Hello again

I have definitely neglected this blog, but I have a million great excuses why!

Summer is coming to an end, and I am ever so grateful to welcome fall this year. My husband and I move into our new place in a few days and with that brings lots of change. Oct 4th will begin my journey into my long awaited legal career. I will be a deputy district attorney.....Fighting crime with my heels on (that's going to be the slogan I say in my head). I have mixed emotions about finally doing what I went to school for. Like for instance.. will I be any good? Will the jury like me? Do I still know evidence? and did I say will the jury like me???

I guess I still have a good week to build my confidence. Hopefully I can catch a Law & Order marathon this week!

I Got It!!!

I got a job!!! Wooo hooooooooo, and to top things off it actually is the job I wanted. This summer will definitely be one that I will remember because it was mostly comprised of interviews, and interviews and did I mention interviews????

Well it actually all paid off, so I am very happy.

Now... It's Apartment hunting time, and brushing up on my opening, closing, cross ohhhh yeah direct examination skills. I need to get on it!

It's August Already

I can't believe it's August already. This summer has been pretty fun, but I'm actually looking forward to the fall. Hopefully that will mean new job, new place, and new clothes! I am loving all of the new chunky sweaters and riding boots that are coming out.

I am actually recovering from having all four of my wisdom teeth pulled this week. The lack of food coupled with the vicodin have made me pretty much home bound. However, I have another set of interviews next week so I need to get back into the swing of things!

Everyone enjoy the rest of your summer! Hopefully I have good updates soon!

Still on the hunt

I'm still on the job hunt, and it actually isn't going so bad. I say it's not that bad because I am actually getting call backs and interviews. At first it seemed like my resume was just thrown into a black hole, but now that I am receiving a response it feels good! The good part about the job hunt is that I'm not limiting myself to one particular city. Pretty much anywhere in the state of California is free game. Here is the line up of the interviews for the next couple of weeks. Ventura, San Francisco and Bakersfield. Each city is extremely different, but the job is all the same.

Wish me luck!

Interviews

After sending out countless resumes I finally got a call back for an interview. As excited as I am that someone finally liked what they saw on my resume, I am equally terrified for the questions that I am going to face. I have been busy researching all the latest cases that have hit the scene and am trying to cover my grounds.

For the next week I am going to have to get my interview attire together.. Meaning I am going to have to decide on the right suit, right heels, right bag, right earrings....basically the right everything!

I also have to think of questions to ask during the interview. I always get the "Is there any other questions you might have for us" at the end of the interview. I always feel stupid when I say "No, I think that's it."

If anyone knows any interview ending questions I should ask please leave a comment!

Ca Bar Exam 2010

Wow I just realized that the next Ca bar exam is just around the corner. I believe in my last few weeks of the home stretch I was trying not to freak out (which is hard), and trying to come to terms that it is impossible to learn everything. So, If you are reading this and your studying for the bar please try to stay calm. Keep studying, and keep taking breaks when you need them. The good thing about the bar is that it's the same hard ass test for everyone who sits for it. Everyone has to answer the same questions. If you come across a question that you don' know (and this will happen) don't freak out. Remind yourself that everyone else in the room doesn't know it either.
The best thing you can do when you are face with a "what in the hell type of question is this" is to STOP....Breathe..... and make something up. Stick with the directions and just answer what they ask. Nothing more, nothing less.

Keep trucking, keep studying, keep praying.

You will pass!

Girls Rule

On the last post I told you guys about the beer drinking contest! Well the results are in, the judgment is final and the GIRLS WON!!

Quick recap: The night started with a trip to Sky Tacos off of Pico. After enjoying the best shrimp tacos in the world we decided to start the contest immediately. The fact that stomachs were already full we knew it wouldn't be to long before someone wouldn't be able to manage to share anymore room with heavy beer.

Donte downed the first beer, and Jessica followed shortly. Brandon and I finished our first beer around the same time, and then everyone started number 2. Halfway through the second beer we heard a rumble. And that was it!!! Brandon made a quick dash to the restroom and said so long to sky tacos and a beer and a half.

Of course the guys screamed re-match but we shall see. Right now the girls just want to enjoy their victory!!!!!!!

Girls Rule!!

Happy Father's Day

Today is the day to celebrate Dads!!! I wanted to dedicate this blog to my Dad. Thank you for taking the role as our father. I could not imagine our lives with out you. Thank you for all the countless hours of listening to me, helping me, and just being there. You truly are one of a kind, and I think more men should be like you.

