10 Years

Ten years ago today, at 20 years-old, I packed up my things, left my mother at the airport, and flew to St. Louis, Missouri. Awaiting in Missouri was not only my wonderful Aunt Laina, but a new life, new friends, and a new Megan. I had no idea what would be waiting for me. I had no idea who I would become. Moving to Missouri has proven to be one of the best decisions of my life. It's not that I don't love my hometown of Kent or my home state of Ohio, but in order for me to truly realize my own potential and become the woman I am today, I needed Columbia, Missouri.

I lived in Columbia for five years before relocating to South Carolina. While I lived in Missouri, I experienced every possible emotion that our hearts and minds allow us to feel: fear, anger, disappointment, frustration, hurt, confusion, fatigue, and love. I experienced life and grew from an insecure 20 year-old girl, to a woman and most importantly a mother. When I left Missouri, I left with a three week old baby boy who changed the course of my life and the capacity of my heart. I also met so many good friends that I can't even begin to name. Our dysfunctional lives intertwined and created a pseudo-family for all of us displaced souls. Out of those wonderful friends, I also met my future husband. When we met, I was an annoying server/bartender with a crush on the kitchen manager. Our beginning was non-traditional, dramatic, and confusing, but somehow we have emerged ten years later married, with three beautiful and healthy children, and a pretty happy life. Had I not made the unresearched, completely impromptu decision to move to Missouri, I would not have the husband, kids, and life I have now.

My main purpose to move to Columbia, Missouri was to obtain a degree in meteorology. I did it, but not until I suffered (I say suffer because it was an extremely hard program) through four years at the University of Missouri. Although the degree is completely a calculus-based scientific program, its high expectations and rigorous course work has prepared me for my current study of the law.

I am thankful for my courageous decision, at 20 years-old, to move away my family and friends, my hometown, and what I knew to go on an adventure towards the unknown. I had no idea life was waiting for me and had no idea the significance of my decision; ten years later I do. Without Missouri, I would not have continued my education to receive a Master's degree. I would not be enrolled in law school now. I would not have lived in South Carolina and met my wonderful friends there or began my career in the environmental sector.

Ten years ago, I had no idea. Ten years later, I know.

Back to School

Both Jackson and I are back in school. Jackson started last week as a first grader in his new school. I started Monday as a 2L.


It's been an emotional couple of days for me as I sadly said goodbye to a wonderful summer. I know the next three months will be so busy, not leaving much time for relaxation, family, and myself. The kids and I had such a great summer: We spent time at the pool, the zoo, and outside enjoying the weather and our time together. After seeing Jackson off on the bus last Wednesday, I walked in the house and cried. I had no idea it was going to be so hard for me to see him ride off on the bus. The combination of him growing up, riding the bus, and the summer ending, tugged on my emotions. After posting on FB my sadness, I realized that most mothers go through this; one of those things about motherhood that no one tells you.


This semester I am taking Evidence, Constitutional Law and Civil Procedure. Sound boring? Well kind of, but I think I am really going to like Con Law. Think about it: The Constitutiion, written over 200 years ago governs every aspect of our country. Pretty amazing if you ask me.


Jackson has his first football game on Sunday. Should be fun! Aida starts dance next week, maybe singing/music lessons, and then starts preschool after Labor Day. Ivie gets to hang out with me (which she prefers anyway) and is making great progress with her communication and gross motor skills. Scott is doing well too. His job is keeping him very busy, but he is still doing a great job.

Fast Week

The weeks are flying by as I count down to the beginning of my second year of law school. This time last year I was "excited" and "looking forward to" beginning my career in law. This year reality and my first year of school has made me a realist, cynical, and leery of a law school education. I am not "excited" or "looking forward to" my second year. In fact, quite the contrary: I'm burned out and drained and the semester has not even started yet. I'm holding on to my last few weeks of my much-needed and much-too-short break. Once I get back into the swing of reading and briefing, I'm sure I'll be just fine.


The kids and I have been thoroughly enjoying our summer. I probably won't get another opportunity like this to hang out with them during the summer. We've had a special time. This week Scott went out of town for training. Wednesday evening, a friend of mine from OU, her husband and three kids came over for tacos and Wii "Just Dance". We had a really good time.

Jackson, Albert Jr., and Tosha getting down to Wii Just Dance.

Thursday I took the kids to the Columbus Zoo; so much fun!

Gotta wonder what Ivie is thinking and what that gorilla is thinking.

This is the oldest gorilla born in captivity. Doesn't he look like a wise 'ole fella?

Aida standing like a pink flamingo.

Aida and Jackson looking up at the polar bear tank. The polar bears were swimming above us.

