I woke up this morning, quite literally, on the wrong side of the bed. I was tardy in retiring last night, and the boy had not only invaded my normal side of our king-size pillowtop, but had used most of the pillows and blankets in the construction of what appeared to be a fortress of solitude. Nevertheless, I crawled in, helped myself to covers and pillows and bedded down.
The issue of mattress-related real estate is an ongoing controversy here at Casa Thompson.
On our wedding night, I chose the right side of the bed, mostly because I got there first. Also, I have no fear of sleeping close to the door, and have volunteered to do so whilst traveling with friends and family, in order to accommodate those who might harbor that particular fear. In our honeymoon suite, the right side of the bed was closer to the door.
When we returned to our apartment, I again chose the right side of the bed.
On our honeymoon, the right side of the bed.
Old house? Right side of the bed. (However, in setting up the room, the right side ended up away from the door. Not that I minded.)
New house? Right side of the bed.
When we sleep together, in the same bed, my side is the right side of the bed.
It has been thus since the priest blessed us and we walked up the aisle that gorgeous, windy May day in 1999. Apparently, nobody bothered to inform the boy that the side-choosing codicil was written (in very fine print, but not so fine as to be termed unconscionable) on our marriage license.
He has often requested, implored, and otherwise harangued me in the nine years of our marriage: Can we switch sides please? The answer, of course, is no! The right side of the bed is mine.
This issue has wormed its way into our conversations with other married folks, young and old, and if ever we come across a couple to whom the question has not been raised, we will generally ask their opinion (provided that we are on a personal enough basis to discuss marriage and its various issues with said couple). I am consistently vindicated in my territorial defense; I think we've met one, maybe two couples who have swapped sides at some point; we have never met a couple who beds down willy-nilly every night, choosing sides at the flip of a coin or simply lying where they fall. Chaos! Chaos, I say!!
Why is it so damned important? Well, I honestly can't say. Something about order and routine, and marking territory, I'm sure. In this communal marital life, we have so little individual property to cling to - everything is shared. Even our bed. After you've been married awhile, things stop taking on the persona of yours and mine. Sure, we have our individual wardrobes, though I steal his sweaters and he steals my tee-shirts. We each have an iPod (or had an iPod, in my case), we each have a computer. Our music and books are commingled, the furniture originated during our marriage, our finances are wholly indivisible at this point. Perhaps the bed issue is just another way for us to recognize that two parts make up the whole, and knowing our place in the whole jumble helps make sense of it all.
And in our current bedroom, my side of the bed is closer to the door.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Curious George Goes To Law School
Further evidence that my brain is being warped, nay addled, nay MOLDED into thinking like a lawyer.
It was my turn to do the bedtime routine tonight with the girl. As usual, we read a story, and tonight's selection was Curious George and the Dump Truck. During storytime, my brain began to fire away at the legal ramifications of George's actions, and after I tucked the girl in, I absconded with the book and immediately signed in to GChat to confer with my colleagues. NB: I am "me" and my friend Kate is "Kate". Sooz makes a cameo appearance.
Sooz has joined
Kate has joined
me: i have a question for you both
Kate: hurry - I have to study!
:)
me: it has to do with school!
is curious george committing a tortious act if he climbs into the cab of the unattended dump truck and spills the load of dirt into the pond in the park?
who's liable?
Kate: yes?
me:can we hold george as well as the city gardeners jointly and severally liable for the damage inflicted on the pond?
Kate: can we hold a monkey liable?
doubt it
Sooz:watching the biggest loser!
Kate: therefore, the city gardeners are fully liable
me: or do we have to bow to respondeat superior and sue whoever the contractor is who employs the gardeners
Kate: we can probably sue both the gardeners and their contract
me: and if they are employed by the city and it's city land
Kate: plus the city because they have big pockets
me: the city can't sue itself right?
Kate: oh, the city is suing?
Don't know why they'd want to sue themselves
No, the city would sue the contractors and the gardeners
George is safe, since he's a monkey
me: or could they hold the gardeners personally liable because they left the truck unsecured and unatended
Kate: they'd probably try for them all
me: yes, but he's a good little monkey and always very curious!
Kate: but he's still a monkey
me: ok
Kate: therefore beyond the arms of the tortfesors
me: so could they go after The Man In The Yellow Hat?
Kate: probably
me: as George's guardian?
Kate: because he should have been watching George better
But wait
People sue little kids and not their parents so I don't know
me: george escaped from the house and followed a row of ducklings to the park
hmmm
maybe i should bring this up in torts...professor r might get a kick out of it
Kate: But since he's a monkey and they can't sue him, I think they could sue the Man in the Yellow Hat
you should bring it up!!
Say you read a story this week
me: and this is what law school is doing to me - i can't read my daughter a bedtime story without thinking about a possible tort!
Kate: and wanted to know who could get sued!