I hope you enjoy your special day. Luckily I get to take part in the activities this year since Donte and I are finally back!!

Cheers to you Dad. I love you!

quick catch up

Sorry I have been slow with the post, but I have been on my grind with the whole job hunt routine. The sad thing about California is the recession hit the state hard, so it seems that every state agency is frozen for the moment. Good thing is I landed an internship, but I won't be able to go into court because even though I'm licensed I'm just an intern.

Any-who I will just keep crossing my fingers that California receives a little gold from the sunshine God sends our way almost every day and my state gets back on track.

So for the time being I have a few fun things to look forward to:

1. Spending Fathers Day with my Dad this weekend

2. Going to see the stars from food network do a cook off next weekend at the grove with one of my besties Jessica.

3. And last but not least Jessica and I have teamed up to do a beer drinking challenge against my husband and his friend. All bets should be in. The GIRLS are going to win!!

I will post pics of both the cook off and the beer challenge next week!

There's no place like home.

There's no place like home. There's no place like home. I say this while I click my 3 inch ruby red stilettos. Unlike Dorthy I have to rock the heels instead of the flats. I finally made it back to California. I'm still under the impression that I am not here for good, and that I have a long flight back to Tampa scheduled. But in reality that is not the case!!! I'm back home and it feels good. Real good.

I do miss my friends in Tampa, and hopefully we start planning the trips that we promised to plan. I spent memorial weekend with my besties in LA, and it confirmed my decision to move back. I heart LA. Its my home. I am so happy that my husband and I decided to move back!

Donte and I have a lot of adjustments to make, but I know we will be able to make them. I have a list of things that need to get done, and I am giving my self one month to do them:

1. Get sworn in. Got to make the whole passing the bar official.
2. Find a job.
3. Find an apartment.
4. Find a bar that my hubby and I can hang out at. (No more slug or bar louie for us..sigh..I will miss that about Tampa as well.)
5. Go to the mountains.

The list above does not have to go in exactly that order. I might try to concure number 4 first!!

Bye Bye Florida

The countdown is on! We are leaving Florida this Saturday and it is going to be one long road trip. Having passed the bar will definitely make the move more enjoyable. I won't have to lug around all of my bar bri books, and I will be able to enjoy watching new moon or any other DVDs I choose. Even though I am excited to move back home, I am going to miss so many things about Tampa.

I am going to miss all of my friends and the family we have out here. I am going to miss publix, the worlds best super market. Of course I will miss the fun nights at the Blue Martini, but I know that I will always be able to come back here and visit.

It's time for a fresh start, and so I am anxious to move!

So long Florida. You will be missed.

Amazing Grace

I passed the California Bar! I just wanted to thank everyone for their prays and support. I know God made this happen for sure.

7 days before I move back to Cali!!!

Fifthteen

Today my nephew turned 15! If you have met him you would understand that it's pretty hard to believe that he is halfway done with his teen years. It's not that he is not mature for his age, its just that I don't want him to grow up just yet. I still want him to be the sweet innocent 10 year old, how he was when I first met him (I became his aunt through marriage). He pretty much is the same sweet kid, but now he is going to start his journey of high school, driving, and ohhh nooooo GIRLS!! As I was talking to him, he was going on about his progress reports from school, and how sometimes he just gets bad grades because the test were just really really hard. When I told him that in high school your teacher doesn't give you progress reports, you pretty much have to just stay up on your grades yourself he looked like his world turned upside. Like high school was going to be this huge change. Which of course it will be.

I tried to remember what I was doing when I was his age. At 15, I think I was ending my sophomore year of high school, and was excited about starting drivers ed so I could get a permit. I think my biggest worry in the world at that time was whether I was going to make the right time in the 800 meters. Life was definitely simple then. Of course if you would of asked me at 15, I would of told you that life was hard. That keeping up my grades at St.Lucy's, balancing track and all the billions of other activities I was involved in was pretty much the hardest thing I would face in life.

Well through the years I faced harder things. I faced the SAT, college applications, the LSAT, law school applications, and now the Bar. I'm sure when I'm 40 years old I will look back at being 28 and I will say the same thing I'm saying now:

That life really isn't that hard.

I'm sure you have heard this before, and I truly believe it. God will not give us anything that we can not handle. So the point of this really long blog is to encourage anyone, at any point they are in life. If your facing hard times right now, it won't be for to much longer. Life is great. Life is good. Try to enjoy it, both the good and the bad. Just enjoy it all!!

