A Victory! A Small one but a victory none the less!

I have a small victory everyone! I can walk without waddling! Yesterday I was soooo sore from 24Set that I would waddle everywhere. It was pretty bad. And my idea that yoga would help combat the soreness oh no, no, no. So did not help. But I have a few observations about my yoga yesterday. #1: I was sweating a ton and no one else in the class was! #2: I have no balance on my left leg. #3: People drive stupid in the snow. Now most people complain about the fast drivers in the snow. Well I want to complain about the slow drivers. Mostly those on the freeway. You going 20 on the freeway is a HAZARD! If you don't want to drive at least 45 on the freeway in the snow then don't take the freeway! You are going to cause an accident. #4: I am not surprised that people that drive stupid have a crushed bumper or a busted headlight. You drive like an idiot. So I'm not surprised you got rear ended or you hit something. #5: My jeep is great fun in the snow! :)
So I went to my first bar prep class on Monday and got really freaked out about the bar. So I sent this text to a couple people. "I am debating on if I'd rather die a slow painful death or take the bar. I'm leaning toward slow death." Most of my law friends responded with "don't tell me that I have to take it soon too." Others said, "I'm sorry." I don't want your sympathy I want you to slit my wrists! (Note: I am NOT suicidal! Just a side note) But my friend Steve, who I forgot is dang funny responded with this following conversation:

Steve: "Well, if you need help speeding up that death, let me know. I'm sure I can find something on the internet that will tell me how to do it."
Me: "Awesome! I'll keep you in mind."
Steve: "It'll cost you though."
Me: "How about a contingent fee? If I die then I'll pay you."
Steve: "I hate lawyers."
Steve just completed his first semester of law school.

That was the best response I got. It made my night. Needless to say I decided to not die a slow death and endure bar prep and the bar. Speaking of Barbri bar prep. I actually like the classes. They are really helpful and you do a fill in the blank outline. So the three hours was me trying to guess what the next term was. It was like a game! I liked it! I am annoyed because I can't make it to the lecture tonight due to a family party but I'm allowed to make them up online. I'm trying to access the lectures but they are not posted. Which is annoying. The course handout says that the lectures are available the week they are presented. That to me says they should be available now. I'd prefer to get it done this morning. I even woke up early to do it! Of course no one is in the office. So I left a message and I will call and annoy them in another 10 minutes.

To end I will give a few quotes that I got at a cousin's wedding I went to the other day.
Uncle Floyd (this is my mom's uncle): he says to me, "So you are the STILL single one right?"
Me: "Yup!"
Floyd: "Well get on that!"
Me: "Done!"

Uncle Floyd: To me once again, "So what law are you going to specialize in?"
Me: "Immigration law."
UF: "Going to get rid of all those illegals right!"
Me: "Eh not so much."
My dad: jumping right in there before I continue, "She's going to help them become legal."

Good times with the fam...they then proceeded to call Obama the next Hitler. I had to move tables. Anyway, I'm going to go call Barbri! Peace out everyone! Oh and #1 Go Vandals today in their bowl game! #2 Happy New Year!

24Set!

I went to my first 24Set class after over 2 years of not being able to go today. Now I knew 24Set would kick my butt but I forgot how badly. My legs and arms are nice and jello-y. Here is a description of what the 24Set class is from the 24hour Fitness website. Copyright 24Hour fitness. :) 24 S.E.T, a Group Exercise class that alternates strength training exercises with step cardio training to sculpt every major muscle group. Try 24 S.E.T. for a truly balanced workout that will get your heart pumping. It kicked my behind! Here are a few observations about my workout today. #1: I am so out of shape. Sure I can run 3-4 miles but I have no muscle. #2: People were leaving during the cool down and stretching. That's the best part of the whole class! Plus you need a cool down to avoid injury. But whatever. #3: I soooo needed it. Its been a long time and while I am going to cry every time I try to go to the bathroom or walk up and down stairs tomorrow its worth it. I love the 24Set and I am excited to get back into it. Woot woot! To try to combat some of my soreness tomorrow I am hitting yoga. I loves the yoga. And like 24Set I desperately need it. Tonight is my first bar prep class how exciting. Boo.

To post or not to post...

Well I think I'm doing a quick blog post...we'll see if it turns out to be quick or not. I have moved from my beloved Moscow. It was a terrible drive leaving it. It broke my heart. But such is life no? We always are moving on to different things in our lives. So here is to a new chapter. I am currently living in Janelle and Josh's basement. Thanks guys. I could have moved in with my parents but I've been on my own for so long that it would have been difficult to go back. Its weird to be back in Utah. It really is. I keep thinking that I'll be heading back to Moscow after the break. But no dice. Utah doesn't quite feel like home anymore. But I'm sure it will once I get used to being here. Now don't get me wrong I love my peeps and family here its just odd being here for good. I haven't lived here for 2 1/2 years. Give me some time eh? Well anyway, I have been studying for the bar this week including on Christmas. On Monday my first bar class starts. I am actually looking forward to it. I need this course to pass the bar. I want to not have to take this dang exam again. It is a two day exam and I would prefer to not do it again. I'm not going to lie I'm a little scared of this whole exam. Ok I'm really scared. But if I do my part it should workout right?
Speaking of working out. I have joined 24Hour Fitness and I am so happy! I love that gym. I love 24Set but I figured out that I will have to go to the 5:30 AM class because the other one is at 6:00 PM which is when the bar classes are. We'll see how it goes. I have flabby arms. I have to go. I still want to run a half marathon in June. So I better get going. Haha! Get it get going...get running? No? Ok never mind.
Alright I think that's it. I'm done. Merry late Christmas! I'm going to bed before 3AM for once! Peace!

Destruction

Do you ever have a time where you are just in destructive behavior? I have been lately and it is no good. I am moving from my beloved Moscow on Friday and I think it might stem from the fact that I am not excited about this new transition in my life and I'm not sure how to deal with it. Now don't get me wrong you Utah people I am looking forward to getting back and hanging with you all again. But I am not excited about the bar exam. I'm scared to death of it actually. But as my friend Peter said "respect the bar". I will and hopefully pass. But I have been self-destructive lately and that needs to change. So here is what I am going to do, name my self-destructive behavior and how I am going to change it.
#1: SLEEP: I do not get enough sleep and I think its starting to show. Even as I am writing this its 1:40 in the am. I have an exam at 1:00 PM tomorrow which I'm sure you all are thinking of well you have 12 hours to sleep! Ha! No, I am so not prepared for this exam. So I will be getting up nice and early to get back to studying. The past three weeks I have been up until about 3 generally doing school work but sometimes just hanging with Trista usually. Then I get up early for class or to study. I need sleep and I don't get enough. So here is how I am going to change that. I am going to make myself be in bed by 11:00...starting uh Monday...I have some late nights coming up! But I will get better.
#2: EATING: I have been eating crap lately! Not only crap but I've been eating either not at all or really late at night. The past two weeks I think I went to the bagel shop here in Moscow at about 2 am two or three times. In my defense I've been trying to get my 11 bagels so I could get a free one before I move. I did it today though! Woot woot. But that's not an ok. So here is what is going to happen. I am going to eat breakfast, lunch, snackies and dinner. I am not going to eat past 9:00. Its just better that way. I also am going to get back on www.sparkpeople.com Its been too long.
#3: EXERCISE: Hello! You want to run a half marathon in June. You need to go running! I went running yesterday and did 2 miles on hills and it was sluggish and slow and just all around terrible. I haven't been working out and it shows and it feels like it too. So we are getting back to the running and gym. I signed up for 24Hour Fitness for when I return to Utah so that is encouraging. I LOVE 24Hour Fitness. If I could marry it I would. Mostly just so I could stop dating! Which leads me to...
#4: RELATIONSHIPS: Ok let me clarify, that should read *church edit* CRAPPY *church edit* RELATIONSHIPS. So I've been dating this kid for about a month...yes those of you that already know its been about a month. Granted he asked me out for our first date like a year ago. But I would have none of it! So he stuck with me not being interested until about a month ago then he just went for the gold and kissed me. So right whatever. Well things were going well for a while then he informed me that he has never done a long distance relationship and doesn't want to start. Ok you horses *church edit* rear end *church edit* you never should have started anything! Its not like it was a surprise to you that I was leaving! We knew this all along. Right. So I knew this on Saturday, was pretty perturbed on Sunday but caved on Monday. He came over to help me pack and I actually made him pack. He wanted a kiss good-bye and I denied! Then he came over again tonight. Anyway, so I know that this is going no where and its not good for me to let him think what he does is fine. But I am stupid/self-destructive. This relationship is no good. But I keep allowing him to come over and call or text. I am a girl and I don't like it! I'd like new parts please and then I could be an *church edit* donkey *church edit* and people won't care. They'll think its "cute" or I'm being "one of the guys" or a "you boys" guy. Gag. So here is what is going to happen. He wants it to end when I leave well I'll make sure it does. No more texting him! I don't care that you think I'm an excellent kisser you are just saying that to get more action. Well no dice! You are done champ. That's the plan. I don't need an unhealthy relationship.
#5: COUNTRY MUSIC: I have willingly, WILLINGLY put two country songs in my Itunes! GAG! What is wrong with me?! I hate country. I must be sick. I was also tricked! Tricked I tell you by Lars into getting the holiday sampler from Itunes...its free! Check it out. But there are like three country singers on there! I am also willingly listening to Rascal Flatts on Pandora. I think I'm coming down with something. No me gusta! So here is how we are changing this behavior! I am deleting Wynonna (that's sad that I even know how to spell her name), which by the way thanks for ruining "Silent Night" for me. I also will allow Rascal Flatts to stay but to counter my destructive behavior I will read from MyLifeIsAverage twice a day. Works for me.