Hahaha
me:it was her bedtime story tonight
geeeez
Kate: figured as much
me: ok - as you were
Kate: OK, time to start Ks
me: i can just see it: Girl, Mommy has to take Curious George to law school today.
Kate:She's prolly get a kick out of it
me: ok
True story.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Come On, Get Higher
I have yet to purchase Some Mad Hope, the newest release from Matt Nathanson. However, I shall rectify that shortly. And a full review will no doubt follow.
I was introduced to Matt's music by a good online friend and fellow JM fangirl. (Thanks, Jen!). The thing I love about Matt is that his words are lyrical, poetic and honest. He has beautiful imagery, but in listening to the words, I don't feel mired in highfalutin metaphor.
Easily the best cut I've heard from the album (and I can't evaluate it in total because I haven't heard it all the way through, as a complete piece of work) is Come On, Get Higher. Matt has stated that Some Mad Hope follows the arc of a relationship, and this song is the epitome of what makes love complicated. He sings of missing the feel of a lover in bed, missing the words they say (sweet, perfect, violent), needing them back at whatever cost, knowing it's an unlikely situation, hoping for a miracle. Some mad hope indeed, is what keeps us coming back for more from our lovers and partners.
I miss the sound of your voice, I miss the rush of your skin
I miss the still of the silence, as you breathe out and I breathe in
If I could walk on water, if i could tell you what's next
Make you believe, make you forget
Come on get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard and drown me in love
I miss the sound of your voice, the loudest thing in my head
And I ache to remember all the violent, sweet, perfect words that you said
If I could walk on water, if I could tell you what's next
Make you believe, make you forget
Come on get higher,loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard and drown me in love
I feel the pull of your heart
I taste the sparks on your tongue
I see angels and devils and God when you come on hold on...
Sing sha la la la...
Come on get higher, loosen my lips
Faith and desire and the swing of your hips
Just pull me down hard and drown me
Drown me in love
It's all wrong, its so right
Come on get higher, come on and get higher
Because everything works love
Because everything works in your arms
"Come On, Get Higher" has been on repeat ad nauseum in my earbuds for the last few days, and it is not only a beautiful piece of music, it is a fantastic expression of love and hope and sex and dreams.
Speaking of which, the BoDeans have a new album out, and that will require investigating...
Monday, February 18, 2008
Here You Go, Kate!
My friend Kate has posted a meme.
I hereby respond.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I was named after my fraternal great-grandmother (first name) and my maternal grandmother (middle name). My folks changed up the spelling a bit, but 'tis what I'm told.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Hmmm...I don't think I've cried since last Wednesday...
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes. I used to not like it because I wanted that fat loopy handwriting that most of the girls in school had - mine is rather sharp and narrow. Overall though, it's relatively distinctive and generally readable, so...sure! I'm good with it.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Salami
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes - the girl!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I'd like to think so, but I have a lot of strange proclivities - I think I might find myself a bit annoying after awhile.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Define "a lot."
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I did once - and it was freaky. I'd rather try skydiving.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Honey Nut Cheerios
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Only if I can't get them off otherwise.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU'RE STRONG? Mentally or physically?
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Generally, their face and eyes.
15. RED OR PINK? Red!
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I wish I knew myself well enough to answer this question honestly.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Hmmm...probably my best friend and my sister.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Feel free, but I'm not holding my breath...
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Green plaid pajama pants, and I'm barefoot!
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?Apple Cinnamon oatmeal for breakfast
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Right now, Beethoven. Earlier, Sara Bareilles and Colbie Caillat.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Royal Purple
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Fresh baked cookies, vanilla, the top of my daughter's head when she was a baby, my husband when he's just out of the bathroom - he doesn't use cologne but I love his shampoo-and-soap-and-deodorant smell.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Uhm... the boy, I think?
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? You betcha!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Hockey, skating, gymnastics and little kid soccer.
27. HAIR COLOR? Brown with a bunch of weird natural highlights.
28. EYE COLOR? Green. My husband says I have mood eyes - they change according to my mood. He says I get flecks of yellow-gold in them when I get angry.
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Never have. Ahh...the joys of astigmatism...
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Italian anything, McDonald's, Brazilian churrascaria, and I want to try Indian and Japanese this year.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Whatever is best for the character.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Princess Diaries on TV last night with the girl.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Sky blue with navy blue ringers, from Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer. Right now, summer.
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Both! In abundance!
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Tiramisu, flourless chocolate cake, anything chocolate, Lemon Meringue Pie, my mom's apple pie.
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No clue.
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No clue.
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Reading Lolita in Tehran. I hope to start Schuyler's Monster this week as soon as I can get to B&N and get a copy for myself.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Mousepad? What is this arcane thing you speak of? One needs no mousepad when one works almost exclusively on a laptop!
