A Woman in Law School

I'm stealing this from Useless Dicta!



"Look at the posts you’ve made in the past year, and paste the first line of the first post of each month."



January, February, March: Nothing! This blog was in utero? Perhaps I should say that I was too busy with law school applications and studying to re-take the LSAT.



April: The last couple of months have been hectic.



May: I've been busy lately which means that when I get together with friends there is a lot to catch up on, especially when you have to tell them you leaving the state for law school.



June: School is out which means I'm on to new odds and ends jobs this summer before I begin law school.



July: The following conversation occurred while shopping in a crowded Deseret Industries thrift store.



August: I picked J up from the airport and we went out for lunch where we ran into Mr. So-and-So.



September: Dear Classmates, Hi there.



October: I don't wear printed clothing or pieces that have their label embazzed on the front.



November: There is a month before finals...do you know where your outlines are?



December: And now I get to play catch up.



Thoughts: I think I come across as boring on this blog. This may be because I don't want to risk my anonymity but as I've been good about not letting this blog slip I just might introduce y'all more to me in the new year. And then you can really say that yes, Kel, you're lame.

J and I asked for Amazon gift certificates this year for Christmas. Nothing says "special" and "overly thoughtful" like a gift certificate in my book.

So $250 smacks bought the majority of my textbooks last night. All I have left is my contracts hornbooks, of which my prof recommends two obscure titles. So for all of you out there who thoroughly enjoyed contracts last semester or year any suggestions on contracts hornbooks?

When I finished finals I turned into this slob. Well, I shouldn't say that since I was a slob prior to finals with finals being my excuse. Now I don't have such an excuse. So I'm cleaning, and organizing and wondering what to do with flashcards and practice exams I'll no longer need. Thoughts? Do I save them for a rainy day? Do I attempt to save them for the bar? Possibly give them away? Or just toss 'em?

I can now say that I have a living room! It's finally unpacked and presentable. The office is becoming better suited for office duties and the kitchen table doesn't look like a study area.

And now it's on to the bathrooms! Wish me luck! I'll need it as I have collected way too many bottles of things I'll never use.

I'm also wondering if this works...

There are perks to Facebook, one of which is finding friends you haven't seen in ten years and catching up on old times. My friend Ryan came into town over the weekend and I don't think we've seen each other for ten years, or in other words the last time he crashed on my dorm room floor because he had no other place to go. So we hung out, and then we hung out some more as his flight to Seattle was canceled and will probably still be canceled.

Being the man that he is he had me escort him to the mall last night where we went on a mission to find a quesadilla maker for his step-mom. I think it was the whole searching for jewelry that required a woman's company. Well, and the ride to the mall. For the most part all we did was ask random people if they could direct us to the nearest store they thought would have a quesadilla maker. We asked security guards, street vendors, drunks wandering around, other shoppers and children.

And VOILA! We found dear Nancy a quesadilla maker for Christmas! Now let's hope it's the right one!

So we were off the eat. We chose a nice upscale joint, the kind with tiny tables where you practically have dinner with the next table because you're so close. So that's what we did, well, that's what I did. I just feel awkward sitting that close and not saying hello. So I struck up a conversation with some nice tourists. They thought I was nice, they thought Ryan was a professional Elvis impersonator, and we just didn't feel like correcting them. We even played along when their birthday dessert came and Ryan sang Happy Birthday Elvis style. When it came time to leave they finally asked Ryan what he does, as they knew I was a law student. He mumbled that he was a television producer to which they replied, "What?" So he spoke up a little louder and repeated himself. All of a sudden their entire approach toward him changed. So yeah, never judge a guy in a hooded sweatshirt and skater shoes as just an Elvis impersonator, because he just may produce shows for a channel you frequently watch.

And he knows how to make an event out of searching for a quesadilla maker.

I love old friends. I also love new ones too. Happy Holidays!

Let me in let you in on a secret. I'm not a fan of Christmas.

To be frank I come from a disfunctional home, very disfunctional. I think the last true Christmas I had was when I was twelve? My parents divorced when I was ten and I lived with my dad from sixteen on. Dad doesn't do gifts, well Dad doesn't do much of anything festive. So I've always spent Christmas trying extra hard to make it special only to let myself down. J's family is kinda the opposite. They decorate and have a family dinner, exchange gifts, probably wear matching sweaters, a la the whole shebang! So when you throw me into the mix it ain't a pretty picture.

Now don't get me wrong! I'm an upbeat kind a gal UNTIL family appear, at which point I become the most pessimistic, defensive pursed mouth bitch. However, this year is different! I finally get to spend a Christmas the way I want to! Alone with J and the pups! I don't have anyone to please! I don't have anyone watching my reaction in opening gifts that I usually don't use! I don't have to pretend to be nice to my family only to please other members of my family! It's going to be wonderful!

You may be wondering why I have the feelings I do about Christmas (oh and Thanksgiving too). My mother, well, let's just say she is usually busy with my step dad's family on Christmas. I wouldn't have any problems spending it with her as she lives on a beautiful lake in a city I adore, but I would never hear the end of it from Dad, who would view my choice as choosing her over him. And for him, well, I just don't like seeing anyone spend Christmas alone, which is usually why I sacrificed my own feelings. J's family...they want J all to themselves during the holidays. His family isn't very big and now they all live in the same city but for some reason they choose major holidays to see each other. In fact, his mother gets upset when he is not there. But she never had to spend a Christmas or a Thanksgiving away from her family since J's dad died 15 years ago and wasn't close to his own family. They usually plan Christmas six months in advance and tend to be pushy folks if you haven't made your mind up. I had lived with J for just two weeks when they asked if I had purchased plane tickets for Christmas yet. His family is one area of tension in our relationship. I feel like they don't respect that I have a family of my own that I'd like to spend time with during the holidays, which requires travel time and I feel like their notion of Christmas doesn't match my own. And if you haven't gathered already, I'm pretty judgmental.

Here is my main problem, why do I have to get gifts for people I only hear from once a year (and conviently right before their birthday as if to remind me to also send a gift)? I am closer to my busdriver, but I don't get her anything. Was a memo sent out changing Christmas to Giftmas? These ADULTS, not children because I think gifts are fine for them, DO NOT NEED ANYTHING! And yet J and I got into a recent tiff about how much we were spending on his brother and sister-in-law and how they don't talk to us. It bothers me that they EXPECT gifts, but not an actual relationship with their family.

My family works differently. We don't expect gifts and only give them if we want to. It works well. My sister usually spends time with mom, my brother is usually safe in jail, and I usually take one for the team and have Christmas breakfast at the truck stop with Dad. My family just knows how unrealistic it is to get everyone together. It's something I've grown to appreciate over the years. With regards to J's family, I guess it's just difficult for me to suspend my values and practices for a family that I don't always feel welcome in. I also feel like I am constantly defending myself and my decisions to his family and I feel like respect is completely absent.

But this year I get to do whatever I want, and it's everything I've ever wanted. So J and I will be walking the pups, having dinner with new friends, maybe watch a movie and just being us.

I can't wait to pick him up from the airport tomorrow! Ten whole days with my partner in crime is the perfect gift. This is what Christmas should be all about. This is the kind of Christmas I wish for you!

I have a problem with preachy people. You know, the type that always want to tell you what to do, how to save the world and what you're doing wrong. Now I'm all for respecting peoples' opinions and agreeing to disagree however others aren't so respectful.

