Vacation and Holidays

Yes, I am still around.

I have been on vacation since the 7th; I had my last exam (Income Tax) on the 6th. Unfortunately, I haven't been as productive as I would have liked, although I do have some time left. I would like to use some of my remaining vacation time to do some career research and keep up with my research assistant work.

It has been pretty peaceful in my apartment, as my roommates left for the holidays after they finished their exams. Although things have been quiet, I've kept myself a little busy. I have been able to meet with a few friends over the holidays, which has been nice. In addition, I've been trying to paint; although I enjoy drawing, I feel that I don't have very much experience with paints, so I'd like to change that. I've also been able to go to Disneyland with my sister and her longtime friend; as I hadn't seen the park set up for Christmas since I was little, the trip was fun despite the crowds. Right now, I am at home with my parents and sister, and will be celebrating Christmas with them as well.

Anyway, I hope that everyone has a good holiday season!

Still Around

Yes, I am still here. Classes ended on Wednesday, and my exams begin next week. Otherwise, things have been fairly ordinary.

Thanksgiving was fun; I went with my family for the now-traditional Thanksgiving meal at the Knott's Berry Farm chicken restaurant. I was joined by my parents, sister, aunt, uncle, and cousins (the twins), along with Chrissie's friend Laura and two newly-married friends of my aunt and uncle.

I've also signed up for next semester's classes. I am going to take my final required course (Wills and Trusts) plus three seminar courses; the seminars include a "Jurisprudence" class and two Constitutional Law seminars (one of which is taught by our "beloved" dean).

Late Night Posting

I can't believe that September is more than halfway over; the school year seems to be going by quickly.

My sister's 21st birthday was on the eighth, and, in order to celebrate, the family (plus Matt) went to Las Vegas for that weekend. We stayed at the Venetian and went to various attractions in the area, including the Liberace museum, the Stratosphere tower, the gondolas at the Venetian, and Madame Tussaud's. Additionally, we went to see a somewhat cheesy Rat Pack tribute show, which was fun.

Chrissie also had a birthday dinner with some of her friends on the 17th. Two of my friends were also able to come to the dinner, which made it enjoyable.

Yes, I've Been Busy

As of tomorrow, I will have completed my third week of classes; the idea that I am back in school is still a little unreal. My schedule for the semester is as follows:

Monday
Civil Rights (10:20-11:20)

Tuesday
Federal Income Tax (1:30-3:00)

Wednesday
Community Property (9:10-10:10)
Civil Rights (10:20-11:20)
Supreme Court Seminar (11:30-1:00)

Thursday
Supreme Court Seminar (11:30-1:00)
Federal Income Tax (1:30-3:00)
Ethical Lawyering (3:10-5:10)

Friday
Community Property (9:10-10:10)
Civil Rights (10:20-11:20)

Hello Again

I haven't been able to update lately; I've just been too busy.

My externship finishes this Friday, as I will be starting school on Monday. The externship has remained interesting. The Department of Justice arranged for all of the student interns to meet with California Attorney General Bill Lockyer and state Appellate Justice Mallano; both answered questions and gave general overviews of their work. I've also been keeping myself busy with research and writing assignments, and have been present at two administrative hearings.

Yes, I'm Still Here

If you haven't guessed, I've been pretty busy, so I've been hard-pressed to update.

My birthday was on the 11th. To celebrate, I went to dinner with my family (parents, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins... Chrissie is in Oxford right now). In addition, I went to dinner with my friend Natasha on the 12th.

My externship has been going well. On June 29th, I went to Santa Barbara and participated in an administrative hearing. The case concerned a chiropractor who had gotten two drunk driving convictions; the Board wanted to impose discipline, but the chiropractor argued that no discipline was appropriate. I did more than I had expected to. I was able to cross-examine three character witnesses and a psychologist, and I also got to make a closing statement.

In addition to working on research projects, I've also been able to make occasional visits to courts and the Office of Administrative Hearings. These visits included two trips to the criminal courthouse, where I saw the examination of an expert witness (DNA analyst) and closing arguments in a relatively high-profile case.

I was slated for jury duty on July 6th; I was a little concerned because I had deadlines to meet, but I never ended up going to court.

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.