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[04 Dec 2009|01:52pm] |
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Ugh, Secured Transactions exam today! Trying to print out my outline (I still have a lot I need to cross-reference in the margins), but my printer ran out of ink of course. Not a big deal, I can print from school. It is just a pain.
Despite dreading this exam and dreading jumping into Tax immediately afterwards-- I know I will feel sooo good tonight at about 9:30 p.m. I'm actually kind of looking forward to tomorrow, too. I'm going to make a hearty and nutritious kale and sausage soup, with homemade multi-grain rolls. It is going to smell so good in here-- a nice cozy study environment. I have some shrimp and goat cheese for study snacks. Maybe at some point I will even take a study break to put up my tree!
In other musings, I wish I could just take a few months and travel around the country visiting friends. I would make stops in San Diego, Boulder/Denver, New Orleans, D.C., Seattle/Vancouver, Coeur d'Alene, and Tampa. I'd like to think that could happen after the bar, but probably not. I keep thinking I'll have all this time then, but moving is such a pain.
Okay. I need to shower, eat, get to school, and do my last bit of cramming/organizing before the exam. 9 days until Cancun!
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[16 Nov 2009|05:19pm] |
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Lalalala, weekend, weekend.
It was a good weekend!
My final trial went well on Friday. I heard our judge gave lower grades than the other judge, but I don't care. I think I deserve the scores I received, and the good news is that it is done. Hahahaha, something very interesting/disturbing happened that afternoon, but I will have to deliver that story only upon private one-on-one request. I guess people can just walk into my apartment whenever they want to, because I definitely was surprised when someone walked into my apartment for a random HUD inspection. I'm pretty sure I'm supposed to have adequate notice. After that, I had my hair chopped off. "Chopped" isn't a great word, I suppose. I guess it looks good. It feels soooo much healthier and looks better for my Attorney General interview next week. Back when I was in Geneva, some language barriers led to the salon using bleach on my hair when I had to get it colored. Needless to say it caused a lot of damage. Now add 2+ years of color, highlighting, and irons to it, and the longer layers of my hair were in really really bad shape. I'm pretty sure almost all of the bleached hair has grown out and gotten cut off at this point. I plan on growing it back out, and hopefully it will look much better.
Friday night was the Heaven and Hell party. I was kind of in an introspective mood... after the stress of the final trial and everything (I didn't really sleep much the night before), I just didn't feel like getting crazy. Everyone else was getting crazy and telling me what a downer I was being. I decided it wasn't worth the hangover to catch up and I went home, where I promptly fell asleep. It felt soooo good. Saturday I lazed around in bed, went out to breakfast with my hungover friends at Wally Waffle to hear about all the craziness from the party that I sidestepped, I mean, fortuitously avoided, uhhh... missed.
It was gorgeous outside at 72 degrees. By the time we finished brunch and did some extra grocery shopping for the chili party, it was too late to organize the bikes and everything, so Shannon and I grabbed Phin and went on a nice hike instead. It felt good to move around. Shannon, Marissa, and I tried to study Saturday evening but it was no use. Shannon made his chili and watched the OSU game at my place, Marissa and I gossiped, and eventually we went to see The Box. More like The Turd. Don't go see it. Anyway, it was still a pretty fun night, despite the lack of productivity or good filmmaking.
Loootttsss of sleep again on Saturday night. Sunday I slept in a little too long and spent most of the day cooking and cleaning, getting ready for the party. This always happens to me, I put so much into the events that once they are in full swing, I just get so sleepy. The turnout wasn't great, I think I had about 10 people and I was expecting more like 20. I get it though-- we're nearing finals and I'm sure a lot of people who had good intentions when they "confirmed" the invitation just didn't feel like they got enough done over the weekend to justify an outing. I didn't feel like I got enough work done either, but what could I do? It was still super fun though.
Today has been torture. Back to the grind, back to thinking about everything there is to do before finals and Cancun. Not only will my brief be due over break, but I also got back one of my other 9th District opinions. We will be appealing to the Ohio Supreme Court. All those filings are different, and I've never done it before, so there will be a huge learning curve with that (during finals). Annnd, the next batch of law review papers are due on Friday, which means I will have hundreds of pages of papers to grade (also during finals). Oh, and I pretty much have to learn tax and secured in the span of about a week. Yuck.
Marissa's birthday is today! We are going out to Mexican for dinner. Then I need to tuck in and do about 8 loads of laundry and read 50 pages of tax. May as well shoot me with a tranquilizer gun.
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[09 Nov 2009|08:11pm] |
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Okay, so sometimes I have these intense eating binges. They don't seem to be related to my emotions at all, it's just like a massive Hungry Hungry Hippo attack. I've been eating too much in general lately, so today I was trying to scale back just a bit and it ended up blowing up in my face.
