Thursday, November 16, 2006
Poker Tournament
A public interest group I'm a member of put on a charity poker tournament tonight. It went exceptionally well for our first time ever putting one on. We raised a few thousand dollars and everyone had a great time. A word of advice for anyone thinking of putting such an event: stash YOUR beers, the beers you had set aside for the end of the evening when the event is all over an done with, in a safe safe location. Because nothing will make you want to punch a guy in the face more than slaving away schlepping beers for several hours and having said drunk asshat find your two beers and say "hey, I paid for them" as he swipes them. In fact, I can't say that there's anything that will make you want to punch a guy in the face more. And not punching him in the face is the highest and best form of restraint that exists, anywhere. Instead, I'm going to hangout with him again...and swipe his g-d beers when I can. Or punch him in his stupid stupid face. Either way.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Got a Job
I got lucky last week. I interviewed with the EPA a couple of weeks ago and they offered me an intern position for the summer. I'm wicked psyched. The they only take 10-11 interns a summer for their program and most of them aren't extended offered until after the first of the year. I was lucky enough to get one of the early offers. So I got that going for me. One less thing worry about now, as well. Hurray!
Sunday, November 05, 2006
nothing to sort
So, B left for two weeks today. Now, my next few weeks are going to be rough, work wise. And I've made more cracks about "getting more work done" while she's out in the last week than ever before. Truth be told, though, she keeps me balanced and in line...and the next two weeks are gonna be rough. I talk a good game but we've settled into a good rhythm and it's hard not to have her here...even when I'm bogged with work....perhaps especially so. Just don't expect much, that's all I'm saying...
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Two Days In A Row
Can you believe it? That's gotta be a record, right?
Brooke is out to a volunteer event tonight; I opted to stay home and read a book I'm supposed to submit a review of in a couple of weeks. The books is a history of voting technology in the US. It's interesting, but dense. And it's convinced me that we've never had a fair election in this country. The book starts with a detailed account of the goings on in Florida during the 2000 presidential election. After reading that chapter, I was aghast at the partisan trickery and sleight-of-hand. Of course, the 2000 election was an amazing success story in comparison to a majority of our national elections; not so much because there was less fraud but because two years later, Congress passed the first substantive national election legislation in over a hundred years.
Back to the book...and the outrage. :)
Brooke is out to a volunteer event tonight; I opted to stay home and read a book I'm supposed to submit a review of in a couple of weeks. The books is a history of voting technology in the US. It's interesting, but dense. And it's convinced me that we've never had a fair election in this country. The book starts with a detailed account of the goings on in Florida during the 2000 presidential election. After reading that chapter, I was aghast at the partisan trickery and sleight-of-hand. Of course, the 2000 election was an amazing success story in comparison to a majority of our national elections; not so much because there was less fraud but because two years later, Congress passed the first substantive national election legislation in over a hundred years.
Back to the book...and the outrage. :)
Friday, October 27, 2006
B-day, Comcast, etc...
It's been a lifetime, I know. Actually, it's been something less than that unless you're an insect but it's been a while, all the same. Of course, there's no way to fill you in on all the details so I'll just stick to the high- and low-lights of the last couple of months:
I had a birthday. The 31st. Nothing too exciting, really, but the lovely wife clearly did her best to make it special. Friends out at a good bar, silly hats, a cake and thoughtful gifts. There was even a Cuban cigar. She sets the bar high...especially since her next big day is an even number ending in zero...
School is holding true to the maxim: first year, they scare you to death; second year, they work you to death; third year, they bore you to death. All those 2nd years who talked about how much easier life was after first year can should die in a fiery car crash. The schedule might be more flexible but there is a ton more work...not to mention the added pressure to find a job for next summer in AUGUST! Yeah, that makes total sense...
Comcast, and more specifically, their internet service. We came back from a lovely trip to rural Illinois (a story in and of itself) a month ago to no internet access. Since then, we've had no fewer than 3 techs visits (it would have been 5 but they decided not to show for a couple of them), 6 brand new modems, several new cables and almost 15 hours worth of time spent either on hold or reinventing the wheel with a score of customer support and supervisors. Yet, we still haven't had internet service for more than a couple of days solid. And, shocker, if as a customer you fall out of the 90% of the problems that the normal customer service protocols are designed to deal with, you will be relegated the 9th Circle of Service Hell. Because the great thing about a huge-mungous company is that there is absolutely no accountability. Company policy requires that they don't give you last names and you have to fight them to get there employee number. Not that that number really means much...because you'll never get that employee on the phone again and the operations managers at one call center have no ability to do anything about an employee at any other call center (and they've got centers all over the place, including Manatoba, Newfoundland and South Texas). The best you can hope for is that you get so pissed off by the complete lack of service that you call some celebrity consumer advocate who recommends googling someone with gravitas in the company in your area, calling that person directly and giving them an ear full. Then, the promises and services abound...So, the moral is never, ever, ever, ever call the 800 for customer support after the 1st bad experience. Instead, google the execs in the crap corporation that you're dealing with in your area and launch a tirade. That's the smart money.
