Anatomy of a Study "Carol"...

Introducing "Carol"-the one I spend most of my time with:
I thought I would do a quick update on my law school "adventures." The picture above is where I sit and study all day...everyday. Last year, I lived by myself, so I could study at home some. While we have an office and there are a few days I will study at home, I spend most of my time at the library with "carol" because my roomates and I just have too much fun together! As far as the roomate situation-it is going well. I could not ask for better roomates. It is nice knowing I will have someone to come home to and we have roomate dinners each Wednesday night! Other than the drug bust two doors down last week, the spider the size of my head two nights ago, and the carbon monoxide leak last night-we LOVE the house! It gives us plenty of personal space and room to have Sunday night dinners with about 20 of our law school colleagues. Our neighbor, affectionately called "Old Man Flip," in addition to some wonderful Godly men in our law school class that mow our huge yard and make late night calls to kill HUGE spiders-take wonderful care of us. So despite the few mishaps-we feel very safe! :) DISCLAIMER: Mom, if you are reading this, I realize I forgot to mention that we had a carbon monoxide leak. Not to fear however, it is under control and the silent but deadly gas has not killed me

I decided to use a visual to update you all on my life and what is going on in law school.

• The books on the left top shelf are my school books for class. This semester I am taking Criminal Law (my favorite), Constitutional Law (might be the death of me), Appellate Advocacy (a writing class), and Business Administration (surprisingly, another favorite of mine-it reminds me a lot of contracts, which was my favorite class last year-and surprisingly I LOVE corporate law more each day....). I am also in a required law skills course, which teaches us how to practically use what we learn. In that class we are currently learning and practicing negotiations-it is SO much fun. Hopefully by the end of this, I will be able to negotiate my way into anything! Mel and Jen better beware...my tactics just went up a notch....
• To the right of that you will see my lunchbox and water bottle. I usually pack for an entire day in there...and sometimes I eat with "Carol."
• To the bottom left you will see a stack of newspapers: because of Business Administration, we were encouraged to get a subscription to the Wall Street Journal. I am so glad that I did. Today, I was told that a good preacher has a Bible in one hand and a newspaper that gives global perspective in the other. I am convinced that a good lawyer does the same. It is so easy to live in the "law school bubble," oblivious to what is going on in the world around. I am trying to broaden my knowledge with the newspaper. And ironically, it is helping with an article I am writing (see point 5 for more details about said article).
• You can't see it, but under the newspaper is another stack of papers for some research for legislation I am currently undertaking. I am a part of the new Institute for International Human Rights at the law school. I, along with a few other students, are working under a professor at the Helms School of Government at undergraduate Liberty (who went to law school, was editor of law review, is currently editor for Supreme Court Ecomonic Journal, has spoken at the Oxford Round Table, is writing a book, worked in fashion law, AND is passionate about human rights...needless to say, I'm kind of obsessed. Did I mention she has three young kids?) I digress...we are working with a senator researching and writing legislation to criminalize human trafficking in the state of Virginia, which is one of the only states that does not have legislation for this. We will then be educating attorney generals, senators, the community, etc. about the problems of human trafficking right here in the United States. Hopefully, other states will use it as a model to make their legislation better. Needless to say-I.AM.PUMPED. It is fun to be doing things that I actually came to law school for...
• On the right of my computer you will see a stack of books. These books are mostly dealing with issues of modern-day slavery and human trafficking. In addition to my classes, I was blessed to make Law Review. Basically, this means that I, along with the other classmates on LR, will be helping the editorial board edit and cite check law review articles for publication. In addition, I get to write my own scholarly article on anything of my choice! What did I choose you might ask? I chose to write about how fashion impacts human rights issues. This is very broad about my research, but I don't want to get too specific because it has to be novel and I don't want to spill the beans! I will say, it is a very fun topic and I get to read about fashion and human rights-two of my favorite things-for school!

Overall, I like 2L year MUCH better than 1L year. Maybe it is experience, routine, or comfort, But for whatever reason, I am less stressed (maybe the summer at the beach/pool put some perspective on school). Whatever a less stress life stems from-life is good. I am in such a good place spiritually, academically, emotionally, and physically (for those of you that know me know that a 10 lb weight gain is an answered prayer!) God is good-I am blessed beyond measure. I will write again soon because I have so many thoughts going through this mind that need to get on paper. This update will suffice for now! Until next time...

Quick Update...

Well, after a long drive back, I am back in "the burg," as they call it. The past two weeks have been good. It is good to be back when classes are not in full force. For the first time, I am actually enjoying the place that I now call "home" a little bit.

I have been taking a public policy summer intensive the past two weeks and school officially resumes a week from today. I moved (luckily just next door) and now have two roomates. I am very excited about the upcoming year. Because of the move (and the fact that our internet provider has failed miserably), we are still without internet and am not sure when we will get it. When it is up and running again, I will post new pictures of our new house and what is going on in my life as of late...just wanted to let everyone know I'm alive and well!

Until next time be blessed....

