Charleston with the Charles

Hello friends and family.

I know, it's been a long time. I am absolutely horrible at writing in this thing, but I do try.

So on June 29th I left for vacation. I was invited to go to Charleston, South Carolina with my boyfriend and his family. I was a little nervous, of course. I mean a week with my boyfriend's family. I have done that before in undergrad and it didn't really end so well... I was excited as well though.

The first weekend I spent in Atlanta visiting my college friend Stephanie. I got to see her new (to me at least) house that she is renting with her roommates. It's really nice. She has the two smaller bedrooms with a bathroom in between. We spent Friday night at a Braves game, which they lost, but ended in fireworks. Saturday we went to The World of Coke which was a lot of fun. I tried several coke products from around the world (don't ever try the Italian product, Beverly). Then we hit up The Varsity, a restaurant that can only be found in Georgia. That night we went to Stone Mountain Park to see the laser light show. We brought a picnic dinner and just hung out there for a few hours waiting for it to start. It was a lot of fun. 

 The vault where the Coke formula is kept

Stephanie and I are excited to try some Coke!

Mmmmm... Hotdogs and fries!

The laser light show at Stone Mountain is done up where that carving is.

The next morning, I left to meet Kevin at his parents' house in Eatonton. After meeting up there, we hit the road to Charleston. We actually stayed on the Isle of Palms, which is 20 minutes from downtown Charleston. We stayed at the Wild Dunes resort in a 2 bedroom, loft bedroom, 2.5 bath. It was Kevin, myself, his mom and dad, and his sister, brother-in-law, and 2 year old niece. Sunday night we ate dinner, and then went to the beach for 20 minutes before a storm blew in. Then Kevin, myself, his sister Katie, and brother-in-law Josh went out for drinks on Sullivan's Island, which was 15 minutes from where we were staying. We hit up a small pub, and the guy they had singing was pretty good. We all had a good time.

Monday we went to the beach for 3 or 4 hours. That afternoon Kevin and I went into town to check out the market while Claire (his niece) took a nap. We went to the Grand Pavilion that night for some ice cream and to watch the sun set.

I got to go run on the beach in the mornings as well. It was beautiful. Also, breezy, so that was nice.

Getting some sun at the beach!

I really like this picture of the two of us

Tuesday we all went into Charleston. Kevin and I went to the market again, and then went on a carriage ride through Charleston. Our guide was really funny and very knowledgeable. I learned a lot about the history of Charleston. That afternoon and evening was chill because Claire wasn't feeling well.

Our guide and horse taking our group around Charleston

This is the market. There are all sorts of vendors in there.

Wednesday was the 4th of July. Kevin, his dad, and Josh all went to play 18 holes of golf that morning and into the afternoon. Kevin's mom, Katie, Claire, and I all went to the beach. When Claire and Katie went back for Claire's nap, we stayed at the beach. Kevin's great Aunt is the City Manager of the Isle of Palms and had arranged for a fly over from some military planes across over the beach, and so she came out to see that with her husband. They brought some food as well. That  evening, we went over to their house to have dinner. There was burgers, hotdogs, BBQ, and Brunswick stew (a dish that Kevin's mom makes). They were so nice, and such great hosts. His great even invited us down to the pier where they were setting off the fireworks that night. It was so cool being that close.

Waiting for the fly over...

Just hanging out on the beach, getting some sun (yes, we did get in the water occasionally) 

Very happy to be on the beach!

Checking out the fireworks pre-show

Aren't we cute?

Ooooooo Ahhhhhhh

Thursday we all went out on his great aunt and uncle's boat to a small island. We had a blast. That afternoon I'm pretty sure we all took a nap. That evening we all went out for dinner at the golf course club house next to the condo we were staying in.

Claire and I hanging out on the boat together.

Kevin's mom (Lisa), Kevin's sister (Katie), Kevin's niece (Claire), and Kevin

Friday we all went into Charleston again. Kevin and I went out to Fort Sumter, which was pretty awesome. Also, if I didn't know how South Carolina started the civil war before then, I sure do now. It was explained to me at least 3 times. :) After that, we went to the USS Yorktown, an aircraft carrier, and explore it. It was pretty cool as well. That night all of us, including Kevin's great aunt and uncle, went out for one last dinner together. We ate at a restaurant down by the marina. I had almond encrusted flounder, and it was sooooooooooo good. I ate all of it and wanted more. After dinner we went out on the boat again.

Fort Sumter, we had to take a ferry to get there.