Ok so there we go, we are making a change people! Watch out! I am adding this photo just because...taken by Jetta Hatch!

Things that must go and quotage...

I'm sitting here in the Salt Lake Airport waiting to go back to my beloved Moscow. Finals start tomorrow. That is not good news. I came home this weekend for my nephews baptism. It was a good time though it lasted an hour and a half. That was a long time. Thankfully I had baby nephews to keep me occupied and older nieces and nephews as well. Then while we were in the church it snowed. I was wearing high heels and a peep toe. That sucked. Yes I biffed it on the way out. My three nephews thought it was sure funny. Gotta love those kids. But anyway since I missed things that must go and quotes I'll try to make up here.
Let's start with quotes

Me: "Janelle might have another kid."
Janelle: "Yeah that's true."
Anthony Hovey (one of Janelle's primary kids): "You shouldn't have kids when you are 40 or they will be disabled."
Janelle: "I'm not 40!"
That was pretty awesome.

My mom: "No wonder you are in debt!"
She had a jewelry party and the lady in charge played a game where we had to show all major credit cards. I was the only one that had all of them but one.

Trista Robison: "I'm squeezing my milk out!"

Crap I forgot the rest. I really need to write these down.

Things that must go:

#1: Finals starting tomorrow

#2: How much I'm going to miss everyone in Northern Idaho.

#3: The roller coaster that is a relationship. Why can't you men just be normal? Seriously.

#4: Waiting in airports when you are tired. I just want to lie on the floor and sleep but I might miss my flight if I do.

#5: Leaving Moscow...repeat? yup.

#6: The big pile of slush I stepped in coming into the airport.

#7: My lotion getting taken by TSA.

#8: Glenn Beck

Ok I think that's it. My flight just got called so I'm out peace out!

Things that must go Thursday, quotes and a Happy late Thanksgiving!

Hey everyone! Happy late Thanksgiving! I hope you all had a great holiday. Mine was good. Beth cooked an amazing turkey, Jetta made unbelievable rolls, Trista made the best potatoes and Amy supplied the drinkage. It was a good time. We watched movies all day and just pigged out. By the way if anyone wants some leftovers PLEASE come to my house. So I'm thankful for friends here in Moscow and everywhere else!
Ok so this last weekend I went to Banff Canada with Trista and Jetta. It was a quick trip but a lot of fun! We drove up to Radium Hot Springs in British Columbia on Saturday. We went to the Hot Springs. It was nice. Sunday we went to Golden and went to church with a branch of 13 people. IT was weird to actually be quiet in sacrament. Jetta told Trista and I to be quiet. :) Then we drove up to Banff and then drove home. Banff is beautiful! I loved it.





Here are some quotes from the trip. Jetta has more but this is what I remember.

Trista: "Stop touching me."
Me: "Its hard not too...you stick out."

Guy at the church: "You are going to go over our 500ft bridge."
Me: "That's a long 'eh' bridge."

Non-Canada related...I don't remember anymore.

Jetta: "You two are like a pile of puppies."
Talking about Trista and I

Ok things that must go.
#1: Going back to school on Monday.

#2: Leaving Moscow. sniff, sniff

#3: Packing my house

#4: My 5K run yesterday. That hurt.

Ok well that's it. Peace out everyone!!

Quote Tuesday!

Here are the quotes for today! Woot woot!

Lewie Hamberlin: "And that is why John Wayne's crotch is ripped."

Erica George: "Are you drunk?"
Me: "no?"
Erica: "You sound funny. Like happy."
Me: "I've had a lot of sweets."
Erica: funny face

Trista: "He would have cracked his head open trying to get off."

Trista: "Let's go to Genessee."
We endded up in Lewiston.

Landon Brown: "For you it will be the chessiest cheese ever!"

Ok that's it for the quotes for now. If I remember anymore I'll add them. Peace out!

Its about time!

I know that some of you are thinking this. So I'll just say it. Well Its taken me 2 1/2 hours to read 20something pages in my Wills book and I'm still not done so I've decided to put it off even longer and write a quick blog post! Mostly because its Thursday and I like "Things that must go!" Thursday. So here we are! I really like quote Tuesday too. I should get back to that too. I'd do that today too however I can't think of any quotes. Ok on to things that must go!

#1: The fact that its taken me 2 1/2 hours to do wills and it still isn't done...

#2: It getting dark in the 'Scow at 4:00 in the afternoon...I feel like I live in the North Pole.

#3: My imagination Christmas I'm going to have to have this year. You all will hate this one too because it entails me saying "imagine I am giving you [insert gift here] for Christmas! Merry Christmas!"

#4: Leaving Moscow in a few weeks. :( Sad day, everyone. Sad day.

#5: Bar prep starting on December 28th...boo

#6: Me freaking out about the bar.

#7: My dirty house...that shall be fixed soon!

#8: The really good looking chocolate cake I dropped on the floor on Monday.

#9: The people being loud in the Law library. I'm already distracted as it is! Shut it people! I have a short attention span. I don't even want to listen to your conversation on which justice is a constitutionalist but I am! You are sucking me in with your loud words. Curse these good ears!

#10: Nerdy law students...yes I am one of those...but I am working on suppressing the nerd and bringing out the cool...its not working.

#11: Missing Linds' wedding tomorrow. :(

Ok that's it for me! Peace out all!

Things that must go Thursday!

Hooray! I like the things that must go Thursday. As always feel free to contribute.

#1: The fact that my graduation stuff cost $15 more than the other grad students. I know I get a different robe and crap but it still sucks.

#2: People who get offended WAY too easily. No I didn't ask if you wanted to go before other people. Oh well! Get over yourself.

#3: Driving to Spokane. This will be the third time in two weeks. Can't I be a passenger for once?

Well that's all I have for now...I'm sure I'll add more.

By the way, I picked up my graduation stuff yesterday and I'm really excited. I am ready to be done. No more school! I will be a happy person after February 25th. That is the last day of the bar. Woot woot!

Catch Up!

