Lessons from Law School

Tribute to Robbie

2010-08-24T20:45:00.000-07:00

Someone recently asked me if I would change the name of my blog since I am no longer in law school. The fact that someone actually remembered I had a blog was a pleasant surprise. One other person recently asked me why I hadn't kept posting, and he told me how much he loved the few posts I had written. That person was Robbie.

Robbie passed away Sunday from brain cancer. So, I am going to dedicate this post to him. Because the most important lessons I learned in law school came from Robbie Oberly. Here are just a few of them (in no particular order).

1. Don't be afraid to roll your windows down and sing to Sean Kingston songs on your way to class.

2. Eating until you feel like you are going to explode is fine. Especially if you are eating at the Asian Wokery at Wegmans.

3. There probably isn't anything in this world that you can't deep fry.

4. If you're wondering if you should buy the outfit, you probably should.

5. If you get asked a question, and you don't know the answer, it's okay. Either make something up and start laughing or just say you don't know.

6. It's okay to go to the gym for 10 minutes and decide you don't want to be there anymore.

7. Be friends with everyone. Why not?

8. Keep in touch with the people you care about. You never know how long they'll be around.

9. Save every card from everyone.

10. If it's from Wegmans, it probably will taste better.

11. Taking naps instead of doing something can sometimes be the right choice. The same goes for watching T.V.

12. Guys like Sex and the City, don't let them lie to you.

13. Eyeskiwell is probably the best screen name I've ever seen.

14. Smile. Isn't it so much easier?

15. Don't decorate for Christmas too soon...give Thanksgiving the respect it deserves.

I think the most important lesson I learned from Robbie was to just love everyone for who they are. Accept everyone, be friendly to them, and you will find yourself in the company of countless friends and no enemies. I've got some more work to do in this area, Robbie seemed to perfect it pretty effortlessly.

There are no words that can do justice to what Robbie has meant to me as a friend, and I know many of us that knew him feel the same way. No song can describe our feelings, no poem seems on point. But I find solace knowing that he knew how much he was loved. Last week when some friends went to visit Robbie, we held his hand and shared our favorite memories. We told him we loved him and told him to squeeze our hand if he understood. He did.

Robbie will always be a reminder that life is too short. We must cherish each day, love our friends and family unconditionally, eat as much Wegmans as possible, and be the best we can at whatever we do. Drink beer, watch sports, take trips. We only live once, so we have to make the best of it. That's what Robbie did.

In closing, I want to try to get back to writing this blog. Not that I have many followers, or much insight to share. But I know I'll have a reader in heaven saying "son, finally you wrote an entry!" Here's my attempt at poetry. I don't claim to be a great writer, but it's worth a try.

one of the best people ever, that's how people describe the guy

it's hard to imagine life without him, and how we'll manage to get by

but we know he wouldn't want everyone to be crying, upset, and sad
so think of all the good times and forget about the bad

instead we'll think of the memories we shared with you near and far

classes, meals, parties, trips, late nights at the bar

libraries, books, Carlisle,
shopping, sports, and sun
hikes, flag football, cooking, drinking,
always having fun

people we love will leave us and we can't ask why

we just have to remember that this is not good bye,

i'll see you in the sunshine, in the fields, clouds, and rain
you'll be with us forever, and you'll never feel any more pain

no tumors, no medication
no doctors, nurses or machines

just eternal happiness, and the best view you've ever seen

so when the sun is shining and you think, wow, what a perfect day,

just think that must be Robbie and his way of saying "hey"

he'll be here for us forever, looking down from heaven above

if you're ever doubting what to do, just remember Robbie's love

his love of life, his family, Buddy, and his friends

the love he had was truly a love that didn't have an end

so for now a little "so long" and "until we meet again"
thanks for everything you taught us, bud, you were truly the perfect friend

Things I Don't Understand

2009-05-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

So, I have been MIA for multiple months. I realize this. I have been lacking creativity lately, but I recently thought...why not just make a list of things that I don't understand. Please feel free to comment and explain some of these mysteries of life. They are in no particular order.

