Bar: A pleasant surprise?
A few weeks back, I had to face the fact that I really needed help on the essays, so I ordered some more materials and added some additional essays to the already jam-packed schedule.
Unfortunately, something had to give.
So, I substituted bar essays for training for and running in a gorgeous half-marathon in wine country. This was the second year in a row where I'd paid the entrance fee to that race and then had to bail because life got in the way. (You can guarantee I'll try to do it next year, now it's personal...)
But, I found a way to replace my runs and study by doing walks and flashcards. Initially, I did it alone, babbling out loud to myself, and no doubt making my neighbors certain that I was crazy.
More recently, A and I go together. Every day, we quiz each other, we walk, and we vent. On average, we do about 1-2 hours of good solid review per day. It's a nice way to break up the day. And oddly, stuff seems to stick better with the change of scenery and the physical exertion.
Apparently, it's a nice way to get more exercise than I realized as well. I added up my mileage for last week and was shocked to find that although I only went for two runs, I managed to clock in 33.9 miles on the shoes.
At this rate, I should be on track to be able to run a half-marathon within a few weeks of the bar without any problem. What a pleasant surprise.
July 17, 2006
July 16, 2006
Bar: This sucks
I think this is another low point.
I can see the bar coming. It's close enough to have me mildly stressed. It's still far enough away, however, that I'm daunted at the idea of keeping this up for the remaining 8 days. Those 8 days seem very long.
Plus, my dad is still in the hospital and I'm just generally bummed about that. He's slowly getting better, but he's depressed and not as healthy as he wants to be.
I found out through the family grapevine that he got some mildly bad news a few days ago, which he has been hiding from me. Ordinarily, I'm in constant contact with the nurses and I know about his health better than he does. But right now, I can't do the multiple phone calls, the waiting on hold, the sweet-talking of the stressed out nurses. So I'm in the dark.
Even in the hospital, he wants to take care of me. He's my dad.
And I want to be there to take care of him. Being there seems more important than this daily onslaught of cramming and spewing law that wouldn't pass muster in any acceptable legal practice anywhere.
But, he's not in any state where I can do anything for him. I want to go for selfish reasons, to assuage my guilt, and to get away from all of this. He wants me here. Studying.
Like I said. This sucks.
I think this is another low point.
I can see the bar coming. It's close enough to have me mildly stressed. It's still far enough away, however, that I'm daunted at the idea of keeping this up for the remaining 8 days. Those 8 days seem very long.
Plus, my dad is still in the hospital and I'm just generally bummed about that. He's slowly getting better, but he's depressed and not as healthy as he wants to be.
I found out through the family grapevine that he got some mildly bad news a few days ago, which he has been hiding from me. Ordinarily, I'm in constant contact with the nurses and I know about his health better than he does. But right now, I can't do the multiple phone calls, the waiting on hold, the sweet-talking of the stressed out nurses. So I'm in the dark.
Even in the hospital, he wants to take care of me. He's my dad.
And I want to be there to take care of him. Being there seems more important than this daily onslaught of cramming and spewing law that wouldn't pass muster in any acceptable legal practice anywhere.
But, he's not in any state where I can do anything for him. I want to go for selfish reasons, to assuage my guilt, and to get away from all of this. He wants me here. Studying.
Like I said. This sucks.
Good Quote
Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. climb slowly, steadily, enjoying each passing moment; and the view from the summit will serve as a fitting climax for the journey.
-- Harold V. Melchert, courtesy of Jeff Adachi's intro to the contracts chapter.
Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. climb slowly, steadily, enjoying each passing moment; and the view from the summit will serve as a fitting climax for the journey.
-- Harold V. Melchert, courtesy of Jeff Adachi's intro to the contracts chapter.
July 15, 2006
Bar: New Least Favorite Subject
Dear California Bar Examiners:
Constitutional law is an extremely inappropriate subject to test under the "memorize an outline and spit it out" approach. You may have noticed that con law is a big grey box of wishy-washiness.
Unfortunately, your graders have 2.5 minutes per essay and need bold headings, tests with 3 prongs, and conclusive answers.