In law school these people are the ones who are quick to tell you why you're wrong and how smart they are when it comes to politics and history, sometimes even life experiences. Most of my close friends know that I usually play a character, my "I'm just a dumb florist" when these individuals spout off. It's a joke to myself and others in the know since the truth is I'm actually well-educated, well-traveled, and opinionated. I seldom talk about myself and instead let my "I'm just a dumb florist" mode speak for itself because when it's used I find most people treat me in a condescending manner, only later to find out that I'm not so dumb.

Outside of law school, these people are usually what I'll call liberal hippies. The types who shop at co-ops, recycle, work at used book shops, and hang out in coffee shops. I should know as I am a recovering hippie, (still liberal though). These people drive me crazy because no matter what I do, it is never enough in their eyes. I recycle, but since I don't recycle straws I'm not doing my share to save the planet. I've got news for you, some plastics cannot be recycled! The co-ops and Whole Foods aren't always accessible for me which means I must be evil for not driving the extra miles to spend my dollars there. Oh! By the way, I recently drove for the first time in four months! And I drove a Prius, a good choice car. This means that I've walked, carpooled or rode the bus where I needed to go. But as I'm still relying on a gas powered vehicle I suppose this ain't enough to save the planet either. Other things include books, music and movies to watch to open and expand my mind. What? I'm not well-read enough for you already? Why do you care? Do you get a toaster if you convert me?

So here's my new response to these people. Stop judging and get a job! If you care about our planet, our society (regardless of how pessimistic you view it), then get a job and enter the real world. The one where people are struggling to make ends meet and have no choice but to shop at WalMart. A world where bus routes are inconvenient because time is money. One where the choice between working and staying home with your kids is a feminist issue. See how the church acts as a support network in good times and bad. Stepping outside of your small city block to see what the real world is like is not going to kill you.

Oh and stop telling people how irresponsible they are when they don't do their share to save the planet or educated themselves. You're just as irresponsible for living off student and family loans, and in thinking you can forever protect yourself from cruel societal pressures by staying in a book shop or college forever. Grow up. If you expect me to listen to your words then I expect you to do the same.

I'm tired of being judged. I'm off to Christmas shop in the hopes that my few dollars will at least contribute to someone keeping their job through the holiday season. Yeah, capitalism is a bitch but I happen to enjoy the idea of choice within a market.

Have I cleaned the house?
Have I sold my books back?
Have I gone Christmas shopping?
Have I done anything productive?

No, no, no, and no. I have done nothing but watch tv and veg for the last week and it's been wonderful. I'm still getting my winter break reading list together, and trying to decide if or when I'll observe some courtrooms, but other than that nothing! Nada! Zip!

I think I've been on a blogging vacay long enough so starting tomorrow look for regular law and non-law posts. I've got a lot on my mind and plenty of time on my hands to ponder thoughts all day.

I realized that it's impossible for me to feel completely prepared for an exam. It also seems so unnatural to completely switch gears after an exam and move on to the next subject. Dropping one subject after spending so much time on it and moving to the next is strange. I also found that the day after an exam I was pretty much useless. I joked that unbeknowst to me I was somehow attacked by zombies as I had no energy and could not focus at all. Make note--no focus still means you have to somehow focus, which translates into "not cool."

I now envy the fact that my best friend read romance novels throughout her law school days. I wish I could do the same. I suppose I could read romance novels now that exams are over but it wouldn't be the same. Maybe it was her zombie like moment?

Exams--eh. I hand wrote them this semester and I now realize that I could benefit from typing them next semester. It's not that I can't type, its moreso that I can't organize my thoughts well and type at the same time. I think its something that I'm going to try to work on over the break. Yes, I'm crazy. I'm going to continue to take torts exams over break so that I learn how to think through these crazy questions and exams.

After each exam some friends and I went out to eat and relaxed. We didn't talk about the exams, we didn't talk about the next exam, we just chillaxed. It was exactly what we needed and it's nice to know that when all things are said and done you've got friends to turn. More importantly, you've got friends who will understand you're too exhausted to talk. You have no idea how many waiters I thrilled by having them decide my entire meal, down to what I drank and what I had for dessert!

One thing I can't help but think about is my exam questions. I find myself still issue-spotting or rethinking my application of certain rules. Oh well, there's nothing I can do now. I just wish it wouldn't pop into my head at random points in the day. Our property professor said that the usual A only gets about 60% of the issues, so I guess I shouldn't feel too bad.

Exams completely drain you. I took the longest shower today and completely scrubbed myself. I haven't felt attractive in weeks. I haven't eaten as healthy as I should. And sleep is slowly coming back to me. I've got five weeks before I start the process over again and I'm going to hone in on being lazy. In other words, no, I don't plan on starting my early assignments any time soon.

I was trying to explain to my dad how draining exams are. He doesn't quite get it. But then again he did learn how to use a laptop today and now has e-mail. ("Why do I need e-mail when I'm surrounded by cows?") He asked me if I thought I did ok, to which I responded "meh." Then he asked me if I had talked about the exam with a classmate he met. I said no because just talking about the exam and how other people approached the questions can drive you insane. He still didn't see what the big deal was and looking back I can say that I didn't think talking about your exams would pose a problem. Oh how I was wrong! I had to politely ask others around me to not talk about the exam, I had to be rude at times, I had to stand my ground and not let others destroy my perfect post-exam bliss. I suppose I shouldn't call it bliss, however there was a zen-like calmness to being done with an exam.

Next semester, I hope to have similar thoughts on exams. I also hope that my civil procedure outline is done before the exam...but I'm not going to think about that now.

Fellow blogger Gudnuff asked some good questions about the Client Counseling Competition so I thought I would address them in another post.

Client counseling is a skill some lawyers regularly do. I first learned about it in our legal research and writing class because we had to practice interviewing each other and suggest avenues of potential action. It makes complete sense that a lawyer would interview a client, however I never really thought of it as a learned skill before law school. Lawyers are always meeting with clients so it makes sense to think about and practice how you would organize an initial interview.

The competition had no affect on our grades. If you won or advanced to the next level I suppose it gave you bragging rights. My partner and I didn't spend too much time preparing for it and overall it was a good experience. The judges gave us good feedback on how well we questioned, listened and put our client at ease. I know that I don't take criticism well so it was an opportunity to receive some good constructive criticism and continue to learn how to accept it gracefully.

I'm all about putting myself in uncomfortable positions. I'm not the best at networking so the more I put myself into awkward shoes, the more I learn how to relax and network in a non-cheesy fashion. One of the judges was an attorney that talked to us earlier in the semester about an externship I was interested in. Because he was there and I recognized him I was able to ask him more questions about the externship and continue to get face time with him. So I suppose the competition was worth it just for that.

Again, I would recommend it to all law students if you have the opportunity. It was fun to talk with local attorneys and get to know my partner better. If anything it's an excuse to wear a suit!

My school recently held it's Client Counseling Competition and I have to say that it was fun competing in it. As the competition neared, my partner and I seriously wanted to withdraw as we had our last memo due. But we stayed in and had a great experience.

The thing about partner counseling is that it's harder than you would think it to be. You have to make sure that each of you is sharing the floor AND making the client as comfortable as possible. It's also difficult asking questions because you don't know what questions your partner wants to ask and you also don't want to interrupt your client. We didn't advance to the next round and were happy about that. It was a really good experience and I would encourage all law students to at least give it a try. Our judges and clients were local attorneys and judges so if anything you may have at least some time to network.

I had a criminal law exam yesterday.

It was hell. And I mean that in the wtf kind of hypothetical way. When I recapped the hypo to J he said, "WTF?" And I said, "yeah, tell me about it!"