The USS Yorktown, a WWII aircraft carrier (small by today's standards)

Saturday we all headed back, but before Kevin and I did, we went to the Battery. It was pretty nice, and the houses around there date back to the colonial time period and some are still owned by the same family that built it! We headed back to his parents' house afterwards, and I spent the night there. The next morning, I got up and headed back to Memphis (hitting Oxford to pick up my mail on the way).

Row of houses leading to the Battery (there were quite a few for sale if anyone wants to loan me a few million dollars)

White Gardens Park, along the Battery

I had such an amazing time. And I think it's safe to say that his family is pretty ok with me (although I'm pretty sure they liked me before this too). It was never awkward, and I just felt like part of the family. I'm so glad I got to go.

Also, I got my birthday present from Kevin early, a Keruig Machine. Basically, a coffee maker that makes single serving sizes. (see below)

Anyways, I'll try and update again before the end of the summer. I can't believe there's only a month left. :(

Summer Plans

Ok, I know it's been a while. But in my defense, it's been a little busy.


My 2L year is done, and grades are due out tonight (why at 10pm is beyond me, at least make it 5 or 6).

I survived my 3 finals (Family Law, Civil Procedure II, and Secured Transactions). I also got my paper turned in for my space law class. It was about how the new Patent law in America will affect space inventions. The short version is, they don't. Woo! a 13 page paper that can be summer up in 3 words!!! Yeah, it was rough trying to put as much space stuff in there as possible.

This summer I'll be interning at one of the courts downtown in Memphis. I'll be in circuit court, which I think will be fun. I already had to figure out a wrongful death suit, which took a while because the lawyers did not write enough information and I had no clue what "in camera" meant (for you reference, it means produced to the judge only so they can make a ruling on the evidence). I'll be working there Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons and then Friday mornings.

This summer I'll also be coaching the Rhodes Swim team with my mom. I'll be doing that Mon-Thurs mornings and Thursday nights. I'm really excited for that and getting to spend time at the pool and work with the kids. I'll also be getting paid, which is always nice.

So I am really bad about watching what I eat at school. Usually because I'm too stressed or busy to care what I eat or go work out. I haven't gone up to my pre-law school weight, but I'm back up higher than I want to be. I'm going on vacation for the week of Fourth of July, which is 6 weeks away. I am determined to lose some where between 10 and 15 pounds between now and then. I would like to get down where I want and then maintain it.

I actually did really well last week, and then I went a little too crazy this weekend, but there was a lot of stuff going on. I know, I know, I shouldn't make excuses.

It's a good goal, but it will be a little difficult I am sure. I'm putting it on here, because I'm hoping it will keep me honest and get some people to keep me honest as well. So people, if you see me or follow me, ask me how it's going and if I'm keeping to it. Hopefully once I get on a schedule with jobs and such, things will be a lot easier. Things are always easier when I'm on a schedule. I hope that doesn't make me boring.

This week is another somewhat down week. I worked this morning and I'm working Thursday, and that's it. Starting next Tuesday swim team and my normal intern schedule will begin.

I hope everyone has a good summer, I plan to (considering it's my last one before the real world).

These.... are spirit fingers!

Pardon the reference to "Bring it On" in the title, it just seems appropriate.

So my life, it's been quite a whirlwind. I started back to school three weeks ago and this was the first week I haven't felt stressed to the max, which is nice. It was a pretty normal week as far as classes go. I am not always the best at paying attention in class, especially when professors go off on tangents (which happens more often than not, sorry to any professors who might stumble upon this post), but I am determined to pay attention in Civil Procedure II each class period, all class period. This is mainly b/c that class of 19 students is full of my classes top ranked students. Literally. About half that class amjured (got the best grade) in one of their classes last semester. It's a little nerve wracking, and if nothing else, if I end up at the bottom of the curve in this class it will not be from lack of trying (not that that particular problem has ever been an issue for me, but you know what I mean).

The best part about this week is that ballet started up again! Last fall I started taking adult ballet classes once a week with a law school friend of mine who teaches them. I loved it! It was something completely different, it was a pretty good work out, and it was a great way to just escape law school for an hour. We're going to be learning some actual routines this semester, and I'm pretty excited about that. I also did two dance company workshops this week. The local dance company "Hinge" is having tryouts this week, and to prepare they offered workshops Wed and Thurs to teach the combinations that would be used in tryouts. Now, i'm not trying out, but my friend (who teaches the ballet class and is a part of Hinge) invited me to come and do the dances.