1. I don't understand college parking services. Where does all the ticket money go, and is the devil running all of the parking service offices? Seriously, why is there not some type of like community service option for parking tickets. Especially University of Richmond, I really don't think you need money from parking tickets. I haven't received a ticket here yet, but truly, I don't understand it.

2. Comcast Customer Service. Customer service seems like a relatively easy term to understand - serve the customers. Comcast doesn't understand this simple logic.

3. The stock market. Like, I'll keep my money in a savings account, at least I know it will be there tomorrow.

4. Alex Ovechkin's unattractiveness. God, get hotter if I'm going to have to see your face all over the place.

5. Lindsey Lohan. Who are you, and what happened to you since Mean Girls. Get out of life.

6. Pot holes. Dear cities and towns - hire some people to fill them in. They just screw up the alignment in our cars. I understand letting them go over the winter, but it's spring, so fix them.

7. People not flushing toilets. When you go to the bathroom you have three simple tasks to complete. Go to the bathroom, flush the toilet and wash your hands. When did this become so complicated that you cannot complete the second task? Doesn't it feel weird when you walk out of the stall silently.

8. Paying full price at j.crew. Everything goes on sale, just wait for it, seriously. Why would you pay 120$ for that sweater when you know I am going to get it for like $34.99 next month.

9. Naming kids weird names. That's just cruel, you know a name lasts forever, why do people torture their kids with oddly spelled and weirdly pronounced names.

10. Putting up slutty pictures on facebook. People look at them, people like employers, why would you not untag?

11. Sending thousands of text messages a month. I have a lot of personal experience with this...my sister has seen a fair amount of trouble from her texting addiction. But, why don't people just call.

12. The Geico commercials with the money that has eye balls. Geico, you have cavemen and the cutest british gecko. Why the pile of cash. It's lame, and I have never met anyone who has thought it was remotely funny.

13. Ladies who wear sports bras (without shirts) at gyms. Put some clothes on, geez!

This about rounds out some of the mysteries I am currently trying to solve in life. Some of them aren't necessarily mysteries - just my random thoughts. I can't believe my second year of law school is almost over, where has the time gone, where has my life gone, and where are all my friends.

2008 in Review.

2009-01-03T14:10:00.000-08:00

I've decided to review the past year of my life in 10 events/happenings, let's see how this goes. The year started off with a flop as my friends and I tried to use our love of the Georgetown Waterfront to create the best New Years EVER! 80$ later, a pissed-on kitchen table, a ruined private driver's service vehicle, and a utility closet turned home, we decided never again would we do the Waterfront, we'll save that for summer happy hours and morning runs. So, now that the first day of 2008 was out of the way and chalked up to the negative column, let's see how the rest of the year turned out for me.

1. I finished my first year of law school and actually did pretty well - a real life Elle Woods (oh my God, you guys!). Anyways, as someone who is never satisfied and always trying to make sure I put myself in the best position, I decided to transfer, which created more stress for my parents than they deserve. But I packed up the first apt. I had ever lived alone in and made the trip to Richmond where I currently am living.

2. I became involved in my first serious relationship, and now my life is kind of drama free, which is, well, nice. I know "became involved in" sounds lame, but trust me, it was a process for those first couple of months!

3. I fell in love with j.crew. I liked j.crew before, but within the last year (probably due mostly to the fact that I was forced to shop online because I had no access/time to/for a real mall, I vamped up my online shopping skills and found j.crew sales to be my new best friend) all j has done for me is make me broke but also helped improve my wardrobe.

4. I quit drinking. Mostly because of my financial/hangover situations. Reading cases while hungover really just didn't work for me, so I just quit. But, winners never quit, so I hope I'll be back in the game soon.

5. I became a political activist for 1 day. I volunteered with the Obama protect the vote campaign and worked 15 hours on election day in Richmond to help protect the vote! I did a good job, considering only 85 of the 14,500 people at my polling location voted for McCain.

6. I gained weight and lost weight and got a sunburn and became pale all in 2008.

7. I traveled to some cool places - Key West, Long Boat Key, VA Beach (okay, kind of low on the coolness scale), PA (even lower-no offense) and I guess that's it for the traveling.