I chose to hand write my exam for one major reason. There were only ten of us in the tiny room and we all weren't psychopaths. These nine people are good folk! We laughed, we wished each other luck, there was no psyching-me out moments, it was good clean fun. Whether they know it or not these classmates kept me calm and confident, something I desperately needed for my first exam. I heard the typers were vicious. I just laughed.

I went into the exam laughing, full of my cheesy Meg Ryan confidence. I just kept picturing Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail doing her little boxing bit when she was pysching herself up for her fight against Fox Books. That was me yesterday and will be me on Friday, and twice again next week. Our professor said to go in and treat the exam like a three hour art project. Well, I glittered, I bedazzeled, and I puffy painted the crap out of that mess. And I think I did ok. I think I need to spend more time analyzing the facts to the rule, but overall I was ok with the exam. I had plenty to discuss. And most importantly I walked out of that room with the biggest smile. Take that jerks! I'm gonna psych you out with sheer confidence! So go ahead and gawk because my puffy paint, glittered, bedazzelness should make you shake in your boots!

I have finals. Imagine that!

So here is my blogging agenda:

• Had to update the template and lost links. I'm working on getting them all up but if you would like a shout-out link holla at me in the comments.
• Had my first final yesterday, will blog later today.
• Still playing catch up with "lawyerly" events that took place while the laptop died. So if you see odd posts, this is why.
  
• Desperately searching for ways to focus on exams, any tips?
• Have I mentioned my hatred toward certain fellow classmates yet?
• Updating you on my bird-roommate situation.
• A whole post on why mantras going into exams seems like a good thing.

Good luck to all of you on exams!!

And now I get to play catch up.

In some ways, I urge each and every one of you to have your computer crash two weeks before finals.

So I lost it, as in my hard drive, and everything on it. I privately cried and threw my tantrum and then went to class. Enough of my friends knew that I had lost everything that the word spread. This meant I had other classmates come up to me and say things like "aw, shucks! That's too bad!" I felt like they just wanted to feel better about themselves. I was surprised by the generosity of others though. Some offered to help me, offered me notes, outlines, whatever I wanted, all I had to do was ask. This whole losing my laptop experience really opened my eyes to who were good genuine people and who weren't. It doesn't help that all this happened so close to finals and just before my final memo was due.

Without a computer I was forced to use the computer lab. It was there that I had a bad day and I started to realize what complete jerks law students really are. You see, there is this guy in my legal writing class who got an A on his first paper. And because other people were stupid enough to brag about grades he learned where some people were at in the class. Now I obviously know my grade, which was good, but the way he talked about other people's grades somehow made me think he ruled me out as being within the top third. This upset me as I could not figure out what gave him the notion that I wasn't "smart" enough to be up there with his "competition." It's also hard to accept that you're not seen as smart to your classmates. I suppose this should be a good learning experience prior to grades however I can't help but feel like crap.

From that moment on I went into a "screw you" mode. This "screw you" mode involves being a complete jerk to all those I deem jerks. This meant that I avoided jerks at all times and wore earmuffs to keep my sanity. I made jokes, I goofed off, I laughed. I did everything I could to show that I was not going to let these people get to me. I now know what it means to stay far away from any and all law students. They truly try to suck the very life out of you. Some will try to psych you out, others will try to only discuss obscure sub-rules of the material, others still will go on and on about how amazing their outlines are. Well folks, it ain't working on me!

In classic Cartman style my motto has been, "Screw you guys, I'm going home!"

Some of you may have noticed my disappearance from the blogosphere in the last week. Well, there is plenty to say about that, but not enough time to devote to it.

In a nutshell:

My computer died Wednesday November 19th. As I didn't backup my notes as frequently as I should have, and the only copy of my memo was on my laptop I went straight into banshee mode. Nothing was recoverable and I'm grateful that I chose to take notes by hand in the majority of my classes. So, I ran around like a chicken without its head and managed to turn in a crappy second memo and am now working on my outlines for finals. J, the wonderful boyfriend that he is, bought me another laptop since we were skeptical that a new hard drive would arrive soon enough for me to take exams. So the lesson to be learned is to sign up for either Mozy or regularly back up all notes! Go! Do it now!

Ok. So now I'm in finals mode and staying away from law school as much as possible! More to come but for now I've got to transfer my notes, set up Exam Soft, and get back to practice exams and outlines. I'm beat already and finals haven't even begun.

Issue: Is the issue that some of my classmates are driving me into depression and a constant state of irrationality present or my mind's creation?

Rule: When finals are approaching your fellow law student classmates will do whatever it takes to make you feel less of a person and make you question your humanity.

Application: My fellow law students have been very vocal about how much studying they've already done, how concise their outlines are, how their memos are finished and how they've already completed several practice exams. Some just make you feel inadequate in general in that they're quick to respond to any review question, small assignment, hypothetical, etc.

Conclusion: I don't like being around law students right now. It's not good for my health as they are a constant reminder of all the things I: 1) haven't done; 2) want to do; 3) want to find time to do; and 4) the reason why I don't study at the law library.


These people are driving me crazy and we have two weeks until our first final. I'm off to meditate as I don't do well with crazies surrounding me.

Well, I received my final grade on my first memo. I should be very happy with myself however the grade is just confusing. Let's say I got a K+ on the first draft and the same for the final. While I should be happy I feel like I didn't improve because I have the same grade.

In other realms of my legal life, I had a breakdown with my legal writing professor today. Our final memo is due next week and it seems like everyone around me has their drafts nearly done. I am far, far from that reality. In fact, I have a skeleton memo and I can't even make a Halloween reference.

The pressure is really starting to hit me. I don't think I've ever had to juggle so many things at once. And they ain't easy tasks! Yesterday I went to bed a 9pm because I was just done. Kaput! Finito! And I felt guilty that I couldn't even review my measly little outlines.

I'm also trying to reconcile a "friendship" here in law school land. And I think this is a big reason why I've felt so drained. I'll save that one for another time... maybe I'll IRAC it for ya!

My fortune cookie today said: "Counting time is not so important as making time count."

I think it's obvious what this means...I need to seriously buckle down and outline, outline, outline!

What scares me is that I don't think I'm the best at IRAC. So any tips on how to do awesome analysis and issue spotting?

Or for you 1Ls, how are you approaching our first exams?

Have I mentioned to you that I have a closed memo from hell? Have I mentioned that even though it is closed my classmates spend a lot of time discussing it with each other? I don't know how I feel about this. On one hand I want to discuss it with people. On the other hand, knowing the memo is curved, I don't want people discussing it as I think it may give them an unfair advantage. I also see the point in learning how to do this by yourself. I really wish our professor would elaborate on how closed this memo really is.

When your professor practically spoon feeds you your first memo and cuts the umbilical cord for the second, you quickly learn you're like a deer in headlights.

I also hate that I only have two weeks for this memo. HA! Two weeks! I'm just waiting to have my ass served to me when I learn in the real world two weeks is too long.

Let's just hope that my deer in headlights moment doesn't flatten me into roadkill.

Then again, I'm starting to feel like roadkill with all this on my plate.

Butterflyfish once commented that it looks like I'm taking this whole law school thing seriously. Here is where I disappoint her.

With exams only 33 days away I decided to pick up the Twilight series. You know, the teenage vampire romance series everyone is talking about? Let me say that again, the teenage vampire romance series.

At first I was quite embarrassed to admit that I was reading these books. I mean, I'm not in high school, or undergraduate, and I'm over the age of 25. There is a part of me that doesn't even considered this literature. When you can buy the book at Walmart you know something is wrong. Now I laugh because this series has got to be one of the best reads for a law student taking property, torts, and criminal law.