Most of the day was pretty normal: 1 egg sunny side up, 1 piece of whole grain toast, coffee. V8. Packed a nice ham sandwich (lettuce, tomato, mustard) for lunch, had some baby carrots (I even avoided the free pizza). Came home, and had some leftover steak with rice and a corn and bean salad. Okay, fine.
THEN THE ATTACK HIT!!! I was soooo hungry, so I tried to guzzle a bunch of water. Still hungry, so I had two veggie sausage links and a cup of hot tea (trying to have more water), and a Babybel cheese round. STILL hungry, so I gave in and had some Ruffles and french onion dip (leftover hangover food). OMG. STILL ravenous so I made some tuna salad. I put in light mayo, chopped herbs, scallions, red pepper, old bay, pepper, and relish. Ate half on a piece of toast, the other half on crackers. What is wrong with me? Just had some more hot tea (herbal) to try to calm the beast.
I should probably weigh 300 lbs.
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[26 Oct 2009|03:54pm] |
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Old people are funny. And by funny, I mean frustrating. Mostly they are just weird with technology. Instead of just seamlessly using it, they either have to complain like crazy when it doesn't work, or they're so extremely fascinated and distracted by it when it does work that it ends up wasting time. Use the technology like you would any other tool, Grandpa, and we'll all be a lot happier.
In that same vein, I wish workplace customs would catch up with technology. Our paper system of filing appeals and motions is almost intolerable. Also, using the telephone at work feels like using a telegraph machine. Actually, sending telegrams might get more accomplished. I needed to get three major things done today-- all require calling (ugh) third parties at their offices. Apparently, no one ever goes to work. Every office I called today, the person I needed to talk to was "out." The result is that now they are going to have to call me back... and guess what? I can't really answer my phone during the day, you jerks! So they'll leave a message, and I'll have to call them back, but they'll be "out".... UGH! Use email, people! OR, if you're going to leave me a message, tell me more information besides "call me back" because if there's something else I need to get for you, I'd much rather get it done in the meantime and not waste DAYS or even WEEKS trying to get ahold of you again. This could all happen much faster if you'd just stop using the phone.
Okay, rant over. For now.
This weekend was alright. I had a little dinner party at my place on Friday night. I'm actually rather impressed I pulled it off because I was exhausted. I made a dry-rub southwestern/bbq chicken dish with a salsa salad and some pumpkin-chipotle polenta. It all came together really quickly. All the food was rather orangeish in color, so I made sure to set the table in blues to balance all that blaze.
My parents came up to visit on Saturday. My computers and network needed some major overhauling, so that's the big reason they came. Things are working much better now, so I'm glad. I had my bridal show on Sunday. It was ... okay. Probably the worst show I've ever done, but it was still fun. I just didn't perform as well as I would have liked. There were too many chiefs backstage, I wasn't sure what was going on, and we never had a run-through. The runway platform was coming apart, and it was a little too short--- so we were trying to maneuver down this dangerous catwalk in these huge dresses (and if they weren't huge they were at the very least difficult to walk in), so I wouldn't say the walk was effortless. Also, although I'm used to walking in shows, I've never done a bridal show before. I didn't really know how to be cheesy/pageanty. I tried, but my mom said I looked upset and didn't smile like the others. I'm disappointed in myself. Oh well, I just hope I didn't let the organizers down. I'll post pics soon on Facebook. My mom was sitting really close so I'm not sure the pics are that flattering, but it'll give you some idea.
I need to find an apple farm up here. I don't even really need to pick them myself, I just need a large bag and a gallon of cider. Where's my personal assistant when I need him/her?
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[19 Oct 2009|11:19am] |
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So, I went to West Virginia this weekend to raft on the Gauley River. Two nights of camping in freezing temperatures. Two nights of rain and some snow. Five class V rapids. It was awesome!
Really, though, it was. We left early Friday morning, and stopped in Athens on our way down on Friday for Ohio University's homecoming. The festivities hadn't really started up yet, but we went around to several bars and sampled the offerings. I think it was the first time in a long while where I felt completely in the moment. It was fun to see three of my carmates reminisce about their undergrad days-- I don't know, it just felt great to get out of Akron.
We had the same guide on the river as last time (when we went in June). We were the only boat not to flip. Despite the dangerous (and hypothermic) conditions, I felt completely safe with this guide. The weather was brutal, below 40 degrees when we were on the river and freezing at night. We camped both nights in the freezing rain and mud. Of course, I got teased for going to bed early and not drinking much, but at least I didn't vom on the river. Despite the brutal conditions and extreme discomfort, it was just what I needed. There's something about putting your body to its physical limits that helps clear the mind.
We made our obligatory stop at Biscuit World on the way out of town, and when we finally got back to Akron, all I could think about was getting warm. Too bad my heat isn't working in my apartment! I can't get the temp above 57 in there. Brrrr...