8. I almost got a new car. After my sister rearended my dad and wrecked two of the four cars in my family, my dad said that I could get a new car and my sister could take mine. But, I decided that I didn't really need a different car, and because I have the worst off street spot in the world, and my car gets dinged up, I passed on the offer . . . a decision I immediately regretted after muttering the words.

9. I was employed this summer, a memory I will always treasure, seeing as I probably will not be employed again as a paid worker anytime soon. Look for me at the local 7-11 with the day laborers, I'm really good with weeding.

10. I found out my dog is only five years old and not six! For some reason, my whole family mistakenly thought our little Maddie was six years old, until we subtracted 2003 from 2008 and realized that only equaled five! What a wonderful discovery!

Overall, 2008 wasn't too bad of a year. I'm now officially hald way done with school, which means only 1.5 more years until I can move to a brownstone in Georgetown with an offstreet spot that will be the perfect fit for my Mini Cooper. I can't wait! Happy 2009, and wishing everyone the best!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year* *this comment does not apply to law students, nationwide.

2008-12-09T11:01:00.000-08:00

Exams are upon us, and as a matter of fact mine have just started today, more specifically about half an hour ago. Actually right now, I have an exam in my possession but am typing a blog post instead.

You might be reading this and thinking, Meagan has lost her mind if she is blogging instead of working on her exam. However, my exam is a take-home exam, and I have until Friday to complete it, so the pressure is off. However, I'd like to take this time to inform my dear friends and blog followers of my recent diagnosis of "I can't concentrate" or maybe exam-induced A.D.D.

Earlier this morning, my friend Sara sent me this link, and quite honestly, it is spot on. http://theshark.typepad.com/weblog/2008/12/freuds-theory-of-finals-procrastination-it-didnt-exist-until-just-now.html (it's short, so check it out). But basically the gist of it is that as law students, we feel that it is necessary to be at school (at Richmond that means in our carrel) studying. But as many of you know, sometimes it is physically impossible to study for extended periods of time, but in law school, you don't want to be that jack ass that leaves in the middle of the day to go home. Quitter. In law school, it's all about endurance, who can study the most, the longest, who has the most supplements, the best outlines. But even with all these materials, and enough reading to occupy myself until a mid-life crisis, I still find myself wasting a ridiculous amount of time.

For example, recently, I have beaten the beginning level of Minesweeper in a time of 27 seconds. For some of you, that may not seem very fast, but for me, it is. I had never played minesweeper until right before finals this semester. In fact, I didn't really even know how to play it, so I actually googled the directions, studied the strategies and started playing. I studied how to play Minesweeper instead of studying for a law school class. Great move. I also set a goal to run 100 miles within 8 weeks, which is not too hard of a goal to reach, but I actually want to reach it in like 5 weeks instead, and in order to meet the goal I need to keep running everyday. Now for some of you hard core runners, that may sound like a breeze, but quite frankly I should not be spending hours at the gym right now, I should be studying. But oh no, I keep up with my goal, being the little determined girl I am. I also started working out with a personal trainer, so now I have running and lifting goals I have to meet on a weekly basis, wise move, again. I've also recently started watching Gossip Girl, you know, just in time for finals. And I've already wrapped Christmas gifts, done all my ironing and cleaned my room, put up decorations and today I even met with the former Chief Justice of the VA Supreme Court - just in time for finals.

So in keeping with the spirit of ultimate procrastination and finding ridiculous ways to waste my time, I decided to blog today. I'm not too concerned with my finals, I have three more after this take home, but they are spread out over the next week and a half, so I think I should be okay. But, if I do end up failing miserably, I will blame Minesweeper, or GG, or running, or cleaning . . .

Dear Economy, it's me Meagan, WTF IS WRONG WITH YOU.

