Patience is not one of my strongest qualities. I lack a certain ability to wait. I am always surprisingly irritated when people need extra time to complete tasks, and surprisingly unhappy when it comes to sitting still to wait. However, since I have not passed the bar I feel like I must sit quietly and bide my time. It’s a game of patience and persistence. Persistence is something I am intimately familiar with, but the patience that is required for retaking this exam with grace and dignity is something I am struggling with.

Despite my frustration, a friend told me “one set back, dust your ass off and keep going. you’ve got this” and somehow it made it just a bit better.

So. This week, I am getting back up and patiently working through all the things that must be done.

This week I was invited to Marine Corps Ball in DC. A friend from high school invited me. We weren’t really friends in high school but we kept in touch over the years. It is always funny to me who you end up keeping in touch with from your past… It is never who you expect. I have had friends who seem like the forever kind, but the moment time and space come together the friendship dissolves in its own natural way. No bitter feelings, just quiet dissolution.

Anyway, I also ran into an old college acquaintance and it was so strange what he remember of me since I don’t remember anything as detailed about him.

Thoughts for the day. Hope everyone is having a beautiful week!

I caught this picture today on my hike with my dog… it’s just such an amazing picture even though it is a bit blurry. It just feels so earnest with her little ears flopping and her serious little face racing down the hill.

I very rarely talk politics… but dear god, another 4 years with someone who has absolutely no military experience commanding the world’s largest military. I value the lives of each and every single one of our armed forces, and it pains me to see that their leadership flags under the guide of someone with little to no military background, experience, or understanding. The military is complex and vastly different from any other organization, and if someone is called the Commander and Chief, they should be qualified and understand how the military operates.

And on a shallower note… I don’t know if I can really deal with another 4 years of Michelle Obama’s sleeveless arms in the White House. Or claims that she dresses well. I mean really… who belts their sweaters?

However, I am a proud member of the American public and I was so pleased to see how many people participated in the democratic process. It is our right and it is heartening to see so many taking it seriously. So. Go America!

I went for a run today… just under 4 miles. Nothing impressive, but I am making a concentrated effort to get out of the house every day for a run. No matter the distance or speed since I’m still trying to ease into it.

Anyway, I realized today that it is day light savings… which also means that Thanksgiving is near!!!! Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of all. It’s right near my birthday and it’s when family comes together to appreciate all the things they have. I am SO excited!! This is the first year that I’ve had time to plan ahead for the menu and show you how I put together our family’s Thanksgiving. I took over from my mom when I was in high school (??? I have to ask my mother when I started….) but it’s totally my thing. I love it.

So! Get pumped!!!!

I’m not the most normal person I know. In fact, I occasionally do things that are outright batshit crazy. Like… a week ago I walked into J-Crew. They were having a sale. I dropped about $500 on accessories in 15 minutes and walked out.  I mean really. Was that necessary? No… because that was crazy. No one needs $500 worth of belts and headbands. No one. So I chose 4 things and returned the rest. Did I look like an incredible nut job? Yes. My receipt was longer than my grocery receipt. 

Anyway… the point is. Since I am unemployed, trying to find a job, and trying to find the motivation to be happy and productive… I’ve been a bit unstable. Like crazy.

So, I’m cleansing my wardrobe today… it’s been a long time coming. And I’m putting together some neat, work appropriate outfits, and then I’m going to start running. Like running a lot.

Plans? Run a marathon. Take the CA bar exam. Get a job.

Oh and yes… I’ll be back in a couple days with some salted chocolate dipped caramels, which I have already devoured, and a recipe for steak salad.