When I left high school to go to college, one of the things I was so excited about was redefining me. No longer would I be referred to as a "Methot", because no one would know what a "Methot" means. And I liked that.
I was also excited to be away from my more than one year relationship with my boyfriend because I couldn't go anywhere by myself without people asking "Where is Chris?" without ever asking the normal introductory question of "How are you?"
I was excited to be me for the first time, undefined by my relationships. Not a "Methot", not Chris's girlfriend, but me. Just plain me.
One thing that I have noticed since becoming a lawyer is that this now defines me. It seems that all too often I go out with friends and it is - "This is Chantal, a lawyer." Even when I try to run from it, there is the inevitable question, "What do you do?" And then there seems to be no way around it.
This morning the man who is working on our heating system came as I was getting ready for work. I was dressed in black heels, a skirt, and a sweater. As I was leaving he said,
"Are you a lawyer?"
"Yes." I answered. Then I paused and asked, "But how did you know?"
"You look like a lawyer." He replied.
I am not sure I am dressing any differently than I would have for work prior to being a lawyer.
I am also a notary public. In becoming a notary public I got not only the stamp, but also a bumper sticker stating that I am a notary public. I chose not to put it on my car, just like I decided in law school not to put up a bumper sticker for my law school.
In the future, I think I'll introduce myself as a notary public. Then conversations will run much like this.
Random Person: "Are you a notary?"
Me: "Um, yes." Pause, quizzical look, "How did you know?"
Random Person: "You look like a notary."
Indeed.
7 comments:
It's true. I remember the day I met you, riding in Kimberly's car after skiing, enjoying the openness and enthusiasm in your voice, watching your short brown hair swish back and forth, observing the brilliant light glowing behind your coffee-brown eyes, and thinking, "This girl looks like a notary public."
LOL. Becoming a notary public was my defining destiny...and you saw it. That is a true friend.
There are some things you just can't hide. I thought this was common knowledge.
I had the same exact thought today except I could redefine myself when I left my old school and started at my new school. I'm still a teacher (and for the record people constantly ask if I'm a teacher) but no one knows anything of my teaching past. That's why we're best friends!
Haha, people can "tell" you are a teacher. Just like they could "tell" when you worked for the insurance company right? I feel like it is similar to when you start dating a guy and suddenly everyone thinks you look alike. Whatev.
Yes, this is why we are best friends. Of course, there is the radiance too....
Ahhhh... the radiance!
I just tend to turn away slightly embarrassed when I am introduced as a lawyer. This is because I now realize that lawyers are not these mysterious, powerful presences...but just people like you and me who incurred huge loans and passed a two-day test.
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