A celebratory drink with my co-workers!
Note the distressingly empty glass behind the work of art that was my shrimp and crab cocktail on the night of the good news!
CHEERS!!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Time to Stop at the Bars!
Enough of this passing the bar nonsense. It is high time I start stopping at these fine establishments! That is exactly what I have been doing!
A celebratory drink with my co-workers!
Note the distressingly empty glass behind the work of art that was my shrimp and crab cocktail on the night of the good news!
CHEERS!!
A celebratory drink with my co-workers!
Note the distressingly empty glass behind the work of art that was my shrimp and crab cocktail on the night of the good news!
CHEERS!!
Monday, September 28, 2009
I PASSED!!!!
WAHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I could not have imagined sweeter words than those on the other end of the line, "That name is on the pass list. Congratulations!"
Thursday night we decided to head to the beach for a three-night stay. Results would be available at 2:00 on Friday. Good news - bad news - at least we'd be at the beach. Friday Wife and I about made ourselves sick counting down the hours until the 2:00 call-in time. We'd had a fun morning playing on the beach with the kids, eating some good food, then heading into a touristy area to see some sights. Finally, amid the sounds of barking (roaring?) sea lions, it was time to call. When I heard the AMAZING news, I thanked the person, hung up and the whole family screamed and cried in celebration as on-lookers wondered what was happening.
I tried calling friends and family - but NO ONE answered!! I finally reached my step-dad on his cell phone, but he could not understand me. So here I am, standing on the sidewalk, loudly saying, "The bar exam...I passed the bar exam!" He didn't get it, but I did get a hearty congratulations from a couple of strangers on the street!
A short time later, I was able to reach people, or them me, and was able to share the news.
To all who have supported me at any time over the past four years, thank you so much! For all you law students out there just starting out, or making your way through, you can do it!
Wife wrote this in the sand Friday morning, in hopes that I would be able to use it for this very post. So, here goes:
I could not have imagined sweeter words than those on the other end of the line, "That name is on the pass list. Congratulations!"
Thursday night we decided to head to the beach for a three-night stay. Results would be available at 2:00 on Friday. Good news - bad news - at least we'd be at the beach. Friday Wife and I about made ourselves sick counting down the hours until the 2:00 call-in time. We'd had a fun morning playing on the beach with the kids, eating some good food, then heading into a touristy area to see some sights. Finally, amid the sounds of barking (roaring?) sea lions, it was time to call. When I heard the AMAZING news, I thanked the person, hung up and the whole family screamed and cried in celebration as on-lookers wondered what was happening.
I tried calling friends and family - but NO ONE answered!! I finally reached my step-dad on his cell phone, but he could not understand me. So here I am, standing on the sidewalk, loudly saying, "The bar exam...I passed the bar exam!" He didn't get it, but I did get a hearty congratulations from a couple of strangers on the street!
A short time later, I was able to reach people, or them me, and was able to share the news.
To all who have supported me at any time over the past four years, thank you so much! For all you law students out there just starting out, or making your way through, you can do it!
Wife wrote this in the sand Friday morning, in hopes that I would be able to use it for this very post. So, here goes:
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Not Thinking ABout Bar Results
No, I'm not thinking about the bar results that are due to be released on Friday. Not me. I do not at all resent the fact that those results are undoubtedly already available, sitting on someone's desk, and I do not get to know until Friday. Nope, doesn't bother me at all.
What I am thinking about is a nice tropical vacation in a fancy hotel with gorgeous views of crystal blue water, a luxurious jetted tub and stone sinks in the bathroom. I can already feel the bath-water-warm sea as I snorkel around a secluded cove, spying colorful fish and mystical sea turtles. I can taste the blue margarita with pineapple and lime on the side, and the tiny umbrella in it just to make me happy (because really, that is the only reason for the tiny umbrella).
I'm not thinking about bar results at all.
Is anyone buying this?
What I am thinking about is a nice tropical vacation in a fancy hotel with gorgeous views of crystal blue water, a luxurious jetted tub and stone sinks in the bathroom. I can already feel the bath-water-warm sea as I snorkel around a secluded cove, spying colorful fish and mystical sea turtles. I can taste the blue margarita with pineapple and lime on the side, and the tiny umbrella in it just to make me happy (because really, that is the only reason for the tiny umbrella).
I'm not thinking about bar results at all.
Is anyone buying this?
Still Enjoying the Sun!
We have had some beautiful weather lately. After some rain and clouds a week or so again, our nice weather returned! What a relief! No one I know was ready to greet fall quite yet. Wife had put up the fall decorations, but it was done grudgingly. We are all still enjoying the sun too much!
Though we had to take in the patio cushions due to rain just last Friday,I believe it was, we've since brought them back out of the garage. This morning it was already 72 degrees at 6:00am. We had an unseasonably warm wind keeping things warm all night long. It felt wonderful!
Our kids are getting really good and strong playing on the new trapeze bar that Wife got for the swing set. Boy Wonder can now "bounce" - holding the rings, do a forward flip, touch down, then do a backwards flip. The little princess isn't quite tall enough for that - but she can do amazing - and slightly frightening things - all the same. She is so strong and coordinated! She will be so upset when it is too cold and wet to play "trapeze tricks." I have a feeling she will be out there with a towel, trying anyway.
Though we had to take in the patio cushions due to rain just last Friday,I believe it was, we've since brought them back out of the garage. This morning it was already 72 degrees at 6:00am. We had an unseasonably warm wind keeping things warm all night long. It felt wonderful!
Our kids are getting really good and strong playing on the new trapeze bar that Wife got for the swing set. Boy Wonder can now "bounce" - holding the rings, do a forward flip, touch down, then do a backwards flip. The little princess isn't quite tall enough for that - but she can do amazing - and slightly frightening things - all the same. She is so strong and coordinated! She will be so upset when it is too cold and wet to play "trapeze tricks." I have a feeling she will be out there with a towel, trying anyway.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Robosapiens!
Does anyone remember when these first came out a few years ago? They are the Robosapien Robots and when they first came out they sported a price tag of around $100. Now, you can get them on sale for about $50.
Our Boy Wonder first honed in on them when he was between 2 and 3. Even at that age, he could pick up a remote and at least figure out basic functions. It was pretty amazing to watch, but NO, a 2 year old was not getting a robot designed for a much older child.
The ads say they are designed for ages 6 and up. I have a feeling our boy would do well with one now. He is quite the gamer, figuring out how to play just about any computer game or DS game on his own. He gets stuck and asks for help, from us or from friends, but I think it is more because he gets frustrated that his normal strategies aren't working than the fact he really needs assistance.
This robot is over a foot tall and can do things like pick up, throw, kick, sweep, dance, rap, and perform half a dozen different Kung Fu moves. There are demo modes and regular modes and apparently is simple enough for young kids, but complex enough to even keep adults entertained.
Seems like it would be fun for a while, but probably after the first week would be tossed in a toy bin with the other remote-controlled items, Happy Meal Toys, and action figures. Maybe when he is a bit older and has a slightly longer attention span!
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Wait
12 days to go until I get my bar results.
This is not feeling like the 12 days of Christmas.
The wait is pure torture. No, not pure. It's this incessant sort of disease inside your body that you think you can ignore, but it's there, eating away at your brain, your ego, your soul. Was I good enough to pass the first time? Was I smart enough? Did I have what it takes? Sure, lots of people don't pass the first time, but even more do. No body wants to be an "also ran."
I am sure many of my classmates are going through this. I found out one of them who is already employed where she wants to work in a job that does not even require bar passage has been incredibly restless during this wait. It's this huge mind game that you have four years to prepare for, but I am not sure you can ever truly be ready to face. There is no way to simulate, or even anticipate, what the pressure of this wait will do.
I am still trying to figure out how much of my own restlessness and re-evaluation of pretty much everything in my life is because of the wait, and how much of it is real because I reached a life milestone, and now it's time to look around and figure out which way to go next. Maybe you can't separate the two. Graduation is just punctuated by the insane bar exam and then the wait. Ugh.
Mentally, I know it shouldn't be that big of a deal. If I don't pass, I can retake it in February, where I almost certainly would pass. Right? Maybe. Statistically, the passage rate for second-time takers is drastically lower. Oh, that helps!
Vegas anyone?
This is not feeling like the 12 days of Christmas.
The wait is pure torture. No, not pure. It's this incessant sort of disease inside your body that you think you can ignore, but it's there, eating away at your brain, your ego, your soul. Was I good enough to pass the first time? Was I smart enough? Did I have what it takes? Sure, lots of people don't pass the first time, but even more do. No body wants to be an "also ran."
I am sure many of my classmates are going through this. I found out one of them who is already employed where she wants to work in a job that does not even require bar passage has been incredibly restless during this wait. It's this huge mind game that you have four years to prepare for, but I am not sure you can ever truly be ready to face. There is no way to simulate, or even anticipate, what the pressure of this wait will do.
I am still trying to figure out how much of my own restlessness and re-evaluation of pretty much everything in my life is because of the wait, and how much of it is real because I reached a life milestone, and now it's time to look around and figure out which way to go next. Maybe you can't separate the two. Graduation is just punctuated by the insane bar exam and then the wait. Ugh.
Mentally, I know it shouldn't be that big of a deal. If I don't pass, I can retake it in February, where I almost certainly would pass. Right? Maybe. Statistically, the passage rate for second-time takers is drastically lower. Oh, that helps!
Vegas anyone?
Friday, September 11, 2009
The Point on a Friday When You Are Done
Well, heck, when I get comments and emails, I feel like there are people out there reading this craziness I write and feel compelled to write more. The lesson here: you are only encouraging me, people!
It's Friday afternoon. All my work and email playmates are off enjoying their lives. Wife is at home seeing if she can win the argument with our Little Princess that it is too hot to put up the tent by herself. (Little Princess has offered to help hammer in the stakes. She is good at hammering. Really.) This has forced me to actually do work and accomplish things, but come on, a person can really only be expected to be so productive on a beautiful Friday afternoon. I have reached that limit.
The result is that now I am going to write about the random things going through my mind today.
First, while I appreciate that our Career Services is offering a substantively packed 6-week intensive to help us network, find volunteer opportunities, become more effective legal researchers and a plethora of other skills aimed at increasing our employability, I am having trouble accepting that it needs to be done four evenings a week for those six weeks. What this amounts to is that I won't see my kids again for most of the week for six weeks. Wife and kids are not happy - I am somewhat appreciative of the opportunity - but very skeptical. I'll give it the first week and if it doesn't seem very worthwhile, I just won't be able to continue. The family has sacrificed a lot with the promise I would be home after the bar exam. It will only be about 8 weeks since the exam by the time this class starts. This is making my credibility with the kids seem rather weak.
Next - why is it that people don't read for content? At least twice already today I have had people come to me with situations thatt would have been avoided had the person they were dealing with actually read the information presented. Simply reading the subject line is not enough, particularly if you are a manager or otherwise in charge of a project. Just saying....
A friend sent this to me today in reference to one of our co-workers. It is from a George Lopez routine:
"You better spray bug spray on your legs otherwise the ants are going to climb up and eat your candy *ss."
On that happy note, I wish you all a lovely weekend!
It's Friday afternoon. All my work and email playmates are off enjoying their lives. Wife is at home seeing if she can win the argument with our Little Princess that it is too hot to put up the tent by herself. (Little Princess has offered to help hammer in the stakes. She is good at hammering. Really.) This has forced me to actually do work and accomplish things, but come on, a person can really only be expected to be so productive on a beautiful Friday afternoon. I have reached that limit.
The result is that now I am going to write about the random things going through my mind today.
First, while I appreciate that our Career Services is offering a substantively packed 6-week intensive to help us network, find volunteer opportunities, become more effective legal researchers and a plethora of other skills aimed at increasing our employability, I am having trouble accepting that it needs to be done four evenings a week for those six weeks. What this amounts to is that I won't see my kids again for most of the week for six weeks. Wife and kids are not happy - I am somewhat appreciative of the opportunity - but very skeptical. I'll give it the first week and if it doesn't seem very worthwhile, I just won't be able to continue. The family has sacrificed a lot with the promise I would be home after the bar exam. It will only be about 8 weeks since the exam by the time this class starts. This is making my credibility with the kids seem rather weak.
Next - why is it that people don't read for content? At least twice already today I have had people come to me with situations thatt would have been avoided had the person they were dealing with actually read the information presented. Simply reading the subject line is not enough, particularly if you are a manager or otherwise in charge of a project. Just saying....