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
The Princess Diaries, and the end of Cast Away
42. FAVORITE SOUND(s) My daughter's laughter, John Mayer's guitar, church singing.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? My mother would kill me if I didn't say The Beatles.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Germany.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I am a great investigator.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Pittsburgh, PA
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Anyone who cares to answer!
I hereby respond.
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I was named after my fraternal great-grandmother (first name) and my maternal grandmother (middle name). My folks changed up the spelling a bit, but 'tis what I'm told.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Hmmm...I don't think I've cried since last Wednesday...
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Yes. I used to not like it because I wanted that fat loopy handwriting that most of the girls in school had - mine is rather sharp and narrow. Overall though, it's relatively distinctive and generally readable, so...sure! I'm good with it.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Salami
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes - the girl!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I'd like to think so, but I have a lot of strange proclivities - I think I might find myself a bit annoying after awhile.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT? Define "a lot."
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? I did once - and it was freaky. I'd rather try skydiving.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Honey Nut Cheerios
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Only if I can't get them off otherwise.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU'RE STRONG? Mentally or physically?
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Fudge Brownie.
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Generally, their face and eyes.
15. RED OR PINK? Red!
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? I wish I knew myself well enough to answer this question honestly.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Hmmm...probably my best friend and my sister.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? Feel free, but I'm not holding my breath...
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Green plaid pajama pants, and I'm barefoot!
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?Apple Cinnamon oatmeal for breakfast
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Right now, Beethoven. Earlier, Sara Bareilles and Colbie Caillat.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Royal Purple
23. FAVORITE SMELLS? Fresh baked cookies, vanilla, the top of my daughter's head when she was a baby, my husband when he's just out of the bathroom - he doesn't use cologne but I love his shampoo-and-soap-and-deodorant smell.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Uhm... the boy, I think?
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? You betcha!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Hockey, skating, gymnastics and little kid soccer.
27. HAIR COLOR? Brown with a bunch of weird natural highlights.
28. EYE COLOR? Green. My husband says I have mood eyes - they change according to my mood. He says I get flecks of yellow-gold in them when I get angry.
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? Never have. Ahh...the joys of astigmatism...
30. FAVORITE FOOD? Italian anything, McDonald's, Brazilian churrascaria, and I want to try Indian and Japanese this year.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Whatever is best for the character.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? The Princess Diaries on TV last night with the girl.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Sky blue with navy blue ringers, from Buddy Guy's Legends in Chicago.
34. SUMMER OR WINTER? Summer. Right now, summer.
35. HUGS OR KISSES? Both! In abundance!
36. FAVORITE DESSERT? Tiramisu, flourless chocolate cake, anything chocolate, Lemon Meringue Pie, my mom's apple pie.
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No clue.
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? No clue.
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Reading Lolita in Tehran. I hope to start Schuyler's Monster this week as soon as I can get to B&N and get a copy for myself.
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Mousepad? What is this arcane thing you speak of? One needs no mousepad when one works almost exclusively on a laptop!
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
The Princess Diaries, and the end of Cast Away
42. FAVORITE SOUND(s) My daughter's laughter, John Mayer's guitar, church singing.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? My mother would kill me if I didn't say The Beatles.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Germany.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I am a great investigator.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Pittsburgh, PA
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Anyone who cares to answer!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Movie Review: Definitely, Maybe
Kate and I went to the movies last night - she and I seem to be each other's regular cinema date, and honestly - it's nice to have a friend with similar movie tastes. The boy can only take so many romantic comedies, and I have absolutely no interest in sci-fi/fantasy/horror stuff.
Anyway, the nice thing about this movie was that it was just left of formulaic. I honestly had no real clue as to the identity of Abigail Breslin's mother until right before the reveal. I also made another little discovery: not only is Ryan Reynolds growing into himself as a leading man, but he really endeared himself to me by playing a father in this movie. He's around my age, and he's cuuuuuuuuuute.
This one easily put Ryan Reynolds on my List. If you don't know about The List...well, that's for another blog entry.
Overall, it was a cute movie and a nice diversion for an evening in the middle of the semester. I'm a sucker for a romantic comedy, especially one that features Nirvana on the soundtrack.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
We Sure Are Cute For Two Ugly People
You're a part time lover and a full time friend
The monkey on your back is the latest trend
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you
I kiss you on the brain in the shadow of a train
I kiss you all starry eyed, my body's swinging from side to side
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you
Here is the church and here is the steeple
We sure are cute for two ugly people
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you
The pebbles forgive me, the trees forgive me
So why can't you forgive me?
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you
I will find my niche in your car
With my mp3 DVD rumble-packed guitar
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you
Up up down down left right left right B A start
Just because we use cheats doesn't mean we're not smart
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you
You are always trying to keep it real
I'm in love with how you feel
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you
We both have shiny happy fits of rage
You want more fans, I want more stage
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you
Don Quixote was a steel driving man
My name is Adam I'm your biggest fan
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you
Squinched up your face and did a dance
You shook a little turd out of the bottom of your pants
I don't see what anyone can see, in anyone else
But you
Happy Valentine's Day, Boy. I've loved you since high school, I love you more today than on our wedding day, I don't love you as much as I will tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Justice, Mercy, Compassion
I had a very cool experience yesterday.