Jackson is playing football this fall. Which I have quickly realized involves A LOT of time. I'm not sure if I would have signed him up had I known. Oh well; we're in it now. At first, Jackson was very unsure and reluctant, but he now seems to be enjoying it. This week and next week is conditioning. Yes, conditioning. Coach Matt had the kids running suicides. Funny. Watching Jackson run suicides brought back horrible memories of running those painful things over and over again in basketball and softball. SOOOOOOOOO glad those days are over for me. For Jackson, they've just begun. Today he received his pad and helmet. He is a happy little boy. He chose number 27 in honor of his Uncle Marc who played football at Ohio University.

Today, Scott and I worked in the yard. He taught me how to use the new tractor. He acted like this was a friendly gesture to bring me into his world and let me play with his toy, but I see it for what it is: It was I-am-not-always-going-to-mow-this-big-ass-lawn-myself-so-Megan-needs-to-learn-so-she-can-mow-too gesture. Just saying.

Another great weekend.

Good Weekend

Actually, saying we had a good weekend is an understatement: We had a fabulous weekend. The only thing bad about it is it has ended (oh and we had to get the brakes fixed on the car).

Saturday we traveled up to Stow so that Scott could play golf and we could get our car fixed with the "Frank Rock Discount". While the car was being fixed and Scott and Jim were golfing, the kids and I swam. We had so much fun. I had so much fun, that my back, legs, arms, and abdomen are sore from doing flips and dives. We came back to Columbus Saturday evening and finished out the day playing Wii bowling.

Not sure what I'm trying to accomplish here, but whatever it was, I'm sure it contributed to my sore muslces.

Today, Sunday, my dad and Janell came down to Columbus for an impromptu visit and to bring us some of Grandma Rock's furniture. We had a great morning with them and my brothers. We received Grandma's dining room table and hutch. The two pieces fit perfectly in our morning room.

After we (I say we, but really my dad and Scott) set up the furniture, we ran out the door to go to Jackson's t-ball picnic. I'll admit: We were not looking forward to the picnic but were obligated to go because Scott signed up to bring the cutlery. Despite Scott and I dragging our feet to get there, we ended up having a really good time. The kids ran around and shot water guns at each other (and occasionally a parent). Scott even got in on the action and I think he had more fun then Jackson and Aida.

Overall, we had a really good weekend. I love my family.

Enjoying my Freedom

I have now officially been done with my first year of law school for one week (woot, woot. High-five. Happy dance.) Instead of relaxing and doing nothing, I immediately started painting the house. It was such an odd feeling to have so much time that I felt the need to fill the empty space. However, I am now OVER painting and think I will spend the next four weeks hanging out with my kids and getting to know my husband again.


Oral Argument


Last Friday, my last assignment of the year was an oral argument. I argued against one of my classmates: I ROCKED it! I'm not just saying this because I had an awesome feeling when I finished, but mainly because my professor said I did an "excellent" job. My sick-type-A personality enjoyed the oral argument. I argued in favor of the Plaintiff; trying to convince the judge (my professor) that the case needed to go to trial. In a weird way, I thought it was kind of fun.

Me before I left to give my oral argument.

Pool

So now that I am done with school (and now painting), the kids and I have been spending some time at the pool. Jackson is becoming a great little swimmer and Aida enjoys doing ballet in the water. Even Ivie enjoys wading in the water. Currently, the Weidners are here visiting. They came to town to watch the kids tomorrow night and hang out for the rest of the weekend. Scott and I were invited to a wedding tomorrow. A couple of "old" friends of mine (from high school) are getting married. It should be a pretty good time.

I See the Light

I took my Criminal Law exam tonight. I have no idea how I did. I've stopped trying to figure it out: When I think I did well, I don't. When I think I failed, I don't. The exam was very complicated and complex. That's all I know.

I also know I came home to my three kids and husband, who were waiting for me, and who love me. That's what I do know. I've learned, recently, that in life we should focus on what we know and what we know right now (the other stuff will literally make you crazy). Right now, I know that I came home to three healthy and beautiful kiddos (and Scott) who are the joy of my life. Whether I pass, fail, get an A or a C, those kiddos will continue to be the joy of my life. That is what I know.

My Motion for Summary Judgment is due Thursday by 6 p.m. It is a 15-page paper worth 25 % of my total grade. I have about 75% completed. (Yes, I have made sure I am to write in favor of the Plaintiff, SEVERAL times). On Friday I give my oral argument...and...then ...I ...am DONE...with my first year of law school! WOOOOOHOOOO!

Here are some pictures of those lovely people who were waiting for me tonight:

Happy 4th!

We had a wonderful weekend! We stayed in Columbus and hung out around the house. On Saturday, Jackson walked in the Whitehall Parade with his t-ball team. Scott hung ceiling fans. Jackson and Aida played in the sprinkler while we watered our sod (yes, sod!). Ivie hung out with her family and stood by herself. I thoroughly enjoyed my family and worked on my outline for my criminal law class. Overall, it was a fabulous weekend. Here are some pictures (enjoy!):