Finals are approaching. Fast. And I'm not going to lie, I'm feeling a little bit panicky.
I feel like the classes I chose this semester were not so great. It seems like I always feel that way, but only after I've already made the choice and there was no way I could have known in advance that it'd be a bad decision. (The BEST decision, though, is not having clinic as part of the equation at all. Pat myself on the back for that one.) Criminal procedure, though I like the professor as a person, is generally vague and confusing. You should see my professor's powerpoint slides--no complete sentences and weird abbreviations. A lot of times, I'm not really sure what she's even trying to say. And she's a pretty tough grader. We just got back the memos that were due a few weeks ago. She told us today how much she hated in law school when professors just gave her a number and didn't really explain it--and then proceeded to do the same thing. A student asked how the numbers broke down into letter grades, and she was very, very vague. So frustrating. Well, my grade was thoroughly average--right in the middle. The "average" grade at my school is about a B-, so I'm assuming that's where I'm at, and then I can adjust it upwards with my final exam. Still, I don't know for sure--but I would say it's a pretty good bet. But its not exactly comforting to go into an exam without being exactly sure of where you stand or how its going to turn out.
We also have take homes in my Jurisprudence and Employment Law classes, both of which are taught by the same professor. She happens to be one of the most genuinely nice and enthusiastic people I have ever met, but Jurisprudence is one big confusing mess. I'm not sure where she's really going with much of anything--she's a new professor and its her first semester teaching this class, so I know she needs a bit of leeway, but I am definitely concerned. Employment law isn't a huge concern, but its still one more thing standing between me and being finished.
Today in Jurisprudence, a group of us were talking about finals and expectations... And so many of the other kids have jobs that it makes me feel terrible about myself. I have tried so hard and still I have heard nothing back. I didn't respond to the lawyer's email after he told me I was instinctively clever because there were no questions in it and I don't want to be bothersome, but I also haven't heard anything since then and that makes me nervous. I really was starting to feel like that was my one shot at success and if it doesn't work out, I'm definitely going to be very sad. I still really don't know what to do, though. Should I email him back? Does he want me to? I'm not sure. I spent the week reading everything he has ever written that I could get my hands on so that I am as prepared as possible for an interview, but, of course, he doesn't know that. I felt like that last email was a major, major victory but I guess I could be wrong. Oh my goodness, I'm worried. I think about him way too many times a day for it to be healthy, but I really am still hoping that this is my chance, my big break.
I was so encouraged that he wanted to know about me as a person as well as a student. There really is more to all of us than what we've accomplished or not accomplished at school. Many of my classmates (who will remain nameless) have accomplished lots of great things--but you wouldn't want to be anywhere near them for any extended period of time, whether for fear of contracting some kind of communicable disease or because they are truly unsympathetic, obnoxious, insufferable people. Well, it happens. Some of us are so type A that we are at each other's throats, and some of us are just miserable human beings. But I guess that's the same in any profession.
Still, I am feeling a little panicked. I guess its just that time of the year. I'm going to go home and spend some quality time this weekend doing some serious exam preparation. It's only a month away, after all, and it can't hurt to be prepared. Super duper prepared.
And let's face it. I am going to review with Claire before the crim pro final and I have never studied with her and not gotten an A. So that's something. At least I hope it's something. And thank goodness for Crunchtime books.
I guess this fear is a healthy way to combat 3L-itis. It has been hard for me to focus on reading or class lectures ever since I came back from spring break (okay, okay, you're right--since before spring break) because I am so preoccupied with thoughts of graduation and the new life I'll have when I'm done here. This fear will make me do a little more than I would otherwise do, and hopefully that means things will turn out okay. After all, I have done better every single semester than the one before it--and my last semester CAN'T be an exception.
And, well, even if it is, I'm just going to have to get a job first--because if my GPA lowers, I don't want to have to edit my resume to reflect that. I'll take Bs. Please let me get Bs. Here's hoping.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
I Love Mail
I have a childish excitement at the thought of receiving mail. Letters, packages, and even Netflix movies that I know are coming and even when I know for sure what DVD is in it, make me practically giddy. Recently I ordered several different things online and am eagerly awaiting their delivery. Ever since college, receiving packages has made me feel like I am the envy of all others--I love that feeling. Silly? Probably, especially considering that most of my packages were little things from my mom--Hello Kitty playing cards, candy necklaces, nail polish, etc. But still...the mystery of the unopened package makes me so excited.
I ordered Andy's birthday present the other day. It's kind of an extension of his Christmas present--more Grundens. He swears he needs this rain gear (like the kind those burly men wear on deadliest catch) to run charters and, since I got him a fleece and PVC hoodie kind of jacket for Christmas, he insists that he still needs the parka one that's totally waterproof. Well, happy birthday to him, because I ordered it! I'm also going to make him a birthday cake (I mean, duh), take him to dinner, and then we're having a little birthday party for him with some of his friends from home on the actual day (which I am skipping class to attend--also a birthday present in an of itself). He's all excited about the party--we're taking the new boat to this bar/restaurant place. It should be pretty fun. I know he's looking forward to it, and I hope to make the day very special for him. Even if he is damn near 30.
I also ordered my graduation announcements and got confirmation yesterday that they have finally shipped! It will be so nice to see my name printed on them! I'm going to have to go to the post office and get stamps and put them all together--that will be quite a task. I don't even have all the addresses I need yet, but I'm going to use my sister's list of wedding guests as a starting point and send them to every one I know. Sometimes, its wonderful to have a really, really big family (my mom is the sixth of seven kids, and my dad is the second of four). I didn't send graduation announcements after college, so I figure this is long over due.
The other day, when I was watching my brand new copy of Singin in the Rain, the DVD player that is attached to my TV started skipping--again. This has happened before. Lots of times it gets kinda pixelated and jumps over places. Once my DVD even got stuck in there. Finally, I thought "this is the LAST straw!" So I ordered a new one. I'm also expecting that delivery soon. I hate that the DVD player on my TV doesn't work very well, but I'm afraid that it will damage my DVDs if I keep putting them in there and it keeps skipping like that. Sometimes it makes a terrible noise and I know that can't be good for it. I didn't want to buy a new one, but I found a great deal--a Sony DVD player that was like $75 on Walmart's website was like $32 on Overstock.com. I love finding great deals online. I even got free shipping! Shipping is usually only like $2 or something on Overstock, but I would still rather not pay it if I don't have to. I'm excited to have a new DVD player that doesn't skip! It will be a nice change.
Yesterday's Groupon was $25 for $75 worth of wine at an online retailer. I can't order it until April 2nd, but that's another thing that I will be waiting to have delivered soon. I'm really excited about it. I've been inspired by Andy's dad, who always seems to have exactly the right bottle of wine to pull out regardless of what kind of dinner we're having, and I want to build up my own wine collection. Last weekend I bought four bottles at World Market after my mom and I went for a Saturday afternoon tasting, which brings my current stockpile up to a grand total of four bottles. Hmm. That's a problem. So when I saw the Groupon, I bought it immediately. Andy and I can put some wine away and, since its so easy to just drink a bottle at dinner, I need to build up a bit of backstock so that we don't get as low as we have been. If we have to go out to get a bottle before dinner, I consider that a failure. I'd like to have the right thing (or close to the right thing) on hand. So wine is going to be one of my focuses in the near future. It really does make dinner seem so much more pleasant. It also gives us one more thing to do together and talk about--we can go to tastings (although I do generally end up falling asleep if I taste too many) and talk about what we liked, what we didn't, and make plans for what to cook to serve with each wine. Love it! I'm pretty good at knowing what wines Andy will like best, too, so I can easily pick things out. It used to be that I was afraid to buy a wine without tasting it, but nowadays I feel much more comfortable about picking out something on my own because I know more about the kinds of wines and what I'll like (moscato, always) and what Andy will like (very, very dry and very, very red---like cab franc). So excited for my new wines.
As much as I'm excited about what the future holds (I've started a countdown in my planner and today I have 31 days left until I'm finished for good), I'm also a little sad today. I try to stay really upbeat on here, but sometimes sad things happen and I really feel like I can't not talk about it. My sister's puppy, Wilma, is sick.
First of all, let me tell you about Wilma. She's two years old, and she's a black lab and maybe some kind of hound or shepherd mix. She's been abandoned twice. My sister and Kyle adopted Wilma about a year ago, just before their wedding and, unfortunately, although she's a very, very sweet girl, she's also totally nuts. She has serious anxiety issues and freaks out in the car. She's also aggressive with other dogs and absolutely can't get along with Andy's dog, Dutch. Emerson doesn't LOVE it when she jumps at his neck, but he's pretty good natured and is willing to just put her in her place and move on with it. Dutch takes it as a personal attack. She has to wear what Sarah calls her "crazy girl collar" which has some hormones that are supposed to make her calmer, but she still has anxiety issues.
Last week, on like Wednesday afternoon, she was left alone at home and she ate through Sarah's carpet in her apartment. Apparently there are two pretty big holes. Sarah was furious. But then Wilma started throwing up on Thursday and Sarah took her into the vet on Friday. The vet gave Sarah some medicine to give Wilma so that Wilma would stop throwing up and told her that, if it didn't work, she would have to have surgery. Surgery could run her $1500-1800. Wilma took the medicine and stopped throwing up and we thought we were in the clear--until Wilma threw up again yesterday. Sarah took her back to the vet and, as it turns out, she will have to have exploratory surgery, which could also lead to the other surgery they were talking about the other day.
Carpet, as it turns out, doesn't digest well. The vet told my sister that she could have the surgery....or, if she couldn't afford it, put the dog down. As a pet owner, I think it would be absolutely shameful to put that dog down. Sarah says she will pay for the surgery--which is good because, if she didn't, I would take that dog from her and find a way to pay for it myself. Not paying for her surgery is absolutely not an option. But still, my sister has one sick puppy on her hands and I feel so, so sad for Wilma. She hasn't eaten since she ate the carpet (now a week ago) and has lost five pounds. I'm worried about the poor puppy. I hope she will be fine.
Enough sad stuff... I'm just such an animal person, I can't help it. But there really are a lot of wonderful things happening and I'm sure once the vet sees Wilma it will all get sorted out. It may cost a lot of money, but she's only 2--its so worth it. Anyway, hopefully some packages come today!
31 days...
I ordered Andy's birthday present the other day. It's kind of an extension of his Christmas present--more Grundens. He swears he needs this rain gear (like the kind those burly men wear on deadliest catch) to run charters and, since I got him a fleece and PVC hoodie kind of jacket for Christmas, he insists that he still needs the parka one that's totally waterproof. Well, happy birthday to him, because I ordered it! I'm also going to make him a birthday cake (I mean, duh), take him to dinner, and then we're having a little birthday party for him with some of his friends from home on the actual day (which I am skipping class to attend--also a birthday present in an of itself). He's all excited about the party--we're taking the new boat to this bar/restaurant place. It should be pretty fun. I know he's looking forward to it, and I hope to make the day very special for him. Even if he is damn near 30.
I also ordered my graduation announcements and got confirmation yesterday that they have finally shipped! It will be so nice to see my name printed on them! I'm going to have to go to the post office and get stamps and put them all together--that will be quite a task. I don't even have all the addresses I need yet, but I'm going to use my sister's list of wedding guests as a starting point and send them to every one I know. Sometimes, its wonderful to have a really, really big family (my mom is the sixth of seven kids, and my dad is the second of four). I didn't send graduation announcements after college, so I figure this is long over due.
The other day, when I was watching my brand new copy of Singin in the Rain, the DVD player that is attached to my TV started skipping--again. This has happened before. Lots of times it gets kinda pixelated and jumps over places. Once my DVD even got stuck in there. Finally, I thought "this is the LAST straw!" So I ordered a new one. I'm also expecting that delivery soon. I hate that the DVD player on my TV doesn't work very well, but I'm afraid that it will damage my DVDs if I keep putting them in there and it keeps skipping like that. Sometimes it makes a terrible noise and I know that can't be good for it. I didn't want to buy a new one, but I found a great deal--a Sony DVD player that was like $75 on Walmart's website was like $32 on Overstock.com. I love finding great deals online. I even got free shipping! Shipping is usually only like $2 or something on Overstock, but I would still rather not pay it if I don't have to. I'm excited to have a new DVD player that doesn't skip! It will be a nice change.
Yesterday's Groupon was $25 for $75 worth of wine at an online retailer. I can't order it until April 2nd, but that's another thing that I will be waiting to have delivered soon. I'm really excited about it. I've been inspired by Andy's dad, who always seems to have exactly the right bottle of wine to pull out regardless of what kind of dinner we're having, and I want to build up my own wine collection. Last weekend I bought four bottles at World Market after my mom and I went for a Saturday afternoon tasting, which brings my current stockpile up to a grand total of four bottles. Hmm. That's a problem. So when I saw the Groupon, I bought it immediately. Andy and I can put some wine away and, since its so easy to just drink a bottle at dinner, I need to build up a bit of backstock so that we don't get as low as we have been. If we have to go out to get a bottle before dinner, I consider that a failure. I'd like to have the right thing (or close to the right thing) on hand. So wine is going to be one of my focuses in the near future. It really does make dinner seem so much more pleasant. It also gives us one more thing to do together and talk about--we can go to tastings (although I do generally end up falling asleep if I taste too many) and talk about what we liked, what we didn't, and make plans for what to cook to serve with each wine. Love it! I'm pretty good at knowing what wines Andy will like best, too, so I can easily pick things out. It used to be that I was afraid to buy a wine without tasting it, but nowadays I feel much more comfortable about picking out something on my own because I know more about the kinds of wines and what I'll like (moscato, always) and what Andy will like (very, very dry and very, very red---like cab franc). So excited for my new wines.