I'm also having trouble with my phone, registering for classes, and my email. What gives? This week is going to be nutso. Lots to catch up on (and to dry out, unpack). Last week (before the trip), was one of the worst I've had in a long time... I'm feeling more mentally centered to attack the issues going on, but the issues themselves haven't gone away. They're just waiting for me to deal with this week. The bridal show is this coming weekend. There's so much to do to prepare. Scanlon Inn on Wednesday. Dinner party on Thursday. Parents coming to visit on Saturday.
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[05 Oct 2009|12:02pm] |
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What a great weekend! I'm definitely paying for it today, though--- ugggh, so behind.
When I got to Dayton Friday evening, it took awhile to convene, but eventually all of us ladies were tipsy and out on the dance floor. I got to hang out with two old friends from high school, and two new friends from law school, plus all of their friends. There's just something amazing about dancing around like an idiot with a bunch of great girls-- all of us professionals. We're all either in med school or law school. Isn't that so cool?
Saturday we went to the Taste of Newport in Cinci (well, Kentucky). Oh my gosh, it was my own personal heaven. Lots of booths with delicious little plates of bliss for a nominal fee. Lawdy. Afterwards, Megan and I went to visit Caroline and Henry. I can't believe how many good friends I got to see this weekend. Saturday night, Megan and her delightful roomie and I had the best night... we went for a long walk in their awesome little neighborhood (reminds me of German Village in Columbus), ordered takeout Thai, drank wine, and watched Frankenstein. Seriously, I didn't know Dayton was so cool. There were so many interesting places, the Oregon District made me want to give up my pursuits in law, buy a little house, and become a novelist.
I had very little motivation to do much of anything when I got back to Akron on Sunday. This was a huge mistake; today has not been easy. I have about 36 hours worth of work to do within the next 12. Not gonna happen. Sunday night-- had dinner with Marissa, then saw the Informant(!) afterwards with Andrew. Good night, just not productive.
The result of my enjoyable weekend is a not-so-enjoyable Monday. I'm behind on my assignment for Law Review, behind on my reading, behind on work for my client. Behind on the 30-or-so tiny little to-do tasks with various levels of importance ranging from "OMG, DO IT NOW" to "do it now, or it will be a huge pain later." Also, my house is a mess and I need groceries. Ugh. Tonight I have my dress fittings for the show (I think I'll be wearing 3 gowns), an hour away from here. So that's eating up 3 hours of my evening right there. It will be really strange to be trying on wedding gowns. It will be even stranger to have the whole updo, makeup, veil, and dress... but not because I'm getting married! I wonder if it will make it less special when it is "for realsies."
Hmmm... trying to decide whether to give blood today or not. I'm hesitant because of my packed (impossible, in fact) schedule today, combined with my generally low iron levels (despite my best dietary efforts). Still, those seem like selfish reasons to abstain when it can do so much good. We'll see.
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[21 Sep 2009|12:43pm] |
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My mischievous mood has turned into a shopping mood (which is overall a procrastinating mood). I want to get a new outfit and go to the bookstore. Instead, the grocery store will have to do.
Seriously... overwhelming feelings of needing to go shopping are bombarding me today. Ahh, echos of earlier times...
***
Even though I don't really believe in horoscopes, I like how the one I use gives me some kind of focus for the day. Today's is:
"Get to know someone at work-- maybe a customer-- and deliver whatever service you can to them. Today is one of those days when it's easy to make a good impression if you take the time."
It has inspired me to finally call my clemency client. Also, a coworker is having a horrible day and I left some chocolate on her desk. Tomorrow's horoscope says to do something about my health. I'll interpret this to mean I should get lots and lots of sleep. :-)
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[21 Sep 2009|11:21am] |
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mischievous |
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I still don't quite know what to do with myself on Mondays. I barely moved yesterday. To Wong Foo was on tv-- it was nice to be lazy but I certainly didn't do any of my usual Sunday activities to get ready for the week. Didn't plan out my meals, go to the grocery store, tidy up, or pack Monday's lunch. Ugh. My place is a wreck because I feel like I was in and out all weekend... clothes, makeup, shoes are everywhere.
The fashion show went well! I was the oldest girl in the show by about 8 years. I guess there's something to be said for experience though because I opened the show, and led the group for the finale walk. There are a couple of pics up on facebook... it's a little misleading, however, because the outfits and the energy were all about the aesthetic of the group and the idea of movement with the walking. There was a fantastic professional photographer in the back taking shots on a backdrop, but those photos don't really do the energy of the show justice. I hope I get to see some of the action shots. The extensions were fun! They are human hair clip-ins and I got to keep them.
