Send Lawyers, Guns, and Money

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-31T07:43:00.000-06:00

For the third year in a row, my costume will be a stressed law student.

Quick question: what's the appropriate number of goodies to hand out tonight? A hand full of candies, three pieces, let the 'lil buggers reach into the bowl and get their own, a beer for each??

Heart Attack

2006-10-28T22:07:00.000-05:00

So yeah, I had five heart attacks tonight. I'll take it, though.

Hey, is anyone still here?

2006-10-27T08:39:00.000-05:00

Like Han Solo, I was on the receiving end of a deep freezing.

But now I'm thawed...

So, what's new in y'all's world?

ps- anyone know how I can fix my comment stuff?

back in the saddle again

2006-04-04T10:59:00.000-05:00

Well, we're back in town--finally.

Getting back the Republic was a mess: mechanical problems on the original plane, nasty weather, crowded airports, etc. We eventually had to be switched over to another airline to get home. And guess what--our luggage was not lost by the airlines.

Remember me?

2006-03-30T12:19:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the lack of posting. Been pretty busy with school stuff (ha!).

Mrs. Coob and I are heading out town manana. If y'all need to reach me, I can be found here on Saturday, here on Sunday, and here on Monday. We'll return to The Republic Monday night. Maybe posting will resume on regular basis at that time.

In the meantime, scheduling begins for the Fall on Monday. Here's a list of classes. What do y'all recommend I take? I'm thinking Admiralty, Oil & Gas, Wills & Estates, Mediation, and a one or two hour class. I expect full participation.

Still hangin' 'round

2006-03-23T16:43:00.000-06:00

Yeah, I'm still around...just in another blogger funk--not much to say or contribute.

Spring Break was fine. Didn't do much other than play golf, watch tv, and read non school stuff.

That's about it.

Snakes

2006-03-14T17:33:00.000-06:00

Well, I checked in earlier to write about some stuff, but Blogger was acting like a little bitch. So now I'll just write about snakes.

While playing golf yesterday, Astrosfan and I came upon a snake as we search for my, er, his ball. What kind? A Titleist. Oh, the snake. It was a rattle/asp/anaconda/boa hybrid. It was huge. And fast. And it made me soil my britches.

Seeing that snake got me to thinking about two things: one was the Rattlesnake Round-up held every year in Sweetwater, Texas, and the other was the time my brother got bit by a rattlesnake and had to be flown by LifeFlight from Laredo to San Antonio.

The Round-up
The Rattlesnake Round-up is much fun and I highly recommend it. I base this on the time I attended the festivities when I was about twelve years old. We lived just down the interstate (IH-20) back then, and one year we made the trip to Sweetwater. We saw the huge pens with all the rattlers in them. We ate rattlesnake. And then we went home.

Stupid Brother Coob
A few years ago my brother and his crew were driving to a work site "out in the country" in South Texas. After running over a rattlesnake, my brother decided he wanted to keep the rattler as a souvenir. So he put the truck in Reverse and backed over the snake. His thinking was that this second drive-over would surely kill the thing. So, he gets out of the truck, walks over to the immobile body of the snake, and reaches down to claim his prize (the rattle). Little did he know that the snake was still alive and not yet willing to part ways with its rattler. Predictably it struck him, hitting him on his hand. The venom quickly began to affect him and he was rushed to the ER at a hospital in Laredo. They didn't have the proper antidote and couldn't wait for someone to drive it down from San Antonio, so they called for the helicopter. He got the antidote, fixed his hand, and all was well.

That Christmas I gave my brother a shirt. I folded it nicely and put it in one of those clothes boxes that are tailor made (no pun intended) for articles of clothing and gift giving. Anyhow, I neatly folded the tissue paper to cover the shirt with one flap which was then covered by the other flap of tissue paper. Now, in between the flaps of tissue paper I placed a rubber snake and covered it with the outer most flap of tissue paper, so that it (the snake) could not be seen until the flap was unfolded. He screamed and jumped like a little girl when he opened that flap. It was great.

And on his next birthday I placed a baby's rattle in a box and wrapped the box. When he shook the box he heard the sound of the rattle and dropped the box (and screamed). Classic. Good times.

and yet another quick update

2006-03-12T16:15:00.000-06:00

- I decided not to take the MPRE on Saturday. I just didn't feel like I was ready for it. And as easy as everyone makes it out to be, I have plenty of time to adequately prepare for it. There's no fire that needed to be put out, so I don't know what my hurry was in attempting to take it now.

- I won the Texas Hold 'Em tourney yesterday. Boy, was I lucky!!

- I picked this up yesterday. Milbarge (sic) (of BTQ fame) speaks/writes highly of it. I trust his judgment.

- Mrs. Coob and I saw Failure to Launch this afternoon. I wasn't really in the mood for a romantic comedy, but there's little to no real alternative(s) at the box office right now. Anyhow, this movie was surprisingly funny. It far surpassed my expectations, which admittedly were pretty low. But still, it's a good movie. There are some hilarious scenes. And there are some dreadful scenes--like seeing Terry Bradshaw's nature's crack.

- Spring Break's here. No trip to Maui this year (unlike last year). But I will play lots of golf (in fact, if anys(ies?) of yous needs me, I can be found here tomorrow morning (Monday)). And maybe work on my seminar paper.

Sup?

2006-03-07T17:54:00.000-06:00

- Went to Dallas this past weekend to catch the Stars in action. Great game. They beat Colorado 5-3.

- Went to an Oscar watching party Sunday night. Good time. Still don't understand why everyone thinks Crash is such a great movie, but whatev.

- "Studying" for the MPRE this week. And I use the term 'studying' loosely.

- Got a Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament this weekend. Need to shake off the rust. I didn't play any THE in Vegas a couple of weeks ago. Mainly stuck to Blackjack until I discovered Pai Gow. Anyhow, I should be ok--I'll just watch Rounders Friday night to get my game back.

Karma*

2006-03-03T17:33:00.000-06:00

I'm about to open up and get real personal up in here. I'm about to shed some light on a very personal matter. And y'all know I don't normally open up like this.

Remember that scene in Caddyshack when Judge Smails got hit in the nads with a golf ball?

Well, today that happened to me.

No kidding.

My group was on the 16th. I was on the fairway about to take my shot when this wayward Titleist lasered in from the 17th. Bullseye. Right on the family jewels. Not above, below, to the left, or to the right, but right on. It sucked. Still does.

I had to be carted away by the marshall, and I didn't finish my round.

I skipped class (Evidence) to play golf today and I figure this was Karma telling me not to skip class to play golf.

Message received.

* Alternate title: I shoulda yelled 'two'!

God Bless Texas!!

2006-03-02T07:02:00.000-06:00

Today is the day we Texans celebrate Texas Independence Day.

What's that? You don't know what this means? Well, then click here and learn something useful.

You also might want to check out my post from last year.

So, today if you see a Texan who for whatever reason has left the Republic, slap him/her on the back, wish him/her a good day, and buy him/her a cold Shiner Bock or Lone Star.

God Bless and Happy Texas Independence Day.

Recap

2006-02-27T16:26:00.000-06:00

- Back from Vegas. Great time. Picked up a new game--Pai Gow Poker. Effin' awesome.

- While flipping through channels last night Mrs. Coob and I caught the redneck version of Pimp My Ride and it's called Trick My Truck. It airs on CMT. Instead of overhauling vehicles of college kids (who request the treatments themselves) like on PMR, this show customizes rigs of truck drivers who are down on their luck and need a helping hand. For example, there was a marine whose 18 month old daughter was diagnosed with cancer and his rig kept breaking down, so the guys tricked out his truck. Anyhow, just like PMR, these guys paint, install awesome electronics, and stuff.

- Got an email asking if I've downloaded any other awesomely great songs lately. Sure did. Here's a sampling: Yellow Ledbetter by Pearl Jam, Just Like Heaven by The Cure, St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion), End of the Road by Boyz II Men, and Hey Jealousy by the Gin Blossoms.

Stuff

2006-02-22T17:37:00.000-06:00

Not a whole lot's going on here. But here's the 411:

- Mrs. Coob is back from the Islands. She got to go diving while I sat in FIT a few time zones away. Life's fair. Real fair.

- Classes are chugging along. No real complaints. Except for FIT. We recently learned we'll need a financial calculator for the final exam. WTF? Advanced math in law school?

- Still looking for a job for part of the summer. I have something nailed down for the second half--I'll again be leaving The Republic, but this time instead of heading to our nation's capital I'll be heading to a state in the southeast-ish. I have a couple of leads for the first half, but we'll see what happens. Maybe in the future I can tell y'all how I originally accepted an offer only to be cut loose a couple weeks later.

- Someone gets to go to Vegas this weekend. Vegas, baby, Vegas!!!! It's been a few years since I was last there. Should be fun.

- Winter Olympics. Uh, yeah. Ok.

And that's about it. Exciting huh?

Anything particular you folks wanna hear about? (TP, I still owe you a post on my cancer days...which I've been meaning to write, especially since I had a check-up last week and it got me thinking about that wonderful time in my life)

Takin' a stroll down Memory Lane

2006-02-13T17:55:00.000-06:00

I redeemed a few Lexis points and downloaded several songs from iTunes. What did I download? Classics. All of them.

- Posse On Broadway by Sir Mix-A-Lot. Takes me back to junior high. We'd listen to this song over and over again on the bus during road trips for out of town football games (Fall of 8th grade year, I guess that was 1988). Sometimes we didn't even need the boom box and we'd all just shout the lyrics. It was our theme song, I guess. Good times.

- Thinking of 8th grade got me to thinking about other songs from junior high, so I indulged in a guilty pleasure and downloaded a couple of Debbie Gibson songs- No More Rhyme and Foolish Beat. Sugary pop sung by a hottie. Good times.

- Assorted songs by Poison, including Every Rose Has Its Thorn, Talk Dirty To Me, and Fallen Angel. Since I was in a nostalgic mood, I had to get some hair band tunes. I was big into many hair 'metal' bands back in the day, including Poison.

- And to satisfy the country boy in me, I downloaded a couple of Eddie Rabbitt songs- Drivin' My Life Away and I Love a Rainy Night. These songs are just timeless. Period.

Laugh all y'all want. I'm having a great time listening to these soon-to-be Goldie Oldies.

What would YOU download if you were given 10 free downloads?