2008-11-14T09:56:00.001-08:00

I have been a little MIA from the blogsphere lately, and it's of course due to the usual excuses. I have so much to do, law school is so hard, etc. But today I tune in to write a little vent. WTF is wrong with our economy. Lately, I've been feeling the burn of this recession. I've been trying to find a job since August (for this coming summer) and every interview ends with the same response: everyone really liked you, but we are going to go in a different direction. Sometimes I wonder what direction they are going in, the only direction, in my opinion, would be down. JK. Anyway, with the current state of the economy, it is incredibly hard to find jobs - and the realities of law school make it even worse. While some of us are trying to figure out how we can work a 40-hour a week unpaid job and juggle some type of job that pays - others will be making $3,000 A WEEK. I do believe it is quite unfair. Some people will make over $30,000 this summer while my goal will be to make maybe $2,000 so I can have some spending money during my third year.

However, with all this being said, I think it is important to keep a good perspective on things. Next time people complain to me about how much they work, I will gently remind them that they should be thankful to have a job at all. With so many thousands of people being laid off, and the unemployment rate reaching close to 7%, everyone who has a job or is in the process of completing their education should be thankful and feel lucky. Although I may have to work 60 hours a week over the summer to manage 2 jobs, there are thousands of people who can't figure out how to pay rent, or whether they should buy groceries or go to the doctor, and we should all be thankful that we don't have to make these types of decisions.

So, to end on a high note, I have signed up to do my first build with Habitat for Humanity tomorrow . . . I'm crossing my fingers that the rain holds off, so that I will be able to help take part in this fantastic opportunity.

I actually can't believe it!

2008-10-21T18:25:00.000-07:00

So, I realize I haven't posted lately, and that Sara's blog has been voted superior to mine . . . but I have been quite busy lately. I went home over the weekend for my 24th Birthday expecting to spend some time with the fam and go out to dinner . . . instead I had the most amazing surprise party ever! I thought something fishy was going on when my mom was sticking to a schedule at the outlets and when my dad said he had to go to the Gold Cup to take some pictures for a painting (actually, he skipped it for my surprise).

But when I came home from shopping with my mom and sis, I opened the door to find a ton of my friends waiting with margaritas to surprise me. I actually cried a little because I was so surprised and touched. Three of my best friends from law school last year made the trip, and a lot of my friends from the area . . . it was so wonderful to see everyone. I'm not trying to have a mushy blog, but it really meant so much to me to have so many friends around. Sometimes being so caught up in school and stressed about grades, competitions, exams and papers makes you forget how much people really care. And it also makes you remember how easy it is to keep in touch with people - a simple call or e-mail is really all it takes to stay in touch with friends . . . so this is something I will continue to work on. I have to especially thank Christopher for having the idea, he thought it would make me happy - and it did. Beth also spent so much time helping with the planning, and my parents obviously made it possible - so thanks are in order for them as well. Sara captured it all on camera, which was also great.

Okay, I realize I am rambling. But another great part about having a surprise party is people brought gifts!! My first day back to school I used many of them - I used my new shower gel, wore my new scarf, a new bracelet, used a new bag haha. It was wonderful and I thank everyone who came!!

On a final note - that little moot court competition I have been arguing in . . . I made the finals! I was proud of myself for making it past the first round . . . but the competition that started with 48 people is down to 4 and somehow I miraculously am one of the four. I am super pumped. Thursday I get to argue in the Moot Court room (think cool ass court room) in front of the former chief justice of the Virginia Supreme Court, oh and in front of a crowd. AH! I'll be sure to give an update on how that goes.

For the time being, I have to get back to work!

I Made It!

2008-10-10T05:25:00.000-07:00

Wow, after four nights of arguments, I received an invitation to join U of R's Moot Court Board! I am super pumped, and I have to admit - a little proud of myself. It's tough coming into a school and only knowing a couple people - and especially when everyone else has already established themselves. While the early rounds of this competition were a little on the shaky side, so far, I have learned a lot and met some really nice people. I'm really glad I decided to do it - and it paid off!

There are now 16 competitors left, and the competition continues on until there is a final - but everyone who made it this far makes the Moot Court Board (different from the board that I took a picture of) - this is a board of people, haha.

Well, I must get back on task for the day and continue with my work. We have a trial advocacy workshop this weekend from 4-9 tonight and something like 9 am - 9 pm tomorrow, yes, on a Saturday.

Madonna

2008-10-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

Today my theme is "I think I'll die another day, it's not my time to go."

