I have deliberated for years on whether or not being a Paralegal/Legal Assistant/Litigation Assistant was really what I wanted to do. I wasn’t sure if this was something I chose because it appeared to be lucrative, or if I really truly enjoyed doing what I do. I needed to answer this question before I could answer the more pressing question, which was, do I really want to take this as far as it will go, or do I need to choose something else?
I’ve had loads of people tell me that this is what I was meant to do, born to do. I’ll admit that part of the reason I like is because it comes so easily to me. I’ll admit that part of the daily grind is endless reading followed by even more endless regurgitation of information, both in written and verbal formats. When I first declared my major in college, I immediately immersed myself in the first internship I could find, and I loved every minute I spent at that internship, I loved that I was helping people. I knew right away that I would have to go into Plaintiffs work. I had to fight for what was right. Well that only lasted less than a year. I realized that most “Plaintiffs” are milking the system and the ones that are truly, honestly hurt or damaged usually get nothing, or little to nothing. So began my career in defense work, I was immediately engaged. No longer did I dread going into work, but initially I thought it was only because I bored so easily, so easily. I also thought that part of the problem was that the Plaintiffs office I worked in was it’s own particular brand of hell. Filled with a few kind, warm faces, however overshadowed by wretched, egomaniacal, lazy untrustworthy snakes.
So my journey took me to challenges I never thought I’d see, I met a slew of wonderful people along the way. To my disdain, the more I talked to people who had taken their careers “all the way” were miserable. Instead of the sing-song encouragement of “you should go to Law School.” I heard “Don’t do it!” paired with a few “I can’t believe I actually paid this much to be this miserable.” I started to believe that I would never be happy as an attorney. I started to believe everyone regretted the decision to go to law school, only to be stuck in a career they hate. I decided right then that I would never go to law school, I would not be that miserable. Besides, law school was always a pipe dream, one in which I am sure if I was ever able to actually do it, I would go into so much debt I’d never ever be able to have any amount of worth period. But recently this has all changed...
Most of you know my career path took a huge detour, when I accepted a position as a Legal Secretary to spend more time with the kids, but after only working there a little over three months, I was already performing duties well beyond a Legal Secretary (although I am quickly learning that some Legal Secretaries do it all, Litigation Coordination, Paralegal, Secretarial work - I mean they do it all). So as I work more and more here at this firm, I am realizing something - not all attorneys are miserable, some really enjoy what they do for a living – so maybe I could to. I’m not running out to apply just yet, but the option is definitely back on the table.
Disclaimer: I usually don't post anything that I haven't fact checked - but I have been putting off this post for too long now. And I promised Mizpah [ @MizpahMijares ] I would post it months ago.
I fully expect some comments - maybe some debunking the facts in this posting or maybe even some validating them. Here it is:
A professor at the City College Of New York(CCNY) for a physiological psych class told his class about bananas. He said the expression "going bananas" is from the effects of bananas on the brain.
Read on:
Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!
This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.
Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.
Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.
But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.
PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure, so much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.
Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.
Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.
Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.
Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Temperature control: Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.
Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.
Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!
So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"
PASS IT ON TO YOUR FRIENDS
PS: Bananas must be the reason monkeys are so happy all the time! I will add one here; want a quick shine on your shoes?? Take the INSIDE of the banana skin, and rub directly on the shoe...polish with dry cloth. Amazing fruit!!!