Civ. Pro. = done forever. It wasn't so bad. I think.
Except for the part where I finished the 90 minute question in less than 60 minutes. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing...
Monday, December 10, 2007
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Which Federal Rule of Civil Procedure Are You?
YOU ARE RULE 8(a)!You are Rule 8, the most laid back of all the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. While your forefather in the Federal Rules may have been a stickler for details and particularity, you have clearly rebelled by being pleasant and easy-going. Rule 8 only requires that a plaintiff provide a short and plain statement of a claim on which a court can grant relief. While there is much to be lauded in your approach, your good nature sometimes gets you in trouble, and you often have to rely on your good friend, Rule 56, to bail you out.
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33 hours until my first law school exam...
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
It's hard to believe, but as of today, I am officially done with Civil Procedure and Torts classes (well, except for the exams). It seems impossible that a semester has gone by so fast. I was concerned about the length of semesters after spending four years on the quarter system, but I don't even feel burned out at this point. Of course, I might once exams are finished, but that remains to be seen.
At UVA (I don't know about other schools), the students clap for the professor at the end of the last day of class while he/she is leaving the room. I think that's kind of neat. There's just such a different atmosphere/feeling to law school than there was in undergrad. I like it.
So I also fully finished my CivPro outline this afternoon, which is exciting. I have that exam Monday, followed by Torts on Thursday, Criminal Law the following Monday, and Contracts the following Thursday. I think it will be nice to have exams so spread out. Hopefully, it will allow me to really focus on one at a time. I'm hoping to get the rest of my outlines done by Friday so that I can devote the rest of the weekend to CivPro.
Speaking of CivPro, at the PILA Auction, Steve, Laura, Taylor, and I bid together on dinner with Professor Collins at Zocalo and we won. We are going out to dinner with him this Saturday night, and I am so excited. The other day in class he mentioned some stories that would only discuss "over a beer" and Laura and I are determined to get those stories.
The Buckeyes are back in the National Championship game. Not sure how I feel about that. Of course, it's great to participate in three NCs in six years. I just really don't want a repeat of last year. I hope it's at least close. I don't think Tressel and the team would let it be a complete embarrassing blowout, though. Anyway, Stef wants me to go down to New Orleans with her for the game. Haven't decided for sure yet -- need to talk more details with her.
Okay, now that my coffee is kicking in, that's enough of a study break. Now to the torts outline...
At UVA (I don't know about other schools), the students clap for the professor at the end of the last day of class while he/she is leaving the room. I think that's kind of neat. There's just such a different atmosphere/feeling to law school than there was in undergrad. I like it.
So I also fully finished my CivPro outline this afternoon, which is exciting. I have that exam Monday, followed by Torts on Thursday, Criminal Law the following Monday, and Contracts the following Thursday. I think it will be nice to have exams so spread out. Hopefully, it will allow me to really focus on one at a time. I'm hoping to get the rest of my outlines done by Friday so that I can devote the rest of the weekend to CivPro.
Speaking of CivPro, at the PILA Auction, Steve, Laura, Taylor, and I bid together on dinner with Professor Collins at Zocalo and we won. We are going out to dinner with him this Saturday night, and I am so excited. The other day in class he mentioned some stories that would only discuss "over a beer" and Laura and I are determined to get those stories.
The Buckeyes are back in the National Championship game. Not sure how I feel about that. Of course, it's great to participate in three NCs in six years. I just really don't want a repeat of last year. I hope it's at least close. I don't think Tressel and the team would let it be a complete embarrassing blowout, though. Anyway, Stef wants me to go down to New Orleans with her for the game. Haven't decided for sure yet -- need to talk more details with her.
Okay, now that my coffee is kicking in, that's enough of a study break. Now to the torts outline...
Friday, November 9, 2007
There hasn't been a whole lot of blog-worthy stuff that's happened lately, so I haven't been updating much. But there are a few things going on at the moment.
First, I just got my lottery results for Spring Semester. During the Spring, we are required to take the second half of Legal Research and Writing, plus Constitutional Law and Property Law. We also get two electives. The ones I was able to get into are Evidence and International Law. So that should be a pretty good (but difficult and busy!) spring.
Tomorrow night is the PILA (Public Interest Law Association) Auction. Apparently, it's basically like law school Homecoming. Harmon (my criminal law professor) is one of the auctioneers, so that should be entertaining. I'm going out to dinner with a small group of people beforehand, so it will be a fun evening.
It's hard to believe that it's almost Thanksgiving, since it was still 80 degrees until about two weeks ago. And, since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, that means so are finals! YIKES. I really need to get on outlining.
Soon we can start applying for summer jobs, also. I'm thinking that I'm going to wait to send resumes until after finals are done. What good is it to worry about finding a job if you tank your exams?
I also was just appointed as Secretary for the Legal Assistance Society (LAS), which is the umbrella organization for such pro bono projects as Migrant Farmworker Project, Virginia Income Tax Project (helping the poor complete their tax returns -- I can't wait to help with that one in the spring!), Domestic Violence Project, etc. So that should be a good way to meet more people and get more involved with various projects, especially since the MFP season has ended.
I think that's about it for the news around here. Back to studying Contracts...
First, I just got my lottery results for Spring Semester. During the Spring, we are required to take the second half of Legal Research and Writing, plus Constitutional Law and Property Law. We also get two electives. The ones I was able to get into are Evidence and International Law. So that should be a pretty good (but difficult and busy!) spring.
Tomorrow night is the PILA (Public Interest Law Association) Auction. Apparently, it's basically like law school Homecoming. Harmon (my criminal law professor) is one of the auctioneers, so that should be entertaining. I'm going out to dinner with a small group of people beforehand, so it will be a fun evening.
It's hard to believe that it's almost Thanksgiving, since it was still 80 degrees until about two weeks ago. And, since Thanksgiving is right around the corner, that means so are finals! YIKES. I really need to get on outlining.
Soon we can start applying for summer jobs, also. I'm thinking that I'm going to wait to send resumes until after finals are done. What good is it to worry about finding a job if you tank your exams?
I also was just appointed as Secretary for the Legal Assistance Society (LAS), which is the umbrella organization for such pro bono projects as Migrant Farmworker Project, Virginia Income Tax Project (helping the poor complete their tax returns -- I can't wait to help with that one in the spring!), Domestic Violence Project, etc. So that should be a good way to meet more people and get more involved with various projects, especially since the MFP season has ended.
I think that's about it for the news around here. Back to studying Contracts...
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
There are a town and a county in Virginia called Goochland...
...and maybe I'm immature but I find that hilarious. It's such an awkward name for a town. I think if I met someone and they told me they were from Goochland, I would probably laugh at them.
There's a lot that's happened since my last update and I probably can't even remember all of it.
CASA training finished on Thursday night and I did my two hours of court observation last week. It was really awkward to be in there observing because one of the two cases I saw was VERY personal. There was some really damaging evidence towards one of the parties and I was thinking that if I were those people, I wouldn't want anyone else in there hearing my whole life's story. But I'm kind of glad training is over because it gives me back Tuesday and Thursday evenings. I told them that it probably would be best to wait until January to put me on a case since exams will be coming up sooner than I realize. That way I can focus on getting through my first semester and then start adding on CASA duties.
I went on a trip with the Migrant Farmworkers Project a few weeks ago. MFP is an extension of the Legal Aid Justice Center here in Charlottesville. Apparently, Charlottesville/Albemarle is a really big apple picking area. MFP goes around to the migrant farmworker camps to talk to workers and tell them about their rights. We make sure the conditions are acceptable and the orchard owners are complying with minimum wage, health, and safety laws. If we see any problems, we report back to Legal Aid. They can then represent the farmworkers in a suit against the owner to make sure that he complies with the laws. All the workers we talked with last night were from Mexico. Most planned to head down to Florida in a few weeks to pick oranges. They ranged in age from 20 to probably early 50’s. It was really interesting to talk to them. One of the workers said he thought it was so nice that we students would take the time to come talk to them. He said that for one, they don’t get much in the way of visitors, and for two, since some of them may be undocumented, they are too afraid to ask or complain about anything because they don’t know that they DO have rights. He was so happy that someone was taking an interest in him and he was so happy that we all spoke Spanish. Of course, they have their little community of other workers there, but most people don’t notice or take an interest in them, so he was so happy we came. It was quite an experience. Unfortunately, the season here ends in November, so we won’t have a lot of opportunities to go out to talk to people, but we try to hit as many of the camps as we can.
I'm going to be applying for a fellowship to work in South Africa for the summer. There will be a variety of different places where we can work. The two fellows who went last summer said that legally, South Africa is a very interesting place to be right now because they have one of the most progressive constitutions in the world. It's only about 11 years old, and they're still trying to figure out how to implement it and what it all really means. They are also dealing with reparations for apartheid. I'm not sure whether I'll really have a high chance of getting selected because the agencies get to set the criteria for who they want, and they may want people who have human rights experience already. But I'm going to apply regardless, and we're supposed to know by December 1.
Mom and I flew out to Columbus on Skybus this weekend to go to the Ohio State-Kent State game. I went over to Block "O" during halftime and I got to see a whole bunch of people. We also went out to dinner with Stef after the game. It was nice to get to go back to visit, even if it was only a 20-hour trip.
Other than that, life has mostly been school, school, and more school. Today will be another busy day. And with that, I should probably finish getting ready for class...
There's a lot that's happened since my last update and I probably can't even remember all of it.
CASA training finished on Thursday night and I did my two hours of court observation last week. It was really awkward to be in there observing because one of the two cases I saw was VERY personal. There was some really damaging evidence towards one of the parties and I was thinking that if I were those people, I wouldn't want anyone else in there hearing my whole life's story. But I'm kind of glad training is over because it gives me back Tuesday and Thursday evenings. I told them that it probably would be best to wait until January to put me on a case since exams will be coming up sooner than I realize. That way I can focus on getting through my first semester and then start adding on CASA duties.