This makes Con Law my new least favorite subject.
Just thought you might want to know.
Sincerely,
BT
Dear California Bar Examiners:
Constitutional law is an extremely inappropriate subject to test under the "memorize an outline and spit it out" approach. You may have noticed that con law is a big grey box of wishy-washiness.
Unfortunately, your graders have 2.5 minutes per essay and need bold headings, tests with 3 prongs, and conclusive answers.
This makes Con Law my new least favorite subject.
Just thought you might want to know.
Sincerely,
BT
Awww...
Our neighbor across the street is turning 15 today. He's out in his front yard with all of his friends. The boys are vaguely identical, each with black T-shirts that are two sizes too big and longish hair that falls in their faces. There are also a few girls who look about 5 years older than all of the boys.
Earlier this week, I found a piece of paper sticking out of the mailbox. Basically, it said:
"My band will be playing at my birthday party at 3 PM. Please come check us out. If you don't come, please note that the drums will be loud. Please do not call the police."
I'm all for it. I'm bummed I'm locked in the house. I think it would be fun to go watch and listen to a band of 15-year-olds play music. From what I've heard of his practice, they should be somewhat decent. Plus, for once, it's not us making the annoying noise.
Too bad I've got to stay inside and study Con Law. Which, by the way, contains WAY too many intricate details to fit nicely into the remaining open space in my brain.
Oh, there goes the band. Boy, they are loud. He wasn't kidding. At least I can listen and study...
Our neighbor across the street is turning 15 today. He's out in his front yard with all of his friends. The boys are vaguely identical, each with black T-shirts that are two sizes too big and longish hair that falls in their faces. There are also a few girls who look about 5 years older than all of the boys.
Earlier this week, I found a piece of paper sticking out of the mailbox. Basically, it said:
"My band will be playing at my birthday party at 3 PM. Please come check us out. If you don't come, please note that the drums will be loud. Please do not call the police."
I'm all for it. I'm bummed I'm locked in the house. I think it would be fun to go watch and listen to a band of 15-year-olds play music. From what I've heard of his practice, they should be somewhat decent. Plus, for once, it's not us making the annoying noise.
Too bad I've got to stay inside and study Con Law. Which, by the way, contains WAY too many intricate details to fit nicely into the remaining open space in my brain.
Oh, there goes the band. Boy, they are loud. He wasn't kidding. At least I can listen and study...
July 14, 2006
Surprise!
The doorbell just rang. I'm looking pretty hot these days (Why yes, these are the same men's boxer shorts that I was wearing all day yesterday. Thank you for noticing.)
Needless to say, I didn't make the FedEx guy's day.
But he made mine. Big box full of candy, cookies, etc, from the firm!
I heart unexpected indulgence food while I'm studying.
Okay. Back to property.
The doorbell just rang. I'm looking pretty hot these days (Why yes, these are the same men's boxer shorts that I was wearing all day yesterday. Thank you for noticing.)
Needless to say, I didn't make the FedEx guy's day.
But he made mine. Big box full of candy, cookies, etc, from the firm!
I heart unexpected indulgence food while I'm studying.
Okay. Back to property.
Asian-inspired BBQ
In celebration of the night off I took last night, I present the beef recipe I made/adapted, which along with the spicy soba salad and macaroons made for a wonderful day of cooking study breaks. Today, the day of leftovers, promises to be more focused.
Lemon grass beef skewers
1 lb sirloin, trimmed and sliced into 1/8 inch strips
1/4 white onion, chopped into pieces that will fit on skewers (Approx 1/2 in X 1/2 in)
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped into similar size pieces as onion
2 serrano chiles, seeded (or unseeded if you are a spice lover)
rice vinegar
olive oil
splash of red and white wine (if you have it laying around)
1 bunch of cilantro
2 stocks of lemon grass, outer layer peeled off and chopped
1-2 tsp sugar.
