airports, the hustle bustle, the people watching. I don't even mind long layovers, as it gives me time to read. Sometimes you have to get out of town, and away from your routine, to relax and do something else.

And the two little babies. Can't wait to meet them and play with them. Of course they are too small to do much with except hold. But it will be a bonding experience.

Why Aren't Employers Hiring?

Read this article today: http://money.cnn.com/2010/12/03/news/economy/employers_doing_more_with_less/index.htm?hpt=T2

The question is, why aren't employers hiring? Well, it is a common but bad problem. The employers are getting used to getting things done with less people. That is understandable up to a point. You want to maximize profits for the company and make sure things are going to stay good before you hire more people.

But if you put it off too long, you run the risk of getting too comfortable with that and wearing your employees out. To take your employees and their good natures for granted. And that is bad, because your employees may be giving up their good time and good health to make you a few extra bucks. Don't do that to them. Hire some more people to get the work done.

Need To Reassess My Skincare

I am losing a little weight, and I want to pay more attention to my beauty regimen. I am basically pretty, but I have not been paying attention to my looks in the last couple of years because of law school. And that does not a pretty girl make! My facial skin actually looks good. I don't really have dark circles under my eyes, so not sure I need under eye cream for dark circles. But I do have some puffiness, so need to deal with that. Also, my hands looks in bad shape. I have been paying so much attention to my face, that my hands have been neglected. I need to do something fast to get them in shape, as I don't want the skin there to age any more. You know what they say--you can tell a woman's age by her hands. And I don't want that to happen with me.

Going To Do A Stair Climb Saturday

I am going to do a stair climb for charity this Saturday, and I am really looking forward to it. I am not sure why, except that it is new and different and sounds fun. I know I am not excited because I am well trained. As a matter of fact, I have not trained at all for the event. And I am out of shape. How stupid is that? It is 600 steps, but half of the race is running down the stairs, so at least I will get a break there. I am hoping that it will kick my butt into gear for exercising.I am looking better slowly, but it is because I am eating less.

I need to keep at it, both for my looks and my health. I am slowing getting a few more looks again from men. I want more looks! It would help if I could take something that would cut my appetite or rev up my metabolism. I am going to look online, at http://www.bestdietpillsforwomen.org/ and some other sites to get some ideas of what is out there that might help me.

Fairy Jobmother Offers Good Tips

I saw the Fairy Jobmother show for the first time last night. I was surfing the web and found it. It was really pretty good. It is about an Englishwoman who acts like a job or vocational coach who helps people find jobs.

The show last night was about a woman who had been a TV anchor, but for some reason had lost her job. I didn't see it from the beginning, so am not sure why she lost her job. She really loved that job, and it had served as her self identification for many years. After she lost her job, she lost her pizazz and self esteem.

The best thing the fairy jobmother did was give her some objective advice. She was trying to get the fire back inside the woman. She also helped her with introducing herself to the interviewers and with handling some of the tough interview questions. And when she really messed up in an interview, helped her get past it quickly.

After she had felt a little bit of success, you could see her get the light back in her eyes and the spring in her step. Sometimes that is all it takes--to get the fire back in you and the spring in your step.