Monday, February 28, 2005

If you are on time, you are late.

Okay, folks...I am feeling a bit guilty. I did not attend my family law class this morning. And, trust me, even more than guilty, I am bummed that I missed the shot of Kelly's breast. (Just kiddin', Kel!). And I have already seen the professor and spoken to her about it, so I am not "spilling the beans" on myself or anything. I feel like I had a really good reason for not being there.

I was late.

I know, I know. I wasn't sick, I wasn't in a ditch on I-69 (thank God), I wasn't working on an appellate brief (thank God again). I was late. Yeah, I have a thing. I hate late. I despise those students (and we all know who they are) who walk in 20-25 minutes late with a steaming cup of coffee and bagel. Oh, well, I was late, but I had to get some breakfast, or lunch, or dinner, or brunch, whatever. NO. That is wrong. It is wrong and disrespectful to the professor. Especially when that same student spends the entire first half of class sending out emails, then leaves halfway through the second half of class to answer his/her cellphone....

Okay, damn - that is not where I was wanting to go with this post.

Back to what I was saying. I was 10 minutes late for class. And so I didn't go. I felt so bad for being late that I just didn't go. I went to a study room and worked on some other reading. Later, when I spoke to the professor, she was completely cool - understood where I was coming from, and told me that I could be late every once in awhile, that it was okay. Well, it just isn't. I hate when students are late. It distracts from what is going on in class. I feel bad for the professors when people walk in late - and then say they are unprepared or bumble their way through a case. Come on, people! It is a waste of everyone's time. Just don't come to class.

*stepping down off soapbox*

Saturday, February 26, 2005

And the Grammy went to...


WOW. Posted by Hello

If you haven't heard this...go to your local Starbucks and get it. Yes, you read correctly. Get a triple, half-caff, sugar free, fat free vanilla latte, a pumpkin scone....and this CD. Or, do what I did and download it from iTunes. Favorite tracks right now:
"Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word" - Ray & Elton John
"Sweet Potato Pie" - Ray & James Taylor
"Crazy Love" - Ray & Van Morrison

Awesome.

And the Oscar goes to...


Wow, again. Posted by Hello

Jamie Foxx is truly amazing in this film.
I am speechless. Is that really the same guy who played the chick on "In Living Color" who said "I'm gonna rock yo' world!"??? Impossible.

Friday, February 25, 2005

I write the songs....

God, I love Barry Manilow.

Is that wrong????

Yeah?

Okay, just checking. *sigh*

Shameless Solicitation of Ideas

Okay. I need some sort of inspirational quotation for my graduation announcements. I have been uninspired by the quotes I have read so far. Any ideas?!?

The only quote that I love and was emblazoned on a button on my bookbag (but is NOW gone for some reason...damnit....someone probably stole it like they did my lunch...) is:

"Well-behaved women rarely make history." - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Now, if you know me, that is a perfect quote........for a button on my bookbag. But not for my graduation announcements. Someone out there has to have some ideas! Help me out, folks! Come on...Kevin, don't be shy - I am sure you have got a least a few hundred inspiring quotes rattling around in that big brain of yours!

Hook me up, people!

Thursday, February 24, 2005

**For Amanda**

"He is such a cute little nerdlet."

*snort*

*sniff, sniff*

Does anyone else think that the previews for this week's episode of TWW should have focused less on Toby and Josh's silly fisticuffs and more on Toby's sadness/anger over the loss of his brother David?? I was so very moved by the scene between Toby and C.J. in Toby's office when he admitted to her that David committed suicide. How he could not go and sit with David's family and look at pictures because he had spent hours sitting with David's body, as per Jewish custom. And how during that time he just grew angrier and angrier that David had just given up on life. I just cried and cried. I am such a sap.

Why wouldn't John Wells focus on THAT during the previews? I mean, I thought the verbal sparring between Toby and Josh was well-acted, and quite intense (the two guys have a lot of history there!), but the actual fighting kind of reminded me of Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver in "Bridget Jones's Diary"....

I hate John Wells. I miss Aaron Sorkin. HE would have put that in the previews!

I still heart Toby.

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Today in Family Law...

We are discussing immigration and children, specifically the concerns that the law addressed in the 1970's when children of Vietnam vets were being brought into the country in the thousands. My classmate brought up the public policy concern that the soldier may already have a family at home. Professor D says, "Yes, can you imagine - Matt, the soldier in Vietnam, gets it on with a Vietnamese woman, but he has a wife and family back home. Then all of a sudden, his Vietnamese child wants to come live with them in America...What would happen?"

Why, they would make a musical about it!!!!!!

Anyone know what went through my head after she finished that scenario?


"They're called Bui Doi...the dust of life...conceived in hell...and born in strife.
They are the living reminders of all the good we failed to do.
That's why we know, deep in our heart...that they are all our children too."

Tuesday, February 22, 2005

While I was studying...