A classmate's father is a newly appointed judge, and as such, is fairly well connected. As networks go, the connections filter down to my classmate, and those of us on a friendly basis with him have reaped a few rewards as a result. You must understand, in law, and in the legal community, networking and who you know is essential to success.
Earlier this year, the Minnesota Supreme Court heard a case at our school - they do this every year at each of the four Minnesota law schools. It's a great opportunity for students to watch the business of the Court and get a first-hand look at a situation we may very well be faced with in our professional legal careers. We had a breakfast with the honorable justices, and I got a chance to meet a couple of them at that time. They were all incredibly down-to-earth and cordial, very open to answering our questions and encouraging us in our legal education.
At that particular occasion, Justice Paul Anderson (in Minnesota, you have to specify, we have three Andersons currently sitting on the Court) offered my classmate the opportunity to visit him in chambers, as well as a tour of the Court's facilities. "Just give me a call after first semester," the good Justice said.
He called.
Yesterday morning, five of us piled into two cars and made our way over to the Capitol complex in St. Paul, and were treated to 90 minutes of Justice Anderson's time. It was a real treat to have an open forum with this learned gentleman - truly, one of the most intelligent and kind people I've ever met.
He himself answered all sorts of questions - we took the opportunity to really pepper him with questions on the Court's current caseload, how they choose cases to review, the overall demeanor of the Court, as well as the state of judicial affairs in the country in general. Justice Anderson himself was our tour guide - I think the coolest experience I had was when we visited the Supreme Courtroom - Justice Anderson led us through the Justices' private entrance, and so we found ourselves entering the courtroom as the justices do - from behind the bench. The courtroom itself is smaller than I thought it would be - but I was impressed nonetheless. It is immaculately kept up and Justice Anderson let us sit at the bench in the Justices' chairs (which...wow.).
We also got to see the Court's private conference room - where the work of the Court really takes place - where they decide cases to take, and where they vote on cases which have been heard. A few of the other Justices were wandering the halls during our visit - I think we caught Justice Barry Anderson on his way back from the loo, matter of fact - and without exception, they were wonderful and generous with their time and advice.
As we sat chatting in chambers, Justice Anderson imparted this bit of wisdom - the law isn't always about justice. As much as we want it to be, it's about other things as well, and the job of the courts is to ensure that the law is applied as evenly and fairly as possible to the citizenry at large. He made mention of justice, mercy and compassion - all of which encompass the purpose of our governmental system in this country.
The other piece of wisdom he imparted upon us at the end of the tour was this: the whole purpose behind his invitation was to pay forward the time and generosity he'd received as a student from a couple of well-connected and powerful individuals (a state senator and Congressman, if I recall correctly). He told us he'd promised himself that if he ever reached a position of influence and power (and certainly - who can doubt that a Supreme Court Justice is such a person) he would do the same for those of us coming up in the ranks. He also asked us to make that promise to ourselves as well. I doubt seriously I'll ever reach the upper echelons of power I experienced yesterday.
But I will pay it forward in any way I can, when I can.
A classmate's father is a newly appointed judge, and as such, is fairly well connected. As networks go, the connections filter down to my classmate, and those of us on a friendly basis with him have reaped a few rewards as a result. You must understand, in law, and in the legal community, networking and who you know is essential to success.
Earlier this year, the Minnesota Supreme Court heard a case at our school - they do this every year at each of the four Minnesota law schools. It's a great opportunity for students to watch the business of the Court and get a first-hand look at a situation we may very well be faced with in our professional legal careers. We had a breakfast with the honorable justices, and I got a chance to meet a couple of them at that time. They were all incredibly down-to-earth and cordial, very open to answering our questions and encouraging us in our legal education.
At that particular occasion, Justice Paul Anderson (in Minnesota, you have to specify, we have three Andersons currently sitting on the Court) offered my classmate the opportunity to visit him in chambers, as well as a tour of the Court's facilities. "Just give me a call after first semester," the good Justice said.
He called.
Yesterday morning, five of us piled into two cars and made our way over to the Capitol complex in St. Paul, and were treated to 90 minutes of Justice Anderson's time. It was a real treat to have an open forum with this learned gentleman - truly, one of the most intelligent and kind people I've ever met.
He himself answered all sorts of questions - we took the opportunity to really pepper him with questions on the Court's current caseload, how they choose cases to review, the overall demeanor of the Court, as well as the state of judicial affairs in the country in general. Justice Anderson himself was our tour guide - I think the coolest experience I had was when we visited the Supreme Courtroom - Justice Anderson led us through the Justices' private entrance, and so we found ourselves entering the courtroom as the justices do - from behind the bench. The courtroom itself is smaller than I thought it would be - but I was impressed nonetheless. It is immaculately kept up and Justice Anderson let us sit at the bench in the Justices' chairs (which...wow.).