Finally, umm, well just finally. There is more. Trips to Oregon, huge nephews, great beer, new friends, generalizings, odd realizations. They're all hiding out in the past. But that's all I have right now.
Best.
I had a birthday. The 31st. Nothing too exciting, really, but the lovely wife clearly did her best to make it special. Friends out at a good bar, silly hats, a cake and thoughtful gifts. There was even a Cuban cigar. She sets the bar high...especially since her next big day is an even number ending in zero...
School is holding true to the maxim: first year, they scare you to death; second year, they work you to death; third year, they bore you to death. All those 2nd years who talked about how much easier life was after first year can should die in a fiery car crash. The schedule might be more flexible but there is a ton more work...not to mention the added pressure to find a job for next summer in AUGUST! Yeah, that makes total sense...
Comcast, and more specifically, their internet service. We came back from a lovely trip to rural Illinois (a story in and of itself) a month ago to no internet access. Since then, we've had no fewer than 3 techs visits (it would have been 5 but they decided not to show for a couple of them), 6 brand new modems, several new cables and almost 15 hours worth of time spent either on hold or reinventing the wheel with a score of customer support and supervisors. Yet, we still haven't had internet service for more than a couple of days solid. And, shocker, if as a customer you fall out of the 90% of the problems that the normal customer service protocols are designed to deal with, you will be relegated the 9th Circle of Service Hell. Because the great thing about a huge-mungous company is that there is absolutely no accountability. Company policy requires that they don't give you last names and you have to fight them to get there employee number. Not that that number really means much...because you'll never get that employee on the phone again and the operations managers at one call center have no ability to do anything about an employee at any other call center (and they've got centers all over the place, including Manatoba, Newfoundland and South Texas). The best you can hope for is that you get so pissed off by the complete lack of service that you call some celebrity consumer advocate who recommends googling someone with gravitas in the company in your area, calling that person directly and giving them an ear full. Then, the promises and services abound...So, the moral is never, ever, ever, ever call the 800 for customer support after the 1st bad experience. Instead, google the execs in the crap corporation that you're dealing with in your area and launch a tirade. That's the smart money.
Finally, umm, well just finally. There is more. Trips to Oregon, huge nephews, great beer, new friends, generalizings, odd realizations. They're all hiding out in the past. But that's all I have right now.
Best.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Boca Burgers
Mark my words (err, rather, let me mark them): I'll never eat another Boca Burger as long as I live. Feeling a bit peckish, I decided to clear out the freezer and noticed two Boca Burgers just hanging out. Following the microwave instructions (because I'm a man of little patience and of powerful hunger). What followed was the most putrid dining experiences you could imagine. Be it the microwave or the manufacturing process, I don't know. All I do know is that nothing so foul has past my lips ever. Bring me beef (though not the corn-fed midwestern beef that requires 220+ gallons of oil to "mature" to slaughter weight in 18 months vs. 5 years on grass). PS...did you know that it takes that much oil to raise the cheap beef you grub on from Safeway and Kroger? That's the amount of petroleum it takes to fertilized and pesticide-ize all that midwestern 'organic gold' per calf to get it to market. That's corn, pesticide, feed lot, slaughter, trip to market and a final drive home in your pimp-ride before being (more than likely) over-cooked on your grill. Sort of frightening, eh?
Saturday, September 09, 2006
long days...and longer nights
B is in San Fran for two weeks...this is the beginning of a years worth of 50/50 times. I miss her. I miss my other half.
Friday, August 25, 2006
what more
Drunk and brushing one's teeth. What height of opulence can one hope to achieve beyond that? More to come.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
And The Summer Slips Away...
Well, so much for updating this badboy regularly, eh? It's been one helluva fast moving summer. I'd love to scribble all that's gone past down for you right now but, frankly, I think you're all tired of bullet points and, thus, I should probably just hit the highlights in narrative form. The details, you say? Eh...wait for the movie.
First and foremost, I should really mention my wife. I was reminded that I made no mention of her the last time around (guess who reminded me) and I should really never ever make that sort of mistake again. Ever. She is doing well. She tells me that up until last week, she'd really enjoyed having me back. Apparently, law school had held me hostage for nine months and she was in need of attention. I say "count your blessings," darling...wait until I'm retired and you have no prospects of me going away. She'll yern for those few months of hostage taking. In any case, she is as lovely, radiant and on-my-ass as ever.