As much as I'm excited about what the future holds (I've started a countdown in my planner and today I have 31 days left until I'm finished for good), I'm also a little sad today. I try to stay really upbeat on here, but sometimes sad things happen and I really feel like I can't not talk about it. My sister's puppy, Wilma, is sick.
First of all, let me tell you about Wilma. She's two years old, and she's a black lab and maybe some kind of hound or shepherd mix. She's been abandoned twice. My sister and Kyle adopted Wilma about a year ago, just before their wedding and, unfortunately, although she's a very, very sweet girl, she's also totally nuts. She has serious anxiety issues and freaks out in the car. She's also aggressive with other dogs and absolutely can't get along with Andy's dog, Dutch. Emerson doesn't LOVE it when she jumps at his neck, but he's pretty good natured and is willing to just put her in her place and move on with it. Dutch takes it as a personal attack. She has to wear what Sarah calls her "crazy girl collar" which has some hormones that are supposed to make her calmer, but she still has anxiety issues.
Last week, on like Wednesday afternoon, she was left alone at home and she ate through Sarah's carpet in her apartment. Apparently there are two pretty big holes. Sarah was furious. But then Wilma started throwing up on Thursday and Sarah took her into the vet on Friday. The vet gave Sarah some medicine to give Wilma so that Wilma would stop throwing up and told her that, if it didn't work, she would have to have surgery. Surgery could run her $1500-1800. Wilma took the medicine and stopped throwing up and we thought we were in the clear--until Wilma threw up again yesterday. Sarah took her back to the vet and, as it turns out, she will have to have exploratory surgery, which could also lead to the other surgery they were talking about the other day.
Carpet, as it turns out, doesn't digest well. The vet told my sister that she could have the surgery....or, if she couldn't afford it, put the dog down. As a pet owner, I think it would be absolutely shameful to put that dog down. Sarah says she will pay for the surgery--which is good because, if she didn't, I would take that dog from her and find a way to pay for it myself. Not paying for her surgery is absolutely not an option. But still, my sister has one sick puppy on her hands and I feel so, so sad for Wilma. She hasn't eaten since she ate the carpet (now a week ago) and has lost five pounds. I'm worried about the poor puppy. I hope she will be fine.
Enough sad stuff... I'm just such an animal person, I can't help it. But there really are a lot of wonderful things happening and I'm sure once the vet sees Wilma it will all get sorted out. It may cost a lot of money, but she's only 2--its so worth it. Anyway, hopefully some packages come today!
31 days...
Monday, March 28, 2011
Loving Westlaw Today
I have been saving up my Westlaw points ever since my first year, and I finally cashed them in for some goodies! I only have 400 points leftover now and its unlikely that I'll have enough to get anything else--but its so exciting to be able to get some stuff for free!
Let me show you what I got!
I am of the opinion that you can never have too many pans like this one--it's simple, functional and will be filled with lots of casseroles, and macaroni and cheeses, and cinnamon rolls--for all sorts of family holidays and every day occasions. It's also being shipped home so I don't have to pack it up to move it out in the massive migration I'm dealing with now, so that's another plus. It was in the eco-friendly section--not sure what that's all about, but I'm a sucker for kitchen stuff and I think this looks like a great thing to have around!
I also love curling my hair with hot rollers. It's probably a little dorky, but I can't use a curling iron and I love the extra bounce these give me. The rollers I have now have seen much better days--the lid broke off and the little felt part that keeps you from burning your hands has worn off in a lot of places so curling my hair is a hazardous activity. But so worth it.
Anyway, I'll have new ones coming to me in 4-6 weeks and I can't wait for the change! It always makes SUCH a big difference in the style they make.
This was my big splurge. I have been wanting a Le Creuset casserole for a loooong time but have been unwilling to pay for it. This will be something that I use for years and years and years to come--I just have to find a bunch of things to cook in it. I imagine lots of pot roasts and things like that... I picked the red one. I love red things. Love, love, love. Man oh man.
I'm so glad I saved my points for my third year so I could really get some mileage out of them. I didn't really go out of my way to get a ton of points early on but I did do the trivia games and things like that whenever the representative sent them to me. I also got an extra 1,000 points for paying for my BarBri class, so that's an extra benefit, too. Well, I would've had to pay for that anyway, so it's nice to at least get something cool out of it.
I am really looking forward to getting these things in the mail and when I use them I will remember how hard I had to work to get them. Man oh man, new things are so exciting--especially when they're free!
Let me show you what I got!
I also love curling my hair with hot rollers. It's probably a little dorky, but I can't use a curling iron and I love the extra bounce these give me. The rollers I have now have seen much better days--the lid broke off and the little felt part that keeps you from burning your hands has worn off in a lot of places so curling my hair is a hazardous activity. But so worth it.
Anyway, I'll have new ones coming to me in 4-6 weeks and I can't wait for the change! It always makes SUCH a big difference in the style they make.
I'm so glad I saved my points for my third year so I could really get some mileage out of them. I didn't really go out of my way to get a ton of points early on but I did do the trivia games and things like that whenever the representative sent them to me. I also got an extra 1,000 points for paying for my BarBri class, so that's an extra benefit, too. Well, I would've had to pay for that anyway, so it's nice to at least get something cool out of it.
I am really looking forward to getting these things in the mail and when I use them I will remember how hard I had to work to get them. Man oh man, new things are so exciting--especially when they're free!
"Very real and instinctively clever"
Apparently I succeeded. So far, at least. After I got picked on for exceeding my space limit by a measly 1/4 of a page, I responded to explain to him why he shouldn't let my mistake prejudice his opinion of me. A bit melodramatic for a 1/4 page mistake, but, of course, I don't make up the game, I just play by the rules. And anyway, I have to admit that even though that lawyer is clearly picking on me for his own enjoyment, I am kind of enjoying the back and forth, too. Hopefully that means I am ideally situated to work for him. Because, from what I've heard from other people I've told about what has been going on, a lot of people wouldn't take this as good natured banter and would just be annoyed. I'm not annoyed. I'm interested, and a little exasperated, especially when I'm criticized. But the email I woke up to this morning really erased all that frustration from my mind. He complimented me! Check this out...
"Katie-It was your accomplishments as an English major that initially interested me. I am convinced that an English major magna cum laude college graduate can do almost everything required of a family lawyer except try the case. Send them to law school and they should excel. My experience with this comes from a UVA graduate who worked with me while deciding whether to attend law school. All you had to do is explain your goal and show her where the information was located. I learned then to get out of her way. Since you know where the information is located, the lesson for a supervising lawyer should be to get out of your way.
I believe lesson 2 is forever learned. I also believe your response showed perfect pitch between the tone of sincere acknowledgement of a lesson learned and the tone of exasperation that one of your greatest strengths was being questioned.
As for Shakespeare, I confess I am a bit of a neanderthal. We just never connected.
You are an engaging writer and your ability to communicate is singularly the best skill you can exploit to succeed as a great lawyer. By the way, while the worm references were great, the cobia cinched the interview. I owned and fished a 1972 Bertram offshore every weekend out of Rudee Inlet for several years. Our Legal Administrator was a mate for a charter captain just after college. He and his family are avid fishermen. Hmmmm, hunting and fishing stories. Competition with the guys. Very real and instinctively clever.You know the strings to pull. Good for you!
I look forward to your writing sample."
The truth? I love him. Love, love, love. I worked hard for that little bit of praise and it makes me smile on the inside to read it. I may or may not have read it at least ten times so far today. Totally earned that.
That also explains why he picked on me--English background. Well, that's a bit disappointing. I hoped he somehow instinctively felt that I would be a good addition and felt he needed to pressure me to get the information out that he wanted. But that's just dreaming. Whatever it was that made him sit up and pay attention, I'm very grateful for it. I also cross my fingers and pray constantly that this is my big break.
It's a bit unorthodox, but I like that, too.
Today I am also mourning the end of my spring break. I feel wholly unprepared to be back at school (probably the direct result of doing absolutely nothing school-related in the last week). I didn't get much of a break--I spent a fair bit of time stressing about job interviews and worrying about what to write for this super picky lawyer. But the countdown is still moving--just four more weeks of law school. Maybe it's good spring break is over--still gotta get through these last classes before I can be done for good!
"Katie-It was your accomplishments as an English major that initially interested me. I am convinced that an English major magna cum laude college graduate can do almost everything required of a family lawyer except try the case. Send them to law school and they should excel. My experience with this comes from a UVA graduate who worked with me while deciding whether to attend law school. All you had to do is explain your goal and show her where the information was located. I learned then to get out of her way. Since you know where the information is located, the lesson for a supervising lawyer should be to get out of your way.
I believe lesson 2 is forever learned. I also believe your response showed perfect pitch between the tone of sincere acknowledgement of a lesson learned and the tone of exasperation that one of your greatest strengths was being questioned.
As for Shakespeare, I confess I am a bit of a neanderthal. We just never connected.
You are an engaging writer and your ability to communicate is singularly the best skill you can exploit to succeed as a great lawyer. By the way, while the worm references were great, the cobia cinched the interview. I owned and fished a 1972 Bertram offshore every weekend out of Rudee Inlet for several years. Our Legal Administrator was a mate for a charter captain just after college. He and his family are avid fishermen. Hmmmm, hunting and fishing stories. Competition with the guys. Very real and instinctively clever.You know the strings to pull. Good for you!
I look forward to your writing sample."
The truth? I love him. Love, love, love. I worked hard for that little bit of praise and it makes me smile on the inside to read it. I may or may not have read it at least ten times so far today. Totally earned that.
That also explains why he picked on me--English background. Well, that's a bit disappointing. I hoped he somehow instinctively felt that I would be a good addition and felt he needed to pressure me to get the information out that he wanted. But that's just dreaming. Whatever it was that made him sit up and pay attention, I'm very grateful for it. I also cross my fingers and pray constantly that this is my big break.
It's a bit unorthodox, but I like that, too.
Today I am also mourning the end of my spring break. I feel wholly unprepared to be back at school (probably the direct result of doing absolutely nothing school-related in the last week). I didn't get much of a break--I spent a fair bit of time stressing about job interviews and worrying about what to write for this super picky lawyer. But the countdown is still moving--just four more weeks of law school. Maybe it's good spring break is over--still gotta get through these last classes before I can be done for good!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saved by a Squirmy Worm
Just when I thought it was over, I got another email from the lawyer. I'm starting to feel like he is harassing me on purpose and seriously enjoying it.
The only question is...why me? Why are you picking on meee?
"Katie : Good thing I like your "Worms" history."Shoes" sent me through college. Lesson 2--A half page does not mean a 3/4 page document. When I speak with a potential team member on the internet, I give very specific directions for them to follow because I want to see if they can follow explicit directions. I am not a controller but I hire people to fill my weaknesses or build on my firm's strength. Since details are not my strength, I look to others to be very careful about details. How would you rate yourself on being "detail" oriented given my experience with the 3/4 page response ? What can you say to overcome that "1/4th page" predjudice populating my opinion ?
Worms. I like worms because I have a repertoire of children's stories built around my invisible friend "iggily biggily" who upon landing on my magical ring would become "pink and momentarily visible but you had to be incredibly quick to see him before he became invisible again". My 3 children, 2 neices and 3 grandchildren always begged to hear more about "iggily biggily" and his best friend, "squirmy wormy" . Saved by a squirmy worm you are."
Success? Failure? I'm not sure. I guess he likes me, why else would he keep this up? I responded, of course. I'm trying to be slightly cheeky (because I think that's what he wants) but not rise to the level of impertinence. Hopefully I managed, but I'm not going to just dwell over every single response any more than I already have. He must like me. I'm glad he liked my worm story.
Saved by a squirmy worm makes me nervous though. What on EARTH does that mean?
The only question is...why me? Why are you picking on meee?
"Katie : Good thing I like your "Worms" history."Shoes" sent me through college. Lesson 2--A half page does not mean a 3/4 page document. When I speak with a potential team member on the internet, I give very specific directions for them to follow because I want to see if they can follow explicit directions. I am not a controller but I hire people to fill my weaknesses or build on my firm's strength. Since details are not my strength, I look to others to be very careful about details. How would you rate yourself on being "detail" oriented given my experience with the 3/4 page response ? What can you say to overcome that "1/4th page" predjudice populating my opinion ?
Worms. I like worms because I have a repertoire of children's stories built around my invisible friend "iggily biggily" who upon landing on my magical ring would become "pink and momentarily visible but you had to be incredibly quick to see him before he became invisible again". My 3 children, 2 neices and 3 grandchildren always begged to hear more about "iggily biggily" and his best friend, "squirmy wormy" . Saved by a squirmy worm you are."
Success? Failure? I'm not sure. I guess he likes me, why else would he keep this up? I responded, of course. I'm trying to be slightly cheeky (because I think that's what he wants) but not rise to the level of impertinence. Hopefully I managed, but I'm not going to just dwell over every single response any more than I already have. He must like me. I'm glad he liked my worm story.
