CHICAGO!
I spent the past week and a half in Chicago, where I previously lived (for 5+ years). And Montana is doing a huge ad campaign in Chicago -- many of the busses scream MONTANA! When I think of Chicago, I normally feel unsettled and not altogether positive about my former home. I now realize, however, that the stress of work and such influenced my feelings about the city a lot. Even though my time in Chicago this past week was incredibly busy and, at times, stressful, I enjoyed being back and think it's a great city afterall. I suppose it was a little like seeing an old friend you've totally lost touch with. I felt nostalgic, and at times a little sad. I left behind such great friends, and it was nice to spend a wee bit of time with them. Cheryl and Chris were nice enough to let me stay with them, and I got to see Joe and Kate, in addition to my friends Julie, Jen and Kimber. There were a lot of people I would have liked to see, but was unable to see. I attended a trials skills workshop and it was pretty time consuming and intense. But very helpful.
About that workshop. I've been reflecting on the experience on my way home, and what struck me is how I came across as totally lacking confidence. I learned ways to speak that remedy this impression, which was very helpful. The truth is, I don't lack confidence. I'm not over-confident, but I think I have the right amount of confidence. What I realized is I'm too embarassed to *act* confident and assertive, and I've developed a shtick that I thought would be usefully disarming and endearing. It just comes across as being unconfident which is poor advocacy. I'm glad I realize that now and will practice all the skills I've learned. I think I will be a better lawyer.
Finally, back to running, I ran the Shamrock Shuffle 8k and finished in 38:34, which is around a 7:4x pace, and was 2775 out of 25,561. Considering we jumped in the corral as the gun went off, and were just planning to jog and have fun, I was pretty impressed. Cheryl and I ran together and it was sort of fun spending the whole time weaving through the masses and pretending to be fast. It seems fast when you're passing people, even if you're not really running fast. It was a great way to end the week -- finishing the goofy race hand-in-hand with my buddy Cheryl.
8 comments:
You could always develop the "I'm just a caveman..." shtick from Saturday night live. My dad is a trail lawyer and that shtick has worked for him for years ("I'm a simple man from a working class family, but I know this isn't right2). It is good that you are not overconfident. People definitely don't like that. I am also impressed that you were able to identify a way to make yourself seem less embarassed. It is funny that I have that same problem as a doctor. Maybe I should attend that workshop.
Congrats on completing it. Hey, what kind of law are you going into by the way?
I do civil litigation -- I've actually been practicing for going on 9 years but rarely have the opportunity to go to trial. So this was a way to gain trial experience and expertise outside the "real" courtroom.
I bet you are a great lawyer - very caring when it counts! I think Montana wins hands down over Chicago but I am one who prefers wide open spaces. Awesome job on the Shuffle - you should feel really good about your pace and time - just think what you will be able to do when you get some consistent run training in! Have a great week!
Kathleen
Sounds like a fun and productive trip. I always miss the city in spring.
I miss Danni in Spring!
It was so fun to see you! Thanks for putting up with our current homebody status. I wish we could come visit your neck of the woods sometime.
I'm glad that Chicago grew on you this time around. I can see how a lot of negative experiences could really alter your impression of a place. It's probably better to step away and then be able and come back to appreciate the better parts.
I am impressed as well - with super-fast pace, and with the fact you're a lawyer. How come I didn't know it before? :)
Olga I don't exactly brag about being a lawyer.
SLG, I forgot to mention that your dad's schtick is a tried and true one that I've seen successfully used!
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