I mentioned that I'd be 'recaptured' by law school last week. Well, I some how did well enough to participate in the grade-on writing competition for Suffolk Law Review (aside: Law Review is a 'honor board'; basically, it's a scholarly journal staffed by students. It's considered pretty prestigous to be on review in the legal world.). So, since I graded into the competition, I decided that it would be in my best interest to participate. I'm not sure I want to be a Review kid but, hell, why pass up the opportunity to 'try out for varsity,' right? Anyway to participate, you have to write what's called a 'case comment'. You're given a case that represents a significant change in the law and you have to do a ton of research. The result is dozens of footnotes and a lot of anger. So, you know, it's a good time. Thankfully, I finished it last night and I can put it behind me...and Brooke has me again; at least for a couple more weeks.
Another big deal from the summer has been the condo. Things are going well with it, though we're currently dealing with a minor mouse problem. The house behind us is being gutted and, in the gutting, mice were flushed from their dingy home. Where would you go if you were a mouse? Well, next door of course! I caught one with a simple mechanical trap two weeks ago...since then, they've learned. I've had to escalate to DefCon 2 by putting out bait stations. Yet, they're still ahead of the curve. Why do I feel like I'm the USSR and this is the Cold War? And also, why is this the first goddamn time in my adult life that I've ever had a problem with mice? I've rented half a dozen apartments in the last decade...never a mouse problem. We buy a condo and, BAMM, we got the mice. Oh, and a minor ant problem too. The trials and tribulations of a home owner, eh?
Umm, I think that's it for tonight. We're going to the Cape for a week starting this Saturday so maybe, if you're lucky, I'll find the time to fill in the gaps. I hope all is well with you all...
S.
First and foremost, I should really mention my wife. I was reminded that I made no mention of her the last time around (guess who reminded me) and I should really never ever make that sort of mistake again. Ever. She is doing well. She tells me that up until last week, she'd really enjoyed having me back. Apparently, law school had held me hostage for nine months and she was in need of attention. I say "count your blessings," darling...wait until I'm retired and you have no prospects of me going away. She'll yern for those few months of hostage taking. In any case, she is as lovely, radiant and on-my-ass as ever.
I mentioned that I'd be 'recaptured' by law school last week. Well, I some how did well enough to participate in the grade-on writing competition for Suffolk Law Review (aside: Law Review is a 'honor board'; basically, it's a scholarly journal staffed by students. It's considered pretty prestigous to be on review in the legal world.). So, since I graded into the competition, I decided that it would be in my best interest to participate. I'm not sure I want to be a Review kid but, hell, why pass up the opportunity to 'try out for varsity,' right? Anyway to participate, you have to write what's called a 'case comment'. You're given a case that represents a significant change in the law and you have to do a ton of research. The result is dozens of footnotes and a lot of anger. So, you know, it's a good time. Thankfully, I finished it last night and I can put it behind me...and Brooke has me again; at least for a couple more weeks.
Another big deal from the summer has been the condo. Things are going well with it, though we're currently dealing with a minor mouse problem. The house behind us is being gutted and, in the gutting, mice were flushed from their dingy home. Where would you go if you were a mouse? Well, next door of course! I caught one with a simple mechanical trap two weeks ago...since then, they've learned. I've had to escalate to DefCon 2 by putting out bait stations. Yet, they're still ahead of the curve. Why do I feel like I'm the USSR and this is the Cold War? And also, why is this the first goddamn time in my adult life that I've ever had a problem with mice? I've rented half a dozen apartments in the last decade...never a mouse problem. We buy a condo and, BAMM, we got the mice. Oh, and a minor ant problem too. The trials and tribulations of a home owner, eh?
Umm, I think that's it for tonight. We're going to the Cape for a week starting this Saturday so maybe, if you're lucky, I'll find the time to fill in the gaps. I hope all is well with you all...
S.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Substantive Blog
So, I've been completely MIA to the webfolks in the last 2+ weeks. I feel sort of guilty...have I been disappointing my viewer? I am sorry if that's the case. In an effort to remedy the situation, I'd like to kick out the jams right here and now, in a Bill Gates-approved, bulletpointed presentation:
- So, our move went incredibly well. We were lucky enough to get about 8 folks to come over on a rainy, miserable Saturday and, boy, were they motivated. We literally got all of our stuff moved within 3 hours. I would totally kiss every one of them except that I don't dig stubble and there were quite a few men involved.
- Post-move, it only took us about 2 days to get mostly unpacked and settled. Keep in mind, however, that it took until last night to get most everything fixed and sorted out. Last Friday was spent on Home Depot runs and doing all sorts of crazy stuff, such as replacing a garbage disposal and wondering why the weirding ways of the plumbing arts escape me. The good news: I can, in fact, replace the molding around a window. I have skillz.