Two utes

2006-02-03T14:54:00.000-06:00

When my partner and I did our first round of the mock trial competition we represented the defendants. In my opening statement I wanted so badly to start with, "Everything that guy just said? It's bullshit." But I didn't.

And last night when we represented the plaintiffs I wanted so badly to start with, "You're probably asking yourselves- who am I and what am I doing here?" But I didn't.

Maybe if I had done either we would've advanced.

Oh well, we got out of the competition what we wanted. I learned a ton of stuff. It was a great experience and I highly recommend all you 1Ls (assuming there are any lurking) to give it a shot at some point during law school. I also recommend you give Moot Court a shot, too. I really enjoyed that competition even though, like Mock Trial, I didn't advance very far.

Trial and Error

2006-01-31T06:17:00.000-06:00

Well, the practice/educational round of the novice mock trial competition went well last night. We were far from perfect, but we learned a lot-- not only procedure-wise, but about holes in our case that need patching before the scored round tonight.

With regards to grades, I'm still missing two final grades...what gives?

UPDATE: My partner and I won our first round in the mock trial competition. Now we flip sides and go again tomorrow night (against a different team). We'll know on Friday whether we advance or not.

Grades, part MMCXVIII

2006-01-30T13:05:00.000-06:00

Am pissed.

Grades were due this past Friday. As of two minutes ago, my grades for three classes have not yet been posted. WTF!?

Of course, I'm sure this will ultimately be an example of being careful what I wish for, because I imagine when I DO get my grades I'll be pissed for different reasons altogether.

UPDATE: Secured Credit's in. That's all I'm gonna say about that.

Objection!

2006-01-30T10:46:00.000-06:00

A friend and I are participating in a novice mock trial competition this week. I know zero evidence (taking it now) and even less about most other trial things. There's an educational round tonight and tomorrow night is Round I. I just hope I don't begin my opening statement by using last year's moot court opening...

I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'

2006-01-25T18:31:00.000-06:00

I gots nuthin', folks.

School
Classes are chugging along. FIT prof is rather entertaining. BA's awesome. Evidence is about what I expected (same prof from Torts last Spring). My seminar's looking like it's going to be great. Am really excited about this class.

Grades
Still gots nuthin'. Actually, I've had one grade since late December. Another class was Pass/Fail and I've got my 'pass'. So, I'm still waiting on three grades. They're due on Friday. Something tells me I'll get them during or after the weekend.

Misc.
A group of friends/classmates and I have decided to start playing at least one round of golf a week. We originally wanted to do this last semester, but OCI and stuff prevented us from ever getting around to playing. This semester there's really no excuse. So, we're playing Friday afternoon. Should be lots of fun.

Vegas. Just learned I'll be in Vegas at the end of February for a bachelor party. The guy getting married is a great friend of mine. When I lost my hair during my chemo treatment he shaved his head to show his support. And to get the chicks. We learned that chicks dig bald heads that year. Anyhow, he's finally gittin' hitched so we're taking him to Vegas for his last hurrah. Rumor has it that I had my bachelor party in Vegas. I can neither confirm nor deny that rumor. Actually, I can confirm it.

And because I'm going to Vegas with the boys, Mrs. Coob is heading to Hawaii with her sister and the girls. They'll be heading out to the islands in a couple of weeks.

Well, by the looks of the above text it appears I did have something afterall. Go figure.

Pyrates

2006-01-22T11:36:00.000-06:00

Shiver me timbers!

The U.S.S. Winston S. Churchill captured a pirate ship. How cool is that?

I wonder if the Black Pearl is next?

Back to school

2006-01-18T18:36:00.000-06:00

Classes started this past Tuesday. Here's the line up for this semester: Business Associations, Federal Income Tax, Evidence, and a Seminar class on Legal Problems of the Border. So far I like 'em all. Even the profs.

The Break ended at just about the right time. I remember last year I was ready to get to school...the break was way too long. This time around, because our final exam period ran a week longer (last final exam day was the 23rd of December), our break was shorter.

The Break itself was fine. I slept. I read. Did some driving around Texas. And I watched movies.

What did I read? Well, I finished Under the Black Flag and The World Is Flat. I also started and finished Journey by Michener. And just before classes started I began Team of Rivals.

Where did I drive to? I drove up to the Big Country to see my grandfather who's not doing too well. I went back home to the B.C. for a graduation party of my sister and her friends (she has two close friends who also graduated a semester early from college, so they threw a big party back home). I also went up to the Metroplex to see G, a friend. We did some boat shopping. Tis the season for boat shows down here in The Republic.

I also got my money's worth from Netflix. Of course, during the semester I would watch movies every week, so the break was really no different than the semester. A friend of mine recommended a while back that I might like Rumpole of the Bailey. So I watched each season through Netflix. BTW, I did like Rumpole. Mrs. Coob did not.

Mrs. Coob, Astros fan, another friend, and I went to a minor league hockey game last weekend. That was loads of fun. Mrs. Coob and I are talking about heading up to Buffalo, NY to catch a Sabres game in February.

Let's see. What else? Oh yeah, I also accepted a summer job offer and declined an offer. The one I declined hurt me to do so. Big firm, yes, but it was in D.C. Unfortunately, they don't allow for split summers and I had already accepted an offer from another firm.

I think that about sums up my break.

All in all, the break was needed and I had fun. And I got some rest. Time to get back into the groove of things.

Friday Night

2006-01-13T20:35:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Coob's outta town tonight so it's just me and Pero de Coob. We're watching Top Gun. I don't think she's ever seen it. I think--because of her rapid tail wagging--she likes it. Why don't they make great movies like this anymore?

I have to take defensive driving tomorrow (9-3 pm, free meal, and it's a comedy course). Why do I have to take defensive driving? Because I got caught speeding returning to Austin from a World Series game in Houston (Game Four) back in October. 75 in a 60. What can I say- I felt the need for speed.

Life's good

2006-01-12T12:14:00.000-06:00

Buffalo wings, cold beer, and the Alito hearings on C-Span. What more could a Coob ask for?

wassup?

2006-01-03T16:45:00.000-06:00

Sorry for the absence, but not much is going on.

NYE
New Year's Eve was just peachy. Mrs. Coob had an event to attend for work, so I tagged along. The invite said the dress was 'formal' so I wore my tux. Little did I know that 'formal' attire to this group meant jeans and a shirt. To be fair, there were several suits. But no other tuxes. Except for the waitstaff. I hate it when that happens. I just know that at least one person was wondering why the waiter was sitting down and eating.

Rose Bowl
Mrs. Coob and I were supposed to board a plane in about an hour to fly to California for the Rose Bowl. We were going to fly into and stay in San Diego. We were going to drive up for the game and then drive back afterwards. We were looking forward to cheering on the Horns and spending a couple of days in San Diego.

But what's that saying about the best laid plans of mice and men? Yeah, well, turns out that we was scammed!! The seller of our "tickets" jacked us around. We have no tickets, so we cancelled our flight, hotel, and rental car reservations. I'm working with my credit card company to try and get my money back.

So instead of being at the game in person, we're going over to a friend's house to watch the game.

School
Still no grades. I think I'm going to drop my Texas Civil Procedure- Survey class and add Federal Income Tax. Any thoughts on this move? There's at least a 50-50 chance I won't be in Texas after I graduate so I figure I should stay away from Texas specific classes. Plus, I can always learn the material in BarBri, right?

MPRE
I've registered to take the MPRE on March 11. Any tips?

Christmas wrap-up

2005-12-26T16:29:00.000-06:00

Hope y'all had a good Christmas weekend. Mine wasn't too bad. Here's how it went down:

Christmas Eve- saw the Lions and Saints game. Two bad teams, but a great finish- last second field goal by the Lions to win it all.
Later that night, closed down a couple of bars on the Riverwalk. Speaking of the Riverwalk, if you haven't seen it during Christmas time, you really should. All the lights and Christmas decorations really make it a beautiful place.
Speaking of bars, we ran into the dude who drove down the Nebraska Cornhusker's equipment truck. Nebraska's playing Michigan later this week in the Alamo Bowl and are already in town practicing and whatnot.
Speaking of that truck, the driver gave us directions to find and see it (on the campus of Trinity University), which we did on Christmas morning.
The Ringer. Don't waste your time. Trust me.
Grades. Most aren't posted, 'cept my P/F Advanced LRW class- I passed. And there was much rejoicing.

Half full or half empty?

2005-12-23T05:50:00.000-06:00

Well, I suppose it's official- I'm at the half-way point of my law school career.

Yesterday's final wasn't too bad. There were, again, LOTS of faces I had never seen before. Who are these people? I mean, I didn't have perfect attendance (not even close), but the room for the Extegrity users (laptop exam takers) was twice as full as a normal class day...crazy! I wish I could find a bitchin' outline to serve as my guide and crutch during finals (and the semester, I suppose). Anyhow, the exam itself was about what I expected. Like so many other finals in my law school career, I feel pretty decent about it. But I learned long ago that the way I feel after a final exam bears absolutely no relation to the grade I will receive in about a month.

Anyhow, I'm half-way to becoming a real, honest-to-goodness lawyer. Scary.

I've got a few days of travel coming up....doing Christmas with my dad and his side of the family later today, going to the Saints-Lions game tomorrow and then tearing it up on the Riverwalk tomorrow night (if you're around, come find me--I'll be the drunk 2.5L), and then spending Christmas day with Mrs. Coob's family.

Y'all have a safe and happy Christmas. Catch ya on the flip side.

Uno mas

2005-12-22T05:37:00.000-06:00

Last final of the semester is later today (at 1:30 pm). The class is Con Law II. No problem, right? That was my thinking during these last two full study days. I felt I already knew enough to take the exam and come out ok. And then last night I was emailing with a classmate and I finally got around to looking at old exam questions.

Holy cow!

Oh, how I wish I had that time back!! My approach was all wrong...need to get up to speed on a couple of issues.

Anyhow, I've got all morning to try and learn something before the slaughter begins.

Once this exam is over, I'll be at the half-way mark of my law school career. Wish me luck.

Is it me?

2005-12-20T21:19:00.000-06:00

So, anyone else have trouble concentrating on their last final exam of the semester?

Last Fall, I had the damnedest time focusing for my last final- Property. Last Spring it was Torts, I think. This semester it's Con Law II (final exam's on Thursday). Must. Focus. On. Notes. And/or. Outline. It's like Senioritis, but not for graduating seniors.

