tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88294272024-03-23T14:31:38.408-04:00Legal Quandaryquan·da·ry (kwnd-r, -dr). A state of uncertainty or perplexity. Sadly, this sums up my law school experience rather well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger830125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-59525562919742487492011-12-21T20:25:00.003-05:002011-12-21T20:32:26.652-05:00Not Currently Answering the MailSo...it's been a while (approximately 2 years) since I last posted.<br /><br />In the meantime, I've been busy. I've had a few more JAG jobs and moved a couple of times. <br /><br />Unfortunately, what I *haven't* been doing is checking my LQ@gmail account. Imagine my surprise and embarrassment when I realized that a number of people have been emailing me in the last 2 years and I haven't been answering. My sincere apologies! (Although after looking at Roster, I realize that some of you are JAGs and doing just fine without my sage advice, so I guess things have a way of working themselves out.)<br /><br />At any rate, the point of this post is to say that I am not currently answering questions via LQ.<br /><br />Best of luck to anyone applying to the JAG Corps. If you have questions, there are several individuals at AF JAX (the recruiting folks) who are both extremely qualified and - more importantly - helpful!<br /><br />Thanks for reading!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-30707405022037450212009-01-28T15:46:00.002-05:002009-01-28T15:53:52.911-05:00FacebookSometimes Facebook makes me laugh - especially when it suggests people I might like to be "friends" with.<br /><br />For example, today my former brother-in-law was one of the people Facebook thought I might know. Ok, so I wouldn't expect Facebook to know I used to be married to his brother, but did he come up because we have several friends in common? Nope. It said I might know him because we went to the same university. <br /><br />Weird.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-59664621215152203622009-01-08T21:21:00.002-05:002009-01-08T21:29:30.542-05:00Ever Have Someone In Your OfficeWho is so incompetent that it would actually be easier if he never did ANY work because you spend more time correcting his errors than it would take you to do the project yourself? And sometimes, if you're very lucky, you'll get to make corrections TWICE because he only made some of your corrections the first time around.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-90662065230406153262008-09-07T23:01:00.002-04:002008-09-07T23:05:22.785-04:00Yeah, I Don't Know Why This Amuses Me...But it does.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.oneplusyou.com/bb/fight5" style="display: block; background: url(http://www.oneplusyou.com/q/img/bb_badges/fight5.jpg) no-repeat; width: 296px; height: 84px; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 42px; color: #fff; text-decoration: none; text-align: center; padding-top: 145px;">23</a><p>Created by OnePlusYou - <a href="http://www.oneplusyou.com">Online Dating Service</a></p><br /><br />Ignore the online dating ad link. I just like to delude myself that I could handle Lil Q plus 22. Maybe I AM ready to take on a dozen youngsters at her 6th birthday party next week.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-26593953923997253582008-08-26T22:16:00.003-04:002008-08-26T22:31:01.706-04:00How To Make A Million DollarsDevelop a secure online program for school websites which allows parents to access their child's information with a username/password. Parents should be able type in information ONCE to fill out the approximately 600 forms that are required to be filled out EVERY YEAR on the first day of school. Allow for digital signatures and for parents to be able to update information (like contact numbers) if it changes at any point during the year. Have the information transfer directly to school district databases - this will allow families who don't move to just update or re-certify their information.<br /><br />If the schools insist on actual signatures, at least make the forms available for download so parents can just print and sign instead of spending hours filling the stupid forms out by hand. EVERY YEAR.<br /><br />Of course...now that I think about it - we had something very much like this in law school! If the universities can implement it, why can't a regular school district? You would think a program like this would pay for itself with paper/printing cost savings alone.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-28187838239126139532008-08-25T22:39:00.003-04:002008-08-25T22:46:53.276-04:00Where Do All The Scissors Go?The kids start school tomorrow, so in true LQ fashion, I was out doing the back-to-school shopping tonight. In my defense, the shopping list depends in part on assigned teachers, and we didn't find that key bit of information out until late.<br /><br />At any rate, I realized that <span style="font-style:italic;">once again</span>, I have to buy scissors for Lil Q. I've bought scissors for the kids EVERY SINGLE YEAR they've been in school, so I'm really starting to wonder what happens to all the scissors?<br /><br />I'm not balking at the idea of providing some school supplies for the kids. Crayons? No problem. Pencils? Of course. Kleenex and/or baby wipes? Sure. But are the kids really that rough on scissors? Because I sure as heck never see a pair come back home at the end of the year.