My New Year's Resolution was to update the AC more often. *looks at archives* I see that I've posted three times this month and that I've already failed miserably at my resolution. Yeah, part of it is that I don't have time because Hellfire and Damnation need raising. Part of it is that I lost my Ruth!voice and I can't find the balance between being silly while still projecting an air of professionalism. Part of it is that I can look back and point out the times when I could have (and maybe should have) wrapped things up (e.g., after graduation, after taking the bar, after passing the bar, after getting a job).

But I didn't wrap things up. I always thought there was more to Ruth's story. And, honestly, I wasn't ready to let go. The AC really brought me a lot of joy, and--quite frankly--I like the attention.

Now, though... it's just time. If I'm being honest with myself, I lost Ruth the moment I reported for work. Ruth is silly, prone to folly, overly fond of alcohol, and disdainful of those to who do well. Now that I'm working, I have to be serious (sometimes) (like when I'm explaining to a client that if he didn't like jail he probably shouldn't have violated his probation by repeatedly getting high and breaking curfew), I try to avoid folly since I'm supposedly a professional, I only drink alcohol in moderation, and... I'm doing okay. Some might even say I'm doing well. I've become the anti-Ruth, with nothing to complain about except the occasional asshat family members of my clients and the fact that my kids sometimes act like spoiled brats. Ruth reveled in mediocrity, but I kind of don't want to be mediocre anymore. Ruth was sarcastic and a little cynical. And lately... I've been... earnest. Honestly, y'all, that last part is the worst. Ruth laughs at people who are earnest, and do you know how disturbing it is when your semi-fictional alter ego is laughing at you? I mean, it's hard to wrap your mind around that concept without grabbing for the DSM-IV.

So this is it. For the 30 or so of you who still stop in a few times a week, thanks for sticking with me until the end. I'll miss you guys. For those of you who already moved on and therefore probably won't read this anyway, best of luck. If you know the real Ruth, feel free to keep in touch via email, my "real life" blog, the Facebook, etc.

I'd like to thank a few people (some of whom will read this and some of whom won't). First, Antonin, for starting up this craziness with me in the first place. The Peregrinus, RCD, The Infamous El Guapo, Alfred, SH, ladyvorkosigan, and other regular commentators, I know who you really are, so you haven't heard the last of me. ;) To the UT professors who read this blog, esp Professor McDreamy (who was a great sport about the whole thing, which meant that I didn't actually die of embarrassment, I only wanted to), the Dz, and the Dean Search committee. I was always amused (and a little weirded out, really) that y'all read this thing. Thanks to Buffalo Wings & Vodka for being awesome and funny and for that one time you linked to the AC and I got like a thousand hits. That was pretty awes. To the UT Law classes of 2007 and 2008, thanks for reading.

I now pass the torch on to Danielle, my favorite of the current UT Law bloggers. She's not quite Ruth, but I think if we'd been at school at the same time, we'd have probably had geeky DVD marathons on Saturdays while she taught me to knit Jayne hats. Anyway, she's fun and you should read her musings if you don't already.

I started this blog to be silly and have a good time. Mission accomplished. I'll catch y'all on the flip side.