I went on a trip with the Migrant Farmworkers Project a few weeks ago. MFP is an extension of the Legal Aid Justice Center here in Charlottesville. Apparently, Charlottesville/Albemarle is a really big apple picking area. MFP goes around to the migrant farmworker camps to talk to workers and tell them about their rights. We make sure the conditions are acceptable and the orchard owners are complying with minimum wage, health, and safety laws. If we see any problems, we report back to Legal Aid. They can then represent the farmworkers in a suit against the owner to make sure that he complies with the laws. All the workers we talked with last night were from Mexico. Most planned to head down to Florida in a few weeks to pick oranges. They ranged in age from 20 to probably early 50’s. It was really interesting to talk to them. One of the workers said he thought it was so nice that we students would take the time to come talk to them. He said that for one, they don’t get much in the way of visitors, and for two, since some of them may be undocumented, they are too afraid to ask or complain about anything because they don’t know that they DO have rights. He was so happy that someone was taking an interest in him and he was so happy that we all spoke Spanish. Of course, they have their little community of other workers there, but most people don’t notice or take an interest in them, so he was so happy we came. It was quite an experience. Unfortunately, the season here ends in November, so we won’t have a lot of opportunities to go out to talk to people, but we try to hit as many of the camps as we can.
I'm going to be applying for a fellowship to work in South Africa for the summer. There will be a variety of different places where we can work. The two fellows who went last summer said that legally, South Africa is a very interesting place to be right now because they have one of the most progressive constitutions in the world. It's only about 11 years old, and they're still trying to figure out how to implement it and what it all really means. They are also dealing with reparations for apartheid. I'm not sure whether I'll really have a high chance of getting selected because the agencies get to set the criteria for who they want, and they may want people who have human rights experience already. But I'm going to apply regardless, and we're supposed to know by December 1.
Mom and I flew out to Columbus on Skybus this weekend to go to the Ohio State-Kent State game. I went over to Block "O" during halftime and I got to see a whole bunch of people. We also went out to dinner with Stef after the game. It was nice to get to go back to visit, even if it was only a 20-hour trip.
Other than that, life has mostly been school, school, and more school. Today will be another busy day. And with that, I should probably finish getting ready for class...
Monday, September 24, 2007
It's already autumn!
I'm going to try and rip off a quick post here before I have to leave for class.
The Green Bay Packers are 3-0, the Ohio State Buckeyes are 4-0, and Tenacious D Softball is 1-1. The win came by default, though... we were playing the Law Republicans and there were no girls on their team, so they had to forfeit. But we decided to just give them a few of our players so we could play anyway. They ended up beating us 18-9, I think. Good thing they had to forfeit. I got on base twice... both times by being walked. I think I only scored one run, though, because the other time I got on with two outs and then someone hit a pop fly. Our next game is tomorrow, but I don't think I'll be able to play because it's from 4:30-5:30 and I have CASA training at 6. I don't think I should be going to CASA all dusty and smelling like B.O.
Speaking of CASA, it's going really well. We have 5 training sessions left, and then we get sworn in by the judge! I think he's supposed to be coming to our training tomorrow night to talk to us. That should be really interesting. I'm excited about getting started on a case, but I'm nervous, too. It's such a big and important responsibility! I know we have supervisors to give us advice, but I just can't believe that just normal people off the street could so quickly become court advocates. That seems crazy to me. Ooh and I met a new Puerto Rican friend at CASA. He is from San Juan and grew up there. He came to the states for college (Harvard), then worked for a few years, and then now is here at law school.
That reminds me... it surprises me how old some of my peers are! They look like people who would have come straight from college, but I look at their Facebook profiles, and they're 2004 graduates! THEY WERE BORN IN THE '70s! It just completely surprises me everytime I see someone who I think is maybe 24 or 25 and they're 28, 29, or 30! I guess it's so weird for me because I'm at the opposite end of the age spectrum, so even though 28 is not old AT ALL, it's just so surprising that they're 7 years older than me when I thought they were the same age.
Yesterday, a small group from our section went out to King Family Vineyards in Crozet for a wine-tasting and polo match. It was really neat. I'd never seen polo before and I'd never been wine-tasting before. I now know why people say things like, "This wine has a woody flavor," because one of the wines DID TASTE LIKE WOOD. I seriously thought I was drinking liquified tree bark. I didn't like that one very much. I thought the chardonnay was pretty good, but the other people there, who are the wine connoseuirs (sp?) of Section D said it was a bit too oaky. I really liked the dessert wine. It tasted like sugary apricots.
I think I'm going to be cold-called in Criminal Law today. I saw Harmon's seating chart in class last week and she uses Post-it flags to mark the people who are next in line. I think one of the flags was on my seat. Tomorrow, I'm heading up a group with five other people to go out to lunch with Professor Harmon. She is just so awesome. Five-foot-nothing, but if you get on her bad side, she is the most intimidating person you could ever meet. The more we learn in Criminal Law, the more I think that might be the direction I'm headed, so tomorrow will be a great opportunity to sit down with her and learn more about her experiences. She worked for a while as a federal prosecutor in New York, I believe, and she dealt a lot with sex crimes, apparently.
Human Rights Project is offering foreign language classes in the evenings in October and November. I'm interested, but do I really want to take on something else? I'd like to learn either Portuguese or Arabic. I'm also signing up to tryout for the Extramural Moot Court Team, but the tryout isn't for a few more weeks. (Moot Court = Mock Trial) They were asking for someone to tryout also for a competition that they're going to in March... IN VIENNA. Austria is at the top of places I want to visit, but it was a week long competition that came the week after spring break. So basically, go on spring break, come back on Monday, and then leave Friday for Austria. I wanted to sign up to try out for that so badly, but I don't think that missing a week's worth of classes is a good idea for a 1L. Maybe if they continue to go to that competition, I could do it next year.
Saturday is Foxfield... It's a big event at UVA (undergrad, too) and this weekend is the law school's weekend. Foxfield is a horse race... and apparently the goal of UVA Law students is to go to Foxfield all three years and to never see a horse. You are supposed to show up around 10:30 AM and start drinking. You're also supposed to wear ridiculous outfits (sundresses, seersucker, etc.). Knowing me, I'd probably be one of the few people to go to UVA Law and see a horse every year.
Fall break is coming up in a few weeks and I really want to go out to Columbus. Nathan is going to be there because he'll be on fall break, too. I don't know if I can afford the gas, though. And, I'd have to ask Carolyn if I could stay at her house, but I don't think that's a good idea, because if I wanted to go out with people at night (since they'll all be in class during the day) then I'd be coming in late. I just don't want to pay for a hotel. Ugh. I don't know.
Anyway, time to leave for class.
The Green Bay Packers are 3-0, the Ohio State Buckeyes are 4-0, and Tenacious D Softball is 1-1. The win came by default, though... we were playing the Law Republicans and there were no girls on their team, so they had to forfeit. But we decided to just give them a few of our players so we could play anyway. They ended up beating us 18-9, I think. Good thing they had to forfeit. I got on base twice... both times by being walked. I think I only scored one run, though, because the other time I got on with two outs and then someone hit a pop fly. Our next game is tomorrow, but I don't think I'll be able to play because it's from 4:30-5:30 and I have CASA training at 6. I don't think I should be going to CASA all dusty and smelling like B.O.
Speaking of CASA, it's going really well. We have 5 training sessions left, and then we get sworn in by the judge! I think he's supposed to be coming to our training tomorrow night to talk to us. That should be really interesting. I'm excited about getting started on a case, but I'm nervous, too. It's such a big and important responsibility! I know we have supervisors to give us advice, but I just can't believe that just normal people off the street could so quickly become court advocates. That seems crazy to me. Ooh and I met a new Puerto Rican friend at CASA. He is from San Juan and grew up there. He came to the states for college (Harvard), then worked for a few years, and then now is here at law school.
That reminds me... it surprises me how old some of my peers are! They look like people who would have come straight from college, but I look at their Facebook profiles, and they're 2004 graduates! THEY WERE BORN IN THE '70s! It just completely surprises me everytime I see someone who I think is maybe 24 or 25 and they're 28, 29, or 30! I guess it's so weird for me because I'm at the opposite end of the age spectrum, so even though 28 is not old AT ALL, it's just so surprising that they're 7 years older than me when I thought they were the same age.
Yesterday, a small group from our section went out to King Family Vineyards in Crozet for a wine-tasting and polo match. It was really neat. I'd never seen polo before and I'd never been wine-tasting before. I now know why people say things like, "This wine has a woody flavor," because one of the wines DID TASTE LIKE WOOD. I seriously thought I was drinking liquified tree bark. I didn't like that one very much. I thought the chardonnay was pretty good, but the other people there, who are the wine connoseuirs (sp?) of Section D said it was a bit too oaky. I really liked the dessert wine. It tasted like sugary apricots.
I think I'm going to be cold-called in Criminal Law today. I saw Harmon's seating chart in class last week and she uses Post-it flags to mark the people who are next in line. I think one of the flags was on my seat. Tomorrow, I'm heading up a group with five other people to go out to lunch with Professor Harmon. She is just so awesome. Five-foot-nothing, but if you get on her bad side, she is the most intimidating person you could ever meet. The more we learn in Criminal Law, the more I think that might be the direction I'm headed, so tomorrow will be a great opportunity to sit down with her and learn more about her experiences. She worked for a while as a federal prosecutor in New York, I believe, and she dealt a lot with sex crimes, apparently.