Directions: Put sirloin strips, onion and bell pepper pieces into a dish for marinating. Puree remaining ingredients in food processor and pour over meat and vegetables. Let sit in the fridge for a few hours. Prepare skewers by sticking the skewer through the meat at one end, then a piece of vegetable, then accordion the meat back, then another vegetable and so on until you need to use another piece of meat. Grill until the meat is done to your desired amount. Remove from skewers and enjoy.
Happy Friday!
In celebration of the night off I took last night, I present the beef recipe I made/adapted, which along with the spicy soba salad and macaroons made for a wonderful day of cooking study breaks. Today, the day of leftovers, promises to be more focused.
Lemon grass beef skewers
1 lb sirloin, trimmed and sliced into 1/8 inch strips
1/4 white onion, chopped into pieces that will fit on skewers (Approx 1/2 in X 1/2 in)
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped into similar size pieces as onion
2 serrano chiles, seeded (or unseeded if you are a spice lover)
rice vinegar
olive oil
splash of red and white wine (if you have it laying around)
1 bunch of cilantro
2 stocks of lemon grass, outer layer peeled off and chopped
1-2 tsp sugar.
Directions: Put sirloin strips, onion and bell pepper pieces into a dish for marinating. Puree remaining ingredients in food processor and pour over meat and vegetables. Let sit in the fridge for a few hours. Prepare skewers by sticking the skewer through the meat at one end, then a piece of vegetable, then accordion the meat back, then another vegetable and so on until you need to use another piece of meat. Grill until the meat is done to your desired amount. Remove from skewers and enjoy.
Happy Friday!
July 13, 2006
Bar: hints for those who are dense like me
Say it with me now: DO NOT THINK.
The California bar wants to see that you can memorize an outline and do a cursory recitation and cut-and-paste.
Issue spotting is really just pasting an outline into the answer and filling in half of the items with, "this is not an issue because there are no facts to indicate..."
Take for example, an essay question that says, "Bob moves for summary judgment on the grounds that he was not legally responsible for Peter's injuries. Did the court properly grant his motion?"
Please forget about every motion for summary judgment you've ever read or written. This is not a motion for summary judgment on the grounds of lack of "legal causation." Sure, it might look like that is the issue of law upon which relief is requested. But no.
In bar land, a motion for summary judgment says to the court, "I say there are no issues of triable fact, tell me otherwise." The whole burden on the moving party thing... yeah, ignore that. The burden is never on the bar examiners.
Just follow the outline, do one paragraph with a heading for every element of negligence and ignore the fact that an MSJ usually asks the court to find identified and argued issues to be true or false as a matter of law. They wanna see their duty, breach, causation, and damages even if they don't ask for 'em.
They wanna see their outlines. I'm supposed to give 'em back their outlines. Why is this so hard for me to understand?
Say it with me now: DO NOT THINK.
The California bar wants to see that you can memorize an outline and do a cursory recitation and cut-and-paste.
Issue spotting is really just pasting an outline into the answer and filling in half of the items with, "this is not an issue because there are no facts to indicate..."
Take for example, an essay question that says, "Bob moves for summary judgment on the grounds that he was not legally responsible for Peter's injuries. Did the court properly grant his motion?"
Please forget about every motion for summary judgment you've ever read or written. This is not a motion for summary judgment on the grounds of lack of "legal causation." Sure, it might look like that is the issue of law upon which relief is requested. But no.
In bar land, a motion for summary judgment says to the court, "I say there are no issues of triable fact, tell me otherwise." The whole burden on the moving party thing... yeah, ignore that. The burden is never on the bar examiners.
Just follow the outline, do one paragraph with a heading for every element of negligence and ignore the fact that an MSJ usually asks the court to find identified and argued issues to be true or false as a matter of law. They wanna see their duty, breach, causation, and damages even if they don't ask for 'em.
They wanna see their outlines. I'm supposed to give 'em back their outlines. Why is this so hard for me to understand?
July 12, 2006
Bar: Multiple Choice Questions Question
Do any of you have an opinion about the "released questions?"
Seems to me like they are the easiest set of questions I've done for every subject that I've done 'em for. Easier than the BarBri simulated exam. Way easier than the PMBR questions, along the lines of the BarBri introductory questions for the topic, if not easier.
