Paging Mr. Green

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

2005-12-11T18:02:00.000-08:00

For the last three years running, I spent the majority of the month of December hunched over a computer, furiously trying to cram three months of material into my brain long enough to spew it back to the professor. The kitchen table was inevitably piled three feet deep in books, notes, and outlines.

During idle daydreams, I often dreamt of that magical December after graduation. I would have my December weekends and evenings free. After law school, my holiday season would be one long cookie-baking, party-hopping, eggnog-drinking, family-loving binge.

So where have I found myself this particular December weekend? Hunched over a computer, furiously trying to cram three days of work into just a few short hours. Between swearing-in ceremonies, family visits, apartment hunting (blech!) and office Christmas parties, many projects were left untouched until this weekend. These projects which all have the same due date: Monday 12/12.

Strangely, after three straight years of December toil, working this weekend just *feels* like Christmas. A peppermint candle is burning, the Christmas tunes are rocking the iPod, and it looks like a paper bomb went off in my apartment.

Yes indeed. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

A penny for your thoughts, oh internet.

2005-12-01T23:09:00.000-08:00

I have something to tell you. Something absolutely astounding.

December is here.

I know! It's shocking! My initial thought was "Holy crap, I need to turn in my billables today." Guess that's what passing the bar will do for your thought processes. But my second thought was even scarier.

"What the hell do I get my husband?"

You see, my husband's birthday is a few days after Christmas. It's a significant birthday this year. A nice, even, round number. We were in Hawaii last year for his birthday. But this year, on his oh-so-significant birthday? He'll be driving a moving van full of our possessions southbound down I-5. And that, my friends, is kind of a let-down.

So help me out. What do you get for a man who is one of the most loving, caring, amazing people in this world? The kind of person who supports your biggest dreams and helps you find a way to make even the worst days a little better? It doesn't have to be big or expensive. It just needs to mean something.

Good thing I still have a month. I'm going to need all the time I can get.

Get your mind out of the gutter.

2005-11-29T22:18:00.000-08:00

Yep, I haven't seen the gutter (much less a shot of tequila) since the night exam results came out. Since then, I've been busy. Working hard, playing hard. Being thankful. You know. All that stuff.

Oh, and apartment hunting. Lordy, how I HATE apartment hunting. If any of you know of an amazing, somewhat large apartment in SF for a reasonable price with parking, pet-friendly, I will love you forever. If said apartment happens to come with a dishwasher, I will love you forever AND cook you a big dinner.

hmmmm

2005-11-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

I'm drunk. Really drunk. Like, smoked a cigarette drunk.

But I passed. That's all that matters right now.

The spins.

I have the spins.

But really, fuck the spins.

I passed.

That's all that matters.

I passed.

what is it with me and the freaking neighbors?

2005-11-18T08:48:00.000-08:00

My neighbors here in SF, I must tell you, SUCK ASS.

That is all. My drunk ass is now moving toward the bed. And frankly, I seem to be able to type better with one eye open and one yeye closed. So that's what you bitches are getting this evening is a one-eyed trashed mo-fo who "tentatively passed" the mofoing bar tonight...at least until the paper results come out tomorrow. Or whenever.

Fuck.

It's time for bed. No more demon alcohol.

Negative Ghostrider. The pattern is full.

2005-11-15T21:50:00.000-08:00

Three more days. Three more days. Three more days.

Holy moly.

All the news that's fit to print.

2005-11-10T21:11:00.000-08:00

My nerves, in all their glory, have made an encore appearance. Case in point: spontaneously bursting into tears today. Yep, pretty much reverting to my pre-exam state.

Ayyyyeeeee matey.

2005-11-03T19:57:00.000-08:00

Sometime in September, an associate warned me that no matter how confident you were in the month of August, come November you'd be convinced you failed. Completely. Utterly. Failed.

Well, the calendar says November. And he's right.

So, to lift the collective spirit of bar-waiters everywhere, I though I would reprint a joke. It's seasonally appropriate (although pirates are always appropriate, dontcha think?). It was shared with me on the eve of the bar exam by the most lovely two-timer I've never had the pleasure of meeting.

A pirate walks into a bar.

The bartender says, "Hey, do you know you have a steering wheel down your pants?"

The pirate says, "ARRRG, and it's drivin' me nuts!"

Maintaining a state of suspicious alertness.

2005-10-23T19:57:00.000-07:00

Some of you might be wondering what I'm up to, since I haven't been posting anything here. In the last few weeks, I have:

0) Missed my husband like nobody's business. It's much more fun when he's around.
1) Been working, yo.
2) Seen the "Jarhead" trailer no less than four million times. Hence the title of this post. I also have a sudden inclination to read strange fact patterns at work and exclaim "hoo-rah."
3) Figured out that in order to get my hands on true, non-waxed, organic Washington apples I will be driving to Whole Foods in SOMA roughly 2.5 times a week. Damn you Washington state with your addictive apples. To think I always took great apples for granted.
4) Mastered the art of cooking for one. I have reverted to college cookery - grilled cheese sandwiches, salad from a bag, and mounds of those Dole fruit cups from Costco.
5) Realized that part of the art of cooking for one is knowing when to stop feeling guilty and just throw away the half-used loaf of stale bread.
6) Made new friends.
7) Felt homesick and missed old friends.
8) Pondered whether my ongoing low-grade cold has anything to do with the ongoing, low-grade stress of the bar, moving, and missing my husband. Or, it could have something to do with seeing the Jarhead trailer every 10 minutes while watching baseball on Fox.

Hoo-rah.

Murphy is a beyotch

2005-10-03T19:58:00.000-07:00

Murphy's Law = the day you cancel your Comcast appointment for high speed internet, the neighbor decides to put a security key on his wireless signal.

Apologies for the silence - I'm still working on putting together another blog, and will email you directly with the address when it all comes to pass. That's all for tonight - gotta do some surfing and catch up with all I've been missing out on these last two weeks.

Duh.

2005-09-19T20:41:00.000-07:00

I'm a complete idiot. I managed to lose the box of fabric softener in my apartment. Keep in mind, my apartment is roughly the size of a (very) small dorm room. I spent 10 minutes looking in every cabinet, cubby, and storage box around. Nothing doing.

Until I looked in my laundry basket.

Is this a sign that I should be applying for FEMA?

Honeymoon's over

2005-09-15T18:51:00.000-07:00

I still love my firm. However, they have a blogging policy. The policy can be summed up as "if you've got a problem, take it to us, not the internet." So, in light of that policy, I think I would be wise to shut this baby down.

I'll still update you on the end results of the bar experience, but no more semi-regular updates. I'm thinking about starting a blog for friends and family, so if you'd like to tag along shoot me an email or comment and I'll send you the info.

Honeymoon

2005-09-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

I love my firm. That is all.

Girls! Girls! Girls!

2005-09-13T18:49:00.000-07:00

You know you've arrived in this world when you get to walk by Larry Flynt's Hustler Club each and every morning on the way to work.

Boo-yah

2005-09-12T17:50:00.000-07:00

Free Diet Coke in the kitchens on every floor. So much for cutting back on my consumption.

Sadness, melancholy, and tears, oh my!

2005-09-08T13:34:00.000-07:00

I'm an emotional wreck today. I'm missing my husband, the cat, the dog, the house, and my life here, all before I've even left.

Tomorrow I start my drive to San Francisco, which is exciting. On Monday I start my new job, which is thrilling. A few weeks from now, I'll get my first paycheck as an attorney, which will be positively astounding. But today? Today is a day for being a weepy crybaby, second guessing decisions long-since made, and trying to figure out how the hell I'm going to fit everything into my car.

Guess it's time to wipe back the tears, open another Diet Coke, and have at it.

Comment Spammers, begone.

2005-09-07T01:57:00.000-07:00

Starting now, we're moving to the Blogger members only + word verification. Take that, ya little weasels.

