Is Law School for Chumps?

One of the phrases I use in parenting my boys is "fill in the blank is for chumps." I have explained that a chump is someone who is easily convinced that something that's obnoxious or ridiculous is somehow cool, good, or right - I.e. "Face tattoos are for chumps." "Smoking is for chumps." "Cheating is for chumps." You get it. So do they. And they understand that mummy doesn't think they are chumps; so, she is dismayed when chump-like behavior is displayed. Although, I have to say that the other day, I overheard my 7 year old say that something was for "chums" and his older brother chuckled and corrected him.

I just read an interesting article at The New York Times called Are Law Schools and Bar Exams Necessary?  The piece brings into question whether actual schools accredited by the American Bar Association (which is basically a trade association for JDs) and the infamous Bar Exam (tool used to validate knowledge that should have been present when the JD was conferred by the law school) are really necessary to make sure that lawyers have the skills, talent and ability to serve US citizens. You can imagine the costs associated with schools, the exam and the profit-making enterprises (i.e., classes, books, training/review courses, tutoring services, etc.) surrounding both of these entities no matter what actual earning potential exists at any given time.

As you may recall from earlier posts/references, I am so the "wannabe law student." I want to be a lawyer. (It bears repeating - a lawyer NOT an attorney, mind you.) However at this time in my life (mid-40s, elementary-aged children, minimal cash flow), attending law school is simply not feasible. Which is really too bad - not just for me personally but for the greater good.

There are several "recovering attorneys" in the blogosphere as well as in the real world whom I have encountered. Many seem to find the work (research, reading, analyzing and writing) boring. I think this may be because they may extroverts who would prefer to be engaged with people either in meetings or in court. Maybe they don't really have an passion for simply helping others for the sake of helping others. Maybe their parents insisted on the pursuit of the J.D. and they didn't know how to say no. Maybe it was the scholarship they received and figured that they couldn't waste the offer. Could be anything. In any case, they seemed to have completed the requirement for reasons other than a thirst for learning about law and how to use it to serve and protect citizens.  In my heart of hearts, that is what I have. It is something I would do for the rest of my life.

My grade point average when I graduated from college with my bachelors degree in English was not horrible (full disclosure - it wasn't off the charts stellar either). Still, I loved the reading, the analysis, the writing (no surprise there). As a hobby and lifestyle, I have long had an interest in helping those less fortunate or disenfranchised. How I wished I had married those two passions and pursued the Juris Doctorate back in my twenties. Honestly, I don't want to necessarily get rich litigating and arguing cases. That is so NOT for me. Well the getting rich part, I'd take. The litigating and arguing, not so much. I'd rather enjoy the comforts of an easy and elegant life whilst protecting myself and others from financial predators or mistakes.

Not that I believe the J.D. is the be all-end all. Sure anyone can study (read/learn about) the law; and, I don't want to reiterate what I've already said on the matter. May I just say -

Image courtesy of art.com.

"Lord, please put me out of this misery and longing.

Either take away the desire;

or, show me the solution/resources that would make this dream a reality."

Meanwhile, I'd better go out and buy a pumpkin so my second grader can decorate it tonight. He has chosen Harry the Dirty Dog for his entry into the Storybook Pumpkin Contest at school. I'm thinking with a little pumpkin, some white paper, clear tape, a black marker and an empty irish oatmeal can, he will be golden. Also, must finalize costumes.

By the way, don't tell the boys; but, Halloween is for chumps.

10/31/11 - Update: Here is my lad's entry.

I caught a glimpse of some of the entry's and several were incredible - literally - incredible. My son did the lion's share of work on his entry and I am proud of his effort whilst he is proud of the little ribbon he earned for participating.

Vive La France

I don't know what it is about the European culture that has intrigued me for most of my life. It may stem from the stories of my parents who travelled as an Air Force family, or it may stem for the wonderful old movies that I watched as a girl where most everyone from "foreign lands" seemed exotic and interesting, or maybe the fact that, as with many youngsters, anything other that what we are may be, for the moment anyway, desirable.


For me England, France and Tunisia have been the countries to which I have been most drawn. Growning up as citizen of the Unites States of America, the introduction to England and all her glory begins nearly in utero. Follow that with an ongoing diet of British-Comedies from As You Like It to Monty Python to Keeping Up Appearances to Chef! and Coupling and sprinkle in the real life dramas and celebrations associated with the monarchies and anything associated with Jane Austen, Maggie Smith, and Dame Judi Dench (is it weird that I love the decor of the "flat" inhabited by Jean and Lionel; or, that I would wear anyone of her outfits to volunteer at the children's school?), along with the fact that language is no barrier, how could I not have developed a great affection for jolly old England. Did I mention that my bachelors degree is in English?

Frame from I Love Lucy - Lucy Meets Charles Boyer

(Image courtesy of www.cbs.com)

Then, I hear french being spoken and it sounds so lovely to the ear. Having seen the I Love Lucy in France reruns and having artful experiences with french artists, and taking semesters of french in college, and learning about the lifestyle where simplicity, authenticity and balance seem suitable for my personality, well that was all it took. I dub me - francophile. I've decorated most common areas of my house in rather a French Country motif. It is mixed with the sort of early american/colonial, too. (How could it not be? I live in a suburb in Northern Virginia so the colonial influence cannot be escaped.)