I've heard many people claim that PMBR questions are more indicative of the type of questions you will see on the MBE. But I was under the impression that the released questions in the Barbri MDR were actually NCBE questions.
So, I'd love some feedback from those of you who are in this madness or who've been there before.
If I only have time to do one set, should I take solace in the released questions or keep pushing through on the PMBR questions?
Thanks in advance.
**UPDATE: So, thanks to Frolics & Detours we have a theory: the released questions are easy because NCBE doesn't release their tricks. Makes sense. Also, I thought you could order actual MBE questions from them, but it turns out, you can only order "sample" exams, one of which is reproduced in the released questions in the MDR. So, PMBR it is.
Do any of you have an opinion about the "released questions?"
Seems to me like they are the easiest set of questions I've done for every subject that I've done 'em for. Easier than the BarBri simulated exam. Way easier than the PMBR questions, along the lines of the BarBri introductory questions for the topic, if not easier.
I've heard many people claim that PMBR questions are more indicative of the type of questions you will see on the MBE. But I was under the impression that the released questions in the Barbri MDR were actually NCBE questions.
So, I'd love some feedback from those of you who are in this madness or who've been there before.
If I only have time to do one set, should I take solace in the released questions or keep pushing through on the PMBR questions?
Thanks in advance.
**UPDATE: So, thanks to Frolics & Detours we have a theory: the released questions are easy because NCBE doesn't release their tricks. Makes sense. Also, I thought you could order actual MBE questions from them, but it turns out, you can only order "sample" exams, one of which is reproduced in the released questions in the MDR. So, PMBR it is.
July 11, 2006
Bar: the final ascent
Today was the last BarBri lecture. Now it's just me, enough books to load 2 llamas, and 336 hours 'til the exam.
Overall, I'm okay. Grumpy. Tired. Not excited about the next 14 days. But, I will do what I can do and that will be that.
On the bright side, I can already imagine what it's going to be like to have a life again. Evenings. Vacation. Cooking. Just not right now.
Today was the last BarBri lecture. Now it's just me, enough books to load 2 llamas, and 336 hours 'til the exam.
Overall, I'm okay. Grumpy. Tired. Not excited about the next 14 days. But, I will do what I can do and that will be that.
On the bright side, I can already imagine what it's going to be like to have a life again. Evenings. Vacation. Cooking. Just not right now.
July 10, 2006
July 9, 2006
Bar: You're Kidding Me
Just got another essay back from the good old barbri graders. I passed! There's a first time for everything, I guess.
Only, I'm fairly certain I should have failed. Compared to the sample answer, I went off on quite a few tangents and didn't spend as much time on the "big issues." This has been the reason I've failed in the past and what I need to avoid doing on the bar.
Thanks for the positive feedback barbri grader, but I'm not buying it. Back to learning how to be a clone.
Just got another essay back from the good old barbri graders. I passed! There's a first time for everything, I guess.
Only, I'm fairly certain I should have failed. Compared to the sample answer, I went off on quite a few tangents and didn't spend as much time on the "big issues." This has been the reason I've failed in the past and what I need to avoid doing on the bar.
Thanks for the positive feedback barbri grader, but I'm not buying it. Back to learning how to be a clone.
What you need?
Apparently, there was a piece on NPR about Bonobos. A stopped by last night and gave us her rendition of the interview. We laughed with E2 (who leaves for China today!) 'til it hurt.
The woman was crazy. She believed she was one with the Bonobos. They substitute sex for aggression. They throw feces. She taught them to give her their feces. So they did. Every time they saw her for 4 years. I'm thinkin' they were doing a little experimentation of their own...
Apparently, there was a piece on NPR about Bonobos. A stopped by last night and gave us her rendition of the interview. We laughed with E2 (who leaves for China today!) 'til it hurt.
The woman was crazy. She believed she was one with the Bonobos. They substitute sex for aggression. They throw feces. She taught them to give her their feces. So they did. Every time they saw her for 4 years. I'm thinkin' they were doing a little experimentation of their own...
July 7, 2006
Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy
Last night was the best night I've had in a while. My top 10 favorite things?