Oh, and moving still sucks.

Moving is a beyotch.

2005-09-06T18:46:00.000-07:00

That is all.

Vicarious vacation, dispatch 1: File that under "Foods I never thought I'd eat"

2005-09-02T09:24:00.000-07:00

Our Roman friend took us to a tiny little restaurant in one of the outer areas of the city...so little that there was no menu, no English, and no sign outside. Before taking us to a "true" Roman meal, our friend informed us that quite a lot of authentic Roman cuisine focuses on innards. Lovely, but not enough to deter us. When in Rome, eat as the Romans eat, right?

At the restaurant, our waiter, wanting to impress our American palates, brought us a two-pasta plate. Only after eating it did we dare ask what it was. First, an oxtail red sauce over penne. No biggie, I've had oxtail before. Second, sweetbread and artichokes over spaghetti. Um, hmm. Sweetbread. The best part: the Husband had no idea what sweetbread was. He was taking the word literally, so the best moment was seeing his momentary look of revulsion when he realized he had just eaten pancreas for dinner.

Upon further reflection, the look of revulsion changed to a look of pride. Something like, "Damn, look at me, I just ate pancreas for dinner...and it tasted good!"

A heapin' helping of Montana

2005-09-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

I helped my parents paint the barn at my grandmother's place while I was home. The barn is currently a peeling rusty-red color. The name of the new red paint selected by my grandmother? Raspberry Truffle.

Unless my parents put on three coats, my grandmother is going to have a hot-pink barn. Yippee.

A second dose of Montana reality

2005-09-01T16:50:00.000-07:00

Have you ever heard the expression "Nobody defines 'normal' in the same way?" Ponder, then, the contents of the kitchen counter in my parent's house.

Bills
Montana trade tokens
The key rack I made in sixth grade, painted bright purple and green. There's a reason I went to law school, not design school.
Box of Kleenex
Sierra Club Magazine
Tickets to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet
A couple stray 30-06 bullets
Three elk molars in a jar, waiting to go to the jeweler

Yep. That's pretty much normal around these parts.

Montana reality

2005-09-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

This is for you, Chai:

Last night, while pondering how to cut three huge tent caterpillar cities out of my grandmother's chokecherry tree, I got a dose of Montana. A woman drove by on her ATV, probably going 20+ mph. She'd occasionally slow down, yell something over her shoulder, and then speed up again. It wasn't until she passed me that I realized that she wasn't just crazy and hitting the sauce.

Her Jack Russell terrier was running alongside the ATV, looking positively thrilled to be out and about.

This is Montana, after all. Nobody actually "walks" their dog around here. You just turn them loose in the fields.

Drink by drink, taking the bar exam

2005-08-29T23:05:00.000-07:00

I took a drive this evening to meet up with my cousin for dinner. He's on a fire crew based about an hour outside of the town where I grew up. As I was heading home, I heard the quintessential bar exam song on the radio. Naturally, it was a country station. I am in Montana, after all. The lyrics from the Derailers song titled "Bar Exam":

"I got my PhD in heartaches and misery

And a BSM in barstool philosophy

You're my inspiration for higher education

Now the final test is right in front of me.

I'm taking the bar exam

Under a neon sign

I'm gonna graduate

When you're off my mind

In this honky tonk school

We got a hell of a band

Drink by drink I'm taking the bar exam.

I know beer, wine whiskey and gin

I studied every glass and bottle they come in

I pass with flying colors, so high above the others

So set 'em up I'm ready to begin

Cuz I'm taking the bar exam

Under a neon sign

I'm gonna graduate

When you're off my mind

In this honky tonk school

We got a hell of a band

Drink by drink I'm taking the bar exam."

One question though...where the hell were the Derailers when we were in the thick of studying in July? I could have used this song about 43 days ago.

Montenegro is beautiful, but Belgrade will break your heart.

2005-08-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

Through superior skill and cunning, I have managed to triple book myself from now until I drive off for San Francisco in two weeks. Posts may be sparse because our modem conked out while we were galavanting in Montenegro, but I will try to post as time permits.

Update: Assisi

2005-08-11T01:19:00.000-07:00

Wow, I can't imagine what St. Francis would have to say about modern day Assisi, a town so diametrically opposed to his beliefs. On the other hand, who can resist the allure of St. Francis chotchkes?

Ok, nevermind. I can resist the allure of open-head Assisi mugs, so I'm guessing St. Francis could too.

Ciao, bella

2005-08-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

Blogging from the comfort of my hotel room in beautiful Roma. Air conditioning has to be one of the great wonders of the world. I had to work hard at being a good world citizen today...too many other citizens of the world were throwing elbows to get a closer look at Caravaggio and Raphael. It seems almost obscene that so much of the world's great art is clustered in a 47 hectacre area.

Off to explore the backstreets this evening with our Roman friend - she's going to show us the non-tourist side of Rome. Hope all is well in your post-bar worlds...

Feels Good (uh huh)

2005-08-01T23:46:00.000-07:00

I've got the latest Gorillaz song stuck in my head, and it's currently serving as the theme song for all post-bar activities:

"Dont stop, get it, get it
we are your captains in it
steady,watch me navigate,
ahahahahahhaa."

Whatever.

Anyway, in roughly 7 hours I'm hopping a plane for Roma, and won't be back for three weeks. Blogging, if any occurs, will be sporadic at best. I will drink some chianti and think of you all.

Cheers,
j.

2005-08-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

Ummm, how is today August 1st? That means that tomorrow is August 2nd, which would mean I'm getting on a plane and heading to Europe. It means today is my only day to find shoes that fit. It means I need to find an EpiPen for my lovely husband. It means I need to get my BarBri CDs boxed up and sent back, lest I check my email in Montenegro only to find I'm being charged $50 a day.

It also means that I need to hit Elliot Bay Books to get myself some airport reading. I've got 50 pages left in the latest Harry Potter, and I must say it's been very comforting to hold a heavy book on my hands the last few days. Any suggestions for me? Something meat-and-potatoes, but not too intellectual?

Is there a 12 step program for recovering bar takers?

2005-07-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

This headline got me thinking about the idea of recovery. "A ruined life gets back on track" should be my theme song these days, and it got me thinking about what a 12 step program for recovering bar takers might look like.

JM's 12 step list for recovery

1. Admitted that we were powerless over stress and studying — that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to confidence and hope...namely time-off, relaxation, and a shot of Jack Daniels.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of CalBar until the middle of November.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves, including the pasty skin, extra pounds, and moldy fridge.

5. Admitted to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our bitchitude and angst.

6. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all, even if it includes sexual favors for significant others who essentially lived as monks during June and July.

7. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. Especially when to do so requires some funky kama sutra position, yo.

As you can see, I only made it to number 7. Because hey, I'm on vacation! I didn't have to make a 12 element list for the CalBar, so I'm sure as shooting not making one now. Any ideas on what steps 8 through 12 should be?

On the second day, she cleaned.

2005-07-30T13:19:00.000-07:00

The party last night was excellent - I had a grand total of 2 glasses of champagne and one glass of spodi, yet didn't feel drunk at all. However, everyone around me seemed convinced that I was wasted...really, I was just so tired I couldn't get words to come out of my mouth correctly.

Slept in this morning, then finally admitted out loud that this house is an absolute dump. D. U. M. P. It didn't help that the Husband made Spodi in the kitchen before heading down to the beach. The kitchen had the distinct frat-smell this morning - cheap booze and rotting fruit.

Not good, but getting better.

Awww yeah

2005-07-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

Friends = good.

Spodi = better.

Husband = best.

Being done with bar = better than best.

Shopping list

2005-07-29T13:01:00.000-07:00

Vodka (1/2 gallon)
Rum (1/2 gallon)
Shitty beer (1 case)
Lemonade concentrate (6 pack)
Champagne (1 bottle, just for me)
Hot dogs/hamburgers/gardenburgers
Tiki lights
Chips, veggies
Keg cups

It's gonna be a goooooood night.