Seriously, they are worth reading. Especially if you lack a life due to constant studying and have driven all your friends away with your legalese.

Reasons why YOU as a law student should start reading about teenage vampires:

• ISSUE SPOTTING--you would be amazed at how many torts are embedded within the story. And they're not just intentional torts because Bella, the main character, finds her way into many negligent situations as well. Granted a vampire will almost always have intent but what type of intent is it really?
• Distinguishing between murder and voluntary manslaughter. It takes the whole "heat of passion" to a new level. Was the vampire hungry and thus intended to kill? Or was it "heat of passion?"
• For property, I found an equitable servitude and of course trespass and abandoned property.
• Thinking of taking Indian Law? One of my best lawyer friends wondered if she should ask her professor about jurisdiction if the Indian morphs into a werewolf like the Quileute members do.
• Mediation opportunities galore! Vampires and werewolves aren't exactly fond of each other and when you put them in the same town there is bound to be conflict.

Trust me, the issue spotting alone has made this read so much more enjoyable! Now if I could only find time to finish the last book...

Sometimes I wonder if I'm wrongly going about this whole law school thing. I am beginning to lose my focus in the reading. I am beginning to not review concepts after class. I often feel like my classmates have a better handle on the subject matter than I do. I no longer type out my briefs but instead do some very thorough book briefing. I try to read supplements for each of my classes, but I can't help but think I'm not doing enough. And I don't even have the time to add anything in because it has been taking me longer to get through the reading when I have such crappy focus skills.

I want to escape. I want a huge pile of leaves to jump into. I want an armchair, a pot of tea, a good book and a scenic view to look up at in between well-written sentences. I want a break.

But I cannot have one. I have a full plate and then some.

Did I mention that another memo in the making only makes things worse? Did I mention I have company coming this weekend? Did I mention that I didn't invite them? Did I mention I have a networking event with the judicial community that I also have to put my game face on for and go to?

Buckling down is not fun. Tell me it gets better...

I was invited to crappy garage band. They tried to lure me in with free vodka, but I already had beer in my hands, as I was trying to prove to J was a shitty band they really are.

Wow! I'm worthy of garage band dudes. My evening is better!

Picture this: You're sitting at your desk trying to find the relevant rule for your second memo that is due in two weeks. You've spent the day reading, thinking about all the outlining left to do, and avoiding household chores. You're immersed in WestLaw when all of a sudden the house next to yours decides to start a band. A REAL CRAPPY ROCK BAND. THE KIND THAT SUCKS. I only wish it was Rock Band. My dream of it just being really loud music was crushed when they played that one song over and over again. (OMG, they were just practicing their scream like yells...this is too much.) And yet I'm still plugging along...somehow...am in a zone? Hmm...



Now picture this: Your friends at an election party having a grand old time. There is beer, GOOD beer, the kind you haven't had in awhile because you've got no reason to drink beer. And there are stories to be told, of which you miss out on because you're doing the above.



Now explain to me why law school is worth it again? This is so very, VERY LAME!





Screw it! I'm drinking alone tonight. Or better yet CHEERS to all y'all celebrating the end of election season!

I voted last week thanks to early voting. I'm glad I did because I've heard about too many long lines today and I didn't even have to wait when I went.



Voting has usually been a private and conflicted issue for me. This is my third presidential election, the second I've been able to vote in. I was not able to vote in 2000 because I was overseas and the voting process through my embassy was not worth it. Friends were appalled that I didn't vote however in my defense "they" (whoever those men were that were doing the counting) weren't really concerned with overseas votes until after the election, and even then they were mostly concerned with Florida residents living abroad. It really was a pain to vote and I'm still skeptical about whether the votes abroad are recorded correctly.



In 2004, I lived in a red state and knew my vote wouldn't necessarily change the electoral count. I'm not a fan of our electoral system. I also felt compelled to vote for the "lesser of two evils," something I reflected upon quite a bit during this election. Eventually I'd like to be able to say that I voted for a candidate without having to take my stances on certain issues into account.



And now, after eleven years, I'm excited. I look forward to the change in the adminstration. I look forward to seeing Justice Stevens finally get to retire, and seeing possible change in the Supreme Court. I look forward to paying attention to my President's voice again. Maybe this time around I'll be able to hear what the VP is doing rather than play "Where's Dick Cheney?" Maybe now I'll feel less apathetic about politics.

There is a month before finals...do you know where your outlines are?

Don't worry, I'm not in the mood to discuss law school. I am in the mood to discuss match making! You may recall that one of my dearest friends is single and that I am way too eager to set her up. She likes to say I'm pushy. And I am. And I know it. But I need someone to vicariously live through and her card was pulled from the hat.

So...my friend "Bob" broke up with his girlfriend and apparently I was the last person to find out. But it's a good thing I did because S is throwing an election party and guess who is going! Well, not me since I live so far away now, but J and the not so silent Bob are going. I only wish I could be there to watch the sparks fly! Ok, now I'm being lame. Super lame. Because the possibility that no sparks may fly is out there...and I don't like it.

I just want more than anything to see these two "nice gal/guy finish last" types happy. And while I know I've built expectations into my head I can't help but smile when I think of the two together. This time tomorrow she will have ripped my head off and told me how stupid I am for thinking she would find him attractive. But at least I'll know who the next president will be and my attention will again be deflected to something else.

Courtesy of People.com

I was talking to one of my favorite people yesterday and she asked me if I was still sure about my decision to go to law school. It was weird since I was just thinking about this myself. I still stand behind my decision, however I'm at the point in the semester where I'm questioning my stamina. I know that I want to be a lawyer. I know that the skill set lawyers use is one that appeals to me. What I question is the drive to get there, to get beyond these next three years.

I'll be honest, I'm not exactly loving the material here. I struggle to stay awake in property and just struggle in general in anything civ pro related. So I guess the material is just bringing me down.

Hopefully learning about externships next week will be that invigorating pulse I need to jump start my battery before finals...

I participated in this meme over at butterflyfish's place and so now the meme is here.

Leave a comment on this post, (any ole comment will do), and I will comment back the following:

a) Tell you why I [first read your blog]
b) Associate you with something -- a song, color, photo, etc.
c) Tell you something I like about you.
d) Tell you a memory I have of you [hint, it will probably be from a blog post].
e) Ask you something I've wanted to know about you.
f) Tell you my favorite userpic from your list [N/A]
g) In return, you need to post this on your own [blog].

So, comment if you want in, and I'll finish my responses by Sunday. So for those procrastinators out there like me you have awhile to comment!

By the way, I'd like to hear from any lurkers out there! I know you're out there!

As for butterflyfish's question: "What has been the biggest surprise so far?"

I would have to say the biggest surprise for me is the workload. I never feel caught up and I feel guilty when I'm not studying. You guys were serious about the amount of studying! My classmates' maturity level falls closely behind.

The new quiz is here and the story behind the revamped U.S. naturalization test can be found here. Any thoughts?

Oddly enough I received a perfect score. I'll add that to my perfect 80's movie quiz scores from Facebook! Golly, I'm smart. I should admit that if I took this test orally I would have lost. I think half the ease for me was recognizing the answers from the list. So maybe I'm not so smart...


via Equal Justice Works Blog

You know your life is crap when babies eat better than you.

I'm just waiting for Anthony Bourdain to admit that his daughter exited the womb with a cigarette dangling from her lips. How that man still has taste buds is beyond me.