I survived another round of Moot Court - the competition is down to 24 students! I've made it further than I thought, and have another argument tonight.

Wish me luck!

I'm back

2008-10-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

In my absence, I'm sure you all are wondering what the heck has been going on in my life!

Well, as we all are aware, I tend to be a bit dramatic, and last week I really absolutely hated law school.

This week . . . not so much. This week I found out that I was accepted to three of our school's journals (don't ask, but it's a big deal in law school, it basically means more work . . . but it's an honor to make them). So, all those stupid papers I had to write turned out not to be that stupid, and worth it in the end.

In one of my classes we are doing a mock trial, so I had to make my opening statement. The first time I spoke in front of the class, I apparently turned really red. So, now I'm always self conscious that I look like a tomato in front of my class . . . but in my opening statement I did not turn red (success!) and my professors told me I did a good job. So, maybe all my second thoughts on law school were unfounded.

This past week I've been competing in the Carrico Moot Court Competition. The competition is an appellate competition - for you lay people - that means that we argue in front of judges and not a jury . . . you don't get to cross-examine witnesses or any of that cool stuff. So, in order to enter we had to write a brief on an assigned issue. My brief was pretty terrible, I must admit. However, after the written portion, you move to the oral arguments. Local attorneys and judges serve as the judges, and it's quite different from anything you ever experience before law school.

You get up the podium and introduce yourself and then start your argument and BAM! The question train hits you. The judges hound you with questions: Counselor, what about this? Counselor, do you actually believe that is the standard? Counselor, what authority do you have supporting your assertions? Can you tell me the holding of that case, do we have to follow it?

Our first night I walked out of the competition and was like F this! But, anyway, it has gotten better. I made it through our first elimination round and argued for the third time tonight. It's pretty intense - there is a board up at our law school and as people get eliminated, their names get erased.

One of my finest moments so far in the competition was when one of the judges asked me about the issue I was arguing.

She said counsel, doesn't x require that this be present, and was that present in the case before us?

My response: Your honor, that was totally present in this case.

That may have been an Elle Woods moment on my part, but I ended up advancing after that Legally Blonde moment, so I can't complain.

Well, I realize this blog was neither funny nor entertaining, so I will stop blogging for tonight. I've posted a picture of my personal carrel at school, where I spend a good amount of my life studying. I'm also posting a picture of the Moot Court Board, so you can see all the intenseness from the comfort of your own homes.

Taking a Break

2008-10-02T08:36:00.001-07:00

I've decided to take a break from studying Criminal Procedure to write another post. However, this post will not be ranting about law school. Today I only had one class and one meeting, so I can't complain. Writing these posts brings back memories of my column I used to write at JMU, but those always had to be about sports. Now I can write about whatever I want - I'm sure I'll still have the same readership, i.e. 2-5 friends, but that's fine with me.

Today I would like to discuss my pet peeves and dislikes.
Without further delay.

1. I HATE when drivers do not stop at cross walks. When you see little Meagan, 4'10'' with an overloaded backpack and a pile of books and binders in her hands, maybe you could stop your 60,000$ Range Rover and let her cross the street, for the love of God. I know drivers are in a hurry, but guess what, so are students. I now have made a vow to always stop for pedestrians.

2. I dislike cats even more than I used to. There are 2 cats that live above me who run midnight marathons up and down the hall of the shotgun apartment. This nightly experience reaffirms my dislike of cats. ugh.

3. Okay, this one is going to be from left field. I can't stand waterparks. You might think, how could someone who grew up being in the pool everyday hate water parks? Well, let me tell you why. Waterparks are not like pools for many reasons. When you go to the pool, you go to swim. Therefore, if you can't swim, you wouldn't go to a pool. When you go to a water park it is either to a) go down slides b) float in a raft or c) pee in the water. None of these waterpark skills require swimming. So, at waterparks you basically have a bunch of non-swimmers peeing in pools and going down slides. Another thing about waterparks is that there is unnecessary landscaping. Why would you landscape your waterpark. You know you have a bunch of grubby kids who can't swim running around and waiting in line to go down their precious water slides. They run through the "landscaping" and drag the grass and mulch all over the concrete and the stairs to the slides. This is just one of the contributing factors to the grossness that is waterparks. Let's recap. Waterparks are full of non-swimming, peeing, dirty kids who run through the parks landscaping. You know another thing that is nasty . . . all the sunscreen. When kids go to waterparks, their parents lather them up with sunscreen . . . and then these kids go over to the lilly pads and squirm all over them while trying to make it across the treacherous lilly pads because guess what - if they fall off, they can't swim! The sheer terror of falling into the 2.5 feet of water probably also causes these petrified, sunsceen covered kids to do another thing - pee.