Saved by a squirmy worm makes me nervous though. What on EARTH does that mean?
Digging Deep
I finally got the courage to write the lawyer back and feel like I have drafted a good enough 1/2 page essay and responding email. I'm not sure if he's trying to intimidate me, or if he really does want to know the real me, but, either way, I hope I succeeded in meeting his expectations. Of course, I don't have any great trauma in my past, no ex husbands or any children, legitimate or otherwise. Which is good for me, but not so good when I'm trying to craft a compelling story about my life. Still, I tried, and I will show you what I wrote in the hopes that you will tell me that I am quite clever and did not totally misunderstand what he wanted. Anyway, here's hoping.
This is my responding email, which took quite a bit of time to compose because I felt like the standard was so ridiculously high based on the emails he sent me. Here it is!
"I have to say, I like your style. I have been applying for jobs for awhile now, and no one has spoken to me so frankly. And I admire frankness. In my job search, I have not had anybody push me like you have in your last two emails, and I appreciate the challenge and hope I can rise to the level that you seem to expect.
What makes me tick? Well, fortunately for me, my life has been characterized more by happiness and opportunities than by any great struggles. I’m also on the young side, and went straight to law school from college, so I don’t have any husbands, ex-husbands, or children. I do, however, have a great family that has built me up into what I am today—which is what I wrote to you about in the attached document. I have also attached the writing sample you requested.
The marketing page you directed me to suggests that you brand your law firm as an experience—like what you would get if you go to a Starbucks or a Denny’s restaurant. If I was an experience, I would have to say I’m Southern, but with an edge--friendly, conscientious of others, tactful, and well-mannered, but, at the same time, I can’t be pushed past a certain point. I’m fiercely competitive and can’t stand to lose, even in Scrabble. Maybe especially in Scrabble.
What am I trying to prove and for whom? Well, it’s no secret that this is a male-dominated field. I think what motivates me the most is knowing that this is not something that many women do and that, in order to actually do this myself, as a woman, in this economy, and with my humble background, that I have to be better than most people. I think I’m mostly trying to meet the challenge head on, probably as much to prove it to myself as to everyone else. I’m a planner, and I’m happiest when I am making a plan, when I already have a plan, and when I’m looking forward to the plans I’ve made. When I wake up in the middle of the night, I can’t go back to sleep until I’ve made a plan to deal with whatever it was that made me wake up. Whether it’s school or job related, or a problem that I’m having with another person, I make a plan that includes every detail, one that I’m sure will win. I don’t go into anything without a plan.
I hope this helps and that I have dug deep enough to give you an idea of the kind of person I am. I really look forward to our interview. Please let me know what day and time is most convenient for you."
I will also let you read what I wrote for my 1/2 page essay, even though it is SLIGHTLY more than a half a page. Hey, you want to know the real me? Well, the real me is not generally inspired by brevity. I'm wordy, and that's just how it is. Here goes:
"Your firm is about helping women reach their maximum potential, which is why I sent you my resume. You recognize that success is not purely the result of an individual effort and that many of us would be unable to reach our fullest potential without a little help and inspiration from others. In the case of your clients, inspiration comes from your lawyers. Helping those women meet their goals, especially when those goals often deal with the lives and future well being of their children, is a very powerful thing. Having worked in the Child and Family Advocacy Clinic at WVU, I’ve seen a number of seriously abused children, dealt with disability discrimination in the public schools, and advocated on behalf of parents whose children were wrongfully taken away from them. That’s not really my story—not yet, anyway. But it is part of the reason that I intend to make family law my career.
My story begins in 1954, when my grandparents opened the bait and tackle shop that my dad now runs. The store has provided the framework that my whole family has been built upon. It has provided me with the life I have been able to live and, on more than one occasion, has also provided me with a dose of reality. After all, my dad and granddad made their living selling worms—and that’s a humbling thought. Moreover, I have sold my fair share of worms now, too. Don’t knock it, because worms have helped me pay for law school.
What makes me tick? Opportunity and challenge. I like having the chance to try something new, and I like it even better when it’s something unexpected or when people tell me that they don’t think I can do it. I don’t want to shoot a bow that’s designed for a girl. I want to shoot one that’s top of the line for a guy. It’s not enough for me to just reel in a cobia that someone else hooked up, I want to make my own cast, set the hook, and reel it in. I want to beat the boys at their own game, whatever game that may be. “Good enough for a girl” is not a standard by which I am ever willing to be judged.
I use the confidence I have developed over time to push myself to my limits on a regular basis. The influence my family has had on me throughout my life, and the influence law school has provided in the past three years, has turned me into a confident, passionate, and well-adjusted woman, ready to tackle whatever the world (and you) might hand to me in the future. Not hiring me would definitely be a mistake. Thanks to the influence of my family, I’m a woman who is well on my way to reaching maximum potential, and I am eager to use my abilities to help other women, hopefully your clients, reach theirs."
I have experienced enough stress over this pitifully small assignment that submit it now and vow to think no more about it. I did what I did, I hope it was good, but if it's not...well, I obsessed over it for several days and even lost sleep at night and that's the best I can do. Its hard to feel like your whole life and general philosophy has to be reduced to a half a page--and, even beyond that, it has to impress someone who has been impressed before with a much, much more tragic story than I can come close to spinning. I didn't try to emphasize struggles or hardship, I tried to discuss strength and how I found it. I hope I succeeded. I hope you agree, too.
Like he said, this is American Idol for lawyers, and I get one bite at the apple. Yeah, that's not stressful.
Well, it's snowing in Richmond today, so me and the beautiful boyfriend are snuggled up to the fire and have been eating delicious things since we woke up this morning. We stopped to play a fishing board game, which was super fun until I lost all my fish when the game warden discovered me breaking a law that said I was only allowed to fish with one pole and I had to give up all my fish. So I lost. I'm a bad sport. Another fact about me. But he doesn't need to know this fact, too. Mmmmmm, distracted by marshmallows to roast--take care, readers.
This is my responding email, which took quite a bit of time to compose because I felt like the standard was so ridiculously high based on the emails he sent me. Here it is!
"I have to say, I like your style. I have been applying for jobs for awhile now, and no one has spoken to me so frankly. And I admire frankness. In my job search, I have not had anybody push me like you have in your last two emails, and I appreciate the challenge and hope I can rise to the level that you seem to expect.
What makes me tick? Well, fortunately for me, my life has been characterized more by happiness and opportunities than by any great struggles. I’m also on the young side, and went straight to law school from college, so I don’t have any husbands, ex-husbands, or children. I do, however, have a great family that has built me up into what I am today—which is what I wrote to you about in the attached document. I have also attached the writing sample you requested.
The marketing page you directed me to suggests that you brand your law firm as an experience—like what you would get if you go to a Starbucks or a Denny’s restaurant. If I was an experience, I would have to say I’m Southern, but with an edge--friendly, conscientious of others, tactful, and well-mannered, but, at the same time, I can’t be pushed past a certain point. I’m fiercely competitive and can’t stand to lose, even in Scrabble. Maybe especially in Scrabble.
What am I trying to prove and for whom? Well, it’s no secret that this is a male-dominated field. I think what motivates me the most is knowing that this is not something that many women do and that, in order to actually do this myself, as a woman, in this economy, and with my humble background, that I have to be better than most people. I think I’m mostly trying to meet the challenge head on, probably as much to prove it to myself as to everyone else. I’m a planner, and I’m happiest when I am making a plan, when I already have a plan, and when I’m looking forward to the plans I’ve made. When I wake up in the middle of the night, I can’t go back to sleep until I’ve made a plan to deal with whatever it was that made me wake up. Whether it’s school or job related, or a problem that I’m having with another person, I make a plan that includes every detail, one that I’m sure will win. I don’t go into anything without a plan.
I hope this helps and that I have dug deep enough to give you an idea of the kind of person I am. I really look forward to our interview. Please let me know what day and time is most convenient for you."
I will also let you read what I wrote for my 1/2 page essay, even though it is SLIGHTLY more than a half a page. Hey, you want to know the real me? Well, the real me is not generally inspired by brevity. I'm wordy, and that's just how it is. Here goes:
"Your firm is about helping women reach their maximum potential, which is why I sent you my resume. You recognize that success is not purely the result of an individual effort and that many of us would be unable to reach our fullest potential without a little help and inspiration from others. In the case of your clients, inspiration comes from your lawyers. Helping those women meet their goals, especially when those goals often deal with the lives and future well being of their children, is a very powerful thing. Having worked in the Child and Family Advocacy Clinic at WVU, I’ve seen a number of seriously abused children, dealt with disability discrimination in the public schools, and advocated on behalf of parents whose children were wrongfully taken away from them. That’s not really my story—not yet, anyway. But it is part of the reason that I intend to make family law my career.
My story begins in 1954, when my grandparents opened the bait and tackle shop that my dad now runs. The store has provided the framework that my whole family has been built upon. It has provided me with the life I have been able to live and, on more than one occasion, has also provided me with a dose of reality. After all, my dad and granddad made their living selling worms—and that’s a humbling thought. Moreover, I have sold my fair share of worms now, too. Don’t knock it, because worms have helped me pay for law school.
What makes me tick? Opportunity and challenge. I like having the chance to try something new, and I like it even better when it’s something unexpected or when people tell me that they don’t think I can do it. I don’t want to shoot a bow that’s designed for a girl. I want to shoot one that’s top of the line for a guy. It’s not enough for me to just reel in a cobia that someone else hooked up, I want to make my own cast, set the hook, and reel it in. I want to beat the boys at their own game, whatever game that may be. “Good enough for a girl” is not a standard by which I am ever willing to be judged.
I use the confidence I have developed over time to push myself to my limits on a regular basis. The influence my family has had on me throughout my life, and the influence law school has provided in the past three years, has turned me into a confident, passionate, and well-adjusted woman, ready to tackle whatever the world (and you) might hand to me in the future. Not hiring me would definitely be a mistake. Thanks to the influence of my family, I’m a woman who is well on my way to reaching maximum potential, and I am eager to use my abilities to help other women, hopefully your clients, reach theirs."
I have experienced enough stress over this pitifully small assignment that submit it now and vow to think no more about it. I did what I did, I hope it was good, but if it's not...well, I obsessed over it for several days and even lost sleep at night and that's the best I can do. Its hard to feel like your whole life and general philosophy has to be reduced to a half a page--and, even beyond that, it has to impress someone who has been impressed before with a much, much more tragic story than I can come close to spinning. I didn't try to emphasize struggles or hardship, I tried to discuss strength and how I found it. I hope I succeeded. I hope you agree, too.
Like he said, this is American Idol for lawyers, and I get one bite at the apple. Yeah, that's not stressful.
Well, it's snowing in Richmond today, so me and the beautiful boyfriend are snuggled up to the fire and have been eating delicious things since we woke up this morning. We stopped to play a fishing board game, which was super fun until I lost all my fish when the game warden discovered me breaking a law that said I was only allowed to fish with one pole and I had to give up all my fish. So I lost. I'm a bad sport. Another fact about me. But he doesn't need to know this fact, too. Mmmmmm, distracted by marshmallows to roast--take care, readers.
Friday, March 25, 2011
The Surprises Keep on Coming
I wrote back the lawyer who offered me an interview, and he sent me another email--and this one was equally interesting.
"Katie-Let's wait until April 15th or later. Writing sample and essay electronically submitted is preferred. Hint to Katie - I read your resume' and it looked like every resume' I have seen. If you want to market yourself and be noticed look at how all the other law students market themselves and do the opposite. Go to the website GreatLegalMarketing.com and read what Ben Glass, my marketing mentor, has to say about law firm marketing, then apply it to law student marketing. Get out of the lawyer mode. The secret to great marketing is to join the conversation going on inside the head of the person who is the target of your marketing. The question you want to ask is "what are the three things that keep them up at night?". Then you want to address those issues. Smart marketing is all about solving their problems, it is not about you. Now obviously a law firm employer needs to know about your school career to some degree but who are you? What makes you tick? What distinguishes you from the law students whose GPA was just before you or just after you. Why should I hire Katie when law review types are struggling finding a job. Dig deep Katie and reveal who you really are. What within you defines the real Katie Willcox? What are you trying to prove and for whom?
So, (firm name omitted) recently opened an office in Newport News . Actually, we rent an office, full time, in an Executive suite of offices. A former client, Shannon Lemm, who attended law school and lives in Yorktown, persuaded me not only to hire her but also to open an office closer to her home because she was kicking butt in court and becoming a top source of firm revenue. As a single mom with both a college age and a ten year old daughter, she drove daily from Yorktown to Virginia Beach to attend law school and then to work for another law firm for 2 years and then she came to our law firm. Shannon wants to win, whether in court, bowling or playing any game or sport. Her best friends are her mom and her daughters.This is who will be meeting with us. Shannon is motivated to become a great lawyer because her oldest daughter was abused. Shannon is what is referred to as a "protective mom". Google Shannon and her protective mom affiliations will probably appear. So helping moms in custody cases where kids are sexually abused is a big motivation for her. She also has been broke in her life as a young single mom and she is willing to do whatever it takes to have a good life for her daughters and herself. Were you to work for us, she would be who your immediate supervisor.