Outfit 4/29/2010

I finally wore my Cynthia Vincent for Target wedges last Friday. I had to go to work, but also planned to go to happy hour. I decided to wear something cute, but still work appropriate.

The wedges were extremely comfortable, and that's coming from someone who can barely wear anything but flats. They are a little loose around the ankle strap, but I have chicken legs so that might be the problem. But for 30 dollars I say they are beyond worth it.

My husband actually found this pair at our local target when he was picking up my birthday bike. I am still on the search for the chocolate and black pair, so let me know if any stores are still selling them!!

My outfit: Jeans: J Brand; Top: Just another cheap shirt; Belt: Forever 21; Shoes: Cynthia Vincent for Target.

Hot, Hot, Hot!!

The heat is back, and gratefully I don't have to stand it to much longer. Why you ask. Because I am moving back to Cali May 22nd! The date is set, the boxes are starting to pile up, and the heat is making me realize why I definitely cannot do another Florida summer. California is hot during the summer, but nothing like this. It is extremely hot during all hours of the day and night out here. In California we usually get a break at night from the heat. Here,we just constantly feel like we are stuck in an over sized oven.

However, I will spend my last weeks enjoying the great things about Florida. This weekend I am planning to head over to Orlando for some theme park therapy. I get my bar results next week, and I need to be at the happiest place on earth to help calm my nerves!

MOMS

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and unfortunately I won't be able to spend that day with my mom. The good thing is I was able to spend this past weekend with her. She is actually on the plane right now headed back to Southern Cali.

This post is about moms. The women who raised us, love us unconditionally and just about sacrifice everything to make us happy. I know my mom is one of the best, and I'm sure you feel the same way about your mother as well! Here are a few reasons why I love her, and why I feel like the luckiest girl in the world for being blessed with such a wonderful mom.

1. She is beyond gorgeous

2. She is classy. Like Jackie-O classy.

3. She loves her family more than life itself.

4. She works hard, and when I say hard I mean it. She is a registered nurse, and has worked liked it was her first day every single day.

5. She has a beautiful smile that makes you want to smile yourself.

6. She loves my husband like he is her own son.

7. And she is just unique. There really is no one like her. Well, everyone says I'm just like her, but I don't think I can measure up yet.

I love you mom. Happy Mothers Day. Even though it isn't exactly the day, I feel like all the mothers deserve more than just one day out of the month of May. Tell your mom you love her, better yet tell any mom that you know that they are awesome!

Birthday Wishes

Today I turned 28! At midnight my husband surprised me with a brand new beach cruiser. I thought what a great idea to start 28 off with a great workout. We rode our bikes all throughout Westchase this morning and it was just amazing.

Tonight Donte is taking me to a cine bistro which should be fun and new. It's a different twist on dinner and a movie. Tomorrow my mother is coming to Tampa for the weekend, so this birthday is one of the best!

I do have several thoughts about turning 28. It is a bit scary as I'm reaching the end of my roaring 20's, but I think 28 is a great age. At first I was nervous about it, but after watching Benjamin Button this weekend I realized that turning older is defiantly better than growing younger.

It is a blessing to be able to celebrate birthdays, so I'm wishing for many many more to come!

Jess another night

Jessica left for the West Coast this Sunday, and it took Donte & I a few days to recover from our weekend! We had a blast. We did a pub crawl Friday night, and Jessica found her an admirer. We took that picture of them while they were talking.

Saturday I was surprised that we were all able to get up at a decent hour. Especially after all of the loaded coronas we had, but we sucked it up and hit the road to downtown Ybor. After turkey burgers, urban outfitters and thrift stores we hit a low key cantina. We had another round of loaded coronas or two...more like three.

And of course we had to take her to the Blue Martini. What's a night in Tampa without hitting up the blue. We had a good time showing off our robot moves. After drinking all day, everything seems like a good idea!

Several 80's dance moves later we finally decided to go back home since Jess had to be on her flight. Her 6am flight! I'm not sure who came up with the bright idea of just staying up, but that was the plan, and of course we all crashed about 30min before it was time to leave. Some how we actually made it to the airport on time.

It's Tuesday now, and I'm finally feeling back to normal. I remember when we were able to do weekends like this without a problem. Geeezzzzzzz we are getting old!

