I realize that we are still 4 months from January 1st. However, in light of the beginning of a new week, I find it appropriate and necessary to make some resolutions.
I made several discoveries this past weekend as I evaluated last week. First off, while the course load did not stress me out, I think my subconscious was a lot more stressed than I realized. As a result, I got to Friday night and I was completely worn out. Secondly, I was reminded how much of an introvert I really am. New situations and lots of people really overwhelm me, which I think contributed to my utter exhaustion.
In light of those discoveries, here are my resolutions for this week:
(1) I will stop being afraid of my civil procedure professor and having panic attacks in the middle of class about my phone. I will be extremely careful not to break the rules, and will make sure that my phone is turned off and/or in my locker. However, beyond that, I will stop wasting energy worrying about it.
(2) I will stop stressing out when people talk about the grading curve (where only a certain number of A's are given out, and someone HAS to flunk), exams, outlines, etc. Since we are all 1Ls (first-year law students), nobody knows what they are talking about. Therefore, I will restrain my competitive side and rest in the fact that I can only do my
best – beyond that, God is in control.
(3) When, for my sanity, I need to get away and be by myself, I will not feel guilty about that fact. I will be friendly to others, but I will not feel obligated to hang out if I don’t want to or need some quiet time.
(4) I will make every moment one for worshipping (going back to the theme song from Steven Curtis Chapman).
As I was perusing facebook tonight (AFTER I had done my homework!), I found this video on a friend’s profile…and I LOVE it. This is going to be my new morning routine.
"I like law school! I like my professors! Contracts class is great!"...
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
One Week Down...
Well, I managed to survive my first week of law school, and the rollercoaster of a weekend that followed. Overall, the week was not as bad as I expected, though I am still scared to death of my Civil Procedure professor! If our cell phone goes off even once, we will fail the class. Even though I have been turning my phone off AND leaving it in my locker, I still get panicky about halfway through class, afraid that somehow it has ended up being turned on and back in my purse. :)
The week was rolling along well, and my weekend was looking like I was going to actually have time to run some errands…until 9:15am on Friday morning (aka the beginning of Civil Procedure). The story starts Thursday morning, when one of my classmates showed up 15 minutes late, despite the warning that if we are even half a second late to class we will be thrown out. Needless to say, she didn’t make it past the door. However, on Friday morning, the professor decided to teach the entire class a very painful life lesson. After making her explain the reason why she was late, the professor proceeded to assign everyone else a 5-6 page double-spaced paper on the various consequences that courts have imposed when attorneys are late. While the subject matter was quite fascinating at times, I spent 5+ hours working on the paper yesterday. And those errands I was going to run? Yeah, they got didn't happen…
After a crummy Friday, however, Saturday was wonderful!! About 11am, one of my friends unexpectedly showed up at my door to give me a hug. About two hours later, my aunt and uncle brought me a couch. Accompanying them was my adorable 14-month-old cousin (pictured below).
We had a wonderful visit, and they even carried the couch up the stairs for me!! The living room is now full of furniture – all that needs to be done is put up decorations!
Today was the bottom of the rollercoaster…church this morning was again a bust. Instead of a sermon, the church had “Couch Talk” in which the staff gave overviews of the ministries in which the church is involved. I Although it was informative, I thought this would be better suited to a new member's class. However, I will say that I am very impressed with the many ways that the church is reaching out into the community. Ultimately, though, I thought that the "fluffiness" of the service was inappropriate for a Sunday morning. I knew that the church was not traditional, but this was by far the most contemporary church I have ever attended.
As I walked out of church, I found myself dealing with the first feelings of homesickness I have felt so far. I have never been comfortable with new situations, and I feel so alone, even at school when I am surrounded by multitudes of people. After hearing 10 people talk about how they are going to structure their outlines, what furniture they bought, or wondering where the nearest bar is, I crave conversations with my friends. On Sunday mornings, I miss my church, and wonder if I will ever find another place to call home. I know I sound ridiculous – it’s only been a couple of weeks, but the feelings of homesickness that I never felt during college are taking their toll…
However, there is a silver lining. I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that Baylor Law School in Waco, Texas, is EXACTLY where God wants me to be, at least for the time being. So although it won’t always be pleasant, I can rest in knowing that He has me here for a purpose, and He will always be with me.
On that note, my theme song for this week is “Moment Made for Worshipping” by Steven Curtis Chapman.