A friend sent this to me today in reference to one of our co-workers. It is from a George Lopez routine:
"You better spray bug spray on your legs otherwise the ants are going to climb up and eat your candy *ss."
On that happy note, I wish you all a lovely weekend!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Is that a Road Trip I Hear Calling?
Look at that gorgeous blue sky we have today! (For those not nearby, just picture the bluest sky you've ever seen without a single cloud present.) It is sunny and warm. Looks like road trip weather to me! Beautiful scenery, cheap hotels, random historical sites and views to gaze just because....
Although the call of the wild is loud, and I get great gas mileage, alas, tomorrow Boy Wonder advances from a yellow belt to an orange belt in karate and I want to see him graduate. Saturday is...uh...well, nothing Wife and I are looking forward to, but both kids were invited to a friend's birthday party at a bowling ally, and they are quite excited.
Those of you with older kids, how the heck did you get through all the birthday parties, school events, and other people's children? *sigh*
Oh, well, the kids will have a TON of fun and should sleep well on Saturday night. Maybe it will be a backyard camping weekend. Nice weather is predicted. Guess I won't need any medical travel insurance this weekend, but maybe soon!
Although the call of the wild is loud, and I get great gas mileage, alas, tomorrow Boy Wonder advances from a yellow belt to an orange belt in karate and I want to see him graduate. Saturday is...uh...well, nothing Wife and I are looking forward to, but both kids were invited to a friend's birthday party at a bowling ally, and they are quite excited.
Those of you with older kids, how the heck did you get through all the birthday parties, school events, and other people's children? *sigh*
Oh, well, the kids will have a TON of fun and should sleep well on Saturday night. Maybe it will be a backyard camping weekend. Nice weather is predicted. Guess I won't need any medical travel insurance this weekend, but maybe soon!
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Strange Connections
No doubt that The Eagles are a hands-down favorite not only of my generation, but the one proceeding, and probably following. One of my favorite Eagles songs is Take it to the Limit, but I really love Cher's version.
This is one of my go-to songs for all sorts of moods, and always lifts my spirits. I thought I would share it here and was looking for an appropriate picture, when I was struck by something both strange and disturbing.
There seems to be a frightening resemblance between Cher:
and Dr. Frankenfurter from Rocky Horror Picture Show:
How my brain so quickly made this connection may indicate something even more disturbing about me. I best return to my Cher video now before I have to picture Frankenfurter doing If I Could Turn Back Time.
This is one of my go-to songs for all sorts of moods, and always lifts my spirits. I thought I would share it here and was looking for an appropriate picture, when I was struck by something both strange and disturbing.
There seems to be a frightening resemblance between Cher:
and Dr. Frankenfurter from Rocky Horror Picture Show:
How my brain so quickly made this connection may indicate something even more disturbing about me. I best return to my Cher video now before I have to picture Frankenfurter doing If I Could Turn Back Time.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Warm, Blue - What's Not to Love?
I have an iGoogle homepage with a Places to See application near the top. I enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Every now and then, there is a picture of someplace I have been. The one I just saw is Trunk Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands. Wife and I snorkeled around the islands pictured in the middle of the bay! Amazing experience!
This is one of those "would love to got back to" locations!
This is one of those "would love to got back to" locations!
Friday, September 04, 2009
Friday Quiz Time!
An amazing sunrise and subsequent double rainbow has led to today's quiz:
What Color are You?
I found several tests, two of which I kind of liked:
White? Really? Althought the White Knight charging in to save the damsel in distress is quite romantic, white is kind of boring.
How about this one at Spacefem.com?:
(Gotta love that name!)
You are Violet
#EE82EE
Your dominant hues are red and blue. You're confident and like showing people new ideas. You play well with others and can be very influential if you want to be.
Your saturation level is lower than average - You don't stress out over things and don't understand people who do. Finishing projects may sometimes be a challenge, but you schedule time as you see fit and the important things all happen in the end, even if not everyone sees your grand master plan.
Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.
Yes...yes, I think this is me!
Happy Labor Day weekend, my friends!
What Color are You?
I found several tests, two of which I kind of liked:
Take the Magic: The Gathering 'What Color Are You?' Quiz.
White? Really? Althought the White Knight charging in to save the damsel in distress is quite romantic, white is kind of boring.
How about this one at Spacefem.com?:
(Gotta love that name!)
You are Violet
#EE82EE
Your dominant hues are red and blue. You're confident and like showing people new ideas. You play well with others and can be very influential if you want to be.
Your saturation level is lower than average - You don't stress out over things and don't understand people who do. Finishing projects may sometimes be a challenge, but you schedule time as you see fit and the important things all happen in the end, even if not everyone sees your grand master plan.
Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.
Yes...yes, I think this is me!
Happy Labor Day weekend, my friends!
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Friends and Grasshoppers
I find myself quite absorbed by the transition that finishing law school has led me into. Wondering about the next steps and contemplating what this next phase of my life should become takes up a lot of energy.
Part of this process has been reconnecting with old friends in a really positive way. These are people who have known me since high school, and even before. It is empowering having people in my life who have known me in the neighborhood of 30 years, who have seen the various highs and lows, and accept me exactly as I am.
This has caused me to think about friendship and the levels of communication and intimacy we share, and with whom. It is interesting to me that I could communicate the exact same information to a "work friend" who has known me for a few years and one of these friends who has known me my whole life, and the meaning behind that information will be entirely different. For instance, to use one of my friend's examples, she left her dog with her new boyfriend for an afternoon. To a casual friend, that seems like no big deal, to someone that knows her, this was huge. Some story - different message communicated.
Sometimes a message delivered to one person is merely a rubber ball, thrown out to bounce as it will, but to another, it is porcelain tile and if not handled carefully, will shatter into thousands of pieces.
Communication is a really fascinating subject. I just found out that female grasshoppers are deaf, but they sense an odor that is under the wing of a male grasshopper when he lifts his wing to make his mating call.
My mind is a scary place.
Part of this process has been reconnecting with old friends in a really positive way. These are people who have known me since high school, and even before. It is empowering having people in my life who have known me in the neighborhood of 30 years, who have seen the various highs and lows, and accept me exactly as I am.
This has caused me to think about friendship and the levels of communication and intimacy we share, and with whom. It is interesting to me that I could communicate the exact same information to a "work friend" who has known me for a few years and one of these friends who has known me my whole life, and the meaning behind that information will be entirely different. For instance, to use one of my friend's examples, she left her dog with her new boyfriend for an afternoon. To a casual friend, that seems like no big deal, to someone that knows her, this was huge. Some story - different message communicated.
Sometimes a message delivered to one person is merely a rubber ball, thrown out to bounce as it will, but to another, it is porcelain tile and if not handled carefully, will shatter into thousands of pieces.
Communication is a really fascinating subject. I just found out that female grasshoppers are deaf, but they sense an odor that is under the wing of a male grasshopper when he lifts his wing to make his mating call.
My mind is a scary place.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Reflections
A good friend recently reminded me that as we grow and change, the prism of our true self does not change, simply the pieces that people see. Isn't that beautiful?
I look at our children and know that the the core they are now developing will be with them for a lifetime. I can remember significant, and insignificant, things that happened in my life when I was seven. Boy Wonder is already at an age that I can remember and identify as being "me," and as possessing traits that are still self-defining. Strange to think the memories we are now making are likely to be with him for a lifetime. Our Little Princess is not far behind. This was part of the plan of law school - to have graduated before either of them would remember much about when mom was not around.
This week/weekend we are making camping memories. We've spent that last two nights camping in our backyard. We have a HUGE tent, big enough for two queen-size air mattresses, a third mattress with blankets for the dogs, lounge chairs and a spot for the laptop so Wife and I can watch movies after the kids are asleep. We're all enjoying the outdoor time, falling asleep listening to the crickets, snuggling together to stay warm in the middle of the night.
I may have idealized this a tad - quickly trying to block the memories of the neighbor's chipper than he ran for two hours last night, another neighbor's loud argument with his girlfriend, and the truck filled with industrial supplies that seemed to be touring the neighborhood. Once that drama was over though, the crickets were allowed to lead the nighttime symphony, the stars were brilliant against the nighttime sky, and it was good.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Wait Continues
Well, my friends, we are half-way through this purgatory that the bar examiners like to put us applicants through. I have to say, I am neither handling the wait well nor in a mature-manner. Consciously, I am not always worried about the outcome, but it surfaces in lots of other ways in my life. Pretty much everything in my life is getting turned upside down and re-examined. What I probably should be doing is using that energy for good and sorting through all the cr*p in our garage!
Actually, I am still holding down my full-time job, slowly starting to think about starting the networking thing again, and pondering cover letters. By the time I get home at night, there isn't a ton of time for garage-cleaning. I cook dinner, help with clean up, spend a bit of time with the kids, and before we know it , it is bath and bedtime for the kids. Sometimes that leaves an hour or more before Wife and I are ready for bed, and sometimes, it does not. Where does the time go?!
I am glad not to be going back to classes this week, but am ready to move on now. Guess I best get to it!
Actually, I am still holding down my full-time job, slowly starting to think about starting the networking thing again, and pondering cover letters. By the time I get home at night, there isn't a ton of time for garage-cleaning. I cook dinner, help with clean up, spend a bit of time with the kids, and before we know it , it is bath and bedtime for the kids. Sometimes that leaves an hour or more before Wife and I are ready for bed, and sometimes, it does not. Where does the time go?!
I am glad not to be going back to classes this week, but am ready to move on now. Guess I best get to it!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
My Dream Netbook is on Sale
OK, anyone who has been reading my blog for long - heck not even that long, knows that I am very interested in this adorable little netbook. It is cute and blue and powerful with an 8-hour battery life. Well, my dream Samsung NC-10 is currently on sale for just $329, including shipping! That is nearly $100 less than when I first started lusting after this machine only about three months ago.
Isn't it pretty?
From the ad:
"Weighing just 2.9 pounds, its designed to keep you online and on the go. Experience the freedom to surf the Web, shop and chat on IM with the latest wireless technology. Zip through your online applications with a speedy new Intel Atom processor. Store all your favorite videos, music, images and more with 160GB of storage, and enjoy them on a SuperBright 10.2-inch LCD."
The amazing thing about this to me is the size. Take a look at this:
One of the biggest complaints about netbook keyboards is that often non-alpha keys get put in odd places, but not with this baby. The 90% normal-size keyboard keeps everything in its usual spot, making it easy to use!
Loading programs can be done via a separate hard drive, or even a USB, according to a computer geek I was talking with one day. Yup - couple of USB drives, and I think I would be set!
Besides not really being ready to drop $300 on a toy, the other thing holding me back is that as soon as I commit to it, I will probably discover a program I REALLY want that will require the power and size of a bigger laptop. Wouldn't that just figure?
Still, it is nice to dream. Too bad it isn't just black, or silver. That would be so much easier to resist.
Isn't it pretty?
From the ad:
"Weighing just 2.9 pounds, its designed to keep you online and on the go. Experience the freedom to surf the Web, shop and chat on IM with the latest wireless technology. Zip through your online applications with a speedy new Intel Atom processor. Store all your favorite videos, music, images and more with 160GB of storage, and enjoy them on a SuperBright 10.2-inch LCD."
The amazing thing about this to me is the size. Take a look at this:
One of the biggest complaints about netbook keyboards is that often non-alpha keys get put in odd places, but not with this baby. The 90% normal-size keyboard keeps everything in its usual spot, making it easy to use!
Loading programs can be done via a separate hard drive, or even a USB, according to a computer geek I was talking with one day. Yup - couple of USB drives, and I think I would be set!
Besides not really being ready to drop $300 on a toy, the other thing holding me back is that as soon as I commit to it, I will probably discover a program I REALLY want that will require the power and size of a bigger laptop. Wouldn't that just figure?
Still, it is nice to dream. Too bad it isn't just black, or silver. That would be so much easier to resist.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Reader from NOAA?
Depending on how a blog is set up, limited details can be seen about one's visitors. I can see that I may have a reader from NOAA in Seattle. NOAA is a place that I would love to work, so if you would be willing to contact me personally for a little informational chat, please write to me at dakota@lclark.edu.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Better Living Through Technology?
I really love pens. I could get lost for hours inside an office supply store, and you can bet a good amount of time would be spent testing out pens. I thought I would look up pens today and see what kind of cool looking pens would pop up. I was expecting something along the lines of a nice weighted pen, gel or roller ball action, maybe something in stainless steel, silver, gold, or even platinum.
