I am SO. SO. EXCITED. It's finally time to head back home. Home is where the heart is. And my heart cannot wait to get back to VA. Normally, I'm excited for the feast of food associated with Thanksgiving. This year, Thanksgiving takes on a new meaning-- a specialness of being surrounded by family. They're the ones who root for you day in and day out, they're the ones who pick you up and encourage you to do your best, they're the ones that mean the most.
This past weekend, I've been working like a little busy bumblebee. I want to get AS MUCH done as possible. The to-do list of things that must be completed prior to airport departure: A completed, whole updated outline, start of another outline, handing in my final Writing memo, quasi- read ahead for next week's Monday classes, and brainstormed for a Torts complaint and response project.
I don't mind working hard hard hard ... if that means that in just a few short days I can be at home surrounded by my family without a care in the world (at least for four days). Then, sadly, I must leave paradise and head back to Vermont. And continue my sprints of homework sessions occupying all of my life. But that's how it has to be, and hey... it makes you stronger, right?
Back to the excitement:
Grandparents are coming to VA for Thanksgiving! I was just informed last week, so it's gonna be a packed house of all the best-est people! Cannot wait to see Mom and Dad. CANNOT WAIT until I get to give a big hug to my brother!!!! It's been almost four months since I saw him last-- seriously the LONGEST we've ever been apart. I have missed him so so much. And the dog--- it will be fabulous to just snuggle up with Lizzie and soak in her "doggy smell." Sounds silly, yes. But, hello-- it's been four months.
I am so so excited to travel, more excited to flee to VA, more excited to see my family and eat good food, and unrealistically excited to go to the UVA football game on Saturday! It'll be my first football game of the Fall 2011 season and it'll be a clincher.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Fall Madness
Well, yes, it HAS been forever since my last post. Quick synopsis of the past month. It's been a heck of a series of LOWS interspersed with some HIGHS. Nothing like a roller coaster ride to keep yourself sane, right? That answer would be NO.
School is school. There's never been enough time in the day, there's always something more you can be doing to prepare for class, and there's always a feeling of not being an adequate class performer. But thoughts like that get you in the dog house... and quickly. It's best to just move on, buck up, and try harder. And if that doesn't work, set some goals! Like, a snack break... or TV show (hello, BRAVO network)... or trip to the gym. Sometimes, you just need to make a "reassurance call," which means you make a quick dial to a friend or parent that will affirm your action plan for the day. They'll help you see through that you truly ARE trying your best, even though it doesn't feel like it at the time.
It's hard not to go crazy, and it's hard not to miss home. Just this past weekend at Mass, I was suddenly saddened when I couldn't hold hands or have the sign of peace with any of my Family after the Our Father. It dawned on me that I was one of those people with whom others shake hands with because it's the nice thing to do since that person appears lonely. But then, I had to snap out of the impending tears and realize that I wasn't alone. Isn't there a saying... "I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart." I think that rings true here. My best friends have been the ones that check in with me every three to four days, even if it's just to share a story of the day. I never have much in the way of gossip or stories to contribute, but just hearing from them makes the long days bearable.
I don't think you can ever stop learning about yourself. Being in this small town away from all that is familiar has cemented some things for me. For one, I know now, more than ever, that I truly can bribe myself to do just about anything. Pep talks to myself are completely necessary. Social event-planning is what makes my clock tick. I am a people person.... even though I really enjoy my time alone. Some days are made better by just taking an hour to work out at the gym and read a gossip magazine.
Life is all about learning. And sometimes, that doesn't include books.
School is school. There's never been enough time in the day, there's always something more you can be doing to prepare for class, and there's always a feeling of not being an adequate class performer. But thoughts like that get you in the dog house... and quickly. It's best to just move on, buck up, and try harder. And if that doesn't work, set some goals! Like, a snack break... or TV show (hello, BRAVO network)... or trip to the gym. Sometimes, you just need to make a "reassurance call," which means you make a quick dial to a friend or parent that will affirm your action plan for the day. They'll help you see through that you truly ARE trying your best, even though it doesn't feel like it at the time.
