The End

This is it. The End of "Murphy's Law" as we knew it. This blog was a great outlet for my law school life, but lots has changed about my post-law school life, and this space hasn't changed with it. I could go into great detail about the changes, or about the very good things going on in this anonymous life of mine, but it doesn't feel authentic here anymore. So I guess this is goodbye - from here anyway. I will have a new blog, but it will not be linked to this one or any of my favorites, because that is the best way for me to write what I feel honestly, which is the whole purpose of a blog (for me). I'm a little bit sad to give this one up, but it's definitely the best way for me to move on and keep writing. Maybe you will find me out there. Not sure how one says goodbye to an audience of a few friends and a few lurkers - but I think the following comes close.

I don't know the sound of my father's voice
I don't even know how he says my name
But it plays out like a song on a jukebox in a bar
In the back of my head till it's weary and mushy

And in the cotton fields out by the house where I was born
The leaves burn like effigies of my kin
The trains run like snakes through Pentecostal pine
Filled up with cotton and fine slow gin

Oh Jacksonville, how you burn in my soul
How you hold all my dreams captive
Jacksonville, how you play with my mind
Oh my heart goes back, suffocating on the pines
In Jacksonville
The End, The End, The End

All the cars are lined up on a Saturday night
With the sky full of nothing but moon
And I lose my reflection in the bottles of wine
Till the morning comes down and I ain't nothing but you

Now the diner in the morning for a plate of eggs
The waitress tries to give me change I say, "Nah, it's cool. Just keep it"
I read up my news, I start thinking about her
And I wonder if anybody here besides me has got any decent secrets

Oh Jacksonville, how you burn in my soul
How you hold all my dreams captive
Jackson-hell, how you play with my mind
Oh my heart goes back, suffocating on the pines
In Jacksonville
The End, The End, The End

The Genius and the Lisper

Turns out I do have a loyal reader or two. Who would've thought? So, a pseudo-request for my thoughts on one Mr. Ryan Adams marrying one Ms. Mandy Moore.
[Sidenote: aMOMymous left me a voicemail stating, "I heard that that singer that you like, Ryan Somethingorother, is marrying that actress, the one who always plays the Pollyanna in dumb romantic movies . . . what's her name? Anyway, just wanted to let you know." aMOMymous is awesome.]
Right, back to the task at hand. Um, I have never really been a big MM fan. She and Drew Barrymore both have speech patterns that drive me bonkers. Not quite a lisp but a mouth that curves up and makes words sound funny. Blech. Oh, I did however really enjoy MM's first song, "Candy", in high school. Any song that has a pause for a "love always, Mandy" is pure classic amazingness. And she was pretty hilarious in 'Saved'. And one of my sorority sisters forced me to watch 'A Walk to Remember' and in the first 8 minutes or so I asked, "so when does she die?" But yeah, other than that . . . not so much. But here's my bottom line. I lurve Ryan. And if he's happy, like really really happy, then I am happy. Because he's been on such an emotional rollercoaster - it ends up producing amazing music but sort of destroys his sanity (or appears to do so, who knows, maybe not). I wish him lots of happiness and music productivity. However there is one VERY BIG caveat. If they start making duets, I will NOT handle it well. Mazel tov. And don't make music together. Please.

Crazy Genius

If you were wondering what I want for my birthday (which isn't for several months) aside from a date with Ryan, a date with Sidney, and a date with Hugh Laurie (yeah, yeah), I also want a trip to an amusement park (I lurve rollercoasters) and one of these:

www.littlemoos.com/photos/index.php

I mean really. A freaking mini cow. Really. Your mascot sits in a tree all day thinking up new things to put cheese on. Really.

I'm Busy, but watch this, it made me cry.

"Fidelity": Don't Divorce... from Courage Campaign on Vimeo.