These are just a few of the reasons I truly despise waterparks. I can't stand them and would be quite content if I did not ever have to go to one again. I hope you will join me and boycott water parks. It's quite easy now that is October and they are all closed.

4. Uggs. Ugh, don't get me started. Uggs are TERRIBLE. I think my feelings started at JMU where the biggest fashion statement that girls on Greek row could make was wearing Victoria Secret Pink sweatpants tucked into their Uggs. Honestly, why would you pay that much money for shoes that you can't wear to work and that are meant to be worn in Alaska, with Sarah Palin. I will never own Uggs and while I have many friends who do, I think they are terrible. The WORST is when girls wear them with jean skirts. WHY? If your legs are bare, I think it is safe to say that it is too warm to be wearing Uggs. Don't tell me that your feet are not a bagillion degrees in those damn boots. The only outfit that I believe Uggs can work with are tights/leggings and something else. But I advise against wearing even that. Terrible, all around.

5. I really hate the abortion protesters on Grove Ave that I see on a daily basis on my way to and from school. Yes, as a law student, I'm all about free speech. But every day? I'm also pro-get-a-life/job and quit wearing posters. I'm all about pro-choice, and I won't get into politics here because I don't want to ostracize my conservative fan base out there . . . but really, these people need jobs.

That does it for my top 5 list for today. Another random rant - I ordered some cafe curtains from J.C. Penney - two sets for my two kitchen windows. Well, I got one set and an XL button down sweater . . . which does not function as a window treatment. Thanks a lot Penneys, last online order from me!

Alright, time to get back to work . . . or maybe a quick nap in order to rest up for tonight's VP debate. I almost wish Tina Fey would just do the debate. A final note, if you know me, you know my political beliefs - but I'm not impressed with either VP candidate, so I can't wait to see SNL this weekend to see how they parody tonight's "debate."

First Post

2008-10-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

I've decided to become a blogger. Not that I think my life is so interesting that anyone would want to read about it . . . but law school has successfully drained every ounce of creativity out of my life. The first month of being a transfer student can be summed up in one word: terrible. Okay, I may be being overdramatic but calling this past month stressful is quite the understatement. In the past three weeks I have taken an exam that took me 40 hours to complete, written a 22-page paper, written a 14-page brief, and another 12 page paper. In addition to doing all the research and reading. Did I mention that NONE of this was for class? So, with all of that writing on top of all of my classwork, I have had no fun. I did get invited to join a flag football team with some 2Ls, and that definitely has been the best thing about this school year so far.

When you go to law school everyone tells you that your first year (1L) is by far the worst, and if you can just make it through that first year, you will be fine.

That
is
a
lie.

Beware all 1Ls or future 1Ls, in my opinion, which of course is pessimistic at best, the second year has been 10 times worse. While the terribleness has been exacerbated as a transfer because of all the additional things I am trying out for, in general there is so much going on. Applying for jobs for NEXT summer, joining activities, mock trial and moot court competitions, classes, meetings, oh yes and finding time to eat, sleep and trying to stay sane. Law school is just not doing it for me right now.

On a closing note, my first month hasn't been completely negative. I've perfected my parallel parking skills, and have learned how to get into the "off street" parking spot behind my house - which is conveniently surrounded by a 500 year old tree, a chain link fence and backs up into a solid brick building. I've also decorated the apartment for fall, and today I cooked the first meal since I have been here. Sad, but it's a start.

I've decided to take up painting again - so anyone with any ideas, shoot 'em my way. Of course, that would be assuming any of you are reading this out there ;)