The week was rolling along well, and my weekend was looking like I was going to actually have time to run some errands…until 9:15am on Friday morning (aka the beginning of Civil Procedure). The story starts Thursday morning, when one of my classmates showed up 15 minutes late, despite the warning that if we are even half a second late to class we will be thrown out. Needless to say, she didn’t make it past the door. However, on Friday morning, the professor decided to teach the entire class a very painful life lesson. After making her explain the reason why she was late, the professor proceeded to assign everyone else a 5-6 page double-spaced paper on the various consequences that courts have imposed when attorneys are late. While the subject matter was quite fascinating at times, I spent 5+ hours working on the paper yesterday. And those errands I was going to run? Yeah, they got didn't happen…
After a crummy Friday, however, Saturday was wonderful!! About 11am, one of my friends unexpectedly showed up at my door to give me a hug. About two hours later, my aunt and uncle brought me a couch. Accompanying them was my adorable 14-month-old cousin (pictured below).
We had a wonderful visit, and they even carried the couch up the stairs for me!! The living room is now full of furniture – all that needs to be done is put up decorations!
Today was the bottom of the rollercoaster…church this morning was again a bust. Instead of a sermon, the church had “Couch Talk” in which the staff gave overviews of the ministries in which the church is involved. I Although it was informative, I thought this would be better suited to a new member's class. However, I will say that I am very impressed with the many ways that the church is reaching out into the community. Ultimately, though, I thought that the "fluffiness" of the service was inappropriate for a Sunday morning. I knew that the church was not traditional, but this was by far the most contemporary church I have ever attended.
As I walked out of church, I found myself dealing with the first feelings of homesickness I have felt so far. I have never been comfortable with new situations, and I feel so alone, even at school when I am surrounded by multitudes of people. After hearing 10 people talk about how they are going to structure their outlines, what furniture they bought, or wondering where the nearest bar is, I crave conversations with my friends. On Sunday mornings, I miss my church, and wonder if I will ever find another place to call home. I know I sound ridiculous – it’s only been a couple of weeks, but the feelings of homesickness that I never felt during college are taking their toll…
However, there is a silver lining. I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that Baylor Law School in Waco, Texas, is EXACTLY where God wants me to be, at least for the time being. So although it won’t always be pleasant, I can rest in knowing that He has me here for a purpose, and He will always be with me.
On that note, my theme song for this week is “Moment Made for Worshipping” by Steven Curtis Chapman.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Predictions
I realize that I am only two days into this quarter, so it is a little early to be making projections about which classes I will/will not like. However, that does not keep me from making those predictions. :) My guess? Contract law is not my cup of tea. The act of writing a contract, our professor explained, requires a lawyer to anticipate everything that could potentially go wrong between the signing of the contract and the performance of the promises. The mere thought of writing a contract in real life makes me a little sick – because if you mess up, your client could end up with huge problems. That’s an awful lot of pressure!
How, you may ask, did my comic book contract turn out? It definitely failed to cover everything…And the professor’s goal that we be able to sympathize with the people whose contracts we are going to tear apart this semester? Yeah, that goal was definitely met.
On the other hand, I predict that Torts is going to be my favorite class this quarter. Civil suits can be SO interesting (at least in my nerdy brain!). This week we have been talking about battery. The end of this paragraph will be a mini legal lesson, so if you’re not interested, just skip ahead now. :)
For those of you who are still with me, there are 5 elements of battery:
1. Act – A voluntary act by the tortfeasor (aka defendant)
2. Intent
a. Purpose – a desire to commit harmful or offensive
contact.
b. Knowledge to Substantial Certainty – knowledge that
your actions will likely lead to harmful or offensive
contact.
3. Harmful/Offensive Contact
4. Cause in fact
5. Injury (presumed) – Even if there is no actual harm done, there is always an injury presumed, and therefore a battery case can be brought even without physical harm.
The scariest part of battery cases is that the tortfeasor may have a pure motive and still be liable for damages. Even if I make contact intending to help, I am liable if harmful contact occurs. So, before you go touching anybody, get consent!
How, you may ask, did my comic book contract turn out? It definitely failed to cover everything…And the professor’s goal that we be able to sympathize with the people whose contracts we are going to tear apart this semester? Yeah, that goal was definitely met.
On the other hand, I predict that Torts is going to be my favorite class this quarter. Civil suits can be SO interesting (at least in my nerdy brain!). This week we have been talking about battery. The end of this paragraph will be a mini legal lesson, so if you’re not interested, just skip ahead now. :)
For those of you who are still with me, there are 5 elements of battery:
1. Act – A voluntary act by the tortfeasor (aka defendant)
2. Intent
a. Purpose – a desire to commit harmful or offensive
contact.
b. Knowledge to Substantial Certainty – knowledge that
your actions will likely lead to harmful or offensive
contact.