AH - Movie Critic Extraordinaire

I don't see many movies. Why? Well it's a combination of things. And I suppose that that earlier statement should be amended to say "I don't see many GOOD movies" (there, happy Eddie??). I have seen movies like "13 Going on 30" about a zillion times. And "B" horror movies, oh swoon. But I don't go to the theater much and I don't EVER rent movies and I can't be bothered to watch the satellite guide to plan what I want to watch on HBO. So, I don't see many movies. But this weekend I was determined to see some Oscar nominated flicks and to relax and stay in from the cold. While I am nowhere near the movie buff that Artful is - or Eddie, he likes movies too - here are my thoughts on The Reader, Benjamin Button, and My Best Friend's Girl (hey, they can't all be good, but which one was the best?!?!?! oooooh the suspense). Oh, I will probably have some ***SPOILERS*** so if you are at all angered by them, um, read this post another time. Or never. Whichever.

The Reader -
Damn Kate Winslet. I have seen you naked a lot. Like, really a lot. And you still have a bangin' body. I am kind of jealous. Fine. Really freaking jealous. Oh, to the task at hand. Um, underage sex plus concentration camps. Interesting mix, no? No, not really. I mean yeah, the characters were compelling and well acted and Ralph Fiennes is soooooo gorgeous but the movie is pretty much a soul-suck, and not in a "wow I learned something" way but in a "everyone dies alone and sad" kind of way. And? At the big trial? (OK really big spoiler here. Don't say I didn't warn you!!!) The judge asks the woman testifying "how many people died that night?" and she says "All of them." OK . . . but YOU were there and YOU are now HERE so clearly not ALL OF THEM died! And how did you live??? Where are the follow-up questions?!?!?! Hmph. After the movie my friend told me I am never allowed to pick the movie again. Never. Deservedly so. We should have seen "the wrestler" - I mean it's Mickey Rourke Playing mickey Rourke - if nothing else that's entertainment gold.

My Best Friend's Girl -
After a delicious Italian dinner, this movie was on tap. Not my choice. Dane Cook is a moron and Kate Hudson and Jason Biggs play the same people in every movie they are ever in. So yeah, I was glad I was a half a bottle of wine in. But a friend of a friend wrote the movie, so I agreed to give it a shot. And??? Fucking hilarious. No, really. I wanted so much to not like this movie. Like, a lot. Like I wanted to not like it as much as I have seen Kate Winslet naked in movies. So, a lot. It's a goofball comedy that was marketed really poorly as a rom-com. If you need a mindless night, just rent this. I promise.

Benjamin Button -
To be fair, I was sitting next to the most annoying girl in the world at this movie. She was SO DUMB. Bawling for the final 25 minutes of the movie, she said through her tears and snot at the end "I didn't know that was Cate Blanchett!!!" She also was mildly offended when I turned to my movie-watching companion and said, "That was awful. We should have seen the Wrestler - again. Dane Cook was better than that movie." Seriously. if you are really jonesing for another "Forrest Gump" but with even WORSE Southern accents (fricking terrible), then yeah, go waste 3 hours at this. If this wins any awards it will merely serve to reaffirm my belief that people are incredibly stupid. My buddy said, "I didn't think that was an hour too long" to which I responded, "You're right, it was 3 hours too long." Ugh.

See? I'll bet you didn't think My Best Friend's Girl would be the best movie I saw all weekend. But it was. Don't say I didn't warn you. And now you know why I don't go to the movies.

#36

Today is the 36th anniversary of the decision of the now famous (infamous?) case, Roe v. Wade. For the first time in 8 years, this date carries with it the promise of a President who is committed to taking real steps toward reducing the need for abortions in this country while at the same time recognizing the importance of safe, legal abortion availability. Banning abortion, making abortion procedures more difficult to obtain, and shaming the millions of women who have abortions every year are all "solutions" that do nothing to address the root problem. My hope on this anniversary is that our new administration takes meaningful steps to reduce the number of unintended pregnancies by:
* improving access to healthcare for all women
* making birth control more affordable
* improving sex education in schools so that it covers not only abstinence, but also contraception (and so that it does not ignore the presence of students who do not fit the heteronormative standard)
* rolling back the Global Gag Rule so that women around the world get accurate information about their full range of reproductive options and can make informed decisions regarding their own health
* repealing the Hyde Amendment!
* getting rid of the ridiculous new HHS "conscience clause"
* increasing funding for programs that help young, poor women become more independent and better mothers (by accessing childcare, education, and mentors)

Take the time today to thank a reproductive healthcare provider, or volunteer your time, or make a donation to your favorite reproductive health organization (even with a pro-choice President, they still need help providing affordable healthcare!). And cross your fingers - maybe some of the above will happen TODAY!