Human Rights Project is offering foreign language classes in the evenings in October and November. I'm interested, but do I really want to take on something else? I'd like to learn either Portuguese or Arabic. I'm also signing up to tryout for the Extramural Moot Court Team, but the tryout isn't for a few more weeks. (Moot Court = Mock Trial) They were asking for someone to tryout also for a competition that they're going to in March... IN VIENNA. Austria is at the top of places I want to visit, but it was a week long competition that came the week after spring break. So basically, go on spring break, come back on Monday, and then leave Friday for Austria. I wanted to sign up to try out for that so badly, but I don't think that missing a week's worth of classes is a good idea for a 1L. Maybe if they continue to go to that competition, I could do it next year.
Saturday is Foxfield... It's a big event at UVA (undergrad, too) and this weekend is the law school's weekend. Foxfield is a horse race... and apparently the goal of UVA Law students is to go to Foxfield all three years and to never see a horse. You are supposed to show up around 10:30 AM and start drinking. You're also supposed to wear ridiculous outfits (sundresses, seersucker, etc.). Knowing me, I'd probably be one of the few people to go to UVA Law and see a horse every year.
Fall break is coming up in a few weeks and I really want to go out to Columbus. Nathan is going to be there because he'll be on fall break, too. I don't know if I can afford the gas, though. And, I'd have to ask Carolyn if I could stay at her house, but I don't think that's a good idea, because if I wanted to go out with people at night (since they'll all be in class during the day) then I'd be coming in late. I just don't want to pay for a hotel. Ugh. I don't know.
Anyway, time to leave for class.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Oops... I've been slacking!
I didn't mean to wait so long to post, but it's amazing how quickly time goes by. Let's see... where did I leave off?
Well, it ended up turning out that I got selected for BOTH the PCASA program AND the Hunton Williams Pro Bono Partnership. I hardly expected to get picked for either one, let alone both! I asked Dean Emery what I should do, and she said that as a 1L, I probably wouldn't want to do both. So I decided to go with the PCASA program. Tuesday night was the first night of training, and we learned a bit more about what sorts of things we would have to do. I'm excited because apparently there are a few families who speak Spanish who have been on a waiting list to get served because no one in the PCASA office can speak Spanish and as a non-profit, they can't afford to hire interpreters. Generally, training is supposed to be Tuesday and Thursday evenings, but because of Rosh Hashanah, there was no training tonight. Instead, we're pulling a double training shift on Saturday morning/afternoon. I'm really excited about the program.
Oh, and my memo... Well, we got them back on Wednesday. I did pretty well, but definitely not as well as I thought after I finished it. It turned out that my biggest problem was in the logical organization of the memo. When doing your analysis, you're supposed to use the IRAC formula: Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion. According to the comments on my memo, I was tending to mix-up the R and the A. We have to write another memo this week. It's actually going to be TWICE as long, so I need to really focus on making sure I have the correct organization this time.
My section had softball practice tonight. I got up to bat 4 times, and each time I hit the ball on the first pitch. That's pretty amazing, considering that at the last practice, they probably had to throw me 15 pitches before I actually hit the ball. Anyway, the first time I went up to bat, I was thrown out at first. The other three times, I got on base! It was pretty exciting. Knowing me, though, that will be the end of my lucky streak and I'll strike out during every game we play. Tomorrow morning is our first game.
I'm reading Catch-22 in my spare time. It's hilarious. I was worried that I wouldn't like it, but I really do. It's so funny. I'm super tired, so I think I'm going to shower and crawl into bed.
Well, it ended up turning out that I got selected for BOTH the PCASA program AND the Hunton Williams Pro Bono Partnership. I hardly expected to get picked for either one, let alone both! I asked Dean Emery what I should do, and she said that as a 1L, I probably wouldn't want to do both. So I decided to go with the PCASA program. Tuesday night was the first night of training, and we learned a bit more about what sorts of things we would have to do. I'm excited because apparently there are a few families who speak Spanish who have been on a waiting list to get served because no one in the PCASA office can speak Spanish and as a non-profit, they can't afford to hire interpreters. Generally, training is supposed to be Tuesday and Thursday evenings, but because of Rosh Hashanah, there was no training tonight. Instead, we're pulling a double training shift on Saturday morning/afternoon. I'm really excited about the program.
Oh, and my memo... Well, we got them back on Wednesday. I did pretty well, but definitely not as well as I thought after I finished it. It turned out that my biggest problem was in the logical organization of the memo. When doing your analysis, you're supposed to use the IRAC formula: Issue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion. According to the comments on my memo, I was tending to mix-up the R and the A. We have to write another memo this week. It's actually going to be TWICE as long, so I need to really focus on making sure I have the correct organization this time.
My section had softball practice tonight. I got up to bat 4 times, and each time I hit the ball on the first pitch. That's pretty amazing, considering that at the last practice, they probably had to throw me 15 pitches before I actually hit the ball. Anyway, the first time I went up to bat, I was thrown out at first. The other three times, I got on base! It was pretty exciting. Knowing me, though, that will be the end of my lucky streak and I'll strike out during every game we play. Tomorrow morning is our first game.
I'm reading Catch-22 in my spare time. It's hilarious. I was worried that I wouldn't like it, but I really do. It's so funny. I'm super tired, so I think I'm going to shower and crawl into bed.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
My first memo
I just finished my first legal memo (well, practice memo, really) for my Legal Research & Writing class. For some reason, I am very proud of it. And when I say proud, I mean like EXCESSIVELY proud. I don't know why. I feel like it's the best thing I've ever written, and it's obviously NOT. It wasn't even HARD, but for some reason there is pride oozing out of my pores at the completion of this memo.
Inexplicable hubris aside, I talked to Brandon online for a bit tonight. It was nice to catch up with him. I hope to see him when I go to Columbus next month. I can't wait!
Inexplicable hubris aside, I talked to Brandon online for a bit tonight. It was nice to catch up with him. I hope to see him when I go to Columbus next month. I can't wait!
Sunday, September 2, 2007
A Whirlwind of a Week
So needless to say, I didn't get the pictures of the apartment up during the week like I intended to. It seems that I'm busy all the time, BUT I haven't felt overwhelmed or stressed out yet, so it's a good busy. There's a lot to talk about.
Lots of law schools (and UVA especially) really stress the importance of pro bono, which is providing free legal services to those who need it but can't afford it. A lot of law firms do pro bono activities, too. UVA has a Pro Bono Challenge. The challenge is to earn 25 pro bono hours each year for a total of 75 once you graduate. Anyone who meets the challenge gets to attend a special ceremony and receives special recognition at graduation. I want to be one of those people.
Right now, I've found two pro bono activities that I'm really interested in. One is to serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for a child who has been or is in danger of being taken away from their home by the State due to abuse or neglect. Basically, you interview the child, the parents, the child's teachers, inspect the home, and go to the child's court hearings, where you make recommendations to the court as to whether the child should be returned to the home or not. You have to attend 30 hours of training, and then you go to a special induction at the courthouse where the judge swears you in (you have to take an oath!) as an officer of the Court.
The other one I'm currently applying for is a pro bono partnership with Hunton & Williams, a law firm out of Richmond. They have one program that is similar to the CASA program, and another one that is an Immigration Law Partnership. Basically, you help immigrants file for asylum or amnesty or whatever other things they need. Not only is this one great because of how it helps people, but for me personally, it would allow me to keep up with my Spanish and it would allow me to network with a law firm (which could always come in handy during the summer).
Neither program takes very many law students, and the Hunton & Williams one may want 2 or 3L's who have actual legal experience. Either way, I'm applying for both of them. I think I really want to do the immigration one more, but either one would be a fantastic opportunity. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Friday was the Annual UVA Law Dandelion Parade. Essentially it's the law school's sanctioned 1L and LLM (foreign students who have law degrees in their country but want some American legal education, too) hazing event. Each section has to come up with a theme that starts with their section letter. Originally we wanted to do Dogfighting! and I was supposed to be Michael Vick. But we heard rumors that it might be offensive to some people due to apparent racial implications in the case. So at the last minute, we changed our theme to Dancing through the Decades. We had 50's swing, 60's randomness, 70's YMCA, 80's "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go", 90's NSYNC, and 2010 which was supposed to represent when we graduate. It was pretty hilarious. I was in the 90's group, so we did "Bye, Bye, Bye." Unfortunately, we didn't even come in third place, but it was fun. Some of the other sections had pretty bad themes and it was impossible to figure out what was going on in their skits. The LLM's won with their theme of "Look Like Migrants." They all dressed in their traditional native costumes and did a traditional dance. It was really good.
Yesterday, mom, dad, and Steffen came down for the day. We went to lunch at Wild Wing Cafe so that we could watch the Ohio State game. Not only did Ohio State win (and Boeckmann looked rather decent) but M*CH!G@N LOST TO DIVISION 1-AA APPALACHIAN STATE. That made my day. It might even have made my life. Best opening day of college football EVER. It was weird watching an Ohio State game and not being in Ohio Stadium, though... At least I get to go back in six weeks for the game against Kent State.
Today I'm just working on homework. I'm almost finished with what I need done for tomorrow, so I'm trying to get ahead on stuff for Tuesday and Wednesday. I love law school.
Oh, and here are the long-awaited pictures of my apartment. The walls are bare... at some point in the future I'll have some money to actually decorate...
The Den (my study area)
My Desk (yes, I know it needs to be organized.)
Bedroom
Dining Area
Living Room
Kitchen
Lots of law schools (and UVA especially) really stress the importance of pro bono, which is providing free legal services to those who need it but can't afford it. A lot of law firms do pro bono activities, too. UVA has a Pro Bono Challenge. The challenge is to earn 25 pro bono hours each year for a total of 75 once you graduate. Anyone who meets the challenge gets to attend a special ceremony and receives special recognition at graduation. I want to be one of those people.
