I don’t know if it’s just because I’m in Texas and everyone here is polite and use to “ma’aming” everyone, but I’ve noticed more “Good morning ma’am,” “Excuse me, ma’am,” and “Thank you ma’am” than ever before.

Either it’s because I’m 25 years old now, or because I’m engaged, or because it’s Texas, but whatever the reason, it makes me feel old.

I used to be “miss.”

I would probably dwell a little more on this new turn of “ma’aming” events, but for the luncheon I attended yesterday.  The Dallas Bar Association put on an “Inspiring Women” luncheon in the Belo Mansion, right across the street from where I work in downtown Dallas.  The panel of 6 speakers shared experiences about the various positions they’ve held over the years and spoke about how they achieve a work/life balance, the difficulties they’ve encountered, the risks they’ve taken, and gave the audience advice.There were so many powerful, smart, and successful women attorneys in that room.  Apparently this is such an anticipated event that it was sold-out in a matter of hours.  Thankfully my mentor was able to reserve two spots – one for me.

One woman started practicing in 1968.  Incredible.  There were many private practice lawyers, plenty of in-house counsel, even a couple of  judges in the room.  They all have striven to be respected and relied upon in a field that was very unfriendly toward women in the 70′s, 80′s, and even 90′s.  It’s because of their hard work and determination that I am able to pursue my chosen career with relative ease.

It was inspiring and made me so excited that I will soon get to do what they do, albeit in baby-lawyer fashion.  I don’t mind being “ma’am”ed at all if it means that I am getting closer to being one of them.

xoxo,

Jenn