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-3041396339632254972008-08-24T08:07:00.002-04:002008-08-24T08:13:41.332-04:00LQ's Tip Of The DayIf someone honestly believes that Merlot should be served chilled, they probably also don't know much about picking out said Merlot. It's likely to give you a headache.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-7231973477156451152008-05-29T16:12:00.002-04:002008-06-03T10:53:34.030-04:00I'll Bet You Thought You Were Rid of MeBut no such luck. I've just been busy with work and/or out of town for the last couple of months. Alleghenyman asks the following question:<br /><br /><blockquote>Can you try to describe social life on base? I'm a little concerned about moving every two years and not making many friends in sleepy places like Arkansas or Dayton OH where I don't know anybody. I may be married going in, to a nonmilitary spouse, and wonder what it will be like for her too.</blockquote><br /><br />Social life just sort of depends on where you're stationed. Some bases are much more close knit than others. For example, every person I've ever known who was stationed at Minot has RAVED about the sense of community on base. I've heard similar things about overseas bases like Kunsan, where there just isn't a ton to do off base. (Hint: if you ever ask people about a base and their response is either 1) do you like to hunt & fish, or 2) they have a great fitness facility, this is code for the weather is bad most of the year and there's nothing else to do.)<br /><br />Your individual office will also have a lot to do with your social life. For example, even though our office doesn't socialize together a whole lot outside of work, we have weekly PT sessions or team building exercises, so we actually get to know each other fairly well. Plus chances are that you'll find at least one or two people you "click" with in just about any office.<br /><br />There are also a wide variety of organizations on base that try to encourage you to get to know people. One of the best organizations for a new JAG, if you can find the time to participate, is the Company Grade Officers' Council (CGOC). Not every base has a great one, but this is usually a good way to meet other people who are about the same age and have similar levels of military experience. I'm not currently a member of the CGOC (I don't really fit the mold) but have been at my previous bases. I can't tell you the number of times just knowing the lieutenant or captain who runs the __________ office has made my life easier. PLUS, some of the lieutenants and captains you meet will eventually grow up to be the commanders you'll advise later in your career. Other options are the various church groups, running clubs, tennis clubs, etc. on base. On some bases the spouses clubs - either through what used to be the Officers' Club, or through the unit, etc - are very active. Check at the Family and Community Support Center, the Chapel, or the Services organization on base - all of these tend to have some good information available, especially for families.<br /><br />PLUS, all the military members are pretty much in the same boat, so in most offices you're "part of the family" as soon as you hit the base. You'll also be appointed a sponsor to help you get settled into the office and the community. Also - don't neglect the civilians working in your office! They can usually give you great information on neighborhoods and schools and are a great resource. <br /><br />There are times that moving around every few years gets old. For one thing, every time I move, I have to fill out a new Dependent Care Plan, which details who will take care of my kids if my husband and I were both gone at the same time for some reason. One of the requirements of this form is that you list someone who could take care of your kids with less than 24 hours notice. It's always fun trying to decide which of the people you've known for less than a month you should entrust with the wellbeing of your offspring!<br /><br />That said, one of my favorite things about military life is that know people almost everywhere I go. I recently took a trip to San Antonio - one of my bridesmaids lives there. After that, I went to Montgomery. A guy who left my office about a year ago is there now PLUS one of my best friends from my first assignment is there. Additionally, you'll go to JASOC (JAG training) with between 20 and 70 other JAGs. Chances are good you'll keep running into your classmates, and occasionally working with them, the rest of your career.<br /><br />I know this may not totally answer your question. I apologize - I've been traveling a bunch lately and am, in fact, hopping on another airplane this afternoon, but wanted to get some kind of answer out there! Follow up questions?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-81597107396148787812008-05-18T17:51:00.003-04:002008-05-18T18:11:18.211-04:00You Know You're Really A Lawyer When...You're amazed when otherwise fair and rational people ask you questions like "How could you ever defend someone who is on trial for Crime X?!!!"<br /><br />It's a purely academic question for me at this point since I'm a prosecutor, but I've been asked this question twice in the last week - and both times I was completely flabbergasted. Primarily because neither of the people (both of whom I like and respect) ever considered that just because a person is accused of a crime doesn't mean he or she actually committed it. They both also seemed to assume that the defense attorney always "knows" their client did the crime and is somehow manipulating the system to get their client off on "technicalities."<br /><br />Did I used to think that way too?