"Property law is more of a hazing ritual than an actual subject." --Michael C. Dorf
The Five-Minute Law School makes for somewhat entertaining reading, and might be of interest to my non-law school and non-lawyer friends who don't understand about what I'm speaking half the time.
8.06.2005
8.05.2005
friday: morning, noon and night
Morning: Spent it trying to get the sleep out of my eyes. For some reason, kinda tired these days.
Noon: Tried to go see a movie with my cousin. AND THE POWER WAS OUT! I kid you not, there was a sign on the locked doors of the movie theater stating that due to a power outage, there would be no showings until further notice. And apparently that had just happened, what, with the people and their half-eaten tubs of popcorn, streaming out of the complex, probably in mid-movie. So. What to do? Instead, we rented Miss Congeniality 2. What a way to spend a Friday afternoon: watching Sandra Bullock snort in her big bird costume. Not as good as the first, but, ya know. Not the worst sequel ever, either.
Night: When people at work ask my father what he did over the weekend, he can reply that his daughter got him hooked on sudoku (or su do ku, however one wishes to spell it - I can never say it properly, but thankfully that's not a requirement to play), and he and my mother spent Friday night learning how to play. Of course it was on one of the most difficult I've done yet - they get harder as the week goes on, just like crossword puzzles. Poor guy. Friday's not the day to start trying. I managed to do my first one on an easy Tuesday one a few weeks ago. (He might also say to his coworkers that his daughter convinced him to play tennis, infra.)
Other news: I got a tennis racqet for my birthday from my dad. I'm waiting for the inaugural match. I also got a new set of tennis balls, and can't wait to open the vacuum seal on the canister. I'm waiting 'til I actually play just to prolong the anticipation of opening the vacuum seal. It's like being a kid all over again, only instead of playing with the box the toy came in or the wrapping paper, I'm look forward to peeling off the metal lid of a tennis ball canister. I hope tomorrow will be the day! It's hard to believe sometimes that I'm really as old as I am; I don't feel like I'm that old (and with the whole canister lid thing, I'm probably not acting my age, either).
Noon: Tried to go see a movie with my cousin. AND THE POWER WAS OUT! I kid you not, there was a sign on the locked doors of the movie theater stating that due to a power outage, there would be no showings until further notice. And apparently that had just happened, what, with the people and their half-eaten tubs of popcorn, streaming out of the complex, probably in mid-movie. So. What to do? Instead, we rented Miss Congeniality 2. What a way to spend a Friday afternoon: watching Sandra Bullock snort in her big bird costume. Not as good as the first, but, ya know. Not the worst sequel ever, either.
Night: When people at work ask my father what he did over the weekend, he can reply that his daughter got him hooked on sudoku (or su do ku, however one wishes to spell it - I can never say it properly, but thankfully that's not a requirement to play), and he and my mother spent Friday night learning how to play. Of course it was on one of the most difficult I've done yet - they get harder as the week goes on, just like crossword puzzles. Poor guy. Friday's not the day to start trying. I managed to do my first one on an easy Tuesday one a few weeks ago. (He might also say to his coworkers that his daughter convinced him to play tennis, infra.)
Other news: I got a tennis racqet for my birthday from my dad. I'm waiting for the inaugural match. I also got a new set of tennis balls, and can't wait to open the vacuum seal on the canister. I'm waiting 'til I actually play just to prolong the anticipation of opening the vacuum seal. It's like being a kid all over again, only instead of playing with the box the toy came in or the wrapping paper, I'm look forward to peeling off the metal lid of a tennis ball canister. I hope tomorrow will be the day! It's hard to believe sometimes that I'm really as old as I am; I don't feel like I'm that old (and with the whole canister lid thing, I'm probably not acting my age, either).
