Monday, February 16, 2009

Ruminations on President's Day

Why do we celebrate President’s Day? I suppose it is to honor all the men who have held the job. I looked earnestly for a parade or rally of some sort, but to no avail. I was always under the impression that if you had a day off, you were obligated to attend a parade. I found no parade or rally to attend, so I am going to do the next best thing. I am going to dress up as my favorite president and parade around my own home. I have always liked William Henry Harrison because I think he did a lot for the presidency. He gave the longest inaugural address in history, in a cold rain and died a month later from pneumonia. All Presidents following him learned two simple rules for inaugural protocol. Keep it short and put a damned coat on. Who knows how many Presidential lives he saved by his selfless acts. So today, I will don a shirt and tie, sans coat and hat and cough a lot. I will ramble incessantly about the Whig party and what a failure Van Buren was and when my wife complains, I will remind her that upon my death, she will receive $25,000.00 cash and free postage for life.

Happy Presidents Day.

Trialdawg

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Balance

I write the following entry for myself, but the readers are welcomed to read along.

I’ve worked hard over the past few months at my mantra to do better, in everything. The mantra has had some unexpected and unintended consequences. Time has taught me that I suffer from a tunnel vision which seems to focus on one problem with laser-like precision at the expense of all others. I’ve learned that when I commit to something, I do it with my whole heart, body and soul and leave little time for much else. I guess I’ve always been that way, even as a child. I’ve never been a juggler or much of a multi-tasker as I felt I was shortchanging the true task at hand. That focus has served me well at times of great stress in both my personal and professional life, but it has also been a great disservice to those things that weren’t important enough for that great focus. As a result, I’ve been great for a time at many things, a husband, a lawyer, a son and a friend as the circumstances required. On the other hand, my performance in all of those areas over time has been mediocre and at times, an abject failure. When I get into office mode, I suck as a friend, as a son and I really suck as a husband. When I am being a great husband, I am downright neglectful of my practice and the good people that pay our bills.

I am working very hard this year to try to find some balance in my life. I want to continue to practice the best law that I can because that work feeds my soul and puts dinner on our table, but I don’t want to look up one day and realize that I am alone and have pushed every single person away to do what I love to do. I want to spend meaningful time with my wife. I want to hang out with my mom and dad while they are still here instead regretting all the things I should have done after they are gone. I want to spend more time with my brother who makes me feel like a normal person. I want to be a better friend to the friends I have and I want to be more than just a Godparent that sends gifts and money. For the first time in my life, I am a little frightened of what lies ahead because the last two months have been trial and error in pursuit of the balance that I must find. I am afraid that I’ll never find it, but I won’t stop trying. To my friends, thanks for being my friend, even when I’m unfriendly, to my clients, thank you for the opportunity to serve you and the faith you place in Karla and I. To my family, I hope to see you all a lot more. I’ve got a lot to tell Karla, but that will happen over a Valentine’s Day dinner that will mean a lot more than the gifts we’ll give one another.

Be well everybody and Happy Valentines Day.

Trialdawg.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Quotes

I've heard alot of things I've thought noteworthy over the past few days. Its more interesting to simply list them tonight. I am too wired for linear logic..

"Save Bandit!!"
-The Office

"Airports are like stuck up malls."
-Karla

"Liberace called, he wants his shirt back"
-Me to my officemate (Ok I stole that one, but its still funny and the shirt was especially bad)

"You've left a lot of possibilities open"
-My officemate in response to my telling him not to do anything I wouldn't do.

"I am very picky about the consistency of my oatmeal"
-Karla

"Naked women are the new crack!"
-A fellow lawyer (Amen brother)

"Britney Spears was a lot hotter when she was crazy"
-Anonymous

"I don't dance, it looks like an ostrich vomiting"
-Me

"Enjoy your geek adventure"
-Karla to me when I told her I was going outside to look at the space station.

Yes I know, I live and work in a locker room full of juvenile delinquents, but don't we all.

Trialdawg.