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-64739127698797329322008-05-11T23:46:00.002-04:002008-05-11T23:51:40.228-04:00How Many?Lip Sticks, Balms, Glosses, and Elixirs does a girl really need to carry in her purse.<br /><br />Apparently, in my case, no less than <span style="font-style:italic;">EIGHT</span>.*<br /><br />Which goes a long way toward explaining why my purse is always so damned heavy.<br /><br />* Also - three packs of gum, a pedometer, two sets of nail clippers, 6 pens, a pack of Post-it notes, and a rosary.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-3347548663470344202008-05-05T21:41:00.003-04:002008-05-05T21:43:29.016-04:00DelinquentOk...so I know I haven't written much in forever. This isn't really going to change that because I've got the start of a cold coming on and need to get to bed.<br /><br />BUT...a quick question:<br /><br />Have you ever met someone who, from the moment you first shook hands with them, gave off an overwhelming vibe of being a whole bucket o' crazy?<br /><br />Discuss.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-10829582883594902162008-03-24T22:53:00.001-04:002008-12-10T12:12:21.407-05:00Your PSA For The Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2Nlwh9UOdbAcGM1qIWyrT6Z-kkiYa1N0Rl343zfHUJMp9KdZepoTds-SuTlceILYOKQOJ-BuP0cpvla3hSkGGfh9RxgM66wAZGC3BdltMZBFxlW_99lOThFDA7JI9gxCocdt/s1600-h/DSCN6424.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC2Nlwh9UOdbAcGM1qIWyrT6Z-kkiYa1N0Rl343zfHUJMp9KdZepoTds-SuTlceILYOKQOJ-BuP0cpvla3hSkGGfh9RxgM66wAZGC3BdltMZBFxlW_99lOThFDA7JI9gxCocdt/s320/DSCN6424.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5181507341426154018" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-84232068847364978242008-03-10T20:47:00.003-04:002008-03-10T21:00:30.955-04:00Whaaaa???I had to contact a client at home this morning to touch base about some changes she wanted made to a document I'd prepared.<br /><br />When I called around 11, it was obvious she'd been sleeping when I called. I offered to call back later, but she insisted on continuing the conversation. Ok, fine.<br /><br />A few minutes later, we're engaged in a conversation about what certain legal terms mean...when I heard a toilet flush. In close proximity to the phone.<br /><br />I guess it's theoretically possible that it was just a Kleenex or something going down, but still...wouldn't you wait until you were done with your phone call just so the person on the other end didn't wonder whether you were doing your business while talking on the phone???Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-3429278617563191172008-02-25T23:11:00.003-05:002008-03-02T22:41:47.333-05:00And Another Thing....Please send all your good vibes this way for Mr. Q. He's got a big day tomorrow!<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />UPDATE!!!</span><br /><br />Sorry for not posting earlier - I've been out of town the last few days (which also explains my lack of Scramble-playing...)<br /><br />Mr. Q's Big Day (aka his Thesis Defense) went GREAT! He's just making minor edits to the written portion now, but other than that, he's DONE!!!<br /><br />When he finally graduates, it'll mark the first time in nearly five years that one of us hasn't been enrolled in some sort of higher education program. Time for a little vacation...if we can only find the time!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-4585863436309094942008-02-25T20:42:00.004-05:002008-02-25T22:58:17.070-05:00More AnswersTo more of your questions. (Keep them coming! The more YOU write, the more I write...) As always, I need to remind you that these are just LQ's impressions and are NOT the official position of the Air Force or the JAG corps. Even so, I hope you find the answers helpful.<br /><br />At the poster's request, I've redacted his name and personal information.<br /><br /><blockquote>How competitive is AF Jag admission? I'm 1st in the 2L class at a school somewhere on the West Coast....but it's no Yale :).<br /><br />Is AF JAG less time-intensive than private practice? That's a selling point that all the JAG programs seem to advertise, but is it really true?<br /><br />Are AF JAGs given more responsibility immediately as first-year lawyers than in private practice?<br /><br />Does a 4-8 year JAG career lend well to moving into private practice later? In other words, if I don't go career, will I be at a disadvantage?</blockquote><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">How competitive is AF JAG Admission?</span> Although I can't give you hard numbers, selection is actually fairly competitive. I would estimate that my SJA interviews about a dozen people for every Direct Appointment board. Of that dozen, one to two might get selected for the first board they meet. Some offices interview more applicants, some substantially fewer. The DAP boards meet every other month and if you are not selected the first time, your package will automatically go forward to the next board. If you're not selected the second time around, you'll have to re-apply. <br /><br />What can you do to help your chances of selection? Well, good grades obviously help, as do Law Review and Moot Court. Prior successful military service is also a huge bonus, but if you have other interesting work, academic, or volunteer experience, be sure to talk about that at your interview! Since you'll also be submitting a photo to the board as well as meeting with an SJA, try to be within the AF weight standards before your interview.