Hey Family and Friends - anyone ever come here any more? I don't....so, don't know why you would.
The BIG news - I passed the Bar Exam.
This and more, all on Facebook.
Come see me!
P.S. - I'm not going to delete this blog, just because it is a good archive of the journey through law school.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Graduation (and more later, I swear)
So much to share, so little time due to that pesky bar exam coming up.
Here's a semi-decent pic....I may be too critical, but it really is hard for me to find a pic I like from the ceremony.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Q: When is an Accident not an Accident? (Or is it?)
A: When the law gets involved, of course.
O.k., so we're in law school for 3 years, learning a whole new language. Many think it's just the latin terms and all that hoity toity talk. No, it's the "law" meaning of such formerly simple concepts as an "accident."
What ever you might think the definition is...here's one that I could live with before today:
an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss; casualty; mishap: automobile accidents.
And usually, I think it is generally accepted, that an accident happens somewhat quickly - like the example above - two cars crash. Or, an ornamental ceramic plaque drops on your head (sorry Mom, couldn't help myself).
Dictionary.com (source of definition above) also lists:
Law. such a happening resulting in injury that is in no way the fault of the injured person for which compensation or indemnity is legally sought.
But NO, that doesn't cover it - today we learned that in workers' compensation law, in some states (and the law is very state specific), an accident may be something like a herniated disc (an injury for sure, I agree) that comes about over a period of time, even if the person keeps working long after the pain starts (!), so long as some specific time (at least within, say, the remainder of their shift) can be identified as when the condition became debilitating, (and then)just so long as the person was working (considering the time, place, and duties) and the job "caused" the injury......I could get into how much more complicated the analysis is, but I think it's enough to say - "what!?" Why couldn't they just call this an on-the-job injury and leave the definition of accident alone?
I'm almost done. Read that as you will - school, blog post, losing my mind....
Here's a promise - if I ever get to be a judge, when I collaborate with my clerk(s) on writing an opinion, I'm going to strive to be clear, concise, and not screw with anyone's vocabulary.
O.k., so we're in law school for 3 years, learning a whole new language. Many think it's just the latin terms and all that hoity toity talk. No, it's the "law" meaning of such formerly simple concepts as an "accident."
What ever you might think the definition is...here's one that I could live with before today:
an undesirable or unfortunate happening that occurs unintentionally and usually results in harm, injury, damage, or loss; casualty; mishap: automobile accidents.
And usually, I think it is generally accepted, that an accident happens somewhat quickly - like the example above - two cars crash. Or, an ornamental ceramic plaque drops on your head (sorry Mom, couldn't help myself).
Dictionary.com (source of definition above) also lists:
Law. such a happening resulting in injury that is in no way the fault of the injured person for which compensation or indemnity is legally sought.
But NO, that doesn't cover it - today we learned that in workers' compensation law, in some states (and the law is very state specific), an accident may be something like a herniated disc (an injury for sure, I agree) that comes about over a period of time, even if the person keeps working long after the pain starts (!), so long as some specific time (at least within, say, the remainder of their shift) can be identified as when the condition became debilitating, (and then)just so long as the person was working (considering the time, place, and duties) and the job "caused" the injury......I could get into how much more complicated the analysis is, but I think it's enough to say - "what!?" Why couldn't they just call this an on-the-job injury and leave the definition of accident alone?
I'm almost done. Read that as you will - school, blog post, losing my mind....
Here's a promise - if I ever get to be a judge, when I collaborate with my clerk(s) on writing an opinion, I'm going to strive to be clear, concise, and not screw with anyone's vocabulary.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
My low-tech day
Monday (yesterday)
I left my laptop at home. Because it's heavy. While I did feel a bit disconnected (had to log into email from the computer lab to let my girlfriends know that lunch needed to be postponed), it was a good day overall. I did also have to use the computer lab to print some code & regs for Tax class, but it was nice not to have the extra weight in my bookbag.