I'm just ready for this semester to be over and am ready to begin my Christmas vacation. So many movies to see...so many books to read...so many hours to sleep through...

weird ass dream

2005-12-20T10:03:00.000-06:00

There's a group of us (me and others from school) who've been accepted to summer internship/clerkships with a state agency. We show up at their offices on the first day and check in with the receptionist at the front. Also, there's a group of "illegals" who are there to apply for a Sanitation Engineer position. Anyhow, Astrosfan is pumped because he was assigned to the Wills division, which is what he wanted (and I don't know why this agency even has a Wills & Estates practice). After checking in, and not knowing where I'm assigned, I'm told to take the elevator to floor X, along with the illegals. I get there and the lady tells me I've been assigned to the air conditioning and plumbing class. I'm to take the class- their in-house training program- and become certified to work on their a/c machines. I think it's odd, but I go to the classroom where I think about it and realize there's been a mistake and I get steamed, thinking they assigned me to this class because of how I look and not because of my qualifications (I'm a law student!!! here for a legal job!!!!). I go back to the assignment lady and ask her if there's been a mistake. I inform her I'm there for their legal internship program and she tells me there's been no mistake, that I was properly assigned. I then tell her it ain't gonna work, I thank her for her time and apologize for wasting their time and tell her I'm leaving...that's it's just not going to work out. She then rips into me about how I'm an elitist and think I'm better than everyone else who's been assigned to that A/C class...that she's been to medical school and is content with being a secretary...that i shouldn't be such a snob and expect a cushy job...that I should have the hands of a 'worker'.

And then I woke up.

I think the dream is telling me that I indeed failed yesterday's Secured Credit exam and I should start looking elsewhere for career opportunities.

For the record

2005-12-19T08:55:00.000-06:00

I hate afternoon exams.

It's not so much that I'm a morning person, because I don't think am. I function well at all times of the day, except late nights. But I just feel fresher, sharper, and more 'with it' during the mornings of exams.

I guess there are two basic schools of thought on this: one camp prefers to use the morning for any last minute cramming/review and the other prefers not to waste time (either you know the material or not) and would rather take the exam, get it over with, and enjoy the rest of the day- guilt free. Guess which camp I belong in. I could watch Ellen in a couple of minutes, but I'd feel extremely guilty for not doing any last-minute reviewing. But really, will I learn anything that sticks during these couple of hours that precede the exam? I guess my attitude would change if the exam were completely closed book. As it is, this particular exam (Secured Transactions) allows us to bring in our statutory supplement (UCC and Bankruptcy Code). He's already told us all the answers are in there...I just need to find them during the exam, right? So why cause an ulcer stressing over 'things'?

I bet I'm singing a different tune this afternoon after I've taken this exam...something like, "I should've crammed this morning and perfected (no pun intended) my understanding of A9-307(f)(3).

Article 9

2005-12-18T08:56:00.000-06:00

Whose bright idea was it to take this course on Article 9 of the UCC?

Yesterday many hours of study group resulted in more confusion than clarity for me. We're giving it another go this afternoon (the final's tomorrow afternoon- 1:30 pm). Strictly going through old exams...none of this delving into abstract hypos that'll never see the light of day as an exam question. Or will they??

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

Birthday: Update

2005-12-18T08:20:00.000-06:00

I got an email asking about my birthday. Per your request, here's the 411:

I turned 31 this past Thursday. Yup. Thirty-friggin'-one. There was a time in my life when I thought 30 was so old...but now I know I'm still wet behind the ears. But I still maintain it's not the years that count, but the mileage. And I've got more miles on this body than Santa has in his sleigh.

And yes, I really did have a final exam on my birthday. It's one of the down-sides of having a December birthday/end of semester birthdays--I suppose May birthdays experience the same thing. So, I took the final, came home...ate lunch, watched a movie (Mr. & Mrs. Smith), ran a couple of errands, and met Mrs. Coob and one of our couple friends (a/k/a "your stinkin' Married Friends" as G calls 'em) for dinner at my favorite Chinese restaurant. Yes, I know it's a chain, but damned if they don't have THE BEST Kung Pao chicken.

Anyhow, it was a really great day. The final wasn't so bad. It was basically what I expected so no surprises. I then got to relax, get some stuff taken care of, and eat. What more could a Coob ask for?

PR

2005-12-15T05:34:00.000-06:00

I've got my PR final in about three hours.

I don't know why, but I just couldn't get motivated to study for this exam. It might be because it's open book and open notes. But I know that's a false sense of security. Either I know the stuff or I don't. I really won't have time to look things up. It might be because it's only a two credit class with a two hour final- half MC/TF and one essay.

The guys over at Barely Legal have referred to Torts as the gym class of law school. I think PR is the gym of class of law school. It's a required class that no one respects or likes. The material isn't difficult or challenging in the way that say, Secured Credit/Transactions is. At least Torts can be entertaining. PR is not.

I dunno. Maybe the real reason I can't get psyched for this exam is because today is my birthday. And dammit, I shouldn't have to take a final exam on my birthday.

Random stuff

2005-12-14T09:20:00.000-06:00

I forgot how draining taking a final can be. I was exhausted after my final yesterday.
Speaking of that final, at least a quarter of the people in that room were complete strangers to me. Never seen their faces before the exam. Didn't know they were in the class. Either this will help me or hurt. I bet it's a wash.
Listening to the Derailers. I love this band...why haven't they "made it" it yet?
I can't seem to get motivated for my PR final tomorrow.

Does It Really Matter

2005-12-13T05:50:00.000-06:00

So I have a final in, oh, about seven and half hours. Am I ready for it? Does it really matter if I am? Seriously.

I've learned that the Staircase Method of grading is more than just a myth. How else is my Contracts grade explained? I mean, I don't know jack about it and yet it's the highest grade of my law school career. And the classes in which I thought I knew a thing or two about the topic? Yeah, not so much.

So it leads me to believe that no matter how much I prepare I just won't be able to replicate that glorious K grade. I've accepted the fact that there are kids at school who just think and operate at a higher level than I do. Thems your smart types. No matter how much I study, no matter how inside-out I know the material, these kids will see and spot things I can only dream about seeing and spotting. They'll write about things that'll make my head spin. And I'm cool with this. It's allowed me to realize that I shouldn't bang my head against a wall and stress about even thinking about doing well on the exam, because in the end I'll end up in the average range. I can either bust my hump to try and compete with the smart kids (only to come crashing down to earth when grades come out) or I can do just enough to ensure I won't be in that bottom part of the class.

Horrible attitude to have? Maybe.

Is this an accurate assessment of the situation? I think so.

Is this calling it quits and throwing in the towel? I don't think so.

I'll still do some last minute studying before my exam. I feel confident in my grasp and understanding of the material. I feel good about this one (this may be the first time in my short law school career where I feel this confident). But here's the rub- I can only imagine everyone else is in the same boat. Especially the smart ones. So, while I feel I can make this exam my bitch, I know it'll make me its. Or rather, I'll come out in the middle. And I'm cool with that.

Gettin' the Led out

2005-12-12T17:27:00.000-06:00

Who knew Zepp was great music to listen to while studying for State & Local Govt?

Finals...and stuff

2005-12-12T10:51:00.000-06:00

Well, the younger sibling walked across the stage without tripping. Now, if she can only pass that one last final she must take on Weds...

As for me, I have my first final tomorrow- State & Local Govt. Will be interesting. I should get back to Tiebout and Mr. Dillon.

'till Gabriel blows his horn

2005-12-09T09:49:00.000-06:00

My lil' sis graduates from the University of Texas at Austin this evening.

I'm very proud of her. She's graduating a semester early and will receive a degree in Psychology, so she's joining the ranks of the Liberal Arts "You want fries with that?" network. She plans on taking the GRE in a month or two and plans on beginning a graduate program next Fall.

Anyhow, because she "walks" this evening, lots of family will be in town for the pomp and circumstance. This means lots of entertaining this afternoon, evening, and tomorrow morning. When's a Coob supposed to study? Study, schmudy. This is a big day for her and I still have plenty of time to learn all I need to know for my finals (which begin next week).

Congrats, sista Coob!! Welcome to the group known as Texas Exes.

Hook 'em!

Cold

2005-12-08T07:53:00.000-06:00

It's cold outside. Very unusual for this time of year 'round these parts. Normally we get our day or three of cold weather* in Jan or Feb.

This weather makes me want to stay in bed and have a Godfather movie marathon. But, today is officially the last day of classes for the semester...so go to campus I must- after the campus opens up at 10am (late opening because of the cold weather). I have two classes that'll bookend a happy hour study session hosted by a prof at a local dive near the law school.

*By cold weather I mean- freezing temps, bring in/cover the plants.

UPDATE: all classes are cancelled and the campus is closed for the day. Now who's gonna pay for my beer this afternoon?

Figures

2005-12-06T04:55:00.000-06:00

Yeah, so is it any wonder that the day I choose to post something for the first time in months is the day Blogger decides it wants to crap out?

Anyhow, VH1 contacted me about doing some sort of reality show based on people who used to blog, but then took a break, but also have dogs and drive motorcycles to roller derbies, but who've also decided that maybe, just maybe, regular blogging might again be in their future. Anyhow, after seeing Danny Bonaduce and Hulk Hogan give reality tv a whirl, I've decided to decline VH1's offer. As Toby Keith has sanged: I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was.

Is there anybody in there?

2005-12-05T05:42:00.000-06:00

Just nod if you can hear me...

*mic tap*

Hello, is this thing on?

Outta here

2005-08-27T11:18:00.000-05:00

I've decided to shut this bad boy down.

I'll still lurk around and read y'all's blogs, but I think the days of posting are over for me.

Little Giant

2005-08-23T13:28:00.000-05:00

So I'm watching the Little League World Series, right? Saudi Arabia is playing Venezuela. And I kid you not, there's a kid on the Saudi team who is six feet and five inches tall. The dude towers over the other kids. The dude towers over me.

Heads and necks

2005-08-23T07:48:00.000-05:00

The other day I watched on old episode of Inside the Actors Studio, when Ben Stiller was the guest. I generally think Ben's funny, but he was funny looking in this appearance. His makeup person should be shot. His face was nice and tan looking, I assume as a result of makeup. But his neck was as a pale as a vampire who hasn't seen the sun in ages. Anyhow, it was damned near impossible to watch that show seeing a "tan" face atop a pasty white neck. Effin' weird looking.

Hey, Scooby, where are you?