We also got to see the Court's private conference room - where the work of the Court really takes place - where they decide cases to take, and where they vote on cases which have been heard. A few of the other Justices were wandering the halls during our visit - I think we caught Justice Barry Anderson on his way back from the loo, matter of fact - and without exception, they were wonderful and generous with their time and advice.
As we sat chatting in chambers, Justice Anderson imparted this bit of wisdom - the law isn't always about justice. As much as we want it to be, it's about other things as well, and the job of the courts is to ensure that the law is applied as evenly and fairly as possible to the citizenry at large. He made mention of justice, mercy and compassion - all of which encompass the purpose of our governmental system in this country.
The other piece of wisdom he imparted upon us at the end of the tour was this: the whole purpose behind his invitation was to pay forward the time and generosity he'd received as a student from a couple of well-connected and powerful individuals (a state senator and Congressman, if I recall correctly). He told us he'd promised himself that if he ever reached a position of influence and power (and certainly - who can doubt that a Supreme Court Justice is such a person) he would do the same for those of us coming up in the ranks. He also asked us to make that promise to ourselves as well. I doubt seriously I'll ever reach the upper echelons of power I experienced yesterday.
But I will pay it forward in any way I can, when I can.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Why I'm In Law School
For all its faults and stress and foibles and theory, I have a number of reasons why I chose to study law. Certainly some of it is gut instinct; law seems to be the most flexible of professional degrees, and certainly useful in any arena.
People in my class claim a multitude of reasons for going through this three-to-four year exercise, comprised equal parts of panic, confusion, boredom, stress, academic challenge, misery and elation. Law school gives you the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows.
As I sat in the library this morning, printing cases for my outline defense meeting (and where else should I be at 7AM on a Sunday morning, besides at the start line of a triathlon, I ask you??) I noticed the quote on the back of my Starbucks cup. It did a fairly good job of encapsulating one of the main reasons for putting myself through the mental boot camp of law school:
The law, for all its failings, has a noble goal- to make the little bit of life that people can actually control more just. We can't end disease or natural disasters, but we can devise rules for our dealings with one another that fairly weigh the rights and needs of everyone, and which, therefore, reflect our best vision of ourselves.
- Scott Turow
People in my class claim a multitude of reasons for going through this three-to-four year exercise, comprised equal parts of panic, confusion, boredom, stress, academic challenge, misery and elation. Law school gives you the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows.
As I sat in the library this morning, printing cases for my outline defense meeting (and where else should I be at 7AM on a Sunday morning, besides at the start line of a triathlon, I ask you??) I noticed the quote on the back of my Starbucks cup. It did a fairly good job of encapsulating one of the main reasons for putting myself through the mental boot camp of law school:
The law, for all its failings, has a noble goal- to make the little bit of life that people can actually control more just. We can't end disease or natural disasters, but we can devise rules for our dealings with one another that fairly weigh the rights and needs of everyone, and which, therefore, reflect our best vision of ourselves.
- Scott Turow
Friday, February 8, 2008
Feminism, Or How I Stopped Worrying and Learned to Love Club Music
Feminist political activists have been concerned with issues such as a woman's right of contract and property, a woman's right to bodily integrity and autonomy (especially on matters such as reproductive rights, including the right to abortion, access to contraception and quality prenatal care); for protection from domestic violence; against sexual harassment and rape; for workplace rights, including maternity leave and equal pay; and against other forms of discrimination.
-Wikipedia
I was looking over there at my list. You know the one - up in the top corner. Starts off "woman, wife, mother..." These are the labels I apply to my life. A few of them I was born with or was given without option. Others I chose to apply to myself. Some of them are as much a part of me as my name; others are more fluid, likely to change.
One label that I've put upon myself is that of "feminist." It's up there - right between "liberal" and "Democrat."
The word "feminist" conjures different images for different people. My mother might tell me a feminist was a woman who read W Magazine, worshipped Gloria Steinem and burned her bra. I think "feminist," for me, simply means supporting women's rights, responsibilities and endeavours. I think it's entirely too politicized; just because I call myself a feminist doesn't mean I burn Phyllis Schlafly in effigy (though it's tempting...) and please, don't get me started on Ann Coulter. (Revoke women's right to vote? Are you nuts??)
However, the reason I'm writing about this particular label, or issue, is because I fell in love with a song. It was innocent enough; I was flipping channels and I heard a snippet on VH1 of a video by Flo Rida and T-Pain. The song is called "Low."