The very first result was this:
Yes, apparently it is a spy pen. The product description says it is a fully functional black ball point pen, and then gives details about the video functions:
Digital Pocket Video Recorder
4 GB capacity
USB interface
352 x 288 CFI resolution
AVI video format
Easy to use one touch record button
Operates up to 3 hours with Li-Ion battery
Approximately 6.25-inch length
Now, something tell me this would not be the pen to choose as a favored writing instrument, but what a conversation starter! I saw some video posted showing the quality, and it is actually pretty good. Doubt you'd want this as your primary method of capturing the moments of your life, but just for fun, and as a back up, perfect! Pop it in your car in case you need to film an accident scene, or maybe capture the image of a decorating idea so you can show your spouse later - great idea!
As to its usefulness as a true spy camera to film someone who was unaware....well, seems like a legal and ethical issue that I'll not touch here! I will say it seems like a fun gadget, and is on sale for a great price at Buy.com.
As to a truly nice pen for writing, guess my search continues.
The very first result was this:
Yes, apparently it is a spy pen. The product description says it is a fully functional black ball point pen, and then gives details about the video functions:
Digital Pocket Video Recorder
4 GB capacity
USB interface
352 x 288 CFI resolution
AVI video format
Easy to use one touch record button
Operates up to 3 hours with Li-Ion battery
Approximately 6.25-inch length
Now, something tell me this would not be the pen to choose as a favored writing instrument, but what a conversation starter! I saw some video posted showing the quality, and it is actually pretty good. Doubt you'd want this as your primary method of capturing the moments of your life, but just for fun, and as a back up, perfect! Pop it in your car in case you need to film an accident scene, or maybe capture the image of a decorating idea so you can show your spouse later - great idea!
As to its usefulness as a true spy camera to film someone who was unaware....well, seems like a legal and ethical issue that I'll not touch here! I will say it seems like a fun gadget, and is on sale for a great price at Buy.com.
As to a truly nice pen for writing, guess my search continues.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Rockin' the Friend-Weekend Thing
The Get-Away Weekend was wildly successful! An amazing time was had with three friends I've known for a minimum of 28 years. We indulged in lots of laughter, conversation, good food, and tequila.
Friday was relatively mellow - mostly spending our time catching up on the details of current events in each of our lives. Saturday we were graced with an exceptionally beautiful day, which was perfect because we decided we wanted to take an adventure to wherever the next ferry was heading. We spent hours enjoying gorgeous water views, watching crabs walk near the shore, spying starfish, and investigating a myriad of fountains along a harborside park. For lunch we ate amazing seafood and salads, and this was our view:
Hours later, the very sweet boyfriend of of one of my friend's made us a delicious grilled shrimp and veggie kabob salad, and was generally the perfect host. (Rock Star, "Nick" truly does rock, Bon!)
During dinner, the drinking began.
If that sounds like the perfect way to start a novel, it probably is, but not one that will be written here! For the purposes of this posting - let me tell you how we spent the rest of the night - two words: Guitar Hero!
Yes, you read that right. Here we were - 43-53 year old adults, rockin' out on the guitar, drums and vocals - giving our all to "Living on a Prayer," "Beat It," and "Bleeding Love." (That one was some different game that involved dance moves and singing....) It was crazy fun!
The women all agreed that the drums were the best. Something about banging out the beat is very therapeutic. One of us who shall remain nameless, ended up with drumming blisters. So much for drumming all being in the wrists! We sang, we laughed, we drank, we forgot about our adult responsibilities for one night. I think this picture is blurry enough no one is particulary identifiable, but gives a good idea of what our night looked like. Add me in, either at the drums or sharing lead vocals....too funny!
Apparently the drums had not even been used before, since picking up the entire package on sale some time ago, but according to the boyfriend, if they never play again, the purchase price was well worth the fun of that one night alone. I'd have to agree. The drums especially were easy to use, felt really solid, and the interface with the game was easy to understand. Let me say, more than three drums was not a good combo for any of us beginners, but we did pretty well on the "easy" levels. Nice that different skill levels are an option. I can see how a person could get really addicted to playing the same song over and over to improve their score. Doing well and nailing the song is really satisfying.
Thank you, my Rock Star, friends! See you at the reunion tour!
Friday was relatively mellow - mostly spending our time catching up on the details of current events in each of our lives. Saturday we were graced with an exceptionally beautiful day, which was perfect because we decided we wanted to take an adventure to wherever the next ferry was heading. We spent hours enjoying gorgeous water views, watching crabs walk near the shore, spying starfish, and investigating a myriad of fountains along a harborside park. For lunch we ate amazing seafood and salads, and this was our view:
Hours later, the very sweet boyfriend of of one of my friend's made us a delicious grilled shrimp and veggie kabob salad, and was generally the perfect host. (Rock Star, "Nick" truly does rock, Bon!)
During dinner, the drinking began.
If that sounds like the perfect way to start a novel, it probably is, but not one that will be written here! For the purposes of this posting - let me tell you how we spent the rest of the night - two words: Guitar Hero!
Yes, you read that right. Here we were - 43-53 year old adults, rockin' out on the guitar, drums and vocals - giving our all to "Living on a Prayer," "Beat It," and "Bleeding Love." (That one was some different game that involved dance moves and singing....) It was crazy fun!
The women all agreed that the drums were the best. Something about banging out the beat is very therapeutic. One of us who shall remain nameless, ended up with drumming blisters. So much for drumming all being in the wrists! We sang, we laughed, we drank, we forgot about our adult responsibilities for one night. I think this picture is blurry enough no one is particulary identifiable, but gives a good idea of what our night looked like. Add me in, either at the drums or sharing lead vocals....too funny!
Apparently the drums had not even been used before, since picking up the entire package on sale some time ago, but according to the boyfriend, if they never play again, the purchase price was well worth the fun of that one night alone. I'd have to agree. The drums especially were easy to use, felt really solid, and the interface with the game was easy to understand. Let me say, more than three drums was not a good combo for any of us beginners, but we did pretty well on the "easy" levels. Nice that different skill levels are an option. I can see how a person could get really addicted to playing the same song over and over to improve their score. Doing well and nailing the song is really satisfying.
Thank you, my Rock Star, friends! See you at the reunion tour!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Big Accomplishment
Have you ever had a freezer that built up frost so badly that you could barely fit an ice pack into it anymore? Sorry to say, I have. This is my little work refrigerator, and I rarely use the freezer, so it hasn't been much of an issue. Still, once it got past a certain point, defrosting meant I would have to take it outside, or end up with a huge wet spot on the carpet.
Probably not a good idea.
So, here's my big project for the day.
Some days are like this.
It sure is going to feel good when it is done though. It's been looming for the past year as one of those "some day" projects. I had to wait until summer for obvious reasons. So, today is the day!
Happy Weekend, everybody! (Three-Day Weekend for Me! Yippee!!)
Probably not a good idea.
So, here's my big project for the day.
Some days are like this.
It sure is going to feel good when it is done though. It's been looming for the past year as one of those "some day" projects. I had to wait until summer for obvious reasons. So, today is the day!
Happy Weekend, everybody! (Three-Day Weekend for Me! Yippee!!)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Simple Summer Fun
Today the Wife and Kids came to visit me at work for lunch. We had a nice meal (sub sandwiches!) outside at a picnic table in the shade. Even though the temp. may get darn close to 100 degrees today, at noon, it was just perfect in the shade, and there was even a gentle breeze blowing.
We ate our lunch pretty quickly, and since they'd only been here (here being work, which takes more than 30 minutes to drive from home), I suggested a walk. The first 5-10 minutes consisted of Boy Wonder counting down how much energy he had left because it was being sapped by the direct sun and could only be recharged if he stepped into the shade. It may be that he is playing too many video games! Still, kind of clever.
Along the way we sampled blackberries (except the Princess who loudly reminded me that she does not eat fruits and vegetables), found interesting rocks, leaves, and acorns. My shirt pocket is filled with treasures that Boy Wonder did not want mixed with the Princess's so I am taking them home later. We were all pretty hot by the time we got back, and then there was a meltdown that happened because the Princess did not want to leave me. It was mostly resolved by a promise to play in the pools with her when I got home. At least, I have not heard that it continued all the way home. (We have two different sizes of blow-up kiddie pools that are perfect for splashing around in, but easy enough to empty every night. Great way to water the garden and grass.)
So, looks like when I get home, it will be time to put on my bathing suit before firing up the barbecue! Not a bad way to spend a summer evening!
We ate our lunch pretty quickly, and since they'd only been here (here being work, which takes more than 30 minutes to drive from home), I suggested a walk. The first 5-10 minutes consisted of Boy Wonder counting down how much energy he had left because it was being sapped by the direct sun and could only be recharged if he stepped into the shade. It may be that he is playing too many video games! Still, kind of clever.
Along the way we sampled blackberries (except the Princess who loudly reminded me that she does not eat fruits and vegetables), found interesting rocks, leaves, and acorns. My shirt pocket is filled with treasures that Boy Wonder did not want mixed with the Princess's so I am taking them home later. We were all pretty hot by the time we got back, and then there was a meltdown that happened because the Princess did not want to leave me. It was mostly resolved by a promise to play in the pools with her when I got home. At least, I have not heard that it continued all the way home. (We have two different sizes of blow-up kiddie pools that are perfect for splashing around in, but easy enough to empty every night. Great way to water the garden and grass.)
So, looks like when I get home, it will be time to put on my bathing suit before firing up the barbecue! Not a bad way to spend a summer evening!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Drama of Being Four
Oh my, the drama of being four!
We spent this past weekend at my niece's house. Her kids are about the same age as ours. This means two four-year-olds in one house. Not a pretty picture.
Fortunately, they were able to spend a lot of time outside. Actually, they get along very well, but every so often, it was melt-down city! One did something to hurt the other's feelings, and so-and-so doesn't want to play with me anymore, and yes, but she cheated at the game, and on and on...
Our little princess is going through a phase where there is at LEAST one full-blown, hysterical melt-down per day, and often many more. Wife is ready to leave the state and change her name. I heard the drama already starting today while I was on the phone early this morning. While they kids were watching TV, Boy Wonder pulled the blanket off of her while attempting to get back his own blanket that was tangled in hers. I know, tragic, right?
Later I found out there has been much drama about me leaving this weekend for a much needed getaway to visit old friends. The Princess is not happy that I will be gone for much of the weekend. She says she will not be able to go to sleep without me there. No matter that she's been doing it 4 or 5 nights a week for most of her life. It's a tough transition. I get that, and she doesn't want me to leave. Still, if it wasn't that, it would be something else.
Wife and I have been informed MANY times over the past couple weeks that we NEVER think of her and NEVER listen to her. Yikes. Is this girl four or fourteen? I won't be surprised to hear she wants to start driving soon and needs acne treatments. We are so going to be in for it when this girl hits the teen years. Dang - if only we had a distant relative to ship her off to! Maybe she'll get it all out of her system now? Please let me believe that. Don't anyone contradict me here, OK?
We spent this past weekend at my niece's house. Her kids are about the same age as ours. This means two four-year-olds in one house. Not a pretty picture.
Fortunately, they were able to spend a lot of time outside. Actually, they get along very well, but every so often, it was melt-down city! One did something to hurt the other's feelings, and so-and-so doesn't want to play with me anymore, and yes, but she cheated at the game, and on and on...
Our little princess is going through a phase where there is at LEAST one full-blown, hysterical melt-down per day, and often many more. Wife is ready to leave the state and change her name. I heard the drama already starting today while I was on the phone early this morning. While they kids were watching TV, Boy Wonder pulled the blanket off of her while attempting to get back his own blanket that was tangled in hers. I know, tragic, right?
Later I found out there has been much drama about me leaving this weekend for a much needed getaway to visit old friends. The Princess is not happy that I will be gone for much of the weekend. She says she will not be able to go to sleep without me there. No matter that she's been doing it 4 or 5 nights a week for most of her life. It's a tough transition. I get that, and she doesn't want me to leave. Still, if it wasn't that, it would be something else.
Wife and I have been informed MANY times over the past couple weeks that we NEVER think of her and NEVER listen to her. Yikes. Is this girl four or fourteen? I won't be surprised to hear she wants to start driving soon and needs acne treatments. We are so going to be in for it when this girl hits the teen years. Dang - if only we had a distant relative to ship her off to! Maybe she'll get it all out of her system now? Please let me believe that. Don't anyone contradict me here, OK?