I invited a lot of Akron/Cleveland people but not many showed up. The show was held at kind of a weird time though... doors opening at 5 and the show starting at 6 (actually we didn't end up starting til 6:45, but still). Akron had a home game, and a lot of people were tailgating/drunk from that. I was happy to see Shannon, Theresa, and Marissa in the crowd for support. We went out afterwards and I ate a giant cheeseburger and then we danced for awhile at Square. We were tired pretty early, all went home by 11, pretty satisfied with our night out. Those kinds of nights are the best, really, because I end up getting plenty of sleep and not feeling sick the next morning.
Definitely in a weird mood these last few days-- I'm in the mood to cause trouble ;-) I need a vacation.
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[25 Aug 2009|01:14pm] |
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Hi friends.
Well, so far this has been the least exciting first week of classes ever. Instead of that exciting buzz of new places and faces, it just feels like we're back to the same ol', same ol', only this time with worse parking. Can the undergrad freshman please just fail out already so I don't have to come to school before 8 a.m. to get a spot? Kthanx.
Things may not be very exciting, but they sure are busy. Work, school, repeat. I'm taking Secured Transactions, Individual Tax, Trial Advocacy, and New Business Planning. All of these things sound like topics that grownups should know about. I feel like some kind of little kid in comparison. And now I'm going to be some kind of authority on these things after this semester? Scary. Not that I will actually be any kind of authority, but that people might look to me as though I am. Although these topics sound very dry, and sometimes I lament not taking something a little more "fun," at least I feel like all of these things will be useful to me in my life whether I'm a lawyer or not. Trial Advocacy will help with my public speaking, secured transactions and individual tax speak for themselves, and I think knowing the basics of how to start a business is a pretty good skill (that might come in handy if my mom and I ever realize our dream of creating an event production company).
I'm also going to try out for our Moot Court this coming Saturday. Our moot court is not all that great-- unlike many other schools it is one of our weaker programs. Still, though. I find it a little odd that I have to tryout to pretend to do something I already do for realsies (write briefs, oral argument).
I will say this though: I'm so happy to be back in my own space, and I'm looking forward to establishing my fall routine. I'm finding it difficult to find time for the gym though-- I have work/class from 8-5 every day, plus then I have a couple of hours of reading to do after that. And I don't want to give up the whole cooking/relaxed dinner thing. Or my various appointments. There's just not enough hours in the day.
Yesterday I made a good chicken and veg soup with zucchini, corn, green beans, sugar snap peas, wild rice, pasta, shredded roasted chicken, and various herbs and spices. Tonight I'm making mini meatballs (1/2 buffalo, 1/2 lamb with garlic and fresh oregano), kale, and brown rice. Thursday I'm making this crab and sweet corn pasta dish.
Nothing else very exciting going on. I made my little resolution list for the "new year." I'm going to try to be better about taking out my contacts at night, not letting my laundry pile up, and um... I dunno, various study habit improvements I suppose. Also, I would like to make sure I do at least one around-the-house kind of project per week. Either organizing an area like a closet or a drawer, or scrapbooking, or something. All kind of lame. When I think about it though, I'm rather impressed that my life runs as smoothly as it does given everything I have going on. Snaps to me for staying relatively organized under pressure (most of the time).
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[05 Aug 2009|07:24pm] |
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Hello out there in eljay land. I dunno if anyone still reads this, but oh well.
I've been feeling completely overloaded lately. All day I've had these waves of stabbing pain in my chest, lasting about 5 seconds and recurring every 2 - 10 minutes or so. My dad thinks it's heartburn from stress. Is this what heartburn feels like? It's been steadily happening all day.
It's no wonder, though. This Friday I'm taking the MPRE (a standardized test I have to pass before I can take the bar). It's not really that big of a deal, except that I still have to study. I'm also representing the Ohio Department of Health in two back-to-back hearings next Tuesday. Whew. Probably wouldn't be so stressful if they weren't my first experiences doing real "lawyer" stuff on the fly! At least it's just hearings, I guess? Not a "real" trial (though certainly due process is real).
Next week is my last week in Columbus for the summer. As I touched on in a previous entry, I'm filled with regret over the things I didn't get around to this summer, but at the same time I'm not really sure how I could have done more than what I did do. I guess when we make plans for the future, it's easy to feel like we have infinite time.
Things I did this summer that I wanted to do:
-Intense bootcamp workouts at 5:30 am for four weeks
-Lots of sewing: gumdrop pillow, numerous flower pins, quilt, and a dress (well, I'm 2 seams short of finishing it. Did you finish yours, Nikki?). It wasn't everything I wanted to do though!
-Went camping/white water rafting
-Clippers game
-numerous farmers' markets
-Gallery Hop in Short North
-Comfest (plus an AWESOME weekend with Shannon)
-visited Caroline
-numerous culinary meccas (i.e. Barcelona, Bakery Gingham)
-made new friends
... I'm sure there's more.
Things I wanted to do this summer and didn't get to:
-Golf lessons and/or pilot's license lessons
-Put-in-Bay
-More sewing (don't get me started on all the projects I have on deck. I really thought I could get my Christmas gifts done early... hahaha, yeah right).