Confession time: I'm a dancer. Not really...I love to go to a club and dance my ass off. Give me a few appletinis and some diggety grooves, and you have Fun Kate. Toss a pair of boot cut jeans on my hips, a cute top that accentuates the twins, and a pair of fun shoes (high heel boots in the winter, party heels or sparkly flip flops in the summer) and you have Club Girl Kate. CGKate only comes out to play every now and again; Real World Kate has a kid and a husband, and so she only lets CGKate loose on rare occasions. About once a year, usually.
Now - it's been a long long LONG time since I last went out on the town (it was actually last summer for Jordana's bachelorette party - and maaaaaaan was that a fun night...) So...this particular song, paired with the pix from the Mayercraft Carrier of JM buying Patron shots for a couple dozen lucky fans at the ship disco... makes me wanna go out!
So what do these things have to do with each other?
Rap and hip-hop music have often spoken of women in negative images; they are very often unnecessarily vulgar and misogynistic. I am a sucker for a catchy beat though, and can put up with a certain limit without feeling like I'm betraying my grrrls. I think rappers are generally concerned with putting out product people will buy. From what I've been told, the hip-hop crowd is fickle, and today's #1 is tomorrow's has-been. You make your money and move on.
So. "Low." The beat hooked me - the song's got a serious club groove. The other thing I love about it is there's no swear words. Plenty of urban-speak, but that's expected. However, I looked up the lyrics, then went to the Urban Dictionary and started looking up some of the terms...and decided some analysis was in order.
In the song, Flo and T talk about a "shawty," or woman, who is wearing Apple Bottom jeans and fur-trimmed boots, doing a booty-slapping dance and getting "low." In rap-speak, "gettin' low" means one of two things: getting low to the ground, as in a serious bump-n-grind, or having sex with multiple partners. From the rest of the lyrics, it sounds like she's holding herself out as a stripper/prostitute, and Flo pays for her services, and is satisfied.
So...is it anti-feminist of me to get my groove on to a song that celebrates prostitution? I don't know - I don't think so. Ultimately, if a woman isn't a sex slave, or actively chooses to engage in the behavior described in the song, the song isn't necessarily misogynistic. I've certainly gotten down on the dance floor, and while I have no personal experience or interest in prostitution, I know that when I'm dancing in a club, under the dark lights and a bass beat ripping through my chest, slightly hazy on alcohol and a hundred sweaty bodies moving every which way around me, I feel sexy. And there's nothing more feminist than a sexy and empowered woman.
Despite some of the lyrics, I'm going to chalk it up to a good club/workout song, and visualize myself on the Mayercraft next year in a pair of size 14 Apple Bottoms, shooting Patron and dancing my ass off til sunrise.
Check it out, and choose for yourself.
Shawty had them Apple Bottom Jeans, Boots with the fur
The whole club was lookin at her
She hit the flo, Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
Them baggy sweat pants and the Reeboks with the straps
She turned around and gave that big booty a smack
She hit the flo, Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
I ain't never seen nuthin' that'll make me go this crazy all night spendin my dough
Had a million dollar vibe and a bottle to go
Dem birthday cakes, they stole the show
So sexual, she was flexible, professional, drinkin X and O
Hold up wait a minute, do i see what I think I whoa
Did I think I seen shorty get low
Ain't the same when it's up that close
Make it rain, I'm makin it snow
Work the pole, I got the bank roll
Imma say that I prefer them no clothes
I'm into that, I love women exposed
She threw it back at me, I gave her more
Cash ain't a problem, I know where it goes
Hey, Shawty what I gotta do to get you home
My jeans full of gwap and they ready for Shones
Cadillacs Maybachs for the sexy groan
Patron on the rocks that'll make you moan
One stack (come on), two stacks (come on)
Three stacks (come on, now that's three grand)
What you think I'm playin baby girl
I'm the man, I'll bend the rubber bands
That's what I told her, her legs on my shoulder
I knew it was ova, that Henny and Cola got me like a soldier
She ready for Rover, I couldn't control her
So lucky me, I was just like a clover, Shorty was hot like a toaster
Sorry but I had to fold her, like a pornography poster she showed her
Whoa shawty, yea she was worth the money
Lil mama took my cash, and I ain't want it back
The way she bit that rag, got her them paper stacks
Tattoo of bubba cray, I had to handle that
I was on it, sexy woman, let me showin
They be want it two in the mornin
I'm zonin in them rose' bottles foamin
She wouldn't stop, made it drop Shawty did that pop and lock,
Had to break her off that gwap, it was fly just like my glock
Apple Bottom Jeans, boots with the fur
The whole club was lookin at her
She hit the flo, next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
Them baggy sweat pants and the Reeboks with the straps
She turned around and gave that big booty a smack
She hit the flo, next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
C'mon
-Wikipedia
I was looking over there at my list. You know the one - up in the top corner. Starts off "woman, wife, mother..." These are the labels I apply to my life. A few of them I was born with or was given without option. Others I chose to apply to myself. Some of them are as much a part of me as my name; others are more fluid, likely to change.