Monday, August 17, 2009
Growing up with Michael Jackson's Music
I love my MP3 player. I've mentioned this before. It's cute, it's blue, it has a nice menu so I can sort out what I want to listen to. Just this past Friday, with the touch of a few buttons, I had the "first dance" song Wife and I had at our wedding playing to start off our date night. A couple weeks ago, it was lots of upbeat Disney Channel stars to pump me up before the bar. (Judge me if you must, but the high energy teeny bopper stuff beats a lot of the depressing stuff on the top 40 stations for getting into a positive state of mind.)
Today I am looking at The Essential Michael Jackson as a potential new download, or maybe CD purchase. This "greatest hits" type of collection starts out with a very young Michael Jackson doing ABC and I Want You Back, then through the Off the Wall and Thriller Years and into Dirty Diana and Black or White. There are certainly a lot of Michael Jackson collections on sale right now, and given that all of my old stuff was on vinyl, this seems like a good time to enjoy some old memories.
Let's see, the music from Bad, released in 1979, set the stage for many awkward junior high dances. When Thriller was released in 1982 I was still 2 years away from my high school graduation. My friends and I were experiencing the "thrills" of first loves, first heartbreaks, first tastes of alcohol, and the history-making Thriller video in the basement of one of my best friend's houses. By the time Bad was released we were three years into college, and for some of us, the military. Michael's music set the stage
for some of life's most critical stages of "growing up" and it seems fitting to have a really good collection of his music handy in one place that is NOT on a dusty mix-tape lost somewhere in the garage!
Today I am looking at The Essential Michael Jackson as a potential new download, or maybe CD purchase. This "greatest hits" type of collection starts out with a very young Michael Jackson doing ABC and I Want You Back, then through the Off the Wall and Thriller Years and into Dirty Diana and Black or White. There are certainly a lot of Michael Jackson collections on sale right now, and given that all of my old stuff was on vinyl, this seems like a good time to enjoy some old memories.
Let's see, the music from Bad, released in 1979, set the stage for many awkward junior high dances. When Thriller was released in 1982 I was still 2 years away from my high school graduation. My friends and I were experiencing the "thrills" of first loves, first heartbreaks, first tastes of alcohol, and the history-making Thriller video in the basement of one of my best friend's houses. By the time Bad was released we were three years into college, and for some of us, the military. Michael's music set the stage
for some of life's most critical stages of "growing up" and it seems fitting to have a really good collection of his music handy in one place that is NOT on a dusty mix-tape lost somewhere in the garage!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Welcome New Readers!
I noticed my reader count has been going up, probably partly thanks to the shout out from Deb Peterson with About.com. She does a blog about continuing education and thought her readers might appreciate my recent post about making it through law school. Thanks, Deb!
I also suspect there may be some people freaking out about starting law school who did a random search and found me. In fact, I know that is how some of you found me. Welcome! Please dig around in my archives. Among a lot of senseless drivel meant mainly to amuse myself and get me through the days, there may actually be some useful tidbits.
From here on out, there won't be much about law school, unless something useful pops into by head. Mostly it will be about recovering from the bar and transitioning into a new life post-law school. Hopefully, there will be news in the-not-too-distant future about an amazing new job, and whatever else comes up in my life. I hope both new readers and old will stick around to see if I find anything interesting to say.
I also suspect there may be some people freaking out about starting law school who did a random search and found me. In fact, I know that is how some of you found me. Welcome! Please dig around in my archives. Among a lot of senseless drivel meant mainly to amuse myself and get me through the days, there may actually be some useful tidbits.
From here on out, there won't be much about law school, unless something useful pops into by head. Mostly it will be about recovering from the bar and transitioning into a new life post-law school. Hopefully, there will be news in the-not-too-distant future about an amazing new job, and whatever else comes up in my life. I hope both new readers and old will stick around to see if I find anything interesting to say.
Not All That Creepy Crawly
Isn't nature amazing? This was crossing my path this morning:
After comparing a few photos online, I believe this is a milipede, as opposed to a centipede. I won't bet my reputation on it, though.
I know the picture is fuzzy. I either need a better camera on my phone or to start carrying one of our three cameras with me. Anyway, you can still see how brightly colored the legs are. Pretty amazing, really. The kids sure would have enjoyed seeing this with me. They love looking at bugs of all types, and my adventure girl is almost always happy to move insects or spider webs for her big brother. Cute, right?
After comparing a few photos online, I believe this is a milipede, as opposed to a centipede. I won't bet my reputation on it, though.
I know the picture is fuzzy. I either need a better camera on my phone or to start carrying one of our three cameras with me. Anyway, you can still see how brightly colored the legs are. Pretty amazing, really. The kids sure would have enjoyed seeing this with me. They love looking at bugs of all types, and my adventure girl is almost always happy to move insects or spider webs for her big brother. Cute, right?
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Bumper Sticker Humor
I saw a bumper sticker today that I just couldn't resist taking a picture of. Would have been more funny a year ago. With apologies to my Republican readers (I am sorry you are Republican):
The Big Questions
Now that school is over, bar prep is over and the bar itself is over, I've had more time to ponder what's next in life. I'm facing big questions, like:
- "Do I want to practice law or use my JD in a less traditional way?"
- "If I can get a job outside of my prefered practice area, do I take it anyway?"
- "Is it better to stay where I am where I have stability and flexibility and maybe do some pro bono work or an internship to get the experience I need to get the kind of job I want"
- "Paper or plastic?" (Cloth!)
- "does apidexin work?"
- "Why can't I get the smudge off my glasses?"
- "Are plain M&M's really far superior to the peanut ones, as I have always believed?"
As you can see, there is a lot on my mind these days.
- "Do I want to practice law or use my JD in a less traditional way?"
- "If I can get a job outside of my prefered practice area, do I take it anyway?"
- "Is it better to stay where I am where I have stability and flexibility and maybe do some pro bono work or an internship to get the experience I need to get the kind of job I want"
- "Paper or plastic?" (Cloth!)
- "does apidexin work?"
- "Why can't I get the smudge off my glasses?"
- "Are plain M&M's really far superior to the peanut ones, as I have always believed?"
As you can see, there is a lot on my mind these days.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Passing The Time - YouTube Style
Today I have spent some time emailing old friends- and by old - I mean since high school, actually, I've known one of them since 6th grade. Now, given my newly acquired J.D. status, I know that no one will expect me to do the math involved in figuring out how many years that has been, so let's leave it at "Damn - that's a long time!"
I also surfed a bit, wound up on YouTube, and now, here are my top picks for today. (Links take you to the videos I was watching.)
Ellen - We are All Gay
Straight or gay, you gotta love Ellen.
(Joan Jett - we should all look this good at almost 50! This is a recent photo, not from the movie mentioned below.)
Next up, from the 80's - who all remembers Light of Day with Joan Jett and Michael J. Fox? Most people thought it blew, but something in it really spoke to me. It came out around the same time I did, so it was probably the hot lesbian I was hearing, plus, who doesn't love Michael J. Fox?
Finally, summer brings back fond memories of Boston Legal, which Wife and I watched in marathon mode last summer. This is classic Boston Legal writing. Awesome stuff.
I also surfed a bit, wound up on YouTube, and now, here are my top picks for today. (Links take you to the videos I was watching.)
Ellen - We are All Gay
Straight or gay, you gotta love Ellen.
(Joan Jett - we should all look this good at almost 50! This is a recent photo, not from the movie mentioned below.)Next up, from the 80's - who all remembers Light of Day with Joan Jett and Michael J. Fox? Most people thought it blew, but something in it really spoke to me. It came out around the same time I did, so it was probably the hot lesbian I was hearing, plus, who doesn't love Michael J. Fox?
Finally, summer brings back fond memories of Boston Legal, which Wife and I watched in marathon mode last summer. This is classic Boston Legal writing. Awesome stuff.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
One Week Down!
Well, I made it through the first week of "the wait" until bar results come out, and the first week of no studying at all, for anything, period.
I have to say, this is a more strange transition for me than I had expected. It is uncomfortable not to know what is next. For four years my life has been consumed with a very tightly packed schedule - work, school, home, with studying wedged precisely into it all. Now, with school and studying gone, the structure of my life has come tumbling down, waiting for me to rebuilt it. Clearly, I'm spending lots more much needed time with my family. We're trying to make up for some of the summertime that we were cheated out of during June and July, but what happens beyond summer? Normally, I would be starting back to school in just 2 weeks.
I came across an interesting quote from some workshop materials I had on change in the workplace. "We create our lives through the quality of questions we ask ourselves."
Good, right? I'll think I'll leave you with that for today.
I have to say, this is a more strange transition for me than I had expected. It is uncomfortable not to know what is next. For four years my life has been consumed with a very tightly packed schedule - work, school, home, with studying wedged precisely into it all. Now, with school and studying gone, the structure of my life has come tumbling down, waiting for me to rebuilt it. Clearly, I'm spending lots more much needed time with my family. We're trying to make up for some of the summertime that we were cheated out of during June and July, but what happens beyond summer? Normally, I would be starting back to school in just 2 weeks.
I came across an interesting quote from some workshop materials I had on change in the workplace. "We create our lives through the quality of questions we ask ourselves."
Good, right? I'll think I'll leave you with that for today.
Friday, August 07, 2009
Margaritas!
Have you ever Googled "best ever Margarita"?
I have.
There are are lot of informative sites, blog posts, articles, and comments to same out there.
It seems the consensus is that the quality of the tequila and freshness (and even type) of lime juice is key. Mixed opinions on what one mixes with those - Cointreau, Grand Marnier, Orange Curacao....a few variations....no, wait, a TON of variations are listed.
I have good tequilla. Two types, in fact. I have Orange Curacao of an indeterminate brand. I do not have limes. I have limeade. I have RealLime juice. I have ice. I think I have a margarita! (At least I would, if I were at home making it right now.)
By the way, the Cuervo Black pictured above - YUM!
I need more friends that drink.
How I Got Through Law School
The following is a VERY LONG POST intended for potential law students or current law students struggling through life as a "non-traditional" student and wondering how I managed.
I often get email asking for my advice. A recent reader sent me a whole list of questions, and I have answered them personally, but wanted to post them, too. Maybe someone will find them useful, or at the very least, not a terrible way to kill ten minutes. (Yes, ten - I told you it was a long post!)
First - for anyone with who is a partner of a law student, or law-student-wanna-be, be sure to check out my partner's blog, especially the archives - 2005 was my first year of law school from her perspective. (You will appreciate my sections below about how much it sucks to be a partner of a law student!)
Now, here is some of my best advice for making it through law school with a partner, and/or kids, and/or a full-time job:
First - mostly B's is totally good. At my school, the curve is forced that way. Period. You will get some A's, some C's, mostly B's. There are exceptions. Mostly, those of us working, and/or with kids, will not be among the exceptions. Once you can accept that, you will feel better. You are a non-traditional student and have to accept a different level of competence than you would have if you were not in your current situation. Even if you only have a partner to deal with, and are in your mid-30's, you are "non-traditional." You probably have more responsibilities than your 20-something classmates. You are now swimming in a pond of really freaking smart fish, and you may not be among the fastest of your peers. I was not. I always used to be before law school. It sucks, but is one of those things that I had to learn to accept. I had no energy to worry about it. I could only do my best....and school was only one of the balls I had in the air.
You do have an option. You can quit after your first year if you really think you will not want a career for which having a JD will help. You are probably already in debt, but it gets SO MUCH WORSE with every passing year, and lawyers do not make as much as people think. Still, I am glad I went. I loved the challenge. I know the JD will open doors for me. It will work out in the long run. I have to believe that. You must decide that for yourself. Really talk to other lawyers about their lives and careers. Most are very happy to talk to students about what they do and how they got there. Take some time to decide if this is best for you. Always believe you have choices in life.
OK. How did I do it?
1) I looked at the commitments I made as if there were no choice but to follow through with all of them. (Funny since I just told you to always believe you have choices! True, but I chose to follow through with my commitments and plans.)
I had my family. Sundays were for them. Period. No homework that day. I talked to my partner and my kids on the phone everyday, usually a few times a day.
I had certain hours I worked. I went to work. I did my job. The family needed money to live on - I was earning it. No choice. Then I had to go to class and pay attention. Not blog, not surf, just pay attention - take notes - participate when I wasn't completely lost or brain dead. I often felt as if I was both. Still....all I could do was my best under the circumstances.