Katie- Becoming an outstanding lawyer is about who you are and what you are trying to prove and for whom?
Dig deep Katie Wilcox, we want to know the real you."
I want to be like...
Dude, you're kinda awesome. I wish I knew exactly what you wanted to hear, but I don't. Still, this helps some. I think I'm going to write to him about being the daughter of a man who runs a bait and tackle shop and not being limited by gender lines... I'm not old enough to have daughters myself and I have never been married, but I'm a girl who is ready to kick ass--because I've been kicking ass all along.
"Katie-Let's wait until April 15th or later. Writing sample and essay electronically submitted is preferred. Hint to Katie - I read your resume' and it looked like every resume' I have seen. If you want to market yourself and be noticed look at how all the other law students market themselves and do the opposite. Go to the website GreatLegalMarketing.com and read what Ben Glass, my marketing mentor, has to say about law firm marketing, then apply it to law student marketing. Get out of the lawyer mode. The secret to great marketing is to join the conversation going on inside the head of the person who is the target of your marketing. The question you want to ask is "what are the three things that keep them up at night?". Then you want to address those issues. Smart marketing is all about solving their problems, it is not about you. Now obviously a law firm employer needs to know about your school career to some degree but who are you? What makes you tick? What distinguishes you from the law students whose GPA was just before you or just after you. Why should I hire Katie when law review types are struggling finding a job. Dig deep Katie and reveal who you really are. What within you defines the real Katie Willcox? What are you trying to prove and for whom?
So, (firm name omitted) recently opened an office in Newport News . Actually, we rent an office, full time, in an Executive suite of offices. A former client, Shannon Lemm, who attended law school and lives in Yorktown, persuaded me not only to hire her but also to open an office closer to her home because she was kicking butt in court and becoming a top source of firm revenue. As a single mom with both a college age and a ten year old daughter, she drove daily from Yorktown to Virginia Beach to attend law school and then to work for another law firm for 2 years and then she came to our law firm. Shannon wants to win, whether in court, bowling or playing any game or sport. Her best friends are her mom and her daughters.This is who will be meeting with us. Shannon is motivated to become a great lawyer because her oldest daughter was abused. Shannon is what is referred to as a "protective mom". Google Shannon and her protective mom affiliations will probably appear. So helping moms in custody cases where kids are sexually abused is a big motivation for her. She also has been broke in her life as a young single mom and she is willing to do whatever it takes to have a good life for her daughters and herself. Were you to work for us, she would be who your immediate supervisor.
Katie- Becoming an outstanding lawyer is about who you are and what you are trying to prove and for whom?
Dig deep Katie Wilcox, we want to know the real you."
I want to be like...
Dude, you're kinda awesome. I wish I knew exactly what you wanted to hear, but I don't. Still, this helps some. I think I'm going to write to him about being the daughter of a man who runs a bait and tackle shop and not being limited by gender lines... I'm not old enough to have daughters myself and I have never been married, but I'm a girl who is ready to kick ass--because I've been kicking ass all along.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
A Slight Catch
Today, I got another job interview. After I was done doing my celebratory "I got an interview" dance through the house and called my mom saying "I got an interview!" so high that it was probably completely unintelligible to someone who didn't know me quite so well, I actually read the email.
Check this out.
"Katie- I have hired a new attorney starting June 1st in our Va. Beach office. While I did not plan on hiring another attorney this year, I am willing to meet with you ( yes, an interview) with the resident attorney in our Newport News office. Give me dates when you will be on the peninsula and I will set a time for the three of us to meet. Also, please send me a writing sample plus a half page on "why, if I don't hire you, it will be the biggest hiring mistake I will ever make." This is like American Idol for lawyers- you get one bite of the apple and one meeting to convince me in the middle of a recession why I have to hire you. ( And don't give me lawyer speak--I assume you are honest, smart, dependable and will work until your hands bleed and your brain goes mushy) I look forward to our meeting.--Charlie H."
Writing sample: check
Interview: no sweat.
One half page on why, if I'm not hired, it will be the biggest mistake of some guy who I don't know at all's life: Ummm, what?
I have been thinking and thinking and I am still no closer to an answer. I'm hoping that, if I sleep on it, I will come to a brilliant beyond brilliant quote or sentence or something that will wow him into making me an offer immediately--recession or no.
If this is American Idol for lawyers, I really hope I get to be the Carrie Underwood or, at the very least, the Kelly Clarkson, of the contestants. I mean, there were other American Idol winners, but who even remembers them? Jordin Sparks? Who? And that Reuben guy. Not that I watch American Idol.
I feel like this is quite the tall order. And I am going to obsess over it until I feel like I have the best answer I could possibly have. On the upside, this is yet another interview. My resume MUST say something that is appealing to these people and that, I have to say, is incredibly encouraging.
Just have to find the right words to adequately express how I am indispensable to this firm.
Two words: Cheap labor.
Okay, all humor aside, I do have to fill half a page full of witty and convincing details about my personality and experience that makes me perfect fit with this firm. Eeeks.
You know what, though? I really like the guy, just from his email. Pretty kick ass thing to do. If I was hiring, I would do that, too.
Check this out.
"Katie- I have hired a new attorney starting June 1st in our Va. Beach office. While I did not plan on hiring another attorney this year, I am willing to meet with you ( yes, an interview) with the resident attorney in our Newport News office. Give me dates when you will be on the peninsula and I will set a time for the three of us to meet. Also, please send me a writing sample plus a half page on "why, if I don't hire you, it will be the biggest hiring mistake I will ever make." This is like American Idol for lawyers- you get one bite of the apple and one meeting to convince me in the middle of a recession why I have to hire you. ( And don't give me lawyer speak--I assume you are honest, smart, dependable and will work until your hands bleed and your brain goes mushy) I look forward to our meeting.--Charlie H."
Writing sample: check
Interview: no sweat.
One half page on why, if I'm not hired, it will be the biggest mistake of some guy who I don't know at all's life: Ummm, what?
I have been thinking and thinking and I am still no closer to an answer. I'm hoping that, if I sleep on it, I will come to a brilliant beyond brilliant quote or sentence or something that will wow him into making me an offer immediately--recession or no.
If this is American Idol for lawyers, I really hope I get to be the Carrie Underwood or, at the very least, the Kelly Clarkson, of the contestants. I mean, there were other American Idol winners, but who even remembers them? Jordin Sparks? Who? And that Reuben guy. Not that I watch American Idol.
I feel like this is quite the tall order. And I am going to obsess over it until I feel like I have the best answer I could possibly have. On the upside, this is yet another interview. My resume MUST say something that is appealing to these people and that, I have to say, is incredibly encouraging.
Just have to find the right words to adequately express how I am indispensable to this firm.
Two words: Cheap labor.
Okay, all humor aside, I do have to fill half a page full of witty and convincing details about my personality and experience that makes me perfect fit with this firm. Eeeks.
You know what, though? I really like the guy, just from his email. Pretty kick ass thing to do. If I was hiring, I would do that, too.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Day on the Water
It was a beautiful day for a boat ride! Really, it was Andy's maiden voyage--or, at least, his first on his very own. Sad to say, but last year, the first time he took the old Topaz out on his own, one of the motors blew up. Not that it was unexpected. Really, they were in pretty bad shape to begin with--his friend Brett had run the boat aground and had trouble with the engines even before that. So, really, the boat was in bad shape. But Andy still took it hard and felt really responsible. And needless to say, after that, not much happened with the Topaz. And then Brett sank it. On Thanksgiving.
Well, it's his boat. He can sink it all he wants. But luckily, the insurance money gave him enough money to buy the (John) Stamas. He's really pumped about Andy running charters on it--but probably not as pumped as he and I are! It's a great way for Andy to get his business started up without us having to make the initial investment of buying a boat. Anyway, here are some pictures of our day.
This is the view of the marina--from our slip to all the super duper expensive boats. What do these people DO to afford these boats? I wish I could interview them, but they're never there. I want to be like, "Dude, whatever it is that you do, I want to do it, too."
View from the bow, up to the tower where Andy was playing with the electronics. He's a USCG licensed Captain and is always very busy doing official captain-y things. Personally, I want no responsibility for anything that is worth so much money. But I'll ride!
It was super duper low tide--nothin' but mud. On our way out of the marina, we only had like 5 feet of water! (That's how Brett ran aground before--but Andy made it through without a hitch!)
View to some of the expensive houses... See the first boat there? It's called "The Litigator." That bodes well, huh? I'll be a litigator for that house and boat!
View from the tower down to the bow. I love riding up in the tower, but today it was a little cold. I had my heavy coat on! And riding up in the tower, my face felt pretty frozen. Totally worth it, though!
It was a gorgeous day, and we had a great time.
Then we went to see the Adjustment Bureau at the Commodore--check it out! It was a really cool place! It's a restored old school theater. Here's what the outside looks like---kinda unimpressive.
But then, we went inside, and there was beautiful artwork all over the walls and a bunch of little intimate tables. You could order food with the little phone on the table. You can also order pitchers of beer! So we did.
It was a really great movie, too. I wouldn't have considered myself much of a romantic before Andy, but nowadays everything makes me cry--and this was a pretty beautiful romance. You know, in the midst of the whole science fiction-y plot and tons and tons of men in fedoras. Emily Blunt (totally love her) and Matt Damon really had on-screen chemistry. I totally enjoyed every single intense minute of it. Great day, great dinner, great movie--well, all made easier by the great boyfriend who squeezed my hand during all the sappiest parts of the movie.
Be still my heart. Nah, just kidding--I'm loving this all too much. Keep on beating like crazy. There's nothing like a case of the heart flutters.
Well, it's his boat. He can sink it all he wants. But luckily, the insurance money gave him enough money to buy the (John) Stamas. He's really pumped about Andy running charters on it--but probably not as pumped as he and I are! It's a great way for Andy to get his business started up without us having to make the initial investment of buying a boat. Anyway, here are some pictures of our day.
This is the view of the marina--from our slip to all the super duper expensive boats. What do these people DO to afford these boats? I wish I could interview them, but they're never there. I want to be like, "Dude, whatever it is that you do, I want to do it, too."
View from the bow, up to the tower where Andy was playing with the electronics. He's a USCG licensed Captain and is always very busy doing official captain-y things. Personally, I want no responsibility for anything that is worth so much money. But I'll ride!
It was super duper low tide--nothin' but mud. On our way out of the marina, we only had like 5 feet of water! (That's how Brett ran aground before--but Andy made it through without a hitch!)
View to some of the expensive houses... See the first boat there? It's called "The Litigator." That bodes well, huh? I'll be a litigator for that house and boat!
View from the tower down to the bow. I love riding up in the tower, but today it was a little cold. I had my heavy coat on! And riding up in the tower, my face felt pretty frozen. Totally worth it, though!
It was a gorgeous day, and we had a great time.
Then we went to see the Adjustment Bureau at the Commodore--check it out! It was a really cool place! It's a restored old school theater. Here's what the outside looks like---kinda unimpressive.
But then, we went inside, and there was beautiful artwork all over the walls and a bunch of little intimate tables. You could order food with the little phone on the table. You can also order pitchers of beer! So we did.
It was a really great movie, too. I wouldn't have considered myself much of a romantic before Andy, but nowadays everything makes me cry--and this was a pretty beautiful romance. You know, in the midst of the whole science fiction-y plot and tons and tons of men in fedoras. Emily Blunt (totally love her) and Matt Damon really had on-screen chemistry. I totally enjoyed every single intense minute of it. Great day, great dinner, great movie--well, all made easier by the great boyfriend who squeezed my hand during all the sappiest parts of the movie.
Be still my heart. Nah, just kidding--I'm loving this all too much. Keep on beating like crazy. There's nothing like a case of the heart flutters.
Something Better
Last night, I had a horrible dream. It was really weird. For some reason, I was accused of some kind of really bad academic dishonesty--the kind that resulted in me being kicked out of school and shunned like Hester Prynne. Everyone was SO nasty to me, and I had to keep telling people (the people who would talk to me, anyway) that I didn't do it and I had no idea what they were talking about. The whole time, I was pretty terrified and totally bewildered. All of my sorority sisters were there, and they didn't want to have anything to do with me. It was weird that they were there because it was like I was living my real life, like I was at law school, only everyone I knew--from home, college, and law school--was there. And, of course, everyone hated me. Everyone taunted me, calling me a cheater, and telling me how they had no respect for people like me. It was so confusing--and there was nothing I could do to make myself feel better because everyone had completely shunned me. I walked around the mall, and everyone I saw (and I happened to know everyone) turned away from me when I walked up to talk to them--even my best friends! They would go on with their own conversations and completely ignore me.
I went through most of the dream with a sort of defiant attitude; I knew I hadn't done it and I figured that eventually everyone would come to see that. I kept my head up high. But then, when I was at lunch with two other law school girls (who, by the way, I am not actually friends with at all), they admitted that THEY had committed the dishonest act (whatever it was) and that they had personally set me up to take the fall for it. They laughed at me and said that they knew everyone would assume that I had done it.
That was when I actually got upset. Knowing that I hadn't done it had been enough for me, but knowing who had done it--and that they had set me up on purpose, knowing what would happen to me--made me completely terrified. I knew I couldn't prove that they actually had done it, and there was nothing to be done for me at all.