-More camping
-about 4,022,452,576 restaurants/bars/happy hours on my list
-CAPA movies at the Ohio Theater (Hitchcock's "Rebecca" is there now... omg, love that book!)
-More time with old friends
-Pool. (sad, I didn't go to the pool ONCE this summer!)
-Tennis
-Indians game
-More cooking at home. I did some, but with the house the way it is, can you blame me?
I hate to say it, but I'm looking forward to the fall and school starting. Strange, I know. I just feel overwhelmed with everything this summer-- all the things I meant to do, all the things I've been missing out on (especially lately with having to study). Plus I've got my mom messing with everything in my room on a daily basis (and then not being able to find things), almost NO living space, and a lack of freedom.
At least back in Akron I've got my 1900 square feet to myself (well, mostly. I tend to get a certain person squatting in my space ;-)). I can get back into my grocery/meal planning groove, my morning routine won't have a bunch of construction workers in the way (the guys start working here around 7:30 every day... do they have to start with the saw?). Also, Akron is lame enough that I can stay in and watch a movie with some vino and some pals and I know it's pretty much the coolest thing happening. That takes a lot of stress out of a Friday night.
In addition, I really look forward to that "clean slate" feeling of a new school year. My LAST school year. Omg. Can you believe that a year from now I'll have graduated from law school and taken the bar (hopefully passing)? I'll be a real lawyer. OMG. That's scary. If I think about everything I have to do in the next 365 days I might just die.
When I get up to Akron (probably going back August 16th or so), I have so much to do... it's going to be hectic. A lot of deadlines for job applications (yes, a year in advance of employment, but that's how these things work. The idea is to secure a job offer around winter break or something) are due pretty much right when we get back. Ugh. Plus I have to get my books, do all the reading for the upcoming week, clean my apartment (I cancelled the maids for the summer... plus I have some deep-cleaning things like windows, baseboards, oven that need to be done, and I'm not sure I want to pay them to do that kind of stuff or not), finish sorting through my closets and makeup, etc.
Squeee! There's a chance I'm going to have to watch my brother's dog while he's racing up in Wisconsin the weekend before classes start. Plans aren't finalized yet but I'll be the happiest girl alive if I can watch Chloe (teacup Yorkie). Hopefully I won't snorgle her to death.
Plus, I'll need to get purdy for the upcoming first day of school! This is both a joy and a burden. But someone's got to do it, right? Also, I need to go shopping so badly. I haven't been shopping in forever... seriously. I somehow forgot about that part of my life. I just throw on whatever fits that day and try to get through it. Remember how I used to try and look nice? I think I'll feel better if I just put a little effort into it.
I also told the homeless shelter I would volunteer for about 8 hours that week.
I'm planning a little trip to Boulder in the fall (September 18). My dad has to go out for a lecture and I might tag along. That would be sweet. Also, Shannon and I are thinking about coming down to Columbus for a weekday Kings of Leon concert. Those are fun things to look forward to (gotta have those!). PLEASE, girlies. Come visit me in Catherine-land this fall like we did two years ago (has it been that long?). I'll cook for you.
I hope that I stick to my resolve to spend more time alone this fall (er... without Mike). I really need it.
Looking back through some old pictures the other night, I realize I look different now. Not as bright, not as fresh. I must be tired. Gee, I wonder why?
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[29 Jul 2009|12:35am] |
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Ugh, this has been one of those times when I've posted a million entries in my brain, but now I'm too exhausted to write any.
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[23 Jul 2009|12:45pm] |
So, my mom had her surgery on Tuesday. I took yesterday off work to help her out, as she can't get around very well (I mean, she can take herself to the bathroom but that's pretty much it). Unfortunately, we both caught some kind of little bug, and so I'm home again today. Yesterday she was driving me nuts with her micro-managing-- it must have been killing her to have to stay in one place all day. Today, however, with the little illness we both have, and the fact that her pain block has worn off, she's much more subdued.
Lessee, what has happened since I last posted?
This past weekend I stayed in Columbus in order to get some sleep. Amanda and I crafted on Friday and Saturday evenings, and I saw Harry Potter. It was exactly what I wanted out of this weekend... a little less hectic. Monday I had a great evening with the interns. We attempted to go to Bodega after work for $1 grilled cheese, but the tragically hip hipsters with the staff hook-up kept jumping in front of our place in line. We had to ditch it so we wouldn't be late for the Clippers game. I hadn't been to a game yet, and boy was it fun! It was dime-a-dog night, and I ate five dogs (which kinda just grossed me out when I typed it, but was enjoyable at the time). Afterwards the four of us kinda just walked around the Arena District/Short North for a couple of hours before stopping at the Union patio for some beverages. Ahh, so nice. I love them.
My mom on pain meds is funny. She keeps telling me how pretty and talented I am. Haha, I think she wants me to get married.
