Monday, December 27, 2010

Resolve

If you look at the word "Resolve" it breaks into two parts. The prefix of "Re" which means to do over or to repeat and the word "Solve" which means to fix something or to make something work. Interesting when you put those two together that they mean to repeatedly fix something. It makes sense though, so many things we resolve to do in the New Year are the same every year:  lose those ____lbs, fall in love, redecorate my____room... The list can go on and on, and for some, present company included the thing being resolved is destined for failure after a few months, and bound to be something resolved again the next year.

That being said, I've been putting thought into some Resolutions that I can actually FOLLOW through completely this year, and are hopefully not as superficial as some years may have been. I want to focus on areas that will impact some different aspects of my life--and hopefully impact others.

So, drum roll please--here are my resolutions for 2011:

Mind: Become fluent or at least close to fluent in a foreign language.
Body: Run 4-6 half-marathons during 2011.
Soul: Journal on a regular basis. I am an internalizer.  When I actually remember to journal, I feel like I get a different perspective on whatever I am internalizing through writing, and then an even different one through reading what I wrote. This is one of the most cleansing, productive and positive activities for me to do, yet it is something that I don't always think to do, or put off.
Heart: Give Love. This resolution is one I already try to do--the golden rule--treat others how you want to be treated. I really try to show love through my actions to those I encounter, yet there are certain people I really have a hard time doing that for. So I'm going to really work on making sure that I 'give love' through my actions, facial expressions and words to those I encounter.
Health: Give up soda and/or caffeinated beverages. (I'm sure this is met with laughter and shock) However, it is something that I definitely need to do. Not only for my heart health, but also for my sanity, and wallet... So if you see me with a Diet Coke or a Starbucks in hand--feel free to say something about the soda, or ask if my coffee is decaf! 
Happiness: Learning to say 'no'. I am so bad at overbooking myself and then just wishing I would have said 'no' to the extra shift, going out to dinner, going for a walk instead of a run... I'm not going to be the antithesis of Jim Carrey's character from 'Yes Man' but I am going to work on saying 'no' so I can enjoy the things I say 'yes' to even more.

What are your resolutions this year? How do you stick to them?! Any resolution suggestions for me?

I'm hoping and praying that you have the best year as of yet...You Deserve it!
Love,
Emily

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Christmas Traditions

When I was younger we would drive to the Northwest corner of Iowa, to the town where my mom grew up to celebrate Christmas with one side, my mom's side, of the family. My grandparents, their 6 kids, their spouses, and I believe a total of 14 grandchildren (and now 2 great grandchildren). We would always go to Christmas Eve service together, and the most special part for myself and most of my cousins, (they've told me this, I promise) was the last hymn Silent Night which we would sing--as we sat crammed in the front rows of that small church--holding our candles. It made a beautiful picture and of course, memory. We had other traditions of course--soup after church (chili, chicken noodle and oyster stew), the bedrooms where everyone slept, even watching Christmas Vacation (according to my brother the best Christmas movie ever) and It's a Wonderful Life. But nothing quite as poignant as Silent Night.
Our Omaha Christmas traditions have evolved over the years but certain things have stayed the same. Mom or Dad will always read a Christmas book of David's and my choosing prior to presents--David usually chooses Jolly Old Santa and I'm partial to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, but since it is a chapter book, I usually stick with something a little more user friendly.  Another traditions, which is extremely competitive, is finding the Baby Jesus from our nativity scene. One of my parents hides the figurine, and then the person who finds him gets to open the first present. I'm not doing a good job at describing it--probably because I usually don't win, Kathryn is really good at it--but it is really fun--and it does make us focus on the reason for Christmas prior to the gifts.
Reflecting on these memories prior to Christmas Eve (tomorrow), warms my heart and puts a smile on my face. These special memories are things I'll share with my own children one day, as well as making traditions of my own (which could very well be me winning the find Baby Jesus contest every year)--but for now I thought I'd tell you about them.

What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions!?!

