Spraying smelly perfume
Wearing smelly lotion
Wearing makeup
Walking my dogs
Drinking beer
Coming home whenever I want
Going out with whoever I want, whenever I want
Going to the library without a thousand questions
Eating fire cheetos
Watching the shows that I like to watch
Listening to the music that I like to listen too
Buying a new pair of shoes
Dying my hair
Wearing a jingly necklace
Wearing penny earrings
Eating moose meat
Seeing my family
Having my own friends-even friends that are boys!
Going to bed whenever I want
Having my dogs
Reading what I want to read
Collecting as many BPA free water bottles as I want
Pursuing a JD with an emphasis in environmental law
Wearing skinny jeans
Putting decorations on my walls
A clean apartment
It's ok that I don't understand all the rules to silly games
Going for drives if I feel like it
Fishing
Running
Long phone conversations
Not eating beef
Drinking coffee
Drinking hot tang
Hookah
Texting
Having a smart phone
Wearing two outfits a day if I want too
Sleeping in sweatpants when it's cold
Eating candy
Eating bananas
Dreaming of a pilots license
Ambition
.......it's amazing what you can enjoy when you don't allow someone else to control who you are :)
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
1 down, 5 to go
I have successfully completed my first semester of law school. Finals were an agonizing, stressful, hellish two weeks and yet, I came back and will do it five more times before I take the bar. It's a great experience to be tested on a subject in Torts that was never really covered in an entire semester of lectures and have a professor that thinks it's fun to give crappy grades to everyone. Just kidding. It's not really a great experience, it actually sucks.
Winter break was a much needed break from Moscow and the law building, from reading and briefing, from sleepless nights and outline memorizing. However, it was an agonizing month waiting anxiously for grades to be posted and waiting to see if I really am cut out for this law school thing. Grades finally came out yesterday, a week into the second semester. I've come to the decision that discussing what my grades were is not my thing. I am happy to report, however, that I did indeed pass all my classes. :) I also made a number of conclusions about how I want to live my life from now on.
This came after pretty much every person in my family told me how much happier and full of life I seemed to be. Perhaps this is because I'm no longer being controlled and told what do and can actually do what makes me happy. What makes me happy is not stressing out about things that are out of my control. I want to be happy so I'm going to be happy. I want to be the girl that smiles more than she frowns and that people love to be around. I want to be the girl that says yes to knew adventures and meeting knew people. I don't want to be the shy girl that keeps to herself and misses out. Someone I recently met told me that I was a free spirit. I've been called intriguing, fascinating, and free spirited in the last two weeks and it really caught me off guard. But after I thought about it, I decided that those are the words that I want to be used to describe me.
This semester is going to be tougher and probably more stressful than last. But it's also going to be better. My classes are a lot more interesting and my professors are not cranky old men. I decided that I'm in control of my own fate. I care a lot about law school and I care a lot about my family, friends, and being the best person I know how to be. But I don't care about the little things that don't matter. My big sister said something to me while I was home that has stuck with me. If a problem is fixable, then there is not need to worry. If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying.
So here's to a semester of long hours in the library, fun new adventures, a lot of smiles, and not worrying about what is out of my control. :)
Winter break was a much needed break from Moscow and the law building, from reading and briefing, from sleepless nights and outline memorizing. However, it was an agonizing month waiting anxiously for grades to be posted and waiting to see if I really am cut out for this law school thing. Grades finally came out yesterday, a week into the second semester. I've come to the decision that discussing what my grades were is not my thing. I am happy to report, however, that I did indeed pass all my classes. :) I also made a number of conclusions about how I want to live my life from now on.
This came after pretty much every person in my family told me how much happier and full of life I seemed to be. Perhaps this is because I'm no longer being controlled and told what do and can actually do what makes me happy. What makes me happy is not stressing out about things that are out of my control. I want to be happy so I'm going to be happy. I want to be the girl that smiles more than she frowns and that people love to be around. I want to be the girl that says yes to knew adventures and meeting knew people. I don't want to be the shy girl that keeps to herself and misses out. Someone I recently met told me that I was a free spirit. I've been called intriguing, fascinating, and free spirited in the last two weeks and it really caught me off guard. But after I thought about it, I decided that those are the words that I want to be used to describe me.
This semester is going to be tougher and probably more stressful than last. But it's also going to be better. My classes are a lot more interesting and my professors are not cranky old men. I decided that I'm in control of my own fate. I care a lot about law school and I care a lot about my family, friends, and being the best person I know how to be. But I don't care about the little things that don't matter. My big sister said something to me while I was home that has stuck with me. If a problem is fixable, then there is not need to worry. If it's not fixable, then there is no help in worrying.