I was listening to iTunes on my computer. I began to notice that the music blaring from my speakers was an extremely bizarre compilation of genres and musicians. You tell me. Here's my current "Party Shuffle":

  1. "God Only Knows" - The Beach Boys
  2. "Pinball Wizard" - The Who
  3. "Bent" - matchbox 20
  4. "Songbird" - Eva Cassidy
  5. "Diggin' On James Brown" - Tower of Power
  6. "Parrot" - Dave Attell (yes, the comedian from "Insomniac")
  7. "Ariana" - Spyro Gyra
  8. "Molly on the Shore" - Percy Grainger
  9. "Satin Doll" - Stan Kenton
  10. "Slither" - Velvet Revolver
  11. "Flake" - Jack Johnson
  12. "Peter Gunn Theme" - The Blues Brothers

and..."Theme from Diff'rent Strokes."

That's just not right. I mean who listens to matchbox 20 and Percy Grainger in the same sitting? I don't even think most people (certainly not the members of matchbox 20) would know who Percy Grainger is!!!!!

Okay, back to studying...

Some random thoughts that, together, make up a post...

  • I don't get hearsay. I just don't get it. I am hoping that, at some point, there will be an a-ha moment soon; otherwise, I am screwed. I am going to need a major tutoring session. Or a really good commercial outline...just kidding, Professor Cooper...I would never consider buying one of those things ;)

  • Don't put a piece of grape Bubble Yum in your mouth before class starts. You are guaranteed to be called on first thing. And, there you are, with this huge mess of gum in your mouth and nowhere to go with it! And then you have to go and apologize to the professor at break regarding your rude behavior. NICE.

  • I love new shoes - especially new red shoes - that are on sale - and that are comfortable!!!!

  • When did it become the 'thing' to have your date with you when you shop for prom dresses. Let me tell you - it is pretty embarrassing to shop for Law Prom dresses when a bunch of high school neo-maxi-zoom-dweebies are hangin' out in front of the dressing rooms waiting for their girlfriends! Not good...leave the boyfriends at home in front of their X-Boxes.

  • What is up with all the magnetic ribbons? I mean, I know that this has been the topic of conversation on other blogs, like Kel's, but I still don't get it. Maybe Kevin can explain it to me...not that he is a magnetic ribbon advocate - just that he is really good at explaining things!

  • Don't spill an entire French Chambord Martini on your crotch in front of your friend that has a digital camera. All of a sudden you are the topic of a caption contest. I probably should be embarrassed. I am not. But I probably should be...what does this say about me?

  • I watched almost an entire season of an hour long show on Saturday...that is a really long time to spend in the dark in front of your television. I am still recuperating from it...and from the bottle of red wine I drank. Is red wine supposed to turn your tongue purple?

Friday, February 18, 2005

Law School/Confidence/Fears

I am afraid of letting my husband down...

I am afraid of not "cutting it" as a lawyer...

I am afraid of failing class. The bar. Can you fail the bar review?

It is amazing how law school can make you feel so good about yourself on somedays and then on others, the experiences brings to the surface every insecurity you have ever had. When I started law school, I was confident that I was a relatively intelligent person and that I was relatively personable....and I was married, so who cared what I looked like?

Then, as soon as I walked through the big glass doors, that confidence drained right out of me. I found I was incapable stringing words together coherently. I was completely illiterate...I had to carry a damn dictionary around with me everywhere I went. And I couldn't walk down a flight of steps without falling.

And, all of sudden, I cared whether the my purse and shoes matched - WTF???? First year, I was the queen of jeans, a long sleeved T and a short sleeved T with some B'way show, University Singers emblem, or school mascot emblazoned across the front - this was nicknamed the Kelly P. uniform by H...and she was right. It was my uniform, my comfort zone. I figured the more I layered, the less people could see of me.

This all changed after my first year of law school.

I decided that if I was going to have to grow up, I might as well dress like a grown up. No more Kelly P. uniform, except on days when I just can't handle putting an outfit together. I found out that clothes came in other colors besides black! I branched out and bought green and pink, and learned from Adriane that a kickass handbag makes all the difference.

I also found my voice again. Literally and figuratively. My experience in moot court made the Socratic method less miserable. I found that I could handle being drilled by a professor, and that it was okay to disagree with the professor, and it was even okay...to volunteer in class! *Gasp* I also realized that professors are people. Engaging, fun, kind (even hilarious!) people with interests other than case law and lectures. I began to involve myself in events and activities that were important to me (and not just my resume) - like "The Vagina Monologues." I also participated in the below-mentioned Law Revue talent show and started performing again! I was fortunate and so blessed to be asked to sing in my friend Amanda's wedding. (That experience was a highlight of my law school years.) And, hell, I even did kareoke once or twice!

Law school has helped me to find 'me' again - the 'me' that rejoices in many many things that I forgot I cared about: good girlfriends, great wine, interesting books, and fabulous music. The 'me' that gets a tattoo! The 'me' that cares about the First Amendment, gay rights, and the the rights of women to choose. The 'me' that is proud of her curvy, sexy body - societal norms, be damned!