Right now, I've found two pro bono activities that I'm really interested in. One is to serve as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for a child who has been or is in danger of being taken away from their home by the State due to abuse or neglect. Basically, you interview the child, the parents, the child's teachers, inspect the home, and go to the child's court hearings, where you make recommendations to the court as to whether the child should be returned to the home or not. You have to attend 30 hours of training, and then you go to a special induction at the courthouse where the judge swears you in (you have to take an oath!) as an officer of the Court.
The other one I'm currently applying for is a pro bono partnership with Hunton & Williams, a law firm out of Richmond. They have one program that is similar to the CASA program, and another one that is an Immigration Law Partnership. Basically, you help immigrants file for asylum or amnesty or whatever other things they need. Not only is this one great because of how it helps people, but for me personally, it would allow me to keep up with my Spanish and it would allow me to network with a law firm (which could always come in handy during the summer).
Neither program takes very many law students, and the Hunton & Williams one may want 2 or 3L's who have actual legal experience. Either way, I'm applying for both of them. I think I really want to do the immigration one more, but either one would be a fantastic opportunity. Keep your fingers crossed for me!
Friday was the Annual UVA Law Dandelion Parade. Essentially it's the law school's sanctioned 1L and LLM (foreign students who have law degrees in their country but want some American legal education, too) hazing event. Each section has to come up with a theme that starts with their section letter. Originally we wanted to do Dogfighting! and I was supposed to be Michael Vick. But we heard rumors that it might be offensive to some people due to apparent racial implications in the case. So at the last minute, we changed our theme to Dancing through the Decades. We had 50's swing, 60's randomness, 70's YMCA, 80's "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go", 90's NSYNC, and 2010 which was supposed to represent when we graduate. It was pretty hilarious. I was in the 90's group, so we did "Bye, Bye, Bye." Unfortunately, we didn't even come in third place, but it was fun. Some of the other sections had pretty bad themes and it was impossible to figure out what was going on in their skits. The LLM's won with their theme of "Look Like Migrants." They all dressed in their traditional native costumes and did a traditional dance. It was really good.
Yesterday, mom, dad, and Steffen came down for the day. We went to lunch at Wild Wing Cafe so that we could watch the Ohio State game. Not only did Ohio State win (and Boeckmann looked rather decent) but M*CH!G@N LOST TO DIVISION 1-AA APPALACHIAN STATE. That made my day. It might even have made my life. Best opening day of college football EVER. It was weird watching an Ohio State game and not being in Ohio Stadium, though... At least I get to go back in six weeks for the game against Kent State.
Today I'm just working on homework. I'm almost finished with what I need done for tomorrow, so I'm trying to get ahead on stuff for Tuesday and Wednesday. I love law school.
Oh, and here are the long-awaited pictures of my apartment. The walls are bare... at some point in the future I'll have some money to actually decorate...
The Den (my study area)
My Desk (yes, I know it needs to be organized.)
Bedroom
Dining Area
Living Room
Kitchen
Monday, August 27, 2007
Quick Homework Break
I just finished all the homework that is due for tomorrow, so I'm taking a quick break to update here before I start on readings for Wednesday.
Friday were the section rep. elections, and I ran for both First Year Council Rep and PILA Rep. Unfortunately, I didn't get elected to either one. I was actually extremely disappointed about that initially, because I really wanted to get involved. But later I realized that there are plenty of other things for me to get involved with, and so I'll just have to find other things I can do. Thursday there is a Law School Student Activities Fair, so I'm sure I'll be able to find something to get involved in.
We also had our potluck Friday night at Grace's house, which was a lot of fun. There was so much good food, including some awesome guacamole and some awesome seven-layer dip.
Saturday morning I participated with Habitat for Humanity. When we arrived, they were almost out of materials because the morning shift had gotten a lot accomplished. We installed insulation. It wasn't fiberglass, but it was a new type of insulation made from recycled denim. It was pretty cool. We finished in about an hour and a half. It would have been nice to have given more time, but Saturday was also 101 degrees, so it was good to get out of there early. I hope to work more with Habitat projects in this area while I'm here, though. It was really a lot of fun. The rest of the weekend was just homework.
I obviously didn't get around to doing pictures this weekend, but I only have classes from 8:30-11:30 tomorrow, so I hope to get some done during my spare time in the afternoon.
I still haven't been cold-called yet.
Quote of the Day:
"If you are writing a brief and cite case law from 1466, you should talk to your client. You probably want to settle."
-Professor Sprigman
Friday were the section rep. elections, and I ran for both First Year Council Rep and PILA Rep. Unfortunately, I didn't get elected to either one. I was actually extremely disappointed about that initially, because I really wanted to get involved. But later I realized that there are plenty of other things for me to get involved with, and so I'll just have to find other things I can do. Thursday there is a Law School Student Activities Fair, so I'm sure I'll be able to find something to get involved in.
We also had our potluck Friday night at Grace's house, which was a lot of fun. There was so much good food, including some awesome guacamole and some awesome seven-layer dip.
Saturday morning I participated with Habitat for Humanity. When we arrived, they were almost out of materials because the morning shift had gotten a lot accomplished. We installed insulation. It wasn't fiberglass, but it was a new type of insulation made from recycled denim. It was pretty cool. We finished in about an hour and a half. It would have been nice to have given more time, but Saturday was also 101 degrees, so it was good to get out of there early. I hope to work more with Habitat projects in this area while I'm here, though. It was really a lot of fun. The rest of the weekend was just homework.
I obviously didn't get around to doing pictures this weekend, but I only have classes from 8:30-11:30 tomorrow, so I hope to get some done during my spare time in the afternoon.
I still haven't been cold-called yet.
Quote of the Day:
"If you are writing a brief and cite case law from 1466, you should talk to your client. You probably want to settle."
-Professor Sprigman
Thursday, August 23, 2007
12 hours until the weekend...
The past week has been an absolute blur. It's amazing to think about how much has happened in such a short time.
Friday morning was the big move down to Charlottesville. Despite my misgivings about the apartment complex, it turns out that our apartment is actually rather decent. One nice thing about this apartment is it's a less than a 15 minute walk from the law school, so it's extremely convenient. The only real "problem" with it is that the bathroom is TINY. The sink is in the hallway (which is nice in the sense that you can brush your teeth if the other person is in the shower), but the toilet/shower area is so small. It's nothing terrible, though, since it's not a place I generally spend a whole lot of time. But whatever.
Although Dad didn't seem to think it would be possible, we did manage to get all the furniture down here with the two cars and the U-Haul trailer. My new furniture is really nice. The dinette set is great and the sofa/chair I got at Value City Furniture (though relatively inexpensive) look really good. The walls are all still empty. The next step will be to get art to decorate with, but otherwise we're all set up with the big items. This weekend I will try to get pictures of the apartment to post on here.
Friday we found a copy of "The Best of Charlottesville" and we saw Christian's Pizza listed as the best place in town to get a slice of pizza. It's located on the Downtown Mall, so we decided to go there for dinner. Oh my God. It was truly the best pizza I've ever had. I got one slice of Margherita and one slice of Mushroom and Sausage. But they had the most creative and interesting toppings I've ever seen... avocado with feta cheese, pizza with tortellini and ravioli as toppings... it seemed as though you could have any toppings you could even think of. The place was a madhouse, which just served as a testament to how good it really is. Afterwards we walked around the mall for a bit and looked in some shops. It is such a neat place. There are so many great-looking restaurants and stores that I hope to be able to explore further during my stay here over the next three years.
I have a pretty good schedule. All 1L's are required to take the same classes first semester but I'm pleased with the way my schedule is laid out. The classes I'm taking are: Torts, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Contracts, and Legal Research and Writing.
I really like all of my professors. My torts professor (Sprigman) is probably in his early 40s and may be the most eloquent, well-spoken person I have EVER met. Not only does he teach in a manner that makes the class interesting, but it's just so interesting to listen to him TALK.
I already knew I was in love with my Crim Law professor (Harmon) because she gave a curricular session at the Admitted Student's Visit Day. She is about 5-foot-nothing but is probably the most intimidating person you could ever meet. She used to be a federal prosecutor and has the charisma of someone who you would expect to see on Law & Order.
My Civil Procedure prof (Collins) just seems like a nice, grandpa-ish guy. My Legal Research & Writing (LR&W) professor, Moran, is a sincere lady. My Contracts professor, Kordana, is a little bit all over the place. He's kind of hyper, but he's still really nice.
UVA Law is just a great school, too. In the library, there are two big books of FUN DVD's that you can check out for free and watch during your leisure time. Forget Blockbuster or Hollywood Video!
I love my section (section D). There are just some really awesome people in it. One is a guy (in his 50's) who is a cardiac surgeon. I asked him why he was going back to school when he had that sort of profession and he said, "Well, I know that I'm approaching an age where I will have to stop operating. And I'm just interested in trying something different." One of the guys in my section worked for the CIA. There's a guy who was quoted by the United Nations. Another did sketch comedy in Columbus, OH. We have a girl who is pregnant and will only be with us for the first semester because she's taking a year off in the spring to have her baby. We have two exchange students from the University of Nottingham in England. We have a girl who is licensed to practice law in China, but wants to work here in the United States, so she has to get her J.D. It's just such an interesting group of people to know and interact with.
The great thing about having a section is that you have all your classes with them during the first semester. That way, you see the same people every day and get to know a core foundation of people really well. We also have 6 Peer Advisor's (PAs), who are 2- and 3-L's that teach us the ropes and plan activities with us all year long. They're sort of like RA's in college or Big Sibs at TJ. Speaking of TJ, one of my PA's is a TJ '01 grad, so that's kind of neat. I've seen quite a few TJ people in the past few days. I love all my PA's. They are all so awesome. Tomorrow night one of them is hosting a potluck for our section. Next weekend, they might be taking us to a polo match/wine tasting. That would be an entirely new experience for me, but it sounds so fun!