2005-08-20T05:52:00.000-05:00

Soupie and Larry, what happened? Where'd y'all go?

Anyone know?

Somebody save me

2005-08-18T15:57:00.000-05:00

Earlier this summer I think I mentioned that I became hooked on the WB's Smallville. My host family in DC has a college kid who's guilty of this. I watched the complete first season and the first half of the second season while I was up there.

A couple of days ago I signed up and joined Netflix so that I can rent and watch the rest of season two and all of seasons three and four. Today the three discs of the latter half of season two arrived in the mail.

I'm in Smallvilleland right now. But I can't understand why there are zero fat people in Smallville High.

Kill da wabbit

2005-08-18T10:05:00.000-05:00

So I'm at a small, social gathering over at a friend's place the other night, and we're watching one of the worst movies of all time, Gymkata. Yes, there was a drinking game involved.

Anyhooooo, after the feature film, the host remembers that he has the new (well, new to me) R. Kelly 'urban opera' in/on his TiVo, so we watch the five-part video for "Trapped In The Closet"...absolutely hilarious!!

As funny as I found Mr. Kelly's 'urban opera', it pales in comparison to the Warner Brothers classic What's Opera, Doc?

Long Live The King

2005-08-16T08:47:00.000-05:00

First, a moment of silence for The King.

OK, good to be back. The second summer job ended yesterday. I might post more about it later, but short story- I really liked it...had the opportunity to work on many legal issues with some truly talented and bright attorneys. All in all, it was a great experience.

I now find myself with about two weeks before classes begin. Two weeks to sleep, read, watch tv (the Rose Bowl is currently in the dvd player), and work on this Honey Do List. Two weeks to just vege (sp). Anyhow, I'm ready for a short break.

Gimme another drink, barkeep

2005-08-04T05:43:00.000-05:00

I've decided to stick around this blogosphere thing. And I think I'll continue on the current course and write about the same stuff as the past few months- school, personal, etc. I'll stay away from policy and politics and probably also heavy legal stuff, but am thinking of starting another blog which'll focus on those issues and less on the personal and school stuff.

I also plan on making some changes to this place...kinda old and plain. It needs some spice. Maybe I should head to the Island of the Spices. Actually, I have a friend who's from there and she's back on the island visiting relatives right now. Maybe I'll just shoot her an email and ask her to bring back some Blog Spice.

Work's going great right now. I really enjoy the work I've been assigned. The attorneys are all brilliant. Sometimes I feel like I don't belong in that group, but I think I'm holding my own. I have just under two weeks left at this job. And then I'll have two weeks to chill before classes begin.

Speaking of classes, I dropped Federal Income Tax and added Secured Credit. I've been advised that learning SC alone or in BarBri is very difficult...that learning FIT in there is much easier. This was a pretty universal opinion in the informal survey I conducted of alumni of my law school and other attorneys. My issue now is whether I should drop the one hour writing component of Secured Credit. It requires a 15-20 page paper on a secured credit topic. Seems like a whole lotta work for just one hour's worth of credit--way worse than LRW. If I do decide to drop it, I'll most likely attempt a Directed Study with last year's Property professor, who also happens to be a professor for two of my classes this Fall. The topic I have in mind is 100% relevant to one of this prof's Fall classes and it's timely, too. We'll see. I know it, too, will be lots of work, but at least I can get anywhere from 1-6 credits for it.

Aiiight, that's enough for now. I'll check back in later. We can talk OCI.

Damn! I'm stoopid

2005-08-03T19:05:00.000-05:00

Even though I recently forgot my password and wound up changing it, I again forgot it (the new one) and spent the last few days trying to figure it out before giving up.

Sometimes I feel like I'm just taking up space and using other people's air= worthless.

Friday Spies ©

2005-07-29T17:52:00.000-05:00

Mic check, mic check. Hello? *thumps microphone* Is this thing on?

I think I've been away too long. I forgot my Blogger password.

Anyhow, I'll soon be writing again on a regular basis.

In the meantime, here's the latest edition of Friday Spies © by the guys at BTQ.

1. What five things should you never buy used?
1. Boxers/briefs
2. toothpaste
3. femine hygiene products
4. condoms
5. swimsuits/bathing suits

2. Sony BMG just ended a payola investigation bysettling with New York Attorney General Elliot Spitzer. So let's engage in some reverse payola: What song or artist would you pay to never have to hear again, and how much would it be worth to you?
Nothing comes to mind right now, but I'm sure I'll think of someone or a song soon...

3. In honor of the new Bad News Bears: Did you ever play little league, or other organized youth sports?
Yes, I was a Little League All-Star. I started playing baseball when I was very young, maybe five or six or seven. The small town I lived in didn't have a tee ball or coach pitch league at the time, so we were playing real ball. It was great. I loved playing baseball.

I also played in a youth basketball league for a season or two. I don't remember much. I sucked in 7th and 8th grade (C team, baby!! but at least I started every game), so I'm pretty sure I sucked in that league, too.

4. What was your biggest fashion faux pas?
I was told I looked like a bum one day this past Fall semester. Does that count?

5. In honor of all our readers who took the Bar Exam this week: What was the hardest test you ever took?
Easy: Criminal Law. Holy cow that bitch was effin' hard. I don't know how I pulled off the grade that appears on my transcript. It's a miracle.

Dark Side of the Blog

2005-07-06T19:46:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I'm a horrible blogger for slacking the past couple of weeks. I've even missed another round of Fridays Spies.

Truth is, I'm having a hard time finding material worthy of writing, or rather worthy of your reading. I've been thinking about why I originally started this thang and where I'm at now...two pretty different places. Seems like I write more about me and my personal life and not so much about school. Sure, I realize it's Summer and there's nothing to write about, but even during the year there were times when I wrote more about my life and not so much about school itself.

I dunno, I guess I'm in a Blogger Funk. A tad rudderless if you will. And to be honest, I'm seriously considering shutting this bad boy down...if not permanently, then most likely for the summer at least.

What's the deal, pickle?

2005-06-28T07:23:00.000-05:00

G'day fellow bloggers.

Sorry for the absence, but things have been a tad busy the past several days.

First, I am back in The Republic. I arrived at ABIA after a two and half hour delay Friday night. It's great to be home.

Mrs. Coob and I spent most of the weekend out at the lake. We dived/dove (which is proper? Anyone know?) Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning at Windy Point. Wasn't bad, wasn't great. Visibility left a LOT to be desired, but it was a great opportunity to keep the skills up and build up confidence and whatnot, especially considering I somehow got separated from my dive buddy (and group) and well, got lost. Not to worry, my training kicked in and I did what I was supposed to do. All in all, it was a good dive weekend.

After Sunday morning's dive, I watched the Horns win their 6th National Championship in baseball. Good game. Good series. Great season. I just wish I would've seen more games, especially since I had the Sports Pass the Spring Semester.

Mrs. Coob and I had a great bike ride this morning. Short and quick, but it felt great. I think morning rides will be a new activity for us. Get in a quick ride during the week before the sun becomes unbearable and before the official workday begins.

That's about it from this end. I spent most of yesterday running errands. Will likely wrap up the errands today.

Oh yeah, I FINALLY saw the latest Star Wars flick. I didn't think it was nearly as bad as some friends think it is. I actually liked it.

Before I forget, my first summer gig has ended. I LOVED it. I had a great time in DC. I enjoyed working on and learning so many things. The people are incredibly smart and dedicated to their jobs. It's funny, my grades may not reflect it, but I actually learned some stuff in 1L classes that I was able to apply at that job (torts, civ pro, con law). I now have a week off before I start my next gig, which is at a state entity. Same rules as last time- I won't name the entity, won't describe the job, and won't write about it in any detail.

Anyhow, time to grab a quick shower and tackle the day.

Cheers.

ps- Friday's Spies...I didn't have time to do 'em this past week. And I think it's already too late to do 'em now, so I'll just skip this week and catch up this Friday.

grades update

2005-06-22T05:20:00.000-05:00

Civ Pro grade is posted. Same grade as Torts. Could be worse, but could be better, too. Still, evidently the grade I got last semester in K was a fluke. It appears that I am indeed a piss poor student.

I shudder to think what my grade in Crim will be.

Oh well, this is a nice, humbling experience. My lofty dreams of having a stellar academic career (while in law school) and of getting a "good job" have flown out the window. I'm back to slacker Coob who just wants the damed degree.

Give me the J.D. and to hell with all this other stuff ('cept for the journal I'm on).

UPDATE: Crim came in this morning. It's what I was expecting. Is also better than civ pro and torts.

yeah, so...

2005-06-21T18:15:00.000-05:00

Well, I only have three days left in DC. I fly home after work on Friday. I can't believe how fast time has flown by. Amazing.

Grades: Today's the "due date" for profs to turn in grades, but I still have two that are AWOL. Got my Torts grade earlier today. Quite disappointed. But not really surprised. We'll see what the last two grades bring...

Hint-hint

2005-06-18T16:21:00.000-05:00

Email from Mrs. Coob I just received a few minutes ago:
Do you know where the Tiffany's in DC is located?

Me: uh, sweetie, what are you trying to say?

Dutiful husband that I am, I checked. There are two Tiffany's in the DC area- Chevy Chase, Md. and Vienna, Va.

Facing Others

2005-06-18T15:48:00.000-05:00

Until yesterday, the only bloggers I'd met were a few classmates.

A few of us bloggers (who are in DC) gathered last night for a nice little social gathering at a local bar. So with this gathering the number of bloggers I've met has now increased ten fold.

Let's see...I'm trying to think of what questions y'all would ask about the gathering so that I can answer them. I guess we'll start with attendees. Energy Spatula of WWFFD was there. As was Scott from L3 and Jack from Jack & Coke. Also in attendence were Law Rah of WonL and Idle Grasshopper of Idle Grasshopper. Last but not least, Matt was there, too. And me.

Not much to tell, really. The more we drank, the louder we got and the more we laughed. We talked about all sorts of stuff: school(s), other blogs and bloggers, DC, music, movies, past posts, unwritten posts, etc. I think everyone enjoyed it. I know I did.

I had a great time meeting them and hanging out with them. Hopefully I'll be able to join them again before I leave on Friday.

Friday Spies ©: Saturday Slacker Edition

2005-06-18T08:30:00.000-05:00

I don't know what my problem is. Well, I have some ideas.

Anyhow, when it comes to my duty of posting Friday Spies ©, I can't seem to actually post my answers on FRIDAY.