I STILL can't walk down a flight of stairs without falling on my ass....no amount of education can help that!

Wednesday, February 16, 2005

IN HONOR OF THE ONE SHOW I HAVE TO WATCH...


The cast of "The West Wing"...okay, not the cast THIS SEASON...but a damn good picture of the cast all the same! Posted by Hello

My favorite...Toby Ziegler...
(yep, Robin - I just dig him..grumpiness and all )Posted by Hello

Sam Seaborn...yes, I realize he is not on the show anymore...but, in my heart, he is still the Deputy Communications Director :) Posted by Hello

President Josiah Bartlet and his "senior adviser," Leo McGarry Posted by Hello

Josh Lyman & his former assistant, Donna Moss Posted by Hello

C.J. Cregg, the new Chief of Staff Posted by Hello

Monday, February 14, 2005

"V-Day" Weekend

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone! As some of you know, my weekend was pretty damn crazy! As I blogged earlier, the annual law school talent show was Saturday night. I believe it was a quite successful event. There were some amazingly talented people that took the stage....can you say "Piano Man" - HELLO?! Where did he come from??? And why is he in law school??? (Way to go, Bob!!) Overall, it was an extremely entertaining evening! Many thanks to Lauren and Kevin and the rest of the committee for their help with the organization of the show! And thank you to those who came to the show - I hope you had a good time!

You might have thought that the talent show was the highlight of my weekend. Well, it was - but it tied with Sunday's event. On Sunday, eleven law students and one brave professor, with the help of our very talented producer/director, Susan, staged the play, "The Vagina Monologues." It was such a liberating and exciting experience! We performed two shows, one at 3 and one at 7 and had a great turn out at each. Our production was performed in conjunction with V-Day. V-Day is a non-profit organization that distributes funds to grassroots, national, and international organizations and programs that work to stop violence against women and girls. Through V-Day campaigns, local volunteers and college students produce annual benefit performances of The Vagina Monologues to raise awareness and funds for anti-violence groups within their own communities. In 2004, over 2000 V-Day benefit events were presented by volunteer activists in the U.S. and around the world, educating millions of people about the reality of violence against women and girls.

I am so very proud to have been a part of such an important and powerful event. I was blessed to meet and work with empowered, amazing, strong women and was so inspired by the whole thing that I wore my "Vagina Warrior" t-shirt to school today in honor of V-day!

If you want to learn more about the V-Day campaign, check out
www.vday.org.

Wednesday, February 09, 2005

Once more with feeling...

Well, folks - it is almost here...it is the reason I have not blogged since this past weekend.

It is....

the bane of my existence....the monkey on my back...it's

THE ANNUAL LAW SCHOOL TALENT SHOW!

Okay, it really isn't at all. I actually love it. I love taking part in it. I love planning it. Of course, I get completely anal-retentive and control-freakish, but it is still a good time. I love the fact that professors come out and show that they have other interests besides punitive damages, med mal claims, International Shoe, that damn Erie Doctrine, and trademark infringement. They aren't afraid (or maybe they are!) to get up in front of the same students that they have in class and rock out to an oldies tune or take part in a comedic skit. I also love discovering that fellow law students can do something other than type, read, research and write! We have percussionists, vocalists, guitarists and guys in garage bands! Who knew, right?!

The event also brings the entire law school community together - faculty, staff, and students...and this does not happen very often. Also, all the proceeds go to the Loan Assistance Repayment Program - a program that helps law students that wish to work in public interest law but cannot afford it because of their student loans. It is such a worthy cause, and those involved are so happy to assist the LRAP Committee in reaching their financial goals.

I am truly proud to be a part of such a great event. I hope that, those of you reading this blog and are in the Indianapolis area, can come out for the show!

Oh - and there's a cash bar....if that helps ;)

EDIT: And- fyi (for Robin) - if you didn't buy tickets in advance - IT's OKAY!!!! They will be on sale at the door as well!!! Same price: $5!

Saturday, February 05, 2005

Happy, happy to me....

Today is the big day...the big 2-8. Wow. I just got a call from my friend Adriane wishing me a happy birthday and asking if I feel older. Can't say that I do. In fact, I kind of forgot today was the day. I went to the grocery store, and, after carding me for my alcohol, the cashier said, "Oh, today is your birthday!" And I had to think about it! DUH. With my husband being out of town, and being busy getting the house cleaned for my company tonight (YAY!!! Can't wait, Kel and Amanda!)...it slipped my mind!

Oh well...it has been a rather lovely day so far. Reading my new copy of EW, watching Kevin Costner in Oliver Stone's JFK on TV, eating Haagen-Dazs chocolate out of the carton and hanging out with my recently-groomed puppy dogs...what more could a girl really want?

If you could have a day to yourself to do whatever you wanted, what would you do???