Having ALL of my time so committed in some ways made my routine very easy. There were no choices to be made. I couldn't go have a drink after class. I didn't have time for law review. Some of that sucked a lot. I often wanted my biggest worry to be about where I was going drinking on Friday night, like some of my classmates, but that was not the path I'd chosen. I'd done that 15 years earlier.
2) I figured that homework was not optional. The assignments were not suggestions. They were what I had paid a huge amount of money to get to do to learn what I needed to learn. Did it help me during class? Sometimes. Did it help me during exams? Sometimes. Did it help me to learn the language of lawyers, how to think like a lawyer, help me to immerse myself in this odd culture of the law? Definitely. Indoctrination is part of the game.
How did I find the energy?
1) Sometimes it was very hard. During first year, I often took 15 minute naps in my car between work and school. I ate too much sugar and drank too much caffeine.
2) In my last year, I learned to regularly take walks, eat better, and pop a packet of Emergen-C in a bottle of water instead of opening a can of Coke.
3) A friend of mine really got involved in raw foods. She swears that is what helped her get through it all. It was probably an excellent idea. Her fruit smoothies definitely were better for her in the middle of class than my chocolate chip cookies.
How did I make my relationship last?
1) I am not sure. My first year was complete hell on our relationship. We fought a lot over I don't even know what. Mostly I had left her pretty much to be a single mom with a 6-month-old and a 3-year-old. She still expected me to pick up my share of the household duties. I couldn't do that and go to school and work. She had too much to do, and so did I. Neither of us was well-prepared for what that meant emotionally, nor did we have the outside support that some have. We had some family that occasionally helped with the kids. It was not nearly enough. So, we fought, we took out our frustrations on each other. To make up for the hell, we went to Disneyland twice during the summer after first year and really reconnected.
2) Everyone says once you have kids, make sure you still make time for each other. Have date nights, whatever. Same goes for law school. Make dates with each other. Keep them. Talk about law school AND other things in life. Your partner does not know what you are going through and really cannot relate, but remember, you also cannot relate to what she is going through. You have to both try to share what you are going through without getting defensive. It is really hard. I'm still not very good at it.
3) Being a partner of a law student sucks. They (you know - THEM) are teaching us to be even more difficult, argumentative and arrogant than we likely already were. So, not only are we difficult and stressed out, but we cannot make our partners the number one priority in our lives, even if we want to, even if they deserve it. To get through school, something's gotta give, and unfortunately, it is often the time you spend with your partner. Be sure to carve out some time for her each week. Make your partner a priority - but if she insists on being your top priority all the time - it just won't work.
4) Law school does a number on your self-esteem. Most of us are used to being at the top of our class. Most of us are suddenly forced into mediocrity. Our writing that has been our strength is suddenly crap. We are tested in a high stress situation that doesn't necessarily reflect what we've learned - do your best in three hours and here is your grade for the entire 16 weeks of work. All of that, plus add that most of us are wondering if the loans will be worth it and what we will really do when we get out. All of that forces us to be....well....probably not the best partners. Keep that in mind. It is easy to blame the other person for your own short-comings. Arguing and feeling guilty are distracting, but everyone has distractions. I sometimes think if I'd not been dealing with family stuff, my grades would have been higher. Maybe, but that is not where I am in life.
5) We had already been married for 11 years when I entered law school. We had two little kids. That is a lot to walk away from. So, that solid foundation was strong enough to last even through the big fights.
6) It really does get better after the first year. The first year of law school weeds out those that really want to be there and can handle it from those who don't or can't. It probably also weeds out the relationships that can't handle the really tough times. I know at least one guy from my "pod" of 40 that divorced after first year.
7) Sometimes - do something fun and spontaneous, and forget school for a day or two. Take your partner on a surprise trip somewhere. Go to a concert. Anything. Enjoy each other. Then get right back on track with your school work so you don't fall behind.
How did I mentally manage it all?
1) Sometimes I didn't.
2) Sometimes I fought with my partner. Sometimes I wanted to run away from it all. Sometimes I said things I shouldn't say. Later, I apologized.
3) Sometimes, I called on an old friend to let her know I was drowning, and she'd throw me a lifeline. Keep in touch with your friends, especially those outside of law school. They are at least insane in a totally different way than your law school friends.
4) I blogged. I came up with creative summer projects that had nothing to do with the law. I found I need to be creative to balance out the intense academic demands.
5) Seek Balance. Everyone tells us that. What the heck does it mean? For me, it meant trying to be really present with what I was doing at that moment - playing with my kids, doing my work, studying, whatever. It also meant making time for work and for fun. There has to be some fun to keep you going. Some things had to be given up - like dusting or spending time with "have to" friends or family. There was only time for really important stuff. It meant some semi-important stuff had to be let go. Really unimportant stuff - gone! You hope you can go back and pick up the stuff you didn't want to let go, but had to, like maybe a hobby. In a few years, maybe you'll be interested and have time for it - but for now, prioritization is important.
6) I wanted to drink. I rarely did. Law school with all the wine and beer receptions and luncheons sets us up to drink too much. Be careful. Drunk people do not make good first impressions.
How can I improve my test-taking skills?
1) I never signed up for BarBri before the bar exam. Given how useful their bar course was, I probably should have, plus it would have locked in a lower bar review course price. I think that using their study guides might be useful. Many of us during bar review said we wished we'd had some of the tips we were learning then during law school, particularly those surrounding essay questions.
2) Talk to professors. They want to help us learn. Look at where you could have improved your exam grades. If your school offers resources, take advantage of them. (I never did any of this, nor did I ever feel that I had time to go back and look at what I'd done. That would have meant taking time away from family or from the current homework. Seems like I could never get off the ride long enough to adjust my safety gear. Might it have helped my overall GPA? Maybe.)
3) Some things that are so foreign now just get easier and there is no way to learn it without simply doing it. We learn by doing and by being immersed in the culture.
What suggestions do I have for not losing it mentally?
1) Just after the bar doesn't seem like a great time to answer that as I am not sure that I did not lose it! Bar aside, though, for keeping the course during law school -
2) Go back up to the answers under "how did I mentally manage it all."
3) Talk to your friends. Talk to your partner. Talk to your classmates. They are going through much of the same crap you are going through. It's just that most of us don't talk about it. We all want people to think we've got it all together. Or maybe we just don't even have the time to wonder if our classmates are feeling the same way. They are. I accidentally stumbled upon this enough times to know that if I was going through it, so were others. During our first year, we were all fighting with our partners. Find out - then you can all laugh -or cry - about it together.
That's it!
I certainly did not do everything right, nor was I a huge academic success. I was a good student, I learned, I passed, I freaking graduated!
Would it have been easier without a job, a wife, kids, all of the trappings of adulthood? Certainly. Can it be done with all of these elements? Absolutely.
I often get email asking for my advice. A recent reader sent me a whole list of questions, and I have answered them personally, but wanted to post them, too. Maybe someone will find them useful, or at the very least, not a terrible way to kill ten minutes. (Yes, ten - I told you it was a long post!)
First - for anyone with who is a partner of a law student, or law-student-wanna-be, be sure to check out my partner's blog, especially the archives - 2005 was my first year of law school from her perspective. (You will appreciate my sections below about how much it sucks to be a partner of a law student!)
Now, here is some of my best advice for making it through law school with a partner, and/or kids, and/or a full-time job:
First - mostly B's is totally good. At my school, the curve is forced that way. Period. You will get some A's, some C's, mostly B's. There are exceptions. Mostly, those of us working, and/or with kids, will not be among the exceptions. Once you can accept that, you will feel better. You are a non-traditional student and have to accept a different level of competence than you would have if you were not in your current situation. Even if you only have a partner to deal with, and are in your mid-30's, you are "non-traditional." You probably have more responsibilities than your 20-something classmates. You are now swimming in a pond of really freaking smart fish, and you may not be among the fastest of your peers. I was not. I always used to be before law school. It sucks, but is one of those things that I had to learn to accept. I had no energy to worry about it. I could only do my best....and school was only one of the balls I had in the air.
You do have an option. You can quit after your first year if you really think you will not want a career for which having a JD will help. You are probably already in debt, but it gets SO MUCH WORSE with every passing year, and lawyers do not make as much as people think. Still, I am glad I went. I loved the challenge. I know the JD will open doors for me. It will work out in the long run. I have to believe that. You must decide that for yourself. Really talk to other lawyers about their lives and careers. Most are very happy to talk to students about what they do and how they got there. Take some time to decide if this is best for you. Always believe you have choices in life.
OK. How did I do it?
1) I looked at the commitments I made as if there were no choice but to follow through with all of them. (Funny since I just told you to always believe you have choices! True, but I chose to follow through with my commitments and plans.)
I had my family. Sundays were for them. Period. No homework that day. I talked to my partner and my kids on the phone everyday, usually a few times a day.
I had certain hours I worked. I went to work. I did my job. The family needed money to live on - I was earning it. No choice. Then I had to go to class and pay attention. Not blog, not surf, just pay attention - take notes - participate when I wasn't completely lost or brain dead. I often felt as if I was both. Still....all I could do was my best under the circumstances.
Having ALL of my time so committed in some ways made my routine very easy. There were no choices to be made. I couldn't go have a drink after class. I didn't have time for law review. Some of that sucked a lot. I often wanted my biggest worry to be about where I was going drinking on Friday night, like some of my classmates, but that was not the path I'd chosen. I'd done that 15 years earlier.
2) I figured that homework was not optional. The assignments were not suggestions. They were what I had paid a huge amount of money to get to do to learn what I needed to learn. Did it help me during class? Sometimes. Did it help me during exams? Sometimes. Did it help me to learn the language of lawyers, how to think like a lawyer, help me to immerse myself in this odd culture of the law? Definitely. Indoctrination is part of the game.
How did I find the energy?
1) Sometimes it was very hard. During first year, I often took 15 minute naps in my car between work and school. I ate too much sugar and drank too much caffeine.
2) In my last year, I learned to regularly take walks, eat better, and pop a packet of Emergen-C in a bottle of water instead of opening a can of Coke.
3) A friend of mine really got involved in raw foods. She swears that is what helped her get through it all. It was probably an excellent idea. Her fruit smoothies definitely were better for her in the middle of class than my chocolate chip cookies.
How did I make my relationship last?
1) I am not sure. My first year was complete hell on our relationship. We fought a lot over I don't even know what. Mostly I had left her pretty much to be a single mom with a 6-month-old and a 3-year-old. She still expected me to pick up my share of the household duties. I couldn't do that and go to school and work. She had too much to do, and so did I. Neither of us was well-prepared for what that meant emotionally, nor did we have the outside support that some have. We had some family that occasionally helped with the kids. It was not nearly enough. So, we fought, we took out our frustrations on each other. To make up for the hell, we went to Disneyland twice during the summer after first year and really reconnected.
2) Everyone says once you have kids, make sure you still make time for each other. Have date nights, whatever. Same goes for law school. Make dates with each other. Keep them. Talk about law school AND other things in life. Your partner does not know what you are going through and really cannot relate, but remember, you also cannot relate to what she is going through. You have to both try to share what you are going through without getting defensive. It is really hard. I'm still not very good at it.
3) Being a partner of a law student sucks. They (you know - THEM) are teaching us to be even more difficult, argumentative and arrogant than we likely already were. So, not only are we difficult and stressed out, but we cannot make our partners the number one priority in our lives, even if we want to, even if they deserve it. To get through school, something's gotta give, and unfortunately, it is often the time you spend with your partner. Be sure to carve out some time for her each week. Make your partner a priority - but if she insists on being your top priority all the time - it just won't work.
4) Law school does a number on your self-esteem. Most of us are used to being at the top of our class. Most of us are suddenly forced into mediocrity. Our writing that has been our strength is suddenly crap. We are tested in a high stress situation that doesn't necessarily reflect what we've learned - do your best in three hours and here is your grade for the entire 16 weeks of work. All of that, plus add that most of us are wondering if the loans will be worth it and what we will really do when we get out. All of that forces us to be....well....probably not the best partners. Keep that in mind. It is easy to blame the other person for your own short-comings. Arguing and feeling guilty are distracting, but everyone has distractions. I sometimes think if I'd not been dealing with family stuff, my grades would have been higher. Maybe, but that is not where I am in life.
5) We had already been married for 11 years when I entered law school. We had two little kids. That is a lot to walk away from. So, that solid foundation was strong enough to last even through the big fights.
6) It really does get better after the first year. The first year of law school weeds out those that really want to be there and can handle it from those who don't or can't. It probably also weeds out the relationships that can't handle the really tough times. I know at least one guy from my "pod" of 40 that divorced after first year.
