Random Blog I Found Interesting

I was made aware of a blog I found rather interesting to browse through today. It is Karl's blog and the author is Karl Moore. According to his web site, Karl is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and officially one of the world’s top 100 developers. "Developer of what"? you may ask, as I did. I was tempted to say "technology" since he has written books about Visual Basic and other techie code things, but then, as I browse his site, I would say the true answer is "Developer of himself, and others."

He posts inspirational messages to his blog daily in an attempt to inspire and help individuals in their spiritual growth. I like his tone, very real, like I he's just talking to me in my living room. His words feel sincere, like a person exploring the world, not like a master of the universe. Cool. On a Monday, he also posts a "Random Act of Kindness"... and on a Friday, he posts a "Friday Factoid."

You might want to check him out. I think I will for a couple weeks and see what I think.

Returning to School as an Older Student

An anonymous reader asked me what advice I have for somewhat older students hoping to "take the leap" and go to law school when they also have the obligations/blessings of a partner and children. That does seem like an area I am well acquainted with, doesn't it?

OK - first - talk extensively to your husband/wife/partner. You need to all be on board for this crazy ride. That person will end up needing to take up all of the parenting and household duties that you will not be able to do while you are in school. If you will also be working while going to school, this adds to the challenges and responsibilities that your partner will need to be willing to take on for the family. I work during the days, go to school at night and, depending on my schedule and when I fit studying in, have between 1-2 days on the weekends for my family. My partner essentially becomes a single-mom during the weekdays, and I don't see my kids except on the weekends. It is a huge sacrifice for everyone involved.

Talk to your partner about ways the two of you can stay connected. Law school is very consuming. I won't say "all-consuming" - but it can be. You must plan for making time for each other. It is also good to discuss how you will deal with potential feelings of jealously or inadequacy that may arise from your spouse since you are off meeting new people and learning new things. You will be excited about subjects your partner probably knows nothing about, and in which she probably has little interest. Not everyone is a law geek.

Studying for the LSAT is good practice for getting back into the swing of studying. LSAT advice? Take lots of the previously administered tests.

As a student who has been out of school for over 10 years, you may feel uncomfortable with your study skills. If you got accepted into law school, you undoubtedly did well in school and figured out how to do well on the LSAT. Trust that your skills will come back - just like falling off, I mean, RIDING a bike. You may struggle a bit during the first semester as you figure out what works best for you now. Even the younger students have to do that though. Your process may just take a bit longer. Give yourself a break, appreciate the experience you are getting, and trust that you will figure it all out.

I'd like to say something like, "know what you are getting into," or "know what you want to do," but that would be impossible and hypocritical. I had an idea of what I was getting into, but like parenthood, you don't know until you know. I am still exploring what I want do to and narrowing my focus, so I did not know what I wanted to do. I did talk to a few attorneys first to find out what they liked and didn't like about their position and previously held positions, and what they would have done differently in law school. Certainly I would recommend talking to practicing attorneys or JD's in positions in the field in which you are interested. Law has one of the highest dissatisfaction rates, and there are probably many reasons for this. I won't elaborate because my point is to try to make a well-researched decision about your own career goals.

If you know you want to be a lawyer, have your family's support, and think you can make it work with your other obligations in life, don't let fear stop you. This is your life and you should make it all you want it to be. It will not be easy. It will be hard. Moms, more so than Dads from what I have seen, will experience a lot of guilt and feel the sacrifices perhaps more intensely. Will it be worth it? I certainly hope so!

Collections

Wife posted a couple weeks ago asking if other people, besides me, collect watches. Replies seem to indicate that they do, and it is also not uncommon to just HAVE them without actually wearing them. I don't collect a particular brand, like Skagen watches, which are quite nice but reaonably priced. Like art, I just know what I like and I collect them only to please myself, not to have a collection for investment purposes.

I also seem to have this interesting law book collection. It consists of quite expensive acquisitions. Though I have recently parted with some of the collection, I have purchased a few new pieces that I am likely to spend quite a lot of time examining over the next 16 weeks.

My Mind is a Scary Place

So, classes have started.
It has already been a roller coaster ride.
Being inside my head is a strange, wonderful and sometimes frightening place. A bit like Arizona real estate, all appears smooth but you never know what lurks in the darkness.

Over the course of the last 2.5 days I've had the following thoughts either in class or between classes. Of course, everything is really between classes these days, isn't it?