Oh well. Y'all know the drill- BTQ, five questions...

1. Which relationship will last longer, Brad Pitt and AngelinaJolie ("Brangelina"), or Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes ("TomKat")?
Brangelina.

2. Less importantly, which will have nuclear bombs first, North Korea or Iran?
North Korea.

3. What is your dream car?
Uh, don't know if I have a dream car per se. I'd happy with any number of cars. But some day (soon) I'll have a convertible1974 Mercedes 450 SL.

4. What book have you read the most times?
A Pirate Looks at Fifty by Jimmy Buffett. It's the book that I take with me on ALL trips. I can blindly turn to a page and just start reading.

5. Are you a matchmaker?
I tried it once. Unsuccessfully. So I retired.

Weds Night Shuffle

2005-06-15T20:57:00.000-05:00

Saw Tackleberry (from Police Academy fame) on the Metro tonight. Or maybe it was his twin.

Met an old friend for drinks after work today. DM's back in the private sector putting his MBA to good use. It great to see him and catch up on stuff. Plus, cold beer on a warm day like today hit the spot.

Not sure if I mentioned it, but I finished Woodward's The Brethren over the weekend. Pretty good read. All about the Supreme Court...from 68 or 69 to 75, I think- the early years of the Burger Court. It was an interesting look inside the inner workings of the SCOTUS. Those who like(d) Con Law and also like history, I recommend it.

Still no grades, although Astrosfan did get his Con Law II grade.

quick update...

2005-06-14T20:56:00.000-05:00

First, no new grades. WHY MUST YOU MOCK ME SO!?!?!?

Just heard on the news that area schools shut down today because of the heat. It was 92 degrees today.

Turned down tickets for tonight's O's vs Astros game (had a conflicting commitment). I may try and make it to Baltimore for a game this weekend.

Heard from a classmate who's in town. Was good to hear a friendly voice.

Work's chugging along. Lots of work. Probably some late nights the rest of the week.

Looks like there'll be a Bloggers Who Are In DC Get Together/Social Gathering Friday after work. Should be fun...and interesting...putting faces, voices, etc. together with the mental images I've built.

Saturday night special

2005-06-11T22:09:00.000-05:00

Went to another Nats game tonight. Mariners are in town for an interleague series. Like the game I attended earlier in the week, this one was fun- great seats, great game (Nats won, 2-1), and also the food and drink service was much improved over the Memorial Day game.

It appears the first tropical storm of the season has affected the Super Regional in Oxford. The game's been postponed because of rain...actually, it looks like they're playing again.

To time go watch the game.

G'night.

UPDATE: Turns out the game was not resumed. The internets lied!! Play will resume for the Texas-Ole Miss game at 1pm Eastern today (Sunday).

Hamburgers

2005-06-11T09:21:00.000-05:00

Yesterday for lunch we went to a local place, Five Guys, that's known for its burgers- it's won the 'best burger' title for the past few years in DC, I think.

What did I think? Mmm...that's a tasty burger. It was very (ha!) good. I opted to avoid the small and got the regular cheeseburger. It was essentially two patties, melted cheese, and the toppings I wanted (mustard, lettuce, and pickles). The fries were fresh cut, long, and damned good. The portioning of the fries was generous. The company was good, too- another summer law clerk and a few attorneys. All in all it was a great lunch.

Afterward I couldn't help but try and compare it to other burgers and burger joints- namely, In-N-Out Burger. While I think In-N-Out Burger's quite tasty, it pales in comparison to Five Guys.

Those of you who've had both, do you agree?

Friday Spies ©

2005-06-10T18:32:00.000-05:00

Holy Schnike! I skipped a Friday Spies. For some reason I didn’t answer last week’s questions.

Oh well, the earth seems to have continued its revolution(s) on its axis, so all is well.

Nevertheless, here are this week’s questions from BTQ:

1. What is the earliest movie you remember watching in the theater?
I didn't really go to the movies all that much as a kid. I think E.T. is the earliest movie that I can remember.

2. If you could strike one word from the English language, which word would you choose and why?
VERY- It's overused. Very overused.

3. If you were a superhero, what would be your kryptonite?
What do you mean “if”? I can't tell y'all, cuz then y'all'd use it on me and that just wouldn't be cool. Or funny. At all.

4. Would you rather win an Emmy, Grammy, Tony, Golden Globe, Oscar,Pulitzer, or Noble Prize? What work would you win it for?
None of the Above. I’d rather win a Crappy.

5. What is your catch phrase? Don't have one? Then make one up!
For the longest time it was "Dude,..." or "You say that like it's a bad thing"

bezboll

2005-06-09T22:04:00.000-05:00

I think I mentioned in the previous post (am too lazy to check) that a friend from back home is in town...as are a few other people from back home...anyhow, there was supposed to be a "people from Austin who all used to work and play together" type happy hour today, but that plan totally fell through.

Instead C, S, D, and I went to the Nationals game. Nats won 4-3, beat the A's. Compared to the last game I attended, this one was great- even though it was drizzling during the first couple of innings (which, you know, rain combined with heat equals Houston-like humidity). We had great seats, just past first base and ten rows up. I think the Management read my memo because the food and drink lines were much better tonight. The service was quicker and the workers much friendlier. We had a really good time.

Cubs have the night off. Red Sox head into Chicago for a weekend series. That should be a good series.

Horns play Ole Miss in a Super Regional this weekend. I plan on watching the game Sat night, but I don't know where- either here at the host family's house or maybe I can find out if the local Texas Exes chapter is having a game watching partay. Either way, Sat night is booked.

'sup?

2005-06-07T19:00:00.000-05:00

Well, hell. I planned on posting while I was back home, but I just never really got around to it. And now it's already mid-week. Where does the time go?

The trip home was great. Just what the doctor ordered. My only regret about the trip is that we (Mrs. Coob and yours truly) didn't go to one of the regional baseball games. Texas hosted a regional round and we almost went to their game against Arkansas Saturday night. Instead we attended a neighbor's annual backyard pool party. Which reminds me, driving into the neighborhood from the airport Friday night I saw small American flags on thin wooden stakes placed in every yard. Every year around Memorial Day a realtor who lives in the 'hood distributes the flags. It was a welcome sight.

Work's going great. Super busy. Rockin' and a'rollin' and whatnot. We had a new law clerk start this week. Good guy. Look forward to working with him and getting to know him.

A friend from Austin's going to be town later this week and it appears there might be a small reunion of sorts for a bunch of us who once worked together all those many years ago. Should be a good time.

No new grades have been posted. I think the only good thing about working is that I only check my grades about 1500 times throughout the day.

Texas on My Mind

2005-06-03T05:56:00.000-05:00

I woke up this morning
with Texas on my mind
thinking about the friends there
and the girl I left behind

- Pat Green

After work today I head home to Austin for the weekend. I'm looking forward to it. Get to see perro de Coob, eat good Tex-Mex, eat good BBQ...will sit on the patio at Shoal Creek Saloon with a cold Lone Star or two tomorrow afternoon. Oh yeah, and I'll get to see Mrs. Coob, too.

I'll check in once I'm back in the The Republic.

UPDATE (6/4): Am in Austin. It's good to be back in town. The trip down was rather uneventful, despite the hour delay in taking off...damn rain.

'nuther update

2005-06-01T18:26:00.000-05:00

I'm housing sitting for a friend. It's kinda weird. I've traded human interaction for proximity to work. Tonight's the last night though.

Looks like I'll be heading home this weekend. I'll catch a flight after work, be home in time for the 10 o'clock news Friday night.

Mrs. Coob was in town this past weekend. We had a great time. Ate at a great Italian restaurant in DuPont Circle, wish I could remember the name of it. Also ate a horrible place called La Tomat...why is it that I can remember the name of the bad place, but not the good one? We caught the National's game on Monday- good game, the Nats won 3-2; RFK stadium is a dump with the worst food/drink vending areas- completely inefficient. Will not go back. In fact, I turned down tix last night and tonight.

Work's going well. It seems like this week is slower (perhaps b/c it's a shorter week??) for our group, but am busier than I have been the past two weeks.

Not reading much this week. Left the book I'm reading, The Brethern, at my host's house. Speaking of House, anyone else watch this show? I think I'm hooked.

UPDATE: nope, no new grades posted...

Friday Spies © Saturday Edition II

2005-05-28T09:54:00.000-05:00

1. What is the best thing about the city in which you live? What is the worst?
Austin- so many great things about this small city/big town: great food, awesome people, LOTS to do in and around town (live music, parks, The Greenbelt, biking, trails, lakes, rivers, golf courses galore, top notch athletic programs, festivals and celebrations out the wazoo, etc). But I think the best thing about the city is the laid back atmosphere. Everyone's easy going.

The worst? It used to be that everyone and their dogs were moving here back during the hi-tech boom, but that's not the case any more. At least I don't think it is. I guess I'd say the traffic situation is the worst thing, but even then it's not bad. People around here like to bitch about the traffic. But in all honesty, it's not that bad. I mean, compared to other places the traffic here is hardly worth talking about. Think MoPac or IH-35 is bad? Try Houston, Atlanta, LA, or Dallas. They have serious problems.

2. Describe an idea or invention of yours that you would like to see turned into reality.
I would like to see the idea of Coob passing The Bar Exam be reality in the future.

3. Name an overrated author, musician, and movie. Name an underrated author, musician, and movie.
Overrated:
author- grisham
musician- either dave mathews band or jonathon mayer
movie- Lost In Translation

Underrated:
author- Steven Saylor
musician- hmmm...either Nicolas Payton or more than likely Tarantula.
movie- either Memphis Belle or The Outsiders

4. If your life were a sitcom slated to air in the fall, what would the show be called? Who would you cast in the starring role? And for extra credit, give us a brief treatment of the show.
The show would be called: Coob. Not sure who would be cast in the starring role...some handsome devil. I think the show would be a cross between Scrubs, Sports Night, Night Court, The West Wing, Welcome Back Kotter, and The Wonder Years.

5. When is the funsupposed to start
I give up...when?

I'm so excited

2005-05-27T18:57:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Coob flies up tomorrow for the extended weekend. I'm excited to see her!!

We're staying at a Bed and Breakfast in Adams Morgan, I think. We're going to hang with some friends, see the town, maybe catch the Nationals on Monday afternoon.

Am looking forward to it. Big Time.