What Five Things do you do to Stay Sane?

1. Veg, as in not think, for at least an hour a day. After lectures and briefing my mind needs a break! My dogs usually assist with this daily task.
2. Read a good book or magazine every once in awhile. I am still desperately trying to work this into my schedule...I usually end up feeling guilty though.
3. Sleeping in until 8am, or just sleep in general.
4. Cuddling up with a pot of tea and a blanket on a snowy or rainy dreary day. I love the peacefulness of snow. It has a wonderful calming effect on me.
5. J's hugs. They are practically perfect in every possible way.

You? Come on! It's an easy gimme blog post!

Hat tip to Marginal Revolution

Via Jezebel.

This post is just to notify you that I am neither of the above. In fact, I most likely have been labeled a law nerdette by the above as they avoid my very existence. I find this fascinating since it is obvious that they work to ignore my presence and they are absolutely stupid in thinking they can avoid people they deem unworthy for three years. Someone should tell them that their behavior now will only follow them into the future. I just can't wait until the day they acknowledge me in some fashion because it will be the day I sarcastically respond by introducing myself and pointing out that "you know, I don't think I've EVER seen you before!" HELLS TO THE NOS I AIN'T OFFERING ANY ASSISTANCE? WHAT? YOU NEED A PARTNER? YOU NEED NOTES? YOU WOULD LIKE CLARIFICATION ON A POINT? Go eff yourself after looking up decency and kindness.

Prior to law school I really wanted to believe that law school was not "high school with booze." However, over half way through my first semester I cannot think of a better way to explain it. The immaturity runs rampant here...and it just fascinates me.

Oh how I wish I was a sociology grad student!

So I had two midterms last week: property and torts. They were both ungraded and just for us to get a sense of what an exam looks like. I have another one this week in Civil Procedure, but it's more of a review session and not an exam. They went well for the most part. My only concern was that I didn't utilize the tort elements well enough. For example, making sure I discuss intent for each intentional tort. I swear there were at least twenty potential causes of action and we had two hours to play with.

So, in your opinion is it more important to get through as many potential causes of action as possible? Or should I take the time to (somewhat) thoroughly discuss each cause of action I see it and not worry that I may not get to each issue I find?

This is where I realize that reading Getting to Maybe would be of great help!

Remember how I said I was going to try taking baby steps towards more blawg? Well, welcome to my new installment! I'm going to try to pull pieces from the blawg-o-sphere and post them here. Then we can chat via comments!

I've been really busy lately which means I've been behind on my Reader. Consequently, this first Reader installment will be a long one...

Canadian Judge Tells Woman Not to Call the Police if Battered Again WTF? Seriously? WOW!

TIME magazine, "Women Who Don't Support Palin are Just Jealous Little Girls" The idea that women don't like Palin because they're jealous little girls is just absurd. I'm a woman. I think for myself. I worked hard to graduate college and I spend time formulating my opinions. To say that women don't like Palin because they're jealous continues to stereotype women as lacking the ability to formulate their own opinions.

Why Cosmo Magazine is Fabulous I laughed so hard over this one! "It's like The Onion for feminists." So true!

Law Against Sagging Pants Ruled Unconstitutional My classmates should be happy. For some strange reason I was under the impression that the women in my class would refrain from thong showing. Oh how wrong I've been! Do not have expectations for your classmates in terms of professional dress! It does no good!

Supreme Court will not hear Troy Davis' Case Sad, disappointing, and frustrating...

Law School and GPA not indicative of long term success HOORAY! Quick and easy piece to boost your self-esteem as we near finals!

20 Top Crime Stories There are some good ones. I'm interested in which one you found most interesting. I'm leaning toward gorillas...

I promise you that it's lovely!

(Hat tip to Feminste)

I read an article awhile ago about where all the female law bloggers are and I had to laugh to myself. Of the bloggers I personally know the majority are women. Most of the law student blogs I link to are also women, so we are out there. While a law student blog is not the same as a law blog I like to think that it still counts as a law blog. I try to use blogging to record my adventures, frustrations, questions and concerns as a female learning law. While my substance may not be legally inclined I do feel like it counts for something. I know that one of my personal goals is to blawg more as it helps me define my thoughts in various areas. Now if I only had more time to devote to this goal!

Professor Mary Dudziak over at Legal History Blog also wrote on the subject. She lists some great tips for bloggers in general and encourages us all to use linking in a networking like fashion. It helps us support each other as bloggers and hopefully brings us new blogs to read. I know my taste in blog reading is always changing and I know that I've been appreciative of blogs linking to me.

And of course Feminist Law Professors also addressed the piece with a list of Female Voices in the Legal Blogosphere.

I'm slowly realizing, as I thought I would, that it does mean something to be a woman in law school and eventually in law. After learning from the ABA that in 2007 female lawyers made up only 30.1% of total lawyers I feel compelled to take some baby steps and really start trying to assert myself and report more on women and legal issues on this blog. After all, it is called a WOMAN in law school.

Just do me a favor and let me know when I need to lighten up a bit!

I promise you a juicy midterm post next week! I piggity promise!

Until then know that I:

• studying for midterms requires discipline;
• it's hard to have discipline when midterms are open notes;
• it's also hard to focus knowing that your midterm will not be graded.

Then there is crack like this that draws me in and has me searching for more. However, the Bambi reference disturbed me...

I guess I better work on my outlines...how are yours coming along?

We recently got back our memos, which means that I have an inkling of where I stand in my legal research and writing class. I'm not going to discuss my grade with you but I will discuss how odd it was to wait for the paper to be returned. My classmates were practically in tears waiting for their papers. Our professor actually brought tissue and for the third time, he went over the dreaded law school curve, how legal writing is a learning process, how we aren't going to be in the top of our class anymore, etc. I couldn't believe this! Really?

There was so much stress in the room I couldn't take it. I'm one of those people who inadvertently takes on other people's stress and just sitting there was making me ill. The one thing I was happy about was that I was ok about getting a bad grade. Law school is a learning process and I was prepared to maturely accept my grade. And I did just that.

Grades can be a very humbling experience. I just wish my fellow classmates would realize this rather than getting upset. Oh! But we did have that one person who gloated about their grade!

And yesterday, this same person "worked" on her paper before class, so her paper just sat there for the whole world to see. Really? I felt like asking her if she was planning on announcing her other grades as well. In some ways I'm surprised by her ego, however in other ways I'm really not surprised. In many ways I think she is our class gunner, as best defined by the urban dictionary of course!

Dear S,

I promised you some serious stuff when it comes to dating. I also promised you that I would refrain from ever suggesting a guy for you again, but we both know that ain't gonna happen.

So I give you a lovely guide to online dating for lawyers!

And once you're done you can set up your online profile over here!

Cheers!

Me

I "follow" several blogs around the blogosphere to help me stay sane and somewhat cultured. Yes, cultured, because a blog can open your eyes to many things. One of the blogs I enjoy is Law and Letters. Not only does Belle keep me up to date on her dissertation, sociological issues, new food recipes and 90's references, she also posts poetry on Sundays. Well, she used to but I don't think she does anymore. So while my poet does not compare to the likes of William Carlos Williams it does provide either deep thoughts or belly laughs, depending on how you view her work.

So, ladies and gentlement I bring you: The Poetry of Sarah Palin

This represents my feelings when my school schedules student involvement meetings, special lectures, and networking opportunities during my breaks. For once I'd like to be able to study or review for class during these times.