I also paid more attention in the class I loathe. Still no value added there, unfortunately.
I might try this no lap top thing a couple of days a week. We'll see.
Another thing I wasn't able to do though was deal with my Spring schedule problem. The powers that be once again changed things up and I have to choose another class to take the place of Disability Law. In case I didn't rant about this previously, my schedule this year has been an absolute mess because of changed course times and cancellations. Blah. Almost done.
I left my laptop at home. Because it's heavy. While I did feel a bit disconnected (had to log into email from the computer lab to let my girlfriends know that lunch needed to be postponed), it was a good day overall. I did also have to use the computer lab to print some code & regs for Tax class, but it was nice not to have the extra weight in my bookbag.
I also paid more attention in the class I loathe. Still no value added there, unfortunately.
I might try this no lap top thing a couple of days a week. We'll see.
Another thing I wasn't able to do though was deal with my Spring schedule problem. The powers that be once again changed things up and I have to choose another class to take the place of Disability Law. In case I didn't rant about this previously, my schedule this year has been an absolute mess because of changed course times and cancellations. Blah. Almost done.
Monday, February 04, 2008
Homogeny at the Law School
Been meaning to comment on this, and today I saw 2 more people that fit into this thought - so, just real quick - where is the me?
I have seen people who look/sound, and as far as I can tell, act the "same" as people I know/knew as a 1Ls (mostly able to "identify" people who were in my small section) who are 2Ls and 1Ls now. In some cases, they come close to the mythical "twin" everyone supposedly has.
Maybe I have seen the "me" and I haven't recognized her.
Very scary, though. Those are some rock steady admissions decisions from year to year.
I have seen people who look/sound, and as far as I can tell, act the "same" as people I know/knew as a 1Ls (mostly able to "identify" people who were in my small section) who are 2Ls and 1Ls now. In some cases, they come close to the mythical "twin" everyone supposedly has.
Maybe I have seen the "me" and I haven't recognized her.
Very scary, though. Those are some rock steady admissions decisions from year to year.
2 out of the 3 reasons I got up for school today...
...were
1) carpool (and nachos)
2) ladies that lunch
Well,
1) I showed up about 8:25, maybe a little earlier for my 8:30am carpool. I'm used to waiting until about 8:32, so I didn't call into the house until 8:35. The response was, "I'm not going to school today. I emailed you late last night. I forgot to call you early this morning." YAH. I've missed carpool a couple of times already this quarter, but I always email AND call (or text) and make sure that notice is received.
Instead, I was at school more than an hour early, with no other benefit - no sharing of cost. And, though I'm not devistated by any means, that means no 1/2-price nacho night.
There's a little more to this, in that I could have given Richard a ride back to work; more on that below.
2) One of my friends is staying home with a sick kid. The news made the other 2 of us want to postpone - no problem. But, if I had known about no carpool, I would have also known about no lunch in time to decide whether to come to school at all.
the third was...
3) my 2:30pm class - the interesting one - which is Basic Income Tax. Surprised? What would otherwise be a dreadful drudge through the tax code is made enjoyable by a great professor. So, here I am, sitting through 2 classes that I could have easily caught on podcast, waiting to enjoy Basic Income Tax. And, by the way, I am the only one in my row (again!) for my first class. I think maybe a third of the class is here.
At least I can leave at 3:20 instead of waiting around for 1/2-price nachos at 5:30pm. (The nachos are tasty, but I'm not great friends with anyone that goes and I can't have more than one beer because I'm driving).
And, I can pick Richard up, if needed. Here's the story on that - an electronic fault light in his car came on at the end of last week. His owner's manual said that as long as it remained solid (vs. flashing), it would be o.k. to drive, but should be checked out. The light started flashing yesterday, when he moved the car down to the street so our Superbowl guests could park up top. When he went to get the car later in the evening, it would start, but wouldn't go anywhere. So, he had to have it towed this morning. We're waiting to find out if he needs a rental car for a couple of days.