It's hard not to go crazy, and it's hard not to miss home. Just this past weekend at Mass, I was suddenly saddened when I couldn't hold hands or have the sign of peace with any of my Family after the Our Father. It dawned on me that I was one of those people with whom others shake hands with because it's the nice thing to do since that person appears lonely. But then, I had to snap out of the impending tears and realize that I wasn't alone. Isn't there a saying... "I carry your heart, I carry it in my heart." I think that rings true here. My best friends have been the ones that check in with me every three to four days, even if it's just to share a story of the day. I never have much in the way of gossip or stories to contribute, but just hearing from them makes the long days bearable.
I don't think you can ever stop learning about yourself. Being in this small town away from all that is familiar has cemented some things for me. For one, I know now, more than ever, that I truly can bribe myself to do just about anything. Pep talks to myself are completely necessary. Social event-planning is what makes my clock tick. I am a people person.... even though I really enjoy my time alone. Some days are made better by just taking an hour to work out at the gym and read a gossip magazine.
Life is all about learning. And sometimes, that doesn't include books.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Gamble Nation
For Fall Break, I met my sorority sisters in Atlantic City. What an interesting get-away. High points:
1. The state of New York takes FOREVER to drive through on a Friday night heading South. Suggestion: add street lights to your highways-- may prevent the DEER from being so prevalent on the side of the road. High stress problems.
2. Arriving 3 hours later than expected to the party... not so bad when your best friend gives you a GIANT hug in the lobby! Haven't seen her in three whole months!
3. Haven't been able to escape law school world since the middle of August. It felt nice to get away from all the "law school" talk.
4. One of the top moments: mid-morning walk / jog with my bestie on the Boardwalk! We got to witness a strike outside a casino, lots of souvenir shops, and naturally.... a parade of beauty pageant finalists in convertibles wearing either red or leopard dresses. You can't make this stuff up.
5. Dining out! It was so nice not to have to cook for myself. I literally started to get teary at lunch because it was so nice to have someone serve me. My friend thought I was crazy. I hope that someone out there empathizes with me. I am NOT crazy. Restaurants are a beautiful thing.
6. [Briefly] getting a shopping experience at the outlet shops. And by that, I got to see racks of clothes outside the Nike Factory Store.
When I returned later that afternoon to partake in their beautiful sidewalk sale, I was mid-way through a horrific allergic reaction. Red face. Deep breathing. Hives. Swollen lips.
My friend hailed me a cab and I went back to the hotel. Epi-pen shot later, a two hour nap, a snack of a Coke and pretzels--- and I was ready to join the group at dinner! I swear, it's a 50 - 50 chance of an allergic reaction for me whilst on vacation. Terrible, but true.
7. To top it all off, the whole group went out to dinner the last night... at rockin' Hard Rock Cafe. We literally shut that place down. And we all were such troopers that we got souvenir pint glasses to remember our rowdy experience forever and ever!
After dinner, we each had a photo shoot in front of the hotel:
1. The state of New York takes FOREVER to drive through on a Friday night heading South. Suggestion: add street lights to your highways-- may prevent the DEER from being so prevalent on the side of the road. High stress problems.
2. Arriving 3 hours later than expected to the party... not so bad when your best friend gives you a GIANT hug in the lobby! Haven't seen her in three whole months!
3. Haven't been able to escape law school world since the middle of August. It felt nice to get away from all the "law school" talk.
4. One of the top moments: mid-morning walk / jog with my bestie on the Boardwalk! We got to witness a strike outside a casino, lots of souvenir shops, and naturally.... a parade of beauty pageant finalists in convertibles wearing either red or leopard dresses. You can't make this stuff up.
5. Dining out! It was so nice not to have to cook for myself. I literally started to get teary at lunch because it was so nice to have someone serve me. My friend thought I was crazy. I hope that someone out there empathizes with me. I am NOT crazy. Restaurants are a beautiful thing.
6. [Briefly] getting a shopping experience at the outlet shops. And by that, I got to see racks of clothes outside the Nike Factory Store.
When I returned later that afternoon to partake in their beautiful sidewalk sale, I was mid-way through a horrific allergic reaction. Red face. Deep breathing. Hives. Swollen lips.