I hate people.
What am I doing here?
I should have been a rock star.
This is so cool!
He rocks this subject (in reference to a prof.)!
LAME
Oh my gosh.....someone shoot me now.
I am an energy law geek. I actually got that joke.
This is going to be fun!
Am I freaking insane?
LAME (again)
I hate administrative types. Please God, don't make me be like that.
Is this what higher education does to people?
How the heck am I going to get all this reading done?
I will adjust.
I should have more female professors. I don't think I like men.
Some men are OK.
Gosh there are a lot of people in this room.
Great class! This is going to be fun! (again)

Getting Lucky with My Law Books

That title didn't really come out right, did it?

What I mean is that so far I have only had to buy one real book for my classes, and I got that one used, paying only $80 instead of $119. The other three require only reproduced materials. I already have one packet - cost of $20, and will soon pick up another. The third might even only be handouts in class with no purchase price at all.

I really love books in general, but certainly don't mind not having to purchase a $100 book for each class! There is a chance I might still have to buy a statute book, but so far, every time I have, I just end up using the ones on-line and not using the book at all. This time, I think I will wait a couple weeks and see if on-line will be practical for this class or not. Might as well save myself the $40 right?

Hey - unexpected tip - buy books used if they are still in decent shape. First year I thought my books all had to be new; that I would be distracted by other's notes and highlighting. Ends up it is actually nice to see what others thought was important, and once, someone had defined many of the words in the margins - that was really nice!

How Can We Slow Down Time?

Life's changes present us with bittersweet dichotomies, don't they?

Our little boy is about to start Kindergarten - he's so excited and so ready, and he is going to do great! I know it is what is best for him, and yet, he is our little boy who will now be out in the world, on his own, where he can be hurt by people and things and situations, all beyond our control.

Going back to school for me presents similar feelings - it will be fun to be back at school, learning new things, making progress on this path I've chosen, and yet, I will miss my family since most nights I will not be home until late. I will not see the kids until the weekends. Sad.

How do we slow down the next few days so we can enjoy every moment together? Perhaps a nice trip to the beach, or a Mendocino bed and breakfast, or Disneyland! No time for any of that really. So instead, we will go grocery shopping, clean the carpets, and enjoy family time at home. Any time is a good time for Tinkertoys, blocks and playing with the doll house!

Words of Wisdom

I have few sayings posted up around my office, among the many, many pictures. One really caught my attention today. Maybe it is because school starts on Monday, and our family is about to have to adjust to a whole new routine. I'm going to miss them, and I know they will miss me. Wife is about to have to handle most things on her own 5 days and 4 nights of the week. She will definitely miss me :) Also, I really looked at my schedule to try to figure out when to read for each class. Wow. What was I thinking? So, here's the inspirational quote:

"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."
-Chinese Proverb

We've done two years so far, we will keep right on doing it for two more years!

More Tips for First-Year Law Students

You asked for it, you got it! More tips from the morning brain of Law School Mama! (I am feeling very super-hero-ey today: I got a call last night informing me that I'd been awarded a very nice scholarship! Yeah, me!)

My last coverage of this issue featured 5 quick tips. Let's see if I can come up with 5 more:

1) Really listen and pay attention in class. I know that seems obvious, but you will be so surprised by how many folks are surfing the net, playing games, IM-ing and doing email. This is especially true after your first year. Try not to get sucked into this. I've seen people really scramble to catch up once they realized they were half-way through the semester and hadn't really been paying attention. Some profs make sure their finals follow what they talked about very closely, so listen!

2) Nothing is a substitute for reading a case, but if you find yourself really lost, or really behind, go to Lexis or Westlaw and read the case summary. (You probably will not get access for the first month of law school.) This will at least tell you what you should be getting out of the case. Then go back and read it and see if it makes more sense, or at least skim enough so you know the basics and where to find key facts. For me, this is sort of like reading a kid's version of Shakespeare before the real thing so you know what's being said.

3) If your prof tells you HOW they want to to take notes, do problems, prepare for X, do it. Again, should be obvious. I've been in classes where people did not, and it was obvious to the prof, and to everyone else. You will learn so much more if you take the prof's advice. Sure, if the suggestions are far too time-consuming, you may have to figure out your own shortcuts, but try it the recommended way at least for a couple weeks. You may find there is value in the process.

4) Computer vs handwritten notes? Those who are experts in learning say that taking handwritten notes and later transcribing them into your computer is the best way to learn the material. You force yourself to review and process what you learned by taking the time to do it this way. As a night student who works days, there is no way I could ever find the time to do this. I take notes on my laptop during class. During my first year, we started out with about 80% taking notes on their computers, but after the first set of finals, we were probably down to 50%. I would say most of the decline was due to disappointing grade on finals. Taking away the temptation of games and surfing was the solution for some, and others got the news about handwriting and transcribing being better for learning.

