Well, it's almost time for the Breast Cancer 3-Day! Only a month left. This weekend Tiffany and I walked 21.75 miles! That's the most we have ever walked in a weekend...but only 1/3 of what we will have to do for the event! I have to say, we were really proud of ourselves though. We both had pretty bad colds this week, and really had to push ourselves to get out there and walk. But we did it!
I have about 7 blisters and my quads hurt a bit, but really I am fine...and just so full of pride. I keep trying to remind myself how small this pain is compared to the chemo and radiation that my mom's friends have had to go through. It does help, but sometimes it's hard to destract myself!
We still have fundraising left to do though. I need $580 more dollars to meet the minimum requirement. So, if anyone reading this can spare any money to help fight breast cancer, please donate! Again, my website is www.tinyurl.com/5gaks If I don't raise the $2100, I will pay the difference myself so that I'm allowed to walk...but I don't exactly have an extra $500 laying around the house! Thanks to those of you who have already donated! Don't forget to tell your friends and family (especially the rich ones! LOL)!
This whole thing is a bit scary. Neither of us are sure we can make it...but I know we will push ourselves as hard as we can. And I know we will be incredibly proud when it is all over. And then I know, I will probably never do this again!!!! LOL Tiffany has talked about joining the 3-Day crew in the future (setting up the tent cities and pit stops, etc.) but I think I will probably just donate from now on! She will always be the most adventurous of the adventure monkeys!
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Weddings and Funerals
Yesterday I was a birde's maid. My friend & ex-neighbor, A, got married to D, her b/f on & off for the last 5 or 6 years. I have never been in a wedding before this. It was crazy! I think that it was made more difficult by the fact that A and I have only known each other for a year. If I was in the wedding of a good, old friend, I think it would have been easier. First of all, few of my long-time friends come from families that are psychotic about their religions. Second, if I were in, say, Missy's wedding (I know that will never happen, you are NEVER getting married), and Missy were to behave completely irrationally, I would grab her by her shoulders, look her in the eye, and say "You have lost your fucking mind!" Then she would probably laugh at me, take a deep breath, and we would re-examine her psychotic break. Missy and I have known each other for like 13 years. So, this is acceptable. Not so much with someone you have only known for a year. A rarely believes me when I tell her she has lost her mind...this is a problem.
Anyhoo, there were plenty of ups and downs to the planning and execution of this tragic event. I won't recount them all. Tiffany spent 4 hours listening to them last night, so if you have any questions she is now a certified expert. But, the strangest part of the day was the end. The whole day was essentially about A, right? But at the end of the day, she was gone. I never got to talk to her about it. And I won't for a long time. She's on her honeymoon for a week and then moving three hours away with her new husband (gag). She will be busy and won't have time to talk. And it's just really weird. It felt a lot like when I went to my friend Katie's funeral. The whole day was about Katie, and Katie was the one person I couldn't talk to about any of it. Of course, Katie is gone forever and A hopefully is not. Yet, in the moment it felt the same. It made me sad.
A and I are VERY different people, but we typically have a lot of fun together. Really the only time I was ever really mad at her was after her bachelorette party...and I think I'm over that now. I was really sad when she moved out. I miss coming home and seeing her car here. She was almost always up for a movie or dinner or just talking for a few hours. But now, all that is really gone. We'll be living in different cities now, so whenever I see her it will be "on a visit." There will be that strange formality about it. One of us will feel responsible for the other's entertainment, it won't be as casual. And, of course, D will be there. D and I do not so much get along. So, definitely, something real has been lost.
But, overall the day went well. There were a few minor catastrophes, but they were all resolved behind the scenes. And, really, it's the mishaps that make the day special. We will always have the moments of crisis that happened just between the 4 of us (bride's maids and bride). And I think it's those memories that will bind us in the future. At least I hope they do. I would hate to be that stranger in her wedding pictures that her kids point to and say "Mommy who's that??" I'd prefer they say "Is THAT Aunt Mandi??? She's so much skinnier now!!" LOL So, we'll see. I hope she is having fun on her honeymoon at least. I just wish she was coming back afterwards...
Anyhoo, there were plenty of ups and downs to the planning and execution of this tragic event. I won't recount them all. Tiffany spent 4 hours listening to them last night, so if you have any questions she is now a certified expert. But, the strangest part of the day was the end. The whole day was essentially about A, right? But at the end of the day, she was gone. I never got to talk to her about it. And I won't for a long time. She's on her honeymoon for a week and then moving three hours away with her new husband (gag). She will be busy and won't have time to talk. And it's just really weird. It felt a lot like when I went to my friend Katie's funeral. The whole day was about Katie, and Katie was the one person I couldn't talk to about any of it. Of course, Katie is gone forever and A hopefully is not. Yet, in the moment it felt the same. It made me sad.