When I woke up, I was very relieved to realize that it was a dream, and that I was back in my real life. It's no fun to have a nightmare, but every so often, its really cool to wake up and feel so totally and completely grateful for your real life. Andy was sleeping next to me and, in that moment, the insecurity and anxiety I felt in my dream melted away and I felt so completely happy about the life I live.
I'm a lucky girl. Sometimes, when I get stressed, its hard to remember that. But then I have a bad dream, or Andy says something sweet, or I find a really great pair of shoes at TJ Maxx (sometimes its the little things, you know), and I feel gratefulness wash over me. It's the best feeling.
The other day, Andy and I were watching Pawn Stars (he loves it; anything that is an outlet for totally useless knowledge is right up his alley) and a boy came in to sell this antique gun so that he could buy an engagement ring for his girlfriend. Here is a transcript of our conversation.
Katie: "I would hate to think that you wanting to buy a ring would make you sell something that meant so much to you."
Andy: "I wouldn't. I'd be getting something so much better."
I have to admit, my heart completely melted. The way he said it, totally in passing, like a statement that's completely factual, made it more special. It wasn't meant to melt my heart, it was an expression of his real thoughts. But it did melt my heart. It always does.
I don't hope that you have scary bad dreams any time soon, but I hope that you have a reason to sit back and think on your life and how lucky you are to live it.
Today, we're going for a ride in the new boat, the (John) Stamas, which just recently got a new engine put in it and will soon be ready to run lots and lots of fishing charters. Apparently it's going to be called the Hustler, but personally I think that's a silly name. Isn't John a better name for a boat that's called a Stamas? But apparently boats can't be boys, they have to be girls. Well, whatever.
After that, we're going to the Commodore Theatre, a movie theater in Portsmouth that's super duper old school (decorated with an art deco kind of motif) where you order food during the movie--we got a gift card for Christmas and have been really looking forward to date night. They only show one movie at a time, so we've been waiting for the right flick--today, we're seeing the Adjustment Bureau. Andy likes psychological thriller-type movies, and I like Emily Blunt. So it's a match well made.
Hope you have a lovely Sunday!
I went through most of the dream with a sort of defiant attitude; I knew I hadn't done it and I figured that eventually everyone would come to see that. I kept my head up high. But then, when I was at lunch with two other law school girls (who, by the way, I am not actually friends with at all), they admitted that THEY had committed the dishonest act (whatever it was) and that they had personally set me up to take the fall for it. They laughed at me and said that they knew everyone would assume that I had done it.
That was when I actually got upset. Knowing that I hadn't done it had been enough for me, but knowing who had done it--and that they had set me up on purpose, knowing what would happen to me--made me completely terrified. I knew I couldn't prove that they actually had done it, and there was nothing to be done for me at all.
When I woke up, I was very relieved to realize that it was a dream, and that I was back in my real life. It's no fun to have a nightmare, but every so often, its really cool to wake up and feel so totally and completely grateful for your real life. Andy was sleeping next to me and, in that moment, the insecurity and anxiety I felt in my dream melted away and I felt so completely happy about the life I live.
I'm a lucky girl. Sometimes, when I get stressed, its hard to remember that. But then I have a bad dream, or Andy says something sweet, or I find a really great pair of shoes at TJ Maxx (sometimes its the little things, you know), and I feel gratefulness wash over me. It's the best feeling.
The other day, Andy and I were watching Pawn Stars (he loves it; anything that is an outlet for totally useless knowledge is right up his alley) and a boy came in to sell this antique gun so that he could buy an engagement ring for his girlfriend. Here is a transcript of our conversation.
Katie: "I would hate to think that you wanting to buy a ring would make you sell something that meant so much to you."
Andy: "I wouldn't. I'd be getting something so much better."
I have to admit, my heart completely melted. The way he said it, totally in passing, like a statement that's completely factual, made it more special. It wasn't meant to melt my heart, it was an expression of his real thoughts. But it did melt my heart. It always does.
I don't hope that you have scary bad dreams any time soon, but I hope that you have a reason to sit back and think on your life and how lucky you are to live it.
Today, we're going for a ride in the new boat, the (John) Stamas, which just recently got a new engine put in it and will soon be ready to run lots and lots of fishing charters. Apparently it's going to be called the Hustler, but personally I think that's a silly name. Isn't John a better name for a boat that's called a Stamas? But apparently boats can't be boys, they have to be girls. Well, whatever.
After that, we're going to the Commodore Theatre, a movie theater in Portsmouth that's super duper old school (decorated with an art deco kind of motif) where you order food during the movie--we got a gift card for Christmas and have been really looking forward to date night. They only show one movie at a time, so we've been waiting for the right flick--today, we're seeing the Adjustment Bureau. Andy likes psychological thriller-type movies, and I like Emily Blunt. So it's a match well made.
Hope you have a lovely Sunday!
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Bad Blogger
I'm a very, very bad blogger when I'm home. Mostly because my real life (yes, I do consider my home life my real life, even though I generally spend more time at school) is very, very busy. I know it sounds silly, but sometimes I can't even spare 15 minutes in a day to write down my silliest, most fleeting thoughts. I get up early (5:30 this morning!) and am usually completely exhausted by 10. I also try to fit in working part time to have a little extra spending money. Plus, there's Andy, and he's not exactly a sit-on-the-couch-and-play-video-games kind of guy. (Thank goodness, right? How much world of warcraft can any self respecting girl handle?) He's more of a plan-every-single-waking-moment kind of guy. And I like that. We're always doing something--probably my favorite thing about him. But, of course, blogging is not really anywhere on his radar, so I have to snatch a few moments here and there when I can get them. And right now I've got them, so here goes...
I got a call on Wednesday when I was driving home from school, asking me to come in for a job interview at a firm in Norfolk. Ummmm---YES! SCORE! It was totally unexpected, because this isn't a firm where I know anybody (and career services told me just the other day that sending cold resumes to places where you don't have any connections is not really the best way for success--but I still try). I don't know these people, or really anything about them, but I am so pumped for this interview. Today my mom took me shopping and we got some new interview clothes. Since I have two this week, I'll need to be prepared.
I am so excited! I also found a great pair of almond-toe patent leather pumps at TJ Maxx--totally a great find. At New York and Company (which has great sales and coupons), I was able to find all the rest of the stuff I need. I got two new skirts (a black and a black and ivory printed one), a two pairs of wide leg trouser pants--black and a dark grey.
You know, I'm not much of a feminist, but... It really irritates me that I have to wear a skirt to a job interview. I shouldn't get (or not get) a job based on conformity to old-school gender norms! I'm a law student who has made it damn near through three years of this crap, isn't that enough for you? I work hard, I study a lot, I take pride in my work and I will do my damndest not to screw up, but why does that mean I have to wear a skirt? Old men are sleazy sometimes. I should be able to be professional and not wear a skirt. If I wear a skirt (and, believe me, I will), I want it to be because I woke up and decided that's what I want to wear, not because I'm afraid I won't get hired if I don't.
Well, I'm wearing a skirt to my interview. I really hope it works out. It would be such an unbelievable relief if I got a job now and could relax until graduation. It's going to be hard to take and pass the bar, I would appreciate it if I didn't have to look for and interview for jobs in addition to all that.
Anyway, wish me luck. The first interview is on Tuesday and then I have one more on Thursday. Cross your fingers that I will be employed soon.
"Employed." What a nice word. Have you ever heard a better one? Well, maybe. "Millionaire" is nice too.
I got a call on Wednesday when I was driving home from school, asking me to come in for a job interview at a firm in Norfolk. Ummmm---YES! SCORE! It was totally unexpected, because this isn't a firm where I know anybody (and career services told me just the other day that sending cold resumes to places where you don't have any connections is not really the best way for success--but I still try). I don't know these people, or really anything about them, but I am so pumped for this interview. Today my mom took me shopping and we got some new interview clothes. Since I have two this week, I'll need to be prepared.
I am so excited! I also found a great pair of almond-toe patent leather pumps at TJ Maxx--totally a great find. At New York and Company (which has great sales and coupons), I was able to find all the rest of the stuff I need. I got two new skirts (a black and a black and ivory printed one), a two pairs of wide leg trouser pants--black and a dark grey.
You know, I'm not much of a feminist, but... It really irritates me that I have to wear a skirt to a job interview. I shouldn't get (or not get) a job based on conformity to old-school gender norms! I'm a law student who has made it damn near through three years of this crap, isn't that enough for you? I work hard, I study a lot, I take pride in my work and I will do my damndest not to screw up, but why does that mean I have to wear a skirt? Old men are sleazy sometimes. I should be able to be professional and not wear a skirt. If I wear a skirt (and, believe me, I will), I want it to be because I woke up and decided that's what I want to wear, not because I'm afraid I won't get hired if I don't.
Well, I'm wearing a skirt to my interview. I really hope it works out. It would be such an unbelievable relief if I got a job now and could relax until graduation. It's going to be hard to take and pass the bar, I would appreciate it if I didn't have to look for and interview for jobs in addition to all that.
Anyway, wish me luck. The first interview is on Tuesday and then I have one more on Thursday. Cross your fingers that I will be employed soon.
"Employed." What a nice word. Have you ever heard a better one? Well, maybe. "Millionaire" is nice too.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Oh, What a Beautiful Morning
It's 10:00 on Wednesday morning and all that stands between me and home is the graduation fair, which starts at 11:00. I plan on being there at like 10:45 so I can be first in line to fill out all the forms I need and order my announcements. I have to admit, I'm a little sad that I've decided not to walk at graduation with the rest of my friends but, when I think about it, would I really rather be in West Virginia, or would I rather go home, have some free time before the bar class starts and adopt my puppy? There's really no comparison, but it is still a little sad. I made my choice and I made it for some very good reasons, but that doesn't mean that I can't still be slightly sad about missing graduation.
Still, I will celebrate in some way. My parents have been talking about planning a party (nothing fancy, we're not fancy people, just a cookout or something), which would be pretty fun. I'd really like to have some friends and family come over--after all, this IS my biggest life accomplishment to date. Hard to believe I'm only six or so weeks away from being totally finished.
In the last push before finals, I don't really have very much left to do. Since I turned in the memo in crim pro, all I really need to do is go to class and keep reading and outlining. Crim pro is my only sit down final, so that's also pretty sweet. I'll be home by May 1st. Permanently home.
This is my seventh year of higher education. I didn't take any time off between college and law school (which, I'm learning, is apparently the norm) and, for the last seven years, I haven't lived in the same place for any extended period of time. In college, I moved every year. Freshman year, I lived in a dorm. Sophomore year, the sorority house. Junior year, apartment. Senior year, the most amazing townhouse in the world. And I alternated between there and home. In law school I've lived in the same apartment all the way through, but, of course, I go back and forth every other weekend and I don't stay in any one place regularly. I split my time between my parent's house, Andy's dad's house, and Andy's apartment. It makes me feel like a bit of a drifter, like I don't belong in any one place. And I guess I don't.
But I'm looking forward to moving home and belonging somewhere permanently, without thinking that in a couple months I'll have to move back to West Virginia or somewhere else. I will, of course, get my own house/apartment/townhouse/abandoned cardboard box somewhere sometime, but for a little while at least (while I study for and take the bar and then wait for the results), I will be living with my parents. What a relief to not have to budget for rent!
Hopefully, too, I'll be engaged before long... Well, no sense counting your chicks before they're hatched, but regardless I will be just fine. I'm going to be a lawyer, after all, and I am zealously applying to all sorts of jobs. I'm not picky, I just want one--any one. Enough to pay my bills and get me a place of my own before I turn into a really dried up spinster. Oh well, at least I have options. I won't die. In fact, quite the contrary. Before long, I will be working and I will be able to afford all those beautiful power shoes I have dreamed of all along.
For now, though, I'm going home for spring break. I'm going to get my hair cut, work a little bit at my dad's store (hey, I'm not above selling worms), make some new contacts, have a job interview, shamelessly hand out resumes and give my "elevator speech" to anyone and everyone who will listen to me for any period of time. Someone will hire me!
First things first though---Andy's dad's for a delicious steak and asparagus dinner (and lots and lots of wine).
Cheers!
Still, I will celebrate in some way. My parents have been talking about planning a party (nothing fancy, we're not fancy people, just a cookout or something), which would be pretty fun. I'd really like to have some friends and family come over--after all, this IS my biggest life accomplishment to date. Hard to believe I'm only six or so weeks away from being totally finished.
In the last push before finals, I don't really have very much left to do. Since I turned in the memo in crim pro, all I really need to do is go to class and keep reading and outlining. Crim pro is my only sit down final, so that's also pretty sweet. I'll be home by May 1st. Permanently home.
This is my seventh year of higher education. I didn't take any time off between college and law school (which, I'm learning, is apparently the norm) and, for the last seven years, I haven't lived in the same place for any extended period of time. In college, I moved every year. Freshman year, I lived in a dorm. Sophomore year, the sorority house. Junior year, apartment. Senior year, the most amazing townhouse in the world. And I alternated between there and home. In law school I've lived in the same apartment all the way through, but, of course, I go back and forth every other weekend and I don't stay in any one place regularly. I split my time between my parent's house, Andy's dad's house, and Andy's apartment. It makes me feel like a bit of a drifter, like I don't belong in any one place. And I guess I don't.