Saturday afternoon I will be participating with some other law students at Habitat for Humanity. Coincidentally, one of the people on the afternoon shift with me is Lauren Marziani. I've run into her a few times since orientation on Monday, but haven't really talked to her at length yet. I'm really excited about that, because I've never done Habitat before, AND, it just so happens, that is one of the items on my 1001 list...
I had so much to write about when I started, but now I've forgotten a lot of it. I think I hit most of the important stuff, though... I only have one class on Fridays, from 8:30-9:50, so I get an early start to the weekend. After class tomorrow, we are having an "elections meeting" with our PA's. We need to elect people to First Year Council, Softball Captain, and other positions for various events throughout the year. I'm considering running for something. I'm mainly interested in either First Year Council or PILA (Public Interest Law Association) Rep. PILA Reps help plan pro bono projects and other things of that nature.
But anyway, now that I have internet access in my apartment, I'll be able to update more regularly. For now, I'm going to relax a bit before getting to bed. It's going to be another early morning tomorrow... gotta wake up at 6:30.
Friday morning was the big move down to Charlottesville. Despite my misgivings about the apartment complex, it turns out that our apartment is actually rather decent. One nice thing about this apartment is it's a less than a 15 minute walk from the law school, so it's extremely convenient. The only real "problem" with it is that the bathroom is TINY. The sink is in the hallway (which is nice in the sense that you can brush your teeth if the other person is in the shower), but the toilet/shower area is so small. It's nothing terrible, though, since it's not a place I generally spend a whole lot of time. But whatever.
Although Dad didn't seem to think it would be possible, we did manage to get all the furniture down here with the two cars and the U-Haul trailer. My new furniture is really nice. The dinette set is great and the sofa/chair I got at Value City Furniture (though relatively inexpensive) look really good. The walls are all still empty. The next step will be to get art to decorate with, but otherwise we're all set up with the big items. This weekend I will try to get pictures of the apartment to post on here.
Friday we found a copy of "The Best of Charlottesville" and we saw Christian's Pizza listed as the best place in town to get a slice of pizza. It's located on the Downtown Mall, so we decided to go there for dinner. Oh my God. It was truly the best pizza I've ever had. I got one slice of Margherita and one slice of Mushroom and Sausage. But they had the most creative and interesting toppings I've ever seen... avocado with feta cheese, pizza with tortellini and ravioli as toppings... it seemed as though you could have any toppings you could even think of. The place was a madhouse, which just served as a testament to how good it really is. Afterwards we walked around the mall for a bit and looked in some shops. It is such a neat place. There are so many great-looking restaurants and stores that I hope to be able to explore further during my stay here over the next three years.
I have a pretty good schedule. All 1L's are required to take the same classes first semester but I'm pleased with the way my schedule is laid out. The classes I'm taking are: Torts, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Contracts, and Legal Research and Writing.
I really like all of my professors. My torts professor (Sprigman) is probably in his early 40s and may be the most eloquent, well-spoken person I have EVER met. Not only does he teach in a manner that makes the class interesting, but it's just so interesting to listen to him TALK.
I already knew I was in love with my Crim Law professor (Harmon) because she gave a curricular session at the Admitted Student's Visit Day. She is about 5-foot-nothing but is probably the most intimidating person you could ever meet. She used to be a federal prosecutor and has the charisma of someone who you would expect to see on Law & Order.
My Civil Procedure prof (Collins) just seems like a nice, grandpa-ish guy. My Legal Research & Writing (LR&W) professor, Moran, is a sincere lady. My Contracts professor, Kordana, is a little bit all over the place. He's kind of hyper, but he's still really nice.
UVA Law is just a great school, too. In the library, there are two big books of FUN DVD's that you can check out for free and watch during your leisure time. Forget Blockbuster or Hollywood Video!
I love my section (section D). There are just some really awesome people in it. One is a guy (in his 50's) who is a cardiac surgeon. I asked him why he was going back to school when he had that sort of profession and he said, "Well, I know that I'm approaching an age where I will have to stop operating. And I'm just interested in trying something different." One of the guys in my section worked for the CIA. There's a guy who was quoted by the United Nations. Another did sketch comedy in Columbus, OH. We have a girl who is pregnant and will only be with us for the first semester because she's taking a year off in the spring to have her baby. We have two exchange students from the University of Nottingham in England. We have a girl who is licensed to practice law in China, but wants to work here in the United States, so she has to get her J.D. It's just such an interesting group of people to know and interact with.
The great thing about having a section is that you have all your classes with them during the first semester. That way, you see the same people every day and get to know a core foundation of people really well. We also have 6 Peer Advisor's (PAs), who are 2- and 3-L's that teach us the ropes and plan activities with us all year long. They're sort of like RA's in college or Big Sibs at TJ. Speaking of TJ, one of my PA's is a TJ '01 grad, so that's kind of neat. I've seen quite a few TJ people in the past few days. I love all my PA's. They are all so awesome. Tomorrow night one of them is hosting a potluck for our section. Next weekend, they might be taking us to a polo match/wine tasting. That would be an entirely new experience for me, but it sounds so fun!
Saturday afternoon I will be participating with some other law students at Habitat for Humanity. Coincidentally, one of the people on the afternoon shift with me is Lauren Marziani. I've run into her a few times since orientation on Monday, but haven't really talked to her at length yet. I'm really excited about that, because I've never done Habitat before, AND, it just so happens, that is one of the items on my 1001 list...
I had so much to write about when I started, but now I've forgotten a lot of it. I think I hit most of the important stuff, though... I only have one class on Fridays, from 8:30-9:50, so I get an early start to the weekend. After class tomorrow, we are having an "elections meeting" with our PA's. We need to elect people to First Year Council, Softball Captain, and other positions for various events throughout the year. I'm considering running for something. I'm mainly interested in either First Year Council or PILA (Public Interest Law Association) Rep. PILA Reps help plan pro bono projects and other things of that nature.
But anyway, now that I have internet access in my apartment, I'll be able to update more regularly. For now, I'm going to relax a bit before getting to bed. It's going to be another early morning tomorrow... gotta wake up at 6:30.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
First Day of School
Just a quick note to say that I survived the first day of school without incident*, and I LOVE IT. I can't really write much because I'm pretty swamped in my torts assignment at the moment, but I will definitely be able to update tomorrow.
*Except for the part when I thought I lost the power cord to my BRAND NEW LAPTOP. After frantically rushing back to the law school and freaking out like the world was about to end, I emailed the people I sat next to during class, and one of them had accidentally picked it up. So all's well that ends well, I suppose, and my power cord will be returned tomorrow morning.
*Except for the part when I thought I lost the power cord to my BRAND NEW LAPTOP. After frantically rushing back to the law school and freaking out like the world was about to end, I emailed the people I sat next to during class, and one of them had accidentally picked it up. So all's well that ends well, I suppose, and my power cord will be returned tomorrow morning.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Dinette Set
I just ordered this new dinette set for the new apartment in Charlottesville.
Tonight Mom and I are going to La-Z-Boy to look at sofas.
Tonight Mom and I are going to La-Z-Boy to look at sofas.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
"For Whom the Bell Tolls", Word of the Day
I'm in the process of reading For Whom the Bell Tolls by Hemingway, which is about the experience of an American journalist fighting with the Republic during the Spanish Civil War. I just read a passage about the POUM, which I found quite interesting since the POUM situation really inspired my thesis.
I wish you could do an LJ-cut type thing on here, but unfortunately you can't. I think only two people read this anyways right now, so whatever.
The following excerpt is from a conversation between the Russian general Karkov and Robert Jordan, the main character.
"...And Barcelona. You should see Barcelona." (Karkov)
"How is it?"
"It is all still comic opera. First it was the paradise of the crackpots and the romantic revolutionists. Now it is the paradise of the fake soldier. The soldiers who like to wear uniforms, who like to strut and swagger and wear red-and-black scarves. Who like everything about war except to fight. Valencia makes you sick and Barcelona makes you laugh."
"What about the P.O.U.M. putsch?"
"The P.O.U.M. was never serious. It was a heresy of crackpots and wild men and it was really just an infantilism. There were some honest misguided people. There was one fairly good brain and there was a little fascist money. Not much. The poor P.O.U.M. They were very silly people."
"But were many killed in the P.O.U.M. putsch?"
"Not so many as were shot afterwards or will be shot. The P.O.U.M. It is like the name. Not serious. They should have called it the M.U.M.P.S. or the M.E.A.S.L.E.S. But no. The Measles is much more dangerous. It can affect both sight and hearing. But they made one plot you know to kill me, to kill Walter, to kill Modesto, and to kill Prieto. You see how badly mixed up they were? We are not at all alike. Poor P.O.U.M. They never did kill anybody. Not at the front nor anywhere else. A few in Barcelona, yes."
"Were you there?"
"Yes. I have sent a cable describing the wickedness of that infamous organization of Trotskyite murderers and their fascist machinations all beneath contempt but, between us, it is not very serious, the P.O.U.M. Nin was their only man. We had him but he escaped from our hands."
"Where is he now?"
"In Paris. We say he is in Paris. He was a very pleasant fellow but with bad political aberrations."
"But they were in communication with the fascists, weren't they?"
"Who is not?"
Just for background information, the POUM was a truly revolutionary communist sect. When the official line came from Moscow that the Communist Party should not foment a revolution but rather should defend the Spanish Republic at all costs, the Communists did all they could to discredit the POUM. They labeled them as an underground fascist organization, outlawed them, and imprisoned or killed many POUM members. (George Orwell describes this situation vividly in Homage to Catalonia).
The Communists captured Andres Nin and assassinated him. They also left "evidence" that seemed to show that he was rescued by fascist troops. Of course, a handwritten and signed note from Stalin shows that the evidence was staged and he was indeed killed by the Communists.