A and I are VERY different people, but we typically have a lot of fun together. Really the only time I was ever really mad at her was after her bachelorette party...and I think I'm over that now. I was really sad when she moved out. I miss coming home and seeing her car here. She was almost always up for a movie or dinner or just talking for a few hours. But now, all that is really gone. We'll be living in different cities now, so whenever I see her it will be "on a visit." There will be that strange formality about it. One of us will feel responsible for the other's entertainment, it won't be as casual. And, of course, D will be there. D and I do not so much get along. So, definitely, something real has been lost.
But, overall the day went well. There were a few minor catastrophes, but they were all resolved behind the scenes. And, really, it's the mishaps that make the day special. We will always have the moments of crisis that happened just between the 4 of us (bride's maids and bride). And I think it's those memories that will bind us in the future. At least I hope they do. I would hate to be that stranger in her wedding pictures that her kids point to and say "Mommy who's that??" I'd prefer they say "Is THAT Aunt Mandi??? She's so much skinnier now!!" LOL So, we'll see. I hope she is having fun on her honeymoon at least. I just wish she was coming back afterwards...
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Year Three
I read an article yesterday about the possible elimination of the 3rd year of law school. I think law school used to be two years many years ago, and was bumped up to three. Now, many people believe that the 3rd year is just intended to make money for the schools. The article included comments by 1 student who said she only studied 15 hrs/week her 3rd year, and spent the rest of the time drinking and traveling (hopefully not in that order). She already had a job locked down, so her motivation was gone.
I am about to start my 3rd year, on Tuesday, and I already have a job locked down as well. However, I don't think my 3rd year will be quite as laid back as that girl's!! I will be doing a clinic in a Prosecutor's office, which will take 12-15 hours/week. In addition to that, I will be taking 4 classes in the afternoon. Among those is Trial Practice and an ethics class. Both of which are incredible important. Sure, I could have taken those things last year, if there was no 3rd year. But that would have meant giving up other classes, like Con Law, Federal Tax, or Trusts & Estates...also very important classes.
I have to say, I support keeping the 3rd year. The 1st two years are so stressful. There is a LOT of competition: Mock Trial, Moot Court, Law Review, Jobs, etc. It's almost as if there is no time for pure learning. I am so looking forward to just focusing on my classes. I think I will probably learn more this year than the other two combined. Plus, it gives me the chance to have hands-on experience in a clinic...and that is invaluable.
Being a lawyer is a difficult and important jobs. I know a lot of people say they hate lawyers, but truthfully, like with members of Congress, people tend to trust their own lawyers completely. When people have problems, they ask their lawyers. People feel safe in the attorney-client privilege, and most people trust what they are told. It is very important that lawyers are well trained. I know that there are lawyers who are corrupt and/or stupid...but hopefully they are in the minority. Keeping the 3rd year, it seems to me, will aid in the quality of lawyers. It gives us another year to learn, another year to decide what kind of lawyers we want to be, and another year to develop with our classmates. Frankly, I don't feel ready to represent anyone yet. My future clients will be glad that I stayed in school the extra year.
I am about to start my 3rd year, on Tuesday, and I already have a job locked down as well. However, I don't think my 3rd year will be quite as laid back as that girl's!! I will be doing a clinic in a Prosecutor's office, which will take 12-15 hours/week. In addition to that, I will be taking 4 classes in the afternoon. Among those is Trial Practice and an ethics class. Both of which are incredible important. Sure, I could have taken those things last year, if there was no 3rd year. But that would have meant giving up other classes, like Con Law, Federal Tax, or Trusts & Estates...also very important classes.
I have to say, I support keeping the 3rd year. The 1st two years are so stressful. There is a LOT of competition: Mock Trial, Moot Court, Law Review, Jobs, etc. It's almost as if there is no time for pure learning. I am so looking forward to just focusing on my classes. I think I will probably learn more this year than the other two combined. Plus, it gives me the chance to have hands-on experience in a clinic...and that is invaluable.
Being a lawyer is a difficult and important jobs. I know a lot of people say they hate lawyers, but truthfully, like with members of Congress, people tend to trust their own lawyers completely. When people have problems, they ask their lawyers. People feel safe in the attorney-client privilege, and most people trust what they are told. It is very important that lawyers are well trained. I know that there are lawyers who are corrupt and/or stupid...but hopefully they are in the minority. Keeping the 3rd year, it seems to me, will aid in the quality of lawyers. It gives us another year to learn, another year to decide what kind of lawyers we want to be, and another year to develop with our classmates. Frankly, I don't feel ready to represent anyone yet. My future clients will be glad that I stayed in school the extra year.
Monday, August 08, 2005
The Happiest Place On Earth
So, I just got back from almost a full week in Disney World...and it was AWESOME! Seriously, if you are one of those people who can't have fun in Disney World, you should see a therapist. I know, it's hot, and there are lines, and lots of people...but it's Disney World!!
