My law school’s final exam period ended last Friday on December 23rd and I had a take home final due at 4:00 p.m. that day. I turned it in with eight minutes to spare.
For the past couple of years fall finals have ended only a day or two before the holidays and while I finally figured out last year that holiday shopping needs to be done online because there is no way in hell I can shop for everyone on my list at actual stores with this schedule, I still found myself rushing Friday evening and Saturday morning.
Another drawback to the fall final schedule is that it allows for no recovery time from final exams before being thrown into hectic days of spending quality time with relatives. I have so much cleaning and laundry to do right now I could cry.
I’m so “peopled out” right now.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my family and enjoyed the time spent with them these past few days especially getting to see my little nephew who turned two last month (watching him and my son horse around and play together was one of the major highlights) but I’m so exhausted I’m seriously tempted to go to bed after finishing this post (it’s only 7:30 right now).
Despite the fact that I went to bed early (for me) last night, I struggled to get out of bed for work this morning when my alarm went off.
My exhaustion is also most likely the result of starting my new job last week. After almost five years of working in the same position, I completely forgot how confusing and frustrating it is to start in a new role . . . getting my work station set up, meeting new people, trying to figure out what the heck I’m supposed to be doing . . . I feel like I’m not bringing any value right now because I’m still learning the ropes and that frustrates me to no end.
Also . . . my trial was continued (again) to mid February . . . I just found that out today. My attorney thinks it’s a good idea because we’re still trying to finalize an agreement (and avoid the trial) and this gives us more time . . .
My problem with all of this? No matter how cooperative my ex’s attorney seems to be, I know in my heart the ex won’t agree and I refuse to concede anymore than I already have in these negotiations.
My attorney is optimistic but I’ve dealt with my ex for over a decade so I disagree . . .
My attorney thinks this will save me money, but again if we go to trial (which I’m almost certain we will) this continuance will cost me even more money.
Uggghhhh . . .
Am I old if I go to bed at 8:00 p.m. tonight?
zzzzzzzz……………………….
No you are not old if you go to bed early after so much physically, mentally, and emotionally draining stuff! Trust me, you will thank yourself in the morning if your body is crying out for a little sleep and you give it what it needs when you have the opportunity (i.e., no exams to study for, no shopping to do, and no extended family expectations to meet). I think you deserve it–without any feelings of guilt or of thinking it means you are old. Even teenagers crash after extended periods of little sleep.
Excellent point! My son is 9 1/2 and seems to have boundless energy. My brother and I have a theory that kids have this endless energy because they suck the energy from all the adults in the room
You’re absolutely right on taking an early night and feeling better in the morning, but I always feel guilty when I do that for some odd reason.
Absolutely not. I was “young” in law school – I was there from 22-25 – and didn’t have children. I totally was wiped out after finals, particularly the all day long, turn it in by 4 PM types. I was like that in college too. So, no, definitely not old and don’t even feel badly about getting your rest. Congratulations on surviving finals!
Thanks! I still recall my first final 1L year, it took me almost two days to fully recover . . . law school finals are the worst when it comes to mental and physical exhaustion! I’m encouraged that you survived and there’s hope for me
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You’re rocking life. You put up with an enormous amount and still keep going. Props to you from me, another single mom, go get em’ and I hope you teach that ex something bc you’ve been the better, bigger person for what I’ve read- quite enough. Good luck!
Thanks! It’s tough on the single mom front but I’m encouraged hearing from other amazing single moms like you!
Yes you are !! Just kidding. Newborns sleep all the time so uh where’s the logic?? On a brighter note, your heading into the home stretch and you’ve made it in one piece. Give yourself a pat on the back. Ease up on the cleaning heck does it have to be perfect? Enjoy the fam and the much needed break. As for the ex, well let’s just hope that the new year brings change.