7) Sometimes - do something fun and spontaneous, and forget school for a day or two. Take your partner on a surprise trip somewhere. Go to a concert. Anything. Enjoy each other. Then get right back on track with your school work so you don't fall behind.
How did I mentally manage it all?
1) Sometimes I didn't.
2) Sometimes I fought with my partner. Sometimes I wanted to run away from it all. Sometimes I said things I shouldn't say. Later, I apologized.
3) Sometimes, I called on an old friend to let her know I was drowning, and she'd throw me a lifeline. Keep in touch with your friends, especially those outside of law school. They are at least insane in a totally different way than your law school friends.
4) I blogged. I came up with creative summer projects that had nothing to do with the law. I found I need to be creative to balance out the intense academic demands.
5) Seek Balance. Everyone tells us that. What the heck does it mean? For me, it meant trying to be really present with what I was doing at that moment - playing with my kids, doing my work, studying, whatever. It also meant making time for work and for fun. There has to be some fun to keep you going. Some things had to be given up - like dusting or spending time with "have to" friends or family. There was only time for really important stuff. It meant some semi-important stuff had to be let go. Really unimportant stuff - gone! You hope you can go back and pick up the stuff you didn't want to let go, but had to, like maybe a hobby. In a few years, maybe you'll be interested and have time for it - but for now, prioritization is important.
6) I wanted to drink. I rarely did. Law school with all the wine and beer receptions and luncheons sets us up to drink too much. Be careful. Drunk people do not make good first impressions.
How can I improve my test-taking skills?
1) I never signed up for BarBri before the bar exam. Given how useful their bar course was, I probably should have, plus it would have locked in a lower bar review course price. I think that using their study guides might be useful. Many of us during bar review said we wished we'd had some of the tips we were learning then during law school, particularly those surrounding essay questions.
2) Talk to professors. They want to help us learn. Look at where you could have improved your exam grades. If your school offers resources, take advantage of them. (I never did any of this, nor did I ever feel that I had time to go back and look at what I'd done. That would have meant taking time away from family or from the current homework. Seems like I could never get off the ride long enough to adjust my safety gear. Might it have helped my overall GPA? Maybe.)
3) Some things that are so foreign now just get easier and there is no way to learn it without simply doing it. We learn by doing and by being immersed in the culture.
What suggestions do I have for not losing it mentally?
1) Just after the bar doesn't seem like a great time to answer that as I am not sure that I did not lose it! Bar aside, though, for keeping the course during law school -
2) Go back up to the answers under "how did I mentally manage it all."
3) Talk to your friends. Talk to your partner. Talk to your classmates. They are going through much of the same crap you are going through. It's just that most of us don't talk about it. We all want people to think we've got it all together. Or maybe we just don't even have the time to wonder if our classmates are feeling the same way. They are. I accidentally stumbled upon this enough times to know that if I was going through it, so were others. During our first year, we were all fighting with our partners. Find out - then you can all laugh -or cry - about it together.
That's it!
I certainly did not do everything right, nor was I a huge academic success. I was a good student, I learned, I passed, I freaking graduated!
Would it have been easier without a job, a wife, kids, all of the trappings of adulthood? Certainly. Can it be done with all of these elements? Absolutely.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
The Bar Report
Where to begin?
It has been a week since I finished the bar. I think that calls for a drink....at a.....wait for it....bar!
OK, so, the bar experience was a mix of fear, excitement, and facing the unknown in what was the culmination of a four-year educational experience. The first day I was excited, somewhat nervous, and ready to go. There were about 500 of us, most in a large conference room, packed nearly on top of each other at row after row of long tables with barely enough room for our laptops and testing materials. There were four (?) large air conditioning units that had been installed especially for our event. They were blowing out blissfully cool air....for a while.
Most of us arrived at least an hour early for check in. Waiting was hard. It was already about 80+ degrees outside, so wandering around outside in search of fresh air was all but pointless. Still, everyone had their own method of coping at that point - talking, joking around, remaining totally silent at their spot, wandering, smoking....let me say, never has smoking seemed so appealing. I did a bit of everything...mostly walking, and talking with a few friends, and people nearby whom I had just met. I remembered to breathe deeply, and shared the advice with a friend desperate for any advice on coping.
One former classmate was mostly concentrating on keeping his breakfast down. I felt really bad for him.
The morning went well, and by lunch, I think most of us were feeling pretty good. The performance exam and one set of essays were done. I was happy to have had lots to say, and felt like I was doing well. Our career and alumni services hosted a lunch at a nearby restaurant. That was nice, and a chance to chat with friends about their plans for the rest of the summer.
By afternoon, the room had gotten HOT. Lots of people were complaining. I had made the unfortunate decision not to change into my shorts that I had brought with me even though I had gone to my car where I could have gotten them (see previous melted bottle picture). Truthfully, there would not have been much time though, and the bathroom lines were insane! Fortunately, I was so focused, and somehow, by the grace of god, remained pretty cool most of that day. I noticed by the last 45 minutes so so, that it was pretty hot. Still, I made it through and by the end of that day I was feeling GREAT! Day One Down!!
I had gotten two of my least favored topic areas - Partnerships and Tax - and had managed to remember enough to answer the questions and meet my character limits. I may not have aced every one, but certainly felt at least minimally competent.
Then came Day Two. Let me say that "minimally competent" felt like the theme for this day. That and HOT. No - HOT. We started the day at 8:00am at 82 degrees in the conference room. This was multiple choice question day (MBE). 100 questions in three hours. Lunch. 100 more questions.
I had done a lot of practice tests. I had been scoring well. I thought I would feel better about this part. At the end of three hours I was left feeling SO DONE that I was not sure how I would be able to come back and do more after lunch. I had no idea how I was doing. I was pretty sure if I had to read another property question I was going to scream, which would surely get me kicked out of the test.
Lunch was a much more somber experience this day. We all looked and felt pretty beat up. It was somewhere over 90 degrees outside, but I did not hear how much over. I knew we were heading for 107, which I later found out we reached.
I ate lunch. I took deep breaths in the shade near the pool. I put some Emergen-C in a cup of ice water and enjoyed the cool tartness as it cooled off my insides. About 1:30 we started the final section of the Bar Exam.
The final section.....three more hours and that was it. The end of four long years. Excitement and fear blended with the heat. I realized within moments just how hot it was. We were easily above 90 degrees in the conference room. I seriously considered that there might be people passing out or throwing up from heat exhaustion. Focus. OK - Fifi wants to kill her husband (intent) and gets her boyfriend to bring his gun (conspiracy), they drive over with the gun (this is a significant step if that is important)....I plan on going to get ice water when I get to question 18. I am so hot that it is difficult to focus, but I make myself visualize what is happening in each hypothetical. I haven't come this far to blow it because of the damn heat. Question 18 - and I am right near the ice water and the bathrooms. Excellent!
I eat ice through the rest of the exam, which works to keep me cool enough to finish - thank God!
At the end, I have no clue how I did. At some points, I felt eerily confident about the answers. The blessings of the many friends, and even strangers, praying for clarity for me? If so, I'll take it! Some questions, I struggled over, and finally saw the nuance that made the difference - I think. Some questions - guess and go.
Then it was over.
A friend and I exchanged relieved high fives, words of "thank god it is over," and danced around the fact it - the big IT - the whole law school experience was really over. I think we were both dazed. I know I was exhausted and sad that I didn't feel better than I did. We'd been warned we would feel terrible and have no idea how we'd done. That was exactly right.
Results will not be out until September 25th. Torture.
I have a lot of post-bar thoughts to share, but for now, will just say, "Congrats" to all my fellow bar-takers. Funny - it doesn't feel much like "congrats" in this strange limbo that we are in - but I suppose it is.
Also - to my friends and family who helped me through this insanity, thank you. You all deserve a special post of your own. The bar creates its own special kind of craziness - and those closest to us bar-takers get the disease spread over them like an air-borne virus. Hmmm....I'm smiling to myself....pleased with my analogy. Hope you are, too.
It has been a week since I finished the bar. I think that calls for a drink....at a.....wait for it....bar!
OK, so, the bar experience was a mix of fear, excitement, and facing the unknown in what was the culmination of a four-year educational experience. The first day I was excited, somewhat nervous, and ready to go. There were about 500 of us, most in a large conference room, packed nearly on top of each other at row after row of long tables with barely enough room for our laptops and testing materials. There were four (?) large air conditioning units that had been installed especially for our event. They were blowing out blissfully cool air....for a while.
Most of us arrived at least an hour early for check in. Waiting was hard. It was already about 80+ degrees outside, so wandering around outside in search of fresh air was all but pointless. Still, everyone had their own method of coping at that point - talking, joking around, remaining totally silent at their spot, wandering, smoking....let me say, never has smoking seemed so appealing. I did a bit of everything...mostly walking, and talking with a few friends, and people nearby whom I had just met. I remembered to breathe deeply, and shared the advice with a friend desperate for any advice on coping.
One former classmate was mostly concentrating on keeping his breakfast down. I felt really bad for him.
The morning went well, and by lunch, I think most of us were feeling pretty good. The performance exam and one set of essays were done. I was happy to have had lots to say, and felt like I was doing well. Our career and alumni services hosted a lunch at a nearby restaurant. That was nice, and a chance to chat with friends about their plans for the rest of the summer.
By afternoon, the room had gotten HOT. Lots of people were complaining. I had made the unfortunate decision not to change into my shorts that I had brought with me even though I had gone to my car where I could have gotten them (see previous melted bottle picture). Truthfully, there would not have been much time though, and the bathroom lines were insane! Fortunately, I was so focused, and somehow, by the grace of god, remained pretty cool most of that day. I noticed by the last 45 minutes so so, that it was pretty hot. Still, I made it through and by the end of that day I was feeling GREAT! Day One Down!!
I had gotten two of my least favored topic areas - Partnerships and Tax - and had managed to remember enough to answer the questions and meet my character limits. I may not have aced every one, but certainly felt at least minimally competent.
Then came Day Two. Let me say that "minimally competent" felt like the theme for this day. That and HOT. No - HOT. We started the day at 8:00am at 82 degrees in the conference room. This was multiple choice question day (MBE). 100 questions in three hours. Lunch. 100 more questions.
I had done a lot of practice tests. I had been scoring well. I thought I would feel better about this part. At the end of three hours I was left feeling SO DONE that I was not sure how I would be able to come back and do more after lunch. I had no idea how I was doing. I was pretty sure if I had to read another property question I was going to scream, which would surely get me kicked out of the test.
Lunch was a much more somber experience this day. We all looked and felt pretty beat up. It was somewhere over 90 degrees outside, but I did not hear how much over. I knew we were heading for 107, which I later found out we reached.
I ate lunch. I took deep breaths in the shade near the pool. I put some Emergen-C in a cup of ice water and enjoyed the cool tartness as it cooled off my insides. About 1:30 we started the final section of the Bar Exam.
The final section.....three more hours and that was it. The end of four long years. Excitement and fear blended with the heat. I realized within moments just how hot it was. We were easily above 90 degrees in the conference room. I seriously considered that there might be people passing out or throwing up from heat exhaustion. Focus. OK - Fifi wants to kill her husband (intent) and gets her boyfriend to bring his gun (conspiracy), they drive over with the gun (this is a significant step if that is important)....I plan on going to get ice water when I get to question 18. I am so hot that it is difficult to focus, but I make myself visualize what is happening in each hypothetical. I haven't come this far to blow it because of the damn heat. Question 18 - and I am right near the ice water and the bathrooms. Excellent!
I eat ice through the rest of the exam, which works to keep me cool enough to finish - thank God!
At the end, I have no clue how I did. At some points, I felt eerily confident about the answers. The blessings of the many friends, and even strangers, praying for clarity for me? If so, I'll take it! Some questions, I struggled over, and finally saw the nuance that made the difference - I think. Some questions - guess and go.
Then it was over.
A friend and I exchanged relieved high fives, words of "thank god it is over," and danced around the fact it - the big IT - the whole law school experience was really over. I think we were both dazed. I know I was exhausted and sad that I didn't feel better than I did. We'd been warned we would feel terrible and have no idea how we'd done. That was exactly right.
Results will not be out until September 25th. Torture.
I have a lot of post-bar thoughts to share, but for now, will just say, "Congrats" to all my fellow bar-takers. Funny - it doesn't feel much like "congrats" in this strange limbo that we are in - but I suppose it is.
