Seminar Day

I had an opportunity to attend a NBI Seminar on Trust Administration today. The primary reason for my attendance was to speak for about an hour on the issue of ethics in a trust practice. I decided to stay for a few extra hours to see if I could learn something from the other speakers.

The highlight of my day is that I had lunch with my girls at my wife's office. My wife had a client meeting today, so she needed me to sub for her for an hour or so. Lunch was wild as always and I probably let the girls eat more sweets than actual lunch food (such is the prerogative of a Dad).

Grace and I had a most interesting conversation when she asked me if she could eat a lollipop that my wife had in her office. I told her "no" and her response was "ok, I will wait until you died [sic] and then I will decide if I will eat it." She added further that "when you died I will be old, so I will not need you to take care of me." At that point I must admit I had my feelings a little hurt. I asked her if she would miss me and she responded, "no, I'll see you in heaven one day."

Once I overcame my surprise about the nature of our conversation, I began to reflect on the fact that children can speak about death with incredible ease, whereas we as adults become instantly uncomfortable with any mention of the subject. Death is just a part of life and for Christians we see it as the beginning of our new and better life. Perhaps I should accept this as a lesson from my 'wise' 4 year old.

Bye Bye

Due primarily to my car being in the repair shop, I have had an opportunity to work a lot at home this week. My 15 month year old has been a frequent companion. I have had to make numerous phone calls to clients, which is always dicey with a little one in the room. Nevertheless, she becomes quite enthusiastic at the end of each call, for every time I say bye or find myself about to say bye, she starts chirping 'bye bye, bye bye, bye bye." If we have been on the phone this week, I am sure you may have received this extra "bye."

Morning Errands

Had a great morning today running some business errands with Grace. She was so excited about helping me. By the way, if you receive a package from me and the mailing label is a little crooked, I blame my little assistant!

On the Phone Like Daddy

I was walking around the house talking on the phone to a client, when I noticed that Kate picked up a toy screwdriver and began to imitate me. She was even talking, which sounded like "la la la la ta la la ta da da ..." I imagine that is how I sound at times, especially when I lapse into legalease.

Getting my Niece Involved in the Family Business

My niece is spending the week with us. We have had a great time. She even had an opportunity to come by my office and spend some time working with me. If you receive a bill from me with this time entry:

Colored Elmo and friends- 30 minutes

You will know that Isabella was responsible for that good work. I also provide fruit snacks and juice for folks who get a little restless!

Dictation

I enjoy using a digital recorder, which allows me to dictate letters, legal documents and special instructions for my secretary. It is a great device, especially for my practice on the go. My three year old routinely uses it to record songs, stories, etc. I was dictating a letter today and she came over to me and said "I want to say hi." I of course let her say "hi" in the middle of my letter. About five minutes later she wanted to say "bye." Hopefully my secretary will pick-up on the voice change and I will not have a couple of extraneous words in my document!

My Tattoo

Grace received a couple of dinosaur tattoos in a goodie bag from a recent birthday party. For some reason her mother convinced her that it would be a good idea for Daddy to wear the tattoo so he could show his clients. I told her that I would wear it and suggested my upper arm. She said "no Daddy, your clients not see it there. I want to put it on your hand." She won the argument and this was the result:

I had quite a few comments about it, as I had three client meetings and a Rotary lunch the next day. If anything, my new accessory was quite the conversation ice breaker! Grace was so excited when I told her about my day that it was totally worth it.