Juicy little morsels

2005-07-27T20:01:00.000-07:00

I walked a ridiculous distance in extreme heat to find dinner. And it was worth it. No bar zombies, good food, and cute shops along the way. Guess who's having veggies, tofu and rice for breakfast tomorrow? That'd be me.
My table buddy was the last person admitted to the exam room this morning. I don't think she stopped shaking during the morning session.
Is it ok to like Sacramento? Cali people, give me the scoop. Because if you give me your blessing, I would have to say I really like Sacramento. (I should qualify that. I really like the Downtown/Midtown area, not sure about anywhere else)
To the ladies behind me who couldn't stop gushing that Sakai was totally right about the essays....um, how's that? Yeah, he predicted CP. That didn't take a lot of thought. According to my notes, RP and Corps were "not likely" and Contracts was a wobbler. Which means he pretty much got 1 out of 3 right the first day. So really? Quit with the Sakai adoration.
Looking forward: I'm ready to party. Making a Costco run on Friday, and we're having a big bbq at the beach. Sand, beach, sunset, socializing, and hop-skip-n-go-naked. Excellent.
And lastly: my feet are going to FALL OFF somewhere in Rome. The odds of me having feet by the time we reach Montenegro is somewhere in the neighborhood of 71 to 1. I got blisters walking to dinner tonight, so I can't imagine how my tootsies are going to adjust to walking all day every day for nearly a month. But if I could talk back to my feet? I'd tell them to shut the hell up because we're gonna be in Europe.

Paging Defective Yeti

2005-07-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

This quick blurb was just what I needed after a long day spent rassling MBE questions. For that, you have my sincere appreciation.

Recommended reading for all bar examinees.

I'm hooked and I can't stop staring.

2005-07-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

Last thing before I forcibly remove myself from the internet: What's up with Sir Mix-A-Lot doing Target commercials? Does this mean that everyone who knows this song is now married with children who need back to school supplies? And furthermore, what's up with ruining my favorite karaoke* song?

*Not often am I drunk enough to commit to karaoke, but when I rock the partay, Sir and I get downnnnn.

Acc, accom, accommodations

2005-07-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

Only test-related note from today: It's a really good thing that spell-check is enabled on ExamSoft.

Why?

Because I mispelled accommodation EVERY SINGLE TIME I USED IT during the PT exam.

TV Land

2005-07-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

So, I've watched more TV in the last day than I have in the last three months. Actually, it's the most cable that I've watched since we cancelled our Comcast 1L year.

This? I don't think so. Jennifer Love Hewitt as a ghost whisperer? I think not.

This? My favorite new show. We actually go over to our neighbors' house to drink beer and watch it on Sunday nights. Fun times man. When Eric referred to 4-H camp on Sunday, I think I just about fell off the bed. 4-H camp, well, that's a story for another time.

This? Sadly, I'm watching it right now. However, one the players shares my first name, and although she comes across as dumber than a rock, she's the best player in the game. Rock it, sista.

Oh, and this? I'm totally hooked. And we all know how I feel about semi-scary shows. But this one rocks my world. As opposed to most Party of Five alumni, I would watch Matthew Fox on just about any show. Although I might have to draw the line if he makes a guest appearance of Ghost Whisperer.

curve balls

2005-07-26T19:49:00.000-07:00

As promised, no exam question discussion will happen on this site. So, instead, here's the entire list of what I've eaten today (cuz really, there's nothing else to talk about):

Breakfast - Sheraton breakfast buffet. Eggs, kick-ass bacon, fruit, potatoes. Roughly 100% of my daily RDA of salt, fat and cheese.
Lunch - Chicken pesto sandwich from Wolfgang Puck. Definitely 100% of my daily RDA of fat, but so worth it. Dude, how long has Wolfgang Puck been holding out on me? I've been practically living there. Salad and sandwiches baby. Fast service, tastes good.
Dinner - a pint of CurveBall and nachos at Pyramid. Reaffirmed why I hate eating at Pyramid. But really, all other avenues for food were foreclosed by 1) extreme heat, and 2) chatty bar takers who couldn't shut up about question number 2. SHUT UP ABOUT QUESTION 2 ALREADY.
Dessert - a fat Nestle cone thingy. Exactly 85% of my daily RDA of fat. But ohhhhh, it was exactly what I needed.

That's it peeps. Got a free pint glass from Pyramid w/Curve Ball logo. Appropriate, methinks.

In other news, what's up with the four million people who apparently never read the list of things you can and can't bring in? There were stacks of laptop bags about ten feet deep at the entrance to the room. Really people, are you on crack?

Words of wisdom

2005-07-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

Per my father: "The anticipation will probably be far worse than the event itself. "

One can only hope. Give 'em hell, everyone.

Zombies, Mommy! They're everywhere!

2005-07-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

I hate scary movies. My hatred dates back to a fourth grade slumber party at Brandy Drake's house, where her older brother made us watch Friday the 13th. I'm sure I'd laugh at the movie if I saw it now, but at the time it really scared the bejeezus out of me. Don't get me wrong, I watch movies like the Sixth Sense, but The Ring? House of Wax? Saw? Amityville Horror? Heeeeeellllllll no.

And yet, I can't help feeling that I'm living in a scary movie today. A scary movie full of zombies. The challenge is trying to figure out who the zombies are. Some carry binders, some carry BarBri books. Those zombies are easy to avoid. Women wearing shorts and no makeup in the Sheraton lobby? You betcha. Zombies. The men are a bit harder, although all Bar zombies give off an unmistakeable stress-vibe. I have a feeling there will be a cluster of zombies at the "gym"/pool tonight, which means I should probably go work out now.

Like all good horror movies, the joke's on me, because we all know that I'm a card carrying member of the zombie club too. I'm just not going to admit it until the end of the movie.

Groundrules in force until Thursday:

2005-07-24T22:31:00.000-07:00

NO DISCUSSING SPECIFICS ON THIS SITE.*

*Specific test questions, that is. I would welcome specific examples of test center stupidity and the freaky stress cases that are sure to be milling about come Tuesday. Especially if you are the freaky stress case. Don't expect any groundbreaking advice - I'll just tell you Heather's pirate joke. ARRRG.

PT strategy, provided by A Tribe Called Quest.

2005-07-24T18:40:00.000-07:00

*opening PT booklet, reading general directions*

Here we go yo, here we go yo
So what so what so what's the scenario
Here we go yo, here we go yo
So what so what so what's the scenario

*reading Task Memo*

Bo knows this (what?) and Bo knows that (what?)
But Bo don't know jack, cause Bo can't rap
Well whaddya know, the ditto of his first up to bat
No batteries included, and no strings attached
No holds barred, no time for move fakin
Gots to get the loot so I can bring home the bacon
Brothers front, they say the Tribe can't flow
But we've been known to do the impossible like Broadway Joe so
Sleep if you want, my crew will help you get your Z's troop
But here's the real scoop

*read, outline, organize*

I'm all that and then some, short dark and handsome
I'm vexed, fumin, I've had it up to here
My days of payin dues are over, acknowledge me as in there (YEAH!)

*take a break, see the big picture before writing*

Head for the border, go get a taco
I'll be wreckin from the jump street, meaning from the get-go
Sit back relax and let yourself go
Don't sweat what you heard, and act like you know

Yes yes y'all! Yes yes y'all!

*write that shit down!*

Watch, as I combine all the juice from the mind
Heel up, wheel up, bring it back, come rewind
Powerful impact BOOM! from the cannon
Not braggin, try to read my mind just imagine
Vo-cab-u-lary's necessary
When diggin into my library

*put your pencils down*

Yeah, that's right motherf*cker.

No really, I'm just a freak for no good reason.