3. Harmful/Offensive Contact
4. Cause in fact
5. Injury (presumed) – Even if there is no actual harm done, there is always an injury presumed, and therefore a battery case can be brought even without physical harm.
The scariest part of battery cases is that the tortfeasor may have a pure motive and still be liable for damages. Even if I make contact intending to help, I am liable if harmful contact occurs. So, before you go touching anybody, get consent!
Monday, August 23, 2010
God is Good…ALL the Time
First off, I want to say a huge THANK YOU to all the people who were praying for me today. I could definitely feel the prayers! It’s amazing – last week, before I had even started classes, I was on the verge of a panic attack, and this morning, I felt quite confident walking into class. At lunch, I checked my email, and had a note from a guy that I went to church with in Spartanburg. Apparently I am on page 7 of the church directory, which was his page to pray for today. He took the time to not only pray for me, but to email me and let me know that he had. Additionally, he enclosed a Bible verse, which is SO appropriate for today (not to mention the rest of my life):
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” - Proverbs 16:9
Talk about a huge pick-me-up in the middle of the day!!
Today my class load included Civil Procedure, Torts (I think I’m going to love this class!), and Contracts. Basically, I went from learning about the procedure of a lawsuit, to talking about battery (hitting people over the head with glass bottles and shooting them!), and then on to Assumpsit, or Breach of Contract. Quite the exciting day! For my homework, I had to write an actual contract…about a comic book! We were assigned a partner, and had to negotiate for the purchase of a “Vintage Kiss Marvel” comic book. Both of us received an Ebay ad, and then we got either a “Buyer’s Facts” or “Seller’s Facts.” It has turned out to be quite the interesting assignment! We’ll see how well our document holds up tomorrow in class…
Well, that’s all for now – more homework to finish!
Happy Thought of the Day (or just Nerdy Thought of the Day): I am 1/420th of the way done with my law degree!!!
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” - Proverbs 16:9
Talk about a huge pick-me-up in the middle of the day!!
Today my class load included Civil Procedure, Torts (I think I’m going to love this class!), and Contracts. Basically, I went from learning about the procedure of a lawsuit, to talking about battery (hitting people over the head with glass bottles and shooting them!), and then on to Assumpsit, or Breach of Contract. Quite the exciting day! For my homework, I had to write an actual contract…about a comic book! We were assigned a partner, and had to negotiate for the purchase of a “Vintage Kiss Marvel” comic book. Both of us received an Ebay ad, and then we got either a “Buyer’s Facts” or “Seller’s Facts.” It has turned out to be quite the interesting assignment! We’ll see how well our document holds up tomorrow in class…
Well, that’s all for now – more homework to finish!
Happy Thought of the Day (or just Nerdy Thought of the Day): I am 1/420th of the way done with my law degree!!!
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Grace Under Fire
I am now two-thirds of the way done with orientation, and only three days from the start of classes (AHHH!!!). Although I am scared for classes to start, I am SUPER excited about being here at Baylor. Every one of the faculty and staff we met over the past two days seem so caring and supportive.
Here are some of the things on my "fav list":
1. Open-Door Policy. The faculty encourage you to seek them out and ask questions, even if it is not during office hours. Associate Dean Jackson even said we can walk right in to her office if the door is open! She also said that when we hit the "wall" of panic that is inevitable during the first quarter, not to give up, but to find someone with whom to talk about it.
2. We have TWO wireless networks, PLUS a wired network in our building!
3. There is free coffee all the time in the student lounge, and during exam week the Student Bar Association serves breakfast and lunch (free!). (Well, it's included in the fees, so it only feels free). Guess that means I'll be living at school during exams...
The saying, “The first year of law school they scare you to death,” definitely applied yesterday. I don’t think I have ever been as scared as I was last night when I walked out of orientation. However, Psalm 27:1 has become my new favorite verse:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?"
My title comes from a lecture that our Civil Procedure professor gave today. He was giving us the "Characteristics of a Great Lawyer.” One of the eleven qualities on his list was being “steady” (aka - calm). He also defined it as “Grace under fire.” I hope that I can exemplify this characteristic, not only in my legal career, but also in my day-to-day life. May I, like Paul, be able to say that, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect." (1 Corinthians 15:10)
Thanks to everyone who has been texting/calling/sending me Bible verses! I greatly appreciate all the support, and I apologize that I have not been able to talk as long as I have wanted! Here's hoping I can get caught up this weekend...