Stolen Lines #1 . . .

"I tried to think of the right answer. Unable to think of that, I spoke anyway."

"Kryptonite?"

*heads turn*

"You think that the letter K on the periodic table stands for 'Kryptonite' Miss Hottie?"

"Erm, yes?"

"Anyone ELSE care to offer a guess?"

*other hands raise quickly*

I fucking hated middle school.

Prime Numbers . . . or Viktor's First Appearance

I have been absolutely ridiculously bored lately - but without any motivation to remedy the situation. And today was a crummy day. My wisdom teeth are coming in, so I went to the dentist to figure out the course of action, and we are waiting for them to grow in, then pulling them out. Something in that plan seems fundamentally wrong, but who am I to argue? So here I am, bored, teething (it hurts!), and frustrated that I haven't been home for Thanksgiving in 6 years. What do I do? Duh, order a disgusting amount of sushi and drink a bottle of white wine (c'mon, you knew it was coming).

AH: I should have another glass of wine, right?
Viktor: That depends, how many have you had?
AH: 2.5
AH: Fine, that's a lie. 3.
Viktor: Well you can't end your drinking with a prime number! Have at it!

It's rather remarkably easy to see why we are friends . . .

The Liver Chronicles*

On a particularly hungover evening, while riding home from a Hawks game with Artful, Eddie, and Scuba Steve, the following conversation transpired:

AH: Ugh. I think my liver has simply given up.
Liver: You think so, asshole??? Maybe it's because you routinely abuse me with your Colorado football games and your RockBand plus white wine drinking extravaganzas.
AH: Um, is that my liver actually telling me it hates me??
Liver: Yes bitch. I hate you. Why don't you poison me again and see what happens?
AH: Okay but isn't it sort of your JOB to help me out here? Isn't this pretty much your function?
Liver: Is that all I am to you? An organ that should just do its job?
AH: Well, yes.
Liver: That's it. Enjoy your next hangover whoreface. I will make sure there is no college football on and that you are trapped with a televangelist and his grinning idiot wife. And no cheeseburgers. Or else.
Kidneys: Yes, beetch, you are screwed. All that cerveza makes us angrrry.
AH: Wait, what? Now you guys are joining in? And why do you sound like you are from Mexico??
Kidneys: That iz none of your concern.
Liver: Stop mocking them and have another martini, why don't you. See what happens. I dare you.

I'm more than a little worried.

* inspired by Grace and a conversation with Eddie and the Artful Blogger

I Think I Need Another Hobby . . . Or Two.

The following occurred on GCHat on a rainy and depressing Chicago afternoon. I was sitting at home, watching yet another Law & Order marathon. Eddie saw my away message and apparently joined in the marathon-watching fun over at his place.

Eddie: did you ever see the movie Broken Flowers?
AnonymousHottie: is that like Flowers for Algernon?
Eddie: hahahaa, yeah kinda. the young girl in this L&O was in that movie
AH: she was also in a lifetime movie about slutty teens that all got syphilis
and
I think
another episode of L&O SVU in which she was trafficked to Czech Republic
I think
Eddie: (after checking IMDB) yup
AH: (hoping Eddie knows that because he checked IMDB and not because he watches as much television as I do) wow. I watch way too much daytime tv
Eddie: you do
and lifetime movies
She's Too Young?
AH: sounds about right
Eddie: sounds awesomely AH

OK but this is certainly not the first time I knew the other roles played by minor L&O characters within about 5 seconds of seeing them onscreen (think back to the first time Casey Novak ever appeared, when she played a stock broker accused of raping a male stripper. Then she changed names from Sydney Green to Casey Novak and became an attorney. WHY DO I KNOW THIS???). Or the time I was in my bathroom putting on make-up and I heard the opening sequence of an episode and knew immediately exactly which creepy-ass episode it was. That is serious skill!!!

If I could only harness this talent in some sort of useful manner, I think I might take over the world. Or at least win "America's Dumbest Talent Competition" thus earning myself a trip to space camp and a life supply of Bertoli frozen pasta dinners. Neat.