Here's the bottom line to this whine: I wanted to follow my cat's example and curl up under the covers for at least the rest of the morning. Stupid carpool.
1) carpool (and nachos)
2) ladies that lunch
Well,
1) I showed up about 8:25, maybe a little earlier for my 8:30am carpool. I'm used to waiting until about 8:32, so I didn't call into the house until 8:35. The response was, "I'm not going to school today. I emailed you late last night. I forgot to call you early this morning." YAH. I've missed carpool a couple of times already this quarter, but I always email AND call (or text) and make sure that notice is received.
Instead, I was at school more than an hour early, with no other benefit - no sharing of cost. And, though I'm not devistated by any means, that means no 1/2-price nacho night.
There's a little more to this, in that I could have given Richard a ride back to work; more on that below.
2) One of my friends is staying home with a sick kid. The news made the other 2 of us want to postpone - no problem. But, if I had known about no carpool, I would have also known about no lunch in time to decide whether to come to school at all.
the third was...
3) my 2:30pm class - the interesting one - which is Basic Income Tax. Surprised? What would otherwise be a dreadful drudge through the tax code is made enjoyable by a great professor. So, here I am, sitting through 2 classes that I could have easily caught on podcast, waiting to enjoy Basic Income Tax. And, by the way, I am the only one in my row (again!) for my first class. I think maybe a third of the class is here.
At least I can leave at 3:20 instead of waiting around for 1/2-price nachos at 5:30pm. (The nachos are tasty, but I'm not great friends with anyone that goes and I can't have more than one beer because I'm driving).
And, I can pick Richard up, if needed. Here's the story on that - an electronic fault light in his car came on at the end of last week. His owner's manual said that as long as it remained solid (vs. flashing), it would be o.k. to drive, but should be checked out. The light started flashing yesterday, when he moved the car down to the street so our Superbowl guests could park up top. When he went to get the car later in the evening, it would start, but wouldn't go anywhere. So, he had to have it towed this morning. We're waiting to find out if he needs a rental car for a couple of days.
Here's the bottom line to this whine: I wanted to follow my cat's example and curl up under the covers for at least the rest of the morning. Stupid carpool.
Pretty Boy De-throwned
I just overheard that.
Nice.
I'm glad that New York won, too!!!
Apparently, I just don't have the same depth of feeling about the win.
:-)
Nice.
I'm glad that New York won, too!!!
Apparently, I just don't have the same depth of feeling about the win.
:-)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
180 Degree Change
Hello, "real world" !
Some current events - with posts coming soon, I hope - have made me consider how best to keep in touch with people. Of course, the best way would be to pick up the phone and have a chat, but people (including me) are busy and tired much of the time that is available to pick up the phone.
So, in direct opposition to a relatively recent post, I am going to try to keep this blog current with everything (or most everything) happening in my life.
PLEASE (please?) please use the comments to let me know what's up with you, or, when is best to call, or, when might be a good time for a visit even.
Some current events - with posts coming soon, I hope - have made me consider how best to keep in touch with people. Of course, the best way would be to pick up the phone and have a chat, but people (including me) are busy and tired much of the time that is available to pick up the phone.
So, in direct opposition to a relatively recent post, I am going to try to keep this blog current with everything (or most everything) happening in my life.
PLEASE (please?) please use the comments to let me know what's up with you, or, when is best to call, or, when might be a good time for a visit even.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
3L Attitude
Just some "fun" thoughts to share (some came up in conversation, some overheard)
- I was there Tuesday. I could have gone to class today, I was here, I just didn't feel like it
- I was here...what did we cover? I was shopping for auto parts
- I wouldn't say I'm "taking" him (a Professor) again. (Then, to someone else) I'm trying to correctly time my absences - where is he in the alphabet?
- Do you want to leave now and go golf? The driving range re-opened today.