One label that I've put upon myself is that of "feminist." It's up there - right between "liberal" and "Democrat."
The word "feminist" conjures different images for different people. My mother might tell me a feminist was a woman who read W Magazine, worshipped Gloria Steinem and burned her bra. I think "feminist," for me, simply means supporting women's rights, responsibilities and endeavours. I think it's entirely too politicized; just because I call myself a feminist doesn't mean I burn Phyllis Schlafly in effigy (though it's tempting...) and please, don't get me started on Ann Coulter. (Revoke women's right to vote? Are you nuts??)
However, the reason I'm writing about this particular label, or issue, is because I fell in love with a song. It was innocent enough; I was flipping channels and I heard a snippet on VH1 of a video by Flo Rida and T-Pain. The song is called "Low."
Confession time: I'm a dancer. Not really...I love to go to a club and dance my ass off. Give me a few appletinis and some diggety grooves, and you have Fun Kate. Toss a pair of boot cut jeans on my hips, a cute top that accentuates the twins, and a pair of fun shoes (high heel boots in the winter, party heels or sparkly flip flops in the summer) and you have Club Girl Kate. CGKate only comes out to play every now and again; Real World Kate has a kid and a husband, and so she only lets CGKate loose on rare occasions. About once a year, usually.
Now - it's been a long long LONG time since I last went out on the town (it was actually last summer for Jordana's bachelorette party - and maaaaaaan was that a fun night...) So...this particular song, paired with the pix from the Mayercraft Carrier of JM buying Patron shots for a couple dozen lucky fans at the ship disco... makes me wanna go out!
So what do these things have to do with each other?
Rap and hip-hop music have often spoken of women in negative images; they are very often unnecessarily vulgar and misogynistic. I am a sucker for a catchy beat though, and can put up with a certain limit without feeling like I'm betraying my grrrls. I think rappers are generally concerned with putting out product people will buy. From what I've been told, the hip-hop crowd is fickle, and today's #1 is tomorrow's has-been. You make your money and move on.
So. "Low." The beat hooked me - the song's got a serious club groove. The other thing I love about it is there's no swear words. Plenty of urban-speak, but that's expected. However, I looked up the lyrics, then went to the Urban Dictionary and started looking up some of the terms...and decided some analysis was in order.
In the song, Flo and T talk about a "shawty," or woman, who is wearing Apple Bottom jeans and fur-trimmed boots, doing a booty-slapping dance and getting "low." In rap-speak, "gettin' low" means one of two things: getting low to the ground, as in a serious bump-n-grind, or having sex with multiple partners. From the rest of the lyrics, it sounds like she's holding herself out as a stripper/prostitute, and Flo pays for her services, and is satisfied.
So...is it anti-feminist of me to get my groove on to a song that celebrates prostitution? I don't know - I don't think so. Ultimately, if a woman isn't a sex slave, or actively chooses to engage in the behavior described in the song, the song isn't necessarily misogynistic. I've certainly gotten down on the dance floor, and while I have no personal experience or interest in prostitution, I know that when I'm dancing in a club, under the dark lights and a bass beat ripping through my chest, slightly hazy on alcohol and a hundred sweaty bodies moving every which way around me, I feel sexy. And there's nothing more feminist than a sexy and empowered woman.
Despite some of the lyrics, I'm going to chalk it up to a good club/workout song, and visualize myself on the Mayercraft next year in a pair of size 14 Apple Bottoms, shooting Patron and dancing my ass off til sunrise.
Check it out, and choose for yourself.
Shawty had them Apple Bottom Jeans, Boots with the fur
The whole club was lookin at her
She hit the flo, Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
Them baggy sweat pants and the Reeboks with the straps
She turned around and gave that big booty a smack
She hit the flo, Next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
I ain't never seen nuthin' that'll make me go this crazy all night spendin my dough
Had a million dollar vibe and a bottle to go
Dem birthday cakes, they stole the show
So sexual, she was flexible, professional, drinkin X and O
Hold up wait a minute, do i see what I think I whoa
Did I think I seen shorty get low
Ain't the same when it's up that close
Make it rain, I'm makin it snow
Work the pole, I got the bank roll
Imma say that I prefer them no clothes
I'm into that, I love women exposed
She threw it back at me, I gave her more
Cash ain't a problem, I know where it goes
Hey, Shawty what I gotta do to get you home
My jeans full of gwap and they ready for Shones
Cadillacs Maybachs for the sexy groan
Patron on the rocks that'll make you moan
One stack (come on), two stacks (come on)
Three stacks (come on, now that's three grand)
What you think I'm playin baby girl
I'm the man, I'll bend the rubber bands
That's what I told her, her legs on my shoulder
I knew it was ova, that Henny and Cola got me like a soldier
She ready for Rover, I couldn't control her
So lucky me, I was just like a clover, Shorty was hot like a toaster
Sorry but I had to fold her, like a pornography poster she showed her
Whoa shawty, yea she was worth the money
Lil mama took my cash, and I ain't want it back
The way she bit that rag, got her them paper stacks
Tattoo of bubba cray, I had to handle that
I was on it, sexy woman, let me showin
They be want it two in the mornin
I'm zonin in them rose' bottles foamin
She wouldn't stop, made it drop Shawty did that pop and lock,
Had to break her off that gwap, it was fly just like my glock
Apple Bottom Jeans, boots with the fur
The whole club was lookin at her
She hit the flo, next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
Them baggy sweat pants and the Reeboks with the straps
She turned around and gave that big booty a smack
She hit the flo, next thing you know
Shawty got low low low low low low low low
C'mon
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Things roll on in the life of me; not much to say other than it's still cold, I'm still in law school, and everything is copacetic.