5) Think of others. Help out other students when you can (within your school's honor code, of course). Remember to talk to your partner/spouse/husband/wife about her/his life. It's not all about you. Talk about things in your life besides law school. Keep in touch with your friends that are not part of your law school life. Don't push people away by being an annoying law school geek. So you can argue well, and your logic is flawless. That won't win you points with your partner or your friends. Law school is not everything - keep some balance and perspective in your life.

Good luck and have fun. Seriously. Some people complain that law school is hard and terrible and no fun. Really? How hard did you work to get in? You wanted this. You are paying for this. It's what you wanted. It should be fun! Make it fun. As someone who had been out of school for a long time, I actually think this is fun and a privilege. Not everyone that wishes to go to law school is admitted. Enjoy this opportunity you have been granted.

Unreasonable Fears?

I now have this fear of being made to watch Yo Gabba Gabba again. I know it will happen. Son loves this show. We DVR it. He will want me to watch. I can only hope I can interest him more in Lilo & Stitch or Danger Rangers first.

I can't really believe what Wife posted about the popularity of this show being a feature story in the newspaper. It can't be true! Ah, but why would she make such a thing up? I would check it out on the internet myself, but am afraid of what I might find.

I now have visions of walking up to reception desks and having the host of this show pop out at me. I'm sure he is a nice man who just wanted a job and is probably hating himself for doing this, all the while being somehow grateful he is not playing a dancing tampon or something. I'm not so sure that would be worse.

The creators probably had good intentions. They should not get stoned, play with their children's toys, then try to make a show about it.

OK, I think I'm done for the moment. If I have made any of you seek this show out to see what I am ranting about, I am truly sorry.

Good Health News

A friend of ours had a medical scare this week, and THANK GOD, all has turned out fine. Earlier in the week, well, past couple of weeks really, Wife had a medical scare. Again, all turned out fine. THANK GOD. These two things have really helped us put our priorities in perspective and feel especially grateful for our relative good health!

I was checking out a medical equipment site and realized how happy I am to not be aware of many of the devices, such as a pulse oximeter, a portable nebulizer and an oxygen concentrator. I don't want to NEED to know about any kind of medical equipment or have it become a part of our daily lives. I know if we need any such equipment, I will be happy it is even an option, but I'd rather be grateful to not need it at all!

NO Gabba Gabba

No, not even a bribe of a nice gift from reeds jewelers will make me want to watch Yo Gabba Gabba again. I am desperately hoping the kids will tire of it fast. It is not like it is violent or offensive (beyond being lame) so that I have a good reason to say, "No, you are not going to watch this." Violent cartoons? Shows with teens with sassy attitudes? No problem saying NO to those, but lame costumed characters dancing around and being repetitive? Well, that is kind of what kids do. Still, I have hope that it is only a passing phase. There are really a lot of good, educational shows out there. Son has learned a lot from Magic School Bus, Hi-5, and others. Surely this terrible mistake can't last long. Of course, I thought that about the Simpons, too.

Unbelievably Lame Children's Program

Oh my gosh. There is a new show on on NickJr that my son and daughter are crazy about. It is called Yo Gabba Gabba. I watched it with Son last night while he stayed up a bit late because his tummy hurt (later threw up in his sleep - ugh). This show was possibly more lame than Boohbah. No, not possibly. Was. Not alcohol, not incredibly nice home theater seating, not large amounts of money could make this show tolerable. In the 52 hours, I mean 11 minutes that I watched this show, I believe I lost my will to live. (It came back once I turned the TV off.) I get that kids, especially infants, who this show must be aimed at, love bright colors, silly sounds, repetitive songs, but this was insanely idiodic. I can't believe there are adults somewhere producting this show. Still, sadly, my son especially, loves it. He also loves Sponge Bob. Enough said?

I Can't Seem to Type

...or process any thoughts....my brain has been sucked out by the evil that lurks within our television set. It's too terrible to mention. It makes Barney look like a hero (and he is around our house). You won't believe it. Stay tuned....I may be getting my strength back....

10 Ways that Law School and Parenting are Alike

I was thinking this morning that law school and parenting are more similar than people might believe. Check this out:

1) No matter how much you prepare, sometimes you are going to feel terribly inadequate.

2) If you do your reading, you will feel better able to handle the tasks at hand, but you still may not know the right answers.

3) Both are challenging and rewarding.

4) In both cases, you are going to spend a ton of money.

5) In both you earn a special title, and going through the ordeal is the only way to get the title.

6) There will always be unexpected challenges that call on you to do your best, and may still shake the very foundations of all you thought you ever knew.