Miss. Jess is coming to town

Very excited about Jessica coming to town tomorrow from LA! It will be fun showing her good ol' Tampa Bay since she has never been out here before.

Next month all of the gang will be together in LA for our second annual Sex & the City weekend. However this will be a mini preview of the fun times and drinking that lay ahead!

Is it wrong that I have only stocked up on vodka, tequila and limes??? Maybe I should of stocked up on fruits and veggies so we could have a nice graceful weekend.... how bout NO!

I Heart Target

Cynthia Vincent is designing a shoe line for Target! The shoes are due to be released this Sunday the 18th!!. The line consist of wedges, sandals, and flats. The entire look book is on target.com, and the line just looks amazing. The prices of the shoes make them look even better! I believe they range from $19.99-$29.99.


I am getting to my nearby Target extra early this Sunday so I can grab the black wedges! Mark your calendars, these shoes are fantastic!

Florida Bar Takers

Today is results day!!! I just wanted to wish all of you who are waiting for the Florida results the best of luck.

If you don't pass this time, just consider it practice for July. Like they say in Jamaica....No worries


GOOD LUCK!!!

Random thoughts for a Friday

I received an email with some very funny thought provoking statements




I'm having a #10 type of day!


1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is a great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on #5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

7. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

8. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

9. Bad decisions make good stories.

10. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

11. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection......again

12. "Do not machine was or tumble dry" means I will never wash this.....ever

13. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Damn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voice mail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Gray Goose than Kay.

Just another day at the office

As soon as I walked into work today, I was asked if I saw the hot guy that was outside. I work downtown and let's just say the people I see aren't anything to talk about. Since I have the only color printer in the office, I was sent an email with one of my co-workers who got the so called "hot guy" to take a picture with them. As soon as I opened the attachment I just laughed. The hot guy was one of my husband's friends!!!! Such a small world, and so funny. Anyway, here is the picture of the "hot guy".

West Side!!!

It's official. We are moving back to California!! Now we just have to settle down on an exact date, and of course somehow get three bedroom sets, dinning room table, pub table, couches, coffee tables, Mr. Big (our Yorkie) and Charlotte (our cat), and all of our clothes to the West Coast. Oh and our two cars, BBQ grill, TVs and the list goes on and on and on.

We got an estimate from a moving company and they quoted us $5,300 to move the furniture not counting the car and the truck. So I guess that means ROAD TRIP!

It's unbelievable how much stuff you can acquire in just four years. When I moved to Florida all I had to do was ship my car, and I brought three suitcases full of clothes. Now it feels like I have enough stuff to stock a mansion.

My goal for this month is actually picking a move out date, and finding a place in California.

Very excited to be back on the same time zone as my Family and Friends. (With the exception of one of my besties--- move back!!) Also excited to see the mountains every day, and the crazy antics that go on in LA. Even though Tampa is a beautiful place to live, and the beaches are amazing. There is no place like home.

I Heart April

I love this time of the year. Spring is my favorite season because it's sunny outside, but it's not to hot. Every day just seems perfect. I might love the month of April so much because it's my birth month, but I also love it because tulips are in full bloom this time of year.

I have a lot of things to look forward to this month! One of my best gals is coming from Cali to visit! The week after that my mother is coming to town, and it's my b day in a couple of weeks.

I know that Florida bar takers are receiving their bar results next week. Take the time to just enjoy how beautiful it is outside!!! Don't worry about the bar... you passed!

Ann Taylor 2010 Fall Collection

Spring is here, summer is near, but Fall is shortly to follow.





Ann Taylor recently threw their 2010 Fall preview party and the clothes are fabulous for the working gal. I can not wait to stock up on all of the cute skirts and blouses.





There are not that many places that offer stylish work appropriate attire. Ann Taylor is one of the classic stores that does. I love the black tights with the skirts, and the oversize bags.







Looking forward to all the great shopping this fall!!

(photo from Johndaily.com)

What I'm looking forward to

Today I was able to sit in on my first deposition. I am working part time for a civil defense firm, and the partners gave me the "OK" to sit in on as many depos and hearings as I want. I must say that it was definitely different from my pre-trial practice class, and even though I was on the trial team at my school, we never covered depositions.

I found it interesting how you can tell a newbie lawyer from a seasoned vet. The lawyers who have done these a thousand times made it seem like it was easy. I know when I start I am going to have trouble when I can't stick to the script. I learned that it is very important to listen to the witness and to base your next question on his response. As easy as it sounds, it really is not.