- The internship is going well. Two legal memos and a presentation to the litigation group down, two more of the former to go. The law is hard...but facinating. I actually cited to a local statute in a letter this very evening...and not for work, neither! I can't wait to be a lawyer.
- Lucky Dime. So, Saturday I volunteered with a few friends. On the way to the site, we stopped at a Dunkin' Donuts (for my west coast brethren, they're as common as Starbucks out here). I got a coffee and got a handful of change for my fiver. Guy had run out of quarters and singles, apparently. As he was handing me my change, I just happened to notice an odd dime-like coin and briefly thought "ah, crap, I'm getting a Canadian dime." When I sifted through my change as I left, I realized that it wasn't the Queen but the profile of Liberty I was looking at. That's right, I got a "Mercury dime" as change. Only a 1944 one but still. It has since become my lucky coin and I've absorbed all that the internet has to tell me about the beautiful thing. I feel like Scrooge McDuck! Perhaps I'll post a photo or two soon...
- Roofing issues. So, we sprung a leak in our new digs about a week ago. There were some very heavy rains and I felt a drop land on my foot. I looked up, saw a wet spot on our ceiling in the living room and, out of curiosity, I poked it. I wound up poking a hole in our ceiling. grr. The good news is that the developer that revamped the building sent out a roofer who will be sorting out the problem in short order. The better news is that I patched the hole and none shall be the wiser. Still, homeownership has its heartbreaks...
- Roof deck. We have one. And I'm growing a blueberry bush, an heirloom tomato and a habanero plant on it right now.
- Grill. We got one. My first gas grill. It's taking some getting used to. It cooks turbo fast. Medium-well steaks in the time that it takes to cook rare on a charcoal grill. I'm learning to take the stone from its hand though...
- Neighbors. We got several. Our neighbors downstairs are Lithuanian and turbo nice. We offered the use of our washing machine last week and they came up with a bottle of wicked smooth tequila and watermelon to thank us. They're very nice folks and we're happy to have them as condo-associanattos. And our out-building neighbors are great too. All very friendly and cool. Southie is way different then Cambridge in that respect. Folks interact down here...
- My little bro is a Fireman! That's right, Scott starts July 5th at the McMinnville firehouse. It's been a long road of hoe for him and I'm super proud that he's reached his goal. I expect his ass to stop-drop-and-roll the next time I set myself on fire. Also, I want Mr. Yuck stickers. There have to be perks...
- My older bro is gainfully employed...again...after a lay-off...again. Congrats, you old bastard. More super-secret, super-lucrative pharma stuff...I hope you'll remember me in your 'gold-watch' speech when you retire. :)
- The newsletter. I brought it up earlier this year and I fully expect to make it happen in the coming months. My fam is pretty disconnected and out of touch but I had the idea of crafting a broadside wherein as many of the Van Eyk clan that wishes to participate can write in with family stories and yarns. The idea is to keep people in touch and aware of their history. Those of you that are related, expect an email from me soon...
Basta for one evening...I hope you all are well...
s.
- So, our move went incredibly well. We were lucky enough to get about 8 folks to come over on a rainy, miserable Saturday and, boy, were they motivated. We literally got all of our stuff moved within 3 hours. I would totally kiss every one of them except that I don't dig stubble and there were quite a few men involved.
- Post-move, it only took us about 2 days to get mostly unpacked and settled. Keep in mind, however, that it took until last night to get most everything fixed and sorted out. Last Friday was spent on Home Depot runs and doing all sorts of crazy stuff, such as replacing a garbage disposal and wondering why the weirding ways of the plumbing arts escape me. The good news: I can, in fact, replace the molding around a window. I have skillz.
- The internship is going well. Two legal memos and a presentation to the litigation group down, two more of the former to go. The law is hard...but facinating. I actually cited to a local statute in a letter this very evening...and not for work, neither! I can't wait to be a lawyer.
- Lucky Dime. So, Saturday I volunteered with a few friends. On the way to the site, we stopped at a Dunkin' Donuts (for my west coast brethren, they're as common as Starbucks out here). I got a coffee and got a handful of change for my fiver. Guy had run out of quarters and singles, apparently. As he was handing me my change, I just happened to notice an odd dime-like coin and briefly thought "ah, crap, I'm getting a Canadian dime." When I sifted through my change as I left, I realized that it wasn't the Queen but the profile of Liberty I was looking at. That's right, I got a "Mercury dime" as change. Only a 1944 one but still. It has since become my lucky coin and I've absorbed all that the internet has to tell me about the beautiful thing. I feel like Scrooge McDuck! Perhaps I'll post a photo or two soon...