I wish you could do an LJ-cut type thing on here, but unfortunately you can't. I think only two people read this anyways right now, so whatever.
The following excerpt is from a conversation between the Russian general Karkov and Robert Jordan, the main character.
"...And Barcelona. You should see Barcelona." (Karkov)
"How is it?"
"It is all still comic opera. First it was the paradise of the crackpots and the romantic revolutionists. Now it is the paradise of the fake soldier. The soldiers who like to wear uniforms, who like to strut and swagger and wear red-and-black scarves. Who like everything about war except to fight. Valencia makes you sick and Barcelona makes you laugh."
"What about the P.O.U.M. putsch?"
"The P.O.U.M. was never serious. It was a heresy of crackpots and wild men and it was really just an infantilism. There were some honest misguided people. There was one fairly good brain and there was a little fascist money. Not much. The poor P.O.U.M. They were very silly people."
"But were many killed in the P.O.U.M. putsch?"
"Not so many as were shot afterwards or will be shot. The P.O.U.M. It is like the name. Not serious. They should have called it the M.U.M.P.S. or the M.E.A.S.L.E.S. But no. The Measles is much more dangerous. It can affect both sight and hearing. But they made one plot you know to kill me, to kill Walter, to kill Modesto, and to kill Prieto. You see how badly mixed up they were? We are not at all alike. Poor P.O.U.M. They never did kill anybody. Not at the front nor anywhere else. A few in Barcelona, yes."
"Were you there?"
"Yes. I have sent a cable describing the wickedness of that infamous organization of Trotskyite murderers and their fascist machinations all beneath contempt but, between us, it is not very serious, the P.O.U.M. Nin was their only man. We had him but he escaped from our hands."
"Where is he now?"
"In Paris. We say he is in Paris. He was a very pleasant fellow but with bad political aberrations."
"But they were in communication with the fascists, weren't they?"
"Who is not?"
Just for background information, the POUM was a truly revolutionary communist sect. When the official line came from Moscow that the Communist Party should not foment a revolution but rather should defend the Spanish Republic at all costs, the Communists did all they could to discredit the POUM. They labeled them as an underground fascist organization, outlawed them, and imprisoned or killed many POUM members. (George Orwell describes this situation vividly in Homage to Catalonia).
The Communists captured Andres Nin and assassinated him. They also left "evidence" that seemed to show that he was rescued by fascist troops. Of course, a handwritten and signed note from Stalin shows that the evidence was staged and he was indeed killed by the Communists.
Monday, July 16, 2007
To-do List
By getting rid of night/weekend minutes starting at 7PM and by dropping from 700 minutes per month to 550 minutes per month, my cell phone bill dropped $40. That's nearly $500 extra saved per year. Imagine what could be done with that money...
This is just a list for myself of things I need to do. Feel free to ignore.
1) Send in OPERS roll-over form.
2) Call ACS (1.800.835.4611) to make sure they have everything for my loans.
3) Sign and send in MPNs to Bank of America.
This is just a list for myself of things I need to do. Feel free to ignore.
1) Send in OPERS roll-over form.
2) Call ACS (1.800.835.4611) to make sure they have everything for my loans.
3) Sign and send in MPNs to Bank of America.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
"The pizza-love connection"
I saw this on MSN.com and just couldn't stop laughing...
The pizza-love connection
By Riki Markowitz
Think a candlelit dinner is the best venue to suss out a date’s potential? Well, a new study claims that ordering a good ol’ pizza pie can be much more telling. “Pizza-eaters’ favorite toppings show a correlation to their behavior,” says Alan Hirsch, M.D., lead researcher and director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. Commissioned by Domino’s Pizza, the study polled 1,000 people between the ages of 18 to 59 about their pizza-eating preferences and behavioral characteristics. Read the findings below to find out what certain toppings say about you, your date, and your future together.
If your date orders one meat topping…
People who order just pepperoni or sausage on their pie are generally irritable, prone to procrastination, and they often “forget” obligations (like that weekend getaway he or she promised to take with you in the spring).
Compatible with: others who prefer one meat topping
If your date orders multiple meat toppings…
Real meat lovers who pile on the pepperoni, sausage, and ham tend to be dramatic, seductive, sweep-you-off-your-feet extroverts who thrive as the center of attention.
Compatible with: people who prefer one meat topping
If your date orders one veggie topping…
Those who prefer one vegetable topping are empathetic, easygoing romantics.
Compatible with: everybody!
If your date orders multiple veggies…
These dates are trustworthy, loyal, humble, and avoid the spotlight. In fact, they’re so quiet and conflict-averse they tend to be taken for granted in relationships.
Compatible with: people who prefer non-traditional toppings
If your date orders non-traditional toppings…
People who prefer offbeat options like pineapple or extra onions tend to be aggressive, ambitious, and competitive. In other words: Don’t expect a mellow relationship.
Compatible with: others who prefer non-traditional toppings
From: MSN.com
But what if you're like me, and just order cheese?
The pizza-love connection
By Riki Markowitz
Think a candlelit dinner is the best venue to suss out a date’s potential? Well, a new study claims that ordering a good ol’ pizza pie can be much more telling. “Pizza-eaters’ favorite toppings show a correlation to their behavior,” says Alan Hirsch, M.D., lead researcher and director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. Commissioned by Domino’s Pizza, the study polled 1,000 people between the ages of 18 to 59 about their pizza-eating preferences and behavioral characteristics. Read the findings below to find out what certain toppings say about you, your date, and your future together.
If your date orders one meat topping…
People who order just pepperoni or sausage on their pie are generally irritable, prone to procrastination, and they often “forget” obligations (like that weekend getaway he or she promised to take with you in the spring).
Compatible with: others who prefer one meat topping
If your date orders multiple meat toppings…
Real meat lovers who pile on the pepperoni, sausage, and ham tend to be dramatic, seductive, sweep-you-off-your-feet extroverts who thrive as the center of attention.
Compatible with: people who prefer one meat topping
If your date orders one veggie topping…
Those who prefer one vegetable topping are empathetic, easygoing romantics.
Compatible with: everybody!
If your date orders multiple veggies…
These dates are trustworthy, loyal, humble, and avoid the spotlight. In fact, they’re so quiet and conflict-averse they tend to be taken for granted in relationships.
Compatible with: people who prefer non-traditional toppings
If your date orders non-traditional toppings…
People who prefer offbeat options like pineapple or extra onions tend to be aggressive, ambitious, and competitive. In other words: Don’t expect a mellow relationship.
Compatible with: others who prefer non-traditional toppings
From: MSN.com
But what if you're like me, and just order cheese?
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Today I can type in the title box.
Lindsey and I did, indeed, go to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at Springfield Mall's midnight showing last night. We both thought it was the best movie so far. Its main problem, though, is its editing. It is quite choppy and scenes don't transition well. You are sort of just thrown into the middle of everything, but perhaps that is intentional. I'm not sure. Otherwise, we really liked it. It was hilarious when Umbridge told Harry to tell the centaurs that she didn't mean what she said and he responded, "Sorry Professor, I must not tell lies." The people at the theater couldn't put the reels on correctly, though. During the Ministry of Magic scene, when Lucius Malfoy is talking to Harry about the prophecy, the screen split and then the audio went crazy. They shut off the movie, turned on the lights, and there was nearly a riot. After a few minutes, they managed to get it straight again, just barely managing to avoid a disaster.
Steffen texted me today asking if we liked it. I told him that we thought it was the best movie so far, and he asked if we would go again to see it with him when we go up to PA this weekend. It was funny that he asked, because Lindsey and I had said on the train that we would go again if Steffen wanted to see it.
Despite the fact that I didn't get to bed until nearly 3 AM, I'm surprisingly awake at the moment. Of course, now that I've said that, I'm sure I'll crash in about 15 minutes.
Salvy came over for dinner last night. He had meetings in Bethesda Monday, yesterday, and today, so mom brought him down for dinner. Dad made some kind of really good dinner... he said it was chicken fricasee.
I'm super hungry. I can't wait until my lunch break.
Lindsey and I did, indeed, go to see Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at Springfield Mall's midnight showing last night. We both thought it was the best movie so far. Its main problem, though, is its editing. It is quite choppy and scenes don't transition well. You are sort of just thrown into the middle of everything, but perhaps that is intentional. I'm not sure. Otherwise, we really liked it. It was hilarious when Umbridge told Harry to tell the centaurs that she didn't mean what she said and he responded, "Sorry Professor, I must not tell lies." The people at the theater couldn't put the reels on correctly, though. During the Ministry of Magic scene, when Lucius Malfoy is talking to Harry about the prophecy, the screen split and then the audio went crazy. They shut off the movie, turned on the lights, and there was nearly a riot. After a few minutes, they managed to get it straight again, just barely managing to avoid a disaster.
Steffen texted me today asking if we liked it. I told him that we thought it was the best movie so far, and he asked if we would go again to see it with him when we go up to PA this weekend. It was funny that he asked, because Lindsey and I had said on the train that we would go again if Steffen wanted to see it.
Despite the fact that I didn't get to bed until nearly 3 AM, I'm surprisingly awake at the moment. Of course, now that I've said that, I'm sure I'll crash in about 15 minutes.
Salvy came over for dinner last night. He had meetings in Bethesda Monday, yesterday, and today, so mom brought him down for dinner. Dad made some kind of really good dinner... he said it was chicken fricasee.
I'm super hungry. I can't wait until my lunch break.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
For some reason, I can't type inside the Title box. It won't let me.
My sad (yes, I admit it's sad, but I can't help it) obsession with Harry Potter continues. Tonight, Lindsey and I will be attending the midnight screening of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at Springfield Mall. I figured that if I was going to continue feeding my obsession, I might as well do so in a manner that would knock another item off my 101 list (see a midnight movie).