Lots of Love and remember the Reason for this Season
Merry Christmas
Emily 

Friday, December 10, 2010

You are Special To Me

When I was little my mom would read the "I'll Love You Forever" book to my older brother, and then to me--but it was always her and David's book. A few (5 or 6) years ago, I found it at the bookworm, and bought it with the intention of giving it to my Dad as a Father's day gift... He then re gifted it to me during a time in my life where I really needed the general principle from the book  ("I'll Love You For Ever, I'll Love You For Always, As Long As I'm Living, My _______ You'll Be.") reiterated in my life. Since then, we've 'gifted' it back and forth when one of us seems to need it--in person, by USPS, or even hiding it with the knowledge that the other person will find it.

Last night, I had a discussion with my Dad about my deepest fear lately. Not failure, not finals, but a what-if that keeps repeating in my mind.  To preface, so many people have expressed their faith in my abilities whether they be scholastic, personal, athletic, social, etc. As loved as I feel because of that, I have this underlying fear: "What if they find out that I'm not as Special as they think?" Silly, huh? Yet, that is a thought that I can't get out of my mind--"What happens when they realize I'm just me...."

Instead of reiterating those sentiments. He acknowledged my fear, but went further by telling me that I am special--and a law school exam, or rank, a boy, a scale, a friend, etc. is not a way to define my special-ness. He reminded me that I am loved (forever) by him, and my mom--and loved by so many others.  And maybe that's what makes me special--the fact that I am loved--the fact that love overlooks the flaws--the fact that love overlooks the imperfections--the fact that love makes the giver and the receiver more beautiful.

So to my friends and family out there--thank you for making me special by loving me. I hope I can do the same, and do the same for you.

**AND THANK YOU FOR PUTTING UP WITH ME DURING MY FIRST SEMESTER OF LAW SCHOOL**

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Survival

I always love the question that my friend Morgan and I used to agonize over during our HHC summers "If you were on a deserted island--what three things would you take?" Morgan usually would take Emmitt (her stuffed dog), her bible, and some sort of food usually reeses or cookies and cream bites (soooo good). Unlike Morgie, I was not very altruistic with my answers. I would try to weasel out of this question by taking a genie--who would be able to grant me countless wishes, a fully equipped yacht so I could easily get off the island, and Prince William.


Now, that finals are almost upon us--I have no time, energy and effort to put into myself, but there are a few things that I can't live without--not only to preserve my sanity, my social life (or major lack thereof), and also my immune system.

Emergen-C. 1000 mg of Vitamin C per packet (I put 2 packets into a water bottle), along with 24 Nutrients, Antioxidants, Electrolytes and 7 B Vitamins. Currently, I'm enjoying the Lemon Lime Flavor--which you can purchase at Whole foods, Trader Joes, Walgreens or Here. I also like the Tangerine (pictured), and the Tropical flavor. I wasn't too fond of the Pink Lemonade or the Acai Berry. As silly as it sounds, this delicious, fizzy security blanket is one of the main reasons, I haven't gotten ill yet. Also the BURST of energy I get after drinking my bottle full is better, and much less jittery than a cup of coffee.

Lip Balm. I feel like Napoleon Dynamite with my excessive use of lip balm or clear gloss lately. Right now I am using Strawberry Carmex which you can get at walgreens for $1.50 or Here. C.O. Bigelow 'Ultra Mentha Lip Shine' (in clear), which not only tastes good, but it makes my lips shiny and refreshes my breath, and it is awesome because I don't have to reapply all the time. I get mine at Bath and Body Works, but you can get it Here. Finally I'm using Burt's Bees 'Super Shiny Lip Gloss' in Nectar Nude, which I picked up at whole foods the other night but you can get it Here. This is great because it provides a touch of color, but it also stays on and really moisturizes.

Snacks. My friend Laurel and I always giggle and ask each other for snacks because we both love snacks, and because law school has cause us to think we're really funny, when we're not, but we are. Lately, I've been enjoying edamame, with no shell, unsalted, and delicious. It lasts me for a few days, and is very good brain food. I have also been loving pistachios, salted and shelled. This is a snack that I have to pack a (generous) serving of because they are so addictive. :) Finally to satisfy my sweet tooth, I am obsessed with, seriously, obsessed with Candy Cane Hershey Kisses.  I don't know how to describe them other than awesome, indulgent, and ah-maz-ing. Plus they're seasonal, so I feel the necessity to eat them while they are in stock...or at least that is what I tell myself.