- Roofing issues. So, we sprung a leak in our new digs about a week ago. There were some very heavy rains and I felt a drop land on my foot. I looked up, saw a wet spot on our ceiling in the living room and, out of curiosity, I poked it. I wound up poking a hole in our ceiling. grr. The good news is that the developer that revamped the building sent out a roofer who will be sorting out the problem in short order. The better news is that I patched the hole and none shall be the wiser. Still, homeownership has its heartbreaks...
- Roof deck. We have one. And I'm growing a blueberry bush, an heirloom tomato and a habanero plant on it right now.
- Grill. We got one. My first gas grill. It's taking some getting used to. It cooks turbo fast. Medium-well steaks in the time that it takes to cook rare on a charcoal grill. I'm learning to take the stone from its hand though...
- Neighbors. We got several. Our neighbors downstairs are Lithuanian and turbo nice. We offered the use of our washing machine last week and they came up with a bottle of wicked smooth tequila and watermelon to thank us. They're very nice folks and we're happy to have them as condo-associanattos. And our out-building neighbors are great too. All very friendly and cool. Southie is way different then Cambridge in that respect. Folks interact down here...
- My little bro is a Fireman! That's right, Scott starts July 5th at the McMinnville firehouse. It's been a long road of hoe for him and I'm super proud that he's reached his goal. I expect his ass to stop-drop-and-roll the next time I set myself on fire. Also, I want Mr. Yuck stickers. There have to be perks...
- My older bro is gainfully employed...again...after a lay-off...again. Congrats, you old bastard. More super-secret, super-lucrative pharma stuff...I hope you'll remember me in your 'gold-watch' speech when you retire. :)
- The newsletter. I brought it up earlier this year and I fully expect to make it happen in the coming months. My fam is pretty disconnected and out of touch but I had the idea of crafting a broadside wherein as many of the Van Eyk clan that wishes to participate can write in with family stories and yarns. The idea is to keep people in touch and aware of their history. Those of you that are related, expect an email from me soon...
Basta for one evening...I hope you all are well...
s.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Moving Day
Well, most of the stuff is packed up and I'm heading out in an hour or so to pick up the U-Haul. It's time to get our move on! I think we've been mentally ready to get done with this move for about two weeks now. Living with half your stuff in boxes or just randomly strewn about the place is not for us. If our last move is any indication, we'll be completely unpacked and set up in our new place by early tomorrow morning...
In other news, I started my internship on Wednesday this week. It's going great, I think, though having to readjust to a 9-5 gig and relearn how to do legal research has been a bit of a challenge. There are four of us interns in the office and most of us are from Suffolk. It helps to have other folks around that are experiencing the same challenges you are...if for no other reason that commiseration. They're great kids.
Alright, I've got to finish packing, which includes the interweb stuff. If the Comcast guy shows up at our new place today, we'll likely be back online by tonight. Being an A/V guy at heart, you know that the home network and the stereo set up will be my first priority after we complete unloading...
S.
In other news, I started my internship on Wednesday this week. It's going great, I think, though having to readjust to a 9-5 gig and relearn how to do legal research has been a bit of a challenge. There are four of us interns in the office and most of us are from Suffolk. It helps to have other folks around that are experiencing the same challenges you are...if for no other reason that commiseration. They're great kids.
Alright, I've got to finish packing, which includes the interweb stuff. If the Comcast guy shows up at our new place today, we'll likely be back online by tonight. Being an A/V guy at heart, you know that the home network and the stereo set up will be my first priority after we complete unloading...
S.
Monday, May 29, 2006
The 'Done' List
In the last week, we've done the following to our new condo:
- Completely painted every wall, save the stairwells and bathroom
- Removed, correctly positioned and reattached the top kitchen cabinets
- Purchased and assembled two adirandack chairs for the roof deck
- Removed the molding around a window (to be replaced soon)
- Chiseled out the window jamb/molding on three incorrectly framed windows
- Assembled a living room chair and an additional cabinet
- Hung drapes in the living room
- Installed new furnace registers
- Replaced the front door lock/deadbolt
What's left to be done before moving Saturday:
- Finish painting
- Patch/Prime/Paint jambs for three windows
- Install new blinds in the windows
- Install mounting bracket and TV
- Install medicine cabinet
- Install storage system in bedroom
I start my internship on Wednesday so I technically only have today and tomorrow to do this...woo!