2005-07-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Umm, holy crap. This is really happening. After I wrote the last bit, I looked out the window again and suddenly burst into tears. At least there were no homeless junkies here to witness my complete and utter breakdown. I had been planning to go find some lunch somewhere, but since I can't seem to stop the tears I'm just going to hang here and eat a PowerBar. I think I've gotten the sobbing under control, but the tears are definitely flowing.

I think "fight or flight" mode kicked up another notch. Because really, I can't pinpoint where this is coming from. I'm not freaking about my preparation, or about anything confidence related. I'm not feeling sorry for myself. I feel as if I have my general test anxiety under control. So what the f*ck is up? Huh?

Please? Anybody? Say something funny and distract me from my anxiety-ridden navel gazing.

SacTown = HOT

2005-07-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

It's about a million degrees outside right now. A dry heat, but still freaking hot.

Nearly had a heart attack when the Sheraton clerk said they only had a cancelled reservation in my name...wtf? We finally figured out that it had been placed under my husband's name. After picking myself up off the floor, I came up to find a loverly room, big desk, window seat, and air conditioning.

And guess what my room looks down on? That's right, people. The convention center. As if I needed the inspiration. Blech.

Love you too. Now let's dance!

2005-07-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

Wedding = lovely

Strawberry lemonade (w/Stoli) = lovelier

Being able to tell people that I'm almost done with this bitch of an exam = loveliest

Bagpipers in Ballard.

2005-07-23T15:05:00.000-07:00

It's been a loud summer - who knew that the neighborhood was this loud? I've endured bongo-playing children, loud neighbors, the ice cream truck, barking dogs, woodworkers, and, just yesterday, chainsaws. And despite everything, I've managed to continue studying.

But today? Bagpipers. Not just one, mind you. Three bagpipers.*

It's a sign that it's time to focus on packing, rather than PR.

*There is a cool stone church at the end of our block, and there are usually weddings there every day during the summer. Today's wedding features bagpipers. Under normal conditions I might think it was funny, given that our neighborhood is the stronghold Scandinavian community in Seattle.

Overheard

2005-07-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

At breakfast this morning, I brought up the SO communication plan. We talked it through, and I feel better having set some sort of ground rules. My husband was pretty sure that I had lost my mind, because I'm one of those people who monitor the every move of family and friends to make sure they're all ok. But he reluctantly agreed to use his best judgment if/when anything happened next week.

Our conversation did garner the attention of the table next to us. Their conversation was suddenly at a dead stop. They listened to everything I had to say on the subject without any sort of context, the gist being "don't tell me if anyone dies next week, I can't do a damn thing about it." I'm sure I appeared to be the meanest, cold-hearted bitch around. I felt bad about that for about five minutes, more about the implications of our conversation than any judgment they might pass on me.

And then? The women at the other table ripped into their elderly father for being ten minutes late for breakfast, and continued bitching at/about him the rest of the time. And for some reason, that improved my mood immeasurably. Sure, I'm under a lot of stress right now, but throughout this process I have never treated my family like dirt. Maybe I haven't called as often as usual, but I've never inflicted my crisis-level stress on them.

And for that, I'm giving myself a pat on the back.

Worn me down, like a road

2005-07-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

I'm weary. I'm tired. I'm almost done.

Time to dig a little deeper, keep a slow and steady pace.

Weary all the way to my bones.

Close encounters of the bar exam kind

2005-07-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

Husband: So, are you totally excited?

JM: Excited for what?

Husband: The test! It's almost here. That's really exciting.

JM: *ponders ripping his head off* Boy, you like living on the edge, dontcha?

Husband: I've been living on the edge for the last two months. *senses impending doom, quickly backpedals* I mean, love you Jimmy!

Paging My Back Alley Neighbors

2005-07-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

A chainsaw? Today? You're fucking joking, right?

Final, finale, finally

2005-07-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

I was inspired by GG's list, so here's mine. I'm posting this more for me than for you...time seems to be slipping through my fingers right now.

Between now and Saturday, 5pm:
1. Print off my memorization sheets - a la Sugarcubic.
2. Review state subject outlines
3. Finish "Strategies and Tactics" for Torts and Contracts
4. Finish reviewing PT examples.

Saturday, 5-11pm:
1. Wedding for pineapple martini drinkers. NO DRINKING. NO FREAKING.

Saturday, 11pm:
1. Finish packing.

Sunday morning:
1. Fly to Sacramento, do 100 MBEs on the plane, review
2. Check in at Sheraton, pony up arm and leg to pay for hotel room.

Sunday afternoon/evening:
1. Review MBE topics
2. Swim

Monday, 8 to 4:
1. Review checklists, work on last minute issues, hyperventilate if needed.

Monday 4pm on:
1. Swim
2. Movie at the IMAX? Relaxing dinner? Generally try to chill the fuck out?

Where do the weird MBE fact patterns come from?

2005-07-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

How 'bout this guy. I just bet the naked toe tickler will become the new fact pattern for Evidence/common plan or scheme.

Rainy days are here again

2005-07-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

I woke up to the sound of rain on the rooftops. Yes, this is Seattle, so it's not like I was surprised. The last three weeks we've had consistently sunny weather, which was unfortunate given that I have no time to enjoy it. I'm much more inclined to study my ass off when it's soggy outside.

So CP? Come ovah here baby. A little closer. Let's spend the morning talking death and divorce. You, me, and the Diet Coke makes three.

A post, wherein I abuse italics and bold.

2005-07-21T22:22:00.000-07:00

Um, so check this out. A friend of mine is taking the Washington bar this next week, the same days as us. The Thursday portion is only two hours long, so they're done at 10:30.

In two months, my friend will start working at a large, well-known, soul-sucking firm. The firm called yesterday. They are throwing a "Congrats, you're done with the Bar" party with all the partners and associates in attendance. On Thursday morning at 11:30.

Apparently they never considered what that would entail - suit/tie, makeup, showering, shaving, finishing the bar exam, leaving the bar exam, driving across town, parking downtown, and *then* marshalling the brain cells needed to socialize with your future employers. Cuz yeah, that's just what every law student would want to 60 minutes after finishing this ordeal.

Anyway, my friend told them that they don’t own her yet.

Whoops, I mean, that she had other plans.

Trust Mnemonics

2005-07-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

Since I've decided to half-ass Trusts, I spent my "review" time working on mnemonics. Sad but true. And I don't even use mnemonics. Gah.

Elements of valid trust formation:
Saw Dave Today In Ridiculous Black Velvet Pants.
Settlor, Delivery, Trustee, Intent, Res, Beneficiaries, Valid Purpose.

Types of Trusts:
Ed's Driving My Supercool Honda, Right Through to Cali, Starting Saturday.
Express, Discretionary, Mandatory, Spendthrift, Honorary, Revocable, Totten, Charitable, Secret, Semi-Secret.

Con Law Mnemonics

2005-07-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

I was forced to come up with a disease-laden mnemonic to remember the categories of protected speech:

Speech - Poor Vaughn caught chlamydia from Fiona.
Prior Restraint, Vagueness and overbreadth, Conduct, Content, Freedom of the Press, Freedom of Association.

Unprotected Speech - Iowa Fields - Oats Dirt and Corn
Incitement of imminent lawless action, fighting words, obscenity, defamation, and commercial speech (some)

Individual protections - generally, SSTRREPS. Cuz studying for the bar is still better than strep throat. (lame and not really a mnemonic, but it works)
State action, Speech, Takings, Religion, Retroactive legislation, Equal protection, Procedural due process, Substantive due process.

Takings question

2005-07-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

Random takings question: Does the Takings Clause apply to personal property as well as real property?

The rule I have down in my notes = "The Fifth Amendment provides that private property may not be taken for public use without just compensation." I'm up at school and left both Conviser and the big outlines at home.

Example: If the government requisitioned all sewing machines for use making National Guard uniforms, would that be a taking sufficient to trigger Fifth Amendment protections so that they would have to pay you FMV for the machine?

