I completed the first year of law school. Barely. I got my ass handed to me. My previously successful academic ventures were creative in nature. Law school? Not so creative. I was prepared for the hours of studying, but not for the loss of confidence and the rise of self doubt. I have been torn down and I assume I will be built back up. Congrats law school, goal achieved. January through April of 2010 were some of the most stressed, strained, and grumpy months of life thus far.
During that hell, I planned an earth friendly, DIY, 200 guest wedding. Did I mention it was 5 days after my last final? Smart planning.
With help, I handmade and personalized 100 wine bottles as centerpieces. I created programs, favors, and other assorted wedding crap out of recycled and reusable goods. Our wedding was a major undertaking, but it was perfect. It was exactly how my husband and I imagined it would be and always wished it could be. I loved my movie star gown and his pinstripes. 2010 will always go down as great year because of that day and that day alone.
Thinking of the wedding showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties that were thrown for us still make me tear up. When I think of how much work other people put in for us, I get misty. I can't help it. My friend, and made of honor, Frances put in so much time and effort. Her work made my wedding "events" just perfect. My mother also played a huge part in pulling off our wedding. I couldn't have done it without her. We are so loved, and damn, our friends can party. I am so grateful that they were a part of our year. Not only our wedding, but our life, would not be the same without them. We're so lucky.
After our glamorous wedding my husband and I left for Mexico. Our honeymoon was exactly what I imagined a honeymoon is supposed to be like: perfect, picturesque, and intoxicated. I'll keep the details to myself, but I think this picture helps sum it up...
Two days after the honeymoon, I was over my hair. I mean, OVER IT. At Dove Shannon Salon I had a great experience donating over 8.5(ish) inches of my hair to Locks of Love. A change like that is so refreshing. For me, it was symbolic of the end of the first year of law school and the wedding being over. New school year, new hair.
Four days after returning from our honeymoon (two days post-hair cut) I moved to Virginia for six weeks. Alone. I had the amazing opportunity to study at William & Mary at their summer legal technology program. Frances drove out there with me (note the trend of her being one of the greatest friends ever) and flew home. This road trip led to our first ever interstate accident! We lived (obviously) as the accident happened at like 30 mph. Dealing with the Kentucky police department proved to be more complicated than the accident itself, but moving on... living in Williamsburg was trip. I enjoyed being around that much history and living somewhere alone for the first time. Every morning I could hear the revolutionary soldiers march and children in three-point hats were everywhere. I went hiking where George Washington marched, learned to cook seafood, and mastered the great art of eating out alone. I made it out to Norfolk and Virginia beach too. There I visited the naval station that my dad flew into during his Navy days and saw the famous Neptune statue. Most importantly, I learned how to say Norfolk the proper way: "Naa-Fuck" (no joke).
I also made some great friends, like the lovely Lycelle pictured below. Here we are on the Jamestown ships in like 200% humidity.
My mother came out to Williamsburg to travel home with me. She indulged my love of the horse races and we stopped by Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky. It was another historical highlight of my summer travels.
Another bright spot of 2010 was being a part of my friend Becky's wedding. She was an absolutely stunning bride. I cried like a little bitch when she came down the aisle. It was so awesome to be a part of a wedding I truly believed in. Their day was such a beautiful celebration of love... also, Becky is just funny. Case in point, this picture:
Since getting back from Virgina I have turned 25, been significantly more successful academically, went to a 30th birthday "prom", watched two friends welcome beautiful daughters into this world, and landed a gig as a law clerk at a state agency. I feel like I'm doing everything right, and I finally feel good about. 2010 was a challenging year, but all those challenges have reaped enormous rewards for me.
My 2011 Resolution: I don't need to be Wonder Woman. I have proven what I can do and what I am capable of. Now its time to keep on trucking but stop pushing, relax, and look around.
A week from today I'll be on a plane to Minnesota to go shopping at the biggest Mall of America with my best friend and our mothers. Clearly, life can't be too bad. Happy New Year!
