My biggest reason for not wanting to leave my beloved IP (Intellectual Property) department for the Advocacy department was, I will confess, a fear of the unknown. I went into the IP department at the beginning of my articles aware that I knew nothing, really, about the practice of law, but confident at least that I had a sufficient background in intellectual property law, such that no huge new concepts would be leaping out at me. And I was pretty much right. Obviously there are always little issues within any law to learn about, but I had the background down. So nothing was scary and new and foreign. After 7 months in that department, I knew where to look for information and sources. Searching took very little time, generally, unless there was so obscure issue that hadn't really been decided yet.
However, a move to the Advocacy department was a completely different concept. First of all, unlike the IP department which (obviously) deals with one area of law, IP, the Advocacy department deals with any other litigation which may occur in the context of a large firm. Any area of law can potentially involve litigation, pretty much, and having focused so entirely on IP in law school as well as in my first several months of articling, I had pretty much forgotten about any other area of law, if I had known anything about any other area of begin with. On top of that, I didn't even know how to search Ontario law, as all IP law (or at least the vast majority of law relevant to IP) is federal.
So far, in my first week of Advocacy, I have dealt with an employment issue, a criminal issue, a government suit issue, and a small claims court/accounting issue (I have to confess I particularly enjoyed that one, as it involved a lot of math!). None of these are necessarily areas in which I could see myself practicing for the rest of my life (although let's be honest, I'm not going to practice anything for the rest of my life - akademia here I come, once my loans are paid off!), but they are enjoyable. It's interesting to do something entirely new and foreign, and a nice (albeit scary) challenge. I'm definitely using my brain much more in this department, if only because I have to figure out entirely new areas of law (not because IP is less challenging than any other area!). I miss the IP department, I miss the people, and I miss being constantly surrounded by science and scientists every day. But I will go back to that (with any luck - anyone hiring?). In the meantime, I am woman enough to admit that I was wrong, that I am enjoying my 'Advocacy' time, and that even employment law can be interesting.
On another note, also in relation to fear, my cat is now so scared of Adam when he disciplines her (note: 'disciplining' her means clapping hands and saying 'no' very firmly when she does something bad, like hissing and swiping at him when he walks by her to go to the bathroom - it does not mean the use of force whatsoever), that she is apparently pooping on-the-spot when she does get in trouble. She's only done it once so far, but that is one time too many, especially since Adam was the one who had to clean it up since I was at work. Since I think I can be fairly certain that he's not secretly abusing her while I'm at work, that means she's getting more and more scared of him for no reason, and I am at my wit's end. Luckily yesterday she pooped in the small area of tile in the entrance hallway, and not on the carpet, but what am I going to do if she starts going on the carpet? It's not reasonable for Adam to not be able to discipline her, because if she does something like jumping up on the counter or playing with wires, which she is fully aware she's not allowed to do, and he doesn't discipline her, then she'll start to think she can get away those things. But apparently, if he does discpline her, she'll crap her pants - literally.
Am seriously considering making an appointment with the local Humane Society to give her up. I hate the idea of having her live in one of those little cages, essentially abandoning her. But if she's so scared of Adam that she's pooping in fear, can it really be any worse to have her away from him and hopefully, potentially in a home where she is not living in permanent fear?
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Admitting defeat
Well looky here, two blogs in one week. Either I have a really interesting life, or I don't have much to do at work at the moment. Take your pick. ;)
Actually, the reason that I'm writing this entry is to vent about something that's really been bothering me: my cat. I'm sure there are people out there who know that a few months ago I tried to find a new home for my cat, Spice, because she was having some behaviour problems that I just wasn't dealing with well (and, frankly, neither was she!). It got better, somewhat, but now it's gotten much, much worse.