Summer Nights

It's official...I'm in love...with summer. I am enjoying my Texas summer...probably too much. However, I got spoiled with the cool East Coast weather and forgot how hot and humid Texas is! So, while the days are long and hot, I am definitely enjoying the cooler, summer nights along with the beautiful Texas sunsets! I had one goal in coming home: RELAX and remember the art of a de-stressed lifestyle! Besides a relaxing trip to the beach in the Pacific, here are some things that I am thoroughly enjoying as I get some R&R:

Joshua Radin is a new favorite that puts me in the summer mood!

Nothing like those summer nights to lay in the hammock or sit by the pool and read...for fun. If you need some good summer reads, I highly recommend these:

Nothing like those summer nights to sit on the patio, catch up with good friends, and eat some great food! No better place than the Triangle in Austin to sit around and ponder life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This little Italian market called Mandola's is such a fun atmosphere and has WONDERFUL gelatto-so wonderful that our discussion quickly turned to moving to Europe (namely Oxford, Italy, or Spain) where we can sit and sip tea and talk all day long until our heart's desire....maybe we will, maybe we won't...but perhaps we will...

Oh the joys of being young, dreaming big, and grad school which frees up summer for revitalization and rejuvenation. Summer nights: Won't you please stay for a while? 2L year of law school: Won't you please stay far, far away for a long, long time? I'm having too much fun...
Until next time, be blessed....

Every Road That's Traveled...

It's official: My first year and two credits of my second year of law school are done! These are just a few words that come to mind when thinking back over my first year of law school: intense, exhausting, exhilarating, excruciating, challenging, fulfilling, a dream come true, and stretching. This past year flew by so fast. The other day, I was wondering where it went...then I realized I left it at the library...

It is difficult to put the law school experience into words. Maybe it is the fact that the Monday after finals ended (which count 100% of your final grade in each class), I started a 2 week intensive class, drove home as soon as that ended, and have been working on law review ever since I got home that leads me to drone on about how exhausted I am. They say that the first year of law school they scare you to death, the second they work you to death, and the third, they bore you to death. After the year I have had, I am interested to see what "work you to death" means...

I was recently on iTunes, looking at the top ten Christian songs of the week. I noticed Amy Grant was back in the top ten with her new song: "Better than a Hallelujah." As many of you may (or may not know), I love Amy Grant. Call me old fashioned, but I boldly and unashamedly claim it. Maybe it is the fact that we share the same name or that I used to want to be her when I was "younger." For whatever reason, Amy holds a special place in my heart. One word describes her in my mind: TIMELESS. No matter what her circumstances in life or where she has been, she always seems to make a come back. Some may say it is time for her to stop making "come-backs," but then again, their songs aren't on the top ten, now are they? I admire her drive, resilience, and ability to persevere-not to mention, her music never gets old and there is a song for every emotion and stage of life. Anyway, as I was reflecting on the past year of my life while listening to Amy's new album, the theme of roads revisited my mind. These are a few of the words to one of Amy's songs, "Every Road:"

Every road that's traveled, teaches something new;
Every road that's narrow pushes us to choose.
I'd be lying if I said I had not tried to leave a time or two;
But every road that leads me, leads me back to you.

Just like Robert Frost was my inspiration as I started my first year of law school, Amy Grant is my inspiration as I conclude it. I have traveled this road, and I have been taught something new: what it takes to be an advocate of the law, the discipline the study of law requires, what it takes to be a better writer and communicator, the high calling and integrity involved with being a lawyer, and the importance of working hard to ensure a better future for myself. I have been pushed to choose between complacency and excellence; laziness and diligence; retreat or perseverance. I have definitely threatened to quit a time or two (or three or four) but for whatever reason, I have been led back to the study of law. I have said it and will say it again: law school has been the most challenging and exhausting experience of my life thus far. With the intensity of the program, there have been times where my relationship with the Lord has taken a back seat. As much as I hate to admit that, I am also gracious that the Lord continued to pursue me. Despite the hard days, just as I returned to the study of law, the road continues to return my heart to my beautiful Savior.

I am grateful to be on this road that is leading me to a path of a career full of opportunity and fulfillment. In my short time in the study of law, I have gained a deeper passion for the importance of advocating and understanding of what it means to allow the Lord to work in my life so that He can reach His full potential in and through me. The Lord has been gracious in granting me perseverance and reliance this past year. I'm excited and driven. I can't wait to see what's at the end of the road.

Speaking of roads, the drive home was long; but it was comforting when I passed the Texas state line to see the wide open spaces. I was beginning to feel claustrophobic in the mountains. Even so, I have to admit I am gradually falling in love with the East Coast...and I don't hate it. Maybe God is preparing me for something new "somewhere down the road...." I am becoming more okay with that as each day passes....

As I conclude, I realize that each person that reads this blog is most likely on a very different road or journey than I am on. That is the beauty of the diversity that life brings. I pray that each person that reads this will realize that every road that's traveled teaches something new. While on the path set before you, whether it be a road of joy or full of sorrow, seek what the Lord wants to teach you as you make the journey.

