My blog has been completely silent this week. There's a reason for that.
I'm conducting a trial in federal court of a $12 million dollar environmental case. While the litigation has been going on for over a decade, I was brought in at the last moment because the lead attorney had a stroke and they asked me to take his place. The case involves twenty years of facts, hundreds of documentary exhibits, and multiple expert witnesses. Mastering the complexity of all that takes a tremendous amount of effort.
The federal courthouse is situated in Brooklyn which means I need to get up ridiculously early to arrive in time; rush-hour in New York is brutal. Later, after a full day of exhausting battle, I have to go to my office for an hour or two of more work before I finally return home. I have no time or energy to blog.
Fortunately, the trial will only last two weeks. After it's over, I hope to restore my life to normal. I miss blogging and reading your blogs. That leisure-activity sustains me emotionally. Being deprived of it is almost painful.
Do you ever work too hard? How do you manage?
Yes, I worked too hard in November, waaaay too hard, and my health suffered. But I'm not sure which was cause and effect. Anyway, hang in there. Pamper yourself when you can. And all the best on your case.
ReplyDeleteWorking that hard sounds like my idea of hell! Maybe if I loved my job/career, it would be okay. When I had a business with my husband (video production) we worked about 50 hours a week for awhile. I didn't like it. I don't want to focus on anything for that long!
ReplyDeleteI used to work very hard dear. Not for me... Now I'm just being happy and unbalanced! (I've been teaching some art classes for local charity lately - raising some money for food...). Hang in there, it sounds terrible. Kisses.
ReplyDeletethat sounds like a lot of stress - but even after a very meaningful task. and an end can be seen. I wish you a lot of strength!
ReplyDeletewhen I worked in the fashion business, I had this phases 2x in a year - the 4 weeks before the fashion shows.
one must be careful that one does not fall afterwards into a black hole. best to make plans for something nice yet while you work.
Thanks for leaving such a darling comment on my blog!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds really stressful but you'll know it'll be over in two weeks - maybe that helps?
-Kati
I had the opposite problem... worked too hard at home and that job I do to make a living suffered. At least the the end is in site!
ReplyDeleteEven when it's a short stint, these work hauls can be grueling! I know my experiences from May-August this year have given me new sympathy for working parents, the working poor, and fill me with sputtering rage when pundits talk about "handouts" for (full time employed, horribly underpaid) 'slackers'.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're almost done; we'll be right here when you get back, and you can get yourself something pretty when this is all over!
Oh my goodness. I admire what you do so much and can't imagine the complexity of it all. Work/life balance is a particular challenge during this time of the year. I have to constantly remind myself of my priorities.
ReplyDeletewow, sounds fascinating and you obviously in your job are good at paying attention to details. Lawyers brains are a unique thing :)
ReplyDeleteI work a lot and in fact have made it a promise to myself to create more balance and thus have been taking time to meditate, knit and write in a journal as a first start. You'll be back in no time and sporting some major awesome outfits, I know it!! xo J
When I had my own company I worked all the time, especially right before the trade shoes twice a year. Literally for 6-8 weeks I hardly slept and just worked, surviving on family size chocolate bars. It was B-A-D. Although I miss my business I do not miss those awful hours.
ReplyDeleteI feel for you. My husband is a lawyer but has since moved into business. I can imagine how overwhelming something like that can be. Especially when you are thrown in at the last minute.
At least you have an end date to focus on. That might help get you through it.
bisous
Suzanne
Oh wow. I can't imagine! Good luck on the case, obviously. I think you should really do a post about work/life balance. I just started a career and my posts/replies have gone WAY down as a result. Maybe it's something I need to get used to now that I'm out of college, but it'd be great to see how everyone else does it.
ReplyDelete7% Solution
Work life balance is tough when work gets to busy - I'm quite good at physically leaving the office nearly on time but struggle to switch off at home, something I'm working on (and that blogging definitely helps with!). Looking forward to having you back more regularly, but in the mean time make sure there is some Ally time to break up the difficult work you are doing x
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the trial They sure are lucky to have you . Be gentle with yourself. l work hard but thankfully not every day anymore . Will always be waiting here when you are finished .
ReplyDeleteI really hope this week goes by fast for you! I too get tired. Last night I feel asleep at 8pm, and awoke at 6:30 am! Taking a break from blogging for rest might seem like a bummer, but your body needs the rest :)
ReplyDeleteSounds brutal. Hang in there. I do work hard sometimes. I usually manage it with drink! In moderation, of course.
ReplyDeleteInteresting case but that sounds like a lot of reading, a lot of reasoning ... however it is evident that you love your job.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason whenever there is anything environmentally oriented i always tend to think that the "environment affected" part should win.
My gosh! You need a vacation and a great bug hug after all this.
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