<br /><br />A few interview tips. Although it should go without saying for aspiring attorneys - wear a suit to your interview! Gentlemen should get their hair cut, and ladies should make sure their hair looks professional. You'll probably meet with one of the Captains in the office either before or after meeting with the SJA who will conduct your interview and review your paperwork with you. Listen to what they have to say and ask questions. For example. How long have they been in? What's been their best experience? Have they deployed and what was it like? It also never hurts to ask for their phone number or email address so you can ask follow up questions (or send them an email thanking them for their time!) When you meet with the SJA, be prepared to talk about why you want to be an attorney/what drew you to the law and why you think you'd like to be a JAG. What do you think it means to serve? Also know that you'll likely be asked about your willingness to deploy - and if your answer is that you'd rather not, perhaps the JAG corps is not for you. Use the interview as an opportunity to gather information as well - DON'T assume you know everything and for the love of Pete DON'T interrupt the SJA when they're talking to you. <br /><br />Oh...and be nice to the staff. You'd be amazed at the number of people who are rude to the folks at the front desk when calling or coming in for interviews. Remember that the person interviewing you probably talks to the other people in his or her office. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Is AF JAG less time-intensive than private practice</span> I've never been in private practice, so I can't truly compare the two, but I'll give you my impressions. I think the JAG corps has less of an expectation that you work 60 or 80 hours a week, and more of an expectation that you complete the mission. If it only takes you 40 hours a week to do that, good for you! Obviously there will be times when you're prepping for trial or working an exercise where you will put in crazy hours, but for the most part, we tend to work fairly normal hours, even if it ends up being a bit more than the "typical" 40 hour workweek. Unless I have a trial or other large project, I generally work from 730 AM until 5 or 6 PM, though I'll sometimes bring work home with me to be able to leave at a decent hour. Other offices might be very different.<br /><br />I find that I have a lot of flexibility in scheduling my work, which is important to me. One of the other huge benefits of the JAG corps is that I also get time for Physical Training every week. Since we're required to pass a PT test every year, most offices are pretty good about giving time for exercise, and many offices get together for fun group PT activities like ultimate frisbee or basketball. One of the other very substantial benefits is that you'll probably never have to worry about getting enough CLE credits. Between JASOC and other training courses, I practically quadrupled my CLE requirements the first year I was in.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Are AF JAGs given more responsibility immediately as first-year lawyers than in private practice?</span> Again, I've never been in private practice, so I can't say whether the level of responsibility I have is more or less than it would be in private practice, but I can tell you about some of the experiences I've had so far. My initial inclination would be to say that JAGs ARE given a great deal more responsibility off the bat - and that's a sword which can cut both ways.<br /><br />A large part of my first year was spent in training. 3 months at JASOC and approximately 5 weeks at various other training courses. Other than that in my first year, I:<br />- Acted as Government Trial Counsel for courts-martial <br />- Taught classes on the Military Justice process and basic officership.<br />- Reviewed hundreds of documents for legal sufficiency. <br />- Saw hundreds of Legal Assistance clients and drafted at least a hundred wills - many on short notice. <br />- Personally advised the Base Commander (typically a Colonel or 1 Star) on various issues.<br />- Prosecuted a number of civilians in Federal Magistrate Court.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Does a 4-8 year JAG career lend well to moving into private practice later? In other words, if I don't go career, will I be at a disadvantage?</span> I have to admit I don't really know the answer to this question. I would say a lot probably depends on what you want to do in private practice. I've heard that people who want to do trial work sometimes have a harder time transitioning to the outside because the military justice system is just so different. On the other hand, I know several people who have landed amazing jobs with private law firms BECAUSE of their extensive trial experience. I get the impression that people with Government Contracts experience will never go hungry. I also know plenty of people who have transitioned from Active Duty to Reserves, and who have good jobs with various courts and federal agencies. I think many JAGs tend to go into other federal service just because that's what the JAG corps prepares you for, but that isn't to say that private firms wouldn't be interested as well. <br /><br />Feel free to post follow-up questions!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-91937106235857666292008-02-20T20:11:00.003-05:002008-02-25T20:41:16.842-05:00Mail Call!An Anonymous Poster asks the following questions about husbands and pets:<br /><br /><blockquote>My husband (an accountant) would like to continue to have a professional life, how difficult is it for JAG spouses to have civilian careers considering that they also have to pack up and move with you every 2-3 years? I really don't want him to end up dragging him to strange places where he will have to sit at home all day and watch paint dry...