- Completely painted every wall, save the stairwells and bathroom
- Removed, correctly positioned and reattached the top kitchen cabinets
- Purchased and assembled two adirandack chairs for the roof deck
- Removed the molding around a window (to be replaced soon)
- Chiseled out the window jamb/molding on three incorrectly framed windows
- Assembled a living room chair and an additional cabinet
- Hung drapes in the living room
- Installed new furnace registers
- Replaced the front door lock/deadbolt
What's left to be done before moving Saturday:
- Finish painting
- Patch/Prime/Paint jambs for three windows
- Install new blinds in the windows
- Install mounting bracket and TV
- Install medicine cabinet
- Install storage system in bedroom
I start my internship on Wednesday so I technically only have today and tomorrow to do this...woo!
Monday, May 22, 2006
Landed Gentry
That's what we are. Living large directly above an older Lithuanian family. We closed today and are happy home owners. Good times. Did I mention our new neighbors own a local liquor store? Well they do. Could a man hope for more? I think not.
More (post-painting, post-light carpentry) to follow..
S.
More (post-painting, post-light carpentry) to follow..
S.
D-Day
Well, today is the day, kids. We're closing on the new condo a 2:15 this afternoon! This morning, we're picking up a ZipCar to drive us to the bank's attorney's office as well as run errands. Our goal is to pack the car with stuff I'll need to paint and perform acts of light carpentry over the next week or so and deliver it to the new place after we close. After that, we're going to drive down to IKEA and pick up a few things that we'll need for the new place and deliver them as well (since assembly will most definitely be required). If all goes as planned, we'll be all set to move on June 3rd. Hurray!
On a more school-related note, I'll be getting my grades for the year on June 15th. I've been told that those folks that fail out actually get a letter by registered mail. This is not a pleasant thought but it's a real concern. My confidence was shaken when we had our midterms in December. I really thought coming out of them that I had done rather well, at least on most of them. Instead, I 'rode the B- curve' in most of the classes. That, combined with the fact that the finals I just took were cumulative, worth 75% of our grade and wicked hard leads me to fear the worst. That's not to say that I'm not better than 50% hopeful that I passed and about 25% more hopeful that I did better than passing. It just means that the remaining 25% is contemplating scanning the classifieds for a job. Did I mention that law school is a soul-crushing experience?
Even with the looming worry, I have to say that I did really enjoy my first year at law school. It's like returning to junior high, only we're all grown up and don't have find an adult to buy us beer. You all take the same classes so it's as though ever class is 'home room'. There are the cliques, the cool kids, the smart(er) kids, etc, etc. Since you wind up spending at least 8 hours a day at school, 6-7 days a week, you really get to know your classmates and you form powerful bonds (via commiseration) with the friends you make. It's great if, like me, you had a less-than-great junior high experience and you appreciate the chance for a re-do.
Alright. Basta for now. Need to get the day started. More soon.
On a more school-related note, I'll be getting my grades for the year on June 15th. I've been told that those folks that fail out actually get a letter by registered mail. This is not a pleasant thought but it's a real concern. My confidence was shaken when we had our midterms in December. I really thought coming out of them that I had done rather well, at least on most of them. Instead, I 'rode the B- curve' in most of the classes. That, combined with the fact that the finals I just took were cumulative, worth 75% of our grade and wicked hard leads me to fear the worst. That's not to say that I'm not better than 50% hopeful that I passed and about 25% more hopeful that I did better than passing. It just means that the remaining 25% is contemplating scanning the classifieds for a job. Did I mention that law school is a soul-crushing experience?
Even with the looming worry, I have to say that I did really enjoy my first year at law school. It's like returning to junior high, only we're all grown up and don't have find an adult to buy us beer. You all take the same classes so it's as though ever class is 'home room'. There are the cliques, the cool kids, the smart(er) kids, etc, etc. Since you wind up spending at least 8 hours a day at school, 6-7 days a week, you really get to know your classmates and you form powerful bonds (via commiseration) with the friends you make. It's great if, like me, you had a less-than-great junior high experience and you appreciate the chance for a re-do.
Alright. Basta for now. Need to get the day started. More soon.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
I'm back....
I took my last final yesterday morning and it is now officially the summer for me! Woo hoo! It's good to be done. This round of exams was unspeakable. Law school is unspeakable. So, until I get a little distance from it, I won't speak of it.
I spent my first day off after a month and a half of studying running errand. Brooke's been very understanding up until now about the amount of time I've had to spend at school. Funnily enough, I woke up to a tidy little to-do list this morning. I guess the understanding is over with. I got most of my poop in a group this morning and have spent the afternoon lounging around the house watching some of the backlog of Daily Show, Colbert Report and assorted cartoons (favorite Family Guy quote of the day: "Let's all go drink until we can't feel feelings anymore"). Oh, sweet time off...