I really do suck at this posting a lot thing. I'm not going to say I'll be better because I can't guarantee that I will. So this time I'm doing a few observations and quotes...except I can't remember any...hopefully I will be the time the quote time comes up! Anyway, observations...
#1: Health care: I know this is a topic being debate all over the place and I don't want to get into anything specific with bills being introduce only my own observations on the whole thing. So I had to go to a clinic for certain reasons. Which are not important and people overreacted, me included and nothing was wrong. Anyway, so every procedure done on me lead to my first thought being "how much is this going to cost?" I am not doing a test they want me to do because I can't afford it. So here is my thought, "I shouldn't have to think that!" I mean I am insured but because of how things are with my insurance they don't cover everything. But I shouldn't have to turn down things that I might need. Granted I don't think I need it but still I should have the option to do it without worrying about costs. Something needs to be done with the insurance. Universal health care? Insurance reform? Who knows but something needs to change.
#2: Awesome Halloween costumes: So I was talking to my friend Janelle, who made an awesome birthday cake for my other friend by the way. But I was talking to Janelle and I asked her what her daughter was going to be for Halloween. In the past she has been a witch for like 4 years and last year she was a pink Christmas tree. She's six. So I asked Janelle what she was going to be for Halloween and Janelle said Clara wants to be a dead cat. I told her I was speechless and I wondered if Janelle was concerned about this. I also suggested that Clara be a crazy cat lady. Janelle said she already was crazy because she wants tire marks on her face as part of her costume. How awesome is that?! I thought it was great. Janelle didn't agree. I wish I was that creative as a little kid. Granted Janelle's daughter will more than likely be in therapy when she gets older but whatever.
#3: Surprise Notes: I wrote a note to my friend Jetta asking her how she could study at her carrel (AKA little cubicle) when she has books and papers all over. So on Monday I came down to my carrel and it was covered in candy! With a note that said this "Dear Emily, Since you were wondering. I can study because a laptop only takes up this much space. Jetta" So she covered my desk in candy but outlined her laptop. So if any of you are in the vicinity of the law school come to carrel 14 and get some candy....please! But I actually thought it was awesome and I now need to figure out a way to get her back.
#4: Reading between the lines: Has this ever gotten you into trouble? It has me before. But I have been informed by an attorney I have interned for that she has a position opening at her work and she was wondering if I would be interested in interviewing for it. Now here comes the reading between the lines portion. So she said she is going to hold off on interviewing until I get there and my Spanish would be great for this job and I can also study for the bar while working there. She also said that she will have other people cover until I get there in December and after I get settled we can interview. That to me says she kind of wants me to get the job. But I don't know. I might be sucking at this reading between the lines thing. We'll see.
#5: Delirium: A few things on this subject. There are times when I wonder if I'm drunk, high or just delirious. Considering I don't drink or do drugs I'm going with delirious. Here is an example of one. I was wearing a skirt yesterday with tights and I was heading out to my car and my neighbor asked me if I always wore my jean skirts backwards. Apparently in the course of my morning my skirt got completely twisted around. I have no recollection of this happening. Odd. One other point on delirium, people who settle for spouses or relationships that are not good for them. I have friends who want to get married so badly that they take the first thing that comes along. Never settle people! Come on! Seriously being single is not that bad! I'd prefer to be single over settling for something that is not good for me. So I've decided these friends are delirious. One day the fever will break and they will think "great, what did I do?" Maybe not, maybe they truly are happy and if so then good for them!
Ok that's all the observations for today! So on to what I'm supposed to post. Workout Wednesday and Quote Tuesday. Have no fear Lara "Things that must go Thursday!" will return.

Quotes:
Lady at the temple: "What is your name?"
Me: "Emily McKenzie."
Lady: "Your husbands name?"
Me: "Oh I'm single."
Lady. "Oh! Well that's ok too. Maybe You'll find him here!"
Right

Radiologist: "You know why you had problems don't you?"
Me: "No why?"
Radiologist: "You went running before 7AM. Its not natural."

Workout Wednesday
Monday: Ran 33 minutes which was almost 3 miles
Tuesday: Eliptical and strength training
Today: None, but gym clothes are in the car so I can go to the gym after class. My goal is to run another 3 miles.

Ok This is a long post and I should have been reading my immigration homework but whatever. This works too. Peace!

Quotes and maybe a little musing...

Quotes for today...

Me: "I'm an idiot. I'm not sure if you knew this or not."
Landon Brown: "Yeah I did."

Beth Hixson: "Its what kids sniff."
Me: "Cocaine!"

Jetta Hatch:" How many law students does it take to send a bar application?"
There were three of us at almost midnight in Spokane doing that. Yes I am an idiot.

Landon Brown: "Oh its from a lady."
He got a text and just the way he said it was hilarious.

Paul Jeffries: "Aah! Not another scary part!"
He was talking during this scary movie and it was quite entertaining.

Ok there you go. Now onto a quick musing. So I've been a little worried about what I'm going to do once school ends in a few months. I mean I've been wanting to go solo for a while. Or hang my own shingle as they say. But that's a little scary especially after seeing how truly complicated immigration law can be. So yesterday I emailed the immigration attorney in Salt Lake that I had interned for to ask her to do a character reference for me. So she did and then told me she was hiring for a part time person to do N-400 for elderly LPR's. Yeah try to decipher that code! It means citizenship applications for legal permanent residents. She said she would hold of interviewing until I got there in December. How great would that be?! It would be part time and I could study for the bar no problem. So here's hoping something comes of it! Anyway, I have not showered yet today. For those that know me, this is not a surprise. For those that don't know me...pretend you didn't read that. Peace out!

Quote Tuesday!

Ok here are some quotes for everyone today!

Ben: "He whacked my cracker"

Janelle Ertmann: "I'm glad my daughter isn't a player."

Monica Hovey: "No you couldn't be a cougar. You went to the U."
That was not the type of cougar I meant...

Beth Hixson: "yeah, he was really creepy, and he was cracked out when he wrote his books"
referring to Lewis Carrol.

Yay! Go quote tuesday!

Monday! I had no other title...sorry

So I am a slacker on this whole blog thing. See here's what happens. Ahem. I say "I'm going to update my blog...uh...later" Then later turns into almost three weeks. Its like shiny keys. Any distraction I get I take advantage of. So here I am anyway. Ok I received an email from a friend of mine who just started his first year of law school and he said that he asks why he ever decided to go to law school. I had to laugh because I told him before he started he was going to ask that question. Then he said he went to a seminar of the field of law he wants to study and it reminded him why he was doing it. That happened for me as well when I started law school. I questioned why I was in law school and then I talked to my friends from my mission and that would remind me why I am doing what I'm doing. I had another reminder today. One of my clients got approved and is now a permanent resident. When I told her that she started crying and was really grateful. That helped me remember why I want to do this crazy law thing. But it got me thinking about everything in life. For everyone in any field of study we always have to sift through the things we don't like to achieve our goal. The thing we need to do is have that reason we are doing it always in the back of our minds. So keep that mind with anything you are doing. Ok I'm done preaching.
My older brother has decided to steal a title from me. I was known as the runner in the family. People had questions they would ask me. Well apparently the oldest brother has started being all sporty! No, no not acceptable. As the youngest child I need some title! Besides being the whiner! Thanks Beth! So I have to regain my title. I have been slacking on my running. I'm not running as often as I should be nor as far. I have decided to tackle this issue head on. I am creating teams with my three brothers. We are going to pair off and after a few weeks whatever team has the most millage gets something from the other team. I'm still waiting for a response from one brother. But I'm determined to win every week and get my title back! I need something people!
Since this is monday and I like to muse on mondays I got to thinking about my nieces and nephews. Now I have a favorite niece, Abby, she's the only one that is allowed to call me "Auntie Em". This is an example of why I love her. She was talking to me on the phone and in a snotty voice says, "Who IS this?" Then she didn't believe me when I told her. She's four. I love it! But then I decided I really like my nephew Ben. He's 13 and a good time! That kid is fun. Then I got to thinking about Mari and she's great as well. All this led to me deciding that I don't have a just one favorite. They all are my favorites in their own little way. All 19 of them. I love my family. Every first Sunday we have what we call "Fast Sunday Fest". We get together once a month and have a lesson and a treat. For those of us not in Utah we teleconference. We did this yesterday and I had a good time. My family rules. Jealous? You should be! Go team! Anyway, I think that's all from me for now. Peace out all! I have attached one of my favorite photos of Mari. She was mad at me for something. But I love the look on her face! Baha!