Also - to my friends and family who helped me through this insanity, thank you. You all deserve a special post of your own. The bar creates its own special kind of craziness - and those closest to us bar-takers get the disease spread over them like an air-borne virus. Hmmm....I'm smiling to myself....pleased with my analogy. Hope you are, too.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Survived!
This is from the first day of the bar.
It was a lovely water bottle given to us as a gift on our way in. It was filled with candy and a granola bar.
I tossed it in my car over lunch. About 40 minutes later:
Several of us agreed that it was symbolic of what was happening to us.
I will attempt a more detailed post tomorrow.
It was a lovely water bottle given to us as a gift on our way in. It was filled with candy and a granola bar.
I tossed it in my car over lunch. About 40 minutes later:
Several of us agreed that it was symbolic of what was happening to us.
I will attempt a more detailed post tomorrow.
Friday, July 24, 2009
What Duties do Dogs Owe Their People?
So, as it ends up, I wasn't done with my pre-bar posting, yet!
Had to share this:
I woke up several time last night and each time there was something "element sounding" running through my head. You know, like to prove negligence you need duty, breach, causation and damages. At one point, I woke up wondering if a dog breaches his duty of loyalty when he...well, I don't know when he does what because about that time my conscious mind interupted the flow and told me that dogs can't be charged with breaching a corporate officer's duty of care or of loyalty.
I like that my mind is working on this stuff while I am asleep. I hope it's getting most of it right! I don't want to end up writing about doggie liability on my exam...
Have a fun weekend everybody!
Fellow Bar Takers - remember - We GET to take the Bar Exam. Most people in the world never get such an opportunity. Before long we will be the experienced lawyers saying to the new graduates, "Oh, you're taking the bar! I'm sorry. Even after years of therapy, I still wake up with nightmares about that."
Again - new friends and old - thank you for your support!
Had to share this:
I woke up several time last night and each time there was something "element sounding" running through my head. You know, like to prove negligence you need duty, breach, causation and damages. At one point, I woke up wondering if a dog breaches his duty of loyalty when he...well, I don't know when he does what because about that time my conscious mind interupted the flow and told me that dogs can't be charged with breaching a corporate officer's duty of care or of loyalty.
I like that my mind is working on this stuff while I am asleep. I hope it's getting most of it right! I don't want to end up writing about doggie liability on my exam...
Have a fun weekend everybody!
Fellow Bar Takers - remember - We GET to take the Bar Exam. Most people in the world never get such an opportunity. Before long we will be the experienced lawyers saying to the new graduates, "Oh, you're taking the bar! I'm sorry. Even after years of therapy, I still wake up with nightmares about that."
Again - new friends and old - thank you for your support!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Marathon is About to Begin
I am oddly lacking in things to say today.
The periodic feelings of panic are fairly short-lived (today) and I am keeping them at bay by sticking to my study plan. I woke up this morning with a clear idea that I needed to start memorizing elements and that is how I would spend the weekend. I later realized I'd really already been doing this, but in my foggy, barely awake state, I hadn't put together what I had been doing with what my subconscious was telling me needed to be done. To be sure, there is still much memorization to be done, but it will get done.
Tomorrow morning Wife and Kids leave to head up north where they will stay with her sister while Boy Wonder attends day camp all week with a cousin who lives up there. This will leave me alone from the time I get home from a brief stint at work on Friday - I suspect it will be around noon or 1:00 - until I leave for the exam Tuesday morning. Lots of time to just cram! I actually may end up going to a movie Monday afternoon with my Mom, if I am at the point of diminishing returns on the studying, or just need a sanity break.
Lots to be done, but I have a plan. Nothing like a plan to give the illusion of control!
In case I don't get back to blog - good luck to everyone out there who is also taking the bar - and thank you to my friends and family who have been so supportive during this time of insanity!
The periodic feelings of panic are fairly short-lived (today) and I am keeping them at bay by sticking to my study plan. I woke up this morning with a clear idea that I needed to start memorizing elements and that is how I would spend the weekend. I later realized I'd really already been doing this, but in my foggy, barely awake state, I hadn't put together what I had been doing with what my subconscious was telling me needed to be done. To be sure, there is still much memorization to be done, but it will get done.
Tomorrow morning Wife and Kids leave to head up north where they will stay with her sister while Boy Wonder attends day camp all week with a cousin who lives up there. This will leave me alone from the time I get home from a brief stint at work on Friday - I suspect it will be around noon or 1:00 - until I leave for the exam Tuesday morning. Lots of time to just cram! I actually may end up going to a movie Monday afternoon with my Mom, if I am at the point of diminishing returns on the studying, or just need a sanity break.
Lots to be done, but I have a plan. Nothing like a plan to give the illusion of control!
In case I don't get back to blog - good luck to everyone out there who is also taking the bar - and thank you to my friends and family who have been so supportive during this time of insanity!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Stress and the Faulty Latch
You know when you think you are handling stress really well then something creeps up and taps you on the shoulder and shouts: BOO!?
That's been my day. I woke up after a fairly good night's sleep, but my legs were so tense that it felt liked I'd climbed a mountain the day before. To the best of my recollection, I had not.
Later, reading through Civ Pro essay answers, I found my breathing becoming rapid and my pulse racing. "Knock it off. This is no time for panicking." I tried breathing deeply. Deeply. Deeply. Deeply....
After regaining consciousness*, I felt more calm, but noticed I had bumped my head on the side of the refrigerator that sits in my office. Due to a faulty latch, the door had come open, which is why I'd bumped my head on it when I'd passed out. I started wondering if I could sue the manufacturer in strict liability so they could not use my own negligence against me. We all know that contributory negligence is not a defense to strict liability. Still, since my damages were, well, nonexistent, I guess there would be no point. I swung the door of the frig' the rest of the way open and grabbed a Coke.
That hit the spot. Now if only I had some rum....
*Fictional account intended for humorous purposes.
For my non bar-prepping readers, the "faulty latch" is a scenario that keeps popping up on practice test questions, which is why I think I am so dang amusing, and you may just be thinking I am weird.
That's been my day. I woke up after a fairly good night's sleep, but my legs were so tense that it felt liked I'd climbed a mountain the day before. To the best of my recollection, I had not.
Later, reading through Civ Pro essay answers, I found my breathing becoming rapid and my pulse racing. "Knock it off. This is no time for panicking." I tried breathing deeply. Deeply. Deeply. Deeply....
After regaining consciousness*, I felt more calm, but noticed I had bumped my head on the side of the refrigerator that sits in my office. Due to a faulty latch, the door had come open, which is why I'd bumped my head on it when I'd passed out. I started wondering if I could sue the manufacturer in strict liability so they could not use my own negligence against me. We all know that contributory negligence is not a defense to strict liability. Still, since my damages were, well, nonexistent, I guess there would be no point. I swung the door of the frig' the rest of the way open and grabbed a Coke.
That hit the spot. Now if only I had some rum....
*Fictional account intended for humorous purposes.
For my non bar-prepping readers, the "faulty latch" is a scenario that keeps popping up on practice test questions, which is why I think I am so dang amusing, and you may just be thinking I am weird.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Civil Procedure Personality Quiz Results
Yes, I do realize I am blogging instead of studying, thankyouverymuch.
This is in honor of finishing up tax law (for now) and moving on to civil procedure. By the way, expenses of doing business illegally are generally deductible, with some exceptions.
Which Federal Rule of Civil Procedure Are You ?
I AM RULE 8(a)!
"You are Rule 8, the most laid back of all the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. While your forefather in the Federal Rules may have been a stickler for details and particularity, you have clearly rebelled by being pleasant and easy-going. Rule 8 only requires that a plaintiff provide a short and plain statement of a claim on which a court can grant relief. While there is much to be lauded in your approach, your good nature sometimes gets you in trouble, and you often have to rely on your good friend, Rule 56, to bail you out."
By they way, I also did this quiz in December of 2005, and posted the results on my blog. I was the same rule then. I am nothing if not consistent. I can't easily link to it, but trust me, it's there. This rule is so seriously me.
This is in honor of finishing up tax law (for now) and moving on to civil procedure. By the way, expenses of doing business illegally are generally deductible, with some exceptions.
Which Federal Rule of Civil Procedure Are You ?
I AM RULE 8(a)!
"You are Rule 8, the most laid back of all the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. While your forefather in the Federal Rules may have been a stickler for details and particularity, you have clearly rebelled by being pleasant and easy-going. Rule 8 only requires that a plaintiff provide a short and plain statement of a claim on which a court can grant relief. While there is much to be lauded in your approach, your good nature sometimes gets you in trouble, and you often have to rely on your good friend, Rule 56, to bail you out."
By they way, I also did this quiz in December of 2005, and posted the results on my blog. I was the same rule then. I am nothing if not consistent. I can't easily link to it, but trust me, it's there. This rule is so seriously me.
Not Freaking Out
This is me today - not freaking out. (OK, well really it is Boy Wonder about 4 years ago, cute, right?) I don't know that I know much more about tax law than I did earlier today. I worked on it for a while, then switched to an MBE practice test, worked a bit, and now am about to go do an hour or so of taxes, followed by Civ Pro.
I know how to live!
I am either in serious denial, or actually feeling like I might be ready for this thing in a week. Either way, being able to sleep and breathe are really good things.
I reserve the right to freak at any time in the future.
Tax Class
Good Morning, Blog Friends!
Today's topics will be Federal Income Tax and Civil Procedure. We'll be starting with tax law since I know many of you, like me, avoided this class like the plague.
Wait, where are you all going? Don't the topics sound stimulating enough? C'mon - here we go, "Gross income is any accession to wealth, clearly realized, over which the taxpayer has complete dominion."
The Tax Code says that gross income includes "all income, from whatever source derived."
Wait! Come back! We haven't gotten to the good stuff, yet. You must report your illegal income, too! Congress wants its share of EVERYTHING and the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination will not shield you or your income from that prostitution ring or your highly profitable international drug smuggling operation.
All right. G'bye. I'll see you later. I'll just be here. Studying tax. Alone.
Today's topics will be Federal Income Tax and Civil Procedure. We'll be starting with tax law since I know many of you, like me, avoided this class like the plague.
Wait, where are you all going? Don't the topics sound stimulating enough? C'mon - here we go, "Gross income is any accession to wealth, clearly realized, over which the taxpayer has complete dominion."
The Tax Code says that gross income includes "all income, from whatever source derived."
Wait! Come back! We haven't gotten to the good stuff, yet. You must report your illegal income, too! Congress wants its share of EVERYTHING and the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination will not shield you or your income from that prostitution ring or your highly profitable international drug smuggling operation.
All right. G'bye. I'll see you later. I'll just be here. Studying tax. Alone.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Do Not Try This Without a Safety Harness
What a wild ride bar prep is. Really, it is everything a good ride should be - it's physically intense, offers dramatic rises and falls, allows you to become emotionally engaged, and makes you want to scream, if only you could catch your breath!
Saturday I was down - poor practice test scores. Today I am up - really good pracice test scores and making good headway on essay topics. WHEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As much fun as this is, I think I'd prefer a monorail - riding high above it all, all the time.
Being Responsible May Only Get You Smacked in the Face
Picture this:
Recent law school graduate who has been studying like crazy for the bar exam decides to do the responsible thing and go check out the hotel in which the test will be administered. It seems like a good idea to make sure of the location, parking...etc..and if you are a believer in conscious creation or visualization or any of that, it helps to have a very concrete picture of the desired goal. In this case - feeling calm and being successful while taking the bar exam.
OK. Said graduate/bar applicant speaks to hotel staff who directs her to the main banquet room that most students will be in - says she'll have someone unlock the door. Very nice. Walk through the hotel that was probably fairly nice in its day, but has become somewhat run down. Still, decent enough, with the bonus of not being downtown where parking would be very difficult and expensive.
A helpful hotel worker unlocks the door. Small talk is made about the bar exam, and others who have similarly asked to check out the room. A casual question is posed by about the assumption that power strips, or something, will be provided for all of the test-takers needing to plug in laptops.
"Uh...no, I don't think so. We could run a few extensions and try to help out anyone who needs to plug in."
WHAT????????
The room starts to spin.
Applicant tries to remain calm. This does not make sense. NO ONE has a laptop battery that will last for the duration of day one - which even if a person shut down during breaks and instruction periods is about 7 hours. We cannot possibly be expected to run on our batteries.
Applicant thanks the man and goes back to helpful front desk person. She has no clue but suggests that catering could answer questions after 8:00 tomorrow morning. "So could the Oregon State Bar" thinks the applicant. Surely they would not do this to us after making us spend $140 on software and leading us to believe we could use our laptops.