1. A dream where I got to hang out with my Papa.
2. No studying after 5 PM!
3. A 4-mile run with E2.
4. Friends.
5. Cowboy Caviar.
6. Carne Asada Tacos with home-made guacamole from E2.
7. Spicy shrimp from D.
8. A sour cream chocolate cake.
9. Dark chocolate icing (in hindsight, I should have used the sour cream dark/milk icing recommended by Nigella, but I didn't have enough sour cream).
10. Staying up talking 'til 1 AM and then sleeping in my own bed with E.
I'm ready to put in a few good days of attack now (starting with a nap this afternoon...)
Last night was the best night I've had in a while. My top 10 favorite things?
1. A dream where I got to hang out with my Papa.
2. No studying after 5 PM!
3. A 4-mile run with E2.
4. Friends.
5. Cowboy Caviar.
6. Carne Asada Tacos with home-made guacamole from E2.
7. Spicy shrimp from D.
8. A sour cream chocolate cake.
9. Dark chocolate icing (in hindsight, I should have used the sour cream dark/milk icing recommended by Nigella, but I didn't have enough sour cream).
10. Staying up talking 'til 1 AM and then sleeping in my own bed with E.
I'm ready to put in a few good days of attack now (starting with a nap this afternoon...)
July 5, 2006
Introspection
I am, you see, what some would refer to as wound up. Overly protective. I'm an introvert who often successfully masquerades as an extrovert. But even at my most extroverted, I have to think about the majority of the things I communicate before I let them go free. I'm often jealous of the spontaneous joy and sadness that my extroverted friends express in public.
But. I do not work that way. For the most part, I like to think about how I feel before I express it.
Which is why this whole spill my guts about the bar on the blog thing is weird. Often, I'm expressing my thoughts and feelings before I've had a chance to fully process them. I find my response to the bar is very human, the way I write about it on the blog.
I read my posts to see that I am being selfish. That I am focused on me and my life to the exclusion of humor or the news. I'm overly concerned with details that won't matter in the future and I'm talking about them. I'm silly. I over-react. I'm not thinking enough. I'm boring. And what I write doesn't sound like how I want my words to sound.
I'm sure this is a combination of many things (what I'm doing with my life on a daily basis isn't how I'd like to spend it, stress, and the fact that my filters aren't on when it comes to bar posts, to name a few...).
Regardless, I think one of the hardest things about the bar study period is that it brings out some of your worst qualities. On top of everything else. Who needs to deal with their failings as a human in the middle of this mess?
Oh. Right. That's how we grow into better people. Fun. Please excuse me while I go grow some more.
I am, you see, what some would refer to as wound up. Overly protective. I'm an introvert who often successfully masquerades as an extrovert. But even at my most extroverted, I have to think about the majority of the things I communicate before I let them go free. I'm often jealous of the spontaneous joy and sadness that my extroverted friends express in public.
But. I do not work that way. For the most part, I like to think about how I feel before I express it.
Which is why this whole spill my guts about the bar on the blog thing is weird. Often, I'm expressing my thoughts and feelings before I've had a chance to fully process them. I find my response to the bar is very human, the way I write about it on the blog.
I read my posts to see that I am being selfish. That I am focused on me and my life to the exclusion of humor or the news. I'm overly concerned with details that won't matter in the future and I'm talking about them. I'm silly. I over-react. I'm not thinking enough. I'm boring. And what I write doesn't sound like how I want my words to sound.
I'm sure this is a combination of many things (what I'm doing with my life on a daily basis isn't how I'd like to spend it, stress, and the fact that my filters aren't on when it comes to bar posts, to name a few...).
Regardless, I think one of the hardest things about the bar study period is that it brings out some of your worst qualities. On top of everything else. Who needs to deal with their failings as a human in the middle of this mess?
Oh. Right. That's how we grow into better people. Fun. Please excuse me while I go grow some more.
July 4, 2006
Bar: Sigh
Happy Fourth of July. I'm home. Exhausted, but happy to be home, despite the holiday of studying.