Yes, I know it's a little late but I thought I would admit that I'm not shocked that Sarah Palin could not list any additional Supreme Court cases other than Roe v. Wade. When I first heard this I asked myself if I could list any, that is prior to law school, and yep, I could. I could list about six by name/issue. I thought that was pretty good considering a basic college background, however I thought it was somewhat disappointing for a politician. Would she have done better in listing Alaskan Supreme Court issues? I think not.

What I've since found interesting is the comments on the Volokh Conspiracy's Palin on the Supreme Court post. I recommend reading through some of them as they are entertaining and enlightening.

Above the Law also has an interesting comment thread regarding what specific number a VP candidate should be able to throw out in conversation.

As a side note, eventhough I'm not particularly fond of Palin I will say that the overt sexism surrounding her troubles me as a feminist. I found myself cringing at the "I'd bag her" commentary throughout these threads.

First Monday is the opening day for the Supreme Court. This means that as a new law student I should probably try to follow what goes on during session. Notice I said probably...

I'll admit that I rely on NPR Morning Edition for my news. I don't have time to scan a paper and Renee Montagne and Steve Inskeep provide me just enough to get by. This morning they had a brief summary of what is before the court this term. They mentioned a sexual harassment case and I'm interested in looking at the issue before the court.

If you're looking for more than a news snipit I would try the SCOTUS blog for all things Supreme Court. It's at least one blog you could justify reading while trying to stay awake in class...

In a previous post I admitted my odd feelings about wanting other classmates to do poorly. Since I received an anonymous comment telling me to practice being a member of the human race I thought I would clarify my feelings. As to practicing being a member of the human race all I can do is continue to reflect on what it means to be human and how I would like to contribute to society. (I'm sure those of you who actually know me are laughing at the thought that I lack compassion.)

There is something to be said about having on average three boozing opportunities a week at my law school. What that something is time will tell. The line has been drawn between those classmates who like to party and those who have yet to make it to a social function. I wonder how these more social classmates are able to keep up in their coursework and socialize. I barely have time to clean my house and have to force myself to take time out to cook a decent meal. So yes, I admitted that I feel strange in wanting some of my classmates to do poorly but I don't think it makes me less of a human being, nor a bitch for admitting a thought that has probably gone through several law students' minds. I'm not the first. When there is curve there is an odd feeling of comfort knowing who is not studying, not coming to class having read the material, or not coming to class at all. I'll say it again--it's an ODD feeling and is one that I don't necessarily want or welcome.

Think about it. If you're going out on the weekends to get drunk as several of my classmates do you are losing prime study time. I'm not going to be sympathetic towards these individuals come finals. I'm not saying that you can't socialize, I'm just questioning how much effort is being put into studying if you're focused on where you're drinking tonight. And it's not that I don't socialize, I'm just finding that I have to plan to do it very wisely, which sucks.

If pointing out that choosing to regularly booze over studying makes me a bitch then so be it. It just seems like a poor choice to me. It also seems obvious that those who make this choice will possibly regret it come finals.

As I attempt to continue to hold my place in the bloggosphere I would like to know your blogging tips. I am mainly interested in figuring out how some of you find the search terms that people use to get to your blog AND how you know what areas of the country people are reading your blog. Any additional blog maintenance tips would be helpful as well.

I'm not one to really follow my traffic but I am curious about what brings readers here.

Ok! I'm off for a fun filled day of property and torts! Now if I only possessed a tort to devour in the process...

Can there be such a thing as having too many social invitations during law school?

For some reason there is never a shortage of boozing opportunities at my law school (three just this weekend), of which I have conflicting thoughts:

• If I go I'm losing out on prime study time, not to mention falling behind and not getting to all the other things my school reminds me I should be doing like outlining, reviewing, hypotheticals, etc.
• If I don't go I run the risk of labeling myself anti-social and lose out on getting to know my classmates outside of class.
• I want others to go so that they fall into my first bullet point. Since there is a curve I want to feel confident that there are people who will do poorly.* Whoever said law school isn't competitive can kiss my arse. I feel strange admitting this.
  
• I fear that my school sees networking and boozing as the same thing.
• I'm overwhelmed with having to choose between events that fall during the same time.
• I'm already exhausted and have no clue how others are able to juggle the studying AND the socializing.
• Again, see bullet point three.

*I wanted to use the word fail, however that would just make me sound like a complete selfish bitch and I like to pretend those words aren't true when it comes to the awesomeness I exude.

I took this from J.D. Maybe

1. I don't wear printed clothing or pieces that have their label embazzed on the front.
2. I don't drink cola and it's not due to any religious belief.
3. I talk to my dogs as if they are people and pretend they talk back.
   
4. I have had four ex-boyfriends who have had long hair.
   
5. I don't like sandwiches of any kind.
   
6. I sleep with a sleeping mask on.
7. I don't like roller coasters but ride them anyway.
8. I blog because I have a fear of writing and want to be a better writer.
9. I have been famous for my facial expressions, oftentimes they get me into trouble.
   
10. I have visited a number of countries but never another continent, they've only been islands.
    

Lawful Lady tagged me! But as my Tuesdays really are torturous, I'm glad to have take this blogging break.

Here are the instructions:
I list 5 non-law blogs that I like and think you should check out. Then, I list five law blogs with which you should also check out.

1. Feministing: As a woman I like to keep up on womanly things. As a feminist I like to see who's trying to screw me over as a woman. This site keeps me abreast of both and has plenty of humor scattered between the comments and the posts.

2. Prettier than Napoleon: I like her. I like that she survived law school, knits and cooks. She also reads and reading is very sexy.

3. Go Fug Yourself: No explanation is needed. However if you need one, IMNobody does an excellent job explaining this gem of a blog.

4. Marginal Revolution: It's where I go for market news. I'm a total nerd. And J is always talking about something he read there and what my thoughts are so I've got to keep up on it. I learn interesting things there.

5. Tequila Red: A blog that is no more. I loved this blog! She is hilarious!


Now for the tagging: And since I hate choosing people I tag the last five people who commented on this blog.

1. Fox Law: A place for sarcasm and tunes.
2. J.D. Maybe: A woman who always has an interesting story.
3. Politely Obscene: A new blog for me to read! Yeah! I'm pickled!
4. A (Non) Token Minority Law Student: Another woman with quirky tales about law school.
5. Law Ingenue: I love her tips!

and extra bonus tag!
6: Taking the law into my own hands: I'm just curious as to what he reads!

It forces me to cut back on my blog reading and thus not participate in this!

Oh, how much better my Friday would have been!

Apologies to anyone sensitive to the title of this. I just haven't had a date in a long time and can honestly say that I haven't done a lot of it.

I just spent an hour on the phone talking to a guy friend of mine who wants to ask out one of my favorite people in the whole world! I was excited because I think every single nice guy should ask her out. So my guy friend has decided that he wants to take her out HOWEVER I am not allowed to sneakily set them up NOR am I allowed to tell her that I have any role in this, and I don't. In fact I think it was merely the alcohol in J's system that suggested her to him, as J is very aware of the pure awesomeness that radiates from her. And she reads this so now there can really be no sneakiness. DRATS!

So what I'd like my friend to do is just go out with him. Have a nice dinner, a nice conversation and be done with it. Then she wouldn't be able to say that no one ever asks her out and she would be flattered by the thought that a guy thought enough of her to treat her to dinner. But knowing my dear, glorious friend I'm betting she won't do it. But why?

Why is it that some women out there just aren't interested in casual dating? And notice that I said dating and not sex. Isn't dating a way of meeting and weeding out potential mates? Has dating been replaced by e-mailing and text conversations?