Pink is my signature color. Blush and bashful.

2005-07-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

Today is a crying day. I'm getting plenty done, and I've been at the library for a long time now. But I've cried for no reason twice already. Just sitting in my carrel, working away, and BAM. I'm wondering if Procedural Due Process has become my Steel Magnolias.

On that note, maybe I should carry a breakdown trigger pack with me to the bar. That way, instead of crying about the test, I could cry about other things and then be emotionally well-balanced for the actual exam. Hmmmmmmm. The two minute drill:

Movies: Steel Magnolias and The Notebook, two of the cheesiest movies of all time. Despite the cheese, they inevitably end with me surrounded by puddles of my own tears.
Books: Little Women, skipping right along to the point where Beth dies. Gets me every time. Maybe Charlotte's Web, too.
Any sad song by Mindy Smith...perhaps "Going Down in Flames" would be appropriate. Alison Krauss gets me nearly every time too.

I know I've missed so many opportunities for crying here. Fill me in - what have I left off the list that is so egregious it begs for inclusion?

I am UP with people

2005-07-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

Good news - The test starts in 5 days!

Bad news - The test starts in 5 days...

I could make you a rich man.

2005-07-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

I would pay a lot of money for a cold pineapple martini right about now.

Rip Van Winkle. Seriously.

2005-07-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

I was driven from the library several hours ahead of schedule. Why, you ask?

Well, it goes back to high school. I fell asleep at the end of a math class, and managed to sleep all the way through lunch and into 5th period. Drooling all over the desk, too, much to the delight of my friends. Because of my propensity to sleep for hours on end, I've never allowed myself to become one of those library nappers. I envy them, but more than likely 10 minutes would stretch into three hours. Or maybe six.

So what happened today? The loudest snoring dude I have ever heard, positioned at one corner of the upper reading room. My iPod volume was way up, and I could still hear him. And man, he was OUT. It was like he was Rip Van Winkle...he didn't wake up even when nudged by librarians.

And then? It was like his snores were sprinkling fairy dust over both levels of the reading room. I watched in horror as yawns spread across the room, and then one by one, heads hit the desks for a little late afternoon slumber. When my neighbor let out the longest yawn I've ever seen, I decided it was time to blow that joint. Wouldn't want to fall asleep and wake up in August.

You laugh, but can you imagine the Ho..burg story? "She fell asleep sometime in mid July, woke up just in time to take the test. Good idea, sleeping for two weeks? Good idea? PASS! PASS!"

Convention Center pictures for Sacramento test takers

2005-07-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

Pictures of the Sacramento Ballroom (for laptop users). Helpfully described as an elegant "celebration space." Uh, hmm. Somehow I don't think so. Here's the floorplan - notice restrooms are just outside the Ballroom area.

The Sheraton is right across the street from the IMAX theater.

Looks like there are plenty of restaurants nearby, along with a few mini-marts.

Back in the saddle again, out where a friend is a friend, riding the range once more, toting my ol' 44*

2005-07-20T08:44:00.000-07:00

I'm back on my horse.

*There are unconfirmed reports that "Back in the Saddle" appears twice on my iPod. This is technically true, but only one of the songs is the Gene Autry version. The second, although bearing the same name, is about drunk city girls seducing country boys while at a health spa.

The chorus:
"Put me in your big ol' pickup truck, take me to the rodeo,
I don't know a thing about broncin' bucs, and I caint do-se-do,
But I can put ya back in the saddle baby, ya and that ain't all
I can put ya back in the saddle baby, stand ya up tall."

Semi-raunchy country. Just felt the need to share.

Spiders the size of a half dollar, yo.

2005-07-19T19:23:00.000-07:00

As much as I would like to report that I returned home from the lake full of vim and vigor, ready to reapply myself to my studies, that, uh, just didn't happen.

Instead I returned home to see the biggest f*ing spider I've ever seen. On my bedroom wall. Seriously, he was big enough that I could hear him move along the wall. Footsteps! I thought I had gone over the edge, like I was seeing a spider with tap shoes. It took me a moment to realize that he was just gargantuan, probably large enough to eat small dogs.

He crawled along the beam in our bedroom (over my side of the bed, I might add), then proceeded to terrorize me throughout the afternoon. I walked into the hallway, there he was. I turned the corner into our bedroom, he followed. I walked into the bathroom - surprise! He was last seen heading into the guest bedroom, and I hope he stays there too.

Sadly, I never spotted him in the vicinity of my BarBri books, so I have *no* excuse for not studying this afternoon. It did, however, inspire me to wash the sheets. Just in case, ya know?

Phrase of the day: Fucking total batshit thunderdome anarchy*

2005-07-19T11:57:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling really down today. I have bursts of pent-up manic energy, then crash for a few minutes. It's like my brain is trying to reboot or something. I know that any studying is better than no studying at this point, but arghhhh. I need to memorize more elements in more subjects than I care to admit, so this shit has got to stop. I must find a way to focus.

I can't even express what this is all about, which is probably the most frustrating part. How can you address a problem if you can't articulate it?

I'm going for a run. Hopefully that will reset my equilibrium.

* Phrase of the day provided by : Sarah Brown's text message box.

Living in a make-believe world

2005-07-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

Recipe for forgetting about the Bar Exam for 20 minutes:
1. 1 batch Feta Bow Tie Salad*
2. 1 Nalgene bottle, full of beer
3. 1 Husband/Wife/Significant other (optional)
4. 1 Beach, preferably some combination of water, sand, wind, and mountains
5. 1 group of bongo-playing hippies (they're at every beach this time of year)
6. 1 spectacular sunset
7. 1 two-meter training kite (again, optional, but it turns out dive bombing the bongo-playing hippies is a lot more fun than thinking about the bar and all the work left to be done)

Mix and enjoy.

*Feta Bow Tie Salad - the easiest homemade foodstuff known to man:
1 pound bow tie pasta, cooked,
2 deli rotisserie chicken breasts, shredded
1 container grape tomatoes
1/2 to 1 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 container crumbly Feta cheese with mediterranean herbs
Olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, stir into salad
Makes a lot - can feed four, or can be breakfast, lunch and dinner for one person for three days.

I predict a riot!

2005-07-18T11:35:00.000-07:00

Wills and Trusts can suck it. I'm about to start a riot in the library to protest constructive trusts.

Yes kiddies, studying for the bar really does suck this much

2005-07-18T08:36:00.000-07:00

Yo, bar bloggers.

I'm just putting this out there, to give you something to think about. I'm thinking about putting together a best-of site on the bar experience. If you'd like to be a part of it, pick several of your favorite posts - the ones that represent the highs and the lows of the process. The entries that were universal. I figure that future bar-studiers could benefit from our firsthand knowledge of what this process is all about, but might not want to dig through four million sites to figure out what's what.

I'm thinking this best of site will be like the statutory supplement that you might never open, but you still want to have it around, because you never know when you'll need to look something up.

On that note, GG, your site is like the Black's Law Dictionary of bar blogging. Never leave home without it!

I'm just jotting this down, getting it out there, and I will post on it after the bar with further instructions for those who might be interested. I just didn't want to lose the idea amongst all the hustle and bustle.

Ok, enough of the half-baked ideas. Up to school to face Wills and Trusts! Yes kids! It's going to be a GREAAAAAT day!

Whew.

2005-07-17T21:44:00.000-07:00

Took a shower today. Feels so good to mark it off the list and not think about it again 'til Wednesday.

And I'm only kind of joking about the Wednesday thing.

Paging Neighbors-to-the-north

2005-07-17T17:23:00.000-07:00

You're probably quite proud of the new brick-laid patio you just put in this weekend. On the south side of your house. It would appear that you plan to use said patio as an outdoor seating area. Which means that you'll be eating your dinner within four feet of my bedroom and bathroom walls.