Car Issues, Spilled Almonds and a Swear Jar

I've come to realize that when I don't post my sitemeter popularity goes down. So I better get on this! By the way, hello to the person reading my blog from Canada and from New York. Welcome to my odd little world. I hope you enjoy. Anyway, moving on. So I know its Tuesday and I am slacking. Lo siento! But here is an update. Monday was crap. Pure crap people. I have been writing this bloody legal memorandum for my case with Hail Satan in Spokane. Pretty much its to say "you are an idiot and should know your own regulations. Stop being a douche and grant my clients petition." But in nicer words. So I have been researching and writing and I got it back from my supervising attorney and it was completely rewritten. That's encouraging. Took a shot out of my confidence of doing this whole law thing. Plus I am stupid. Yup stupid. My SA said, "look at the regs for this section." Here's what my brain registered. "Hey moron, look at case law." So I looked at case law. Ok I know most of you reading this are not law students or attorney's but not looking at the statute or regulations first is a first year law student mistake. I am a third year! I should know how to do basic research. So that sucked. Monday started with that crap. Then I got really annoyed at pretty much everyone and everything. I went to FHE which was fine and then Trista took me home (Note: I ride my bike to school and I don't have a light to ride home in the dark. Trista doesn't like me riding home without one. So she usually gives me a ride.) So I got home and we were going to the store. I get in my car and the battery is dead. Again. This happened in March. So we jumped it. And so far its working fine. Then we went to WinCo. I went to go get almonds. I like to keep them at my desk at school to munch on as a snack. Well there I was and its a little pull down lever thing, so I pull it and totally miss my bag. They go all over the floor. It was awesome. Totally what my night needed. Actually Trista and I had a great laugh over that one for a while. Now on to the swear jar. I have become a sailor everyone. And its not the peon sailor swear words either. Its the behemoth ones. That needs to change. Trista has a mouth as well. So we have a swear jar. Its at my desk. We currently have about $2.00. Swears are .25 cents except for the biggin...that's a dollar. Since we can't go cold turkey we are allowing words found in the bible for the time being. Then those will be out too. Here's to hoping we do it! We can. Or if not we'll at least be able to buy something nice.

Alright quote Tuesday.
Me: "Oh awesome my high school got in a fight during a football game."
Jr. Garcia: "Your high school? For what?"
Me: "Instead of tackling the guy he sucker punched him and it started a brawl on the field."
Jr. Garcia: "What? Did you go to school in Compton?!"
Me: "No West Valley City, Utah."
Jr. Garcia: "Eh close enough."

That's all I can remember.

Workouts!
Monday blew. Tuesday was good. I got up and ran for 20 minutes on the treadmill. Yes I hate the treadmill too but I am thinking my pace is slowing down too much, so the treadmill helps get that back. Then I rode my bike to school and went and did weights and the eliptical that night. Today I got up to do a yoga video and ended up laying on the floor watching the lady do it alone. But I rode my bike today, everyday this week so far. And I'm going to the gym tonight with the T-ster. Ok everyone peace out! I'm late for class!

So much to do!

I have not been very productive on the blog this week. Though I have been productive this week. Ok so for my musings that are supposed to be on Monday. Here is a short musing. I'm done. I'm done with school and people. Though I don't really have a good reason to be done with people like Lara does. I am so tired of school. I feel like I'm at the end of my mission. At the end of my mission I was so tired! I wanted to just take a whole day and just sleep. I feel that way now. I mean I can sleep in on Saturday's...I usually don't because I go to the farmer's market...but even if I do sleep in I feel guilty for not being at the law school to get work done. Its like a constant fatigue. But that's enough whining. So here is another musing. I really dislike CIS (that's the citizenship and immigration services, they do interviews for people applying for different things like Permanent residency or citizenship). Ok I only dislike the Spokane CIS those in Salt Lake I dealt with her excellent, though ICE was crap in Salt Lake. I had a client go to CIS in Spokane last week and what should have been a clear cut case to remove conditions has exploded into this huge thing. Stupid eyebrow lady.

Ok on to quotes...sadly I don't have many...
Bishop Eichner: (filling out my character reference for the Utah Bar) "had a lot of traffic violations?"
Me: "Not lately!" (Its true haven't been pulled over since Memorial Day...go team!)

Me: "Go team!" (I got this from Trista...I say it a lot!)

Christi Olcott: "Jetta will keep you quiet in Relief Society."
Trista Robison: "Pfft no she won't! She's a part of it." (Yes we've corrupted Jetta)

Ok on to workouts. This week has been awesome for those actually. I went running on Monday and then Tuesday I rode my bike to the Chipman trail and ran two miles on that..cutting a minute off my time..and biked home. So Tuesday I biked 7 miles and ran two. Then Wednesday I went to the gym after school. I did the elliptical for 35 minutes then strength training. Ok so today I'm being lazy. I need to get out and do something. I also have biked to school everyday so far but one. I won't be biking today because I have no class tonight so I have made it possible that I don't even have to show up to the law school today. Which makes me really happy!

Ok things that must go.

#1: Me not being able to do anything right in clinic! I swear everytime I send something to my professor she asks if I did something that should have been common sense to do.

#2: Me still eating crap when I know I shouldn't and I've been doing better working out.

#3: Singles wards/Student wards. I'm sorry but you all just drive me crazy.

#4: My lack of motivation again.

Ok I think I'm caught up. So enjoy everyone! Hopefully I'll be better next week! Peace!

"I'm from Wilmet.."

I was approached today by a hoard of nerds to go play this weird board game with them. They are all law school people so you know that is a good time! I was informed that they have been playing these games since they started law school two years ago and I am the first girl they ever invited and if I went I would be the first girl ever there. This concerned me a bit. Then later they attacked me at my carrel (its like a cubicle at the law school) and wanted me to play again. I fought them off as best I could. But it reminded me of this clip. Start at :50.



The two guys totally reminded me of the guys coming to my carrel today. Yeah Wayne's World! "Look if Wayne says we're not then we're not!"

Things that must go Thursday!

I've decided to do things that must go Thursday. I got things that must go from Radio From Hell on x96 96.3FM. Great morning show, check it out. I podcast it and it just cracks me up. I had a dream the other day that I was in Afghanistan and people were shooting rockets at me. I then decided that NPR needed a rest for a bit. So back to RFH I went. I highly recommend it. Anyway, essentially what things that must go is is where I get to complain about things that are bugging me or are annoying. Example: automatic doors that don't sense you and hence don't open so you run into them...happened to me today. There you go...ok and we're off.

#1: Toast that is too big for the toaster. Then you have to rip off one end and your toast looks funny.
#2: If you are a store that closes at 11:00, generally so you can restock your shelves, then why do you have pallets out at 9:00!? You close early so you can restock! Why are you doing it now?!
#3: Highlighter caps that don't fit the opposite end when you go to use them. I always end up losing the cap whenever I use this particular highlighter.
#4: My lack of motivation for anything right now...school, working out.
#5: The Utah State Bar application, due on the October 1st. I need an FBI background check and three non-blood or law school related attorney references! What the?!

That's all I have for now. If any of you have any to add feel free in the comments.

Quote Wednesday and a little workout!

Ok I'm a slacker and didn't post Monday...yes that was Labor day and hey surprise, surprise I played most of the day. Monday I want to school did some homework and decided to go for a run at the Arboretum. Now the "wee" hill from the law school to the Arboretum is not fun. It rivals some of the hills I've ran in Salt Lake. Which means I'm a wuss. Yup wuss. That is all I've done this week. Horrible! I had to get up at 6:00 (I know for some of you that is not early...for those of us that don't have class until 10:30 its a wee early) But I had to go to Spokane because my client had an interview with a she devil today. She had an interview with a CIS officer and what normally takes at most 40 minutes normally took us 2 hours! She-devil! But my prof gave me a pass for class tomorrow! So I am not doing homework and I'm watching season 5 of the Office! Woot woot! I forgot how funny this show is. I've been watching Arrested Development. Also a fabulous show. But anyway, on to the quotes!
Prof. MacDonald (aka Jimmy Mac): "Who has strong opinions on this case?" (Mass. v. EPA)
Me: "I thought this case was crap!"
Hope Johnson: "I did not expect that from the quiet Mormon girl."