The only downside (seriously, the only one!) to having Adam live with me is that my cat hates him. Like HATES him. She is so sweet and friendly and affectionate with me - well really, way too affectionate in that she doesn't leave me alone and gets angry if I don't pay her enough attention, but still super sweet - that at first I almost didn't believe him about how she's been acting when he's home alone with her. Adam's still looking for jobs here (what a great time for it, I know!), so he's been at home all day while I'm at work. Which apparently is not going over so well with Spice. Turns out she's a complete and total bitch to him. She swipes and yowls and hisses at him if he tries to pet her or play with her, or sometimes if he just walks too close to her when he's moving around the apartment. She will sit under the couch or bed, and swipe at his feet when he walks by. The only time she lets him near her is when I'm there, and even then she still hates him half the time. And he's been working really hard to try and get her to like him - we took her to the vet about a month ago, and the vet recommended using food as an incentive to get her to trust and like Adam. Like she gets treats if she lets him pet her, etc. Except she's really nice while he's giving her treats, and then the minute he stops she just gets aggressive again. The other day he got down on the floor to try and play with her, and she swiped at his face! It a dog was being aggressive like that, it would not be safe to keep. I know she's just a cat, but that kind of physical aggression is not acceptable.
And then two days ago I discovered that she has been peeing outside of her litter box again, but in a place where it's obviously not a bladder problem (when it's something wrong physically, she just pees right outside of the litter box). This time she has been peeing right where my feet sit when I'm sitting on the couch. Which is very clearly a statement to me. I'm pretty sure that she's been doing it when I occasionally lock her out of the bedrooms in the morning when she's being too loud and whiny and I'm just trying to sleep. It didn't used to be a problem if I did it, but I guess now maybe she's seeing it as picking Adam over her? Either way, clearly the peeing is unacceptable. And I also think it's even worse that I'm gone all day than before (I mean, she hated it before, but now I'm leaving her alone with Adam I think she hates that even more).
The thing is, yeah, maybe she'd get used to Adam eventually. But am I going to have to go through this every time I get a pet? If we have visitors? If the routine changes? If we move? I have tried everything with her, short of Prozac (I've decided I am not paying that kind of money to drug a cat, when I'm not even sure about drugging people for depression!). I have had this cat for almost 2 and a half years now, and things have not really gotten any better. In many ways I love her, but the irritation and frustration has taken over and I can't really stand having her around that much anymore. Which is making the situation worse, because she can tell.
So I'm really, really hoping that I'm going to be able to find a new home for her. She would be an absolutely amazing pet for an older person or couple with a steady routine, because then she'd be getting lots of attention and not having things shaken up for her. She is sweet and loving and adorable, and an incredible cuddler. But our personalities and needs in life are clearly not compatible, and I like to believe that I have done everything that a responsible pet owner can do to try and accommodate the needs of her/his pet. Now I just have to try and find somewhere where she will be happier. And I will be happier. And Adam will be WAY happier!
Actually, the reason that I'm writing this entry is to vent about something that's really been bothering me: my cat. I'm sure there are people out there who know that a few months ago I tried to find a new home for my cat, Spice, because she was having some behaviour problems that I just wasn't dealing with well (and, frankly, neither was she!). It got better, somewhat, but now it's gotten much, much worse.
The only downside (seriously, the only one!) to having Adam live with me is that my cat hates him. Like HATES him. She is so sweet and friendly and affectionate with me - well really, way too affectionate in that she doesn't leave me alone and gets angry if I don't pay her enough attention, but still super sweet - that at first I almost didn't believe him about how she's been acting when he's home alone with her. Adam's still looking for jobs here (what a great time for it, I know!), so he's been at home all day while I'm at work. Which apparently is not going over so well with Spice. Turns out she's a complete and total bitch to him. She swipes and yowls and hisses at him if he tries to pet her or play with her, or sometimes if he just walks too close to her when he's moving around the apartment. She will sit under the couch or bed, and swipe at his feet when he walks by. The only time she lets him near her is when I'm there, and even then she still hates him half the time. And he's been working really hard to try and get her to like him - we took her to the vet about a month ago, and the vet recommended using food as an incentive to get her to trust and like Adam. Like she gets treats if she lets him pet her, etc. Except she's really nice while he's giving her treats, and then the minute he stops she just gets aggressive again. The other day he got down on the floor to try and play with her, and she swiped at his face! It a dog was being aggressive like that, it would not be safe to keep. I know she's just a cat, but that kind of physical aggression is not acceptable.