While I'm thrilled that you care so much about the small pathway and side yard, I am perplexed as to why you went to the trouble. Because, long before you bought the house, I got drunk in your backyard with the former owners. The cool ones, who didn't threaten to beat their children and served up lots of kick ass appetizers and wine on a regular basis. When I visited your backyard, I found it to be a lovely place. It's quite expansive, has plenty of trees, and has a delightful concrete pad on which to set a picnic table.

So why, pray tell, would you want to spend countless hours in a five-foot section on the south side of your house? GET. OUTTA. MY. GRILL. YO.

Ain't it funny how time slips away...

2005-07-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

On July 6, I had a small freak-out. 19 days left to study, and already I was feeling overwhelmed. That same day, Sakai* kindly suggested making a tracking document to help focus on subject-specific work. So I whipped up a little Excel spreadsheet, complete with formulas to relieve the crushing burden that actual math usage might present.

For lack of a better name, it's called the 19 day tracker (I know, I'm so fucking original! Feel the creativity radiating from these fingers!). I've been faithfully tracking my progress, and with 9 days left to go, I figured it was time to take a look at the grand totals.

Over the last two weeks I haven't approached the substantive reviews with any particular plan - I would just wake up, feel like it was a Community Property day, and go to work. I've done a metric ton of MBE questions, and am nearing 40 essays outlined. I've created a smaller mini-outline for all but two subjects.

However, now that we're down to the (gulp) single digit days, it's becoming fairly obvious which subjects I'm ignoring. Subjects with big zeroes in the essay tracking line. Those subjects: Wills and Trusts. Those are the two subjects I chose not to outline. My ignorance was hammered home last night, when I attempted to outline a crossover Trusts/Remedies question. I only had remedies down in my outline, and made up some shit about torts. Can you say big fat 40?

The other zero on my tracking doc? Performance Tests. I haven't finished the last assigned PT, and so I've put off listening to PT lecture 4 . I haven't completed a PT since the last week in June. Might want to get on that, eh?

All that being said, I'm going to go work on a few more MBE's. I just can't help myself.

*Blogger spell-check wants to make Sakai into sake. Mmmmm, sake. Maybe a little sake-fueled PT writing?

The remedy, is the experience, this a dangerous liason.

2005-07-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

My anxiety got the best of me, so I convinced the Husband to pony up some Starwood points to get me another night at the Sheraton in Sacramento. I also changed my flight to leave Seattle on Sunday instead of Monday. That way, absolute worst case scenario, even if all airports across the country are shut down on Sunday, I would be able to drive my ass to Sacramento in time for the test.

Because as we all know, CalBar waits for no one.

My mom rocks the partay.

2005-07-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

My mom is in town this weekend, staying somewhere other than our house (which feels strange). She came to take us out to dinner tonight, since I figured I could combine eating with socializing and husband time, thereby squeezing in a few more essay outlines. Cuz I just love essay outlines so freaking much. Hmph.

Anyway, my mom had a bag for me. I was instructed to take out one item at a time and pass them around. It was full of Power bars, fig bars, Luna bars, etc. After the bag was empty, she handed me a card. Inside? "Congratulations, you passed the bar!"

Knyuck knyuck knyuck - if only it was really that easy.

Paging Roonie

2005-07-16T17:05:00.000-07:00

Props, woman. Your 7:38 comment made me cry in the library. Only the junkies could confirm or deny whether I actually let out a little sob. It was exactly what I needed, and hopefully exactly what Chai needed too.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again - I would have gone batshit crazy the very first week had I not been able to "talk" with all of you. Seriously.

We're so close, which is both a blissful and panic-inducing thought. But I see the light at the end of the tunnel, and hope that the rest of you do too.

Paging My Husband

2005-07-16T16:34:00.000-07:00

I love you. Thank you for doing the dishes, vacuuming, cleaning the bathroom, removing dessicated flowers, taking out the recycling, and just being an all-around fabulously supportive dude.

After the Cinderella effect wears off, you're gonna be in luck.

That is all. Over and out.

Crosses and Losses

2005-07-16T16:02:00.000-07:00

If my bar knowledge were a quilt, it would be one ugly quilt. Some blocks would be beautiful, well-thought applique. Other blocks would be crazy, filled with slapdash construction. And still others are simply constructed, just a four square or a nine patch - easy to put together, forming a larger pattern when multiplied.

And, sadly, some blocks would be missing. Like, say, Wills and Trusts. I might want to get on that...

Random observations

2005-07-15T17:48:00.000-07:00

I had a very productive day today, hanging out at my, ahem, alma mater. Still seems strange to say that. Anyway, it would appear that the law library is attracting a whole new generation of junkies. The old building was a few blocks away from the main nastiness on the Ave,* and I actually got to know the homeless dude who regularly slept on the fourth floor library during the day (the library was spread out over several floors).

Contrast that to the new library - it's on campus-proper, just 1/2 block off the Ave, and has much more comfortable chairs. Today's library crowd, well, they're a different breed. I was followed into the building by two veritable whippersnappers who were comparing stories of their recent rehab stints. I learned that meth users are much cooler than crackheads. Lovely. I guess ya learn something new every day, eh?

*FYI - "The Ave" is a particular street about a block off main campus, known for it's bitchin' Thai food and profusion of homeless and nearly-homeless drug addicts, both young and old.

2005-07-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

Had I not read this conversation last night, I would have gone absolutely ballistic after getting my PR essay back.

The only commment: EXCELLENT ESSAY. YOU GOT ALMOST ALL OF THE ISSUES AND EXPLAINED THEM THOROUGHLY. I WOULD ONLY SUGGEST THAT YOU REMEMBER TO TITLE AND CORRECTLY NAME THE ISSUES BECUSE THE BAR EXAMINERS WILL BE LOOKING FOR A ROADMAP IN YOUR EXAM. BUT TREMENDOUS WORK!!!

The score: 60 (really? for all my tremendous work?)

That being said, when I compare and contrast the the sample answers in the GAA, I missed one small issue. As for correctly naming the issues, how many ways would you like me to name the duty of loyalty? I did have headings in my Word version, so my only guess is that the grader was reading the email in plain text view, as opposed to HTML?

Because, I assure you, just about the only thing I've got down for sure is underlined headings. I may not have any substantive law, but by God, I will have headings!

My stomach has stopped digesting solid food.

2005-07-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

And I'll leave it at that. Just thought you all should know.

Contemplating new levels of bitchiness

2005-07-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

Would it be completely unreasonable of me to call my husband and order him to come home and make me dinner? He's out kiteboarding, and it's a gorgeous evening. I'm the person who ordered him out, told him to entertain himself as much as possible these last two weeks. And yet, I'm serious contemplating playing some sort of guilt card. I no longer have the energy to make any food for myself that requires more than milk and cereal, and dammit if I'm not craving a hamburger fresh off the grill. My grill, not the "grill" of some fast food conglomerate. Whatever. Super lame.

I'm calling Papa John's instead. The Pagliaci delivery dude is probably convinced that I'm stalking him by now, so it's time to switch it up. It's like when alcoholics buy their stuff from multiple stores because they don't want any person one person to catch on. That's me.

In other news, I started crying when I was opening mail today. Who knew health care privacy notices could be so moving?

Dance Party USA, bitches!

2005-07-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

The iPod was on random this morning - an effort to stay awake while reviewing Civ Pro. Random is a dangerous thing, since I invariably get a couple good songs followed by a weird non sequitor. Broadway shows, audio books, BarBri...really, you never know what's coming next.

This morning, however, it put together a string of 7 songs that were exactly what I needed. Amerie's 1 Thing got me out of my chair, and I ended up having a little one-person Dance Party USA. Groove Armada, The White Stripes, RL Burnside, Nikka Costa, The Bravery, Black Eyed Peas. Random yes, but imminently danceable.

And then, Jingle Bells. Not so danceable.

