Watch This Old Dog Do New Tricks

Let’s go ahead and address the elephant in the room — or rather, the old dog in the room — because apparently I am she. And according to that dusty old saying, I’m supposed to be incapable of learning new tricks. Cute. Adorable. Wrong.

See, somewhere along the way, society decided that once women hit “a certain age,” we’re supposed to quietly settle into our routines, sip our herbal tea, and stop making bold life choices. Meanwhile, I’m over here in my 50s kicking down doors like, “New trick? Hand it over. I’ll learn it, name it, and probably bedazzle it.”

But let’s be honest: learning something new at this age isn’t the same as learning it at 25. Back then, I could memorize entire textbooks on two hours of sleep and a questionable diet. Now? Now I need a planner, a highlighter, a nap, and a snack. And maybe a YouTube tutorial. Or three.

But here’s the magic: If we want to learn something new, we absolutely can. It might take more time. It might take more effort. It might take a whole new set of habits. But women our age? We’ve raised kids, survived heartbreaks, built careers, reinvented ourselves, and kept entire households running while the world spun sideways. Trust me — we can learn anything.

Which brings me to the plot twist of my own story.

A few of my close friends, family members, and co‑workers already know this, but it’s time to make it blog‑official: I resigned from my job.

Yes. That job. The one I’ve loved for 21 years, Assistant District Attorney. The one I thought I’d retire from. The one filled with co‑workers who became my chosen sisters. The one where I flourished, grew, and built a whole chapter of my life.

And then — because the universe has a sense of humor — another path opened up. A big one. A wild one. A “who, me?” one.

A Federal Judgeship.

So, what did I do? I leapt. Not tiptoed. Not hesitated. Not “let me think about it for six to eight business months.” I leapt.

Because if this blog has shown you anything, it’s that my 50s have been the era of reinvention, reclamation, and refusing to shrink myself to fit anyone’s expectations — including my own outdated ones.

Is this a brand‑new career? Yes. Is it a brand‑new area of law? Also yes. Is it intimidating? Absolutely. Can this “old dog” learn these new tricks? Baby, I’m already stretching, hydrating, and warming up.

I’m giving it my best shot — with grit, grace, and a little bit of chaos — and I’m taking you with me on the journey.

Stay tuned. The old dog is just getting started.