My friend hailed me a cab and I went back to the hotel. Epi-pen shot later, a two hour nap, a snack of a Coke and pretzels--- and I was ready to join the group at dinner! I swear, it's a 50 - 50 chance of an allergic reaction for me whilst on vacation. Terrible, but true.
7. To top it all off, the whole group went out to dinner the last night... at rockin' Hard Rock Cafe. We literally shut that place down. And we all were such troopers that we got souvenir pint glasses to remember our rowdy experience forever and ever!
After dinner, we each had a photo shoot in front of the hotel:
Nothin' like a little Pot Roast
It had been waaaay too long since I last enjoyed some good beef for dinner.
After all, how can my family hail from Nebraska and me not have some quality steak in over 3 months? Simply not acceptable. So, I remedied that situation tonight. And it was sooooo worth it.
Anyone can do this recipe-- takes no time at all! All you need is 3/4 of a pound of a London Broil cut of beef. Then, peel about 5 medium sized potatoes. Add about 1 and 1/2 cups of carrots. The best part is that all the seasoning and included bag comes in a seasoning packet you can find in the grocery store! Takes only 10 minutes of prep time, and 2 hours of solid oven time!
Good for date night too! Perhaps I can use said recipe to get myself a date! Haha, one can only hope.
Here's to good eating ya'll!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Weather and Fashion-- Why no compliance?
It's been a pretty normal past two days... High points:
First meeting as a newly elected officer! It was great to listen to all the speakers, and get to know more of the faculty members. Plus, there was Chinese food... whoever invented the idea of a dinner meeting was a GENIUS.
Weather never cooperates with my "cute outfit" days. Naturally, I dressed up for my first meeting but did not account for the flood-like waters on my walk back from said meeting. My pants were soaked from mid-thigh all the way down! And my poor, poor flats... they were quite wet from the 4 inches of water on the sidewalk!
Due to my run-in with the rain, I was not feeling the whole "go out and socialize on a Thursday evening whilst playing Trivia" idea. Instead, I went into nerd - mom mode. I did some quality homework for two hours and then snuggled up in my PJs to download new tunes to my iPod. Oh, and of course had to catch the latest episode of Jersey Shore. I just can't look away-- it's too captivating.
I leave you with the best visual of the night....
Me, snuggled in my latest Lilly Pulitzer teal & pink printed pajamas. My adorable purple and lime green lamp dimly providing light to the bedroom. Reading the beautiful "True Prep" book as my first 'fun read' since being at school. It makes me miss all my sorority sisters and captivating undergraduate life in small-town Virginia. Oh, to be back below the Mason-Dixon....
Welp, it's Friday night and I'm going out on the town. I'm ignoring the weather reports and am headed out in a gorgeous J.Crew orange sundress coupled with a jet-setting jean jacket. And of course, my latest steal--- carmel suede flats with cute gold buckles. Here's to a fashionably-fun evening, ya'll. Cheers!
First meeting as a newly elected officer! It was great to listen to all the speakers, and get to know more of the faculty members. Plus, there was Chinese food... whoever invented the idea of a dinner meeting was a GENIUS.
Weather never cooperates with my "cute outfit" days. Naturally, I dressed up for my first meeting but did not account for the flood-like waters on my walk back from said meeting. My pants were soaked from mid-thigh all the way down! And my poor, poor flats... they were quite wet from the 4 inches of water on the sidewalk!
Due to my run-in with the rain, I was not feeling the whole "go out and socialize on a Thursday evening whilst playing Trivia" idea. Instead, I went into nerd - mom mode. I did some quality homework for two hours and then snuggled up in my PJs to download new tunes to my iPod. Oh, and of course had to catch the latest episode of Jersey Shore. I just can't look away-- it's too captivating.
I leave you with the best visual of the night....
Me, snuggled in my latest Lilly Pulitzer teal & pink printed pajamas. My adorable purple and lime green lamp dimly providing light to the bedroom. Reading the beautiful "True Prep" book as my first 'fun read' since being at school. It makes me miss all my sorority sisters and captivating undergraduate life in small-town Virginia. Oh, to be back below the Mason-Dixon....