Here are some of the things on my "fav list":
1. Open-Door Policy. The faculty encourage you to seek them out and ask questions, even if it is not during office hours. Associate Dean Jackson even said we can walk right in to her office if the door is open! She also said that when we hit the "wall" of panic that is inevitable during the first quarter, not to give up, but to find someone with whom to talk about it.
2. We have TWO wireless networks, PLUS a wired network in our building!
3. There is free coffee all the time in the student lounge, and during exam week the Student Bar Association serves breakfast and lunch (free!). (Well, it's included in the fees, so it only feels free). Guess that means I'll be living at school during exams...
The saying, “The first year of law school they scare you to death,” definitely applied yesterday. I don’t think I have ever been as scared as I was last night when I walked out of orientation. However, Psalm 27:1 has become my new favorite verse:
"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?"
My title comes from a lecture that our Civil Procedure professor gave today. He was giving us the "Characteristics of a Great Lawyer.” One of the eleven qualities on his list was being “steady” (aka - calm). He also defined it as “Grace under fire.” I hope that I can exemplify this characteristic, not only in my legal career, but also in my day-to-day life. May I, like Paul, be able to say that, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect." (1 Corinthians 15:10)
Thanks to everyone who has been texting/calling/sending me Bible verses! I greatly appreciate all the support, and I apologize that I have not been able to talk as long as I have wanted! Here's hoping I can get caught up this weekend...
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Today I helped Jocelyn move into her dorm. It was kind of weird to do it without parents, but thanks to help from my roommate, MaryLou, we only had to make two trips to teh storage unit, and we had everything up in the room in less than 2 hours.
In other news, I am settling quite nicely into the cooking aspect of my new life. Tonight's dinner was Chinese Chicken Morsels, Jasmine rice, and an avacado.
I had a nice date with my Torts textbook over dinner and got a good chunk of reading done (only about 8 pages to go!).
I forgot to post pictures of my condo yesterday, so here goes. No pictures of the living room yet because it still needs to be unpacked!
Tomorrow orientation starts bright and early at 8:30am - AHHH!!!! The dress is business casual, so the Nike shorts and t-shirts I have been living in for the last week will have to go back in the drawer. :(
In other news, I am settling quite nicely into the cooking aspect of my new life. Tonight's dinner was Chinese Chicken Morsels, Jasmine rice, and an avacado.
I had a nice date with my Torts textbook over dinner and got a good chunk of reading done (only about 8 pages to go!).
I forgot to post pictures of my condo yesterday, so here goes. No pictures of the living room yet because it still needs to be unpacked!
 |
| Coffee Bar! :) |
 |
| My awesome new desk - my favorite piece of furniture! |
Tomorrow orientation starts bright and early at 8:30am - AHHH!!!! The dress is business casual, so the Nike shorts and t-shirts I have been living in for the last week will have to go back in the drawer. :(
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Texas Heat is Killing Me…
Yes, I knew that Texas would be hot. However, I assumed that since Texas is less humid than South Carolina, I would be okay. WRONG! People were right – when the temperature goes above the triple-digits, the humidity doesn’t matter anymore. It’s just hot! The good news is my air conditioning works well, and I am virtually settled in my new condo…complete with a little balcony!
My condo is in the perfect location – 5 minutes from all the shopping a girl needs. The condo community is nice and quiet, though unfortunately I haven’t met any of the neighbors yet (you don’t see many people walking around in 104 degree weather!). The streets in Waco seem to loop around in strange directions, but I have oriented myself enough that I can at least find Target, HEB (the local grocery store), and of course, the law school. For all the grief I have given Waco over the past couple of months, it is actually bigger than I expected. We even have a Target Greatland (beat that, Spartanburg!). :)
Well, now it’s off to fix dinner (Mom isn’t here to cook anymore!), and get started on my first assignments (ahhh!!!). Ta ta for now!
My condo is in the perfect location – 5 minutes from all the shopping a girl needs. The condo community is nice and quiet, though unfortunately I haven’t met any of the neighbors yet (you don’t see many people walking around in 104 degree weather!). The streets in Waco seem to loop around in strange directions, but I have oriented myself enough that I can at least find Target, HEB (the local grocery store), and of course, the law school. For all the grief I have given Waco over the past couple of months, it is actually bigger than I expected. We even have a Target Greatland (beat that, Spartanburg!). :)
Well, now it’s off to fix dinner (Mom isn’t here to cook anymore!), and get started on my first assignments (ahhh!!!). Ta ta for now!
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