Now, I'm not going to say I was amazing or the best one there. Not even by a long shot, but I can honestly say that I hung with those girls who had been dancing for years! I kept up, I stayed on beat, I could do all the moves, and I looked half decent doing them! If you had told me 6 mo. ago that I would have been able to do that after one day a week of dance for a semester, I would have laughed at you. It was a great feeling though. I'm not sure I'll ever get to the point where some of those girls are, but I absolutely love dancing, and I will continue to do it for the foreseeable future (or at least through law school). I think I love it almost as much as I love softball, and for those who know me, that's a lot. :)

Another big thing this week, was that I signed up for the Spring Moot Court competition. This time around it is a mock trial. We got the problem yesterday evening, and we begin in a week. I'd be lying if I said I didn't have doubts about doing this. I literally sat, with check in hand, for about 10 minutes after the end of the informational session debating on whether to turn it in. However, in the end, I decided to go ahead and enter the competition if for no other reason than practice.

The last big thing that happened this week (and last week) is very exciting. Last week I sent out over 25 copies of my resume to Memphis judges seeking an internship for the summer, and although my first couple responses were not very promising, I've gotten a few responses offering me unpaid internships, which is fine because I will be living at home. So I'm moving forward with those, and with any luck I'll have a for sure job/internship for the summer. :)

That's all from here! Hope everyone's well. I'll update again soon.

Back to School I Go

Well, I have survived my first week back to school. I think it's going to be a pretty good semester as far as classes go. I've got Family Law with Professor Bell who is highly respected in the family law realm in MS. Secured Transactions, which is a business law class. Civil Procedure II which is a very practical class since it teaches you how to actually file a lawsuit. US Space Law with the foremost professor on Space Law. Ole Miss has the most respected (and one of the few) Space Law programs. Last, but not least I am taking Federal Trial practice which is a class on how to conduct a trial.

Overall, it will be a very informative and practical semester. However, my schedule leaves me somewhat wanting, mainly because the only days that are the same are Mondays and Wednesdays, and that is somewhat annoying, but oh well. Here is my schedule:

Monday - Family Law 9:30-11 and Secured Transactions 3-4:30
Tuesday - Civ Pro II 9:30-11; Space Law 12:30-2; and Federal Trial Practice 2-5
Wednesday - Family Law 9:30-11 and Secured Transactions 3-4:30
Thursday - Space Law 12:30-2
Friday - Civ Pro II 9:30-11

Like I said, a little random. This first week has been a little hectic because I've had to run errands and get my schedule/routine down. Luckily, I have a 3 day weekend to get caught back up (I'm already behind, how crazy is that?) and I'll be using it.

I have also begun sending off more resumes for summer internships. I know. I know. I should have done it over Christmas, and I did to an extent, but now the motivation is really there. So wish me luck, and if you know any lawyers/law firms that need a summer clerk let me know! :)

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand BREAK!

I'm done! I made it through finals alive! It's a miracle! Ok, maybe not a miracle, but it's pretty darn awesome!

Last week I had finals on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. It was a stressful week, and I literally did not know what day it was. I just knew I had a final or not. After my Saturday final I took the afternoon and evening off and then all day Sunday as well. It was a nice little break. I got back to studying on Monday for my Wednesday, and last, final.

Yesterday after my final I went Christmas shopping and didn't find anything for my family, but I did find presents for my friends (progress?). I think I have an idea what I'm going to get the fam, but they're so hard to find presents for!

Anyways, I also went and saw The Muppets yesterday afternoon. That movie is awesome! I'm so glad there's a new Muppets movie out. Then I spent the rest of the evening doing absolutely nothing! :-D

Today I slept in (wonderful) and then cleaned my apartment. It's best to clean before you leave so when you come back it's a relief. My apartment is never as clean as right before I leave, I wonder why that is? :)

I'm getting ready to finish packing to head home for break. I'll be heading home tomorrow. Tonight is the end of the year/we survived finals/Christmas party. Last year it was a ton of fun, and I completely expect it to be just as good tonight.

Hope everyone has a good Holiday Season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Another month down...

Wow! I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving and almost finals! Where in the world did this semester go? I feel like I just got back from London when the riots were going on! This semester has been pretty busy. Let's see... I had the Moot Court Competition in September, and then October was a little less hectic. October and March are really down months for law students b/c you've gotten into your routine, and it's far enough away from finals that you don't need to do as much work.