<br /><br />My pet (a dog) is pretty easygoing as long as we're around but I know that some countries have restrictions on importing pets and impose quarantine requirements. It sounds cheesy but dog is definitely a member of our family and quarantining her for 2 months in a strange European kennel would be like quarantining a child (ok, not that bad, but close). Regardless, the whole quarantine thing is expensive and I don't expect to be rolling in the dough working for JAG. So, do JAGs have pets? Does the AF try to send you places where it's possible to bring your entire family (including dogs)? (Note - coincidentally I adopted dog from a rescue that found her abandoned on a military base, so that's prety much my worst fear, that she'd be abandoned or lost again b/c I was transferred somewhere strange.) </blockquote><br /><br />Let's deal with the husband question first. This is sort of a tough one because it all sort of depends on your husband's field. Let me say up front that I know absolutely zero about how the accounting world works. While it would seem to me that an accountant would be able to work almost anywhere, you (and your husband) are likely to know more about whether this is the case, and whether it's possible to have any sort of upward mobility if you're switching jobs every few years. I would ask around in the accounting world to get a feel for this. You could also check what kind of career opportunities some of the larger defense contractors have for accountants - you might be able to find a company with multiple locations, so that your husband could move with you AND stay with the same company for more than 3 years. I've known several AF wives who have been able to make this sort of arrangement work. A couple of them have even been able to continue working from home when the company didn't have locations near their husband's base. <br /><br />Civil service might be another option for your husband. You can find out what jobs are available at <a href="http://www.usajobs.com/">www.usajobs.com</a>. A lot will depend on your husband's background and experience level. I believe that military spouses are usually given a higher priority for hiring. In the interest of full disclosure, I also have a friend stationed at a small base in Japan, whose husband has extensive business experience and an MBA. He's currently working at the Hobby Shop on base, and is fond of saying he's the most highly educated picture framer in the Air Force. (That said, I'm pretty sure he's also taking and teaching classes, really likes his job, and loves living overseas.) <br /><br />Most of the married JAGs I know have spouses who are either 1) other military members, or 2) stay-at-home parents. That isn't to say that military spouses aren't able to have careers - some are quite successful - but the reality is that there's a certain amount of sacrifice to make it work. Of course the same is true of the "mil-to-mil" couples, where one spouse's career usually takes priority over the other's.<br /><br />As for your pet question - LOTS (most?) of us have pets! I have two cats. Another JAG in my office has two dogs. Many of our paralegals have various pets. My boss has two dogs and a cat but I think she'd have an entire menagerie if her husband would only let her! My friend in Japan has 2 dogs but I think she did have to go through a fairly extensive quarantine process to get them there. Even though the Air Force does ask for your input for assignments via your "dream sheet," there's not really any sort of emphasis on being able to bring your whole family. Keep in mind that as long as we have bases in Korea, England, and Japan, there will have to be JAGs at those bases, so ultimately, it will come down to the "needs of the Air Force." Most times you'll be able to be assigned with your family (human and furry members), but there may be times you won't. Overseas assignments aren't really as common as they used to be, but at least for Korea, you probably won't be able to bring your husband either.<br /><br />Hope this helps - feel free to write back if you need more clarification on either of these questions!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-61023307963343398652008-02-13T21:50:00.002-05:002008-02-13T21:55:06.940-05:00In Other News...I finally seccumbed...and set up a Facebook account. Which, I have to admit, is just as addictive as Blogger was initially. Plus my whole family seems to be on it. (And THANKS to all of you for not inviting ME, I might add....)<br /><br />If you're one of my friends and haven't already been spammed on the basis of your email address being in my address book, drop me a line and I'll add you to my "friends" list.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-63795090187562797302008-02-13T21:45:00.002-05:002008-02-13T21:50:02.863-05:00LQ Answers the MailAn Anonymous poster asked the following question:<br /><br /><blockquote>For the GLP, what $3,000 incentive were you talking about?? I have never heard or read anywhere that allows you to get a 3k incentive. If you point me to the direction of where you found this information, I would greatly appreciate it. I am currently considering applying for the GLP. </blockquote><br /><br />If you take a look at the governing instruction, <a href="http://www.e-publishing.af.mil/shared/media/epubs/AFI51-101.pdf">AFI 51-101</a>, you'll see that paragraph 5.2.1 states:<br /><blockquote><br />Cadets in the Graduate Law Program are eligible for a monthly stipend and students under 30 years of age may also be eligible for a Professional Officer Course Incentive (POCI) of $3,000 for each academic year.