Hello Again

I'm sure you're surprised to hear that I've been busy.

I've been keeping busy at the DOJ; I've mostly been working on memos, but I've also seen a few hearings and arguments. I've also been able to see a few movies and go to some family events. The family gathered at my parents' house for Memorial Day, where we had lunch and watched the twins' commercial. On Saturday, I went with the rest of the family to see the twins tap dance; after the (2 1/2 hour, 30 number) performance, we went out for dessert.

I got Friday off because of Reagan's death, so I spent the morning at my grandparents' with my mom and sister (and dog); the TV was on, so I was able to watch some of the eulogies. Later, I went to my sister's new apartment, and the two of us watched DVDs while waiting for her new bed to arrive.

Busy, Busy, Busy...

I started my externship on Monday, so I have been pretty busy. Things have been relatively laid-back at the Department of Justice, but I have worked with my fellow externs on a memo. The environment in the department is good, as everyone is very friendly and assignments are fairly flexible. The supervisor has also encouraged us to see appellate arguments and administrative hearings whenever things aren't too busy.

I've also been meeting up with my sister and dad a bit, as my externship is pretty close to USC and my dad's office. Over the weekend, Chrissie and I helped Matt with a film project of his, although I spent the bulk of the time watching Matt's TiVo. I helped out a bit on Monday as well. Last night, I was able to use my sister's guest membership at the gym and work out with her and my dad. After we went to dinner, I went to see a screening of Shrek 2 with Chrissie and Matt.

Settled In

I have more or less moved into my room for the summer, although there are a few things I'd like to take to Northridge when I get the time. I was able to find a 'place' for everything, and things are starting to fall into order.

On Mother's Day, I went to Chuck E. Cheese with the family; since the twins are still young, it's less of a headache than the traditional brunch. Everyone seemed to have a good time, and it was good to see my family again.

Other than that, things have been pretty quiet around here. I've devoted most of my energy to settling in, and have taken some time for free reading and DVD watching. I also got to see my sister tonight, as she came over to see what my room looked like.

I'm probably going to spend the remainder of the week on random chores and tasks; I'd like to have everything taken care of before I start my externship on the 24th.

Moving Out

My exams have been taken, my papers are finished, and all I have left to do is move out.

Moving tends to be an ordeal for me, and I have less time to get out of here than I originally thought I would. However, it's generally easier than moving out of Bryn Mawr was (although I didn't have heavy things like microwaves or TVs there), since I only have to drive a few blocks to get to the place I'm subletting. I was also able to get some help from my mom, who took the stuff that I wouldn't need over the summer.

I've already carried the first group of things over, but I still have quite a bit of stuff to move, plus I need to clean and vacuum before I leave. It should be nice once I'm moved in, although I'll have to make do with dial-up internet access and won't be online too much for a while.

Awaiting Summer

Classes ended yesterday. It seems like the semester has passed by so quickly. I only hope that I have enough time to study for exams. Week 2 should be more than manageable, as I only have one exam late in the week, but the first week might be difficult, as I have three exams, two of which are on the same day. At the moment, I'm taking it easy; I need to recuperate a little after having lost some sleep over the last week.

I've also been busy with meetings for the NAALJ journal and Moot Court Board as well as a trip downtown for fingerprinting (so that I can extern at the Department of Justice). I also got my car back from the shop, but I am going to have to take it back, as the carburetor needs to be replaced.

I am looking forward to the summer, though. The externship should be a nice change from academic work, even though the commute will be exhausting (and expensive, if you consider gas and parking costs).

Busy

Easter was fun; I went to a family gathering at my parents' house. It was good to see everyone again, and we were able to take the annual Christmas picture, since everyone from my mom's side of the family was present.

Yesterday, when I drove my car, the engine stalled as I was going downhill. Since my brakes wouldn't work, I had pretty few options, so I steered into a nearby curb. Inevitably, I hit the rear end of a parked car, so I left a note and later met up with the car's owner. I sent the car in for repairs and picked up a rental car as soon as I could (this makes this the second time in a one or two week period that my car has needed repairs). Fortunately, I wasn't hurt and the damage was minimal, but I am a little concerned, mostly because stalling has been a recurring problem with the car, even though I do try and get it repaired.

I was pretty busy yesterday. In addition to taking care of the car situation, I needed to go to the doctor's office for a checkup. Later on, I had to go to the local pharmacy to pick up my prescription. I had to return a few times; my medicine was not ready the first time, and they needed more time to check my insurance the second time around.

Easter Eve

I spent the largest portion of my week working on a paper. The paper took it's toll on my room; papers are strewn everywhere, and I haven't had the time to focus on keeping things tidy. Hopefully, I'll find some time later this week.

Though I've been busy for most of the week, I was able to go to USC and see a student performance of Patience, Gilbert and Sullivan's satire of aestheticism, with my sister, dad, and grandparents. The school puts a great deal of effort into their musicals, and the result was very good (particularly since I like Gilbert and Sullivan to begin with). I was also able to meet up with a friend on Friday, and that was a nice break after a week of writing.

In other news, Ken Starr (yes, that Ken Starr) has recently been appointed as dean of my law school. Though I'm sure that the appointment will raise the school's profile, my feelings on the matter are a little mixed. I'm not surprised, though; at least among students, the appointment has been treated as a foregone conclusion for some time now.

I found out on Wednesday that I will be the Legal Summaries editor for the NAALJ Journal next year. The job is basically what it sounds like; I will be selecting and writing summaries for recent cases. I was slightly surprised, because my interview didn't go well, but I'm glad I got an editorial position.