My guy friend insisted that she know ahead of time that he would like to ask her out. He is tired of having friends suggest women to him only to find they aren't even interested in dating. Why do friends suggest other single friends if they know they'll turn dates down?! And he isn't crazy...he's sexy brilliant.

So dear fabulous favorite friend--go for it! If a man wants to buy you a nice meal and all you have to do is be your fabulous quirky self just do it! Isn't this what Sex and the City taught us? To enjoy life through friends and food? I'm sure you won't regret it. In fact you could love it. But I seriously doubt you would hate it.

I envy you. Seriously. I'll even let you take J as a chaperon if you want too. And here's the thing readers! He is interested in her intelligence, he wants a woman who can hold her own opinion and think for herself. I'd be sold in a heartbeat and it was the exact same thing that sold me on J, knowing that he found my intelligence attractive above all else.

In other news, my classmates are starting to hook up...and it is odd. Trust me, it's strange since it's difficult to keep straight at times. I'm also learning too much information such as who has given who mono thus far...eww...

I am curious about what you find annoying during class.

Here are a few annoyances of mine:

• LEG SHAKERS! Please stop! The noise and sight distract me.
• Texting, can't you wait an hour and a half?
• Watching your YouTube playlist. As mentioned previously I am totally sick of watching UFC clips during Torts!
• Asking questions to the professor as if no one else is in the room! SPEAK UP! USE OFFICE HOURS! The world does not revolve around you!
• Eating foods with noisy wrappers AND eating with your mouth open.

So, how 'bout you?

I was cold called today in Property and I hated it! Why? Because my professor doesn't call on students unless no one volunteers to present the case. I was pissed because she chose to call on people who don't speak up often. Well, yes I fall into that category HOWEVER I can count AT LEAST, fifteen other students who also don't speak up. And I have asked her questions on more than one occasion. It was a difficult case with difficult questions. Ugh...

I'm still trying to get that icky feeling out of my stomach...

My weekend was spent trying to get caught up and working on my office memo. I'm still not quite there but at least I am somewhere. The past couple of weeks have left many impressions in my already full noggin. One of which was a comment I overheard regarding non-traditional students. The comment, or myth as I like to call it, is that straight from undergraduate students have a better advantage in law school over those who took time off to work and are returning after a couple of years off from school. The advantage is that they somehow know how to study better...

WHAT?! WTF!

I forgot that working over 40 hours a week didn't mean anything. Working hard for my money was obviously something I failed to learn. I also really appreciate the fact that I DID NOT use any writing or analysis skills I actually learned as an undergraduate.* Further, this makes no sense what so ever for those of us who "worked" as graduate students.

So to hear that a small group of students seem to think they have an advantage over someone like me just makes me work harder. Sometimes I wonder where in the hell these people are coming from and where they get these crazy notions.



*Sarcasm intended

I found this funny so I thought I'd share it:

See what Sarah Palin would have named you!

Today I wished the following things would have happened:

• my property prof not skip the long case that I meticulously briefed. May I suggest just removing it from the syllabus reading?
• my legal writing and research prof to sit down with me and tell me like it is. I'm tired of his southern charm. I am not however tired of looking at him...so dreamy....
• my memo outline would have perfected itself instead of me looking at it with contempt
• have the guy in front of me actually take notes instead of watching boxing You Tube videos during the entire class.
• my kitchen visited by cleaning gnomes,
• my dinner prepared by Bobby Flay, and
• my insanity restored to pre-law school levels.

Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday and that I have exciting plans for the weekend...

Anyone noticing how fast time flies by when you're in law school?

How many of you have started outlining already?

It seems to me that everybody keeps reminding me that on top of all the reading, briefing, reviewing, synthesizing, that I should also be outlining? WHAT?!

I've started the process however I'm just curious as to what some of you think or are choosing to focus on right now...

Tuesdays are my hell days. I have three classes with no significant breaks in between. Add to this the fact that I'm up before dawn so that I can get to class on time. And I'm usually not on time because my bus route has been running behind lately.

So I thought I'd tell you a torturous moment that happened last week. There is a girl in my class who drives me up the wall. She interjects into my conversations in a manner that is not polite or humorous. Instead she interjects with the purpose of telling me I'm wrong...well kind of.

Take any subject, it could even be a subject you're an expert in, and she will not only tell you you're wrong but she will also do it in a manner that is so defensive that I have to step back and remind myself that I: didn't ask for her opinion, do know the subject matter, and am not arguing with her.

The stupidest example was over weather! She told me I didn't know cold weather and that I would be cold this winter. Now, I know some of you don't know where I live but let me tell you that I moved from a place that is FAR COLDER THAN HERE IN THE WINTER! But she INSISTED that I didn't "know" cold weather. She didn't even give me time, nor ask, where I had lived prior to this city. It was stupid! But I was a little upset.

Why? Because we're in law school, a place where many people are coming from many backgrounds with a plethora of opinions. To interject and condescendingly tell someone else that they're wrong is just lame. She is lame.

When I approached her about her defensiveness, because there was more than one instance where she did this to me--with the last one utterly pissing me off, she told me that she can agree to disagree. I disagree that she can agree to disagree, because she was still defensive about it.

So, all in all I just have to laugh, shake my head, and remind myself that she is stupid for not taking the time to listen to someone's opinion and experiences. She is devoiding herself of learning. Just because I'm not a professor doesn't mean that I lack knowledge.

I get on the bus and sit down to start reading for class. Minutes later I'm tapped on the shoulder by a woman who gives me an ad for a beauty salon. It lists the prices of services. I place it on the seat next to me and go back to my reading. A minute later the ad is rudely swiped away from me by her boyfriend. She scoffs and wonders out loud why I wouldn't take the card. Then she starts getting pissy to the back of my head. She proclaims that I must have nasty feet, shame on me for not taking care of my feet, tells me how stupid I am for turning such great deals down, and points out other women who took the ad.

At this point I just wanted to reach my hand up to motion for the card back, but I didn't. Instead I kept reading which angered her more. She then went on a tirade in English and Spanish about how stupid I was and what a dumb bitch I was. I found this humorous since I could understand everything she was saying, it's not like Spanish is a foreign language to me.

They get off and the back of my head feels better. Next time I'll take the card and bombard her with questions regarding the services. Then I'll make an appointment only to cancel later on. Yes, it's rude. But it's also rude to try to peddle your services and then torment those who turn you down. And I didn't even turn her down. All I did was place the card on the seat next to me.

• felt lost in Torts
• felt lost in Civil Procedure
• got called on in Torts for the first time and struggled my way through a difficult case. My torts prof likes to ask challenging questions and is not sensitive to those of us who are confused. But I made it, didn't cry, and have all my limbs intact.
  
• office hours turned out to be great and I feel much better about my understanding of Property.
• procrastinated way too long on Legal Research and Writing assignment but feel ok about it. Not too concerned since it's not graded.
• coming down with either sinus issues or a mild cold, either way my netipot has been getting some good use.
• played Word Twist with another law student and lost. I'll get you next time!
• played my first game of solitaire during class and am trying to resist the internet. Sometimes I wish we could just move on instead of going over other classmates' hypos.
  
• am realizing who is full of themselves, who really has no clue about law but likes to think they do, and who is genuinely nice.
  
• have identified and labeled the Mean Girls
• have been utterly exhausted.

Now for a fun weekend of work! I've been trying to get all my reading and briefing for the week 2/3s done on the weekends so I can just review at night. It hasn't been the greatest way to do things but so far it is working. I'm wondering when I'll ever have time to fit outlining and practice questions into my schedule?!