** HAHAHAHAHA I had to add that upon further investigation, I discovered the tagline for the movie "She's Too Young" is "To fit in, you've gotta put out." And as for memorable quotes? The studly/slutty male in question in the move says: Stick em all, because chances are I have.
Why did I ever consider giving up on daytime tv??? Back to the couch.

But I Don't *Want* a Pink Jersey!*

So being a Blackhawks fan is going well so far. The games are fun, the boys are playing well together, and I enjoy a weekly excuse to eat junk food. But there's a problem. Not an earth-shattering problem, but still, something that just flat-out pisses me off. I can't buy a Blackhawks sweater. The cool one with stripes and the old school logo. I mean, I can. I can buy one. But not one that fits. Because the only shirts or sweaters made for women are pink. Or have sparkles. Or are pink WITH sparkles. Barf.

Let's go over this, shall we? I am sure there are some women who like pink, and who want pink jerseys and hats and temporary tattoos and whatever else. BUT NOT ALL OF US DO! Just being female does not mean I like pink, or sparkles. And you know what? I do like sparkles. But not on my hockey jerseys! Is this really too much to ask of the team I support at every home game and watch on television? Just for them to get Reebok to manufacture women's sized jerseys and sweaters? I don't think so. I am sick of having to buy large or extra-large kids merchandise so that I don't have to wear pink. I refuse to spend scads of money on a men's sweater that will just look ridiculous on me. So here's a solution: recognize your loyal female fans. Make apparel for them that is comparable to the apparel you make for men, only make it in sizes we can wear. You know what that gets you? Happy season ticket holders who spend LOTS of money at the team store. And more women who wear their Blackhawks gear out in public because it actually FITS. And me to stop ranting. See? It's a win-win-win.

*I do, however, really like pink cupcakes. And pink champagne.

Oh, and go vote. Now that my rant is over, I am off to the polls!

WSotD - Cardinal Edition

Lots has been going on in my life. But I haven't felt like writing about it here. And I haven't felt like writing inane posts about everyday occurrences like I usually do. But it is almost my favorite holiday, and my costume is fantastic, and I have a new job, and I am recovered enough to run again, and, well, I guess I am ready to write again. And to get back into it, I give you a brand! new! WSotD. 'Cardinology' is finally here - and though I heard a few songs in Cleveland, I am looking forward to listening to it over and over again and falling in love with it like I did with the rest of the Cardinals' work. And this particular song was one I loved and subsequently learned I had misunderstood the lyrics to - and now that I know the true lyrics, it hits me in a whole new way. So here it is, and I am back.

What makes them walk away, after all these years?
These years of learning it the hard way
By the lessons from the tears
I know it’s not a game
But it feels like losing when someone you love throws you away
I’d fix it
I’d fix it
I’d fix it
I’d fix it if I could
And I’d always win
I’d always win
I always win the in end
How easy was it for you making those plans you made?
Before I became something for you, you know to dislocate
I know it’s not a game
But if feels like losing when
Someone you love throws you away
I’d fix it
I’d fix it
I’d fix it
I’d fix it if I could
And I’d always win
I’d always win
And you would always lose
Look what I did to you
Look what you did to me
Fixed it
Fixed it
I'd fix it if I could
And I’d always win
I’d always win
I’d always win in the end

Chicago Marathon!

I did it! My legs are still ridiculously sore, and I look like a gimpy giraffe when I am forced to walk down stairs, but the bottom line is I finished my first marathon. My original goal time was 4 hours. The week leading up to the race, however, I was pretty sick, spent lots of time sleeping, and lost about 5 pounds, so I adjusted my goal to simply finishing. Also, race day was pretty warm, and since the organizers think 8 am is a more reasonable start time than 7 am (hint, it isn't. pleeease start the race earlier!), you end up running in the hot sun for the toughest part of the race. Anyway, I slowed my pace to compensate for how freaking hot I was and ended up finishing in 4 hours, 30 minutes. I am really excited to be finished, and I will definitely train for another marathon soon. I would really love to accomplish my 4 hour goal! Many thanks go out to my friends who came and cheered me on, to my mom who flew out to Chicago just for the race, and to my sister (an Ironman triathlete) who gave me fantastic training tips. If you are thinking about running a marathon, I highly recommend it, and I wish you the best of luck! Thanks out there for all of the support leading up to the race!!!