Weekly update

2005-05-27T18:42:00.000-05:00

Had a pretty busy week, so didn't read nearly as much as last week. Plus, Wordsure told me I was reading too much, so I thought I'd slow down.

There was a happy hour Thursday after work at Cantina Marina. Had a great time in that social setting with the work people.

People keep asking me how I'm liking it up here (in DC) and at the office. DC is great and work's fun. I probably shouldn't use the adjective 'fun', but that's what it is. The people are great. The work is interesting and practical. I'm having a great time.

That about sums it up with regards to work.

I did manage to get hooked on Lost and Desperate Housewives the past couple of weeks, thanks to my hosts.

Reviews

2005-05-22T17:42:00.000-05:00

Saw Kingdom of Heaven last night. I liked it- the music, costumes, cinematography, the story itself. Wish I knew more about the Crusades. Maybe I'll pick up a book or two on the topic, anybody have any suggestions?

Finished a couple of books too.

Ice Station- Not bad. Light, quick action book. This book was in my room when I arrived last Sunday. A Marine Recon team heads to a US research station in Antarctica to check on a distress signal. All hell breaks out, a French team of commandos shows up, the British SAS show up, an unidentified object buried in ice, murder, etc. I think it'd make a good flick on the silver screen.

To the Last Breath- True story of how a father murdered his two year old daughter. It happened in the early 90s near where I'm from. The part of the book on the trial was interesting to read, because I've met the then-Assistant DA who prosecuted the SOB.

Men in Black: How the Supreme Court is Destroying America- Eh, not very good. If you follow politics at all, then you've already heard 75% of what he writes. And if you've taken Con Law, then you've probably heard 90% of what he's written. Affirmative action, elections, abortion, privacy, etc. Same issues, same arguments.

Having read Men In Black and being here in DC makes me want to read more about the Supreme Court, so I'll start on The Brethren: Inside the Supreme Court by Bob Woodward and Scott Armstrong later this evening.

Friday Spies ©

2005-05-21T08:56:00.000-05:00

A tad late, but nevertheless here it is...

The Friday Spies questions this week were inspired by the popular"Would You Rather?" game, Each question presents a choice between two possibly unappealing options. Please explain would you rather:

1. Live alone on a deserted island for 10 years or be paid to live atNeverland Ranch with the King of Pop for one year?
Eh, I think I could survive in either envirnoment. I actually think it'd be fun to live on a deserted island, Cast Away style. But I'd miss Mrs. Coob and Perro de Coob, so I'll choose Neverland for a year. Should be fun...he has amusement park rides, lotsa rooms and I'm too old for him to have an interest in me. Besides, I think I can kick his ass if need be.

2. Be deaf or blind?
Either would suck. I think I'd rather be deaf. I love music. It's a huge part of my life, but I like vision more. I think it's more essential to be able to see. Everyday life would be much easier. Plus, I've seen too many horror movies, living in total darkness would not be good for my hyper imagination.

3. Have skin which changed color depending on your mood or visible sight lines?
Skin color change I guess. Don't know why though. It just sounds cooler. At least people could be warned. WARNING: Coob's skin is red, he's pissed off; stay away!

4. Spend a year in prison or a year on tour with Celine Dion and John Tesh?
A year on tour, easy. I love music (see above), and life on the road (either as a roadie or other staff or member of the band) would be awesome- even if it's a Celine or Tesh tour. If this law thing doesn't work out, I wanna become the newest member of the Coral Reefer Band and see the world with JB.

No way will I ever go to prison. You can go, though- they'll be loving you from dusk till dawn cause you're small and cute. I'll be in the cafeteria. Selling smokes.

5. Have threesome with your close friends or with total strangers?
Uh, neither, but since that's not an option, I'll go with strangers. I have some friends who've been burned by the first option and I want nothing to do with it.

'member me?

2005-05-21T07:53:00.000-05:00

Hi, remember me?

Sorry to have disappeared for the past week. Crazy times.

Last Friday Mrs. Coob and I saw the new Will Ferrell flick, Kicking and Screaming. Wasn't too bad, but wasn't great either. I think the key to liking it is to go in with low expectations.

Last Sat we went to a backyard partay, a beer festival downtown and then had dinner with some friends.

And then on Sun I flew up here to DC.

It's been a helluva busy week. I started my summer gig on Monday. So far I like it. Great people. Interesting work. I wish I could write more, but I don't think I should.

Oh yeah, it seems like there's a judicial confirmation battle royale going in the Senate. All the papers have had stories about it on their front page, above the fold. Tv and radio news too. I'd like to chime in on the issue, but I made a deal with the devil that I wouldn't discuss politics and stuff on this blog, so I won't. Besides, ain't nobody cares what I think about this stuff anyways. And if you really wanna read blogs about politics, then there are lots out there...have at it.

Anyhow, DC's been fun, despite the monsoon that ripped through town yesterday. My host(s) have been great. Couldn't ask for a better set-up.

I think now that I have an idea of how things'll be at work, I can start exploring the city more...bars, restaurants, catch a game or two...and hopefully blog, too.

Anyhow, I need to go read all y'all's blogs and catch up on what I've missed.

Peace.

UPDATE: first grade came in. while not horrible, I was originally disappointed. I was kinda thinkin' that class might be the one I did best in (read: highest grade) which might help off-set some anticipated horrible grades. Anyhoo, at the end of the day I'm alive, I haven't been kicked out school, and it's all good.

Quick-like update

2005-05-13T13:48:00.000-05:00

Others
It appears THL's got a visit with an oncologist today and is asking for prayers, good thoughts and waves to be sent her way. You got it, kid.

I know EXACTLY how she feels- having to see an oncologist on Friday the 13th sucks arse. I speak from experience.

I visited my oncologist this morning (on Friday the 13th). It's part of my yearly check-up. I had some blood drawn, some tests and checks done on it. Visited with my doc (we talked about law school and other stuff- he was deposed as an expert witness earlier in the week). I really like my doc. He's great. And I like the whole staff at the center. Mrs. Coob is a patient of another doctor there, and we think the world of the work they all do. We're very grateful to have top-notch docs right around the corner from us.

Anyhoo, I'm not completely done. When I get back to town I have to get the CT scan done. Lucky me, though, I already have the Barium Sulfate. Should be a breaze, though it'll have to wait.

Work
It'll (CT scan) have to wait because I leave on Sunday for my first summer gig. Some of you may remember that I'll be in our nation's capital for the first half of the summer. I'll be working for a federal entity (we'll leave it at that). I'm REALLY looking forward to it. I love DC. Everytime I've been there I've had a great time. Never been there for more than a week though, so this'll be different. Lemme know if you're going to be in town too and maybe we can grab a cold drink once or twice.

School
It's weird being done with school. It was weird to wake up this morning and not have any work that needed to be done...no cases to be read, no notes to go over, etc. Weird.

Grades
They're still not posted yet.

2005-05-13T02:02:00.000-05:00

From the dude at BTQ (Russian chick has disappeared and Long Time Reader is confusing people with nonposts):

1. If you could change any element of your physical appearance, would you? If so, what would you change? If you could change any aspect of your personality would you?
Physical appearance: If I could? Not only can I, but I intend to. I need drop some extra weight I’m carrying around.
Personality: Am cool with who I am. Sexy, funny, smart, and humble. What’s not to like?

2. Name a good make-out song (I believe the kids these days would call that "baby-making music").
I’m old school, and am not hip to today’s music. Keeping that in mind…
Good: You’re The Inspiration, Chicago; Open Arms, Journey; I’ll Make Love To You, Boyz II Men; In Your Eyes, Peter Gabriel
GREAT: Moondance, Van Morrison; Let’s Get It On, Marvin Gaye; Sex Machine, James Brown

3. What did Britney say to Kevin when she found out she was pregnant? What was his response?
Her: Kevie Bear, what does the blue plus sign mean again?
Him: huh?

4. Did Oswald act alone?
No, of course not. Milbarge helped.

5. Are you superstitious? Do you believe in luck, karma, fate, the supernatural, etc?
Yup.

Grades

2005-05-12T13:28:00.000-05:00

Are not posted yet.

Sorry, but I just had to get the first check out of my system.

Doneski

2005-05-12T13:08:00.000-05:00

And that, ladies and gentlemen, was 1L...assuming I passed everything.

I won't classify myself as a 2L just yet, though. I'll wait until it's official when grades are posted.

And then there was one...

2005-05-12T06:20:00.000-05:00

Last final exam of 1L begins in just over three hours.

Part I- 40 multiple choice questions to be answered in an hour and half, closed book and closed note. Cannot be any worse than the MCs on the Crim final.
Part II- one essay, take home; four page limit (max); open book, open note (actually, he said it's open everything 'cept open human); five hours to complete.

I feel good about it. I'm not sure if it's my relative comfort with the material or if it's because it's the last final of the first year. Either way, I have ice flowing in these veins. Ok, not really ice. More like blood and stuff. Tomorrow I'll have contract dye and other stuff flowing through my veins, but that's a post for later today or tomorrow.

Today is the last day of 1L, assuming I pass my final exams. I pretty sure I'm ready. There's a big Section 3 blowout taking place after the exam, lotsa beer, laughter, BBQ, cigars, and games too- beer pong, yard darts, kickball, etc. Should be a blast.

Let's light this candle.

Torts

2005-05-11T17:26:00.000-05:00

I think I know torts, but these practice MCs suggest otherwise.

Bastardos.

Forward, march!

2005-05-11T16:42:00.000-05:00

So I downloaded some John Philip Sousa marches onto the iPod the other day, and I decided to listen to them while walking the dawg today...made for a quick walk. We were back at the casa in record time. Good times.

Suggestions?

2005-05-10T20:50:00.000-05:00

So, seeing how 1L is almost complete, I'm now looking forward to a summer of non-law school reading.

The lack of pleasure reading is something I really missed during 1L. Looking back I don't think I had to sacrifice it. I think I could've balanced pleasure and school reading. This is something I plan on working on during 2L- keeping up with pleasure reading throughout the semesters. Should be doable.

Astrosfan recently asked which book's are on the summer 'to read' list. Since I haven't read anything other than school books since the Christmas break, I have a few titles in mind that I know I'll read, but I'm also open to suggestions.

What do y'all think: what book(s) do you recommend for summer reading?

Fry Tax

2005-05-10T07:51:00.000-05:00

Ever since high school, my friends and I would impose a Fry Tax on one other. Whenever someone felt the urge for a fry, he'd reach over to someone else's tray, grab a fry and announce: Fry Tax. The Fry Tax was what we paid for the privilege of being friends. Or something like that. Actually, it just fed our tapeworms.