But I'm looking forward to moving home and belonging somewhere permanently, without thinking that in a couple months I'll have to move back to West Virginia or somewhere else. I will, of course, get my own house/apartment/townhouse/abandoned cardboard box somewhere sometime, but for a little while at least (while I study for and take the bar and then wait for the results), I will be living with my parents. What a relief to not have to budget for rent!
Hopefully, too, I'll be engaged before long... Well, no sense counting your chicks before they're hatched, but regardless I will be just fine. I'm going to be a lawyer, after all, and I am zealously applying to all sorts of jobs. I'm not picky, I just want one--any one. Enough to pay my bills and get me a place of my own before I turn into a really dried up spinster. Oh well, at least I have options. I won't die. In fact, quite the contrary. Before long, I will be working and I will be able to afford all those beautiful power shoes I have dreamed of all along.
For now, though, I'm going home for spring break. I'm going to get my hair cut, work a little bit at my dad's store (hey, I'm not above selling worms), make some new contacts, have a job interview, shamelessly hand out resumes and give my "elevator speech" to anyone and everyone who will listen to me for any period of time. Someone will hire me!
First things first though---Andy's dad's for a delicious steak and asparagus dinner (and lots and lots of wine).
Cheers!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
One More Birthday Surprise
Because we had a bench memo due in criminal procedure this week, we have had classes canceled for the past two weeks--totally not complaining. However, because I didn't have crim pro, I didn't see my friend, Claire.
I've mentioned Claire before, but let me take a moment to say that she is a pretty kick butt kind of girl. Probably one of the nicest people I have ever, ever met. Always thinking of other people. Never a selfish moment with her. AND she has a bow and she and I go shoot together, and its pretty unusual to find another girl who is into it. From time to time, Andy has found a girlfriend of a friend of his, but, in general (and don't repeat this because its mean of me to say) girls who shoot are either (1) butch, or (2) old. I have a very hard time finding a normal girl (like, a girl who is still into girly things--I like shopping and nail polish and hair bows very much) who is not super duper old and married with children (eww) to shoot with. And Claire fits the bill perfectly. Except for the unfortunate detail that she lives in WV and I do not (or, I will not for very much longer).
Anyway, because of no crim pro, we hadn't seen each other hardly at all since before my birthday and, when I came into class today, she had brought this stuff for me...
Yummm, don't they look delicious? What is it about cupcakes that makes them taste so much more delicious than their solid cake counterparts? I don't know, but its totally true. And these were cupcake heaven.
She even used spring M&Ms to put my initials on two of the cupcakes. Pink and green are my two primary favorite colors. Isn't that sweet?
She also got me these pretty flowers. Unfortunately for the flowers, I don't have a green thumb, so they may die, but I am going to do myself to make sure that they don't.
It was so sweet of her to think of me--and it totally made my day. I thought my birthday was over, but it was really, really nice to have this unexpected surprise today!
Right now, I'm in my last class of the day. Tomorrow, I have to go to the graduation fair at 11 (to buy graduation announcements so I can solicit kindly donations from all my friends and family members) and then I am on my way home. Today, during my break between my morning and afternoon classes, I was able to pack up my car and really get ready to get a move on. There's not very much at all standing between me and Spring Break.
Is it normal to have days where it causes physical pain to be away from someone? Some days, when I'm really busy, it's not so hard to be here on my own...but lately, all this anticipating spring break has made me miss Andy like crazy and ache to be back with him again. Thank goodness I don't have to wait much longer--I can't take much more of this!
Also, congrats to my school for making it into the list of the top 100 law schools in the country--once again! Yay for resume-boosting facts!
I've mentioned Claire before, but let me take a moment to say that she is a pretty kick butt kind of girl. Probably one of the nicest people I have ever, ever met. Always thinking of other people. Never a selfish moment with her. AND she has a bow and she and I go shoot together, and its pretty unusual to find another girl who is into it. From time to time, Andy has found a girlfriend of a friend of his, but, in general (and don't repeat this because its mean of me to say) girls who shoot are either (1) butch, or (2) old. I have a very hard time finding a normal girl (like, a girl who is still into girly things--I like shopping and nail polish and hair bows very much) who is not super duper old and married with children (eww) to shoot with. And Claire fits the bill perfectly. Except for the unfortunate detail that she lives in WV and I do not (or, I will not for very much longer).
Anyway, because of no crim pro, we hadn't seen each other hardly at all since before my birthday and, when I came into class today, she had brought this stuff for me...
She also got me these pretty flowers. Unfortunately for the flowers, I don't have a green thumb, so they may die, but I am going to do myself to make sure that they don't.
Right now, I'm in my last class of the day. Tomorrow, I have to go to the graduation fair at 11 (to buy graduation announcements so I can solicit kindly donations from all my friends and family members) and then I am on my way home. Today, during my break between my morning and afternoon classes, I was able to pack up my car and really get ready to get a move on. There's not very much at all standing between me and Spring Break.
Is it normal to have days where it causes physical pain to be away from someone? Some days, when I'm really busy, it's not so hard to be here on my own...but lately, all this anticipating spring break has made me miss Andy like crazy and ache to be back with him again. Thank goodness I don't have to wait much longer--I can't take much more of this!
Also, congrats to my school for making it into the list of the top 100 law schools in the country--once again! Yay for resume-boosting facts!
Oh Shit Moment
Last night, I had a pretty scary "oh shit!" moment. It was the middle of the night, and I was sleeping--when, all of a sudden, I woke up, sat up straight, and thought, "Oh my god--I'm going to be a lawyer!"
Maybe I should have thought of this already, but I guess a part of me still feels unqualified. I have been in school for as long as I can remember. It's hard to believe I'm applying now for real jobs that would start an actual career. Eeeek. Not that I wanted to continue as an unemployed person, but the idea of actually having a job, as a real lawyer, with no professors supervising me (though, of course, if I were to ever have a professor supervising again in my future, I'd really prefer to have a competent person supervising), handling, selecting and researching my own cases. The selection part is something I would REALLY like to do for myself--in clinic, I had to take whatever I was given, based on what would generate the largest amount of fees for the clinic, which basically translated into fluffy, school disability discrimination cases that I was told to push forward on regardless of whether or not there was actually a sustainable claim. But, really, all the rest of it makes me incredibly nervous. How different am I from the girl who showed up on the first day of orientation?
Orientation was pretty scary. We were divided up into peer groups, each peer group headed by a professor---and my group had Tom Cady. He's really just a showman, but I didn't know it then. He likes to yell at first years (and sometimes can't conceal his own glee at their distress) and frequently goes on long tirades about his status as a demigod set to bring down the laws of the gods to us mere mortals (or suing the bastards). He's a West Virginia institution in and of himself. Before you think that I am talking badly about him, let me admit that I really did like him. I especially liked when I saw a crack in the facade and he laughed or smiled in spite of himself. When I saw him in the hallway, he spoke to me in a very quiet voice that I almost couldn't hear. "Hello, Miss Wilcox," he would say, smiling politely and going on his way. The first time he did it, I was so shocked I didn't respond at all, but the more I watched him, the more I knew he wasn't the vicious person he painted himself as in torts class. But at orientation, he was pretty fearsome. We were assigned a case to read to discuss in our peer groups, and I (of course) had read it, dissected it, briefed it, printed it, brought it, highlighted it, and pretty much done everything possible except memorize it. He went through the class, asking who had printed it up and brought it with them. I had---saved. But my friend Savannah, and our other friend Megan, hadn't--and they weren't so lucky. He raged about unpreparedness and vowed that he had put a black mark by their name and wouldn't forget them---and he didn't.
I remember thinking that this was the most hostile environment I had ever been in. Disappointing, considering I was so looking forward to it. A person who has always liked school and thrived in an academic atmosphere, I (naively, it turns out) thought that I would enjoy law school, too. After our first class meeting, I went up to Savannah to tell her how mean I thought Professor Cady was (and I do still think it was a little harsh to do it on the first day, even though I have grown to appreciate his methods)--which was when we became friends. We've been buds all the way through and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have made it this far without having her to complain to and go to the gym (to do more complaining) with.
On the first day of class, Savannah was the victim--again. In Civil Procedures (which, I am embarrassed to say, I had nooo idea what that class would possibly be about before I finished my first semester of law school), Professor cummings (yes, he insists on lowercase letters in his name because some where way down some obscure family line, he is related to e e cummings--weird, I know) swept into the classroom and immediately said, "Miss Hull, what is due process?" Sitting next to her, even I shook in my little shoes.
Nowadays, I wouldn't even skip a beat with a question like that and, unless cummings asked her again (because poor Savannah developed an unhealthy fear of him after that first day, and I can't say I blame her), I know Savannah would be able to answer quickly and succinctly just about any question that a professor could possibly pose to her. We have come such a long way--and still sometimes I feel like I'm not very far away from the scared little doe caught in the headlights 1L I was just a few short years ago.
It's hard to believe I'm cleaning out my apartment, taking my pictures off the walls and even taking home all my highlighters, post-its, binders, casebooks, and even my trusty Bluebook. I packed up all my wine glasses (there were a lot!) and vases and even most of my clothes. The things that remain are the things I need every day--dishes and silverware, shower stuff, a spare set of sheets, my DVD collection and my tv. Well, and all the furniture.
It seems like just yesterday that I was moving in. I came the night before my parents and sat on the floor and cried, so scared about what I was about to do. After they left me there alone, I cried some more. I was in a new state at a new school in a new town where I knew nobody and couldn't even find the Wal-Mart. And now I'm so far into this that my apartment is being taken down---it will never again look the way it did when I really lived here. For some reason, that makes me sad. It was my first apartment on my own, and I'm a little sad to lose it---but, of course, not at all sad to move back home, take the bar, get a job, and start a life. So I guess although I'm mostly happy, my happiness is tinged with a little bit of regret.
This was my living room... The couch and the tables are still there, but most of the decoration is gone...
All of this stuff is gone---just a blank white wall.
My desk! I painted the hutch all by myself! That's going home tomorrow.
Well, obviously my bed is still there---I'm not going to sleep on the couch for six weeks!
Yup, tie dyed those sheets myself, too. Well, anyway, it has been a great apartment. Law school has been okay, but I am looking forward to moving past it and to the next phase of my life. With every movie/tv show/commercial I watch, my desire to be a happily married person with a career and a future. But still, it is sad that I will never live again my apartment, the way it was when law school was in full swing.
Have I come a long way or am I the same person? Sometimes I feel like I'm completely different, and sometimes I still feel the shadow of the scared 1L shift in the back of my mind. It's exciting (and scary) to get started with a new phase in life, but I'm ready to face the challenge head on. Even though I still feel like, "OMG, I'm going to be a lawyer!"
....Oh shit.
Maybe I should have thought of this already, but I guess a part of me still feels unqualified. I have been in school for as long as I can remember. It's hard to believe I'm applying now for real jobs that would start an actual career. Eeeek. Not that I wanted to continue as an unemployed person, but the idea of actually having a job, as a real lawyer, with no professors supervising me (though, of course, if I were to ever have a professor supervising again in my future, I'd really prefer to have a competent person supervising), handling, selecting and researching my own cases. The selection part is something I would REALLY like to do for myself--in clinic, I had to take whatever I was given, based on what would generate the largest amount of fees for the clinic, which basically translated into fluffy, school disability discrimination cases that I was told to push forward on regardless of whether or not there was actually a sustainable claim. But, really, all the rest of it makes me incredibly nervous. How different am I from the girl who showed up on the first day of orientation?
Orientation was pretty scary. We were divided up into peer groups, each peer group headed by a professor---and my group had Tom Cady. He's really just a showman, but I didn't know it then. He likes to yell at first years (and sometimes can't conceal his own glee at their distress) and frequently goes on long tirades about his status as a demigod set to bring down the laws of the gods to us mere mortals (or suing the bastards). He's a West Virginia institution in and of himself. Before you think that I am talking badly about him, let me admit that I really did like him. I especially liked when I saw a crack in the facade and he laughed or smiled in spite of himself. When I saw him in the hallway, he spoke to me in a very quiet voice that I almost couldn't hear. "Hello, Miss Wilcox," he would say, smiling politely and going on his way. The first time he did it, I was so shocked I didn't respond at all, but the more I watched him, the more I knew he wasn't the vicious person he painted himself as in torts class. But at orientation, he was pretty fearsome. We were assigned a case to read to discuss in our peer groups, and I (of course) had read it, dissected it, briefed it, printed it, brought it, highlighted it, and pretty much done everything possible except memorize it. He went through the class, asking who had printed it up and brought it with them. I had---saved. But my friend Savannah, and our other friend Megan, hadn't--and they weren't so lucky. He raged about unpreparedness and vowed that he had put a black mark by their name and wouldn't forget them---and he didn't.
I remember thinking that this was the most hostile environment I had ever been in. Disappointing, considering I was so looking forward to it. A person who has always liked school and thrived in an academic atmosphere, I (naively, it turns out) thought that I would enjoy law school, too. After our first class meeting, I went up to Savannah to tell her how mean I thought Professor Cady was (and I do still think it was a little harsh to do it on the first day, even though I have grown to appreciate his methods)--which was when we became friends. We've been buds all the way through and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have made it this far without having her to complain to and go to the gym (to do more complaining) with.
