The Best Worst Thing

So I am starting a new job tomorrow. :D

When I got laid off, I'll admit that I was more than a little worried. I remembered the dark days following the bar when I had no job and no real prospects. My grandma put it nicely when I overheard her saying "I'm worried about MaryAnn. All she does is sit around and watch fat people." (She failed to mention that "fat people" is actually a T.V. show known as "The Biggest Loser").

Anyway, it turns out my worries were for naught. Though I was laid off, I never actually went a single day without working. I picked up some clients on my own, did some contract work, and even spent a short time at another firm position. I also had offers to choose from and all of the offers were actually better offers than my previous job.

I find this to be amazing, especially in this economy that we're living in. Lawyer jobs are NOT easy to come by. (If you don't believe me, see here, here, and here). I'm not taking the credit for all of my recent job-related opportunities. I've had the distinct impression that these blessings are the direct result of paying tithing. The book True to the Faith, produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, contains the following promise: "The law of tithing requires sacrifice, but your obedience to the law brings blessings that are far greater than anything you ever give up." “Tithing,” True to the Faith, (2004),180–82. I believe this. To learn more on tithing, click here.

So here's the specifics. I am the 11th attorney to join Pearson, Butler, Carson, & Cook. I will be working with the bankruptcy practice group, mostly on Chapter 13 cases. I'm thrilled because I love bankruptcy practice, I'll have great mentors (something I've lacked at my two previous firms), I'll have health insurance (something I've lacked since I was still under my dad's insurance at age 21), and I'm getting a significant raise.

I feel like the whole lay-off thing was a blessing in disguise. Sure, it wasn't a great feeling to be laid off. I loved my old job and wasn't really searching for other opportunities. But being laid off forced me to see what else was out there. It might be the best worst thing that has ever happened to me.

My Professor. My Mentor. My Friend.

I just learned today that a dear friend of mine passed away. It hurts. Matt Bradley influenced my life more than he probably ever knew. I met Matt during my very first semester at the University of Utah. Matt taught my honors writing class - my favorite that semester and I don't even like writing! Matt encouraged me, stretched my abilities, and changed the way I viewed the world. I went on to take two more classes from Matt while at the U.

Matt always went above and beyond. He was a big influence in helping me choose my honors thesis topic and helped me with the research (even though he wasn't my adviser).

Perhaps it was because of his young age, his vitality, or just common interests, but Matt became more than just a professor. He was a true friend. Matt introduced me to my ex-husband, came to our wedding, double-dated with us, invited us into his home, came to my birthday dinner, taught me about cycling, and convinced me to get a bike.

Matt helped me realize my potential. He kept in touch and cheered me on through law school. One time he wrote a Facebook message to me that said "I hope you are well, because in truth, you were always one of my favorite students." Silly that this meant so much to me but it did. It came at a time when when my confidence was wavering and I truly needed that boost.

In the divorce aftermath, Matt was sympathetic but his sympathy is not what helped me. It was his example. About the same time, Matt lost his leg due to a rapidly spreading cancer. I'm sure this was extra-devastating to Matt as he was an avid and competitive cyclist. Matt didn't let it get him down though. The second he was able to be fitted for a prosthetic leg, he was back on a bike and went on to race for the U.S. Paralympic team. Seeing Matt's example helped me to realize that going through hard things doesn't have to be the end of the world. Matt taught me how to live. He inspired me.

More on Matt can be found in today's Salt Lake Tribune.