</blockquote> <br /><br />Note that the AFI says "may" be eligible - but it's always worth asking the question! Hope this helps!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-19933816397240270792008-02-10T23:26:00.000-05:002008-02-10T23:49:40.950-05:00Why?Why do people presume they know my kids and my situation better than I do?<br /><br />It's been about 2 years since Mr. Q and I purchased our current cell phones. Since they weren't exactly "high tech" to begin with, this means they're pretty dated. We've been batting around the idea of switching service providers, but are running into a roadblock with keeping our old cell numbers. Yes, there's a law that says you're supposed to be able to switch cell phone providers without losing your number but there's a hitch. <blockquote><br />Wireless <span style="font-style:italic;">local</span> number portability (WLNP) allows wireless subscribers to change service providers <span style="font-style:italic;">within a given location</span> while retaining the same phone number. Wireless consumers who wish to port their phone number must contact the prospective new carrier, who will start the process of porting by contacting the consumer's current carrier. (From the FCC's Page)</blockquote><br />Therein lies the rub. Our numbers are in an area code that's 2000 miles away - and although everyone assures me that they could START service within that area code, I get mixed responses as to whether I'd be able to keep the number I already have.<br /><br />Anyway, I went in and talked to a rep for our current service provider, who looked at my phone and assured me that it was a big part of why I sort of hate CSP. So she just about had me sold on a new PDA/phone, when she noticed EC. And she asked whether EC had a phone. I laughed and said no, because I'm a firm believer that 13 year olds should NOT have cellphones. Then the rep launched into this pitch about how cell phones are great when kids have "extracurricular activities" and how "you can limit their calling" and such. <br /><br />I'm still 110% certain that EC is not getting a cell phone. She is involved in several extracurricular activities, but there are landlines anywhere she's likely to be. I know two of her friends have recently gotten cell phones, and one of them complains that the other is constantly texting her - most recently at 2am. It just irks me that a total stranger would seriously try to convince me that my child needs what amounts to an expensive toy even after I made it perfectly clear that there was no chance in hell she was getting one. <br /><br />Also, based on EC's abysmal performance on her last couple of Geometry tests, I'm not certain she can be trusted with a <span style="font-style:italic;">radio</span> - let alone a piece of equipment which both receives and transmits.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-62266820238467782502008-02-07T23:21:00.000-05:002008-02-07T23:26:01.276-05:00Gung Hay Fat Choy!Happy Chinese New Year!<br /><br />Mr. Q even brought Chinese food home for dinner tonight!<br /><br />I swore off fast food for Lent this year, so I'm going to tell myself that any place without a drive-through doesn't count as fast food. Let's hope God agrees.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-89129941817965859632008-02-07T22:10:00.000-05:002008-02-07T22:23:56.984-05:00Some Days Work Feels A Lot Like Law SchoolI'm seriously considering carrying a backpack to work. You know, for all my homework. <br /><br />Tonight I came home with a 7 inch (yes, I measured) stack consisting of 2 binders, 5 documents to be reviewed, and a book. OK, so the book was the FAR and accounts for an inch and a half on its own, but still...<br /><br />It feels like I'm always schlepping heavy stacks of stuff around. Part of the problem is that I work in a different building than most of my co-workers, so if I want to discuss a case with my boss or one of my colleagues, I have to carry all my papers with me. The other part is that even when I'm at my most productive at work, there's still plenty left to do, so I end up bringing work home at least a couple days every week.<br /><br />Somehow I thought these days were over once I graduated from law school. Or at least when I finished JASOC. The sad part is that I have a very nice briefcase - but my stuff won't all fit in it! (Also, carrying a briefcase in BDU's makes you look like a complete tool.)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-56685781616560014922008-01-10T19:11:00.000-05:002008-01-16T22:04:02.170-05:00I Sent A Man To Jail This WeekSeriously.<br /><br />My first punitive discharge with confinement.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Now that I've had some time...</span><br /><br />E. McPan asked if the result was a good thing. I think I can honestly say it was - now that I've had a couple of days to reflect.<br /><br />At first I was feeling a bit conflicted because, well...I sent someone to jail. It's all well and good when you're in law school or doing moot court exercises and asking the "jury" to "punish" someone. It's different when you do it in real life and the jury comes back with a sentence, the confinement folks come and put on the handcuffs - and you realize that you played a role in changing someone's life forever.