Last weekend was Halloween, and that was a lot of fun. The 2Ls (the year I'm in) hosted our own party on Thursday night b/c a lot of people were going out of town for the weekend, and the Law School Halloween Party was on Saturday. So I got 2 Halloween parties in and successfully wore two different costumes. I was a ballerina on Thursday night and I dressed up like I was going to a masquerade on Saturday. Kevin was one of the Swamp People (which is a show on the history channel about gator hunters down in the bayou of Louisiana). I put up some pics below.

So now it's November, which means it's really time to start hunkering down and preparing for finals, which for me means making lots and lots of flash cards. This weekend not much is going on, and after last weekend, I am thankful for that. Next weekend I'm going to Georgia w/ Kevin to see the University of Georgia v. University of Auburn game. I'm really excited to go. I've seen Athens before, but not full of students tailgating and such. Kevin talks about all the good times he had there, so I'm excited to experience it myself, even if ever so slightly.

The following weekend it's the beginning of Thanksgiving break. This is something I used to look forward to, but now it's just a week off to study. *sigh* Oh well. It'll be nice to go home. There's a home football game on that Saturday, and I'll probably go home after that. After my week off I've got a week of classes and then it's 2 weeks of finals and then Christmas break. Can you believe it's so close???

So the other thing that's been going on this semester is that I've been taking adult ballet classes. It's a good way to just get away from law school for an hour during the week. I've enjoyed it a lot, and of course I've learned some ballet, which is always nice. :) So because I've been taking these classes, I now get to participate in this years production of The Nutcracker! I'm just in the very beginning in the party scene, and then I help wrangle the kids backstage through the rest of the performance. There's 2 shows: Dec. 3 and 4. Of course, this is the ballet school's performance, so it's not exactly like we used to see in Tulsa, but still... it's the Nutcracker!

That's what has been going on around here though. Still just taking it one day at a time. This semester has been pretty awesome. Here's some Halloween pics:



This is me at the first party as a ballerina with my friend Ryan who was the prince of darkness.



This is me at the second party. I really liked the masquerade idea. :)



This is me and Kevin. Kevin was one of the gator hunters from swamp people... note the gator on his shoulder. It's attached to a piece of rope because on the show, they catch the gators almost like you would catch fish with a hook on the end of a rope.



This is me and my friends Chase and his girlfriend Liz. They went as Vladimir Putin and his woman.

Half way already?

Sorry it's been so long. Law school is just a little time consuming. :)

So the first half of the semester has gone well. I've kept up on my reading, and I'm even starting my flash cards for finals early (I'm so proud of myself)! The first week was pretty tame, just getting used to being back in school. The second week began a month long stress fest. It was the moot court competition. The first two weeks we had to write a brief, which is essentially a 20 page paper discussing why your side should win. The two sides were the gov't and a drug company named Zydeco. I was the gov't. The worst part is, your not allowed to talk to anyone else (whether they're in the competition or not), which was more frustrating to me than actually writing the brief. After we turned in the brief we had a week to work on our oral arguments. We had to make essentially a 20 min. speech for both sides. But while we talk, the judges can interrupt us and ask us questions about the issues. So the fourth week it was time for oral arguments, we had to do two. I argued first for the gov't on Monday, and then on Wednesday, I had to switch sides and argue for Zydeco. Unfortunately, after all this stress and work, I did not make the team. I'm not super surprised, but I am very surprised at some of the people who did make it, and that pissed me off more than not making it. Oh well, it's in the past.

After that I felt it weird to have extra time in my day, and I felt guilty, so I started making flash cards for finals. The past two weeks have been pretty low key, which I love. The other thing that goes on in the fall is of course, football! We've had about 4 home games, and it's amazing. You go out to the grove, which is this big grassy area, and you tailgate (watch tv, eat food, hang with friends). It's the most fun thing about Oxford in my opinion. :)

Mom and Chels came up this weekend so they could participate in a prospective student day at Ole Miss. I think they both enjoyed it, and I enjoyed having them here. Chels was here two weeks ago for the Ole Miss v. University of Georgia football game, and she'll be back in 2 more weeks for the Arkansas university v. Ole Miss game. Mom wanted to come, but she has a swim meet that day.

Plans for the rest of the semester for me include a Fall Fun event this coming Friday, a Halloween Party in a few weeks, more football games, and continuing to study for finals. Sounds like fun right? As much as I'm ready for the semester to be over, school seems to be going by much too fast for my liking.