On the first day of class, Savannah was the victim--again. In Civil Procedures (which, I am embarrassed to say, I had nooo idea what that class would possibly be about before I finished my first semester of law school), Professor cummings (yes, he insists on lowercase letters in his name because some where way down some obscure family line, he is related to e e cummings--weird, I know) swept into the classroom and immediately said, "Miss Hull, what is due process?" Sitting next to her, even I shook in my little shoes.
Nowadays, I wouldn't even skip a beat with a question like that and, unless cummings asked her again (because poor Savannah developed an unhealthy fear of him after that first day, and I can't say I blame her), I know Savannah would be able to answer quickly and succinctly just about any question that a professor could possibly pose to her. We have come such a long way--and still sometimes I feel like I'm not very far away from the scared little doe caught in the headlights 1L I was just a few short years ago.
It's hard to believe I'm cleaning out my apartment, taking my pictures off the walls and even taking home all my highlighters, post-its, binders, casebooks, and even my trusty Bluebook. I packed up all my wine glasses (there were a lot!) and vases and even most of my clothes. The things that remain are the things I need every day--dishes and silverware, shower stuff, a spare set of sheets, my DVD collection and my tv. Well, and all the furniture.
It seems like just yesterday that I was moving in. I came the night before my parents and sat on the floor and cried, so scared about what I was about to do. After they left me there alone, I cried some more. I was in a new state at a new school in a new town where I knew nobody and couldn't even find the Wal-Mart. And now I'm so far into this that my apartment is being taken down---it will never again look the way it did when I really lived here. For some reason, that makes me sad. It was my first apartment on my own, and I'm a little sad to lose it---but, of course, not at all sad to move back home, take the bar, get a job, and start a life. So I guess although I'm mostly happy, my happiness is tinged with a little bit of regret.
This was my living room... The couch and the tables are still there, but most of the decoration is gone...
All of this stuff is gone---just a blank white wall.
My desk! I painted the hutch all by myself! That's going home tomorrow.
Well, obviously my bed is still there---I'm not going to sleep on the couch for six weeks!
Yup, tie dyed those sheets myself, too. Well, anyway, it has been a great apartment. Law school has been okay, but I am looking forward to moving past it and to the next phase of my life. With every movie/tv show/commercial I watch, my desire to be a happily married person with a career and a future. But still, it is sad that I will never live again my apartment, the way it was when law school was in full swing.
Have I come a long way or am I the same person? Sometimes I feel like I'm completely different, and sometimes I still feel the shadow of the scared 1L shift in the back of my mind. It's exciting (and scary) to get started with a new phase in life, but I'm ready to face the challenge head on. Even though I still feel like, "OMG, I'm going to be a lawyer!"
....Oh shit.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Fired Up
I'm in a hurry--to get to Spring Break. After a meeting with my professor in a few short minutes, my Monday is finished and Tuesday's classes are all that stand between me and spring break. Luckily for me, Andy has to go to Richmond on Wednesday for a doctor's appointment so, instead of driving all the way through to his house (which is another 1.5 hours away!) I get to stop at Richmond as a sort of midpoint, enjoy Andy's dad's delicious, delicious cooking (and wine--he always gives me wine), and enjoy some free time with Andy.
Andy asked if I'd like to go fishing on Thursday. Of course I would. My brother told me a few days ago that when he went fishing at one of our farms that he caught tons of bass--practically jumping in the boat. Good news. Of COURSE I want to go fishing. But there is one important factor to be considered: the weather.
So I checked:
Can you believe it? 66 and sunny! Maybe a little rain beforehand, but so what? Look at that forecast! It's going to be a beautiful weekend. I'm going to have to take a little trip to the Target, because I can't go without a few necessities!
Wouldn't want to get skin cancer. In fact, I'm pretty sure that due to my irresponsible behavior in my youth, if I'm goign to get skin cancer, I've already got the beginnings of it and there's not a whole lot to be done except make sure that it doesn't get worse. So--sunscreen. Everywhere. And lots of it. Besides, who likes premature aging? Not me.
Sunscreen does make me feel a little like girl, though.
So icky. Oh well---better than skin cancer.
Still, I am super duper excited to get home. Excited to spend time with Andy, excited to have this bench memo behind me, excited to have a job interview... All sorts of good things coming up!
Andy asked if I'd like to go fishing on Thursday. Of course I would. My brother told me a few days ago that when he went fishing at one of our farms that he caught tons of bass--practically jumping in the boat. Good news. Of COURSE I want to go fishing. But there is one important factor to be considered: the weather.
So I checked:
Can you believe it? 66 and sunny! Maybe a little rain beforehand, but so what? Look at that forecast! It's going to be a beautiful weekend. I'm going to have to take a little trip to the Target, because I can't go without a few necessities!
Wouldn't want to get skin cancer. In fact, I'm pretty sure that due to my irresponsible behavior in my youth, if I'm goign to get skin cancer, I've already got the beginnings of it and there's not a whole lot to be done except make sure that it doesn't get worse. So--sunscreen. Everywhere. And lots of it. Besides, who likes premature aging? Not me.
Sunscreen does make me feel a little like girl, though.
So icky. Oh well---better than skin cancer.
Still, I am super duper excited to get home. Excited to spend time with Andy, excited to have this bench memo behind me, excited to have a job interview... All sorts of good things coming up!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Extended Lease With Option to Buy
Andy has an ex-girlfriend who trades in boyfriends like most people trade in cell phones when they are due for an upgrade. Now that the iPhone has come to Verizon, everybody is due for an upgrade, and Rebecca is, apparently, no exception. Originally I was incredibly jealous of her. When we first started dating, they had broken up only a few short months before and, terrified that I was a rebound, I obsessively tried to discover every single detail about her. Two years later, I am relatively sure that I am not a rebound and am considerably less interested in her goings on. (Of course, it must be noted that I have not seen her in person since Andy and I started dating, I've never spoken to her and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't recognize her in a crowd.)
She does, however, have an interesting character trait (flaw?) that I would like to discuss. Before she dated Andy, she dated a boy named Joe. They dated for two years, he gave her a puppy (lucky!!), she dumped him and moved on to Andy. Then she dated Andy for two years, cheated on him and dumped him completely out of the blue. Then she dated the boy she cheated on Andy with, a friend of his, whose name is Jason. They dated for two years and, just recently, broke up. Apparently she has now found a military man that she is dating so, in about two years, we will see if her pattern proves true with yet another guy. Who trades in boys like that? Of course, in my lifetime, there have been boys that I have broken up with--there's nothing remarkable about that. I have, also, at other times, even broken up with one boy for a different one. What is interesting, I think, is that its always around a two year period--and she always seems to have her next one picked out before she truly moves on. True, that is how you approach a job--don't quit one without securing another--but is that truly the way to approach a boyfriend? Apparently so.
Andy and I are right around the two year mark now, so I asked him if he was going to trade me in. "I don't work like that, dear," he told me. (Isn't it cute how he calls me dear? It's so antiquated and it always makes me smile a little.) "I've got you for an extended lease with option to buy."
I had to laugh. Who says that? At least he's clever. As long as we're talking about options to buy, I can't complain.
He's pretty much boyfriend perfection. Last night, he went to visit his friend Jonathan, the one whose dog recently had the puppies, and I was sitting at home, in West Virginia, feeling pretty sick when he sent me this picture.
The puppies are growing up so fast! Andy has been trying to convince me that I do want a black dog but (so far) has been unsuccessful. I have to admit, though, looking at my adorable boyfriend holding that sweet, sweet little dog melts my heart. Apparently two little girls and the runt (the boy pup Andy is holding--and the one he fell in love with) are still looking for homes. All the others are taken. Hard to believe, huh?
I know Andy loves the runt, and I know he likes a black dog, but I still think I'm holding out for a yellow girl. If I get too many more pictures like this, though, I may cave. I'm not proud of it, but in some respects I am very weak-willed. Puppies just so happen to be one of them.
I'm happy to report that this is also my last week of classes before Spring break--so there's about six weeks left until I'm finished, and a week and a half of that is break. By the time I come back, there will be just a month left. Can you believe it? I know, I know---how could you forget? I give a count down all the time. But still, I am so happy that soon, very very soon, I will have a life again.
I also had some luck shopping yesterday. Check it out!
I went to Old Navy and Target. Old Navy had some awesome deals--almost everything I got was from there. The three tank tops and the purple t shirt all came from there--and what a steal. I went to the Old Navy at home and couldn't find the white lace tank tops in a medium--but I found THREE at the WV Old Navy. So I bought them all. Yes, all. One can never have too many plain white tank tops. They layer so well with everything. The white one in front is embroidered and really pretty, too--so four white tank tops in all. Oh well, I know what I like.
At Target, I found the black boyfriend cardi--I have been looking for one for ages, but I finally found the right one (I am particular about cardigans) AND it was on sale. $14! What a steal. Originally $25. I felt so successful.
Hope your weekend is wonderful, too! The forecast predicts highs near 60 all week and probably much, much warmer in VA. Can't wait for Spring Break!
She does, however, have an interesting character trait (flaw?) that I would like to discuss. Before she dated Andy, she dated a boy named Joe. They dated for two years, he gave her a puppy (lucky!!), she dumped him and moved on to Andy. Then she dated Andy for two years, cheated on him and dumped him completely out of the blue. Then she dated the boy she cheated on Andy with, a friend of his, whose name is Jason. They dated for two years and, just recently, broke up. Apparently she has now found a military man that she is dating so, in about two years, we will see if her pattern proves true with yet another guy. Who trades in boys like that? Of course, in my lifetime, there have been boys that I have broken up with--there's nothing remarkable about that. I have, also, at other times, even broken up with one boy for a different one. What is interesting, I think, is that its always around a two year period--and she always seems to have her next one picked out before she truly moves on. True, that is how you approach a job--don't quit one without securing another--but is that truly the way to approach a boyfriend? Apparently so.
Andy and I are right around the two year mark now, so I asked him if he was going to trade me in. "I don't work like that, dear," he told me. (Isn't it cute how he calls me dear? It's so antiquated and it always makes me smile a little.) "I've got you for an extended lease with option to buy."
I had to laugh. Who says that? At least he's clever. As long as we're talking about options to buy, I can't complain.
He's pretty much boyfriend perfection. Last night, he went to visit his friend Jonathan, the one whose dog recently had the puppies, and I was sitting at home, in West Virginia, feeling pretty sick when he sent me this picture.
The puppies are growing up so fast! Andy has been trying to convince me that I do want a black dog but (so far) has been unsuccessful. I have to admit, though, looking at my adorable boyfriend holding that sweet, sweet little dog melts my heart. Apparently two little girls and the runt (the boy pup Andy is holding--and the one he fell in love with) are still looking for homes. All the others are taken. Hard to believe, huh?
I know Andy loves the runt, and I know he likes a black dog, but I still think I'm holding out for a yellow girl. If I get too many more pictures like this, though, I may cave. I'm not proud of it, but in some respects I am very weak-willed. Puppies just so happen to be one of them.
I'm happy to report that this is also my last week of classes before Spring break--so there's about six weeks left until I'm finished, and a week and a half of that is break. By the time I come back, there will be just a month left. Can you believe it? I know, I know---how could you forget? I give a count down all the time. But still, I am so happy that soon, very very soon, I will have a life again.
I also had some luck shopping yesterday. Check it out!
I went to Old Navy and Target. Old Navy had some awesome deals--almost everything I got was from there. The three tank tops and the purple t shirt all came from there--and what a steal. I went to the Old Navy at home and couldn't find the white lace tank tops in a medium--but I found THREE at the WV Old Navy. So I bought them all. Yes, all. One can never have too many plain white tank tops. They layer so well with everything. The white one in front is embroidered and really pretty, too--so four white tank tops in all. Oh well, I know what I like.
At Target, I found the black boyfriend cardi--I have been looking for one for ages, but I finally found the right one (I am particular about cardigans) AND it was on sale. $14! What a steal. Originally $25. I felt so successful.
Hope your weekend is wonderful, too! The forecast predicts highs near 60 all week and probably much, much warmer in VA. Can't wait for Spring Break!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Hi, I'm a Failure
No, no, don't worry, this doesn't have anything to do with jobs. This post deals with something far, far more important and much less attainable: Jimmy Buffett tickets.
I woke up this morning with the aim of scoring four lawn seats for the Jimmy Buffett concert in Virginia Beach in late May. Because of my heading, you already know how this story ends, but I will tell you anyway. Tickets went on sale this morning at 10:00. I was up by 8:30, and waiting around pretty much for the entire hour and a half--I was too excited to work or prepare any cover letters and I knew that focus was key to making my goal attainable. As soon as Verizon told me it was 10:00 (for some reason the clock on Molly, my Mac, is a little funky and is about 3 minutes fast), I began the process. And the obnoxious ticketmaster website made me wait and wait and wait. When it first popped up, it said I had about a 15 minute wait. Okay, fine. I can handle fifteen minutes. But the most obnoxious thing was that it would say 15....and then 14...and then 10...then 8....and then jump back up to 16. Incredibly frustrating.