I've been working on Dion's wedding quilt. He got married this past weekend and I hope to have the quilt 100% finished by the time I go back to school (in a few weeks! Eek!). I finished all the blocks this morning, but Is till need to sew them together, add the inset triangles, cut and add the border, and of course send it off to the quilter, bind it, etc. I used a strip piecing technique, so I ended up with all these interesting scraps. It will be relatively easy to sew into a quick charity quilt. I'm going to donate the smaller one to Project Linus in the newlyweds' name. Project Linus is a charity group that collects and distributes blankets and quilts to children who may need them for comfort-- like terminally ill children, or children whose parents just got arrested and now they're headed for a foster home. Anyway, I'll include the Project Linus information and a picture of the charity quilt along with their wedding gift.
I'm going to try to re-create those lavender and lemon cupcakes I had last week for sewing class tonight. I went to the North Market farmers' market on Saturday morning and got a bundle of lavender (among many other things). I made some breakfast butter with lavender and lemon in it already, and it was pretty nice!
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[15 Jul 2009|10:33pm] |
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Lessee... how has this week been? Busy, of course! I've had something going on every night of the week. Mostly fun, but I'm sure as heck exhausted.
-Monday I worked late, and Nikki came over and we cut out our dress patterns and fabric for our sewing class on Thursday.
-Tuesday I got my wretched nails done, then met up with the interns for Quizzo at Carabar. We didn't fare very well, and I was tired, but I was glad to get out and be "part of things" so to speak because it was such a pretty night.
-Today I worked late again, then went to Barcelona for an amazing meal on their amazing patio with Mom and Dad. I had: beet and cherry gazpacho with a goat cheese truffle, Manchego cheese with some kind of special sauce I can't remember and boiled almonds, blue cheese croquettes with a fig and caramelized onion relish, the best calamari I've ever eaten (I didn't know it was possible to be so tender) with aioli and mint vinegar, and some mussels in a creamy chorizo and tomato sauce (well, something between a sauce and a broth). OMG. So good. They also change their menu every Thursday and seem to have some great events happening all summer. Afterwards we went to Bakery Gingham. The selection was smaller than I thought it would be, but I'm sure things get picked over as the day goes on. Kinda cute shop... it seems like it's still growing into itself. We were stuffed so we just got our baked goods wrapped up to take home. I just ate my cupcake (it was called "LL Cool Cakes" -- lavender and lemon flavored). It. Was. Amazing. The cake was slightly chewy which was a pleasant texture on a cupcake. MMmmmm. Too much frosting, maybe, but dang that cake was good. And I'm not much of a dessert person. Anyway, it was such a beautiful night; I'm so glad we could go out in it and play a little bit.
Also today I feel like I did some pretty rad stuff at work, even though it was tough to be there at certain points today. It's nerdy lawyer business, so I won't bore you with the details. Oh, and the interns had lunch with Rich Cordray!
I feel kind of conflicted with how this summer is going and how I live my life in general. Sometimes I think I'll never be really satisfied. I feel like I'm constantly striving to some sort of blissful plateau where everything is perfect. I know I need to change that mindset, and I try, but... there it is.
On one hand I'm not doing everything I thought I'd be doing this summer, that is, not getting enough of what I expected out of it. On the other hand, I don't really know how I can do much more. I don't feel like I've been lazy or wasting my time, so what the heck does it take for me to feel satisfied?
Hmmmmm... in a daydreamy mood this evening. Wistful, excited, grateful, enchanted, exhausted.
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[12 Jul 2009|10:34pm] |
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So, the dinner party went extraordinarily well. Everything we made came out so fabulous, don't you think so, Caroline? Also, even though I was with three couples, everyone was so nice and easy to talk to. This morning Caroline, Henry, and I went out for dim sum and it was yuuuuuuuuuummmm. Also, Caroline made the best scones I've ever had for breakfast. I was so full.
I drove back to Columbus, and went straight to Nick's to sort out a decorating conundrum which lead to us driving around town looking for some cheap fabric yardage. I wish I could find some blue and white japanese cotton prints for him, but I doubt I'll be able to find significant quantities cheaply. I'm also super psyched to help Shannon with his house-- maybe I'm in the wrong profession?
It was beautiful and hot today... I would have loved to go to the pool. Alas, I had to help mom with groceries, and I whipped up a little kebab dinner with a yellow and red tomato salad and some dilled bowtie pasta.
Uhm... so I'm cruising around on Amazon trying to pick out some things (like an MPRE study book, blech). When are they going to give up on the Kindle? I've never really seen anyone using one, although apparently Martha Stewart loves hers. Part of me thinks it's a good idea, the other part of me never feels like I couldn't ever give up the look and feel of a book in my hand. It takes so much of the meaningful design out of publishing (whitespace, fond, paper thickness), and I have a really hard time close reading on lit screens (as opposed to a printed page) anyway. So what's the deal? Does anyone have any firsthand experience with a Kindle?