Welp, it's Friday night and I'm going out on the town. I'm ignoring the weather reports and am headed out in a gorgeous J.Crew orange sundress coupled with a jet-setting jean jacket. And of course, my latest steal--- carmel suede flats with cute gold buckles. Here's to a fashionably-fun evening, ya'll. Cheers!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Victory!
You know that feeling when it's Christmas Eve and you know that Santa is coming within the next 8 hours, but you just don't know when? And you don't know what he will bring?
Well, that's how I've felt for the past 4 hours waiting for campus election results! Umm, cue the "I'm just gonna log into campus email again to see if it's been posted yet." Never mind the fact that I just checked 7 minutes ago. Well, I am proud to say that I am an officer-elect! I am ever-so excited to learn more about how the school operates, and hopefully have a hand in some great ideas for the student body!
Today, as every Wednesday, is a mad rush to get as much homework done as possible in order to be prepared for tomorrow. Tonight was special in that I also had to work on the final draft of my first legal memo! What a great milestone.
I enjoyed the opportunity to take in a few extra minutes this afternoon and chat with my mom on the phone. She was taking our dog on a walk around the neighborhood back home and filling me in on the latest " 'hood happenings ". It was great to just sit back, listen to her day, and share our funny stories of the day with each other. Like mother, like daughter. We always know how to have a good laugh out of the day's events.
I bid you goodnight. Up early to begin the study session!
Well, that's how I've felt for the past 4 hours waiting for campus election results! Umm, cue the "I'm just gonna log into campus email again to see if it's been posted yet." Never mind the fact that I just checked 7 minutes ago. Well, I am proud to say that I am an officer-elect! I am ever-so excited to learn more about how the school operates, and hopefully have a hand in some great ideas for the student body!
Today, as every Wednesday, is a mad rush to get as much homework done as possible in order to be prepared for tomorrow. Tonight was special in that I also had to work on the final draft of my first legal memo! What a great milestone.
I enjoyed the opportunity to take in a few extra minutes this afternoon and chat with my mom on the phone. She was taking our dog on a walk around the neighborhood back home and filling me in on the latest " 'hood happenings ". It was great to just sit back, listen to her day, and share our funny stories of the day with each other. Like mother, like daughter. We always know how to have a good laugh out of the day's events.
I bid you goodnight. Up early to begin the study session!
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Good Points
Today was a busy day, but overall productive. Had some of my favorite elements such as:
1. I stayed on schedule. Yes, I do find it VERY helpful to schedule my every move during the day so as to optimize my studying and "just plain breathing" time. Sounds excessive, but it keeps me sane.
2. I answered a question in class. The professor acknowledged the answer, then moved on. No follow-ups, no nothing. We went on to the next case. SCORE for a succinct answer!
3. I went to the gym. I love escaping the little town and getting a little sweaty (well, a lot sweaty, but hey-- burn those calories!).
4. I got to listen to the radio! Nothing like a 20 minute drive times two to let yourself JAM OUT to good ole' country music... and throw in some rap in there too. Holla to Eminem.
5. Scrumptious, well-balanced meal. I kid you not-- in 45 minutes, with minimal effort: baked potato, baked asparagus, and smoked salmon. It was DELICIOUS and made me miss home.
6. All materials are printed for tomorrow and there was even time for couch dwelling for 20 minutes!
Onward, for it is definitely my bedtime now!
1. I stayed on schedule. Yes, I do find it VERY helpful to schedule my every move during the day so as to optimize my studying and "just plain breathing" time. Sounds excessive, but it keeps me sane.
2. I answered a question in class. The professor acknowledged the answer, then moved on. No follow-ups, no nothing. We went on to the next case. SCORE for a succinct answer!
3. I went to the gym. I love escaping the little town and getting a little sweaty (well, a lot sweaty, but hey-- burn those calories!).
4. I got to listen to the radio! Nothing like a 20 minute drive times two to let yourself JAM OUT to good ole' country music... and throw in some rap in there too. Holla to Eminem.
5. Scrumptious, well-balanced meal. I kid you not-- in 45 minutes, with minimal effort: baked potato, baked asparagus, and smoked salmon. It was DELICIOUS and made me miss home.
6. All materials are printed for tomorrow and there was even time for couch dwelling for 20 minutes!
Onward, for it is definitely my bedtime now!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)