I think I waited too long . . .

. . . to post about ACL, Ryan Adams, and Boulder. But I don't have internet at my house and finding time to post has been difficult. So here are my shortened updates on the past week of my life:

ACL
* ACL is like Lollapalooza - but not. It is much less spread out, you can actually see every single act that you want to. That also means there is more noise bleed, and you have to make sure you are perfectly positioned between the speakers at each stage. All in all, ACL is much more laid back, with a slightly older crowd and fewer people who were absolutely wasted. And now for my favorite bands:
M. Ward, Mason Jennings, Swell Season, Vampire Weekend, What Made Milwaukee Famous (they totally redeemed themselves from their Lolla performance), Foo Fighters, Raconteurs, Black Keyes, and lots of other little bands that I marked in my little guide that I don't have with me. It was a blast.

Ryan Adams
* So if you ever read this blog, you know how much I love the genius. Eddie and I went on an adventure to Cleveland (since Ryan didn't come to Chicago for this tour) to see Mr. Adams and his merry band of Cardinals. What can I say?? I cried through the whole show. It was that good. He played almost 30 songs, mostly from 'Cold Roses,' 'Easy Tiger,' and oddly enough, 'Demolition.' His new songs are amazing. He is no longer the infamously erratic performer people might remember - he appeared to be in a great place artistically and simply got on stage and played his heart out. And I cried. And it was perfect.

Boulder
* Well the Buffs couldn't quite keep up with those Texas boys, but I was proud of them nonetheless. And Boulder is still a magical place for me. I always feel happy when I am there, almost like I am home. The mountains, the funky people, the beautiful campus - it holds a very special place in my heart. Aside from one awkward moment when EVERY boy I dated in college was in the same freaking bar at the same time, I had a blast seeing old friends, drinking at my favorite bars, and topping off the trip with Cosmo's pizza, YUM.

And now I am off to retire on my couch. I picked up a cold that I really need to shake before the marathon. The marathon that is on Sunday. I am nervous. So I am off to hydrate and consume vast quantities of any cold medicine I can get my hands on.

** Sidenote: Doesn't the medicine "Abilify" sound like a word Charles Barkley would use?? "He can abilify his team to do great things. Man, I admire that abilify." OK, it totally does. And the commercial always makes me laugh.

October Blog Book Club Pick and Other Things

Alrighty Daisy blog regulars, welcome to my little blog. I am about to dash out the door to go see the one and only RYAN ADAMS but upon threat from Daisy of great bodily harm I figured I should post my book club pick first. I had an incredibly hard time choosing a book that I thought a majority of people would find interesting and such. I like reading random educational-ish books for fun because I am an unabashed dork, but I ruled those out for the rest of you kind people. And my two favorite fiction books are "The House of Mirth" and "Anna Karenina" neither of which are particularly light and I think I would hear audible groans from the blogosphere if I picked one of those. So, after all of that explanation, here it is. I ventured away from the fiction genre to pick a book that I read last summer that really captured my interest and stuck with me for a long time. And I re-read it to make sure it was as good as I thought, and it is. Don't be put off by the length, it sucked me in right away and before I knew it I was finished (seriously, like 5 days and I was done). And since it is almost Halloween (my favorite holiday of the whole entire year) I wanted something that had sort of a creepy factor - this for sure does. So. The October book. "Strange Piece of Paradise" by Terri Jentz. Without giving anything away, I can tell you it is her true story of recovering from being attacked by an anonymous guy with an axe (yeah, an axe). It weaves together several of my interests - a good story, weird people, criminal law, mystery, and a dash of feminism. It should be quite easy to find and I really hope that you enjoy it - or at least find it interesting.

And the other things? Well, I have made the executive decision to not check my bar results today so that I can enjoy the concert. I may or may not check them before I go to Boulder so that I can enjoy homecoming. And I don't think I am going to post my results here because, well, I don't want to whether they are bad or good. So if you want to think nice thoughts for me that would be great and much appreciated and we will work from there.
Hopefully I can post a review of ACL before I leave for Boulder (ACL was freaking awesome, in short). Now I am off to see my most favorite musician in the world with my bestest friend, Eddie!!! Have a great day and let me know how you are enjoying the book!!!