I think Wednesday my parents and I are going to try Barcelona for dinner. Apparently they have a pretty sweet patio. I'd like to make it over to German Village early enough to check out Bakery Gingham before the meal.
Boo, work. I'm not done playing.
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[10 Jul 2009|11:28pm] |
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Today was the day from hell (well, until I got to Cinci), but so far the rest of the weekend is looking up.
- Woke up in Akron after a fun night out for Kristy's birthday (and picking up that brief).
- Driving down 71 back to Cbus, got my first speeding ticket ever. $135. A frickin' airplane clocked my speed and had the coppers waiting for me at the end of the "zone" or whatever. I was one of a bunch (at least 10) who got pulled over.
- Parked the car downtown, this "brief" is anything but brief because I'm carrying a heavy filebox full of thousands of pages of paper. Great, the elevator is out at the parking garage. I walk down 7 flights of steps with this blasted box. In heels.
- Get to work. My attorney is kind of freaking out. We open the box and turns out all the appendices are unacceptably "bound." Too thick to staple, the way the Court prefers. My attorney is frustrated by Other Attorney's work, and sort of takes it out on me a little bit. I have to solve this, and fast, because it is due in Court today. I decide to go out on a limb and have it bound (after searching the local rules to see if it will be okay. I'm still not 100% sure that it is). Thankfully the copyroom finishes this in lightning speed. Great, time to file.
- Repack the brief (8 copies with 300+ appendix for each copy, plus a couple other briefs), scrounge around and find a tiny dolly to help get all this paper down to the courthouse. Ugh, this dolly is way too short. I'm over 6 feet with my shoes on. I walk to the courthouse and back (probably about 2 miles roundtrip? I'm not sure). In heels.
- GET STUCK IN THE REVOLVING DOOR at the courthouse when my box of papers falls of the dolly and jams the door. People laugh at me. Security has to get me out. Oh right, there's a normal door right over there.
- No lunch
- Jump back into the car, drive to Cinci. Whoops, part of my car is falling off. That's what that weird scary noise was as I was cruising down the highway (the speed limit this time).
- Drive to Caroline's house (forgot to print out mapquest and the GPS was stolen back in January).
- The hostess gift I made for her still isn't sewn up all the way (the gumdrop pillow!).
- DELICIOUS and comforting chicken and veg pasta dinner (made by Caroline)
- Mango FroYo at Yogoot, which was everything Caroline hyped it up to be in her blog.
- Browsing at Whole Foods, nice clerk gives us cheese.
- Watched episode of "The F Word" which was like foodie porn.
- Blogging in Caroline's guestroom. ;-)
Tomorrow we have plans to go to the Newport Aquarium (hopefully early enough to see the penguin parade), then some great hip little restaurant for lunch. Afterwards we are going grocery shopping and then we're going to prepare a dinner party for some of Caroline's friends. I'm so excited! I really love cooking alongside Caroline-- we make a good team (I think our first collaborative project was this massive New Year's Eve buffet in 12th grade, and more recently we made some pretty awesome eggplant stuffed shells). Tomorrow's tentative menu is: garden vegetable flatbread, quinoa herb pilaf, salmon packets on the grill with mustard 'glaze' with peppers and onions, green salad, blueberry cobbler. With the two of us it will be a snap. Also, I accidentally packed my new japanese knives (meant to leave them in Akron), so all that chopping should be a breeze. Snappy breeze, I like it.
Speaking of food (aren't I always?), I'm sad to miss the food and wine fest in Columbus this weekend (and the hamburger fest in Akron), but I'm pretty sure Caroline and I are having our own food and wine fest. Also, apparently next week is restaurant week in Columbus! I'll have to plan to participate on Wednesday, as Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of next week are already booked up.
Did anyone else hear about the Jazz and Rib fest being cancelled?
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[07 Jul 2009|05:47pm] |
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I'm so clever. :-) I was thinking I wouldn't be able to get up to Akron until next weekend because of the Cinci trip (not that I'm super-craving going to Akron, but I have some bills I need to pay and I worry about my apartment). Well, we had a mini-emergency at work and it turns out a great way to fix it will be if I drive up to Strongsville (nearish Akron) and pick up the brief we need to file on Friday. This means work is going to pay me to drive to and from Akron. Two birds, one stone.
This means I will be there Thursday night, which is perfect because I wanted to go out for Kristy's birthday and now I don't have to take up a whole weekend by going there. Awesome! More birds with fewer stones!