Back to work.

I was forever touched by His noodly appendage

2005-07-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

The Flying Spaghetti Monster takes on the Kansas School Board.

This freaking rocks! I'm digging out my pirate costume on July 29th.

Something stinky this way comes

2005-07-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

Something is putrifying in my kitchen. It just has to be. The smell is horrendous. Nobody has actually used real pots and pans in over two weeks, and it's probably been that long since we had fresh meat in the house. I've been subsisting on frozen Morningstar "chicken" patties and leftover pizza. So what the heck stinks like rotten death? And why this morning?

I'm off to solve this mystery, because you can't write PR essays when your olfactory senses are under attack.

Yo, Ballzac!

2005-07-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, things to do/see/eat/drink in Seattle. I'm telling myself that I can only type so long my neighbor is sawing away in his garage. Ready. Set. Go.

Pike Place Market (natch), but especially Beecher's for a grilled sandwich with their fresh cheese, paired with a root beer. The piroshky place also has killer stuff, as does the french place (they're all within a block of each other, across the street from the main market building)
Good bar nearby: Virginia Inn, corner of 1st and Virginia.
Good concentration of bars: Belltown (area around 1st and Bell) warning - can be somewhat yuppified depending on the day of the week.
Personal favorite downtown dive bar: Lava Lounge, 2nd and Blanchard.
Another good concentration of bars and food: Capital hill, basically just walk east from Pike Place market a good 10 blocks and you'll be in the thick of it. Best on Capital Hill: Bimbo's Bitchin Burritos for dinner, The Chapel for ambiance, The Baltic Room for dancing pretty much any night of the week. Lots of dive bars up here too. Be sure to hit Dick's on Broadway after the bars close for some heart-clogging goodness. (My posse's on Broadway! Channelling Sir Mix-a-Lot singing 'bout Dick's).
Concerts: small venue = The Crocodile or the Showbox, both in downtown Seattle. Outdoor in Seattle proper = Summer Nights on Lake Union, Zoo Tunes. Just outside Seattle = Chateau San Michelle winery. Check out Seattle Weekly or The Stranger for shows and places.
Best Mexican food in Seattle = La Carta de Oaxaca in Ballard (5 mins north of downtown). Cheap, fabulous, and the best margaritas in town. Ballard has a good shopping district, with dive bars (Sunset Tavern or People's Pub) and a cool restored movie theater that makes going to the movies cool. Also the home of Archie McPhee. Some people might tell you to go to Fremont, but it's now full of frat boys and bitchy people. Ballard is the new Fremont (you heard it here first).
Pioneer Square = tons of nightlife, tons of crazy people. If you eat meat, Salumi is a must - Mario Batali's (TV food network chef/dude) dad runs this little hole in the wall, and it's AMAZING. The line moves fast, but go early (like 11:30) if you want to get in and get out. Best independent bookstore in Seattle = Elliott Bay Books. Seattle Underground Tour is pretty fun too - you learn all about the whacked out way Seattle was built - touristy, but cool.
EMP if you're a music (or sci-fi) fan, and then you can finish off a day of Paul Allen homage by hitting the Cinerama for some sci-fi geekdom.
Ferry trip to anywhere - Vashon Island is one of my favorites, but a drive on Whidbey Island is pretty cool too - take the ferry from Mukilteo to the island, then drive up to Deception Pass.
Good Seattle food website (although her food choices can be a bit frou frou and spendy)
Spendy dinners worth every penny - any of the Tom Douglas restaurants downtown, or Volterra in Ballard.

Not bad for 15 minutes work. The neighbor is packing up for the night (put the saw down sir, I repeat, put the saw down) so I must return to the books.

Taking it personally

2005-07-12T17:30:00.000-07:00

Time to buy some earplugs and actually use them. I'm starting to take the activities of my neighbors a little too seriously. A small sample of the distracting sounds I've heard today:

There's a new dog in the 'hood these days. A yippy, annoying, incessantly-barking one.
The asshole neighbor to the north, who has been a confirmed asshole for far longer than the term of my bar studies, harping on his wife about "the fucking blinds, Kim! Did I marry a fucking idiot, Kim? How fucking hard is it to fucking close the blinds?" My response: "Well, gee, asshole, I'm touched that you care about sun damage, but how fucking hard is it to close your fucking kitchen window so that I don't have to share in your slapdick emotional abuse?"*
The new renters in the house behind the alley are using the garage. A lot. The garage is like an echo chamber, and with all sounds bouncing directly into our house. And guess what? One of them is a woodworker. Yesssss! How did I get so lucky? Bring on the radial alarm saws!
The ice cream truck, driving circles around our block. If I hear "pop goes the weasel" one more time, well, I don't know what I'll do, but I promise you that it won't be good.

*PS to Kim - buy a clue, your husband is an asshole. Your daughter is on her way to becoming an asshole. Hell, even your cats are assholes. You are the reason Oprah did a show on emotional abusers...you're married to one. I'd stage an intervention, but really, I'm short on time the next two weeks. Maybe I'll fit you in the first week in August.

Whew. Apparently I've been saving that response for a while.

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UPDATE - Barking dog is a pit bull which belongs to new back-alley neighbors. My first confirmed sighting of actual human = long purple hair with dreds. He's now moved over to some other machine in his garage which is making a sound akin to nails on a chalkboard. Perhaps I'll go over and introduce myself...that way, he'll have a point of reference when I try to cut the power to his garage next week.

Riddle me this...

2005-07-12T16:06:00.000-07:00

I just finished writing and reviewing Con Law Essay #5, and I've got a bone to pick with the sample answer.

BarBri sample answer: "Paul's better argument is that Rural's actions violate the First Amendment, which is a fundamental right. Paul could argue that denying his right to join the cheerleading squad violates the First Amendment's guarantee of the right to free association."

Question: Really? First Amendment rights are "fundamental," and belong in the same broad category as privacy, voting and travel?

When I consult my class notes, Conviser, and the big outline, there is no mention of First Amendment rights being "fundamental." Both fundamental rights and First Amendment freedom of association rights get strict scrutiny, but they're never referred to in the same paragraph anywhere. The only time I would refer to a right as fundamental is if the subject was privacy, voting, or traveling.

This isn't a big deal, it just threw me for a loop because I organize Con Law in my head under two topics = fundamental/suspect class, and First Amendment, without any reference between the groups. It comes down the a question of nomenclature.

Thoughts on whether BarBri is full of crap in this instance? Or have I just lost my marbles?

Couplets for Contracts

2005-07-11T20:10:00.000-07:00

My brain is rubber, Conviser is glue
Contract law bounces off of me and my MBE goes down the loo.

I think that I shall never see
A correct MBE choice of unconscionability.

Unilateral offerrees dance round and perform,
But the unilateral offeror sits in the middle and knows.

Warning: Does CalBar have your transcript?

2005-07-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

I just got off the phone with CalBar - it was actually a worthwhile, courtesy-filled conversation. Maybe I'm the only idiot who didn't realize that you need to have a certification and a transcript on file with CalBar...but just in case I'm not the only one, here's a little FYI.

The certification completed by your law school is not necessarily sent with your transcripts attached. Just because your law school completed the certification doesn't mean that CalBar has a copy of your transcripts. It varies by school. My school requires that students make all requests for their transcripts.

Deadline for transcript submission to CalBar = 15 days following the administration of the exam. If they don't have your transcripts by that date, you will not be admitted to the Bar even if you pass the exam.

I have yet to receive anything from CalBar telling me that my transcripts were missing - I just called to make sure and to be a little proactive. If you have any question as to whether your certification or transcripts have been sent, call CalBar and find out what's in your file. And maybe, just maybe, you can talk to the same fabulous woman I did (and I say that without sarcasm...she really was nice).