At any rate, it seems the mayor of Detroit wants to impose an honest to goodness tax on fries and other fast foods to help pay for city services. Yup, a Fast Food Tax.

I wonder what the Hamburglar thinks of this.

Pick up lines at law school

2005-05-09T18:48:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Coob giggles everytime I say 'tort'.

She says that if I were single and in law school then my pick up line would be, "Nice torts".

Bushisms

2005-05-09T18:45:00.000-05:00

Is 'impleadment' a word?

If not, then I think I'm guilty of a Bushism on one of my Civ Pro essays today.

Sunny Day...chasin' the clouds away

2005-05-09T13:32:00.000-05:00

The rain's gone and I just got home from taking the Civ Pro exam. Feel ok about it. No great, but not bad.

All day yesterday and last night I was a Nervous Nellie. Not sure why, but I was one worried SOB.

The MC wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and the essay questions were manageable. I now can sleep confident that I won't fail. That class at least.

Next up, Torts on Thursday.

Rainy Daze

2005-05-08T13:25:00.000-05:00

I normally love days like today, when it's dark and raining. Perfect for a Godfather marathon or a full day of napping and watching the History Channel.

However, when I'm already tired because I couldn't sleep last night and thus got very little sleep (woke up at the usual time), this weather just makes me that much more tired and sleepy. Not good.

Need Red Bull. Need Speed. Need motivation.

Civ Pro final in ~19 hours. Need a prayer. Or a miracle.

Voted

2005-05-07T15:47:00.000-05:00

City elections are being held today. Three seats/places on the council, a smoking ban proposal, and an ACC annexation issue were on the ballot.

It feels good to exercise The Right.

Now, back to pendent jurisdiction...

But first, a small taste of the double fudge brownies Mrs. Coob baked this afternoon.

Crim, Schmim III

2005-05-07T06:42:00.000-05:00

Here's how bad that test was: last night I had nightmares about the multiple choice questions, again.

Civ Pro's coming along nicely. There's a review session this afternoon. Received an email last night from the prof's assistant. The email provided us with an advance copy of the instructions: 30 MC questions in two hours, four mins each. Two essays...we get 40 mins to plan, organize, look up, etc and 60 mins to write 'em both. So, 20 mins to plan and 30 mins to write. Shouldn't be too bad.

Gotta get back to studying. Will hollar at y'all later.

Friday Spies ©

2005-05-06T07:42:00.000-05:00

Here we go again, boys and girls. Today's Friday so that can only mean one thing: Friday Spies ©!!!

1. What is a food you have tried but will never eat again, and what don't you like about it?
Guacamole, or anything avocado based. I didn’t like it as a kid and my mom tricked me once when I was about four or five. We had some family over and apparently my aunts and uncles thought it was odd that I didn’t like avocados, so my mom hid a slice in my lunch sandwich. They all had a huge laugh when I bit into the avocado and made the obligatory ‘yuck face’ before spitting it out. Scarred for life. Scarred for life.

2. What are your five favorite possessions?
I assume we’re talking chattel, right? Or at least nothing abstract like memories or education. If so here’s my list:
1. Mrs. Coob* (Yes, I OWN her)
2. Casa de Coob
3. Perro de Coob
4. the X
5. this laptop

* If Mrs. Coob doesn’t count as a possession, bump the list up and add my sport and political memorabilia collection

3. How do you deal with confrontation? Do you seek it out or do you avoid it? Are you more apt to be the confronter or the confronted?
Depends on the situation. Seek or Avoid? I don’t seek it out- lookin’ fer a fight, but I don’t try to avoid it either. I tend to mosey down the road and if one approaches, then I deal with it and move on. Confronter or confronted? Again, depends on the situation. There’ve been times when I had to lay the smack down and there’ve been times when I was a complete and utter ass that had to be dealt with (those days have long passed, though. I think).

4. What will Michael Jackson be doing five years from now?
Reminds me of a verse from the Gang Bang song at a local piano bar:
Piano Guy: Knock, Knock.
Crowd: Who’s there?
PG: Little Boy Blue
C: Little Boy Blue who?
PG: Little boy blew Michael Jackson at the gang bang, oh yes he did…

He’ll be playing with Bubbles at Neverland Ranch.

5. What is the worst movie sequel ever made, what is the best sequel ever, and what movie should have had a sequel but didn't?
Worst: so many choices...either Iron Eagle II or Caddyshack II.
Best: The Godfather: Part II
Should have a sequel: Either Top Gun or Urban Cowboy

Crim, Schmim II

2005-05-05T20:26:00.000-05:00

Holy effin' cow!!

That very well may have been the hardest test I've ever taken.

Oh well, I knew coming into law school that I didn't want to practice criminal law. And based on the grade I just earned (I don't know it yet, but I have a good idea where I'll shake out), I doubt even the most innocent convict on death row would want me to represent him.

Guinness time. Again.

Short Post

2005-05-05T07:14:00.000-05:00

Criminal Law final in T-minus 6 hours and 15 minutes.

I'll catch you cats on the flip side of it.

Hammer of the gods

2005-05-04T10:31:00.000-05:00

Which law school god did I piss off?

Remember a while back when I mentioned a hail storm that ripped through Austin? And how my roof was on the receiving end of an ass-whoopin'? And how it needs to be replaced?

Well, earlier this morning the shingles and stuff were delivered. And ten minutes ago the crew showed up to do the work. They're on the roof now pulling off old shingles and in a short period of time the hammering will begin...whilest I attempt to study for my crim final that takes place tomorrow.

How's a Coob supposed to study with hammering going on?

The obvious answer is to leave the house, but I don't want to leave the perro here unattended while the hammering's going- it'll freak her out, much like the hail storm did. Anyhow, we're tracking down a groomer who can take her in this afternoon. That'll get her out outta here for a few hours, which is better than nothing.

And I guess I'll hit the Starbucks down the street and get my study on.

Three wonderful years

2005-05-04T06:38:00.000-05:00

Today marks the date on which Mrs. Coob and I got hitched three years ago.

Like law school, everyone (married friends at least…and I guess divorced ones too…and I suppose those who had been married, divorced, and re-married too) said the first year of marriage would be the toughest. We had our rollercoaster ride (another story for another post), but we both agree if that’s the toughest it’s going to be for us, then we’re in pretty damned good shape.

Anyhow, a classmate recently asked how Mrs. Coob and I met, and I thought I’d share that story with y’all.

Mrs. Coob and I met when she interviewed me for a job. She was leaving a position at this place to head over to another place. She had done such a badass job that it was decided two people were needed to fill her shoes. Well, they had already found the first the person and I was called in to talk to them about the newly created second position.

The interview went well and I was called back for one last interview. I was offered the job and accepted. By the time I started at this new job, the future Mrs. Coob had already left to work at the other place, but as luck would have it her new job required that she stay in close, daily contact and oftentimes work with our office on various projects. In many ways, she never really left the office, but was reassigned to a different group.

So, long story short- we worked together for a couple of months flirting here and there. Then she finally succumbed to my charm one night while drinking after work (actually the day was Dec. 10, 1999- we saw Kelly Willis at the Austin Music Hall). I guess that was our first quasi-date. Anyhow, we started dating, but kept it on the DL at work. We didn’t want the people we worked with to know- you know how interoffice romances are the juiciest kind of gossip and how things can sour quickly if it doesn’t work out. Fortunately for us it did work out. We dated in secret (from our co-workers at least) for a few months, until one night at dinner we were seen together by some acquaintances from work. Being spotted like that forced us to come clean to our employer and co-workers, because we knew ‘word’ would quickly travel back to the office and our employer. Not that office romances were outlawed, or frowned upon, but we wanted our employer to learn about our relationship from us and not the Rumor Mill.

Anyhow, it’s worked out well since then. We continued dating (and then marriage) and working together for a couple of years until our work forced us to part ways. Now I’m back in school and she’s my Sugar Mama.

Needless to say, the interview went well as I got more than just the job.

OK, back to studying for tomorrow's crim final.

Warning: Long Story

2005-05-02T10:03:00.000-05:00

Finally at a point where I can take a break from studying. As promised here's my appendectomy story, but fair warning- it's a long story. And since I can't write well, it's not told very well. But here it is...

THL’s recent appendectomy reminded me of my appendectomy in high school…

It started on a pleasant April afternoon in 1992. I was a junior in high school and running around town getting ready (haircut, corsage, tux, etc) for the big the Prom dance that night.

As I imagine it is in most towns across the state/country, Prom was a pretty big deal in my hometown. Still is I suppose. Anyhow it was a Junior-Senior Prom, seniors attended for free and the juniors paid for everything and decorated the commons. Oh yeah, our Prom wasn’t held in the school gym or a hotel or resort, it was in the commons area of the high school- big open room in the center of the school, where everyone met before classes started in the morning and where everyone ate lunch (‘cept seniors, who had off-campus privileges). Anyhow, Prom was a big deal. I don’t know why, but I’ve gone to three Proms in my life, and as a male- I think that’s at least one too many. Anyhoo…

So, after running all my errands that afternoon, I decided to take a nap before getting ready and meeting the group. On my way home I started feeling a tad woozy and felt a few sharp abdominal pains. I didn’t think anything of it- figured it was the Bell I had for lunch. I napped, got ready and headed over to my girlfriend’s house.

I was dating Trixie (Mrs. Coob refers to all my exes as ‘Trixie’, so I’ll just call Stephanie ‘Trixie’ in this story) at the time. Trixie was a freshman and we’d been dating since school started in the fall. We were going to Prom with three other couples. The limo picked up us up first at Trixie’s house and then we picked up the other couples and headed into Houston for dinner.

My hometown’s a small town, but it’s only about 30 minutes south of Houston (and about 10-15 mins from the beach- from front door to in-the-water; good times). Anyhow, the thing to do at my town for prom was to head to Houston for dinner and then come back for the dance, or vice-versa. We opted to do dinner first, then the dance, and then head over to Rick’s house for the After Party.

Anyhow, so the limo picks us all up and takes us to the restaurant- Magic Island. We had a great time there, cool atmosphere and good food. After leaving the restaurant, the wooziness and abdominal pains came back, only this time much stronger. I just figured the lobster bisque wasn’t agreeing with me. I toughed it out. As we reach the school, the pain goes away.

