Urban Legend

So, for those of you who don't know (most of you I am guessing), there is an urban legend in the legal community: once you pass the Bar Exam in one state & practice for 5 years, you can take a "lawyer's exam" (a MUCH shorter version of the bar exam i.e. 3 hours vs. 2 days) and obtain bar admission in another state. I'm not saying that this isn't true in some states, just that it ISN'T true of ALL states.

The Bar Exam consists of 2 to 3 days of testing (depending on the state). All exams include 200 multiple choice and approximately 12 essay questions. I am worthless at multiple choice and pretty comfortable with essays. Colin is a whiz kid at multiple choice (annoying!)

In July of 2003, Colin and I took and passed the Maryland Bar. In October of 2004, I realized that I could take the essay portion of the Alabama Bar Exam - transfer my multiple choice score from Maryland and if successful, gain admission to the Bar in Alabama. I made the application deadline by 1 day for the next exam in Alabama and jumped at the chance. Honestly, I never thought we would move to Alabama but in the back of my mind I thought - why not take the opportunity to skip the multiple (guess) and be able to practice in 2 states? This was a 1 time opportunity since the rule states you must take the essay portion within 20 months of the original test date in order to skip the multiple choice. We weren't married at that time and Colin decided not to "rock the boat" with work - so he opted out of taking the test in Alabama with me.

He cited the Urban Legend mentioned above (in the off (FAR OFF) chance he ever moved to Alabama - it would be more than 5 years (likely NEVER) and he could take the shortened test - no problem.

So in February of 2005 I took and passed the Alabama Bar and went back to work as usual in Maryland. In May of 2009, when we decided to move to Birmingham, Colin was banking on the urban legend to quickly transition his practice.

As you may have guessed by now - it was indeed an Urban Legend. Alabama has reciprocity with some states (and some random ones at that if you ask me - Connecticut??) After several phone calls to the Bar Committee in Alabama, we determined that Colin had to sit for the 3 day exam. UGGHH. To say he was unhappy is an understatement. To make matters worse, we were 6+ years out of law school - forgetting all the crazy exceptions and rules that the Bar Exam typically tests. So, Colin got busy studying and working and moving and supporting/ taking care of us. Today was an expected - yet nervous - sigh of relief. He passed! (We all knew he would - but the waiting was agonizing).

I am thankful that we can finally toss (recycle) ALL our bar materials, study guides, notecards, etc from the past 7 years!!!! Our office closet will be empty!! I am currently at the beach enjoying a quick weekend getaway with some friends and although I don't want to leave (EVER) - I am looking forward to filling our trash with the law school garbage!!

Pictures of Connor and friends soon . . . I promise - Camera is in Connor's room - he is sleeping - so, maybe later this weekend . . .

The Results Are In . . .

Congratulations! Your name is being certified to the Alabama Supreme Court as having completed ALL of the requirements for admission to the Alabama State Bar.

You will be receiving further information from the Alabama State Bar.

Colin and I are now both members of the Alabama Bar. Our after party pictures will be posted soon.

St. George Day Today

Connor's godmother "reminded" me that today is St. George's day - So, for our Connor George (a little history)
St. George - Saints & Angels - Catholic Online

C is for . . . .

Connor -

&
Cars - Connor will only wear pjs with cars! He LOVES cars! The movie Cars, regular old cars on the street, cars on his shirt, cars on t.v. ALL CARS.

&
Choo Choo - Connor got to go see Thomas the train (aka Choo Choo) last weekend. We took a fleet of people down to Calera to see Thomas and Friends for a train ride and activities. Connor loved the train ride.


blowing bubbles




watching the trains . . .


playing . . .


on the train . . . clapping to the music


As an aside, one of the volunteers said that people travel to this event from all over - including Maryland! REALLY? This was a fun event and we will likely return again but it was certainly NOT worth a 12 hour drive! Wow.

I Annoy Myself (YEM)

Last weekend, Colin's mom and step-dad were in town for a short visit. Although Connor was still on meds for his double ear infection, he was feeling better so we headed out to the zoo on Sunday. This was Connor's first trip to a zoo. He loved it. Of course, when we arrived, I pulled out the camera to take a picture, first thing - no SD card!!! I annoy myself! Anyway, luckily Colin's mom brought her camera - I also purchased a 1990s throw-away camera but it will probably be 2012 before I get around to developing it (and who knows what the pics will look like - what did we do before digital??). In the meantime, a few photos from the event:

The Birds . . .



The train . . . Connor jumped up and down the ENTIRE trip.


Waiting for the train ride . . .


After the train ride . . .

20 Months

20 months . . . today. The 19th month of Connor's life was certainly the month he learned the most (thus far). Here are a few of Connor's accomplishments in the past month:

1. Learned each and EVERY letter of the Alphabet (uppercase)

2. Learned his numbers 1-9

3. Learned to spell his name

4. Learned to put on his shoes

5. Learned to say new words (ex: Egg, Duke (he can also spell DUKE), Fast, Sit, Shoe, Pasta, Auburn, & most importantly "More, Please")

6. Learned to pick out which shoes he wants to wear - and also which pjs. Too cute! He always wants the pjs with "Cars" - so we went out and bought some new pjs today (several with cars).

7. Learned to do the "Gator Chomp" and is starting to say "War Eagle"

8. Slept through the night EVERY night (I know I am jinxing this next month) but I am pretty sure this is why he was so smart this month (and why I remember more this month than any other month)!!

2 Hour Oil Change & other equally annoying things this week

1. 2 Hour Oil Change tops the list (has ANYONE ever had an oil change that took 2 hours??) I know people take their time in the South but REALLY?

2. 2 Terminix visits this week and they still haven't shown up within the 2 hour window - and thus I haven't been home - so have not solved the wasp/ bee party that is happening on our deck. Maybe later today . . .

3. Double Ear Infection - yes, another double ear infection!! Poor Connor. I assumed it was from the Pollen Pounding we received this week. Doc suggested it was likely from an infection (his thought - Church Nursery). Connor is officially on "tubes watch" but the Doctors will wait as long as we want to wait to try to avoid tubes.

4. Double DVD player - I researched and finally just went to Best Buy this week to purchase a DVD player for my car. I know that I want it to strap to the back of the headrest if possible and I want it to allow my ipod to hookup and play movies I have downloaded. I also want to be able to control the ipod from the front seat. Ideally, I would like a remote control and side or top loading DVD player. Too much to ask? I purchased a Phillips Double DVD - why not?? The sales guy said it would work. It didn't (shocking considering my luck this week). Tomorrow - round 2 at Best Buy. I'm taking my ipod and cable with me. Apparently just taking the cable last time wasn't enough