- I'm trying to figure out exactly how much I have to do to pass my classes this quarter. I thought I had low expectations before, but they are on the floor this quarter
***
Have I shared that I believe (as many do) that law school should only be 2 years? We need to learn the basics in the first year and have time to develop knowledge/skills that will help us do (or decide on) what we want to do. After that, at lease as far as I can tell, we really want to "get to work". Most of us had great 2L summers (I did!), and want to get on with our lives.
But here I am, half listening ot the "discussion" of the Antitrust concept of "Tying" - I say "discussion" because (thankfully) the Prof provides the answer to his questions if the class is silent for more than a couple of seconds. And, I'm almost half way through my day. Just the two-hour misery of Immigration Law left --- but we have a guest speaker today, and between that and the student presentation, there will be limited re-hashing of the readings (hooray!).
- I was there Tuesday. I could have gone to class today, I was here, I just didn't feel like it
- I was here...what did we cover? I was shopping for auto parts
- I wouldn't say I'm "taking" him (a Professor) again. (Then, to someone else) I'm trying to correctly time my absences - where is he in the alphabet?
- Do you want to leave now and go golf? The driving range re-opened today.
- I'm trying to figure out exactly how much I have to do to pass my classes this quarter. I thought I had low expectations before, but they are on the floor this quarter
***
Have I shared that I believe (as many do) that law school should only be 2 years? We need to learn the basics in the first year and have time to develop knowledge/skills that will help us do (or decide on) what we want to do. After that, at lease as far as I can tell, we really want to "get to work". Most of us had great 2L summers (I did!), and want to get on with our lives.
But here I am, half listening ot the "discussion" of the Antitrust concept of "Tying" - I say "discussion" because (thankfully) the Prof provides the answer to his questions if the class is silent for more than a couple of seconds. And, I'm almost half way through my day. Just the two-hour misery of Immigration Law left --- but we have a guest speaker today, and between that and the student presentation, there will be limited re-hashing of the readings (hooray!).
Keeping "real world" separate
I had an invite from a classmate to study together for our Transmission of Wealth quiz - her email was "Devil Coffee for Evil Law School" (we were to meet at Diablo Coffee house). I've heard her call Law School "evil" more than once in our 2+ years here.
I share this sentiment, and I believe keeping law school separate from the "real world" is the only way for me to stay sane. For example, I have an Outlook folder named "real world" where I keep emails sent by friends/family to my UW account. And, I try to keep these posts related just to law school. So, though my sister commented that I've had some car drama lately, I didn't think to talk much about it here, because other than making me late for class one afternoon, it didn't really impact law school.
Adding to my perception is the "drama" here, now (as of about two weeks ago). Somebody, via graffiti, threatened some students/faculty here. The school's response was to require us to swipe our I.D. cards at one specific entrance to get into the building. Stairwells can only be used to exit the building, not move between floors. So, going out for lunch becomes complicated by having to stand in line behind math students who use the law school building but whose I.D. cards do not work for entry and thus have to be checked against a list by the ONE security guard at the ONE (did I mention just ONE) available entrance. [Update - just saw a group of five people, including one uniformed UW police officer, in the hall outside biggest classroom talking about magnetic door locks and looking at paperwork which looked like building information]
Another thing adding to my separation is that most people here just aren't going to be in my life after law school. There are a few who will, but, for example, the "ass" that is taking a job in NY is not. And, the woman who invited me to a KNITTING CIRCLE is not. A knitting circle!!! OMG, is there anything that screams "not Gina" more than that? I'm more likely to start marathon running than knitting.
Ahh, scatterbrained...just realized I didn't finish post regarding the "ass" (began on 10/12/07). It was titled "THAT is why" and it began...Last two days have been a bit hard on me, because I want to help change the way the public view lawyers...and I'm not alone...