Until next time...be blessed....and know I am getting my fill of Blue Bell and Tex-Mex to last through the next upcoming year...

Super Hero Strength...

The snow has finally disappeared...thank goodness. This past week was spring break. I was hoping to have more free time to give a more thorough update of my blog, work on summer internship applications, and rest. Unfortunately, the moot court tournament starts tomorrow. Each 1L is required to give an argument as to why the court should hear their case using case law. We have spent all semester writing a long brief (what you file with the court for them to hear a trial). I must give an argument "on brief" (aka: for my side) and then "off brief" (against my side). Considering we have been researching and writing for months to prepare "on brief" arguments, the thought of doing an "off brief" argument is a little daunting. Needless to say, my spring break was spent working on my oral argument, updating outlines, and doing homework. While I do wonder some days what I have gotten myself into, I am still enjoying law school. I have already seen how it is making me a more well rounded thinker...and I like that.

While I did spend most of my week at the library, I did manage to get away for two days with some of my girl friends to Myrtle Beach. While it was too cold to spend too much time at the beach, we did get our fair share of shopping, good food, and movies in! It was a much needed escape from Lynchburg...with all the mountains surrounding, I was starting to get claustrophobic.....no lie....this Texas girls needs some wide open spaces!!!

While I am getting ready for my first round of the tournament tomorrow, I took a break and came across this article. When I interned in Guatemala, I got the privilege of interacting with these children every day. They truly are as precious as the picture makes them out to be! As I read this article, I was reminded that I often times muster up my own super human strength to accomplish a task. However, it is not on my own strength that I can do anything. I find the more I try to do it on my own, the more overwhelmed I become. The more overwhelmed I become, the more I ultimately fail because I am human and my strength will fade. I can only accomplish great things (aka: present an oral argument) by God's grace and strength alone. These super heroes are my inspiration to get through preparation for this argument tonight, so I thought I would share...

www.itsyourmission.com/news-super.shtml

I will write a more detailed update after the moot court tournament this week. It will be interesting...law school is a daily reminder that I am not the "strongest" in the fact that I am surrounded by brilliant people...it's always a race to the top...until next time be blessed....

Use Your Brain...

I am snowed in...again. Days like today lead me to ponder...more than usual that is. However, today while I have been snowed in, I have been working away on case briefs and a daunting research assignment coming up. So, even though school is not in session today...these wheels just keep on turnin....

With the realization that all I do these days is read, think, eat, read, think, read, think some more, go to bed thinking and wake up thinking, I find myself wondering if I should be doing more for the glory of God. However, I am daily learning there is a season for everything under the sun.

A friend of mine wrote this uplifting and insightful article that put intellect in a new light for me! Go to the post and read the entry titled "He'll Blow Your Mind." Whether you exercise your brain muscles with a good book or your finger muscles with the remote in hand...it will both encourage and challenge you...just "think" about it...

www.sageministries.org/Girls/Blog

Well, I better get back to the thinking tank...until next time be blessed...

Much Belated Update...

I seriously don't know what happens to the time. I can't believe it has been two months since I last updated my blog. With the intensity of school and desire to spend as much time away from the computer as possible when I am not doing school work (which rarely happens), updating my blog got put on the back burner. I will try to be better at that this semester, but no promises! Since my last blog update, my first (intense) round of finals came and went, along with my first semester of law school, next went my Christmas vacation, and so did 2009 now that I think about it. Time flies when you are having fun!

Immediately following my last final, the snow in Lynchburg started. Fearful that I would be stranded here for Christmas like I was on Thanksgiving, I crafted a plan to escape the winter wonderland. So, my winter break began in Wilmington, NC. However, I did not completely escape the winter wonderland. In fact, we drove straight through it. Even though it took 8 hours to get home as opposed to 4, it was fun! I can honestly say I have now driven (or ridden rather) in tons of snow, through the mountains, in a two-door little convertible. Looking back on it now, it was quite dangerous, but at the time, I found it quite exhilarating, sort of like an unexpected twist on a roller coaster! Kids, don't try that at home....

Update of past two months since finals: Lynchburg, VA to Wilmington to Charlotte, NC to Austin, TEXAS...after five LONG months...lots of quality family time! Austin to Waco to Dallas...twice...and lots of quality friend time! Austin to Pittsburgh to Raleigh to Lynchburg. (still not sure about the logic behind that route, but I didn't have to get off the plane so it worked...). Mini trip from Lynchburg to Richmond and Jamestown to do some sight-seeing then back to Lynchburg. Reality set in...Then back to the grind...

School is back in full swing. "They" said that the hardest part of law school has passed. Although, with the rigor of the first two weeks and getting back into the swing of things, I am not sure I believe them (whoever "they" are). While first semester ended well (God's strength and grace are sufficient), I am still figuring out this law school thing, how to balance work with play, and yes, even though I have one semester down, how not to allow law school to scare the pants off of me! However, I am determined to conquer this fear with the Lord's help....I'll let you know how it goes....

I hope all is well...I will post a more thorough update soon! Until next time be blessed and know I am enjoying the snow!