musical strangeness
It's odd. I've always been a pianist, first and foremost. Violin definitely played second fiddle in my musical life. I've played piano longer, competed with piano, etc., etc. All of a sudden, all I'm playing is violin. I've been in a few orchestras lately, which is always nice, but now I'm getting calls to play in weddings. And they pay me $$$. This is new. Not that I haven't played in weddings before, but I have never been asked this frequently. Solo violin, quartets, all of that. Thank you, Bethlehem orchestra and others for your referrals. I appreciate it. For you nicely engaged couples (and your $), I would be happy to play my violin. It's nice to finally have a return on that investment. (though it is nice to just be able to play, all musicians like a good tangible return, too.) I used to teach piano lessons and that got me the tangible return, plus warm fuzzies inside. Now I can say the same for violin, and prove to my parents those lessons were not in vain (though the orchestras should have proved that to them, except for the paid part). And good thing brides usually prefer about the same repertoire; I would really dislike having to learn all new music for every single wedding. Now if only I could get them to quit requesting the world's most overplayed wedding piece (and piece in general), Pachelbel's Canon...
what's in a name?
So, I've just got to ask. I know personal hygiene is just that (personal!), but a question has begun to form in my (admittedly weird) brain. Who is naming deoderant scents these days?! And why do they all end with "breeze"? Do the brand marketers really think that adding "breeze" to the end of whatever other name they have chosen will make me want to purchase that particular scent more? I recently purchased just such a personal hygiene product (I know, I know: you're all thrilled for me). While throwing out the old and putting in its place the new, I noticed that they both ended in "breeze." One is "Sunset Breeze" and the other is "Ocean Breeze." I probably would not have purchased either if I had noticed what scent it was while I was still in the store. I just don't care that much, though; I wanted to make my purchase and get out of there.
I get what Ocean Breeze is supposed to be - I'm guessing it's supposed to conjure up thoughts of nice warm water, sandy beaches, all that, which if you think about it, doesn't really even appeal as a scent I want clinging to me throughout the day. I mean, when you leave the beach, don't you just want to go home and get rid of that sandy feeling, that salty tang? why would I want to put something on that reminds me of salt from sweat and ocean? but whatever. I admit that the beach can have a very nice aroma and brings to mind pleasant memories. Or at least the name "Ocean Breeze" brings to mind the pleasant beach memories. I am still not really sure that the deoderant in and of itself reminds me of the ocean. but it's better than calling it "Fragrance" (or "Fragrance Breeze") which is what the scent is according to the ingredient list for both.
No, the real enigma is Sunset Breeze. What the heck is that? Sunset is a different sense, people! It's sight, not smell. Now, granted; just like colors, they're probably running out of names for scents.If they're running out of names that can actually be associated with something I'd smell, I'd take a non-scent sense name over one that has bad connotations. for example, i'd rather have "Sunset Breeze" than "Sewage Breeze" or something of that nature. although the way they're naming things and they way people are sucking up the branding, you'd think that the "breeze" would make it all better... And back to that "breeze" thing. Isn't that a touch kind of sense? Breezes, or winds, cannot be smelled or seen, so now they're bringing in a whole new sense from the five. Pretty soon we'll be getting sound names. Like "Serenade Breeze."
And is it just me, or have the number of choices for scents increased in the last few years? So not only are they running out of names, they're going to have to have more than the two words they're using now because they keep adding new varieties; new senses will have to be added just to keep up. It'll be "Sunset Echo Breeze" before long. If they add a taste sense, it'll be "Bittersweet Sunset Breeze with hint of Echo." This, all within 5-10 years, people! The deoderant will need its own aisle, let alone the other items like soap and shampoo. Those megalomarts will become even huger, just to accommodate deoderant.
and it's not like you can go around your local drugstore or superstore or million-mile-market and go testing. it's not like perfume, you know. can you imagine the strange looks you'd get if you were to go around sniffing at them? you'd probably get arrested because someone thinks you've found a new way to get high, or you're a pervert going through some horrific ritual. ok, maybe not that extreme, but you would ruin your image enough that you wouldn't be able to find a date in the supermarket any more.
I digress. All I'm saying is, who is naming these products? Why are they coming up with so many different smells? and then naming them so oddly? Who cares? Well, apparently I do, otherwise I wouldn't be talking about it...