I take a small bit of pleasure in the knowledge that at least the poor folks at BarBri are working too. I received an emailed response to yet another essay.
Fail.
At least I'm failing in the same way. I'm actually gratified to see that I think I've identified my problem correctly. This grader actually came right out and said,
"ADVERSE POSSESSION IS A BIG ISSUE HERE - YOU NEEDED TO RECOGNIZE THAT, AND GIVE EACH OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR IT A HEADING, AND AN IRAC TREATMENT."
Oh. Right. Silly me. I only gave it a general heading and two paragraphs. I wrote this essay back when I thought "BIG ISSUE" meant something that could go either way and was worthy of discussion. I thought they were looking for issues that were actually interesting to discuss, like something that would actually change the outcome of the case or go to court instead of settle.
But now, I'm slowly getting the point. "BIG ISSUE" means a big black heading in the BarBri outline towards the front of the topic. If I see one of those, I am to devote much time to its discussion, even if it's apparent from the facts that the issue is truly a non-issue.
Slowly, slowly, my practice exams are metamorphosizing into outlines with blanks filled in by a monkey with a typewriter. It's too bad a monkey isn't on the list of crap you're allowed to bring into the exam.
Happy Fourth of July. I'm home. Exhausted, but happy to be home, despite the holiday of studying.
I take a small bit of pleasure in the knowledge that at least the poor folks at BarBri are working too. I received an emailed response to yet another essay.
Fail.
At least I'm failing in the same way. I'm actually gratified to see that I think I've identified my problem correctly. This grader actually came right out and said,
"ADVERSE POSSESSION IS A BIG ISSUE HERE - YOU NEEDED TO RECOGNIZE THAT, AND GIVE EACH OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR IT A HEADING, AND AN IRAC TREATMENT."
Oh. Right. Silly me. I only gave it a general heading and two paragraphs. I wrote this essay back when I thought "BIG ISSUE" meant something that could go either way and was worthy of discussion. I thought they were looking for issues that were actually interesting to discuss, like something that would actually change the outcome of the case or go to court instead of settle.
But now, I'm slowly getting the point. "BIG ISSUE" means a big black heading in the BarBri outline towards the front of the topic. If I see one of those, I am to devote much time to its discussion, even if it's apparent from the facts that the issue is truly a non-issue.
Slowly, slowly, my practice exams are metamorphosizing into outlines with blanks filled in by a monkey with a typewriter. It's too bad a monkey isn't on the list of crap you're allowed to bring into the exam.
July 3, 2006
Bar: kick me while I'm down, why don't ya?
I think I've established that I suck at the essays. I've got a plan that involves much outlining, many practice essays, and much reading of sample answers.
But I thought I could at least relax about the MBEs. Guess Again. I just graded a chunk of 50 PMBR questions. I was looking forward to the break. It was one of my favorite topics. One of my strengths.
Or so I thought.
Try 44%.
Not 44% wrong. 44% correct.
Looks like I won't be swapping out the multiple choice for more essays after all...
***UPDATE: I counted wrong. The good news is, I'm back in the comfort land of passing this subject. The bad news is, I've lost the ability to count and do simple math, and I'm clearly lacking the skill required to evaluate things that seem out of the ordinary and look for facts that would explain their existence. Which brings me back to why I suck at the essays...
I think I've established that I suck at the essays. I've got a plan that involves much outlining, many practice essays, and much reading of sample answers.
But I thought I could at least relax about the MBEs. Guess Again. I just graded a chunk of 50 PMBR questions. I was looking forward to the break. It was one of my favorite topics. One of my strengths.
Or so I thought.
Try 44%.
Not 44% wrong. 44% correct.
Looks like I won't be swapping out the multiple choice for more essays after all...
***UPDATE: I counted wrong. The good news is, I'm back in the comfort land of passing this subject. The bad news is, I've lost the ability to count and do simple math, and I'm clearly lacking the skill required to evaluate things that seem out of the ordinary and look for facts that would explain their existence. Which brings me back to why I suck at the essays...