I plan on watching as many depos and hearings as I can, so when I actually get to participate in one, I won't seem like a fish out of water.

I'm a month and a half closer to starting my dream career. As much as I like trying new things, once I become a lawyer I'd like to say that I tested the water before being thrown into the deep end.

Tick Tock

The end of March is coming near, and April is on it's way! However,I feel like May is still months and months away. (really didn't try to make that rhyme!)

I get my bar results on May 14th. 6pm Cali time which means 9pm Tampa time. I have been trying to keep myself busy, but at random times I get that feeling of my stomach dropping. I can't help but think that at that very moment that it feels like I'm going down a roller coaster..... a bar exam grader is trying to figure out what the heck I just wrote. I might be on the other side of the country while my exam is being graded, but me and that exam had three long days together. I feel like we are connected in some weird way.

I decided to stop reading the random postings of what people thought about the exam. At this point, it doesn't help for me to read a hundred different peoples opinions on whether the sleeping wolf's owner should be held liable for a jogger tripping over him. We all want to be lawyers. We can all argue that question until the cows come home.

At this point I am just going to continue to pray, wish and hope for the best. I know how it feels to fall short on the exam. I survived it, so I can survive this.

For everyone out there who is waiting on your bar results; Be it California, Florida, or where ever else. I wish you the best. Hang in there. I know its hard because not only do you want to pass, but all of your family and friends are crossing their fingers as well. Its easier said than done, but try to relax. Go on a long walk when you start to get anxious or better yet make this. A nice little recipe I learned when I started to feel my stomach drop this weekend:

The Best Freakin Margarita... EVER :

1 and a half parts of Milagro (type of tequila. I am sure you can use whatever brand you like)

1 part of agave nectar (you can buy it at a whole foods. Mix it with some hot water because its sort of thick)

half of a lime

Shake it all up, and serve over ice (with a salted rim of course). It's a delicious margarita, with not even a fraction of the calories.

Let me know how it goes!!!

Our Wedding made it to the Press

On March 21, 2009 I married my best friend! It's been a year and things are going great. We received a great surprise for our one year anniversary.

Our wedding was featured in Ceremony Magazine. Ceremony is a Los Angeles based magazine and covers Los Angeles weddings and Events. We made the 2010 cut!

They gave us a two page spread which featured a few pictures of our day. Also, our photographer used a picture of myself and my girls as their advertisement.

My fondest memory of that day was walking down the aisle. Before I entered the chapel my Dad told me a quick joke to make me laugh, and we walked in! I was all smiles because I couldn't believe so many of our family and friends showed up to see us take our vows. The best part of the day was when Donte took me and walked me to the alter. He looked so handsome and excited, and that melted my heart.

I love you Mr. Nicholson!

http://www.mygazines.com/issue/6953/199

http://www.mygazines.com/issue/6953/327

Rainy Days

What is it about rainy days that just makes you want to stay inside? I had huge plans for today. Well not really huge, but they included going to the grocery store, and of course a quick stop at the mall. But when I realized it was raining outside all I wanted to do was lay on the couch with Donte and Mr. Big (our little yorkie pictured above). The rain just seems to slow things down a little bit. Taking things slow once in a while is a good thing. So for today; I am just going to look out the window and enjoy the rain, and of course enjoy life!

H&M Garden Collection

The H&M Garden Collection releases today! I have looked at all the photos of the clothes on H&M website and there are so many things that I want. The only problem is that there is no H&M in Tampa. Very sad.

For those of you who are ever so lucky to have a store near you go check it out! And if your feeling generous today, please send me the brown military jacket, floral dress, and red rosette strapless. Thankie!

Happy shopping to all this weekend

Here is the link for the garden collection video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HfXxMXrnkY

New to this type of stuff

I am definitely a fan of blogging. I usually start my day checking nitrolicious for my fashionista fix, media takeout for my gossip high, and just about all the California bar exam blogs. I recently text my husband today that I wanted to finally start my own blog. He responded "Do It." So just like the old Nike slogan, I did it!

Just to clue you in on my status right now. I graduated from law school in May of 2009. Took the California bar exam in July 2009 and did not pass by 18 points. Instead of being a Debbie Downer, I decided to tackle the beast again. I took the Feb 2010 exam, and am playing the waiting game right now.

Even though I am waiting on my results, my life is not on hold!

Whenever life throws you a lemon. Just play the Gucci Man song, throw on a pair of lemonade pumps and dance the night away!