I get what Ocean Breeze is supposed to be - I'm guessing it's supposed to conjure up thoughts of nice warm water, sandy beaches, all that, which if you think about it, doesn't really even appeal as a scent I want clinging to me throughout the day. I mean, when you leave the beach, don't you just want to go home and get rid of that sandy feeling, that salty tang? why would I want to put something on that reminds me of salt from sweat and ocean? but whatever. I admit that the beach can have a very nice aroma and brings to mind pleasant memories. Or at least the name "Ocean Breeze" brings to mind the pleasant beach memories. I am still not really sure that the deoderant in and of itself reminds me of the ocean. but it's better than calling it "Fragrance" (or "Fragrance Breeze") which is what the scent is according to the ingredient list for both.
No, the real enigma is Sunset Breeze. What the heck is that? Sunset is a different sense, people! It's sight, not smell. Now, granted; just like colors, they're probably running out of names for scents.If they're running out of names that can actually be associated with something I'd smell, I'd take a non-scent sense name over one that has bad connotations. for example, i'd rather have "Sunset Breeze" than "Sewage Breeze" or something of that nature. although the way they're naming things and they way people are sucking up the branding, you'd think that the "breeze" would make it all better... And back to that "breeze" thing. Isn't that a touch kind of sense? Breezes, or winds, cannot be smelled or seen, so now they're bringing in a whole new sense from the five. Pretty soon we'll be getting sound names. Like "Serenade Breeze."
And is it just me, or have the number of choices for scents increased in the last few years? So not only are they running out of names, they're going to have to have more than the two words they're using now because they keep adding new varieties; new senses will have to be added just to keep up. It'll be "Sunset Echo Breeze" before long. If they add a taste sense, it'll be "Bittersweet Sunset Breeze with hint of Echo." This, all within 5-10 years, people! The deoderant will need its own aisle, let alone the other items like soap and shampoo. Those megalomarts will become even huger, just to accommodate deoderant.
and it's not like you can go around your local drugstore or superstore or million-mile-market and go testing. it's not like perfume, you know. can you imagine the strange looks you'd get if you were to go around sniffing at them? you'd probably get arrested because someone thinks you've found a new way to get high, or you're a pervert going through some horrific ritual. ok, maybe not that extreme, but you would ruin your image enough that you wouldn't be able to find a date in the supermarket any more.
I digress. All I'm saying is, who is naming these products? Why are they coming up with so many different smells? and then naming them so oddly? Who cares? Well, apparently I do, otherwise I wouldn't be talking about it...
8.04.2005
august adventures
Today I went out to lunch to celebrate my birthday. again. Yes, I know; you're probably thinking "Will it ever end?" A birthday is an excuse to go out with friends and family and enjoy life. Since I can't get together with all my friends and family in one day, these gatherings occur when they must, and that takes several days, if not weeks, centered around my date of birth. Since many of my friends also have birthdays (well, all have them; most admit to them), this generally means we always have an "excuse" to go try something new or take advantage of an old favorite.
So out it was, with my friend Betsy to a wonderful little spot, an enjoyable excursion each time I go there. On a perfectly sunny, gorgeous day, what's better than sitting sidewalk at a French cafe? Hmmm? Not much. The only thing missing was a rude French man staring at us and the French accents. I didn't mind not having anyone rudely staring at me, but the accents would have been nice. And such divine cuisine! Think: hot croissants topped with curried chicken salad, fresh limeade (not too sweet! love it) and white chocolate raspberry truffle cheesecake; all as scrumptious as it sounds. I know, I know. I'm starting to sound like all I ever think about is eating. Not true! I just like really good dining experiences.
to make up for our near-gluttonous experience at lunch, we then went and walked around a local lake. We have many, you know. This one comes complete with bandshell and a lovely view of a ski jump, and believe it or not, the jump is without the snow at this time of year.
another good day of unemployment.