Friends. Spending time with, emailing, studying with, texting with, talking to all of my friends has be key.  I could go on and on about how lucky I am because of my wonderful friends. I feel like I am an anomaly because of my core group of friends--not only is it large, diverse, but it is full of incredible, beautiful (inside and outside) group of role models for me. Each person who I know and love has at least one thing that I wish to, and try to emulate. I really am loved by them, and I really love them.  

Music. If you see me on campus, running, or studying, there is a common theme--I have my iTouch on, or at least I have my earbuds in (usually it is the second part). Lately, I've been exposed to lots of different music, because of one of my favorite things--Pandora. If you don't know what pandora is, a brief version is that it is a (free) music genome project which allows you to type in an artist, favorite song, or even soundtrack from a movie or tv show, and pandora will stream music that is similar to your entry. I have stations ranging from 'Taio Cruise' to 'Rolling Stones' to 'Grey's Anatomy' to 'Iron and Wine.' I also have Ally to thank, because she downloaded a lot of music to run to, study to, and rock out to!!!

These are just a few of the things and people that have helped me keep a smile on my face lately, and I know will continue to over these next few weeks... Good Luck on finals to my friends in school! And to those in and out of school, I can't wait to celebrate being done, and not being a 'fun-hater' (to use my older brother's word) as of December 18th.

Em

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Top 4

I'm one of those people who falls in love with 'must-haves' all of the time. Right now, in the midst of studying, studying, and studying...and a little more studying...here are a few things (well four) that put a smile on my face.
Ole Henriksen "Truth Serum"

This is one of my most favorite parts of my skin care routine. Every morning after I wash my face, and before I apply my sunblock--I apply this. It boasts an anti-aging, vitamin c complex, which smooths outlines, wrinkles, brightens skin and prevents damage. One of my favorite parts about this is the light citrus smell, the other favorite is that I've gotten some sans make-up skin compliments lately! You can buy it here:Truth Serum

Coffee-mate Creamer

Considering my part time (Saturday) job is at a coffee shop, this is definitely a cardinal sin in the world of baristas... However this is probably one of the MOST delicious flavors out there--and it just makes my morning start so much better when I enjoy a mug at home, or cup on my drive down to school! You can get it here Much Better Mornings :) (and there are some great coupons on their website).
Early To Bed

I believe this is the name a store, however I'm talking about one of my favorite things. I love when I get the opportunity, yes, opportunity to go to sleep early--I feel better in the morning, my skin looks better, I'm more motivated the next day, I could go on and on... but, considering it is almost 8 on a Saturday night and I can't wait to crawl into bed and snooze (I'm literally speeding through the rest of this post I'm SO EXCITED), I pry shouldn't say any more.


Trader Joe's Freeze Dried Fruit

I love snacks--and now that we have a Trader Joe's in Nebraska--I can enjoy these snacks all the time. Well the Mango or Strawberry--the Banana is more of a once every couple weeks deal. At $2.99 a bag, and about (180 cal for the entire bag of mango, 300 for the entire banana, and 160(?) for the entire bag of strawberries) they are the PERFECT treat to munch on all day. Definitely something fun and new to try, actually everything at Trader Joe's is something fun and new to try!

Let me know if you get a chance to try any of my current favorite things--I'd love your feedback. Also, let me know some of your favorite things--I'd love to try them!


Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Twenty-Four

I turned Twenty-Four this past Friday...and it was a wonderful birthday! I started my day off with a long and slow run outdoors. The weather was perfect (sunshine and a slight breeze) and seeing the fall colors put a big smile on my face (hard to imagine, I know). After my run I came home with the hope of a 20 minute nap, and ended up sleeping for 3 hours!!! Following that, mom and I went to TCBY for lunch--white chocolate mousse with lots and lots of cookie dough--and then did a bit of shopping. My day ended with dinner at Blue Sushi (on 144th and Maple) with my parents, David (my older brother) and Kathryn (my sister-in-law/friend). The picture is of Kathryn at I at Blue on Friday night, I think it turned out really cute!!! It was so nice being on fall break on my birthday, I didn't do any studying at all that day, and just relaxed!