So here's to a semester of long hours in the library, fun new adventures, a lot of smiles, and not worrying about what is out of my control. :)
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Elections, Facebook, and Opinions
It frustrates me to read so many statuses about people not wanting to see political statuses on their facebook news feed. Now, don't get me wrong, I completely understand the frustrations of hearing petty, ill informed arguments and mudslinging, but c'mon people, this is America, and an election year.
We should ecstatic that we can post our thoughts and opinions without threat of imprisonment or retaliation from the government. It's not only our right to do so, but I think it's our duty, our responsibility. Where would we be if conversations about how our country runs stopped? Communication, debate, disagreement, and conversation is what makes democracy work.
I was unfriended by a person because I updated my cover photo to a picture of Obama. I cannot express my disappointment. Have we really become a society that can't tolerate seeing or hearing opinions that are not our own? I am probably one of the most patriotic people you will meet. I love this country, I love our democracy, I love politics, all of it. I get that I'm in the minority when it comes to loving politics, and that's fine. My frustration lies with the fact that there seem to be more and more people everyday expressing how much they hate hearing about politics or the election. I firmly believe that every single American that is eligible to vote has a civic duty to do so. I also firmly believe that every voter should be informed of the issues on the ballot before they cast their votes. Facebook has become a tool for people to inform each other of the numerous sides to every ballot measure and every political candidate.
In my opinion, this election could be one of the most important elections of my lifetime. Posting things on facebook is a way to encourage conversation and get people thinking about the future of this country. It's a way to get people involved and help people stay informed. I will not apologize for posting information about the campaigns and I will not apologize for posting my opinions.
It might sound harsh, but if you don't like hearing about the election or politics, there is a lovely unfriend button next to my name. I would rather see my facebook news feed full of political status updates than updates like "OMG! My life is so terrible but no one ask me about it because I don't want to talk about it...."
This blog entry might seem like a negative post compared to all my other entries, but I feel like I had say something. And as a closing not, I will unabashedly tell people that I will be casting my vote in November for President Obama. I will continue to actively campaign via facebook for President Obama because it's the only way I can. I welcome conversation and opposing views, because that's what keeps our system going.
We should ecstatic that we can post our thoughts and opinions without threat of imprisonment or retaliation from the government. It's not only our right to do so, but I think it's our duty, our responsibility. Where would we be if conversations about how our country runs stopped? Communication, debate, disagreement, and conversation is what makes democracy work.
I was unfriended by a person because I updated my cover photo to a picture of Obama. I cannot express my disappointment. Have we really become a society that can't tolerate seeing or hearing opinions that are not our own? I am probably one of the most patriotic people you will meet. I love this country, I love our democracy, I love politics, all of it. I get that I'm in the minority when it comes to loving politics, and that's fine. My frustration lies with the fact that there seem to be more and more people everyday expressing how much they hate hearing about politics or the election. I firmly believe that every single American that is eligible to vote has a civic duty to do so. I also firmly believe that every voter should be informed of the issues on the ballot before they cast their votes. Facebook has become a tool for people to inform each other of the numerous sides to every ballot measure and every political candidate.
In my opinion, this election could be one of the most important elections of my lifetime. Posting things on facebook is a way to encourage conversation and get people thinking about the future of this country. It's a way to get people involved and help people stay informed. I will not apologize for posting information about the campaigns and I will not apologize for posting my opinions.
It might sound harsh, but if you don't like hearing about the election or politics, there is a lovely unfriend button next to my name. I would rather see my facebook news feed full of political status updates than updates like "OMG! My life is so terrible but no one ask me about it because I don't want to talk about it...."
This blog entry might seem like a negative post compared to all my other entries, but I feel like I had say something. And as a closing not, I will unabashedly tell people that I will be casting my vote in November for President Obama. I will continue to actively campaign via facebook for President Obama because it's the only way I can. I welcome conversation and opposing views, because that's what keeps our system going.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Happiness and Thank Yous
I went back to Tri-Cities this weekend for the first time in several months. It was definitely a fantastic trip. I was able to surprise my sister on her birthday, see old friends, and take a day trip to Spokane and Ione, WA to play at Riverfront Park and ride a train through the mountains surrounding Ione. It was also a very eye opening trip for me. I realized that for the first time in a really long time, I am truly happy. Yes, law school is frustrating and stressful, but it's my dream come true and it doesn't detract from my overall happiness.