In other news, Brooke and I are doing our final walk-through on the condo tomorrow afternoon. Monday we close. We'll be 'condoed gentry' by early next week. I'll spend most of next week doing handyman stuff (painting, light carpentry, swilling cans of beer and scratching my head with a pencil). If all goes as planned, we'll be moving on June 3rd. As a little gift to ourselves (and to compensate for a little bit of apartment downsizing), we purchased a flatscreen LCD TV that I'll be mounting on the wall after painting. I've also gotten approval to bring our stereo system into the modern age and have purchased a modest surround sound system. Sadly, the receiver doesn't have a phono hook-up. I guess that means that I have to keep my old, faux-wood tower speakers and receiver in my study...or should I say studio? I just need one more deck and a crossfader to start practicing my DJ skills.
There is a ton more to write but I've got to head out to dinner. One of my professors is cooking a meal for about 10 of us tonight (we bought it at auction a couple months back). I start my internship with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (the state EPA) on the 31st so you'll be hearing a good deal more from me in the near future...
S.
I spent my first day off after a month and a half of studying running errand. Brooke's been very understanding up until now about the amount of time I've had to spend at school. Funnily enough, I woke up to a tidy little to-do list this morning. I guess the understanding is over with. I got most of my poop in a group this morning and have spent the afternoon lounging around the house watching some of the backlog of Daily Show, Colbert Report and assorted cartoons (favorite Family Guy quote of the day: "Let's all go drink until we can't feel feelings anymore"). Oh, sweet time off...
In other news, Brooke and I are doing our final walk-through on the condo tomorrow afternoon. Monday we close. We'll be 'condoed gentry' by early next week. I'll spend most of next week doing handyman stuff (painting, light carpentry, swilling cans of beer and scratching my head with a pencil). If all goes as planned, we'll be moving on June 3rd. As a little gift to ourselves (and to compensate for a little bit of apartment downsizing), we purchased a flatscreen LCD TV that I'll be mounting on the wall after painting. I've also gotten approval to bring our stereo system into the modern age and have purchased a modest surround sound system. Sadly, the receiver doesn't have a phono hook-up. I guess that means that I have to keep my old, faux-wood tower speakers and receiver in my study...or should I say studio? I just need one more deck and a crossfader to start practicing my DJ skills.
There is a ton more to write but I've got to head out to dinner. One of my professors is cooking a meal for about 10 of us tonight (we bought it at auction a couple months back). I start my internship with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (the state EPA) on the 31st so you'll be hearing a good deal more from me in the near future...
S.
Friday, April 07, 2006
Low
It's been a long and busy week. Tomorrow, I begin the "process" that is law school final exams. That's not to say that I start taking finals tomorrow; it's just that tomorrow I start compiling all that I need to know for my various exams. This is what is known as outlining and most students start digging into this sort of work about a month before finals. This means that I'm on schedule.
Brooke and I have made an offer on an condo in South Boston. It was accepted last Sunday and we're in the negotiation phase prior to the signing of the purchase and sale agreement. It is good space and we have grand plans for our little home in Southie. It's not the best of times for me, considering school, but it'll work out well and, hell, you can't really plan these things. Suffice it to say that even if I fail out, we'll have a sweet roof deck to relax on this summer.
You know, it strikes me in reviewing the last month or so that, outside of the condo construction stuff, I wouldn't have had much to run by my father recently, had he been around. Likely, I would have caught up with him occasionally; in a perfect world, it would have been the Daddio of years past, sans breathing problems and the Fear that plagued him his last few years. But, man, how I'd love to pick his brain about our condo right now. I don't think he ever saw the value, beyond the nickel and dime, of his knowledge and experience. Hell, I really didn't either and I know I never expressed my appreciation for it to him. There is nothing like the death of a parent to make you feel regret.
Tomorrow is the beginning of something that my father would have never understood. Yet, he would encourage me and urge me on. That's the definition of faith as far as I'm concerned. Unqualified conviction. God damn, I miss that crusty old man.
S.
Brooke and I have made an offer on an condo in South Boston. It was accepted last Sunday and we're in the negotiation phase prior to the signing of the purchase and sale agreement. It is good space and we have grand plans for our little home in Southie. It's not the best of times for me, considering school, but it'll work out well and, hell, you can't really plan these things. Suffice it to say that even if I fail out, we'll have a sweet roof deck to relax on this summer.
You know, it strikes me in reviewing the last month or so that, outside of the condo construction stuff, I wouldn't have had much to run by my father recently, had he been around. Likely, I would have caught up with him occasionally; in a perfect world, it would have been the Daddio of years past, sans breathing problems and the Fear that plagued him his last few years. But, man, how I'd love to pick his brain about our condo right now. I don't think he ever saw the value, beyond the nickel and dime, of his knowledge and experience. Hell, I really didn't either and I know I never expressed my appreciation for it to him. There is nothing like the death of a parent to make you feel regret.