So out it was, with my friend Betsy to a wonderful little spot, an enjoyable excursion each time I go there. On a perfectly sunny, gorgeous day, what's better than sitting sidewalk at a French cafe? Hmmm? Not much. The only thing missing was a rude French man staring at us and the French accents. I didn't mind not having anyone rudely staring at me, but the accents would have been nice. And such divine cuisine! Think: hot croissants topped with curried chicken salad, fresh limeade (not too sweet! love it) and white chocolate raspberry truffle cheesecake; all as scrumptious as it sounds. I know, I know. I'm starting to sound like all I ever think about is eating. Not true! I just like really good dining experiences.
to make up for our near-gluttonous experience at lunch, we then went and walked around a local lake. We have many, you know. This one comes complete with bandshell and a lovely view of a ski jump, and believe it or not, the jump is without the snow at this time of year.
another good day of unemployment.
8.03.2005
su do ku
i absolutely adore puzzles - word puzzles, number puzzles, all that. i am most recently addicted to this. there are plenty of websites to peruse; here's another one. enjoy!
8.01.2005
goings-on
Life is beautiful. Even when I have paint under my fingernails. I probably have it in my hair, too, but haven't looked in a mirror yet. Some friends moved into their new place today, and I helped Cait paint this afternoon. At least it's a lovely gray/green shade with a hint of brown; it matches my skin tone. I should probably go wash it out of my hair before orchestra rehearsal tonight.
Went to a concert on Saturday night; it was a lovely birthday gift to myself. Saw the MN Orchestra, heard Christopher O'Riley play Rachmaninoff, saw my (very-pregnant-with-third-child) former violin teacher, all that. I loved, LoVeD, LOVED the program: Redline Tango by Mackey (with the composer in the house to explain that the Redline does indeed refer to a car engine and what it can do), Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with O'Riley on piano, and Rachmaninoff's Second Symphony. Andrew Litton conducted. Lovely.
Then off to a house warming party for friend Ben, lazy slacker day yesterday, and today I helped Cait paint her new abode (it was much nicer than humble, in my own opinion).
and now I'm off to read French Women Don't Get Fat.
Can you believe it's August already?
Went to a concert on Saturday night; it was a lovely birthday gift to myself. Saw the MN Orchestra, heard Christopher O'Riley play Rachmaninoff, saw my (very-pregnant-with-third-child) former violin teacher, all that. I loved, LoVeD, LOVED the program: Redline Tango by Mackey (with the composer in the house to explain that the Redline does indeed refer to a car engine and what it can do), Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with O'Riley on piano, and Rachmaninoff's Second Symphony. Andrew Litton conducted. Lovely.
Then off to a house warming party for friend Ben, lazy slacker day yesterday, and today I helped Cait paint her new abode (it was much nicer than humble, in my own opinion).
and now I'm off to read French Women Don't Get Fat.
Can you believe it's August already?
7.30.2005
quote of the moment
one cannot THINK well, LOVE well, SLEEP well, if one has not DINED well
- Virginia Woolf
- Virginia Woolf
july 30
according to the little clock on my computer, it's now my birthday. No, I didn't plan to post right now; it just happened that way.
I started the celebrating in advance this year (as usual). Had dinner with another July birthday girl and dear old friend, Ruthann, last night. Lovely to see her, eat good food, catch up on life, and see her new place.
earlier this evening, my parental units took me out to celebrate the eve of my birth. Went to a fabulous place, just about the best dining experience I've ever had. I ever so highly recommend the hangar steak; my samples of the pork loin and gulf shrimp were tasty. The food is melt-in-your-mouth fabulous and makes a girl lose all train of thought once it even approaches the palate. (Think: Homer Simpson drooling, and that was probably what I looked like.) All together now: "Warm Blueberry/Mango 'Crisp' with Coconut Streusel Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream." I could swear there was a heavenly taste of ginger in there somewhere, too.