We did all 4 parks, and two of them twice! The two best, which we did twice, are Animal Kingdom and the Disney/MGM Studios. In case you haven't been there recently, I will elaborate. The best attractions at Animal Kingdom are: It's Tough To Be A Bug (a 3-D experience that will surprise ALL you sense), the Kilimanjaro Safari (which highlights many real exotic creatures that typically call Africa home), and the Rainforest Cafe (a great place to do lunch). We have done all of these things multiple times in the past, but still we love them! The 3-D show is of course the same everytime, but is totally awesome and never fails to entertain. The Safari on the other hand is different everytime, because the animals are unpredictable, and different species will be out at different times. We saw lions, bongos, zebras, hippos, rhinos, gazelle, alligators (or maybe they were crocs, I can't remember), elephants, and many others. We went on 2 safaris this week, and between the two we saw all the species they have. We were very lucky! We also followed the Pangani Trail this time, which we had not done before, and got to see gorillas, and my sister saw bats (I hid from them because I am part of the Goonies generation). Animal Kingdom is also home to my sister's favorite thrill ride: Dinosaur.
The Studios is my favorite park, because that is where I worked!! The highlights at this park are the thrill rides: The Rockin' Rollercoaster and The Tower of Terror. The nighttime show Fantasmic is also AMAZING! But this park also has a lot of great shows, like a few stunt shows and the interactive Who Wants to be a Millionaire show. We had a great time this year. My sister road the rollercoaster for the 1st time, she liked it so much we did it twice!!
The longest line we waited in was 40 minutes for Thunder Mountain in the Magic Kingdom...which really isn't bad. Plus, they have "Fastpasses" now, which means you don't have to stand in any line longer than like 5 minutes. You essentially make an appointment to ride, the appointments are 1 hour windows. You come back during your window & by-pass the line. It's very nice. Disney likes it because a person who is standing in line is not spending any money, but a person with a fast pass spends their wait time in shops & restaurants. It really was a brilliant idea. I hear Universal has copied them.
So, anyway, it was a great week! We came back with great souvenirs! I got a Nemo pillow and an Ewok plush doll. My sister got an Ewok plush and a Mickey Mouse Graduation Cap. We both also bought light-up toys for Fantasmic! Oh yeah, and I got a job! LOL So, when you guys want to come try out Disney for yourselves, you have a friend to stay with!!
We did all 4 parks, and two of them twice! The two best, which we did twice, are Animal Kingdom and the Disney/MGM Studios. In case you haven't been there recently, I will elaborate. The best attractions at Animal Kingdom are: It's Tough To Be A Bug (a 3-D experience that will surprise ALL you sense), the Kilimanjaro Safari (which highlights many real exotic creatures that typically call Africa home), and the Rainforest Cafe (a great place to do lunch). We have done all of these things multiple times in the past, but still we love them! The 3-D show is of course the same everytime, but is totally awesome and never fails to entertain. The Safari on the other hand is different everytime, because the animals are unpredictable, and different species will be out at different times. We saw lions, bongos, zebras, hippos, rhinos, gazelle, alligators (or maybe they were crocs, I can't remember), elephants, and many others. We went on 2 safaris this week, and between the two we saw all the species they have. We were very lucky! We also followed the Pangani Trail this time, which we had not done before, and got to see gorillas, and my sister saw bats (I hid from them because I am part of the Goonies generation). Animal Kingdom is also home to my sister's favorite thrill ride: Dinosaur.
The Studios is my favorite park, because that is where I worked!! The highlights at this park are the thrill rides: The Rockin' Rollercoaster and The Tower of Terror. The nighttime show Fantasmic is also AMAZING! But this park also has a lot of great shows, like a few stunt shows and the interactive Who Wants to be a Millionaire show. We had a great time this year. My sister road the rollercoaster for the 1st time, she liked it so much we did it twice!!
The longest line we waited in was 40 minutes for Thunder Mountain in the Magic Kingdom...which really isn't bad. Plus, they have "Fastpasses" now, which means you don't have to stand in any line longer than like 5 minutes. You essentially make an appointment to ride, the appointments are 1 hour windows. You come back during your window & by-pass the line. It's very nice. Disney likes it because a person who is standing in line is not spending any money, but a person with a fast pass spends their wait time in shops & restaurants. It really was a brilliant idea. I hear Universal has copied them.
So, anyway, it was a great week! We came back with great souvenirs! I got a Nemo pillow and an Ewok plush doll. My sister got an Ewok plush and a Mickey Mouse Graduation Cap. We both also bought light-up toys for Fantasmic! Oh yeah, and I got a job! LOL So, when you guys want to come try out Disney for yourselves, you have a friend to stay with!!
Saturday, August 06, 2005
GREAT NEWS
I got a federal clerkship!!!! I will be working for a federal district judge!!! In Orlando!!!! I am sooooooooo happy!!!! :-)
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