Visions of hand-cramping as she tries to write 9 essays, and a performance test fill applicant's head. She tries to remember to breathe deeply. This "reassuring" trip has not proven to be as calming as she'd hoped.
P.S. - Catering assured me this morning that Hollywood Lighting is providing power (glorious power!), so no worries about plugging in laptops. *WHEW* Think there might be a case for negligent infliction of emotional distress had I actually suffered physical injury. Who even HINTS that there might not be power for the bar exam?
Recent law school graduate who has been studying like crazy for the bar exam decides to do the responsible thing and go check out the hotel in which the test will be administered. It seems like a good idea to make sure of the location, parking...etc..and if you are a believer in conscious creation or visualization or any of that, it helps to have a very concrete picture of the desired goal. In this case - feeling calm and being successful while taking the bar exam.
OK. Said graduate/bar applicant speaks to hotel staff who directs her to the main banquet room that most students will be in - says she'll have someone unlock the door. Very nice. Walk through the hotel that was probably fairly nice in its day, but has become somewhat run down. Still, decent enough, with the bonus of not being downtown where parking would be very difficult and expensive.
A helpful hotel worker unlocks the door. Small talk is made about the bar exam, and others who have similarly asked to check out the room. A casual question is posed by about the assumption that power strips, or something, will be provided for all of the test-takers needing to plug in laptops.
"Uh...no, I don't think so. We could run a few extensions and try to help out anyone who needs to plug in."
WHAT????????
The room starts to spin.
Applicant tries to remain calm. This does not make sense. NO ONE has a laptop battery that will last for the duration of day one - which even if a person shut down during breaks and instruction periods is about 7 hours. We cannot possibly be expected to run on our batteries.
Applicant thanks the man and goes back to helpful front desk person. She has no clue but suggests that catering could answer questions after 8:00 tomorrow morning. "So could the Oregon State Bar" thinks the applicant. Surely they would not do this to us after making us spend $140 on software and leading us to believe we could use our laptops.
Visions of hand-cramping as she tries to write 9 essays, and a performance test fill applicant's head. She tries to remember to breathe deeply. This "reassuring" trip has not proven to be as calming as she'd hoped.
P.S. - Catering assured me this morning that Hollywood Lighting is providing power (glorious power!), so no worries about plugging in laptops. *WHEW* Think there might be a case for negligent infliction of emotional distress had I actually suffered physical injury. Who even HINTS that there might not be power for the bar exam?
Saturday, July 18, 2009
My Life Has Become A Thriller
See the zombie in the lower left corner, the one with the blue face, screaming with a terror unknown to mere mortals? THAT is me today. I just had my *ss kicked by a practice MBE half-day test. I nearly reached the goal, but not quite. My score is the same as our practice test a week ago. No improvement despite the studying and practice tests. That was NO improvement, as in zero, zip, nada. Thing is, I thought I was doing really well. What does that mean? That I am confident in my ignorance? Great.
I decided to do a quick post to try to shake off the bad feelings so I can go figure out what all I did wrong. I realized I'd not yet posted about Michael Jackson's death. I have to say, along with many, I have been quite disturbed by it. So sad that that this man with such genius, who was about to embark on what undoubtedly would have been a huge comeback tour, had his life ended so abruptly.
It seems like he was such a big part of my younger years. When I was in high school, who didn't have a copy of Thriller, Bad, and Off the Wall? This was the soundtrack to our lives. I don't think anyone really knows "what happened" with Michael Jackson over the past many years. Lots of people have made judgments, but very few really had insight as to the reality of who he was and what all he went through. One thing for sure - his music will be remembered for a very, very long time.
I think picking up a few CDs, such as the Thriller 25th Anniversary Edition, is something I'd like to do. Everything I had was in vinyl and has since been given away. It would be fun to have the music to listen to, to remember the past, and enjoy in the future.
For those who don't remember, in addition to the wicked title soundtrack (LOVED the Vincent Price voiceover!), songs included on this "album" were:
1. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' ~ Michael Jackson
2. Baby Be Mine ~ Michael Jackson
3. Girl Is Mine, The - (featuring Paul McCartney) ~ Michael Jackson
4. Thriller ~ Michael Jackson
5. Beat It - (featuring Eddie Van Halen) ~ Michael Jackson
6. Billie Jean ~ Michael Jackson
7. Human Nature ~ Michael Jackson
8. P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) ~ Michael Jackson
9. Lady In My Life, The ~ Michael Jackson
10. Vincent Price Excerpt - (from "Thriller" voice-over session) ~ Michael Jackson
11. Girl Is Mine, The - (previously unreleased, 2008, featuring Will.i.am) ~ Michael Jackson
12. P.Y.T. - (previously unreleased, 2008, featuring Will.i.am) ~ Michael Jackson
13. Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' - (previously unreleased, 2008, featuring Akon) ~ Michael Jackson
14. Beat It - (2008, featuring Fergie) ~ Michael Jackson
15. Billie Jean - (Kanye West mix) ~ Michael Jackson
16. For All Time - (previously unreleased) ~ Michael Jackson
Apparently sales of Michael Jackson's music is setting records like crazy, and he is likely to be the best selling artist for 2009. Sad he's not here to enjoy it. His music is on sale many places right now. There's no time like the present to go pick up a CD or two, or maybe download some tracks onto your MP3 player. Hey - that is a great idea!
First, I must go figure out all the RIGHT answers to the MBE questions I got wrong. That should only take me until Monday.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Friday Night Frustrations
It's 6:37 on a Friday evening.
I am reviewing Secured Transactions and still plan to at least get started on Ethics. (About time I got into ethics, right? *grin*)
I am tired of this.
I don't want to be here studying anymore.
I want to be enjoying a nice, cool adult-beverage, laughing at something nonsensical, and not thinking about the bar exam.
All right. Whining over. Back to purchase-money security interests. Thank God for Prof. Newell and my crazy friend who talked me into taking Secured Trans this past semester!
Wii are Finding Distractions
Sometimes, when a person should be doing other things, they inexplicably find themselves surfing the net. Now, I'm not saying this has ever happened to any of you, but if it had, you might suddenly find yourself watching Laverne and Shirley clips on YouTube or reading about some cool technological innovation on a Ted Talk, or just searching for the meaning of life.
Google: meaning of life.
Probably you won't find anything helpful, but it could keep you entertained for quite some time, if you were to accidentally be surfing and come across such things.
Today - look what I happened across:
That's right - Wii Sports Resort. All the fun and games of a resort at a very small fraction of the price with no chance of being sunburned or getting hit in the head with a frisbee by some wild kid with bad aim...oh, wait, cut that last one.
This game, currently on sale at Buy.com comes with some sort of super sensitive "MotionPlus" accessory to make the Wii remote even more sensitive and precise. Games featured include a water scooter, swordplay, Frisbee, basketball, wake boarding, table tennis, golf and canoeing. There are a total of 12 games. There is a cool video on Amazon, if you want to check out a bit more of the details.
Anyway, this looks about 937x more interesting than studying for the bar. Still, seems like I should probably be doing that latter thing. Bad internet for distracting me.
Good thing I've not signed up on FaceBook, yet. Just imagine how distracting that would be!
Google: meaning of life.
Probably you won't find anything helpful, but it could keep you entertained for quite some time, if you were to accidentally be surfing and come across such things.
Today - look what I happened across:
That's right - Wii Sports Resort. All the fun and games of a resort at a very small fraction of the price with no chance of being sunburned or getting hit in the head with a frisbee by some wild kid with bad aim...oh, wait, cut that last one.
This game, currently on sale at Buy.com comes with some sort of super sensitive "MotionPlus" accessory to make the Wii remote even more sensitive and precise. Games featured include a water scooter, swordplay, Frisbee, basketball, wake boarding, table tennis, golf and canoeing. There are a total of 12 games. There is a cool video on Amazon, if you want to check out a bit more of the details.
Anyway, this looks about 937x more interesting than studying for the bar. Still, seems like I should probably be doing that latter thing. Bad internet for distracting me.
Good thing I've not signed up on FaceBook, yet. Just imagine how distracting that would be!
Bar Study Update
Some of you know I'd had some trouble sleeping for a couple nights. This was new for me as sleeplessness has never been one of my stress indicators. Nothing quite like having it take two hours to fall asleep and then be awakened a short time later by a cat jumping on the bed and then be awake for another hour..."Hello, my mind is awake now."
I am happy to report that the past two nights have been much better.
What I've learned:
- Breathing deeply and slowly is way better than fast and shallow.
- Nearly any conversation can lead to elements of a crime.
- Keeping to my schedule gives me the illusion of control.
- Getting up earlier gives me more hours in the day.
- During the very limited hours I am doing "work-work," it is best that someone else double-check what I am doing because my brain only has so much room for important details. Right now, if it's not on the bar, it probably is not important enough to take up space.
- It was worth taking a four-hour study break yesterday to go to my kids' swimming lessons and Vacation Bible School end-of-camp social event. I am so proud of of how well they are both doing!
OK, here's two more random pictures from the past few years. The princess was probably about a year ago, and the photo strip of me and my boy was taken right before I started law school:
OK - time to study Admin Law. :)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
What's in a Label?
As has been noted, and probably directly observed, I have been finding humor and intrigue in almost any subject that passes me by these days. Might as well enjoy the insanity while it lasts! Twice in the past week the topic of label makers has come up. Now, I say to you, who doesn't enjoy a good label maker?
We have one at home that we used probably 4+ years ago to mark a variety of small bins containing kid toys ("castle parts," "Mr. Potato Head," "building toys," "misc. small toys") and adult items("tools," "batteries," "emergency supplies"). Boy Wonder went crazy making and using "stickers" with the label maker - and we soon needed refills! At work, I use one to make file labels - way easier than using the printer, and frankly, more satisfying. There is something fun about punching in the letters and seeing the white strip come shooting out, printed all nice and neat.
(For Bonus Points - who remembers the old style label makers that had red or blue plastic ribbon and the letters were punched into it so they ended up raised? I know, I am showing my age!)
A really good label maker used to run close to, if not over $30. Now, you can get a really nice one on sale for under $20. This one I found is a Brother - good brand, tons of features, and is actually just a newer version of the one I use at work. Nice machine, totally reliable, and this one will even print on super narrow tape so you can label CD spines. Nice!
Now that I am thinking about this, I realize I should get ours out now that Boy Wonder has learned to read and is getting decent at spelling. I bet he would have a blast. On second thought, he still loves "stickers." Not sure I would want him to use his new skills labeling every piece of furniture we have!
We have one at home that we used probably 4+ years ago to mark a variety of small bins containing kid toys ("castle parts," "Mr. Potato Head," "building toys," "misc. small toys") and adult items("tools," "batteries," "emergency supplies"). Boy Wonder went crazy making and using "stickers" with the label maker - and we soon needed refills! At work, I use one to make file labels - way easier than using the printer, and frankly, more satisfying. There is something fun about punching in the letters and seeing the white strip come shooting out, printed all nice and neat.
(For Bonus Points - who remembers the old style label makers that had red or blue plastic ribbon and the letters were punched into it so they ended up raised? I know, I am showing my age!)
A really good label maker used to run close to, if not over $30. Now, you can get a really nice one on sale for under $20. This one I found is a Brother - good brand, tons of features, and is actually just a newer version of the one I use at work. Nice machine, totally reliable, and this one will even print on super narrow tape so you can label CD spines. Nice!
Now that I am thinking about this, I realize I should get ours out now that Boy Wonder has learned to read and is getting decent at spelling. I bet he would have a blast. On second thought, he still loves "stickers." Not sure I would want him to use his new skills labeling every piece of furniture we have!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Property Sucks but My Kids are Cute
I dislike property questions quite a bit. Present estates - future interests - I don't know. Go see a wills and trusts lawyer, not me.
FSDPOR - Frank Sinatra Doesn't Prefer Orville Redenbacher.
Fee Simple Determinable Possibility of Reverter.
Some of you know what I am talking about.
Hey - random photo - how cute is this? From January 2005 - before I even started law school:
and so we have equal time for cuteness - my little rock eater:
They are growing up so fast!
FSDPOR - Frank Sinatra Doesn't Prefer Orville Redenbacher.
Fee Simple Determinable Possibility of Reverter.
Some of you know what I am talking about.
Hey - random photo - how cute is this? From January 2005 - before I even started law school:
and so we have equal time for cuteness - my little rock eater:
They are growing up so fast!
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