And then two days ago I discovered that she has been peeing outside of her litter box again, but in a place where it's obviously not a bladder problem (when it's something wrong physically, she just pees right outside of the litter box). This time she has been peeing right where my feet sit when I'm sitting on the couch. Which is very clearly a statement to me. I'm pretty sure that she's been doing it when I occasionally lock her out of the bedrooms in the morning when she's being too loud and whiny and I'm just trying to sleep. It didn't used to be a problem if I did it, but I guess now maybe she's seeing it as picking Adam over her? Either way, clearly the peeing is unacceptable. And I also think it's even worse that I'm gone all day than before (I mean, she hated it before, but now I'm leaving her alone with Adam I think she hates that even more).
The thing is, yeah, maybe she'd get used to Adam eventually. But am I going to have to go through this every time I get a pet? If we have visitors? If the routine changes? If we move? I have tried everything with her, short of Prozac (I've decided I am not paying that kind of money to drug a cat, when I'm not even sure about drugging people for depression!). I have had this cat for almost 2 and a half years now, and things have not really gotten any better. In many ways I love her, but the irritation and frustration has taken over and I can't really stand having her around that much anymore. Which is making the situation worse, because she can tell.
So I'm really, really hoping that I'm going to be able to find a new home for her. She would be an absolutely amazing pet for an older person or couple with a steady routine, because then she'd be getting lots of attention and not having things shaken up for her. She is sweet and loving and adorable, and an incredible cuddler. But our personalities and needs in life are clearly not compatible, and I like to believe that I have done everything that a responsible pet owner can do to try and accommodate the needs of her/his pet. Now I just have to try and find somewhere where she will be happier. And I will be happier. And Adam will be WAY happier!
Monday, March 02, 2009
Let's hear it for procrastination!!
Because let's face it, only procrastination can explain why my last post was in April of 2008. Really, I have had nothing exciting going on in my life for the past 10 months that required a little updating for those of my friends left who still read this thing? (Note to self: that number is probably a big fat ZERO as I'm sure they've all gotten tired of checking for updates and seeing nothing yet again).
Very quick summary:
- I finished law school in April, graduated in June.
- Took the Bar Admission exams (worst exams ever - I studied 10 hours a day for weeks, and still didn't even get through all of the materials before the tests. Thank goodness for open book exams and indices!). Bar exams were May-June, course was June-July.
- My Dad had a heart attack (very mild, no worries) in China, came back to Canada about a month later. Is now working in London teaching English to college kids, and attempting to bring his Chinese wife over (yup, I have a Chinese step-mom and step-brother, both of whom I have never met).
- As soon as the course was over (literally, the same day), I headed up to Ottawa to look for housing. VERY last minute, considering I was moving to Ottawa one month later. How did that work out for me? Surprisingly well, all things considering. I now live right downtown, about a 5 minute walk from work, in a pretty nice apartment for a pretty good rent. It was the Adam guarantee - if he guarantees something will work out, it just will.
- Subletted one furnished place for the month of August, about 10 minutes from work (couldn't get the 5-minute from work apartment until Sept. 1), then moved. Spent 3 days without furniture, dishes, etc., sleeping on an air mattress, before I was able to movers to bring my things from storage (yay for attempting to move on the first weekend in September... oh, right, students!)
- Started my articling position on Aug. 11th, scared s*%#less and convinced I would hate it. Turns out it's fairly fun and I really like it, and sometimes even love it. Huh, who saw that coming?!
- Sept - Dec = work, worky work work.
- Christmas was spent at my mom and step-dad's place in Northern Ontario, with Adam and the parents and my sister and her boyfriend. It was a great, very relaxing holiday, especially when we set up the dual x-boxes, or had 'family band' time with Guitar Hero. I am a kick-ass drummer, apparently. You know, in not-real-life.
