A Conversation with Elizabeth
1999
Re: How are you

I sent Elizabeth an email telling her about AOL calling me back about another interview but the email has been lost.  Elizabeth’s reply

From:          Elizabeth 
To:            LMixson@PEC.com
Sent:          Wednesday, March 1, 2000 9:27 AM
Subject:       Re: How are you
 
Well, that's great about AOL calling back, esp. since you seemed to indicate they didn't bite the first time.  I haven't written either; I sort of lose track when you go on trips, plus yesterday I spent writing up invoices, which I hate.  Its not so much writing them up which I dislike, but checking to see if they have already been paid.  Once in a while I'll get a bill from ages ago, and have to plow through tons of papers to see if has been paid. 
 
I really dislike the more "clerical" aspects of this job.  Fortunately they are minimal.  Otherwise, I'm sort of cycling between "this is a good job--with good qualified with" but "I'm bored."  Most of this is in the context of my application to UA sitting out there.  I will hear in July.  School there would start in Aug., so I'm fretting (but under control) about having NO TIME to decide, plus having to resign here (should I? or should I try to stay on part time (BX-BS, retirement, etc., etc., but meaning a 90 mile commute to come here for weekend work, or whatever), plus keeping or letting go of my apartment, etc. (The thought of moving is TOTALLY repugnant--it wore me out the last time. If I go to UA I want to leave stuff behind--somewhere--as I would only be there a year or slightly more.)  Of course, I may get a "NO" which means going on to finish law school here, etc.  It comes down to this:  For the immediate 2 1/2 years it would be totally stupid for me to leave--I could get my five years in here for my retirement funds, be vested, finish my J.D., continue to save money, and work basically a non-stressful job where I could also be able to study and PASS the bar for Alabama. BUT THEN WHAT.  That's where the rub comes in.  At that time--the BEST DECISION FOR ME would have been to go to UA and get the accredited degree which ANY state would accept, so I could LEAVE.  Another aspect is "my degree is virtually guaranteed here" as I have everything, job and school and finances under control."  If I go to UA it's putting myself in a much more unpredictable environment, more stress, profs I don't know, possibly much tougher exams, a younger population I would not feel comfortable with, etc., BUT I keep visioning a "no go where" life staying here (and I'm running out of years) BUT sometimes I CAN imagine making the law degree work HERE in Alabama, but do I want that--I haven't really.  I'm not in "spin" about all this, but its the main under-current with me right now. -- Otherwise, I went to see Cider House Rules, and it is one of the BEST movies I have seen in ages.  I heard it was nominated for best musical score--and I almost have to go see it again, because I don't remember the music, I was so involved in watching the characters.  Still about six more weeks of school, then a horrendous final.  I think I'm having some subliminal depression about "the purpose of life."  X-files was fairly interesting. 
Did you notice William Gibson co-authored it?

Re: How are you