July 2, 2006
Bar: Romance
Last night, I drove to the nearest big city to my hometown to pick up E from the Amtrack station. From there, we drove to the cute old town area and picked a restaurant on the river for a late dinner.
A night off! A date with my husband! It was glorious.
Towards the end of dinner, we took our wine glasses outside to the balcony on the river to watch the fireworks display. We silently looked at the sky and held hands, basking in the sweet romance of the moment.
That is, 'til I busted out with,
You know...back in the day, fireworks were considered an ultrahazardous activity and so you were strictly liable for any harm that resulted from their use. But now, they are so common place that they are governed by ordinary negligence standards.
Do I know how to whisper sweet nothings, or what?
Last night, I drove to the nearest big city to my hometown to pick up E from the Amtrack station. From there, we drove to the cute old town area and picked a restaurant on the river for a late dinner.
A night off! A date with my husband! It was glorious.
Towards the end of dinner, we took our wine glasses outside to the balcony on the river to watch the fireworks display. We silently looked at the sky and held hands, basking in the sweet romance of the moment.
That is, 'til I busted out with,
You know...back in the day, fireworks were considered an ultrahazardous activity and so you were strictly liable for any harm that resulted from their use. But now, they are so common place that they are governed by ordinary negligence standards.
Do I know how to whisper sweet nothings, or what?
July 1, 2006
Quote of the day: Ecstasy-fed pumas
Valleywag's take on Marissa Mayer's (VP at Google) Businessweek interview:
[Google VP Marissa] Mayer says:
There certainly are some engineers who tire of working on one
particular task and want to move on to a new task.
Mayer means: "You've heard of Geek A.D.D.? Add that to a PhD and a sense
of entitlement, and 'herding cats' becomes a woefully inadequate
metaphor. Try 'herding ecstasy-fed pumas.'"
Valleywag's take on Marissa Mayer's (VP at Google) Businessweek interview:
[Google VP Marissa] Mayer says:
There certainly are some engineers who tire of working on one
particular task and want to move on to a new task.
Mayer means: "You've heard of Geek A.D.D.? Add that to a PhD and a sense
of entitlement, and 'herding cats' becomes a woefully inadequate
metaphor. Try 'herding ecstasy-fed pumas.'"
June 28, 2006
A new view
This morning, I found out my dad is back in the ICU. So, I skipped barbri and drove to my hometown while listening to Fessler (PMBR contracts, I actually find him hilarious, but I'm a dork). Then, I did the whole visiting with family, supportive sister/daughter, talk with the doctors, emotionally draining thing instead of studying for a few hours.
Also, on my way to the hospital, I got a speeding ticket. In a construction zone.
By the time BarBri rolled around, a bar review class seemed like a nice break. So, I drove out to the local PM video class (that is on the same schedule as the one where I live) and I found that I could outline my way through the majority of the essays reasonably well.
4 hours later I called the ICU to hear that my dad was sleeping peacefully and doing a little better. Now, I'm at my dad's house, less than a mile from the hospital should I need to go, studying for a wee bit before some sleep.
Sometimes, when it rains, it doesn't really pour. It's just a change in the weather.
I'm not the least bit angry today. I'm just thankful. It's a nice feeling.
This morning, I found out my dad is back in the ICU. So, I skipped barbri and drove to my hometown while listening to Fessler (PMBR contracts, I actually find him hilarious, but I'm a dork). Then, I did the whole visiting with family, supportive sister/daughter, talk with the doctors, emotionally draining thing instead of studying for a few hours.
Also, on my way to the hospital, I got a speeding ticket. In a construction zone.
By the time BarBri rolled around, a bar review class seemed like a nice break. So, I drove out to the local PM video class (that is on the same schedule as the one where I live) and I found that I could outline my way through the majority of the essays reasonably well.
4 hours later I called the ICU to hear that my dad was sleeping peacefully and doing a little better. Now, I'm at my dad's house, less than a mile from the hospital should I need to go, studying for a wee bit before some sleep.
Sometimes, when it rains, it doesn't really pour. It's just a change in the weather.
I'm not the least bit angry today. I'm just thankful. It's a nice feeling.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)