Trista Robinson: "That @#$% tent!"

Lara Hartman: "I am going to hell Emily"
Lara : "straight to hell"
Me : "why?"
Lara : "I am looking on facebook of people in the ward here and wow .....fugly tree hit hard here"

Lara Hartman: "Alaska called and they want their beard back!"

Scott Brinton: " I am the last person you should ask on how to tell someone 'no go buster.'"

There are more but I don't remember anymore...but once I do I'll post them!

Post Note: I did a church edit for you people whose eyes bleed when you see the swears. :)

Update: I am posting a picture of Trista with the tent because it was so dang funny to watch her try to put it up!

Two band-aids and still no dice.

I am an avid blood donor. I like to donate the blood as often as I can. I told my friend in Florida once that its like the Mormon version of a high. Yes she thought I was weird. But I donated blood back in July and was all excited to donate today. But as happens quite frequently with me I did not have enough iron. Its frustrating. So I made them prick another finger. That finger had even less than the first one! How is that possible?! Anyway, I'm back to trying to figure out what to do about it. I'll try again. Don't you all worry!

P.S. I'm also really craving fake cheese...like velveeta. I'm concerned by this.

Workout Wednesday and the age old question real injury or just an excuse?

I have done a lot better with the working out this week. Go team! I went running on Monday after 3 weeks (yes 3 weeks!!) of not running. I only did 2.5 miles. But apparently that was enough! I was so sore the next day and today. Which is odd since I've gone through patches of non-running before and I haven't been this sore since I started running about 8 years ago. Yes you would think after running for 8 years I'd be in shape. Ha! you are funny. There are a couple reasons as to why that is not true. The biggest reason is because I'm not consistent. If I was consistent I'd be in fabulous shape! The other reason is my genetic makeup. We McKenzie's are husky! We don't let go of our fat too easily. Let's just say when the famine comes you all are screwed!! I'll be fine though. So good luck with that! Anyway, so I biked to school on Tuesday but I also biked to school 3 out of the 5 days two weeks ago and 4 out of the 5 days a week. Today is where the question comes in. Since I've been sore from Monday I started my run this morning and my right knee...which hates me again...but not as bad as before...started hurting and my hamstring in the same leg hurt. I ended up for the first 6 minutes to do 3X1. Meaning 3 minutes running 1 minute walking. Then I ended up running the last 18 minutes. I decided that my first 6 minutes of "injury" was just an excuse. I rode my bike to school as well today and picked up a book for Trista. So in my wee backpack I had my huge immigration book 1500 pages and Trista's huge chemistry book, my laptop and plugs, a t-shirt and a full water bottle. Then I decide to take "short cut." Which involved 3 big hills. But I forced myself to ride up them. But it took me forever. Anyway, there is my working out. Peace out all!

Quote Tuesday!

Ok first off hooray for otter pops! Ok now on to the quotes. Sorry I don't have too many. I should write them down.

Trista Robison: "You don't want to get over him you want to get on him."
Dave Robins (Aka Hot Dave): "Its a hippie! Don't make eye contact. No Emily! Don't wave to him!"
Hyrum Hibbert: "Strong Dave. I refuse to call him 'Hot Dave'"
Trista Robison: "The young freshman still have flowers in their gardens. We have weeds."
Tim Linger: "Look Emily I have a sword." yikes...
Lara Hartman: "Because you can't trust anyone, not even yourself."

Once again hopefully more next week! Peace!

A great reminder!

I got a great reminder today so to why I ride my bike school and not drive. So I got up today and went for a run. and wow its been way to long since I did that. More about that on Wednesday. I got home from my run and dinked around for a bit then went and got a shower...yes contrary to popular belief I do shower. I just didn't so much during the summer. As I stated then summer semester was like camping. You only need to shower once a week. Since it is now fall semester I shower more often. Anyway, I got a shower, did my hair and makeup-side note I have made it a goal to actually look presentable one day a week. Today was that day so expect me to look like hell the rest of the week, but atleast you know that I'll have showered. Moving on. I am a little late leaving my house and I get to school and there is no where to park. At all! Now let me preface this next little rant on the fact that I normally like parking in the upper parking lot by the Kibbie Dome because I like the walk. However, today I was really late so I needed a close parking spot. No dice. So I finally find one at the very, very top of the KD parking and walk myself down to the law school. and what the *@#% there are 6 open spaces down there now! Needless to say I was 5 minutes late to class and Hot Dave laughed at me. Nice. I tend to make the greatest impressions on him. For those of you who are not aware. Hot Dave is well hot. 'nough said. But let me share a few examples of my stupidity around him. Example one: first time ever talking to him I trip over a chair. Example two: He sees me in the hall and says "Hi" I answer with "good" make a snorting sound and run off. And example three: I am in the hallway at the law school talking to my friend Christi when he comes around the corner. He waves and then says "hey hows it going?" I answer with "good. yourself?" At that exact moment I realize he is talking on his bluetooth and not talking to me. Awesome. Anyway, back to the purpose of this post. Since the parking was incredibly crappy I shall continue riding my bike to school. I did last week and that trend will continue until the snow comes. Sorry but I'm a wuss when it comes to riding my bike in the snow. I know I haven't written for a while like I said I would but now that I'm in the groove of things with school I shall continue. I believe I said this perviously but these posts won't be long bathroom reads. And once again if you are taking me in the bathroom with you I am really concerned about the nature of our realtionship. Anyway, I'm off! Until tomorrow my followers...until tomorrow.

Foodie and workout uh...sunday

So I know its been a bit and I was supposed to write on workout Wednesday and foodie Friday. Oops! Well workouts I went on a bike ride with the niece and nephew on Tuesday. That was cut short by the niece's bike tire being popped. So she and I walked back to their house that was probably a little over a half a mile. To make up for the short ride we went to Gardner Village. That was a workoutish thing. Except the niece and nephew bought big chunks of fudge. So...Wednesday I went to the Skyline Mine in Scofield, Utah. It was a good time! There was a lot of walking in floppy boots in the darkness. I'll expound on that whole experience on Monday. But it was a good workyout thing. One time we went down to the longwall...will explain later what that is...then we had to hike back to the truck. I was determined to keep up with the friend on the hike back and he has much longer legs than I do and non floppy boots. So it was a good challenge. Thursday was a no workout. The bike I had has had issues so no bike ride. I could have gone running and yes I need to work on that. Friday I had an exam in the morning, visited Janelle in the hospital and the new baby. Then not much else happened. Although my parents love me and bought me a new bike for my birthday. So I went on a short bike ride on Friday night. Saturday I took the bike out for a long ride. It was good.
Now on to the food. I haven't been so good. I had a sope on Wednesday and other mexican food on Friday then out to Charlie Chow's on Saturday. I need to focus on my food. I'm heading back to the 'Scow on hopefully Wednesday. So I can get back to my healthy house food. I'm an out of sight out of mind type person. If the crap food isn't around me then I won't eat it. I need to get back to Moscow. Ok the recipe today comes from none other than Janelle. So thanks Janelle! I added a few things to the recipe.

Chili

12 ounces ground TURKEY
6 Oz. Hot sausage, turkey is what I use.

1 cup chopped onion (large)

1/2 cup chopped green sweet pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained

1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 8 ounce can tomato sauce

2-3 teaspoons chili powder

2-3 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon dried basil, crushed

salt to taste

In a large saucepan cook ground TURKEY, onion, sweet pepper, and garlic until meat is brown and onin is tender; drain fat. Stir in kidney beans, undrained tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, basil and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.

I made this all the time during the winter and froze it. So thanks Janelle!

Tuesday quote day!