And yes, I'm super excited about it. I will obviously be dead at work tomorrow, because I probably won't get home until 3 AM, but I think it's a small price to pay in order to become certifiably the biggest loser on the block. At least I can admit it, even if I can't stop it.
I also ordered my new laptop for Law School today. It's only about five more weeks until I move down to Charlottesville.
Work is the same old, same old. Nothing exciting... just answering the phone and working on these annoying binders for Julie. But money is money and I rather like the size of my bank account at the moment.
We had new carpet installed in the upstairs of the house over the weekend. It is EXACTLY (no, that is not an exaggeration) the same color as the dirty carpet we used to have. No difference.
Steffen came home over the weekend and fixed the door-lock motor on my car, so now it no longer makes a loud quacking (or farting noise, depending on who hears it) when the doors lock or unlock. Thank you, Steffen.
My sad (yes, I admit it's sad, but I can't help it) obsession with Harry Potter continues. Tonight, Lindsey and I will be attending the midnight screening of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at Springfield Mall. I figured that if I was going to continue feeding my obsession, I might as well do so in a manner that would knock another item off my 101 list (see a midnight movie).
And yes, I'm super excited about it. I will obviously be dead at work tomorrow, because I probably won't get home until 3 AM, but I think it's a small price to pay in order to become certifiably the biggest loser on the block. At least I can admit it, even if I can't stop it.
I also ordered my new laptop for Law School today. It's only about five more weeks until I move down to Charlottesville.
Work is the same old, same old. Nothing exciting... just answering the phone and working on these annoying binders for Julie. But money is money and I rather like the size of my bank account at the moment.
We had new carpet installed in the upstairs of the house over the weekend. It is EXACTLY (no, that is not an exaggeration) the same color as the dirty carpet we used to have. No difference.
Steffen came home over the weekend and fixed the door-lock motor on my car, so now it no longer makes a loud quacking (or farting noise, depending on who hears it) when the doors lock or unlock. Thank you, Steffen.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Okay, okay, I ADMIT IT!
I have come to the realization that I love Harry Potter. Yes, as embarrassed as I am, and as much as I swore I would never read the books, I have just finished the fourth book less than a week after I started the first one. For children's books, though, they're suprisingly terrifying. If I was ten or eleven and was reading those books, I think I would be having nightmares. But fortunately for me, Lindsey loves Harry Potter, too. So like true losers, we went to Blockbuster and rented the first, second, and third movies over the weekend. We only got through the first two, though, and we'll have to wait until she gets back from Fairfax this weekend to watch the third. Then we'll have to rent the fourth and watch that one before the fifth one comes out next week.
On Saturday, Lindsey and I came downtown to go to the Folk Life Festival and visit a museum. The festival was pretty cool; I'd never been to one of them before and the representative cultures were Northern Ireland, the Mekong Delta, and Virginia. Lindsey said she had enough of Virginia from her week in Fairfax protesting Tom Davis, so we skipped that part.
After the festival, we went to the Hirshhorn Gallery. It's a contemporary art museum, and it was one I'd never been to, so I got to mark it down on my list. It's also the worst museum I think I've ever been to. Seriously, I don't understand how that stuff is art. I took a couple pictures in there that I will have to post later which I hope will unite others with me in my cause that random crap does not equal art.
For example, one "art piece" was a bunch of chairs arranged in a circle, and the piece was titled Levits. Yes, obviously that is the title I would have come up with, too. Then another one was a cement wall with a red light inside it. There was one room dedicated to some lady whose brilliant art pieces included a gigantic piece of blank drawing paper and another piece that was a gigantic sheet of blank graph paper. There was one piece of art that was nothing more than a canvas stretched into the shape of an octagon and dyed to a tan color. And you know what the title was? "Tan Octagon." But the thing that really sent me over the edge was what appeared to be a stale French baguette that had been painted steel blue. A FREAKING BAGUETTE and it's worth millions. I was so angry at that stupid museum that I wanted to punch someone in the face.
A funny thing happened there, though. I was telling Lindsey how much I thought Joan Miro's paintings were a bunch of crap, and trying to explain to her his style. I pointed out a painting that looked quite characteristic of his style and said, "If that was a Miro painting, it would be called 'Fat Penguin in Autumn' or something." And sure enough, IT WAS A MIRO PAINTING. The title, while not 'Fat Penguin in Autumn', was 'Painting (Circus Horse)'.
Yes, obviously a circus horse. You'd have to be stupid not to notice that right away. In case you couldn't tell, I think very highly of a great deal of modern art.
Sunday was the 10th anniversary of the founding of Adventure Links. So many people from '02 were there: Dave, Shelby, Dan, Scott, Mario, Spooner, Hilary, Elena, Kocher... then from '03 there was Jason Wooley, Chad... it was so great to see them all again. I felt a bit awkward around them, though, because I had been so much younger than all of them when I worked with them. Spooner came up to me and said, "So how are you enjoying the college life?" I replied, "It's over. I just graduated." She said, "Excuse me, I think I'm going to be sick." After she recovered, she said, "So what are you doing now, then?" I told her I was going to be starting law school and she said she was going to be sick again. The rest of the night she was going around to everyone and saying, "Can you believe she's going to law school? Do you remember when she was still in HIGH SCHOOL?" Audrey is going to be 8 in November, and Autumn is 5. I can't believe that it's been four and five years since I worked there. Unbelievable. But like the big idiot that I am, I forgot to bring a camera with me. I have a feeling I'll see at least some of those people again someday, though...
Tomorrow's 4th of July... day off!
On Saturday, Lindsey and I came downtown to go to the Folk Life Festival and visit a museum. The festival was pretty cool; I'd never been to one of them before and the representative cultures were Northern Ireland, the Mekong Delta, and Virginia. Lindsey said she had enough of Virginia from her week in Fairfax protesting Tom Davis, so we skipped that part.
After the festival, we went to the Hirshhorn Gallery. It's a contemporary art museum, and it was one I'd never been to, so I got to mark it down on my list. It's also the worst museum I think I've ever been to. Seriously, I don't understand how that stuff is art. I took a couple pictures in there that I will have to post later which I hope will unite others with me in my cause that random crap does not equal art.
For example, one "art piece" was a bunch of chairs arranged in a circle, and the piece was titled Levits. Yes, obviously that is the title I would have come up with, too. Then another one was a cement wall with a red light inside it. There was one room dedicated to some lady whose brilliant art pieces included a gigantic piece of blank drawing paper and another piece that was a gigantic sheet of blank graph paper. There was one piece of art that was nothing more than a canvas stretched into the shape of an octagon and dyed to a tan color. And you know what the title was? "Tan Octagon." But the thing that really sent me over the edge was what appeared to be a stale French baguette that had been painted steel blue. A FREAKING BAGUETTE and it's worth millions. I was so angry at that stupid museum that I wanted to punch someone in the face.
A funny thing happened there, though. I was telling Lindsey how much I thought Joan Miro's paintings were a bunch of crap, and trying to explain to her his style. I pointed out a painting that looked quite characteristic of his style and said, "If that was a Miro painting, it would be called 'Fat Penguin in Autumn' or something." And sure enough, IT WAS A MIRO PAINTING. The title, while not 'Fat Penguin in Autumn', was 'Painting (Circus Horse)'.
Yes, obviously a circus horse. You'd have to be stupid not to notice that right away. In case you couldn't tell, I think very highly of a great deal of modern art.
Sunday was the 10th anniversary of the founding of Adventure Links. So many people from '02 were there: Dave, Shelby, Dan, Scott, Mario, Spooner, Hilary, Elena, Kocher... then from '03 there was Jason Wooley, Chad... it was so great to see them all again. I felt a bit awkward around them, though, because I had been so much younger than all of them when I worked with them. Spooner came up to me and said, "So how are you enjoying the college life?" I replied, "It's over. I just graduated." She said, "Excuse me, I think I'm going to be sick." After she recovered, she said, "So what are you doing now, then?" I told her I was going to be starting law school and she said she was going to be sick again. The rest of the night she was going around to everyone and saying, "Can you believe she's going to law school? Do you remember when she was still in HIGH SCHOOL?" Audrey is going to be 8 in November, and Autumn is 5. I can't believe that it's been four and five years since I worked there. Unbelievable. But like the big idiot that I am, I forgot to bring a camera with me. I have a feeling I'll see at least some of those people again someday, though...
Tomorrow's 4th of July... day off!
Friday, June 29, 2007
DC never fails to be interesting...
On the short walk from the Farragut West Metro Station to my office (one block), I have seen several interesting things this week.
1) On Tuesday, there was some sort of motorcade. It wasn't the presidential one, because there were only about 5 cars in it, but it was evidently someone important.
2) On Wednesday, this giant-headed George Washington mascot for the Washington Nationals baseball team (it's like over six and a half feet tall) was walking around on the sidewalk and waved to me.
3) Yesterday, I was outside the building on the phone for a few minutes and a woman drives up to the corner in a minivan. She decides she is going to parallel park in this tiny spot between two cars. I'm thinking, "There is no way she can fit that van in there..." Sure enough, she hit the car behind her TWICE and the car in front once. I don't think it did any damage, but still. So then she sits in her car for five minutes, putting on makeup and hoping that any witnesses will have dispersed by the time she gets out. She then walked a big loop around the sidewalk, came back, put a quarter in the parking meter of the car behind hers, put coins in her own meter, and then disappeared to wherever she was going.
4) This morning, McGruff the "Take a Bite out of Crime" dog was standing outside the Metro station exit handing out pamphlets about cyber crime.
In other news, I finished my 101 Things list. I've also read the first two Harry Potter books in the past day and a half, and I'm kind of ashamed to say that I might actually be enjoying them. The writing is a bit elementary (obviously, because it's meant for kids), but there are some subtle jokes that have made me laugh out loud a few times.
