About a year ago, I was notified by the ABA Journal that my blog was nominated as one of the top 100 legal blawgs for 2008. I was, needless to day, extremely honored.
One of my colleagues in Pennsylvania, Neil Hendershot, wrote about my nomination, including some really kind commentary. He also suggested his own “ask the taxgirl” question:
Kelly, how do you find the time to do all this while practicing law and mothering three kids?
I promised him that I would answer. And so, a few months (*ahem*) after the fact, I’m finally getting around to it.
There’s a method to my madness. You see, today is my anniversary. I’ve been married for 9 years (really? that long?). I’ve also managed a law firm for 9 years. That’s not coincidental.
This isn’t to say that I don’t work hard. Or that I couldn’t do it on my own. Because I think I could manage. But it wouldn’t be nearly as much fun. Or nearly as wonderful.
Earlier this year, Sandra Bullock said something that really resonated with me. Speaking to Parade, she said: “You know, I complete me. I’m just lucky that after I completed myself, I met someone who could tolerate me.”
And that’s exactly how I feel about my husband. Not exactly the stuff of anniversary cards, I know. But it’s true.
When I suggested to Chris that he drop Reed Smith and start a firm with me (I had just quit my prior lawyer gig), he didn’t roll his eyes and say no. Well, maybe he rolled his eyes. But he also said okay. He knew that we could do it. And we did.
When I started writing this little tax blog – on a subject that completely disinterested him – he humored me. He pretended to listen to my posts and my articles. And I pretended to listen to his feedback.
In between it all, we managed to have some pretty amazing kids. They’re smart and funny and of course, Phillies fans (I said smart, right?).
So when it comes to finding time for the things that are important, I have to say that I can do it because I have a family (and friends) who support me in fabulous, wonderful ways. And I have a husband who understands me (well, as much as anyone can) and helps me work out all the details – like deadlines and schedules and meetings. But mostly, he tolerates me. And that counts for a lot.
Happy anniversary, Chris… and you’re working on that World Series title for my present, right?
Love is much nicer to be in than an automobile accident, a tight girdle, a higher tax bracket or a holding pattern over Philadelphia. ~ Judith Viorst, Redbook, 1975
Congrats on the anniversary, Kelly!
Kelly’s Mom and I wish our daughter and her brave husband Chris, a Happy Anniversary. I have always said Chris deserves a medal, given in public before everyone, for marrying my daughter. But the best thing comes in three’s, too. Smart kids? Yes. Funny kids? Yes. They bring joy to all the family. Love you Kelly, Dad.