<br /><br />So for the first day or so I had mixed feelings about the result. BUT then...I was discussing the case with someone from my office, and after I detailed everything I realized that my role in the events leading to jail time was only incidental.<br /><br />And I *did* totally rock my closing argument, if I do say so myself.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-63323835894788049372008-01-06T22:04:00.000-05:002008-01-06T22:08:31.115-05:00Actually, this is a bit scary. I used my real name for this one and am a little taken aback at how dead on this is. Well, not the power part, really (I'm still working on getting that!), but the rest is pretty accurate.<br /><br /><table width="350" align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2"><tr><td bg align="center" style="color:#EEEEEE;"><span style="'color:black;font-family:Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif;"><b>What Your Name Means</b></span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><center><img src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/name.gif" height="100" width="100" /></center><span style="color:#000000;"><br />You are influential and persuasive. You tend to have a lot of power over people.<br />Generally, you use your powers for good. You excel at solving other people's problems.<br />Occasionally, you do get a little selfish and persuade people to do things that are only in your interest.<br /><br />You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.<br />You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.<br />You have the classic "Type A" personality.<br /><br />You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life.<br />You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home.<br />You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble.<br /><br />You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.<br />You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.<br />You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.<br /><br />You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.<br />You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.<br />You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.<br /><br />You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily.<br />You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind.<br />A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable.</span></td></tr></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/">What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?</a></div><br /><br />Now compare to my LQ alterego...<br /><br /><table width=350 align=center border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=2><tr><td bgcolor="#EEEEEE" align=center><font face="Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, serif" style='color:black; font-size: 14pt;'><b>What Legal Quandary Means</b></font></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><center><img src="http://www.blogthingsimages.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/name.gif" height="100" width="100"></center><font color="#000000"><br />You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.<br />You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.<br />Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.<br /><br />You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.<br />You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.<br />At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.<br /><br />You are deeply philosophical and thoughtful. You tend to analyze every aspect of your life.<br />You are intuitive, brilliant, and quite introverted. You value your time alone.<br />Often times, you are grumpy with other people. You don't appreciate them trying to interfere in your affairs.<br /><br />You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. <br />You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. <br />You have the classic "Type A" personality.<br /><br /><br /><br />People see you as a complete enigma, and only you truly understand who you are.<br />You spend most of your time introspecting and seeking truth.<br />You're a very interesting person... but not many people know you enough to realize it.<br /><br />You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way.<br />And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life.<br />You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it.<br /><br /><br /><br />You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people.<br />You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts.<br />You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals.<br /><br />You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row.<br />You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace.<br />People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality.<br /><br /><br /><br />You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.<br />You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.<br />You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.<br /><br />You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in.<br />You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising.<br />You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.</font></td></tr></table><div align="center"><a href="http://www.blogthings.com/whatsyournameshiddenmeaningquiz/">What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?</a></div><br /><br />Weird.