Lindsey comes back from Fairfax tonight, so tomorrow she and I might go hit up a museum downtown. Sunday is an Adventure Links 10 year reunion, so I'll be heading out to Paris for that...
1) On Tuesday, there was some sort of motorcade. It wasn't the presidential one, because there were only about 5 cars in it, but it was evidently someone important.
2) On Wednesday, this giant-headed George Washington mascot for the Washington Nationals baseball team (it's like over six and a half feet tall) was walking around on the sidewalk and waved to me.
3) Yesterday, I was outside the building on the phone for a few minutes and a woman drives up to the corner in a minivan. She decides she is going to parallel park in this tiny spot between two cars. I'm thinking, "There is no way she can fit that van in there..." Sure enough, she hit the car behind her TWICE and the car in front once. I don't think it did any damage, but still. So then she sits in her car for five minutes, putting on makeup and hoping that any witnesses will have dispersed by the time she gets out. She then walked a big loop around the sidewalk, came back, put a quarter in the parking meter of the car behind hers, put coins in her own meter, and then disappeared to wherever she was going.
4) This morning, McGruff the "Take a Bite out of Crime" dog was standing outside the Metro station exit handing out pamphlets about cyber crime.
In other news, I finished my 101 Things list. I've also read the first two Harry Potter books in the past day and a half, and I'm kind of ashamed to say that I might actually be enjoying them. The writing is a bit elementary (obviously, because it's meant for kids), but there are some subtle jokes that have made me laugh out loud a few times.
Lindsey comes back from Fairfax tonight, so tomorrow she and I might go hit up a museum downtown. Sunday is an Adventure Links 10 year reunion, so I'll be heading out to Paris for that...
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Introduction
I guess you could say that I've jumped aboard the blogging bandwagon. It seems to be a pretty good way of keeping in touch with people. I just graduated from The Ohio State University, and with friends scattered in all different directions, several have started their own blogs. I've decided to join in.
I am a soon-to-be 1L (first year law student) at the University of Virginia School of Law. I will be moving to Charlottesville on Friday, August 17, and orientation begins the following Monday. As burned out as I was during my final spring quarter at OSU, I'm so excited to begin at UVA.
Between now and then, this blog will discuss my random summer exploits. I am working as a temporary receptionist for the Washington, DC office of Transwestern, a commercial real estate firm. My mom works in their Virginia office, and offered me as a fill-in when DC's receptionist quit last week. I had nothing else to do (since I did not get hired by any of the 50+ jobs or internships I had applied to) and the pay is $12/hr, so I was more than happy to pick up some extra cash before the move to Charlottesville.
Another bandwagon I jumped on was that of the"101 Things in 1001 Days" mission. I suppose I'm a conformist, but I think the idea is really neat and there are many habits I want to change and goals I want to accomplish. So this blog will also discuss my personal "101 Things" mission. For those of you unfamiliar with the project, here's some background info:
The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.
2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.
3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.
4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.
5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.
My list is not yet complete. I have 95 things so far (including leaving three blank slots under Academic, because I'm sure once I get to UVA I'll want to add a few things there). Apparently you aren't supposed to start your 1001 day clock until you finish your list, but I missed that detail so I've already started and am on Day 4. I'm going to keep adding to my list until I do finish it, but I'm also just going to continue with the same deadline as I originally had.
So anyway, here's my list so far...
Start Date: Sunday, June 24, 2007
End Date: Sunday, March 21, 2010
Regular font: Not yet completed.
Italics: Currently In Progress
Bold: Amount of instances completed.Strikethrough: Completely finished. (Date finished in Parenthesis)
HEALTH:
1. Work out for at least 30 minutes three days a week, every week for two months.
2. Once #1 has been accomplished, do the same over a six-month period.
3. Drink at least 5 glasses of water every day for one month.
4. Eat at least something for breakfast every morning of every day for two weeks. (completed 07.16.07)
5. Once #5 has been accomplished, do the same over an additional month-long period. (completed 08.14.07)
6. Keep a health journal for at least a month.
7. Run a mile in less than 8 minutes.
8. Take a vitamin every day for a month.
9. Do 30 sit-ups every day for a month.
10. Run a 5k.
11. Do not eat fast food for three weeks. (0/3)
12. Get a bike and ride it instead of driving whenever possible.
13. Floss every day for one month.
14. Do one full pull-up.
MIND:
15. Find a cause about which I am passionate and support it.
16. Become informed about the presidential candidates.
17. Watch the news for at least 30 minutes every day for two months. (0/2)
18. Try to learn a new language.
19. Learn to say “Hello”, "How are you?", "Please", “Thank you”, “I love you”, "Excuse me", "What is your name?", "My name is..." in ten different languages. (2/10)
1. Italian
2. Portuguese
20. Do a crossword puzzle every weekday for a month. (completed 07.20.2007)
21. Learn a new word every day for a month.
22. Update my blog at least twice per week for 12 weeks.
23. Take some sort of class just for fun (i.e. dance, cooking, pottery, yoga, etc.)
ACADEMIC:
24. Find a study group and stick with them. [I have never studied with people before; I always do it on my own, but I know that will be very tough in law school.]
25. Get invited to participate with one of the law journals.
26. Obtain an internship with a judge or a summer associate position for next summer.
27.
28.
READ:
29. Read at least one book for pleasure each month, and keep a list of what I've read. (4/34)
SEPTEMBER 2007: Catch-22 - Joseph Heller
30. Read Don Quixote (in Spanish, preferably).
31. Read Les Miserables.
32. Read at least 10 of the books on the 100 Best Novels List that I have not read previously. (1/10)
33. Read all the Harry Potter books. (completed 07.22.2007)
34. Memorize a poem by Pablo Neruda.
FUN:
35. Find a new hobby.
36. Take at least one picture every day for a year and make scrapbooks or photo albums.
37. Have seen a total of at least 100 movies on IMdb's Top 250 Movies list. (36/100)
38. Make a cross-stitched pillow.
39. Participate in 26 Things.
40. Attend a symphony or opera.
41. See a midnight movie. (completed 07.11.07 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix)
42. Go ice skating.
43. See all three "Lord of the Rings" movies. (0/3)
44. Apply to be on "Deal or No Deal".
45. See a movie at a drive-in theater.
FINANCE:
46. Have at least $8,000 in my savings account (not including the money from the savings bonds I will be cashing in to help pay for living expenses during law school).
47. Set up and maintain Treasury bill account.
48. Invest a total of at least $1,001 into my IRA over the course of the 1001 days. ($301/$1001)
49. Keep my checkbook balanced.
SHARE:
50. Give blood at least 5 times. (0/5)
51. Donate little-worn clothes to charity. (completed 08.13.07)
52. Help build with Habitat for Humanity. (completed 08.25.07)
53. Participate in Relay for Life.
54. Participate in Race for the Cure.
55. Participate in a charity bike race.
56. Do at least 50 hours of volunteer work.
TRAVEL:
57. Visit a country that I have never been to. [Not Canada, Spain, Portugal, Morocco or England.]
58. Visit at least two of the ten states I have not yet been to. [Alaska, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Arkansas, Kansas, or Oklahoma.] (0/2)
59. Visit at least 10 museums in Washington, DC that I have never been to. (1/10)
-The Hirshhorn Gallery (06.30.2007)
60. Get the book "1000 Places to See Before You Die".
61. Once #60 is completed, try to visit 5 places from the book.
62. See a musical on Broadway.
63. Visit a bed and breakfast.
64. Go on a white water rafting trip that I have never been on before [not the Lower Yough or the Snake Rivers].
65. Go on a camping trip.
66. Go to a Packers game at Lambeau Field.
67. Visit Nathan in Phoenix.
68. Drive Skyline Drive.
PERSONAL GROWTH:
69. Get up by 7 AM on weekdays.
70. Keep in touch with friends who have gone their separate ways by emailing or calling at least once every two weeks.
71. Stop saying "like" when unnecessary. [As in, "And it was like so hot out."]
72. Aside from academic or work use, don't use the computer for five days. (completed 07.17.07)
73. Don't use swear words for one month.
74. Find a church and attend regularly.
75. Renew CPR certification.
76. Renew First Aid certification.
77. Say "you're welcome" instead of "mmhmm" or "yep".
AROUND THE HOUSE:
78. Put laundry away by the end of the day on which it's been done.
79. Organize my digital photos and keep them organized.
80. Do not leave dirty dishes overnight every night for one month.
81. Make my bed every morning for one month. (0/30)
82. Buy a new TV.
83. Learn to change the oil in my car.
84. Check tire pressure once a month for six months. (2/6)
JUST FOR ME:
85. Get a professional massage at a spa.
86. Get a manicure or pedicure.
87. Spend a whole day in bed for no reason other than I just want to.
88. Be in bed by 11:00 PM every night for a week.
FOOD:
89. Cook a lobster dinner.
90. Cook at least one new recipe per month. (3/33)
91. Learn to make three pasta sauces from scratch. (0/3)
92. Eat three fruits or vegetables that I have never tried before. (1/3)
-Pickled turnip (07.07.2007)
93. Cook at least 3 meatless meals per week for one month.
94. Make homemade ice cream.
95. Learn to make creme brulee.
96. Spend an evening making fudge.
97. Develop a signature dish.
98. Host a dinner or holiday party for friends.
99. Learn how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey.
100. Try 10 new restaurants. (6/10)
-4th Estate Grill, L Street (06.27.2007)
-Silverado, Annandale (07.14.2007)
-San Vito, Burke (08.07.2007)
-Christian's Pizza, Charlottesville (08.17.2007)
-Wild Wing Cafe, Charlottesville (08.21.2007)
-Adobe Gila's, Columbus (10.13.2007)
101. Try fondue.
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