Thursday, January 22, 2009

Sarah, Esq.

So I'm a lawyer.

It happened today at noon, Eastern time. I walked into the Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York, and walked out Esq.

I will say this: The ceremony was nice. Very nice. Like a mini-graduation, with 700 other students (okay, like three times bigger than my law school graduating class), led by a panel full of NY Supreme Court Justices, and a soloist who sang, "Count Your Blessings" from A White Christmas. ("When I'm worried, and I can't sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep, so I fall asleep, counting my blessings.")

And the justice who was leading the ceremony followed the keynote speaker's talk with these words: "Thank you, Honorable Dunne, for that special and meaningful speech. It was so--special and so--meaningful. Thank you."

Great. All great.

Anika drove down from Syracuse (thanks to her friend for taking the children today) and Elizabeth J. (a former roommate from Austin, newly, NEWLY moved to Albany, of all places) came, too. And it was lovely to have them there holding down the fort for friends and family. We went to lunch afterward and ordered chicken enchiladas, and then all made our way to Syracuse, where Elizabeth and I are hanging out with Anika's family for a few days. Reija will join us tomorrow too, I believe. If my stars are aligned correctly. Turns out, upstate New York is a great place to be.

Upstate New York: Walk in a girl, walk out a lawyer.**


*The great Anna Kohler Lewis used to have a sign hanging over the door of her freshman dorm room: "Walk in a girl, walk out a legend." Pretty much encapsulated Anna's freshman year. And, the rest of us hoped, our lives, providing we lived long enough.

**Also, I'm not yet licensed to practice in DC yet. Just in NY. I have to file some paperwork, etc., to be licensed in DC. Then I'll be a real attorney, with business cards and everything. A new day.

11 comments:

Laura said...

In my book, you already are a legend.

Laura said...

And a rock star.

Stephanie said...

So no re-do's? Cuz re-do's are also allowed. The president got one. Congratulations!!

Rachel Olson said...

Oh yay, Sarah. For joy. I love you very much. I think I'm moving to upstate NY in a couple of years, right after college and such. Such delight. But I'll miss the drive up there.

Melissa said...

Great news, Sarah. When you get business cards, will you post a picture? I'd love to see 'em.

Snoop said...

Congrats, Sarah!

LRH said...

YAY! go SO.

So, SO, I miss you a lot you know.

--not just another laura. (LR)

Kate said...

You must now constantly refer to your self as Sarah Olson, esquire. In person, on the phone, ordering pizza. To me, that is the POINT of getting a law degree.
So far, it's gonna be worth it.

Rachel Olson said...

sarah,

I really, really love the book, and that you gave it as a gift. I'm not just saying that. I left you a message while you were on your flight (on your cellphone) because I felt like maybe you didn't see that was very, very glad of the gift. I was in a funny mood, so it was hard for me.

Those ARE my favorite types of gifts. I love, love to be given books, especially when the person has thought about why they're giving it to me. And I'm so grateful that you think my writing has enough of the "raw stuff" that you feel like it's important enough to me to make it better. I love you very much. I'll see you soon.

your sister,
rachel

P.S. I've been carrying the book around with me for the past two days - study hall, district auditions, lunch, etc.

Wendle said...

Well, if it takes going to upstate New York to become a lawyer then...I probably won't be doing that. For many reasons and all of them have to do with not being quite as witty or as smart as you are. Congrats rommate Sarah, esq.

Becky said...

Congrats Sarah, Esq.! How SARAHESQUE! I think it is funny that they sang "Count your blessings!" What were they trying to say - good job, NOW it is going to get rough so here is a tip? The economy is down so count our blessings? Isn't that an "I'm kind of down and need a pick me up song" why sing that at your graduation reward ceremony thingy? I'm glad it was nice!