- In December, Adam finished his 2nd degree. While he hasn't actually done the ceremony yet (and I'm sure he won't be attending anyway), he has now officially completed his schooling, and has ended up with a Bachelor of Computer Science, and a Bachelor of Physical Sciences - Physics major. I like to brag. :D
- ATTENTION BIG NEWS: as of mid-January, 2009, Adam and I now live together. That's right folks, after almost 6 years of being together, we now live together. I'm sure we'll be getting married sometime in the next 10... haha. No seriously, no rush for that next step folks! I'm still trying to figure out how to get my cat and my boyfriend to not hate each other... baby steps.
- Am still enjoying articles. Starting to consider where (in terms of city and law firm) I want to apply as an associate. My firm now is definitely my first choice, but unfortunately due to the economy things are not looking good for hire-back. There are many other firms, and some government departments, where I would be happy to start off my 'associate-ness', though, so I'm looking into that and will be sending out applications shortly. Oh, the joy of the job process!
- Will be called to the Bar in June of 2009, then will officially be a lawyer! Woot! Apparently my entire family has been invited to a family gathering in celebration. Overdone, perhaps, but it's very sweet that they're all so excited for me! :)
- Um, I think that's all of my catch-up. Maybe I'll post more often. Or maybe not. On a day-to-day basis, my life is monotonous at best.
Very quick summary:
- I finished law school in April, graduated in June.
- Took the Bar Admission exams (worst exams ever - I studied 10 hours a day for weeks, and still didn't even get through all of the materials before the tests. Thank goodness for open book exams and indices!). Bar exams were May-June, course was June-July.
- My Dad had a heart attack (very mild, no worries) in China, came back to Canada about a month later. Is now working in London teaching English to college kids, and attempting to bring his Chinese wife over (yup, I have a Chinese step-mom and step-brother, both of whom I have never met).
- As soon as the course was over (literally, the same day), I headed up to Ottawa to look for housing. VERY last minute, considering I was moving to Ottawa one month later. How did that work out for me? Surprisingly well, all things considering. I now live right downtown, about a 5 minute walk from work, in a pretty nice apartment for a pretty good rent. It was the Adam guarantee - if he guarantees something will work out, it just will.
- Subletted one furnished place for the month of August, about 10 minutes from work (couldn't get the 5-minute from work apartment until Sept. 1), then moved. Spent 3 days without furniture, dishes, etc., sleeping on an air mattress, before I was able to movers to bring my things from storage (yay for attempting to move on the first weekend in September... oh, right, students!)
- Started my articling position on Aug. 11th, scared s*%#less and convinced I would hate it. Turns out it's fairly fun and I really like it, and sometimes even love it. Huh, who saw that coming?!
- Sept - Dec = work, worky work work.
- Christmas was spent at my mom and step-dad's place in Northern Ontario, with Adam and the parents and my sister and her boyfriend. It was a great, very relaxing holiday, especially when we set up the dual x-boxes, or had 'family band' time with Guitar Hero. I am a kick-ass drummer, apparently. You know, in not-real-life.
- In December, Adam finished his 2nd degree. While he hasn't actually done the ceremony yet (and I'm sure he won't be attending anyway), he has now officially completed his schooling, and has ended up with a Bachelor of Computer Science, and a Bachelor of Physical Sciences - Physics major. I like to brag. :D
- ATTENTION BIG NEWS: as of mid-January, 2009, Adam and I now live together. That's right folks, after almost 6 years of being together, we now live together. I'm sure we'll be getting married sometime in the next 10... haha. No seriously, no rush for that next step folks! I'm still trying to figure out how to get my cat and my boyfriend to not hate each other... baby steps.
- Am still enjoying articles. Starting to consider where (in terms of city and law firm) I want to apply as an associate. My firm now is definitely my first choice, but unfortunately due to the economy things are not looking good for hire-back. There are many other firms, and some government departments, where I would be happy to start off my 'associate-ness', though, so I'm looking into that and will be sending out applications shortly. Oh, the joy of the job process!
- Will be called to the Bar in June of 2009, then will officially be a lawyer! Woot! Apparently my entire family has been invited to a family gathering in celebration. Overdone, perhaps, but it's very sweet that they're all so excited for me! :)
- Um, I think that's all of my catch-up. Maybe I'll post more often. Or maybe not. On a day-to-day basis, my life is monotonous at best.
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