Redrassability, Constintutionality, Asstention, oh my!*

2005-07-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

My spelling has gone to shit. This has happened to me in the past, when my brain gets so full of concepts that it doesn't have any extra bandwidth for the basics. Let's hope this remedies itself in the next two weeks.

Although, if it comes down to knowing the issues and knowing how to spell, I'll take the issues.

*Actual typos found will spell-checking my ConLaw outline.

Pretty toes, ugly scars, and leisure time

2005-07-10T14:21:00.000-07:00

My husband's guilt (having too much fun every weekend while I'm home studying) got the best of him, and he scheduled a pedicure for me today. I now have pretty toes.

I have lots of little scars on my feet from things like mountain biking, snorkling, soccer, and general clutziness. I just noticed that something she put on my feet has turned my scars a bright purple. Lovely.

As I was sitting there, I skimmed through Travel and Leisure magazine. It might as well have been in Russian...the concept that people have free time, time in which they might want to stay at a luxury hotel on some faraway beach, is completely foreign to me right now. I guess this is the right mindset to have for the next couple weeks. Meh.

Reading comprehension needs improvement

2005-07-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

I ordered a pizza tonight, and thought I would get something light. They're offering a crostata pizza as their seasonal special, which includes carmelized Walla Walla sweet onions. Although Walla Walla is the home of the Washington State Penitentary, they do rock the world of sweet onions.

As described by the menu, "We carmelize the onions to make them even sweeter and combine them with gorgonzola, mozzarella, and fontina cheeses on an olive oil base. While this wonderfully rich pie, we will be offering Walla Walla Sweets as a free topping." Sign me up!

Imagine my surprise when the pizza arrived and was anything but light. Hello, dumbass. "Wonderfully rich" was apparently not enough to tip me off. Perhaps something like "so rich you'll only be able to eat half a slice" would have been obvious enough for me. Whatever. Between that and my box of hydrogenated goodness,* I am a fucking nutritional all-star.

*Still anonymous, by the way. If you're responsible, stand up and take credit for enabling me to add at least a couple inches to my ass.

Paging Morticia Addams

2005-07-08T22:27:00.000-07:00

Don't you love what I've done with the place? Not quite as many spiderwebs as I recall in your place, but giving you a run for your money in the dead flower department. Both indoors and outdoors.

PS - could I borrow Thing for a while? It would be great to have an extra hand to help with all these flashcards.

Welcome to the jungle

2005-07-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

I've been struggling to finish my Evidence outline, just picking away at it for the last few days. Don't get me wrong, I've done plenty of other stuff too. I'm just moving in slow motion on Evidence. As I did my farewell tour at Target today (farewell 'til August, cart escalator!) I decided that a little motivation was in order.

Guns N Roses, Greatest Hits.*

If you can't find motivation after listening to Paradise City, well, you're just dead inside. Hairspray, woops, I mean hearsay, here I come!

*I am firmly in this camp when it comes the the entire GNR catalogue. However, how can you deny a picture like this? This bar exam is making me do funny things. See entry below for further details.

Comic relief

2005-07-08T11:41:00.000-07:00

A little comic relief for all of you: Yesterday, after receiving the box-o-hydrogenated-goodness, I decided to go for a run. It was sunny and near 80 yesterday, the best weather we've had in a while. I get out to the lake at the perfect time in the afternoon, before the "look at me, I'm buff and you want my body" boyz start running, but after the stroller-brigades die down a bit. (What's up with moms who think it is ok to walk four abreast with their gigantic jog strollers?)

Anyway, I start running, but quickly realize that something is not right. Something in the area of my chest. Oh, lovely, no sports bra. I've only had these ta-tas since eighth grade, but must have blanked on actually changing my bra before running. So, no running. No need to cause a small tsunami with all the pounding.

On I go walking, trying to go as fast as I can just to get a little workout. As I go, I notice that people are looking at my shirt. My first thought is that they're looking at my boobs, having zeroed in on the fact that I forgot to wear a sports bra. It isn't until I make it back to the car that I realize I have my tank top on backwards, and the tag is totally hanging out of the front.

I'm going swimming later today, and if I forget my swimsuit then we're all in trouble.

Box of temptation

2005-07-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

The Fedex truck just showed up and delivered a box. A box with my name on it. My name was spelled correctly (no small feat), which would indicate I know or have professional dealings with the person who sent it. The exterior label references "Bar Survival Kit."

The contents of the box include every possible fat-laden, overly-processed treat around. Doritos, Oreos, M & M's, etc. Anyone who knows me is aware that I can't be trusted around a bag of Doritos, so really, this is just a box full of temptation. The small card included in the box says "Good Luck with the Bar Exam," without any reference to the sender.

So who in the heck sent me this massive infusion of junk food? And, perhaps more importantly, did somebody tell me they were sending me a box and I just forgot? Yikes.

Real world = here to stay

2005-07-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

I was going to make a flippant little post this morning about how the real world should just go away until July 28. I happened to stop by seattletimes.com first, and read about London. It's reinforced the idea that the real world isn't going to take a vacation during the month of July, no matter how badly I might desire it.

Off to start the last Performance Test lecture...I think a little Honigsberg is just what I need right now. I'll be self-medicating with some Diet Coke and a handful of Sun Chips.

Actual message left on my VM last night

2005-07-06T15:30:00.000-07:00

"Hi Auntie, this is Devin. Ya know, your nephew? Ya know, it's been a long time since I talked with you and I thought maybe you forgot that you had a nephew. But you do! It's me, Devin! I went to the Herbie movie and I want a Herbie car for my birthday. Herbie is cool! Hope you come to my birthday party. Well, I gotta get back to it, so I'll talk with ya later."

He's four, and the cutest thing ever. And damn if he hasn't seen more movies than I have this summer.

Fear factor

2005-07-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

Prior to my 4th of July break, I had no problem motivating myself to study. I would get in the morning, listen to lecture, stick to the schedule, and generally just get my shit done.

Now that I'm done with lectures, I can't seem to really motivate myself to get going. What's up with this? Any suggestions? I've scheduled out my work for the next couple days and it's nothing new or scary. My brain is just not engaging in the work.

What if the next three weeks are just me dragging myself along? Argh.

Puzzled.

2005-07-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

Huh. Federal prisoners in West Virginia were really that hard up for nicknames?

Bits and pieces

2005-07-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

I'm back home now, after a full day of celebrating yesterday. Saw lots of good friends, some of whom I haven't seen since last 4th of July. Saw lots of new babies and told my ovaries to simmer down. A few bits and pieces of my weekend:

I managed to eat copious amounts of Doritos, cupcakes, and pasta salad - all the things that I don't keep around the house because I have no willpower when it comes to processed foods. And yes, I'm starting to come out of my food coma right about now.

I realized that while I enjoy digging for clams, I don't enjoy eating them.

It was a nice change to be around people who think I'm smart and who assure me I'll do fine on the exam. When I have only myself for company, I don't feel very smart. These people also kept checking up on me yesterday to make sure I really was taking the day off from studying.

How does one achieve a one-shouldered sunburn? I couldn't tell you, but I seem to have accomplished just that.

I haven't been sleeping well at all - I start to tense up when I would usually be drifting off, and the smallest noises wake me up. When I get up, I feel worn out right away. In SF, I got the best three nights of sleep I've had in quite a while. This was fantastic, but we were doing a LOT of walking, so I doubt I'll have the time to exercise myself into sleepy oblivion over the next three weeks.

My husband has finally come to the realization that taking me away from my books doesn't remove my snatchy attitude. He commented my clothing choices while we were in SF, and I told him right where he could shove it. There is no proportional response these days - every comment, even when well-meaning, triggers a neutron bomb in return.

I realized this weekend that my wardrobe is very Seattle, and that I will probably need to alter the fleece quotient in my daily attire. Also, the round shoes. Everywhere we went, women had on pointy toed little shoes. I mean, did I just hibernate all through law school? Or was there a pointy toed shoe convention in SF that I knew nothing about?