Then me mum and I went out and caught Monster-In-Law, a flick I liked much better than I thought I would, especially considering I don't really care for J Lo all that much (and is she always in a wedding dress in her films?), let alone J Fo..........nda. I'm sorry, did I just almost write that? It seemed appropriate and matched her co-star's former moniker, but it came out sounding a bit crass...Let me try again. Jane Fonda. There. ... uh-oh. Still sounds crass to me. *snicker*
Anyway, it's been a great evening. Lovely dinner, great time with my parents. They really make me laugh at times - and sometimes it's even in a very good way.
I started the celebrating in advance this year (as usual). Had dinner with another July birthday girl and dear old friend, Ruthann, last night. Lovely to see her, eat good food, catch up on life, and see her new place.
earlier this evening, my parental units took me out to celebrate the eve of my birth. Went to a fabulous place, just about the best dining experience I've ever had. I ever so highly recommend the hangar steak; my samples of the pork loin and gulf shrimp were tasty. The food is melt-in-your-mouth fabulous and makes a girl lose all train of thought once it even approaches the palate. (Think: Homer Simpson drooling, and that was probably what I looked like.) All together now: "Warm Blueberry/Mango 'Crisp' with Coconut Streusel Topping and Vanilla Ice Cream." I could swear there was a heavenly taste of ginger in there somewhere, too.
Then me mum and I went out and caught Monster-In-Law, a flick I liked much better than I thought I would, especially considering I don't really care for J Lo all that much (and is she always in a wedding dress in her films?), let alone J Fo..........nda. I'm sorry, did I just almost write that? It seemed appropriate and matched her co-star's former moniker, but it came out sounding a bit crass...Let me try again. Jane Fonda. There. ... uh-oh. Still sounds crass to me. *snicker*
Anyway, it's been a great evening. Lovely dinner, great time with my parents. They really make me laugh at times - and sometimes it's even in a very good way.
7.28.2005
things that amuse me
The last few days I've noticed that many things have been amusing. Well, at least to me. Let's see if they amuse you, too.
The head Bar examiner guy was going through orientation with us 180 candidates on Monday afternoon. He was impressing upon us the importance of not letting our cell phones, PDAs or pagers make any noise or he would confiscate them, when his own rang. And not just any ring. Here is this 50-ish year old man with The Nutcracker playing from his pocket. And not just any song from The Nutcracker. No, it was Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies. That absolutely cracked me up. So, then he proceeds to tell all 180 of us that it was his daughter. Celebrating her 15th birthday. Making her own cake. He didn't really want to know what she'd gotten into (his words), and if we "just waited a minute, she'll go away." And then, hilariously enough, he went back to discussing how we should not have any kind of electronic devices make any noise during our time together.
I realized that my voice was sore on Tueday night because I'd been singing along with music in my car for three hours straight. The funny part? It took me three hours to notice that I was singing. And I know it was for all three hours because my throat was awfully scratchy.
I went out for coffee with a friend last night. I was at the favorite (read: close by) shop again, and struck up a conversation with the guy making my Caramel High RiseTM ("Sweet. Gooey. Not recommended by four out of five dentists."). When he asked me if I'd been doing anything exciting this week, I told him I'd just finished taking the Bar exam. He replied, "Oh, you're a bartender?"
The head Bar examiner guy was going through orientation with us 180 candidates on Monday afternoon. He was impressing upon us the importance of not letting our cell phones, PDAs or pagers make any noise or he would confiscate them, when his own rang. And not just any ring. Here is this 50-ish year old man with The Nutcracker playing from his pocket. And not just any song from The Nutcracker. No, it was Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies. That absolutely cracked me up. So, then he proceeds to tell all 180 of us that it was his daughter. Celebrating her 15th birthday. Making her own cake. He didn't really want to know what she'd gotten into (his words), and if we "just waited a minute, she'll go away." And then, hilariously enough, he went back to discussing how we should not have any kind of electronic devices make any noise during our time together.
I realized that my voice was sore on Tueday night because I'd been singing along with music in my car for three hours straight. The funny part? It took me three hours to notice that I was singing. And I know it was for all three hours because my throat was awfully scratchy.