But I got tickets! Four! Lawn! Exactly what I wanted. I went to fill in my information, with the timer at the bottom telling me exactly how long I had remaining before my tickets would be released. I knew I had to beat the timer. I felt my heart racing and my excitement mounting--I was going to see Jimmy! And this time, I'd be 21! I had visions of me and Andy drinking margaritas and singing together, and then being driven home by somebody totally sober. It was so lovely...for about five minutes. I entered my credit card information, but it rejected it. I realized my expiration date was off (because it saved my card from the last purchase I made on the site), so I fixed it. I tried again. Nope. I checked, saw nothing wrong, and entered my information again when---bingo!--it took my tickets away, telling me I had tried to enter my information too many times. I cursed, loudly, and then called my mom so I could curse with an audience. And then I tried again.
Same deal. 15 minutes...14....12....8....5....12....14...you know. Very frustrating. But, this time, when it got to the end, it told me there were NO MORE TICKETS matching my search criteria. I could've cried. But, not one to be dissuaded, I tried again. I convinced my sister to try, too. No luck. I tried and tried, for more than an hour, but still--no tickets.
I will keep trying, because I really want to go.
Oh, Jimmy....I love you. You're just so adorable.
This picture just makes me laugh. Funny how some people are more attractive as they age than they were when they were younger but, let's face it, I'd take him either way.
This is the dream of my life... and because of my stupid debit card, I'm missing out. I'm over 21, too, and I can't even go. Ahhhhhh. Life is so unfair.
Could've bought one of these sexy fins for my car...... I'd be the envy of everyone. The last time I went to Jimmy concert (in my pre-21 days), I was amazed to see how many people were tailgating. They brought kiddie pools and sand boxes and grilled out with fins on almost every single car. There were girls that were pretty much naked and men in the most horrible Hawaiian shirts you can possibly imagine. It was incredible. I guess I could always go just for the tailgate---or buy tickets off of a scalper.
Isn't this the coolest thing you've ever seen? When I did a google search for Jimmy Buffett, this came up. It would be soooo fun to have fin shaped ice cubes in my margarita!
I vow to continue to look for some tickets---because I desperately want to go. When I told Andy what a failure I am, he told me that he thought he might be running charters in Hatteras around then anyway and probably wouldn't be able to go. Well, be that way. But I love Jimmy and I want to go, boyfriend or not. I'm sure I can find somebody else to go and drink margaritas with me! And, who knows, if I do get tickets, he probably won't be able to stay away, anyway! I mean, really, who DOESN'T love Jimmy?
Not. Giving. Up.
I woke up this morning with the aim of scoring four lawn seats for the Jimmy Buffett concert in Virginia Beach in late May. Because of my heading, you already know how this story ends, but I will tell you anyway. Tickets went on sale this morning at 10:00. I was up by 8:30, and waiting around pretty much for the entire hour and a half--I was too excited to work or prepare any cover letters and I knew that focus was key to making my goal attainable. As soon as Verizon told me it was 10:00 (for some reason the clock on Molly, my Mac, is a little funky and is about 3 minutes fast), I began the process. And the obnoxious ticketmaster website made me wait and wait and wait. When it first popped up, it said I had about a 15 minute wait. Okay, fine. I can handle fifteen minutes. But the most obnoxious thing was that it would say 15....and then 14...and then 10...then 8....and then jump back up to 16. Incredibly frustrating.
But I got tickets! Four! Lawn! Exactly what I wanted. I went to fill in my information, with the timer at the bottom telling me exactly how long I had remaining before my tickets would be released. I knew I had to beat the timer. I felt my heart racing and my excitement mounting--I was going to see Jimmy! And this time, I'd be 21! I had visions of me and Andy drinking margaritas and singing together, and then being driven home by somebody totally sober. It was so lovely...for about five minutes. I entered my credit card information, but it rejected it. I realized my expiration date was off (because it saved my card from the last purchase I made on the site), so I fixed it. I tried again. Nope. I checked, saw nothing wrong, and entered my information again when---bingo!--it took my tickets away, telling me I had tried to enter my information too many times. I cursed, loudly, and then called my mom so I could curse with an audience. And then I tried again.
Same deal. 15 minutes...14....12....8....5....12....14...you know. Very frustrating. But, this time, when it got to the end, it told me there were NO MORE TICKETS matching my search criteria. I could've cried. But, not one to be dissuaded, I tried again. I convinced my sister to try, too. No luck. I tried and tried, for more than an hour, but still--no tickets.
I will keep trying, because I really want to go.
Oh, Jimmy....I love you. You're just so adorable.
Could've bought one of these sexy fins for my car...... I'd be the envy of everyone. The last time I went to Jimmy concert (in my pre-21 days), I was amazed to see how many people were tailgating. They brought kiddie pools and sand boxes and grilled out with fins on almost every single car. There were girls that were pretty much naked and men in the most horrible Hawaiian shirts you can possibly imagine. It was incredible. I guess I could always go just for the tailgate---or buy tickets off of a scalper.
Isn't this the coolest thing you've ever seen? When I did a google search for Jimmy Buffett, this came up. It would be soooo fun to have fin shaped ice cubes in my margarita!
Not. Giving. Up.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Twenty Five
I finally stopped being lazy and uploaded some of the pictures that I took from my birthday celebration extravaganza. Okay, maybe extravaganza is a bit of an exaggeration, but I did have a pretty sweet time hanging out with Andy and my family, and I've got some pictures I'm going to share. Pictures, after all, make everything better.
On my way home from school, my cousin, Erin, called me to tell me to make sure to go to my house before I went to see Andy because she had a present for me and wanted to make sure I got it. When I got to my house, these beautiful flowers were waiting outside for me.
I have to say, flowers are one of my favorite things.
I also played around a little with the black and white setting on my camera. I love these roses--you can't tell because I'm zoomed in, but they're really tiny and perfect. They're a pale, pale pink.
Here's the card! Thanks, cousin!
These are my presents from my brother and sister. I forgot to go back and take pictures of what my presents were--sorry!--but they got me a bunch of new toys for the puppy I plan to get this summer. So exciting! Puppy now has two training bumpers (she's going to be a duck hunting dog), a frisbee, a Kong, a Kong ball, a set of tennis balls, and a bone that will help clean her teeth.
I also took home one of my sets of baskets that were in my apartment (part of my moving out process) and filled it with the new puppy toys. My parent's dog, Emerson, has his own little basket and he gets sooo excited to pull his toys out of it. It's like every time they come out, it's a brand new experience for him. When Puppy comes home with me, she's going to find soo many fun toys, she will love me instantly and permanently. It sort of takes me back to my sorority days--like building a basket for my little. I can't wait for Puppy! (I am also taking name suggestions.)
My sister's birthday is in early April and, because she's in physical therapy school and married and generally busy, she won't be home again for a pretty long while, so we decided to do her birthday this past weekend, too, so that everyone could see her get her presents. My mom and I coordinated our gift wrapping--totally cute, right? Me and my brother gave her the one in the brown polka dotted bag!
My mom gave her a new digital camera (the same one I got for Christmas---she has always been a copycat!), and my brother and I gave her this.... a new digital frame! It's really neat--it's energy saver compatible, totally touch screen, is WiFi compatible, and you can even email pictures directly to the frame. Like, for example, if I have pictures of my sister, I can just attach them in an email and they'll pop right up in her frame! Apparently it's very user friendly and she was telling me how badly she wanted something to display some of the wedding pictures that she hadn't framed (and, let's face it, you can't have wall-to-wall wedding photos), so this was my solution. Tada!
Mmmmmm, and my sister made her magnificent hot fudge lava oreo ice cream cake. It was soooo huge. My sister bought a really, really thick springform pan to make it in. I also got Cold Stone ice cream for the layers as well. It looks a bit messy, but it's totally delicious.
At our weekly Saturday family dinner at a local Mexican restaurant, Kyle (my sister's husband) brought his whole family. Initially, I kind of thought it was a bummer, because they are crazy religious and tend to also be quite judgmental. Fortunately, though, they were on their best behavior--and they even brought me birthday flowers! I was pretty surprised and totally touched--it's so nice to be thought of.
Aren't they beautiful and spring-y? I really love the yellow, green and white. Such a nice combination! And you can't tell, but its a huuuge bouquet. I had a really hard time fitting them all in a vase.
I have to say, I love the mums. I like the cool texture and the unusual colors. Very fun.
My parents also gave me (as I mentioned before) more money for my bar prep class--which is now paid in full. I can't say enough how grateful I am to have parents who have been so unconditionally supportive, even though I've been an incredibly expensive child. Of course, I'd rather have cool clothes and new fun things than a summer worth of work and not getting to go do fun things with everybody else, but, such is the life of a grown up.
Also, apparently my car insurance will go down and that is a very, very good birthday present.
I also got myself a pretty sweet birthday present---the movie Burlesque! Yesssss. It is a dream of my life to wear eye makeup like Cher and not look like a streetwalker. Maybe one day I will accomplish this. But, of course, I'd probably have to learn how to actually apply makeup, which I can't. But still, I will enjoy watching the movie--over and over and over. It's my fave.
It was a great weekend, spent entirely with family and friends. It was so nice that my mom played hooky on Friday to spend extra time with me, great to have my sister and her puppy home visiting, so nice to see my little brother and always, always wonderful to spend as much time as possible with Andy. I am such a lucky girl.
On my way home from school, my cousin, Erin, called me to tell me to make sure to go to my house before I went to see Andy because she had a present for me and wanted to make sure I got it. When I got to my house, these beautiful flowers were waiting outside for me.
I have to say, flowers are one of my favorite things.
Here's a close up of one of the beautiful spider mums. I think they look gorgeous in the picture, but they probably look even more beautiful now that they've had a few days to settle down and open up. So beautiful! And such a pretty purple color!
I also played around a little with the black and white setting on my camera. I love these roses--you can't tell because I'm zoomed in, but they're really tiny and perfect. They're a pale, pale pink.
Here's the card! Thanks, cousin!
These are my presents from my brother and sister. I forgot to go back and take pictures of what my presents were--sorry!--but they got me a bunch of new toys for the puppy I plan to get this summer. So exciting! Puppy now has two training bumpers (she's going to be a duck hunting dog), a frisbee, a Kong, a Kong ball, a set of tennis balls, and a bone that will help clean her teeth.
I also took home one of my sets of baskets that were in my apartment (part of my moving out process) and filled it with the new puppy toys. My parent's dog, Emerson, has his own little basket and he gets sooo excited to pull his toys out of it. It's like every time they come out, it's a brand new experience for him. When Puppy comes home with me, she's going to find soo many fun toys, she will love me instantly and permanently. It sort of takes me back to my sorority days--like building a basket for my little. I can't wait for Puppy! (I am also taking name suggestions.)
My sister's birthday is in early April and, because she's in physical therapy school and married and generally busy, she won't be home again for a pretty long while, so we decided to do her birthday this past weekend, too, so that everyone could see her get her presents. My mom and I coordinated our gift wrapping--totally cute, right? Me and my brother gave her the one in the brown polka dotted bag!
My mom gave her a new digital camera (the same one I got for Christmas---she has always been a copycat!), and my brother and I gave her this.... a new digital frame! It's really neat--it's energy saver compatible, totally touch screen, is WiFi compatible, and you can even email pictures directly to the frame. Like, for example, if I have pictures of my sister, I can just attach them in an email and they'll pop right up in her frame! Apparently it's very user friendly and she was telling me how badly she wanted something to display some of the wedding pictures that she hadn't framed (and, let's face it, you can't have wall-to-wall wedding photos), so this was my solution. Tada!
Mmmmmm, and my sister made her magnificent hot fudge lava oreo ice cream cake. It was soooo huge. My sister bought a really, really thick springform pan to make it in. I also got Cold Stone ice cream for the layers as well. It looks a bit messy, but it's totally delicious.
At our weekly Saturday family dinner at a local Mexican restaurant, Kyle (my sister's husband) brought his whole family. Initially, I kind of thought it was a bummer, because they are crazy religious and tend to also be quite judgmental. Fortunately, though, they were on their best behavior--and they even brought me birthday flowers! I was pretty surprised and totally touched--it's so nice to be thought of.
Aren't they beautiful and spring-y? I really love the yellow, green and white. Such a nice combination! And you can't tell, but its a huuuge bouquet. I had a really hard time fitting them all in a vase.
I have to say, I love the mums. I like the cool texture and the unusual colors. Very fun.
My parents also gave me (as I mentioned before) more money for my bar prep class--which is now paid in full. I can't say enough how grateful I am to have parents who have been so unconditionally supportive, even though I've been an incredibly expensive child. Of course, I'd rather have cool clothes and new fun things than a summer worth of work and not getting to go do fun things with everybody else, but, such is the life of a grown up.
Also, apparently my car insurance will go down and that is a very, very good birthday present.
I also got myself a pretty sweet birthday present---the movie Burlesque! Yesssss. It is a dream of my life to wear eye makeup like Cher and not look like a streetwalker. Maybe one day I will accomplish this. But, of course, I'd probably have to learn how to actually apply makeup, which I can't. But still, I will enjoy watching the movie--over and over and over. It's my fave.
It was a great weekend, spent entirely with family and friends. It was so nice that my mom played hooky on Friday to spend extra time with me, great to have my sister and her puppy home visiting, so nice to see my little brother and always, always wonderful to spend as much time as possible with Andy. I am such a lucky girl.
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