So we arrive at the Prom dance. The M.O. for dances at our school was to show up, visit a few minutes (the dudes would check out the chicks, and the chicks would generally judge each other’s dresses, shoes, hair, etc), have pictures taken in front of the awesome backdrop that complimented the theme of the dance (I think the theme that year was something cheesy, like Arabian Nights or Enchantment Under the Sea or something generic and unoriginal), and then dance a song or two (usually at least one slow song, I think the big one that year was Everything I Do (I Do It For You) by Bryan Adams from the Motion Picture Soundtrack of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves), and then leave for a local After Party or head to Houston for some fun.

As we waited in line to have our pic taken, the abdominal pains came back. Sharper than before. I managed a smile for the photographer (I think I have a pic around here somewhere if someone wants to see…) and we headed to the dance floor. I remember two-stepping to a Garth Brooks song and then being thankful that a slow song came on, because my side and stomach were really starting to hurt now and I figured the slow song and slow swaying would help ease the pain. It did. And then we left to head to Rick’s house for the After Party, but the pain was kind of lingering…not too pronounced, but not gone. Very subtle, was that pain.

When we got to Rick’s house, I took some Tylenol and Advil and started to feel better. I changed into my swimming trunks and headed for the pool to join everyone else. But the pain came back with a vengeance as I was mid-dive, causing an instant and perfect jack-knife dive. It was at that point that I decided to call it a night. I figured I could take Trixie home and then head home for what I thought was much needed rest. Well, we got to Trixie’s house and I started to feel better. We watched tv for a little bit and then the pains again came back, forcing me to leave. Great. Because of my abdominal pains, we had to leave the After Party just as it was really getting started. And now, I had to leave Trixie’s house early too.

I don’t know how, but I managed to drive home through the pain. When I got home, I could barely walk. I went to my bedroom, laid down and tried to wish the pain away. It wasn’t working so I crawled to the bathroom. Literally, I crawled. I tried to splash cold water on my face, but I fell down. And that woke up my parents. When they found me, I was on the bathroom floor, curled up in the fetal position. My dad carried me to the car and they rushed me to the local hospital. I pretty much blanked out during the car ride.

The next thing I really remember was coming out of a haze in a hospital room and seeing the smiling face of Stacy, who was wearing a Mickey Mouse t-shirt (Stacy was part of the limo/dinner/dance/After Party group and her dad was the head R.N. at the hospital and happened to have been on duty when I came in; he called and told her that I was there). And then I saw my family and Trixie.

I was told that my appendix had ruptured and that I’d have to stay in the hospital for at least a week. Something about monitoring my recovery and draining fluids. Seems that when the appendix ruptured, it sprayed its appendigunk onto other tissues and organs, which can be toxic or something. The doc said if I’d had been an hour later, I wouldn’t have made it.

Anyhow, that’s about it. I was laid up for a week in the hospital. I had two tubes attached to me that had to be drained (the scars from those tubes coupled with the appendectomy incision form an inverted smiley face). I was on lots of great drugs. Another friend’s mom was also a nurse and she brought me a radio so I could listen to Pink Floyd while on these drugs. I spent the following week holed up at home and then went back to school, without an appendix.

Friday Spies ©

2005-04-29T06:38:00.000-05:00

Fitz-Hume and Nataliya threw us a curve ball this week. Instead of the usual 'here are five questions, provide us with five answers', they decided to go Karnak the Magnificent on us and provided us with five answers...and we have to come up with the questions.

My turban's wrapped a little too tight, so that my explain the lameness and lack of humor...

1. A: Archibald Leach, Bernard Schwartz, Lucille LeSueur.
Q: Who are three people who have never been inside Cliff Claven’s kitchen?

2. A: To get to the other side.
Q: While the correct answer is “to get from the left to the right, he stepped outta rank, got hit by a tank, he ain’t a chicken no more”, most Americans think this is the true reason as to why the chicken crossed the road?

3. A: Drugs. Massive quantities of drugs.
Q: What will Coob need to force himself to study for his Civil Procedure final?

4. A: Milbarge.
Q: Who’s still MIA?

5. A: Without question, the single most idiotic thing ever thought up by the human mind.
Q: The Designated Hitter is better known as?

Dr. Bon Jovi, please report to the emergency room

2005-04-28T17:43:00.000-05:00

Wow, The Hot Librarian had an appendectomy this week.

Remind me to tell y'all about how my appendix ruptured during prom night my junior year in high school.

That's it?

2005-04-28T16:17:00.000-05:00

So today was the last class of my 1l year. That's it. It's over. Alls that's left is for me to take my finals, which start a week from today.

Aside from the studying that needs to be done, how do I feel about the first year being over? I dunno. I have mixed feelings.

Coming into law school all my attorney friends told me that the first year's the hardest, that after the first year it gets LOTS easier.

If this, or rather- that, was the hardest law school will be, then I'm a tad surprised. 1L wasn't bad. At all. It wasn't easy, there was lots of work (mainly reading, but if you don't have a job then it's not hard to keep up; there's no excuse really to not keep up), but it wasn't hard.

I don't know if it's because I built up the experience in mind, raised the bar mentally and expected the absolute worse, or if my age factors into it, or more likely- my perspective on life and school, but that (1L) was nothing.

What's the cliche? First year they scare you to death. Second year they work you to death. Third year they bore you to death. Uh, well I wasn't scared to death. Scared to death is when your doctor tells you have cancer and there's a real possibility you might die. Being called on class to fumble through a case isn't quite the same. Sure there were times I didn't want to be called on, but never was I scared. Especially of making a fool of myself or being verbally abused by the prof.

Well, we'll see what 2L is like, but I have a feeling this whole "work you to death" phrase was dreamt up by someone who went straight through (undergrad to law school) and didn't really have a "real" job for a meaningful period of time. After the hours I've worked during past gigs, I'll gladly compare the quality and quantity of work during 2L to that of my personal past work experience and report back on the phrase's accuracy. I think this also ties into the hours required of new associates by big law firms and how lots of law students are terrified on this...I have a theory, but I'll save that topic for a later day.

And I don't mean to come across as some know-it-all who has it all figured out, because I am not and do not. I don't have stellar grades, but I don't have bad ones either (knock on wood- three finals to take still). I didn't study all the time, but I didn't slack off all the time either. I like to think I had a nice balance. Especially this Spring semester. I like school. I really do. I don't hate it the way some do. I guess I'm appreciative of the fact that I'm here, period. And I'm not gonna sweat the small stuff.

I don't know where I'm going with this post. The point is this: 1L is practically over and it wasn't nearly as bad I thought it would be. In fact, in my humble opinion it wasn't bad at all and I don't see what the big fuss is over how hard 1L is.

I dunno, discuss amongst yourselves...

The Seven Deadlies

2005-04-26T21:24:00.000-05:00

Tonight's study break is brought to you by Glannon's Examples & Explanations. Glannon: for all your civil procedure needs.

The 7 Deadly Sins are the life of a law student*:

Sloth through the first months of the semester where you fall behind watching football in the fall and baseball in the spring
Lust, where you drink regularly and carouse with women at the regular happy hours
Gluttony, all the free pizza and ice cream and beer
Greed, the whole reason you're here in the first place.
Pride, when you finish 5 pages of reading even though there's other things to do.
Envy, when you find out someone did better than you
Anger, when your civpro teacher goes on and on and on and on and on

*courtesy of Astrosfan

Outlining Can Wait

2005-04-25T15:59:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned earlier, this is the last week of classes. I spent a HUGE chunk of the past weekend reading and outlining, but I still have a ton of work to do...

But that work will have to wait.

I picked this up today at the bookstore. I didn't get to watch it when it happened live; this is the first time for me.

So, until I watch this, studying for finals will have to wait.

Friday Spies ©

2005-04-22T07:01:00.000-05:00

Y'all know the drill- BTQ...Friday...five questions...

1. Which Simpsons character are you most like?
I’m more of a composite of a few characters- a little Moe, a little Barney, a little Bleeding Gums Murphy, and part Itchy.

2. Name a song you hate that is performed by a band you like. Name a song you like by a band you hate.
Can't think of a song I hate that a fav band does...am drawing a blank. And I don't hate any bands...if I don't like them, I just don't listen to them, but I don't hate them. But I will say this: certain songs should be left alone. No need to cover them. Period. I speak of Dolly Parton’s rendition of Stairway To Heaven.

3. What skills do you possess? Nun chuck skills? Computer hacking skills?
LexisNexis skills
Jedi Mind Reading skills
Pat my head and rub my tummy at the same time

4. Coen Brothers or FarrellyBrothers?
Eh, flip a coin. I'd prefer the Hughes Brothers or Brooks Brothers.

5. What do you predict will be the worst part(s) of the new Star Wars movie?
The crass attempt to appeal to junior high kids...effin' JarJar...

Send Lawyers, Guns, and Money

Happy Halloween!

Heart Attack

Hey, is anyone still here?

back in the saddle again

Remember me?

Still hangin' 'round

Snakes

and yet another quick update

Sup?

Karma*

God Bless Texas!!

Recap

Stuff

Takin' a stroll down Memory Lane

Two utes

Trial and Error

Grades, part MMCXVIII

Objection!

I Got Plenty O' Nuttin'

Pyrates

Back to school

Friday Night

Life's good

wassup?

Christmas wrap-up

Half full or half empty?

Uno mas

Is it me?

weird ass dream

For the record

Article 9

Birthday: Update

PR

Random stuff

Does It Really Matter

Gettin' the Led out

Finals...and stuff

'till Gabriel blows his horn

Cold

Figures

Is there anybody in there?

Outta here

Little Giant

Heads and necks

Hey, Scooby, where are you?

Somebody save me

Kill da wabbit

Long Live The King

Gimme another drink, barkeep

Damn! I'm stoopid

Friday Spies ©

Dark Side of the Blog

What's the deal, pickle?

grades update

yeah, so...

Hint-hint

Facing Others

Friday Spies ©: Saturday Slacker Edition

Weds Night Shuffle

quick update...

Saturday night special

Hamburgers

Friday Spies ©

bezboll

'sup?

Texas on My Mind

'nuther update

Friday Spies © Saturday Edition II

I'm so excited

Weekly update

Reviews

Friday Spies ©

'member me?

Quick-like update

Friday Spies ©: Friday The 13th Spooky Edition

Grades

Doneski

And then there was one...

Torts