Tunisia (sometimes Morocco) beckons me. My father took home movies of his visit to Morocco back in the early 1960s. The images of the souks and markets were so exotic and exciting a little girl (moi) watching and wondering if she would ever be able to visit such a place as this. As an American of African descent, I feel a draw to visit the continent of Africa. As one hears the stories of great unrest in the largely islamic countries in North Africa, I am less likely to visit there any time soon. Still I so, enjoy visiting vicariously through others. When the Real Housewives of New York visited, I couldn't wait to record and watch it. It still looks like an amazing place to visit. Oh, and did you know that - after arabic - french is an official language.

I taught my sons a few french phrases in the interest of good manners and etiquette (okay - and to amuse myself). Call me crazy; but, I would rather my son say "I would like something to eat please" or "I would like the bathroom please" in french rather than English when we are in the company of other adults.

Resources for learning and practicing French are many. I shared in a previous posts how Madames Dariaux and Guiliano have influenced my lifestyle. Here are a few more:

Earworms Rapid French - The best method of learning useful phrases in a fun way.

Professor Toto's Watch & Learn French has been a useful tool in introducing the language to my sons.

Image courtesy of Lifestyle-Vogue.com

Belle Du Jour is my all time favorite movie to hear the language spoken and see an amazing sense of style. Catherine Deneuve is magnificently dressed from top to toe. Sadly, the subject matter is a bit offensive and disturbing so I rarely recommend it IRL. Also, may I just add, although I've seen it several times, I must confess, I still don't really get it - someday someone will have to explain it to me. I just fast forward through the less than tasteful scenes to get to the next outfit.

Priceless is one of my more recent french finds. Audrey Tautou (who also played the lead in the movie Coco Before Chanel) and Gad Elmaleh are so adorable is this fresh flick with beautiful backdrops. The music and rhythm of the movie is just right. What I didn't realize until this typing is that the story lines are comparable. Hmmm.

My Life in France is a fantastic book which has brought me the most joy in fantasizing what life in France might be like for any USAmerican. Julia's story is so remarkable in so many ways. I have said that I wish I would have read this book the day it hit bookstores as it contains some truths and wisdom that I could have really used when I made my big move from the West Coast to the East Coast. I really love Julia Child's wit and joie de vivre.

It no longer surprises me that our nation's founding fathers enjoyed time in France, or that France is that official language of the United Nations in New York, NY (USA). The fact that my husband grew up in a part of the southern US where French Huegenots settled and that he has a rather french-sounding last name is a happy coincidence. Also, it turned out that of all the languages offered, he, too, took french courses during his undergraduate studies. Another coincidence, is that when we first visited Washington DC as a family, we were invited to a party at the French Embassy where the people were lovely, the food was excellent and the artwork breathtaking. While I know I'm totally not french, I promise you the french connections do not stop there.

I have ocassionally experimented with my french language skills by trying to use it with the french canadian kids who have come into my life - the mothers always end up correcting me; and, I don't mind at all. I always apologize (for brutalizing their language) and thank them (from keeping me from looking like a buffoon).

I will continue to explore bits about France for as long as it interests me and dream of the day that I will visit.

Au revoir!

 

I am a Couponer

Before a month ago, the only coupons I ever used were the occasional Lord & Taylor 25% off coupons that come in the Washington Post at the end of seasons or coupons for deals at food places that my children would get as reward through the summer reading programs at the Public Library. But, after watching several episodes of TLC's Extreme Couponing, talking with couponing moms whilst volunteering at the school IRL, talking with my sisters and reading thekrazycouponlady, I took the plunge and have been couponing for the last few weeks. And, oh what a feeling!

This book with the sassy (maybe they are just southern) title was written by Joanie Demer and Heather Wheeler of thekrazycouponlady. These ladies are so cute and enthusiastic about the process. Disclosure - I have not read this book so I can't say it's a "must have" for your Homemaker's Library. (Although, I must say, it does have great reviews at Amazon.) I am hopeful that we might be able to obtain a copy at our public library someday soon. 

As a homemaker (who is hunting for a part-time gig to support my list of wants), I believe that I am contributing to our family's bottom line and quality of life as I obtain regular and needed items at a fraction of the usual cost. When one saves moneyover here, she has funds for over there.

Children learn about needs vs. wants in lower elementary school in our county's public school system. As I see it, "needs" are those things that are required for survival whereas "wants" are things that are strongly desired for emotional reasons. (OK. I just made up those definitions. Still, I think that's pretty good.) My "wants" more often than not fall in to the "services" or "experiences" category more than goods. For me, my quality of life increases with a bit of pampering and doing things that are out of my ordinary. Here's a good worksheet for beginners - and newlyweds:) - Need vs. Wants Worksheet @ SmartAboutMoney.org.

