These past few days have given me a lot to be thankful for. We had our small family together for Thursday lunch and had plenty of delicious food. For the next 3 days there was lots of good football on. Not only did Texas win to face OU in the Big 12 Championship next Saturday (who would have predicted that?), Texas A&M got a big win last night in 7 Overtimes. That's like an 18 inning baseball game.
Weather has finally returned to normal. And I did get a bit of work done on Friday and Sunday. So I'm good for this next week.
Sunday, November 25, 2018
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Big Fat Brooke
Back when I was much younger and dumber, I met a girl in college, Brooke. We hit it off and perhaps there could have been some more good times then. But I couldn't see past that she was athletic and not the perky, petite young woman that perhaps I wanted to find (see below?)
As a result things went nowhere fast. I think I recall ignoring her at a party. She was none too pleased as I was so nice a few days before. Later I called her "Big Fat Brooke" to my friend Rob. He made fun of me, saying 'you were all ga-ga last week and now she's Big Fat Brooke'.
So perhaps an amend would be in order. But as the country song goes, I don't even know her last name.
As a result things went nowhere fast. I think I recall ignoring her at a party. She was none too pleased as I was so nice a few days before. Later I called her "Big Fat Brooke" to my friend Rob. He made fun of me, saying 'you were all ga-ga last week and now she's Big Fat Brooke'.
So perhaps an amend would be in order. But as the country song goes, I don't even know her last name.
Monday, November 12, 2018
Was It Quieter Then?
I was home the other day and of course the roar of a leaf blower and a car going by seemed to pierce what I expected as a quiet afternoon. It make me think, was it quieter back then?
Certainly the population of people, cars and equipment has increase very dramatically in Texas over the years. The 1980 census said 14.2 million people in Texas. Now the most recent 2017 estimate is 28.3 million. Double. McAllen had about 40,000 people then, now it is is 140,000. This town has more than tripled in size and number.
And the number of cars and machinery has increased at probably a higher rate as well. The technology hasn't improved any. We still have the same gas powered, internal combustion, "relic of the 19th century" that has been around in everyone's memory.
What would it take for technological change? There seems to be such political resistance for any advances. It seems like there's a perception that "we're number 1" with what we have, so don't do anything to upset those circumstances.
Will climate change have any effect? It probably depends on how fast that change occurs. If it is in geological time, then perhaps only a new world order would do it. And I can't say that anyone wants that pain. Eventually a balance will have to emerge.
Certainly the population of people, cars and equipment has increase very dramatically in Texas over the years. The 1980 census said 14.2 million people in Texas. Now the most recent 2017 estimate is 28.3 million. Double. McAllen had about 40,000 people then, now it is is 140,000. This town has more than tripled in size and number.
And the number of cars and machinery has increased at probably a higher rate as well. The technology hasn't improved any. We still have the same gas powered, internal combustion, "relic of the 19th century" that has been around in everyone's memory.
What would it take for technological change? There seems to be such political resistance for any advances. It seems like there's a perception that "we're number 1" with what we have, so don't do anything to upset those circumstances.
Will climate change have any effect? It probably depends on how fast that change occurs. If it is in geological time, then perhaps only a new world order would do it. And I can't say that anyone wants that pain. Eventually a balance will have to emerge.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Advice to New Attorneys
Earlier this month a new crop of attorneys in Texas came into being, by virtue of passing the July 2018 bar exam. About the same time I was looking at a composite photo of the Hidalgo County Bar Association from 1999. I was struck by how many of the attorney I knew that were still here but also the number that had died/moved on/gone to jail/etc.
So after 26 years, I think I have some perspective to offer some advice. Most of it is probably what I call Mother-In-Law advice, practical wisdom that you probably either already know or could have figured out if you only took the time to think about it.
1. We're all in this together. While the competition never seems to go away for jobs, money, prestige, recognition, remember that we share a bond of professionalism that goes above any base wants. Consider the other person as an equal, even if you have opposing views.
2. Take good care of yourself. This career is a long haul, akin to the tortoise and the hare. Pace yourself for a long career, and you will likely have one. You'll be surprised at how many flame out along the way.
3. Always be willing to learn more. Just when you think you have it down, the law will change, or the market will change, or the technology will change. There will be a number of career moves you'll have to make. Be willing to act before the ball starts rolling and you can't outrun it.
4. Stay involved with your law school alumni. As time goes by, there will be fewer and fewer of you, and those bonds will be strengthened by some regular contact. Plus it is always a good reminder of where you came from and how far you have come. Be proud of your accomplishments.
Thanks to my Mother-In-Law JoAnn who always has some smart, practical wisdom. I won't forget the encouraging note she sent me after some early setbacks in law school. Mind you, I was only the fiance then. Her confidence helped me to press forward, and I'm proud to say I really came back stronger than ever.
So after 26 years, I think I have some perspective to offer some advice. Most of it is probably what I call Mother-In-Law advice, practical wisdom that you probably either already know or could have figured out if you only took the time to think about it.
1. We're all in this together. While the competition never seems to go away for jobs, money, prestige, recognition, remember that we share a bond of professionalism that goes above any base wants. Consider the other person as an equal, even if you have opposing views.
2. Take good care of yourself. This career is a long haul, akin to the tortoise and the hare. Pace yourself for a long career, and you will likely have one. You'll be surprised at how many flame out along the way.
3. Always be willing to learn more. Just when you think you have it down, the law will change, or the market will change, or the technology will change. There will be a number of career moves you'll have to make. Be willing to act before the ball starts rolling and you can't outrun it.
4. Stay involved with your law school alumni. As time goes by, there will be fewer and fewer of you, and those bonds will be strengthened by some regular contact. Plus it is always a good reminder of where you came from and how far you have come. Be proud of your accomplishments.
Thanks to my Mother-In-Law JoAnn who always has some smart, practical wisdom. I won't forget the encouraging note she sent me after some early setbacks in law school. Mind you, I was only the fiance then. Her confidence helped me to press forward, and I'm proud to say I really came back stronger than ever.
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