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-70367438358767722122007-12-10T20:36:00.000-05:002007-12-10T20:51:51.403-05:00Why Aren't There Any Clever Quotes Involving Hot Chocolate?I trekked to Fort Wayne to check on the house this past weekend.<br /><br />In addition to lopping off several inches of my hair, I went out to dinner with a distant cousin. After dinner, we went to one of the <a href="http://www.debrand.com/shop/gourmet-hot-chocolate.cfm#">DeBrand Chocolate</a> shops. I'd been there on previous visits to purchase gifts for family members, or little treats for myself (I HIGHLY recommend the <a href="http://www.debrand.com/chocolate_guide/index.cfm?id=7">coconut truffles</a>), but I'd never had one of their hot beverages. I went for the "skinny" hot chocolate because it seemed like it would be less sweet than some of the others - though I don't know how "skinny" it was once they covered it with whipped cream, but I do know it was the best hot chocolate I've ever had. Seriously.<br /><br />And <a href="http://www.debrand.com/shop/box-of-chocolate.cfm">these</a> are pretty freaking cool too.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8829427.post-57105767334794056392007-12-03T23:14:00.001-05:002007-12-03T23:16:55.798-05:00Going to Hell Purgatory For Sure.I'm not quite sure what to make of this...other than perhaps I'm just getting old. <sigh><br /><br /><b>The Dante's Inferno Test has sent you to <i>Purgatory!</i></b><br />Here is how you matched up against all the levels:<br /><table cellspacing="1" style="margin: 5px; background-color: #000000; border: none; font: 10pt arial, verdana, 'sans serif';"><tr style="font: bold 12pt arial, verdana, 'sans serif'; text-align: center; color: #ffffff; background-color: #333333;"><th><b>Level</b></th><th><b>Score</b></th></tr><tr style="background-color: #220033; color: #eeeeee;"><td style="padding: 4px;"><b><a href="http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-information.html#0" style="color: #ff3344; text-decoration: underline;">Purgatory</a></b> (Repenting Believers)</td><td style="color: #ff1133; background-color: #333333; padding: 4px;"><b>High</b></td></tr><tr style="background-color: #110022; color: #eeeeee;"><td style="padding: 4px;"><b><a href="http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-information.html#1" style="color: #ff3344; text-decoration: underline;">Level 1 - Limbo</a></b> (Virtuous Non-Believers)</td><td style="color: #3344bb; background-color: #333333; padding: 4px;"><b>Very Low</b></td></tr><tr style="background-color: #220011; color: #eeeeee;"><td style="padding: 4px;"><b><a href="http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-information.html#2" style="color: #ff3344; text-decoration: underline;">Level 2</a></b> (Lustful)</td><td style="color: #aa33aa; background-color: #333333; padding: 4px;"><b>Moderate</b></td></tr><tr style="background-color: #330011; color: #eeeeee;"><td style="padding: 4px;"><b><a href="http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-information.html#3" style="color: #ff3344; text-decoration: underline;">Level 3</a></b> (Gluttonous)</td><td style="color: #aa33aa; background-color: #333333; padding: 4px;"><b>Moderate</b></td></tr><tr style="background-color: #440011; color: #eeeeee;"><td style="padding: 4px;"><b><a href="http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-information.html#4" style="color: #ff3344; text-decoration: underline;">Level 4</a></b> (Prodigal and Avaricious)</td><td style="color: #4466dd; background-color: #333333; padding: 4px;"><b>Low</b></td></tr><tr style="background-color: #550011; color: #eeeeee;"><td style="padding: 4px;"><b><a href="http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-information.html#5" style="color: #ff3344; text-decoration: underline;">Level 5</a></b> (Wrathful and Gloomy)</td><td style="color: #aa33aa; background-color: #333333; padding: 4px;"><b>Moderate</b></td></tr><tr style="background-color: #660011; color: #eeeeee;"><td style="padding: 4px;"><b><a href="http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-information.html#6" style="color: #ff3344; text-decoration: underline;">Level 6 - The City of Dis</a></b> (Heretics)</td><td style="color: #3344bb; background-color: #333333; padding: 4px;"><b>Very Low</b></td></tr><tr style="background-color: #770011; color: #eeeeee;"><td style="padding: 4px;"><b><a href="http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-information.html#7" style="color: #ff3344; text-decoration: underline;">Level 7</a></b> (Violent)</td><td style="color: #aa33aa; background-color: #333333; padding: 4px;"><b>Moderate</b></td></tr><tr style="background-color: #880011; color: #eeeeee;"><td style="padding: 4px;"><b><a href="http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-information.html#8" style="color: #ff3344; text-decoration: underline;">Level 8- the Malebolge</a></b> (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers)</td><td style="color: #aa33aa; background-color: #333333; padding: 4px;"><b>Moderate</b></td></tr><tr style="background-color: #990011; color: #eeeeee;"><td style="padding: 4px;"><b><a href="http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-information.html#9" style="color: #ff3344; text-decoration: underline;">Level 9 - Cocytus</a></b> (Treacherous)</td><td style="color: #aa33aa; background-color: #333333; padding: 4px;"><b>Moderate</b></td></tr></table><br /><b>Take the <a href="http://www.4degreez.com/misc/dante-inferno-test.mv">Dante's Divine Comedy Inferno Test</a></b><br /><br />h/t The <a href="http://thewatcherscounsel.blogspot.com/">Watchers Counsel</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0