Things that are Exciting (in no particular order)

1. I am leaving for ACL in 2 days. Yes, I already went to Lollapalooza and this is technically almost the exact same thing but whatever it shall be awesome. And I shall see Mason Jennings again. And he shall probably sound like Mason Jennings - again. And G. Love and Swell Season and Foo Fighters and, just, YAY.

2. Blackhawks season starts tonight. I will be forced to hobble up to my seat as I ran 20 miles yesterday. 20!!! Basically, I could have run out to the suburbs. But I hate the suburbs, so instead I ran up and down the lakefront path. And hockey is fun. Nope, that made no sense.

3. In one week, I get to see . . . RYAN FREAKING ADAMS!!! In concert! Close enough for him to sweat on me and/or notice me and decide that in fact he does totally want to hang out with me and perhaps drink coffee while playing me some songs. Yes.

4. After that, I get to go to BOULDER! For homecoming! And drink delicious Colorado beers and eat delicious Boulder foods and watch the Buffs! Playing football! YAY!!!

5. And when I return from Boulder (yay!) I am running the marathon, for which I am mostly ready but still somewhat nervous.

So, basically the next 2 weeks are going to completely kick ass. I won't be around much, other than to post the October book pick for the book club, but I will be having uber amounts of fun. And then I should probably try to find a job. But for now, viva la unemployment!!!

On hurricanes . . .

Don't misinterpret the following comments. Because I understand that many people have been simply unable to flee the path of an oncoming hurricane. And in NOLA during Katrina, there were clearly aspects of race, poverty, and social justice all at odds with the evacuation. And I am NOT referring to those who suffered (and are still suffering) the effects of that disaster.
I am speaking here of those who choose to stay in a mandatory evacuation zone in Ike's path; those who told reporters, "I've always wanted to sit through a hurricane!" or "Last time traffic was sooooo annoying, I would rather sit and drink a beer" or any other random reason that I saw listed by those interviewed who were capable of leaving, who knew Ike was coming and knew they should leave but didn't. And now they are waiting for rescuers, people who are busting their asses and risking their own safety to help those who could have helped themselves in the first place. It really pisses me off.
In AZ, in a posted "Flash Flood" zone, if you drive your car into a wash during heavy rain and get stuck, the fire department will still come rescue you. But you know what? They charge you for that rescue, because you risked your life and that of the officers who had to abandon the other things they could have been doing to save your dumb ass who went into a flood on purpose (and the people in the news helicopters will mock you, and me too).
So for those who wanted to party through Ike, and who didn't board up their homes and who needed to be pulled out of their own idiocy, I hope you say a big "thanks" to those working to help you. Because if it were me, I might kick you in the shins.

To everyone else, Murphy and I hope you pull through and wish you the best.

So Much to Say . . .

Wow, being out of range of any news, music, television, and people other than the river rafters for a whole week was a rather odd experience. I am just getting back into the swing of things and have so much to talk about!

* The Trip - I will start off by saying that I absolutely recommend rafting the Colorado to any of you delightful readers. It was amazing and I will post pictures as soon as I get the film developed. 8 days of crashing water and hot sun and being covered in sand and sunscreen all while seeing some of the oldest rock formations on the planet. I got to bond with my dad, set up campsites, ride scary-as-hell rapids, and eat camp food. Oh, and poop in a box. The box called Oscar. Let me just say, I never want to poop in a box again. It was simply uncomfortable to sit next to the river in the bushes with frogs staring you down while trying to "separate the functions" because no pee can go in Oscar. Ugh. But other than that, an awesome trip. My dad and I were the only ones who planned on doing all 8 days - after the 4th day the group stopped at Phantom Ranch and all of our new friends hiked out and we got a whole new bunch of passengers. The first group was mostly comprised of families and foreigners (the Germans were my favorite, and so efficient!). The second group was a rowdy bunch of middle-aged ski club people who were not my favorite but who were sort of fun I suppose. I pretty much hung out with my dad and the boat guides (one of whom was so cute though way too old for me and married, sigh). When I post the pictures I will for sure post more stories from the wild.

* The Buffs - I missed both of our first two games due to my trip, but we are 2-0, YAY!!!