Lara Hartman: "I just saw a bear. And then a Texan chasing said bear..."
Abby McKenzie "I don't like her back there." Telling my mom this and referring to me because I told her to go in time out or go sit with her primary class.
Me: "I'll take bear butt!"
Morgan McKenzie: "Let's jet!"
Me: "So Jetta are looking into the military now?" (She interned for the JAG)
Jetta Hatch: "No. I hate having to take directions from stupid people."
Trista Robinson: "Tender chicken"
Lara Hartman: "I'm just trying to put things into perspective. WE need to be more forgiving."
Me: "Now I hate you!"
Justin McKenzie: "It must be an organic store." Going into Down to Earth at Gardner Village, its a furniture store.

Monday Musings!

My family had an eventful Sunday. So let me introduce the people involved. First we have Kyle...new nephew...preemie one. Karl and Becky, Kyle's padres, Dave and Eryn, other brother, Sam son of Dave, Nathan, son of Dave, and my dear car.
Ahem, here we go. My family, mom, dad, me, Kevin and Nanny, Abby, and Carson head down to Riverton to the blessing of Kyle. Dave and Eryn and brood were not there because Dave was getting released as bishop and put in as stake clerk. So then my dad bailed after the blessing to go to Dave's ward. My mom had her cellphone on in relief society and it went off and she was so embarrassed it was kind of funny. But it was my dad calling telling us that Sam is going to primary children's to get his appendix out. Nice! So then the padre brings the rest of Dave and Eryn's kids down to Riverton and I get to take them home. So the two girls and Nate are in my car and we are driving back to my parents house to change then head to theirs. I hear Nate behind me making odd sounds. So at the stoplight I turned around and he says "I'm going to hurl." I try to direct the possible hurliage but the light changed and he ralphed into his hand. So the next assault I was able to get the window open and he ralphed on the side of my car and a little inside, which by the way someone is riding in my car on Wednesday and I have no plans on telling him which side was ralphed on. Anyway, we get back to the parents house and I'm pretty sure we are done with the volley of chunkiness. So I go change out of the church clothes and we are heading over to their house, but my mom is smart and gets a plastic bag for that short drive. Thankfully he hit the bag for the last and final assault in my car. But my car has been christened and its offical I can now have children. Hooray for me.
My nephew, Sam, is good by the way. He was released from the hospital tonight. Nate is also fine. So things are good. On to other news. I have an ethics exam on Friday for the Utah Bar. That blows. I just need to pass it. I don't want to have to take it again.
So I have a goal:
Return all phones calls and emails promptly. I decided that I need to be a better people person. So that is my goal. If I don't return an email or phone call in a prompt time then let me know! Tomorrow is quote Tuesday! Be excited! I have good ones!

Note: I reread this and it sounds like I was scattered/high when I wrote it. I would, in my defense, like to state that I was talking on the phone and iming someone else while typing this blog. Thank you and good night!

Why? Because I like it!

I just like this photo...its a good time! Enjoy!

Ravioli and Fruit

So I'm writing this Tuesday but it won't be published until Friday. But here we go, Monday was a not great day. I skipped lunch because I was at the library studying. Dinner it was Cafe Rio salad...but I had no tortilla strips and had only a wee bit of vinaigrette. So while it wasn't the best it was better than it could have been. Today (Tuesday) I munched on junk but then I went to the store to go buy stuff to make cheese and herb ravioli. I've been wanting to make ravioli from scratch for a while but when I got to the store only fruit sounded good. So I ended up coming out with a salad, pineapple (mmmm), bananas, and grapes. I say I made a better choice on that one. I ate all the pineapple and my mouth feels funny now. Haha! But its all good. Mmmm pineapple.
So I addressed this a little yesterday (Thursday) but I have zero energy and so I need foods that can increase that. Lara was very helpful with her comment so I ate an egg today for breakfast. I decided that part of the problem is that I'm not eating period because there isn't really anything at my parents house that I want to eat since a lot of it is not the healthy so I just don't eat. That is an issue. Then I'm so hungry so I eat crap. Like last night I babysat Abby and Carson and ended up eating a corn dog...gag and gag...and ramen noodles. So we are working on eating something. But anyway here is the recipe for the day that I love. I make these whenever I want a hamburger.

Turkey Burgers (I don't really have measurements...I just throw it in until it looks good. Sorry. But I'll guess)
1 lb Lean ground turkey
1/2 cupish of light Feta Cheese
1/2 cupish spinach...I usually buy the frozen kind but fresh works too.
1 egg
Italian seasonings.

Mix it all together and form into patties and cook. Enjoy! :)

Workout uh...Thursday

Janelle was nice enough today to remind me that I failed to post yesterday. Whoops! These posts by the way are going to be short little things. Not long reads you would take into the bathroom. Which by the way if you are taking me into the bathroom I'm a little concerned about our relationship. Ok so working out.
Last week was awesome! I got up at 6:00 and went for runs and it was awesome! This week not so much. I rode my bike to the library yesterday and I actually really liked that ride. It was a fun ride back. The only other thing I did was park at the end of the parking lot at Harmon's. Woo. My issue is not having any energy. Which maybe I should address this on Foodie Friday but I am wondering what foods I can eat to get more energy. But yes like I said I'll address that on Friday. But if anyone has suggestions now that would be great! Ok I'm going to the library to study for the stupid MPRE (that's the ethics exam for being admitted to the bar) and I'm going to bike again. But I think I'll pick a library further away. We shall see!

Quote Tuesday!

Monica Hovey Periera: "I'm going to hate you aren't I?" This is when I told her things she wouldn't be able to eat and workouts she will have to do when I move back in January.

Trista Robison: "Are you stealing her happiness too?" When I told her I was making Monica eat veggies one day.

Blog Makeover!

I've decided to give my blog a bit of a change. I'm going to try to add something daily. I need something to do while at home and I think this will help with some other goals I have besides my boredom while at home. Granted I should be studying for the MPRE but whatever. So here is the plan. (Oh and don't make fun of my attempt to be creative. Some of us are not as witty and creative as others.)
Monday Musing-
This will be my weekly update/thoughts. I like to think I have interesting musing. So here we go.
Tuesday Quotes-
I have decided that I really like random quotes from people! So I'll be adding the weekly quote list on Tuesday's. Feel free to add some if you'd like.
Wednesday Workouts-
I need to be more accountable when it comes to working out. So I'm going to add my list of workouts and things I've done to increase my activity...like parking away from the store or taking the stairs over elevator.
Thursday.....uh no Thursday things...
Foodie Fridays-
I also need to be accountable when it comes to eating healthier. I'm going to include on healthy recipe every Friday and what I have done to eat more goodies like veggies and fruit!

So that is the plan. I don't know how well I do once school starts again. But we shall see.

Woot Woot! A little over 4 months left!

No I'm not pregnant. Sorry that just sounded like I was counting down to my delivery date. What I am counting down to is my last day of law school! EVER! Not only law school but school period! I am so stoked. I am tired of school. I'm ready to get a job again! If that means flipping burgers I'll do it just so I can have an income. Ok no not really I haven't gone to school for almost 2 1/2 years to work at a fast food place. Although I do have to pay those school loans back some how. *shudder* school loans. But I plan on working to get them paid off pretty quickly. And for those of you who think my loans are unnecessary yeah you try going to law school with no loans. If you do it I would be incredibly shocked. Its just not possible. Anyway moving on. So I've been down in West Valley for a little over a week and its been good to be back with the family and friends. But at the same time I miss Moscow and my little life up there. Although that varies, sometimes I don't want to go back and I just want to stay and hang with family and friends. Its all very conflicting. Janelle did bring over a great incentive to want to stay tonight. Mmmm....cake balls. I'd attempt to make them but I'm sucky at cake so you'll have to ask her for some. They are cake formed into balls...hence the name...and covered in white chocolate. Mmmhmm. That doesn't really help with my trying to be healthy thing but I only had one so its all good. And they were gluten free and you couldn't even tell. Really though I like her gluten free cake. Its not bad at all. Anyway, this is not a blog on Janelle. Although I'm sure you would love that.