Tomorrow is the beginning of something that my father would have never understood. Yet, he would encourage me and urge me on. That's the definition of faith as far as I'm concerned. Unqualified conviction. God damn, I miss that crusty old man.
S.
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Totally Empty
Months. Funny how they just role by as you get older. Combine age with the soul-crushing experience of your second semester in law school. Shake vigorously and pour into a highball glass. Silence, but not peace, is what you get.
Things are ok. We're fixing to buy a condo this weekend, having successfully completed a first-time homebuyers class and (miraculously) been approved for a mortgage. Brooke is in the midst of some training at work...she has yet to complain of homework but consider who she'd be complaining to. I'm reading close to 50 pages a day for class. Twice. It's honestly the first time in my life that I've thought that I might fail. Word on the street is that all law schools are like this...which means that there is a conspiracy to confound, damage and indoctrinate a whole class of people out there. All I can think is that at least I'm not working on becoming a priest in Egypt 2500 years ago; the thought of plucking all my hair out is enough to keep me motivated.
The Project is coming up. Looking forward to getting the family word out. Hope all is well.
S.
Things are ok. We're fixing to buy a condo this weekend, having successfully completed a first-time homebuyers class and (miraculously) been approved for a mortgage. Brooke is in the midst of some training at work...she has yet to complain of homework but consider who she'd be complaining to. I'm reading close to 50 pages a day for class. Twice. It's honestly the first time in my life that I've thought that I might fail. Word on the street is that all law schools are like this...which means that there is a conspiracy to confound, damage and indoctrinate a whole class of people out there. All I can think is that at least I'm not working on becoming a priest in Egypt 2500 years ago; the thought of plucking all my hair out is enough to keep me motivated.
The Project is coming up. Looking forward to getting the family word out. Hope all is well.
S.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
AWOL
Sorry I've been missing in action since the holidays (in case you've actually been checking back...mom). It's not that things have been all that crazy. I just haven't had much to write about. The holiday was incredibly boring. We stuck around here and, though we had a nice time, it was really difficult to go from 18 hour days of studying and exam taking to absolutely nothing at all for two and a half weeks. I watched a lot of shitty TV and vegged out way too much. I don't think I accomplished a single productive task. The first few days were nice but after that I was stone cold bored. See, not much to talk about.
Since school started back up, we've been on a short holiday to Atlanta to visit friends and family. Had a great, if short, trip. I got to see my buddy Clint's handiwork on my old coffee table. The varnish had been damaged in a couple of places and I asked Clint if he could fix it. He couldn't so he stripped the top and repainted it...with a massive portrait of Che! It looks awesome...and Brooke is threatening not to allow it in the living room (she promises that I can have it in my 'man room' whenever we have one). I need to figure out how to get it up to Boston now...one of the many tasks on my recently reinstated to-do list. The trip was excellent, though.
Since schools started back, my schedule has changed a bit. No more Criminal Law; it's been replaced by a 4 credit Constitutional Law class that threatens to kick my ass. They've ramped up the reading this semester, as well, so I got that going for me. Oh, and my grades were disappointing on the finals last semester (I'm riding the crest of the B- curve we've got going here) so I've decided that I need to put more effort in. The problem is, I'm not sure exactly where or what to put the effort into. Hopefully a few meetings with a couple of the professors in the next two weeks will clarify matters. On the upside, I feel as though I understand and can adequately explain 95% of the material...I just need to figure out how to translate that into a 95% grade on the exams.
Alright. Back to Civil Procedure...riveting.
Since school started back up, we've been on a short holiday to Atlanta to visit friends and family. Had a great, if short, trip. I got to see my buddy Clint's handiwork on my old coffee table. The varnish had been damaged in a couple of places and I asked Clint if he could fix it. He couldn't so he stripped the top and repainted it...with a massive portrait of Che! It looks awesome...and Brooke is threatening not to allow it in the living room (she promises that I can have it in my 'man room' whenever we have one). I need to figure out how to get it up to Boston now...one of the many tasks on my recently reinstated to-do list. The trip was excellent, though.
Since schools started back, my schedule has changed a bit. No more Criminal Law; it's been replaced by a 4 credit Constitutional Law class that threatens to kick my ass. They've ramped up the reading this semester, as well, so I got that going for me. Oh, and my grades were disappointing on the finals last semester (I'm riding the crest of the B- curve we've got going here) so I've decided that I need to put more effort in. The problem is, I'm not sure exactly where or what to put the effort into. Hopefully a few meetings with a couple of the professors in the next two weeks will clarify matters. On the upside, I feel as though I understand and can adequately explain 95% of the material...I just need to figure out how to translate that into a 95% grade on the exams.
Alright. Back to Civil Procedure...riveting.
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