Friday morning I went to have coffee with an old friend and adviser from my time at CBC. It was so great to hear someone who didn't really know Ryan or the ins and outs of our relationship tell me I seemed happier and looked better. I also ran into a friend of my mom's that told me how good I looked. It confirmed to me that I really am on the right track in my life. Going through a divorce is never easy, especially during the first semester of law school, but after the initial stress and emotion, I can honestly say that I'm okay and I don't regret the decisions I have made.
It took me a few weeks to reach the "I know I'm going to be okay and make it" realization. I probably cried more in the last month than I have in the last 2 years. Through all of it though, the people that are around me on a daily basis were there. These are people that have only known me for at most two months. I tried my best to not let my emotions and frustrations get in the way of school and show while I was in the law building, but that didn't really work out. I just have to say thanks to everyone who gave me a hug, wrote me a note, brought me soup when I was sick, or told me everything would work out and I could do this. These people didn't have to say or do anything, yet they did. I love how amazing the people in my class, and in the law school in general, are.
My family has also rallied behind me to make sure I don't completely fall on my face and am unable to get back up. My mom and sister brought me a car when mine broke down, my parent's drove all the way from Aberdeen, WA - 7.5 hour drive - one day to bring me a bed and other furniture and made sure I had enough food and other essentials to last me a while. They have been there to lend advice and to listen whenever I needed them. I cannot express how lucky I am to have such an amazing family.
It's a new feeling to be this happy and this free. It's a great feeling to know that I'm finally independent and making it. I can finally focus on myself and law school and not have to feel apologetic for it. Independence looks good on this girl. :)
Friday morning I went to have coffee with an old friend and adviser from my time at CBC. It was so great to hear someone who didn't really know Ryan or the ins and outs of our relationship tell me I seemed happier and looked better. I also ran into a friend of my mom's that told me how good I looked. It confirmed to me that I really am on the right track in my life. Going through a divorce is never easy, especially during the first semester of law school, but after the initial stress and emotion, I can honestly say that I'm okay and I don't regret the decisions I have made.
It took me a few weeks to reach the "I know I'm going to be okay and make it" realization. I probably cried more in the last month than I have in the last 2 years. Through all of it though, the people that are around me on a daily basis were there. These are people that have only known me for at most two months. I tried my best to not let my emotions and frustrations get in the way of school and show while I was in the law building, but that didn't really work out. I just have to say thanks to everyone who gave me a hug, wrote me a note, brought me soup when I was sick, or told me everything would work out and I could do this. These people didn't have to say or do anything, yet they did. I love how amazing the people in my class, and in the law school in general, are.
My family has also rallied behind me to make sure I don't completely fall on my face and am unable to get back up. My mom and sister brought me a car when mine broke down, my parent's drove all the way from Aberdeen, WA - 7.5 hour drive - one day to bring me a bed and other furniture and made sure I had enough food and other essentials to last me a while. They have been there to lend advice and to listen whenever I needed them. I cannot express how lucky I am to have such an amazing family.
It's a new feeling to be this happy and this free. It's a great feeling to know that I'm finally independent and making it. I can finally focus on myself and law school and not have to feel apologetic for it. Independence looks good on this girl. :)
Sunday, September 30, 2012
This is how I procrastinate writing memos...
Last week was a bit of a whirl wind, crazy week. My section had the pleasure of getting a new property instructor halfway through the semester, but for only a few weeks, then we get our rightful instructor back. Apparently, biking accidents in Wisconsin that leave you hospitalized make it hard for property instructors to be in class and teach. So now, we have the fun task of adjusting to a new teaching style and new expectations, and then reverting back to the old teaching style and expectations in a few weeks. All of this as we start learning what fee simples are and the complexities of estates. Probably the most confusing subject I've ever had to read about. Ever. So please Professor Long, hurry back to us!
This was also the week I had more readings and research assignments than ever before. This was also the week that I had to figure out how to get my car fixed and get Ryan's stuff packed up and ready to be moved out. To say the least, it's been crazy and there hasn't been much sleep.
But...I made it through unscathed to the weekend...which let's be honest, is big deal for law students. Set the little goals of making it too the weekend and then relax for a day...and then do it all over again.
The weekend was fantastic, with a little moment of stress thrown in. Friday night shenanigans with my fellow law students are the highlight of the week and bar golf did not disappoint!