So my other little thing I wanted to address are the great little comments I've received since I've been back to visit. I am saying your names because it just adds so much to it. Just because I quote you doesn't mean the quotes were bad, just amusing to me.
Topic: Marriage
My dad: "You don't need love to get married...they used to have arranged marriages you know."
Janelle Ertmann: "You should get married so then we know which Sis. McKenzie people are talking about. But only for that reason."
Josh Ertmann: "What's your problem? Too picky?" "Just realize that all guys are really flawed."
Random lady at church: "You are getting older aren't you? When are you getting married?"
Sue Turley: (this one was when she invited me to a YSA activity) "There are lots of old people there!"
Becky McKenzie: "See but if they (future husband) does something stupid before you are married you can tease them about it your whole married life! Then you get your revenge."

Topic: My schooling
Louise Webb: "Don't get a big head on you though." "I'm serious don't go thinking you are better than us!"
Norma Fisher: "Immigration law right? Helping those illegals I assume."
Another random lady at church: "Well then aren't you ambitious." (I'm not sure in what way she meant to say this...as a good thing or sarcastic.)

I like this quote thing! So here are some favorite random quotes from people.
Lara Hartman: "She has the freak flag but doesn't fly it."
Trista Robison: "We can find two lesbians in Genessee but not the Kendrick pool!"
Someone from the legal clinic: "Are we a clinic for the nutty? We should put that on our letterhead."
Carri Shore: "Someone just asked me when I was due...I'm going on a diet right now!" (She had a baby in May)
More to come I am sure! Well that's it for me. Peace and love all!

What a better way to celebrate the 4th then with the farmers market, heat exhaustion and fireworks in Pullman

Happy 4th everyone. I was way ambitious last night saying I was going to celebrate the 4th by getting up early and going fir a 5k run before the farmers market. Uh right...but I did get up and bike to the farmers market. Love it! I bought squash, rainer cherries, green beans, a strawberry smoothie and a bagel. It was grand. I biked home and decided I still needed to do my run. So its 11:45 and I take off for my 5k. I ran 2.5k without stopping, except for once because there is one house that I run past that has their dogs outside. So I made it half way through my 5k without stopping, but the way back was so hot! I ended up having to do 3 min runs and 20 second walks. But I did it dang it! After I went on to my back porch and dumped water on my head. It was probably a good thing because my head was really hot. It felt good. As dumb as this sounds I am glad I did a run because I wanted to do something on the 4th that made it seem like an accomplishment for the day. Yeah that sounds dumb but it works. Like last thanksgiving I got up at 6:00 and went for a 4 mile run. Just because it was Thanksgiving. So kind of the same thinking. Bad thing is though is that my ACL knee is really sore today. It hasn't been sore since right after my surgery. So I'm a little concerned. I'm going to ice it and see about getting a knee brace. My dad suggested I stop running. Yeah that's not going to happen. As much as I hate it I also love it too much to not run. But we'll figure it out.
After the run I made turkey burgers, orzo pasta, and a cherry pie for dinner. It was good. I had big plans to finish my upper level paper....which I got some done on yesterday...and study for my two finals. I got started around 9 and then I got a call from my friend Tana about going to the firework show in Pullman. So we headed out and made it at the perfect time. The band had just finished up and the firework show was going to get started. There were a ton of people there! I was quite surprised. So a few observations about the fireworks. 1. why do they use country songs? Granted I will admit they tend to be the patriotic ones. I can't really see Green Day or REM doing any patriotic songs. 2. I really like firework shows. Its been a long time since I'd seen one. 3. Ok here is the cheesyness. If you don't want to read it skip to number 4. So I had the opportunity to work on an asylum case with a guy from Zimbabwe. The basis of his claim is based on political opinion. So meaning things he says while here in America about Zimbabwe he could get imprisoned, tortured or killed for. So I was watching the fireworks really greatful for those rights we have. 4. The fireworks really close so my first thought was, "if someone gets burned by them then the firework company is liable because fireworks is a strict liability tort." But then I tried to figure out the rest of the time if you could also sue the city. Lame yes. Anyway! That was my fabulous 4th. I have 5 months and counting until I'm done with law school. Wahoo!!

Its been awhile!

The Palouse!!

I can't believe I haven't written since March. I'm a slacker. But there really isn't much to tell. I finished up my hellish spring semester. I didn't get the grades I wanted but at least I passed! :) My GPA did take a hit but oh well. As long as I get the diploma that's all that matters. I plan on going solo straight out so I really don't care what my grades are. Going solo is going to be scary but we'll see what happens. I did learn yesterday that on of the top immigration attorneys in Montana charges $300 and hour! $300! That is insane! I was feeling bad about charging $100 an hour. Pfft $100 is nothing. I'm still going to stick to that but I won't feel bad about it. I will have free first consultation to determine if I want to take the case or not then I'll start charging. Sorry but I've got to eat. If I could do it all free I would. But I can't. I'm currently in summer school and I want to poke my eyeballs out just so I can get some sleep. Its my fault though. I need to save the late nights for the weekend. I have two classes, legal clinic, and writing my upper level division paper. Classes are ok. Just a lot of reading which is fine. I'm used to that. My paper is not happening. Its like I'm putting off my thesis for a year. That was for you Lara. :) I plan on doing some work on it this weekend. We shall see. Clinic is slowly sucking the life out of me. I HAVE to get at least 5 hours a day in clinic to get my 180 hours in before the 18th of July. Really though I like it. I finally feel like I could do the whole law thing. I have 15 cases to handle. Other people in the clinic...yeah they have at most 6. I have 12 domestic violence or victim's rights cases and 3 immigration cases. The immigration cases I LOVE! The DV and VR cases are ok. But I'm mostly doing divorces and child custody things. Not too interested in that. My immigration cases are fascinating! I love it. I'm learning a ton about the whole process and my loathing for ICE is increasing.
Summer in Moscow is awesome! Its not too hot and the nights are awesome. From my house I get some pretty great sunsets. I sit on my back porch and do homework. Its great. I am going to the river this Saturday to do cliff jumping then we are coming back to my house for a BBQ. I'm excited. Should be great fun. Then once Lara gets back from Alaska we'll be heading up to Coeur D'Alene tp go play in the lake and hot tub. Wahoo! Things are good. I really like the Northwest. I could see myself settling here at some point in my life. I'm thinking more Seattle/Portland. I like the coast. I've been biking to class almost everyday for the last two weeks. I love it! Granted its been making me late so I need to do better at leaving earlier. But I'm working on it. There are some days where my only time to workout are my rides to and from school. Also my friend Trista and I are working out at nights too and she is having me do strength training and she is kicking my butt but I need it and its worth it! I'm supposed to go home at the end of July and stay until almost the end of August but I am thinking I might head back to Moscow a week early to play some more. We'll see.
Well I think that's all I have to say for now. But Here are some lovely photos and Lara the last moose one is just for you!
I went biking with the nephew up by Snowbird while I was home for a week in between classes and that dang mountain kicked my butt! That is now my enemy and I am determined to bike that thing!

This is a wee moose I saw on my way back from Elk River. Sorry its not a better picture. He's a little shy.