Being on an even keel is a good thing. After the emotional upwelling of last week, it's nice to have a little in the way of normalcy. I'm finding my energy level to be up a bit, and I think I'm getting a handle on things. Doesn't prevent me from still being a bit overwhelmed at the demands of law school, but it's good to know what's required, and have the wherewithal to handle it.
I started SparkPeople, and I can already tell that my eating is getting better. Just the mechanics of sitting down and figuring out how many slices of pizza I can have. I don't feel like I'm really changing what I eat, so much as changing how much I eat and drinking a LOT of water.
I also re-started Couch to 5K yesterday, and I figure I'm about at week 3 or so - I did 5 minute repetitions of 3 minutes walking, 2 minutes running on the treadmill. I did well - I made it through to the end without killing myself, but it was still a challenge. I think I will stick with that through the weekend and then up it to a 2/3 iteration. If I remember my watch, I'll go run on the track, but for now, the treadmill makes it easy for me to mark time.
In the course of a week I've lost almost 4 pounds. I don't think it's easy by any means, and I know that my body is readjusting. But I also know that I've got a goal and I'm sticking to it, and I have something to work toward. It's also nice to have a couple of friends who are keeping me motivated; Kate and Sooz are working out with me after class on the weekends, and I have the pool hours - so I just need to adjust my schedule so I can go swim over the lunch hour.
New Year, indeed!
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Ash Wednesday
In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread till thou return unto the ground, for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.
Genesis 3:19
Genesis 3:19
Monday, February 4, 2008
A Bit Of Levity
It occurs to me that sometimes one needs about 37 seconds of stupid, earwormy Internet goodness. You know, to break up the feelings of dread that churn in your guts anytime your Contracts prof starts proselytizing on liquidation of damages...
So tell me...
Do You Like Waffles?
Thanks Jon...
So tell me...
Do You Like Waffles?
Thanks Jon...
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Honesty, Defined
Friday, February 1, 2008
Perspective
I found this old blog kernel from a couple months ago, and I think it's one that will ring true for awhile.
I was at my (now former) part-time job, and one of my coworkers was talking about taking her family on a cruise next winter as a family vacation. Our boss piped up that he'd once won a cruise and he had the worst time on it; interior cabin, bottom of the boat, no stabilizers, etc. etc.
I'm not poor, by any means. Money is tight, sure...we don't eat out as often as we used to, and when I'm done with school, we'll be facing a mountain of debt equivalent to our first mortgage. We're probably about as middle class as you get. Midwest, middle of the road house, middle-aged cars, above median income. Some months, we're fine. Some months we struggle. Stuff comes up.
At the end of the day though, we have a roof over our heads, food in the fridge, power to light and heat the place, cars in the driveway and access to services and education. Which is a damn sight more than a lot of people in a lot of places in the world (including the U.S.).
My reaction to this particular discussion was to look my boss in the face and say, "You know, you're in a really good position in life when you can complain about your cruise line."
Bon voyage, Mayercraft Carrier...maybe next year...
I was at my (now former) part-time job, and one of my coworkers was talking about taking her family on a cruise next winter as a family vacation. Our boss piped up that he'd once won a cruise and he had the worst time on it; interior cabin, bottom of the boat, no stabilizers, etc. etc.
I'm not poor, by any means. Money is tight, sure...we don't eat out as often as we used to, and when I'm done with school, we'll be facing a mountain of debt equivalent to our first mortgage. We're probably about as middle class as you get. Midwest, middle of the road house, middle-aged cars, above median income. Some months, we're fine. Some months we struggle. Stuff comes up.
At the end of the day though, we have a roof over our heads, food in the fridge, power to light and heat the place, cars in the driveway and access to services and education. Which is a damn sight more than a lot of people in a lot of places in the world (including the U.S.).
My reaction to this particular discussion was to look my boss in the face and say, "You know, you're in a really good position in life when you can complain about your cruise line."
Bon voyage, Mayercraft Carrier...maybe next year...
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