empathy

I decided to stop in Starbucks this morning for a delicious Americano (I haven't had one in months!) and while I was waiting in the horrifically long line, I spotted two people who appeared to be studying. I stared a bit more and saw they had Bar Review books and were obviously studying for the Ohio Bar Exam, which is probably just around the corner.

I really felt for them. I will never forget that summer spent in the library instead of sunning at the pool. No vacation that summer. I was probably the palest I've never been. I had this little room I would study in that had no windows. It would be cluttered with coffee cups, outlines, highlighters, huge books of law, half eaten Barry's Bagels sandwiches, or whatever carry out I had decided to partake in that day. And those last few weeks in July-ugh, those were the worst!

This I know-never again! If some day I decide I belong in a house by the beach instead of lovely Ohio, I'll have to find a beach in a state that allows experienced attorneys to waive in without taking a bar exam.

(Yes, North Carolina is one such state. Once I've practiced for 5 years, I could get licensed in the Tarheel State. Not that I've checked or anything.)