Saturday, however, was the big day. Ryan came with a u-haul and took all of his stuff from the apartment and we signed the divorce papers. Then my parent's showed up with a bed, my vanity, and the hutch my grandpa made for me, they helped me put together my apartment, and FILLED my house with food and other essentials. I'm so lucky to have parents willing to do anything to make sure I'm okay. And now, I can finally put this craziness behind me and look to the future and be my own person. I'm excited that I'm finally doing life for me...and it makes me happy.
And now that I have fully exhausted this procrastination tool, memo writing awaits. :)
This was also the week I had more readings and research assignments than ever before. This was also the week that I had to figure out how to get my car fixed and get Ryan's stuff packed up and ready to be moved out. To say the least, it's been crazy and there hasn't been much sleep.
But...I made it through unscathed to the weekend...which let's be honest, is big deal for law students. Set the little goals of making it too the weekend and then relax for a day...and then do it all over again.
The weekend was fantastic, with a little moment of stress thrown in. Friday night shenanigans with my fellow law students are the highlight of the week and bar golf did not disappoint!
Saturday, however, was the big day. Ryan came with a u-haul and took all of his stuff from the apartment and we signed the divorce papers. Then my parent's showed up with a bed, my vanity, and the hutch my grandpa made for me, they helped me put together my apartment, and FILLED my house with food and other essentials. I'm so lucky to have parents willing to do anything to make sure I'm okay. And now, I can finally put this craziness behind me and look to the future and be my own person. I'm excited that I'm finally doing life for me...and it makes me happy.
And now that I have fully exhausted this procrastination tool, memo writing awaits. :)
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Rants of Law Student
I now understand why they call your years in law school 1L, 2L, and 3L. They can make it sound like hell without actually saying the word. And 1L of a year it has been so far. Yet, I am completely in love with law school. I love the challenges it posses, the amazing new people I've met, the University of Idaho, and I love Moscow.
But, as much as I love it...I'm frustrated with it. Law school is a place where, according to my torts instructor, "you don't get to ask questions" and according to my property instructor, "you will get more wrong on quizzes that you get right." Law school is hours reading and briefing, hours sitting in a little box in the library trying to concentrate through the noisy people holding conversations around you, hours of sitting through classes wondering why you didn't think of the questions the smart people in class ask, hours (seemingly, but probably not) checking the MASSIVE amounts of emails every organization in the law school sends you every day.
More than that, it's hours of sitting in class with people just as driven as you, hours spent tailgating, hours spent bar hopping, hours spent barbecuing, hours spent jumping off 30 foot cliffs, hours spent learning how to be a lawyer, hours spent putting in the time to fulfill your dream, hours spent with amazing people, hours.
Several upperclassmen have made mention to the fact that this year's 1L class is exceptionally crazy, loud, and obnoxious. We all work hard, but we play hard too. Going through law school is 1L of a hard time and it's nice to be surrounded by people who understand that sometimes, the books can wait and sometimes, you just have to blow off steam. But just as important, it's nice to be surrounded by people who work as hard as you do and take classes just as seriously. It's a nice change of pace from undergrad to be sure. I'm so excited to be here and finally have the ends to my lifelong dream in sight.
So here's to 1L of a year, and 2 more yet to come.
But, as much as I love it...I'm frustrated with it. Law school is a place where, according to my torts instructor, "you don't get to ask questions" and according to my property instructor, "you will get more wrong on quizzes that you get right." Law school is hours reading and briefing, hours sitting in a little box in the library trying to concentrate through the noisy people holding conversations around you, hours of sitting through classes wondering why you didn't think of the questions the smart people in class ask, hours (seemingly, but probably not) checking the MASSIVE amounts of emails every organization in the law school sends you every day.
More than that, it's hours of sitting in class with people just as driven as you, hours spent tailgating, hours spent bar hopping, hours spent barbecuing, hours spent jumping off 30 foot cliffs, hours spent learning how to be a lawyer, hours spent putting in the time to fulfill your dream, hours spent with amazing people, hours.
Several upperclassmen have made mention to the fact that this year's 1L class is exceptionally crazy, loud, and obnoxious. We all work hard, but we play hard too. Going through law school is 1L of a hard time and it's nice to be surrounded by people who understand that sometimes, the books can wait and sometimes, you just have to blow off steam. But just as important, it's nice to be surrounded by people who work as hard as you do and take classes just as seriously. It's a nice change of pace from undergrad to be sure. I'm so excited to be here and finally have the ends to my lifelong dream in sight.
So here's to 1L of a year, and 2 more yet to come.
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