7) Expressing yourself in the clearest manner possible based on your audience is crucial.

8) What YOU think is the best way of doing things may not be the accepted manner and you will have to adjust and be flexible for the overall good of the task at hand.

9) Tasks frequently take way longer than you thing they will.

10) Both consume your life in ways you hadn't imagined.

Hotel or House?

What do others think about renting a house on vacation versus staying in a hotel? I was looking at a Florida rental vacation
site where you can rent homes and condos, and noted that you could rent a decent-sized house, with a pool for 6 nights for under $1000. That is certainly better than the easily $200 night hotels rooms. Of course, no daily maid service or room service, and you'd have to drive to Disneyworld (which is the only reason I would be staying in Florida), but still. Lots of room for the kids to spread out, full kitchen, all the comforts of home, without the daily chores! We almost planned that for a coast vacation this year, but it didn't work out for us due to all the unexpected events of the summer. Maybe next year :)

Random Thoughts of a Tuesday Morning

My printer does not smell like a fish processing vessel this morning.

I need new work/school pants.

Why do roots grow down and leaves grow up? I know the basic ideas behind this very useful set up, but WHY? Do they ever get confused?
(Son and I planted a bean that recently sprouted that had been a day camp science project.) What if you inverted the container, say, a cup, and held the soil in with a cap of some sort? My guess is the roots would still seek the nutrients in the soil and the leaves would still seek the daylight/air/ CO2. Might be fun to try.

I've read that Croc may not be that great for your feet even if they are really comfy. Makes me feel like less of a weirdo that my knock-off Croc hurt my feet. (Now, ones I have that are shaped a bit more like real shoes, but are the foam material - those I love!)

If people buy property to later sell at a profit, it is investment property, right? What if you buy a computer to start a business, and end up making money? Is that also investment property? (Not in the sense of "real property", of course, but in the sense of personal owership of an item?

Maybe I should eat something :)

No, really, I mean it, it's not the end of August

Yes, yes, there are already two posts on this general theme, but I know that I am onto something. I think there are some missing days that happened somewhere near the middle of July.....then we skipped to about the second week of August. Am I right? Maybe we need to do some market research on this. There might be missing days occuring all over the country, the world even, and if we were to find those days, we'd probably end up with a year or more. Is that a possible way to reverse the effects of aging, global warming and George Bush?

Ewwww....I can't believe I just typed that name into my blog. I feel like I did that day after I watched "Scott Baio is 45...and Single." I'll be going to take a shower now.

More Summer Activities Not Yet Accomplished

Yes, I know I'm whining, but I'm on a roll. It can't be the end of summer yet because we've only been to the beach once, played in the blow up pool a relatively small number of times, and not purchased any concert tickets. Heck, we didn't even go to any free summer music in the park events.

Yes, we've been to Seattle, camped in the backyard a couple times, and played on the Slip-n-Slide more than once. We've watered the yard, grown two lovely cucumbers (yes - only two and no tomatoes - I did not put in any fresh soil, compost or anything this year, just planted things in the ground - I suck), and barbecued a lot. We had a great beach trip. I'd say we're about half-way through. Does that sound about right?

What Happened to Summer?

Uh...hello...I know the calendar says August 20th, but we have not had enough sunny days yet for that to be correct. Summer cannot possibly be almost over. Nope. Not buying it. There should still be days to hop on a motorcycle, strap on a pair of Wiley X sun glasses, and hit the open road. Oh, right. The kids. OK, well, there should be time to whip out the Slip-n-Slide and cool down on some way too hot days.

I'm not so much ready to go back to school yet. I'm having fun coming home to my family, seeing my kids every day, playing after dinner every night. I'm excited to start my Environmental Law and Energy Law classes, but not so excited that it means trading off my family time.

Well, there's always the weekends. Remember, Sunday is family day. Always. No excuses. No exceptions. That's a good tip for any first-years reading this. Keep one day for your family. Always. That way, you'll hopefully still have a family after earning those fancy letters after your name.

Zoo Fun

I don't have the pictures to prove it (Wife has those - go check them out on her blog), but we had a great time at the zoo on Saturday. It was a great family day - not too hot, not too cold, kids on good behavior, everyone having fun and nobody got crazy or hurt. I realized that for our kids, the animals are not the big deals - it is the interactive events that grabbed their attention. They loved a silly (read: lame) puppet show, free stickers being given out, the goat petting area, the bird show, and getting magnets and pins of the birds that were in the bird show. I guess at a certain age, its all about interaction. Maybe we should all be more like that, and less content to just look as life is happening in front of us.