Washington DC, Sickness and a Dead Car Battery

For spring break I went to Washington DC. My sister moved there because her husband is working for the State Department as a Foreign Services Officer. They are headed to Mexico in June. They are going to Nuevo Laredo. That would be a border town. That could be exciting but I'm sure things will be fine. So I got to DC on Saturday the 14th. I went to church with them on Sunday and slept off the jetlag the rest of the day. Monday we went to the Air and Space Museum at Dulles International Airport. It was cool. I'm a total nerd for the helicopters. It was cool. That night Becky took me down to the Jefferson Memorial to take some night photos of momuments. But it was raining a lot so they didn't turn out so well. Tuesday I went off on my own. I rode the metro to the Mall and walked fromt he Smithsonian up to the Supreme Court behind the Capitol. On my way to the Supreme Court I got to see Pres. Obama coming out of the Capitol. My pics aren't that great with that because I was far away. But it was cool. Even if you don't like Obama its still cool to see your Pres. I spent most of my time at the Supreme Court that day. I'm a total law student. The security guard laughed at me because I was all giddy about the Justice Marshall exhibit. I then walked down to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. It was cool. Then went to the American History Museum and only spent a little time there because they were closing. I then went to the National Archives and saw the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights. On Wednesday I went with Becky and the kids to go check out the monuments. We started at the Jefferson Memorial and walked the circle to the FDR, Korea, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam, WWII, and Washington Monument. It was fun and finally sunny for once. Thursday I went on my own again to the Library of Congress, really cool building and the Supreme Court again...mostly to get things for the law student friends. Then I went to Arlington Cemetary. I saw the changing of the guard. That is really cool! I also saw JFK's memorial. Friday my sister and the kids and I went to the National Zoo...really nice zoo and its free! I saw the baby gorilla. It's so cute! Then that night I met up with Steve Schaefermeyer and his roommate Loren for dinner. They both are going to law school next fall and are checking out schools. So I don't remember Steve being as tall or as big as he is. I came to maybe Steve's soulder. It was weird and Loren is tall too. So I was walking between two really tall guys and I felt really short. Saturday we went to Fort McHenry in Baltimore. That is where Francis Scott Key was when he wrote the Star Spangled Banner durig the War of 1812. Then I flew home. Wahoo.







So the sickness came from the DC metro. I got sick on Thursday and its just gotten worse. It's Sunday and I currently have no voice. I have a cough and sore throat. The reason why it annoys me is because I've been wanting to get sick all semester so I could miss class. But no it happens over Spring Break. But I don't think I'm going to class tomorrow anyway.
I came home on Saturday and got in my car to go buy medicine for my cold and my car battery was complety dead. So I called my friend back who picked me up and we tried to be manly girls and jump my car on our own. It was in pouring rain too. However, that was not going to work. We tried we really did. We thought we were cool because we actually had jumper cables! But I couldn't remeber how to do it. So I ended up calling my friend Scott to come help us out. I was really appreciative. I now need to repay him some how. But now my car is fixed and we are all happy. I'm glad to be home. I really enjoyed my trip and spending time with my sister and her family. But there is just something about your own bed when you are sick that makes things better. Well that's it. I'm out!

"Mr. Chief Justice"

Chief Justice John G. Roberts was at the Bellwood Lecture today. He is really cool. Really articulate and humble. In the morning we had a breakfast and then a Q & A with the Chief Justice. It was cool except on the panel we had a jerkface from Washington State University. The Q&A was essentially for the law students to ask questions. But they had the panel there to ask a few questions and then leave it open for us. Well this guy took 45 minutes! So we only had 20 minutes to ask questions. But CJ Roberts was really cool because he said that he would stay longer and answer more questions. But they had to end it. Then we had the main lecture that afternoon. The Chief Justice talked about Lincoln and how he was a great attorney and man. It was good. Then he opened the floor for questions and this crazy lady wanted to know why the Supreme Court wouldn't listen to her case about allowing Obama to become president when he isn't a US citizen and she was going off. So the Chief Justice interuppted her said that she could leave her papers with the security and he would look them over and that due to his position he could not discuss cases and ended it. Smooth! That is how you do it! We also were told a story about him. On Monday the Supreme Court held a dinner for the new senators. The dinner started at 6:30 and the Chief Justice was an hour and a half late. Because his son had a pinewood derby at the same time. So he went to that instead. How cool is that?! Anyway it was really great and I enjoyed it and CJ Roberts is my new favorite justice. It was Rehinquist but not as much. CJ Roberts gave a quote from him about balance in your life. It was "if you want to be with your kids when they are little, you need to be with them when they are little." Pretty cool. I know I'm a nerd.

Ages

So its been ages since I wrote here and since I'm being a slacker in the school regard I thought I'd update the blog. Its finally Spring in the Palouse. (That's the name of the area around here) I'm really excited because after months of no sun it finally showed up today and I love it. I unfortunately did not get up to go for a run this morning and it is a perfect day to do it too. But I will go tonight. I am having the sister missionaries over for dinner tonight and I made low fat enchiladas. I don't know if they will turn out but I'm going to see what happens. So on Monday I went for a lovely run outside and I was really excited because it was a long run and I thought that I had cut down on my running time. So I get home check my Nike+ and guess what?! It didn't detect anything! I was so annoyed. I think I need a new sensor or new shoes. Well for sure I need new shoes but I spent the money I had set aside for it on an aerogarden. I'm an idiot. I bid for the aerogarden on ebay and actually won it. Its an indoor garden thing and I plan on growing herbs. Not the illegal kind. That's for the closet. But I was really excited about it until I realized I didn't have the money for it and I should have used that money for new running shoes. Like I said I'm an idiot.
Speaking of idiots Chief Justice John Roberts is coming to the law school to speak on the 13th. Really I don't think he's an idiot I just needed a segway. But I'm really excited he is coming and look forward to hearing what he has to say. For those of you that don't know CJ Roberts is the chief justice of the US Supreme Court. He's the one that messed up the oath for Obama. I was totally law nerding out and doing all sorts of google searches on him. It should be good. Then that morning I am flying to Washington DC for spring break. I'm totally stoked for that one! Besides the fact that I have to get up at 4:00am to drive to Spokane.
Ok one last thing. So I was a participant in a skit at a talent show last Friday. I played my Bishop's wife. Well in this we teased her about a little date club she and the Bishop have. They invite people over on Friday and they have dinner and play games. Well after this skit she's been threatening me that I might have to go do it sometime. I'm concerned.

Update: It snowed yesterday....and its freezing today. So much for Spring. Stupid snow.

Don't Cry Out

1. Put your music library on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG TITLE DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing this. Post a comment on their blog that says "You've been tagged! See my blog for details."
1) IF SOMEONE SAYS, "IS THIS OKAY," YOU SAY?
Vuelve
2) WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
The Great Escape
3) WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Stronger
4)HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
You Give Love a Bad Name--Oh wow...that's so true!
5) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Another One Bites The Dust
6) WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Indestructible
7) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
In Bloom--Odd
8) WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Everybody Hurts
9) WHAT IS 2+2?
Jamming
10) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Thriller--Hey that's the same one I got! (Janelle has that too on hers)
11) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Love Is a Battlefield
12) WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
What I've Done
13) WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Rain, Tax
14) WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
I'll Be There
15) WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Curse of Curves--HAHA!
16) WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Make You Feel Better
17) WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Echo
18) WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Blood on the Ground
19) WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Mr. Brightside
20) WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Immortality
21) WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Don't Cry Out

Skiing and the new year

Well happy late new year everyone! I really don't like New Year's resolutions for myself because I figure I should be trying to improve myself all year. However, I am trying to change somethings for the month of January. First off my eating and working out has been horrid! So that's priority number one. Second I really need to focus on school since this is my worst semester with seven classes and 19 credits so I really need to make a school study plan. Third, I HAVE to budget! I can't afford to not have any money come June. I'm staying in school for the summer and need that money for rent and to survive. So that's the plan for January. I just need to take it one day at a time and eventually I'll get into a habit. Ok so one thing I've been trying to do forever was go skiing. I've always wanted to try it. So last Wednesday I went skiing up at Alta. This guy told me about a ski free after three at Alta. So me, Lindsey, Deborah, and Lindsey's sister Marie went skiing. It was fun! I was the only one who had not been skiing before so of course I spent the majority of the time on the ground. But I took sometime to get used to the skis and I felt a little better and I think the next time I go I'll be a little more daring. But I took some photos. Enjoy!

Awesome sunset on the way down the mountain.
Deborah Ashby, Me, Marie Livingston, Lindsey Livingston
That would be how I spent the first part of my skiing adventure.
Lindsey fell to make me feel better I'm sure!


So one odd thing, the guy who told me about the skiing at Alta was actually there when we were. Threw me off a little bit. I was just grateful that he didn't see the part where I was on my bum the whole time. Well anyway, that's it for this post. I have to get back to reading Harry Potter! He's about to go die by giving himself up to Voldemort! Harry's life sucks.