* The Book - I finished the blogger book club pick "Beach Music" and will send my review over to Daisy/post it shortly. The book sort of drowned in the river which is too ironic for me to handle.

* The Pick - On our way up to Lee's Ferry, my dad and I heard about the Palin pick on XM radio. I have so much to say about this pick, but I will keep my initial thoughts brief. First, I totally called it - I predicted McCain would select a female VP candidate to bolster his (undeserved) "maverick" reputation. Second, she completes the most anti-choice ticket in recent memory, being against abortion even in cases of rape or incest. Should make for great SCOTUS picks if they win, no? Third, to all of the commentators who think Hillary supporters will now shift to McCain because he picked a woman, you are freaking idiots. Hillary supporters will recognize Palin's anti-choice credentials, and her conservative stance on other issues and will not just blindly vote for her because she is a woman. Also, can we stop using the gendered stereotype of the "bitter, vindictive" Hillary supporters who will turn their backs on democrats simply because they didn't get their way??? Former Hillary supporters will make their choices for many reasons, not because they are bitter, angry, petulant women. K, thanks.

Phew, so I guess that's it for now. I look forward to returning to Chicago for my fabulous fall of fun. Oh, and this was my 100th post, so I am doing a little "Yay for my 100th blog post" dance out here in AZ. Glad to be back.

Happy Camper

Tomorrow I am off for an 8 day adventure on the mighty Colorado. My dad and I shall join a group of other intrepid rafters and sit through freezing water, blazing sun, and nights full of bugs. Sounds fun, I think. All I wanted in my post-bar trip was a total escape from my everyday routine, and I think this completely fits the bill. Murphy will join the puppies over at the Eddie/Haswoe household, and I shall sleep in a tent.
I admit, I am a tad nervous. But I completed my pre-trip awesome shopping trip and am now the proud owner of lime green hiking sandals (you know the type, with the protected toe and the mesh webbing, oh joy), a plaid button down with western-ish designs, pants that have zip-off legs, and a Jurassic Park/Indiana Jones-esque hat complete with a drawstring. Eddie almost collapsed into a heap when he saw my outfit, and my dad was definitely chuckling when I described the get-up over the phone. I also got all sorts of bio-friendly shampoo and such. So basically the trip was an opportunity for me to go shopping in a camping store rather than at a shoe boutique. Loves it. (Oh, and for those of you seeking the infamous body glide in a small travel size? REI carries it, and a formula with sunscreen, as well. Hooray!)
Anyway, have a fantastic labor day holiday, and I will be sure to bring back lots of camping stories and probably some mud from the river, apparently it is a tad dirty. Who knew?

And a couple of extras . . .

Daisy had some great tips for all of you excited 1Ls, but I thought I would add a couple of my own, things that I wish someone had told me right about now.

* 90% of you are not going to be in the top 10%. Deal with it. Those are your odds, and no matter how great you were in undergrad, there is a really good chance you will be merely average in law school. The good news? It is entirely possible to raise your GPA by an entire point or more after first year. Trust me, I did it.

* When you get the speech about doing your bar application over your first winter break and locking in the low fee and getting it all out of the way, LISTEN. It is much better to get all of that information together over the break than it is to do it your last semester when you are working and burned out and whatever else.

* There will be one or two people who seem like they know everything and make amazing comments in class and yadda yadda. Trust me, they aren't the ones getting A's. We had "that guy" in our section and he was never on the dean's list. However, the quietest 2 kids in class got every CALI award offered. Bottom line? Don't be intimidated.

* Find the best way to take notes/outline for you. Don't worry that your friends do it a certain way or that their older brothers told them how to outline, etc. You don't have to underline in red and highlight and blah blah. Just find what makes you happy.

* That suggestion about not working first year? I would listen to it, if you can. I worked 3 nights a week and it was TOUGH, but do-able if necessary.

* Think long and hard before getting a dog. I know I did it and it worked out well, but a lot of times it realllllly sucked, and you don't want to be that asshole that takes your dog to the pound because YOU couldn't handle the responsibility.

Other than that, you will muddle through. Seriously, if I can do it, I am sure you can. My final word of advice, make time for fun. Make time for your friends who are not in law school, because they will keep you sane. If all you have is studying, you will go absolutely nuts. And that's it. Good luck!!!