I went out for coffee with a friend last night. I was at the favorite (read: close by) shop again, and struck up a conversation with the guy making my Caramel High RiseTM ("Sweet. Gooey. Not recommended by four out of five dentists."). When he asked me if I'd been doing anything exciting this week, I told him I'd just finished taking the Bar exam. He replied, "Oh, you're a bartender?"
7.26.2005
all done
Well, I just strolled through the door of my house twenty minutes ago. Quick trip to Madison, WI yesterday morning, even quicker one home tonight. The test is over. For this I am grateful. I am even more grateful that i could leave the poor MBE takers behind (my apologies to Clayton). Thank the good Lord for MBE transfers - not all states accept them. I'm glad that WI does. If only they took essay transfers from other states, too...but that would be asking too much.
i shan't talk about the exam itself. enough of that; begone, foul thoughts.
I am off to sleep for a very long time.
i shan't talk about the exam itself. enough of that; begone, foul thoughts.
I am off to sleep for a very long time.
7.21.2005
*sigh*
Next week, I'll breathe a sigh of relief. I'll be able to sleep. I'll have time to do my laundry (it's quite a large pile now and will take some effort). I won't have to write practice essays for hours on end. it'll be nice. It might take a couple of days to truly appreciate these details, but I'll get there.
what is it about libraries and their air conditioning? Yesterday, I went over to one of my two usual locales to get some peace and quiet for a few hours. Apparently there is some mandate in a large number of buildings that the hotter it is outside, the more freezing the air must be within the building. Hennepin County library locations are no exception to this rule. In fact, they take it to new levels, what with vents placed everywhere and the no escaping of the cold air rushing at you like hurricane-force gales. I lasted three essays (almost three hours) before I had to run out to my car to warm up on the ride home. (It was again in the 90's yesterday with high humidity; my car had been parked out there in the sun for three hours, and with the weird- looking clouds ominously above, no ventilation. that should describe to you my hypothermic state if I enjoyed the leather seats burning my flesh off.)
Today, I'll go back to the coffee shop. My favorite shop is my favorite shop merely because they are conveniently two blocks from my house and they serve coffee. Ah, the joys of Caribou. The only problem is that they tend to play music there, and lately it's been the old jazz that I really like. Ok, let's face it - most music distracts me, but i'm especially distracted by music I like. I get too involved with listening to it. However, I've been studying there now for a while and figure if I can take a practice essay through the music, I should be able to stand anything the WI people throw at me.
In reality, the air conditioning at the library and the music at 'Bou has been good; I am testing myself to see if I will work through distractions and just do what I need to do. I am also testing that "you are allowed one cup of beverage" rule when I'm at the coffee shop.
what is it about libraries and their air conditioning? Yesterday, I went over to one of my two usual locales to get some peace and quiet for a few hours. Apparently there is some mandate in a large number of buildings that the hotter it is outside, the more freezing the air must be within the building. Hennepin County library locations are no exception to this rule. In fact, they take it to new levels, what with vents placed everywhere and the no escaping of the cold air rushing at you like hurricane-force gales. I lasted three essays (almost three hours) before I had to run out to my car to warm up on the ride home. (It was again in the 90's yesterday with high humidity; my car had been parked out there in the sun for three hours, and with the weird- looking clouds ominously above, no ventilation. that should describe to you my hypothermic state if I enjoyed the leather seats burning my flesh off.)
Today, I'll go back to the coffee shop. My favorite shop is my favorite shop merely because they are conveniently two blocks from my house and they serve coffee. Ah, the joys of Caribou. The only problem is that they tend to play music there, and lately it's been the old jazz that I really like. Ok, let's face it - most music distracts me, but i'm especially distracted by music I like. I get too involved with listening to it. However, I've been studying there now for a while and figure if I can take a practice essay through the music, I should be able to stand anything the WI people throw at me.
In reality, the air conditioning at the library and the music at 'Bou has been good; I am testing myself to see if I will work through distractions and just do what I need to do. I am also testing that "you are allowed one cup of beverage" rule when I'm at the coffee shop.
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