Sunday, January 4, 2009

Melancholy and (Temporary) Sadness

(No, no worries pregnancy is fine as far as I know, first apt. is Wed!)

I know I'm way behind on our goings on and will write several items to post over the next week or so, but as with Summer had something that needed to post first. Today is my last day of freedom before bar exam preparation takes over. For those not familiar with what is going on. I took and passed the Virginia bar exam in February 2005. I waived in to the DC bar in January 2006. However, due to bizarre Oklahoma reciprocity rules I will still have to take the Oklahoma bar exam and have elected to do so this February. Technically, I could wait as I'm not working "here" but it would only get harder. The impact is two months where I disappear into that experience again. It means about 6 hours a day of studying. I will continue with my other jobs, but B will have to go to day care starting tomorrow, which breaks my heart even though he was in day care for more than a year and I've never really expected to be a SAHM. The bar exam is February 24th & 25th - 8 hours a day per day.

Therefore, tomorrow is doubly sad both because my freedom will vanish for awhile, but my little boy will too. Last time it was tough with working 75% and studying (most people don't work at all while studying). I hardly saw Brent and he ended up pretty depressed too spending 14+ hours a day alone with a microscope (Yes, working towards ones PhD is often NOT fun either, but in good news you generally only do it once). This time I'll go from being with B all the time to maybe having a couple hours a day with him and Brent. I've elected not to take the bar class and just buy the books. I wonder if I have the discipline for this, but have to believe I do or I would see them even less with the driving time to the site in Midwest City.

In good news, there is a definite end. The bad news is that unlike last time where I could fear the unknown, but go bravely forward this time I know quite clearly what it will be. Once, I'm in it I suspect it will fall into a rhythm and probably work out, but looking into that from here is horrifying. There is also the niggling fear that I won't have the discipline and will just play with the boys when I need to be in my books. (I know nothing about OK law having not gone to law school here and don't practice most of the things that are on the multi-state so it will be a challenge -- it was the hardest part last time.) I suppose the motivator is a fear of failing and having to do it all over again next winter, but with two babies (the bar exam is only offered twice a year and the other date this year is pretty much my due date).

In any case, prayers and patience are appreciated. I don't know that I'll write that often, but we shall see. I may need the outlet. I won't see people practically during this time at all save for B's birthday, but will celebrate at the the end with a trip to Dallas for my nephew's first birthday and my 30th. I hope all your holiday celebrations were wonderful and that your year to come is filled with joy. Thanks for your love, support and kindness for me and mine. We'll need it as much as ever in the next couple of months and hopefully come April get good news and the promise of never having to do this again....Oh, and they say it is a test of minimum competence so I should be fine, right???

(Ps. Cool happening today--- was invited to speak as a distinguished alumni on a panel at OU in March---seems they think I might be minimally competent so a good day for that letter:))

6 comments:

Debra Dotter Blakley said...

Minimally competent??? You are so much more than that, my dear girl. On the bright side, B will probably make some new friends and have new and exciting adventures. Two months goes very quickly, remember? This is the right time.

Abbey said...

Thanks Mom - the minimally competent part is such a weird thing to say. It is a very hard test and really don't they want lawyers to be better than that? Just a weird phrase that irks me as it seems very attainable, but the mountain is high and if you don't pass there is the horrifying thought that you might not be minimally competent of all things!!

Summer said...

Oh yuck. Yuck yuck yuck. You have a good perspective on this, and like your mom says, 2 months will fly by. I know the CPA is nothing compared to the bar, but I remember having to dig in and study for that was like pulling teeth. And to be missing your little boy all the while - I will be praying for you because I know it will be a struggle. Good luck and just think, it will be over before you know it! And then another few months and you will have something MUCH more fun to occupy your time!

Jamie said...

Congrats on the invite - that is pretty cool. I agree - now is the best time for you, Brendan, Brent and '+1'. The friends and the fun to be had at his age will be great for him. And you and Brent will have SOME sanity left before '+1'! Good Luck!

Anonymous said...

Abbey,
You are super awesome and will do great. I also will be studying for the boards the next couple months (obviously not as hard) but still will be falling off the earth as well. p.s. being asked to speak at OU is probably the coolest thing ever, congrats! when do you think i will get my invite to speak? :)

Brenda Cohorn said...

I'm one of your mom's friends from Book Club. I just want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I just know this will be a time of growth and learning - even more than what you are studying, but learning what you and your family can accomplish together. God Bless!! B

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