So tired...must brief...would rather sleep...

Things you get when plugging exhaustion into YouTube:

The Urban Chef's kind of exhaustion

Mad TV Celebrity Exhaustion 1

Mad TV Celebrity Exhaustion 2

I don't get why this is uploaded, but it has exhaustion in the title so it works!

Wish I had the energy to dance exhaustion style.

A cure for exhaustion? eh...not my cup of tea...

Don't hate me because I found this one funny...I'm that tired! (J will at least appreciate it!)

Today I will do something I have not done as a law student. I will visit a professor during office hours!

I'll admit that I'm a tad bit nervous since my school makes it sound like office hours are for serious matters only and should only be done via appointment.

So I made one and I'll be there with an agenda in my hand! (oh, crap...I still have to do that)

Wish me luck!

First of all, I don't know how law students find the time to read and brief each case, AND review them well enough to speak in class.

I have yet to really speak up in class. Why? Because I'm intimidated as hell! I feel like I'm not grasping the concepts as well as others and I know that the policy aspects of law don't come to me easily either. This makes for intimidating conversation. A question will be asked and by the time I think of my answer another question has already been posed.

So...I've been frustrated.

It also doesn't help that some of the cases used to illustrate ideas aren't the easiest to understand. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one in this boat.

So I've been rethinking my approach to briefing. After all, it is supposed to help me, not any other potential reader, just me--in figuring out what is going on in the case. I came across another fellow 1L's method and used it today. At first I thought it looked like a lot of work however I found that it's really not. I like how broken down everything is and how easy I can find things. It also works well with the manner some of my profs ask their questions. So I've adopted it and have been using it this weekend.

I'm still having trouble "pulling" out the rules from the cases. And, in general, my outlines kinda suck right now because of it. I'm at least glad that I'm trying to outline since there are some in my class that don't even brief...and openly admit it...hmmm.....

How about you? Any tips on briefing you'd like to share? Things that work or don't work?

I'm contemplating the whole different colored highlighting, but I'm worried that if I do that I'll end up not briefing. And for me briefing is synthesizing, just don't ask me what I'm synthesizing yet...

• when sitting at a table where students are having a causal conversation with an Associate Dean DO NOT interupt us, change the subject and start schmoozing. Bad form.
• when responding in class do not reverse the student/professor roles and say "Exactly!" when the professor clearly knows their material. They don't need your affirmations.
• when volunteering in class do not talk so loud that others are cringing from your voice. We can hear you! SHUT UP!
• do not leave class just to talk on your phone unless it's an emergency. Putting your phone down your pants and leaving class, EVERY CLASS, EVERY DAY, does not send a good impression and I don't care how smart you think you are.

As you can see the annoyances are starting to catch up with me. It's been a long day...

Because law students need to unite sometimes!

This also goes well with the letter I wrote myself.


Hair color: anonymously gorgeous

Every now and then I have these "what the hell was I thinking" moments. Usually it's due to my big mouth, poor taste in fashion (what do you mean leggings are sooo passe?) or bad perms.

Today my moment came when I looked at "added pictures" from maintenance man's Facebook profile. Maintenance man used to be my best friend in high school. It wasn't the best friendship for me. Take the plot of "Some Kind of Wonderful" and alter it so she doesn't get him in the end and you have something that resembles our strange journey.

Anyhoo, so he became my "friend." We don't really talk to each other, have nothing in common and I'm tempted to unfriend him but then I wouldn't be able to "watch" him. That sounds bad. I should clarify this. Specifically, I wouldn't be able to look at his pictures and think to myself "what the eff were you thinking!"

Seriously. You know you've done this. Thought someone was hot to only see them years later and just laugh at yourself. The funniest aspect of it for me is that he thinks he's a gift to women. Seriously. Think of all the skanky female MySpace and Facebook profiles you've seen and insert a man. It's just bad and yet each time I see that he's updated something I have a good laugh and remember how lucky I am to have J. (Even though his randomness drives me up the wall sometimes.)

One of the things about law school I'm not enjoying is how there is this "other" section. Who are they? Are they friendly? Do they have gunners and unfriendlies like my section? When do I get to meet them?

So far I haven't seen much intermixing of the two groups. In fact I think the administration is pitting us against each other...

However I was told by the only "other" I know that all the hot chicks are in my section.

Thanks...I think?

My weekend?

• Paid bills, did laundry, remembered to put soap in with laundry this time, cooked food.
• Bathed itchy dog, entered organic warfare with bugs of all kinds.
• Went to see a movie that I will not name because you would seriously lose any respect you have for me.
• Got locked out of the house due to shitty door knob and had to bust in using a credit card.
• Got new door locks.
• Went to bar to watch sports with J. Didn't watch sports but read torts! Yes, I'm cheating on J with my torts book at a bar...I know...I'm lame.
• Studied all day Monday.
  
• Now caught up for the week!
  

Dear Classmates,

Hi there. To those of you who are my new found friends, thanks. It's been nice to laugh with you thus far. But this post isn't for those of you who have been friendly, it's for the rest of the group.

Some of you may have noticed that I know and use your names even though we haven't met. Why? Because I'm friendly and we use name cards in every class so it's been super easy to know it. Yeah, imagine that! You see, I'm here to dispel the notion that you can go through law school without talking to your classmates.

So here is some advice. If I or someone else comes up to you and says "Hi, how are you?" try responding back. If I ask how your weekend was then respond. Say something! Say anything, just don't stand there all quiet and blank! Do you realize how hard and awkward it is to try and have a conversation with someone who clearly doesn't want to? Furthermore, do you realize that you're responding to me in a very not-so-professional way and we happen to be in a professional program!! Develop those skillz!

Also, if there is one bench outside of our classroom try not to hog it! If I politely ask if I may sit there don't scoff. I'm in every one of your classes and something as small as asking to sit is a ridiculous reason for getting annoyed. Especially this soon in the semester.

We will soon be starting week two so I'd like to remind all you Debbie Downers out there that pessimistic commentary regarding our orientation is no longer acceptable. MOVE ON! I also don't care to hear about your parking woes since I don't drive!

One last thing, I, unlike some of you, have a sense of humor. Maybe it comes with my refined age. Or it could come from the fact that I like to be relaxed and enjoy life. Who knows, it doesn't matter. Just try to understand that if I feel too much tension in the air I feel obliged to relax the mood. It's not a sign of stupidity, but if you'd like to think that way then by all means please do. I'd rather surround myself with laughter and enjoy studying law. I don't want to come out of this place and learn how dull I really am.

I hope you enjoyed your Labor Day weekend. I hope you didn't study all weekend. I hope this week y'all relax a tinsy bit.

Love,

Me

• who the gunners are. One of whom thinks I'm their friend. I don't have the heart to be rude but this guy drives me bezerk! However I love how my profs have totally figured out that he has no point in his comments and mention it.
  
• my classmates are essentially done introducing themselves. HELLO! I don't know about you but if you ain't so open now I doubt I'm gonna wanna study or help you in any way later on.
• I will never EVER go back to a backpack! Rolly bags RULE! Sorry D, couldn't break the binding on my books since I'm thinking I'll try to resell them later. And my back loves me again!
  
• The 2Ls and 3Ls don't talk to 1Ls and it sucks. Why? Why is it so essential to avoid us?! Isn't this what "Bar Review" is about?
  

This is my morning process. So far it has been B every morning this week. How about you?


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Try this for procrastination purposes!