On Sunday, I worked for two hours, went to church and then prepared oral arguments with a couple friends from my constitutional law class. Following that I ran around making party favors for my friends--Bath and Body hand sanitizer, Fall Colored Nail Polish (Purples, Silvers and Dark Blue), and Candy--and wrote each of them a note...Because I try to fit as much as possible in a day as I can, I met my 'mentor/2nd mom/parent's friend' Cheryl at Clancy's for a quick drink and snack for my birthday, and to tell her all about law school so far! She surprised me with some Godiva and a gift card to Von Maur =D.

The picture above is of Meg, myself , Ally and Rachel--we showed up a little early and had a nice drink/gossip session prior to dinner. I think the bartender didn't think our jokes were as funny as we did. 

One of the reasons I picked to go to Charlestons was the atmosphere, it is classy, warm and easy to hold a conversation--especially with a bigger group of people. Even more than that though, the food is delicious (especially their spinach artichoke dip). It was such a special memory sitting with this incredible group of girls and having wonderful conversation, great food, and lots of laughs. It was also fun seeing my friends (none really who knew each other too well prior to this) click with each other, and find some great commonalities.  I am so thankful for my wonderful friends, they are the most empathetic, kind, beautiful (inside and outside), intelligent, awesome women in the world! I really felt so special and lucky as I enjoyed their company on Sunday night.
(Back-Meg, Ally, Emily, Kathryn, Terah.
Front-Laurel, Rachel, Tricia)

Sadly it is back to school now, 6 weeks left in the semester until finals...
xoxo

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Break???

It really surprises people that I get a fall break. Not going to lie, it was quite a nice surprise for me. I had visions of sleeping until noon, and then taking naps, going out of town, going out on the town, and not giving school a second thought. I am laughing hysterically (as I hope you are if you are in law school) as I write this because fall break has been the exact opposite of that utopia I had imagined.

Instead of sleeping in I've been up early--one morning to get my oil changed, another to work, etc. Although napping would be nice, my break time has filled up with all of the errands that I haven't been able to get to since school started (oil change, dentist, tailor, bank, silent auction item pick-up...). But sadly those aren't the main part of my break, instead the main part is studying :s I am making the most of it--going to places with windows--you laugh, but there aren't windows in our classrooms, so I'm thoroughly enjoying it....Going to coffee shops that are out of the way of campus that I usually couldn't get to during the day, but this week I can...Or even sitting on the patio at home with a glass of Pinot Noir enjoy at the beautiful fall scenery with my con law book--which really added to the scenery, ha ha.

I'm sure this post sounds like a pity-party, or you'd like to offer me some cheese with my 'whine' but it isn't. I'm thankful for this chance to not only decompress, but to destress, and take a step away from the usual day-to-day law school, and refresh before the real stress sets in!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Zombies

I thought this was fitting for the month of October...and for the way I've been acting and feeling lately--I'm sure this feeling will last at least all three years of law school. I'm turning into a zombie--not a Night of the Living Dead or Zombie Land type--but a law school zombie. I did some research on Zombies, and found out some surprisingly similar characteristics between a first-year law student, and a zombie. According to the (fantastically accurate and always factual) wikipedia, there are certain characteristics a zombie a zombie, we'll see how well they fit with me: A zombie of a first-year law student!

*Discolored Skin and Eyes--time in the library has led to this--not only am I pale, though the glow from my computer screen gives my pale skin a luminous finish, but my eyes are bloodshot from the lack of sleep and constant reading...not to mention the lovely purple bags under my eyes. 

*Non-Communicative--Absolutely. My friends outside of school can attest to this one, although it really is an unintentional on my part--I'm not sure if that makes me more or less of a zombie.

*Unaffected by injuries, as long as they don't hurt the brain too much--Does this not sum up the rampant cold/flu that is going around...at least I'm okay with feeling miserable (cold/sinus infection wise) as long as I can still study--and shamelessly plug how I feel =D.

*Last but not least-Contagious actions or characteristics--I feel as if this could be the aforementioned cold going through the first-year class...But even more, word of mouth within school is very contagious. Hearing other's study habits, organization skills, understanding of concepts--is enough to stress someone out, drive them crazy, or even turn them into a zombie.

