33rd / 424th District Courts

The vacation is over and the first week back in full swing was just completed, and if there was any doubt, the vacation really is over. That's fine, as I truly do enjoy my work as a trial judge. The vacation was awesome (details here for anyone interested) which point I think to be made best by the fact that there were several days in a row (more than once) when I gave no thought whatsover to the court or even the law in general. Eva will tell you that the proof is in the fact that I did not call into the office even once. They had the ability to contact me if anything had come up to necessitate my intervention but the office staff and Judges Jordan, Shaver and Hammond took care of the several items that needed immediate judicial attention. A big thank you to them.

I am refreshed and rejuvenated, and thankful. Lawyers often don't do a good job of vacationing, by either not going, not going for long enough or not getting their mind truly off of the terrible responsibilities that go along with being a member of the practicing bar. I commend to everyone a fully refreshing vacation. Mine happened to include a 7,000 mile motorcyle tour of the Great Northwest but however one relaxes, it's key to get into that mode. Yeah, I know, "what's relaxing about 7,000 miles on two wheels?" That's one of those "if you have to ask the question, you won't understand the answer" type circumstances. I once tried to explain a little about that here but I digress. I really encourage everyone in the legal system to be sure to take care of their mind and body by refreshing it when necessary.

An important point is that I'm thankful not only for the wonderful time that I enjoyed away, but for the privilege of serving as judge of the 33rd Judicial District, for the staff and visiting judges who made it a relaxing time; and more especially I'm thankful for the local bar which I repeatedly find to be competent, collegial and cooperative with my office which makes it possible for me to get away for a bit and recharge the batteries. I'm am constantly reminded that in many other jurisdictions I might be presiding in circumstances where the judge finds most of the lawyers to be contentious and the energies by all spent on unproductive matters.