Despite Sunday being kind of a downer (ugh, when Ben visits it's never pleasant, but I won't go into that), Monday more than made up for it. I worked a full day, and then went over to Hyde Park on the Cap for their summer special (I've been wanting to go to that location for awhile, and I've been wanting to try this summer special). You choose one of two appetizers (lobster bisque or half wedge with candied pecans), one of four entrees, and one of three sides. All this for $19.95 per person, available only til 6:00 p.m. I got the wedge, tuscan-style 7 oz filet, and spinach with mushrooms. Actually, all the sides were rather huge, so each one of my parents and I got a different side and then shared. So fun, so economical (more birds?). Afterwards, we saw Up in 3D out at Polaris. So cute. I especially loved the short at the beginning. Fun little summer date night with the parents, aww.
While I was at work today, my mom got some more tools that I need for Dion's quilt, and more fabric for that gumdrop pillow. Now I just need time to sew. : / I'm going to trivia at Carabar tonight with the interns... gonna try to pin up the bottom layers of my hair so it looks like I have a bob. I've pulled it off once before, but that was before I had my current haircut. We'll see if it ends up working.
I wonder how many birds I've killed with how many stones? How about you figure it out and get back to me on that.
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[05 Jul 2009|10:52am] |
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Another great weekend. Actually, the whole week was pretty awesome. I think everyone would be a lot better off if we just switched over to a four-day workday. Maybe not in every industry, but I really think a four-day weekend would make people more productive. I know I would be.
Last Monday I met the ladies at Japanese Oriental Restaurant (yes, that's the name) before seeing Camera Obscura. I wore new dress and shoes-- we all looked so cute. The show was slightly awkward because there wasn't any booze or tables or chairs, but the music was pretty and it was a fun little Monday night frolic.
Thursday I got my hair did, and since I didn't have to work on Friday, I attended Ladies 80s at Skully's. We went out to eat at Surly Girl first. Caroline even came out! I really thought I would see a lot of people I haven't seen in awhile later on in the weekend for Fourth of July festivities, but it ended up that Thursday night I saw the most old friends. We danced like maniacs for 3 hours straight... burning tons of calories hopefully.
Friday was a blast. I woke up a little rough around the edges from the previous night. Of course the workers didn't take Friday off... the hammering and sawing started around 7:30. It is really weird having the house full of people all the time. Anyway, we had an impromptu cookout on our back patio ("patio" is a loose term, as most of it has been demo'd and there are large piles of dirt sitting everywhere) with all of the workers. Our GC brought over some brats. We recently pulled my old grill (that Chris and I bought together for our townhouse, *sniff*) out of storage (I was surprised it was in storage, I thought either Chris or Ben had it) as our old built-in grill got torn up with the patio. Anyway, too many details for this story. We grilled. It was awesome.
After that I went over to Amanda's. She made all these great appetizers for us, and we just sewed like crazy people. We were enjoying it so much that we decided not to go out... we ended up sewing from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. we took a break to gather up some dinner-- baby back ribs were on sale at Fresh Market for $3.99 a pound! We put a nice dry rub on them and grilled (after one failed attempt). Amanda made the most delicious german potato salad ever, and we had a nice little green salad to go with. Oh, and we watched endless Friends episodes. It was such a perfect day!
Saturday! Fourth of July! I love the Fourth in Upper Arlington. I went to the parade with Nikki and her parents, she packed a lovely picnic of sausage and cheese biscuits. The Blue Angels did their flyover, and the neighborhood floats were pretty great. After that, I needed a nap because skully's plus sewingfest makes for a tired Catherine. The pool party was a little mellow because of the clouds and rain, but again the food was good. Went home again to hang out with my mom (she didn't end up going to Wisconsin with my dad to watch Ben race, so she's been at home by herself all this time). I sewed with her for a little bit, and then I went out to dinner with some of my intern friends at Spagio in Grandview. After dinner, I tried to rush over to the UA fireworks, but they started as I was walking towards the park. I ended up finding a nice bench on a quiet street corner and watching them by myself, which was kind of lovely in its own way. Weirdly, I was within earshot of a party my ex-boyfriend's parents' house... I kinda wanted to go say hi but I think it would have been a little weird. Nothing much seemed to be going on afterwards, so I went home and straight to bed. I'm glad I did though, because I feel quite rested this morning.
Dad and Ben are coming here this evening; Ben will stay overnight (not sure where?) and then go back to Tampa in the morning. Mom and I are going to make a special dinner tonight... it is so rare that just the four of us sit down for a meal. I think the last time was Thanksgiving.
On deck for next week: Trivia with interns on Tuesday, possible trivia again on Wednesday, two briefs due in court on Friday, and then onto Cinci to visit the Changs!
I wish I took more pictures this weekend. I haven't been taking as many pictures lately. Kind of sad. :-(
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[19 Jun 2009|06:16am] |
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It was "testing" day at bootcamp today. We compare stats from earlier in camp to the end of camp to mark improvement.
In just four weeks...
I increased my pushups-in-a-minute by 16.
I decreased my mile time by almost a minute.
:-)
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