So have I gone over to the dark side? Am I a zombie?! You can be the judge of that...Though I feel like one, and am acting like one (sorry)--There is a light at the end of the tunnel (and it's not just graduation in 3 years) but fall break in less than 2 weeks! Happy Monday fellow zombies and friends. xo

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Intentions

In various first-year law classes, the topic of intent is covered. It needs to be present in various areas of law in order to prove the defendant's or plaintiff's motives--whether that is the transfer of possession (property), making a promise (contracts), assault and battery (torts) or even how the constitution was intended to be interpreted to by the judicial branch (constitutional law).
When I looked at my blog today, I was so frustrated with my lack of blogging lately, however, that doesn't reflect my intent. Before making this entry, I looked back on 'drafts' that I had started--all in the past month--there were about 7. Which shows that I've had the intent to blog, however with my limited time and energy--I've chosen to exert my efforts elsewhere--Sorry friends :).
This is mainly an apology to let you know as far as my intentions go whether it be blogging, being a fun person, etc. It is still there, I do have the intent, which I'll hopefully be able to prove by doing some MAJOR blogging over fall break!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Its been one week...

The day before school started, my older brother told me I looked smarter already. He saw me yesterday, after I had a week of school under my belt, and didn't say anything. However, a few of my regular coffee shop customers did comment on my appearance--one told me I looked stressed, but I was having a good hair day--the other was a little less complimentary and said I looked very anxious and tired...I thought about making his drink decaf, but refrained.

So what happened my first week of law school? It was a complete blur--but here are a few things that I wasn't quite expecting:

*I have bruises on both of my shoulders from how heavy my backpack is--and I carry the material for one class plus my laptop.
*I've regressed to middle school by using my locker, bringing my sack lunch, and color coding my class notes/assignments.

*Running after class has become my happy place...and for those of you who know me well--running and happy place have never been in the same sentence before.

*People are genuinely helpful and extremely friendly. I've always heard how competitive students in law school, but I haven't experienced that at all...Instead the people I've met have been willing to give advice (for some reason I keep hearing: relax), answer questions, discuss assignments, and laugh at some awkward moment in class.

It's nice looking back over that first week and realizing that I survived my first week of law school...and wondering what this next week will bring--other than fresh shoulder bruises :)

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Asia?

On my way to orientation on Thursday, one of my friends had texted me to see what I was up to for the day...Trying to make the most of my 160 characters in my return message--I replied and abbreviated orientation to 'orient.' Her immediate response was definitely one of her more memorable ones--are you going to China?! She was serious, but it sure made me giggle, which took away some of the 'first day' butterflies.

Little did I know how accurate her (silly) question would be. The past few days, during orientation, I've felt like I've been in a foreign country. There are different customs, new people to meet, a different language to learn and just a sense of wide-eyed amazement, alternating with fear. And yet with all of those feelings, and new things happening, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else... I'm hoping in the next few days, weeks or even months, I'll assimilate to this new 'country.' Until then, I'm going to enjoy the new experiences, people and even textbooks...

Happy Saturday

Monday, August 16, 2010

An Introduction

I had a pretty sweet blog prior to this. I would do something new every week! Sometimes I would post about it, other times I would linger in the feeling of satisfaction due to what I accomplished. If nothing else, it was a fantastic conversation starter.

Now, I'm doing a BIG new thing. Law School, hence the (witty) title of my blog. So, instead of blogging about my new things--I'm going to share my adventures, misadventures (pry more of those), and general experience with you.

Is my blog going to be interesting? I doubt it. I've heard that my first year of law school (which starts Thursday) will squelch anything like that (interesting, fun, happy, etc.)... Will my blog be funny? If you think that I am a funny person, then absolutely, you'll be in stiches with every post...if not, at least you don't have to laugh awkwardly when you can tell I'm attempting humor and failing. Is this going to outlast my other blogs? Please (quickly) refer to my commentary about how 'interesting' it will be--it seems pretty doubtful on that front too.

In all seriousness, I think blogging is going to be a fantastic outlet for me during the next few years...and I'm excited to share my experiences with you...I hope you're as excited as I am.

xoxo