Now, I am watching what store is doubling or even tripling coupons. I've learned that coupons and "rewards" are available to help me to conserve my funds for more of the needs and occasional splurges for those wants. I'm learning to organize my little envelope of coupons and to actually watch the cashiers ring to make sure I get my best and accurate price. Scanning errors happen frequently and seemingly always in the store's favor. It's crazy. While I don't expect to be one of the lady's with the big binder who's pushing two carts filled with pasta and toothpaste (because there is no way to do that elegantly), I do expect to a few more "services" and "experiences" to come my way. Meanwhile, my next goal is to have a receipt that shows that I saved more than I paid at a grocery, pharmacy or discount store.

So today, I proudly proclaim - channeling President John F. Kennedy's Boston Accent and passion during his Ich bin ein Berliner "I am a Berliner" speech from June 26, 1963 when JFK spoke in Germany but a little more quietly - I am a Couponer.

Feeling Soupy (or Fall is Here)

I. Love. Summer. I always have. I grew up in Southern then Northern California where I experienced 2.5 of the 4 seasons of the year (which explains some of my disconnect to life here in in the Mid-Atlantic/Northern South Region of the great United States). Still, summer seems to be the happiest time of the year for me. I always need a bit of a nudge to change my mindset to things autumnal.

As we transition into Fall, I am re-reading French Women for All Seasons by Mireille Guiliano. She gives a wonderful perspective on that to which we have to look forward in the coming weeks. As I read yesterday, Madame Guiliano imparted wisdom on the beauty and bounty of autumn - particularly the seasonal foods that abound, the importance of continuing to partake in outdoor activities as weather allows and the use of scarves for pulling together a simple and elegant fall look. I have a few scarves which I enjoy. I'm just not very creative with them, Still, I'm looking forward to pulling them out - long with some woolen plaids, tweeds, and corduroy. Fall can be fun. Next week the boys and I will visit a local farm with friends and season will be in full swing.

I have to tell you. 1.) I am a bit of a Foodie. I enjoy eating well-prepared whole foods. I like preparing dishes (that take fewer than 8 ingredients including salt and pepper) and I collect cookbooks - the most prized of which are those with amazing pictures. Don't tell anyone but I bookmark a few cooking-related blogs just to read the recipes and look at the pretty pictures. The best blog hands down of this genre is Ree Drummond's The Pioneer Woman. I dare you to visit over there, click around and not be inspired to cook...or at least eat. Ree reminds me of Elsie Masterson of Blueberry Hill Cookbook fame. I picked up a terrific first edition at a book sale at our local library a couple of years ago. (I so appreciate the public library. Thank you, Benjamin Franklin.) This cookbook is wonderful to read although I must confess that I've not attempted to create any of the recipes yet. Regardless, in a literary sense, I love the way it's written as though she is simply jotting down cooking instructions for a friend.

I quite admire each of these women for their efforts and success in transitioning in the manner of dear Martha (Stewart, of course) from Big City Successful Professional Single Lady to Rural Domesticated Wife/Mother Who Has Carved Out a Successful Business in Homemaking. This season I have a goal to make something good involving squash, some kind of oatmeal-apple sweet, and a savory hearty soup for which the lads will beg me to make on the chilly days ahead. I imagine my future (aproned) self ladling snack-sized portions into bowls for them. I'm thinking of some kind of chicken soup and a vegetable chowder or cream soup of sorts. Note to self - Must acquire Soup Tureen. If I master it, I might even have friends over for soup and crusty bread. OK, getting carried away.

Meanwhile, the reality of the new season continues to come into focus. It was Back to School Night this past week at the children's school. Tuesday evening for the younger lad; Thursday evening for the elder. My husband and I continue to be pleased with the school to which we transferred them last year with hope for a smaller more academic and nurturing environment for learning. School clubs are underway and Our sons are excited about them. Our older son was feeling rather chuffed as he's been elected by his classmates (along with one other student) to represent his class in Student Council. 14 of the 27 students in his class asked to be on the ballot and applied for the "job." I'm proud of him just for trying something new and continuing to blossom and not seeing himself as "the new kid" anymore. 

I accept that it's time to pack away most of the shorts and tee shirts until next spring. (Of course, I'll leave out a few for warmer days and because my lads are just happier when they are wearing shorts for some reason.)

It's not terribly cold this morning and we have a break between rain showers, I may just take my bike out for a quick ride before the male people in my house rise. Happy Fall!

Bibliophile: Exhibit A - Elegance

One of my absolute favorite books is called Elegance.

It was published in 1965 by Genevieve Antoine Dariaux. I bought a wonderful old copy second hand after being introduced to Madame Dariaux via Elegance by Kathleen Tessaro published in 2004 (granted mine is an audio version -don't judge me - read by actress Elizabeth McGovern)...

...and A Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions - an updated version by Genevieve Antoine Dariaux herself published in 2004.

I have to tell you. I devoured each one. I reference the 2004 Dariaux from time to time. Madame Dariaux is an absolute sage. Her writing voice and style speak to the core of all things classically and simply right. Plus she's a bit cheeky. I like that.