Once again, my "evil law school" friend and I agree. We have a classmate who is a picture-perfect example of why people hate lawyers. When my brother says we're just people who take a simple problem and make it more complicated, I think of this guy. When people say we pre-lawyers will be selling our soul to the highest bidder, I think of this guy. When I hear about available positions with firms that are trying to screw the working class out of their pensions (yes! one of my other friends took an interview with them - and as another side note, the interviewers didn't seem to be too happy with their jobs), I think of this guy. Just before the last post, I overheard that several "larger" NY firms are pursuing this guy. I shared this with my friend and she just responded "THAT is why"....(and I finished in my head...law school is evil, if this guy represents success).
Back to separation...I do, however, enjoy talking about things I'm learning. I was out with a friend on Tuesday night and we talked about Antitrust. Richard and I talk about criminal procedure now and then when watching "Law & Order" or "CSI". I don't talk much about "Transmission of Wealth" though, perhaps because wills, trusts, and estates are important, but don't really interest me. Could make a good living setting them up and monitoring them though, it seems. Still, much like Contracts or other "transactional" law, I'm not really interested. Still like Torts and Criminal Law better. On the other hand, going back to my conversation while out on Tuesday, I might actually be able to do more "good" if I can help with an ethical movement within multinational corporations. Hmmm...
I share this sentiment, and I believe keeping law school separate from the "real world" is the only way for me to stay sane. For example, I have an Outlook folder named "real world" where I keep emails sent by friends/family to my UW account. And, I try to keep these posts related just to law school. So, though my sister commented that I've had some car drama lately, I didn't think to talk much about it here, because other than making me late for class one afternoon, it didn't really impact law school.
Adding to my perception is the "drama" here, now (as of about two weeks ago). Somebody, via graffiti, threatened some students/faculty here. The school's response was to require us to swipe our I.D. cards at one specific entrance to get into the building. Stairwells can only be used to exit the building, not move between floors. So, going out for lunch becomes complicated by having to stand in line behind math students who use the law school building but whose I.D. cards do not work for entry and thus have to be checked against a list by the ONE security guard at the ONE (did I mention just ONE) available entrance. [Update - just saw a group of five people, including one uniformed UW police officer, in the hall outside biggest classroom talking about magnetic door locks and looking at paperwork which looked like building information]
Another thing adding to my separation is that most people here just aren't going to be in my life after law school. There are a few who will, but, for example, the "ass" that is taking a job in NY is not. And, the woman who invited me to a KNITTING CIRCLE is not. A knitting circle!!! OMG, is there anything that screams "not Gina" more than that? I'm more likely to start marathon running than knitting.
Ahh, scatterbrained...just realized I didn't finish post regarding the "ass" (began on 10/12/07). It was titled "THAT is why" and it began...Last two days have been a bit hard on me, because I want to help change the way the public view lawyers...and I'm not alone...
Once again, my "evil law school" friend and I agree. We have a classmate who is a picture-perfect example of why people hate lawyers. When my brother says we're just people who take a simple problem and make it more complicated, I think of this guy. When people say we pre-lawyers will be selling our soul to the highest bidder, I think of this guy. When I hear about available positions with firms that are trying to screw the working class out of their pensions (yes! one of my other friends took an interview with them - and as another side note, the interviewers didn't seem to be too happy with their jobs), I think of this guy. Just before the last post, I overheard that several "larger" NY firms are pursuing this guy. I shared this with my friend and she just responded "THAT is why"....(and I finished in my head...law school is evil, if this guy represents success).
Back to separation...I do, however, enjoy talking about things I'm learning. I was out with a friend on Tuesday night and we talked about Antitrust. Richard and I talk about criminal procedure now and then when watching "Law & Order" or "CSI". I don't talk much about "Transmission of Wealth" though, perhaps because wills, trusts, and estates are important, but don't really interest me. Could make a good living setting them up and monitoring them though, it seems. Still, much like Contracts or other "transactional" law, I'm not really interested. Still like Torts and Criminal Law better. On the other hand, going back to my conversation while out on Tuesday, I might actually be able to do more "good" if I can help with an ethical movement within multinational corporations. Hmmm...
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