I'm officially over a week in now. My first final is two days away. Tomorrow starts the hardcore studying (i.e. cramming and taking advantage of the short-term memory that I have, only to dump the material the next day to make room for my next final's information).
You'll be happy to hear that I have showered since my last post...once. I can't say that I've changed my clothes though. And I'm not sure the flea and tick stuff worked - my face itches like crazy.
But I'm plowing ahead. Today has focused on agency principles (mainly inherent agency power). I have determined it is inherently hopeless to try to understand it. I have read my notes (it didn't take long since I didn't understand what the hell the professor was talking about at the time) and re-read the relevant case. I remember this case well because it hit me like a ton of bricks.
Briefly, there was a lady that was trying to get damages for a breached contract. The contract was with a mortgage company (who sold the loan off to the federal government without telling the lady) who serviced the loan and then went bankrupt (like so many mortgage companies these days...only this took place in the '90s). The federal government was going after the lady's house (or the monetary equivalent, which she, like so many these days...only this took place in the '90s, didn't have the money to pay for). Ultimately, the court applied the concept of inherent agency power to declare that the woman won under agency principles.
The thing that makes me laugh about the case is that the court specifically said it did not understand inherent agency power. The thing that makes me cry about the case is that the lady didn't actually win. Let's say she won the battle but lose the war. The court turned around in the very next paragraph and said that the federal government is immune from an agent's unauthorized actions. As such, the lady loses.
Where was I going with this? (remember that short-term memory I was talking about? I may be in trouble...) Oh, yeah. I figure that if a judge can't understand the concept, I shouldn't have to understand it either. That's a pretty good theory in my book since I don't actually understand it. I've consulted my notes (which weren't helpful), consulted a free outline (which didn't help because they didn't understand it either), went so far as to consult the Restatement (which, as the court itself stated was "unhelpful"), and re-read the case.
I think I'll chalk this one up to the "hope it's not in an essay" category and move on. Oh look! It's 9:30. Guess it's time to go watch the rest of the game.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Gobble! Gobble!
Happy Thanksgiving, blogworld!
We've got our turkey, smoked courtesy of Christ Church United Methodist! We've got our green beans, ala Grady Spears cookbook (so good, try them!!) We've got our potatoes, ala mom. We've got our Sweet Girl, ala Mom and Dad. And lastly, we've got Fightin' Texas Aggie Football tonight!
Have a blessed day, giving thanks, eating good food, and spending time with your loved ones!
We've got our turkey, smoked courtesy of Christ Church United Methodist! We've got our green beans, ala Grady Spears cookbook (so good, try them!!) We've got our potatoes, ala mom. We've got our Sweet Girl, ala Mom and Dad. And lastly, we've got Fightin' Texas Aggie Football tonight!
Have a blessed day, giving thanks, eating good food, and spending time with your loved ones!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
It's Been...
...four days. Only four frickin’ days?
Yep, the law school study-a-thon is four days in the works and one thing is clear: I AM SICK OF STUDYING!!! The fact that four days has passed me by is alarming for three reasons. First, I’ve only concentrated on one subject – professional responsibility – and I’m still nowhere near where I need to be. Second, I’ve spent approximately four days trying to figure out how to not take the exams (now or in the future). I think I’ve determined it’s not possible to get a law degree without graduating from law school. And to graduate from law school, I need to take (and pass) the exams. Third, I cleaned the kitchen this morning. The fact that I would prefer to clean than to do something else shows something is wrong.
Above is a picture that shows my condition 4 days in. Take note of a couple of things:
1. I am growing my finals beard (which supposedly will help me get through this). I am slightly worried that it will not actually help. I am also worried it will not make it through finals (I think I may have to make a trip down to the office to wrap up some stuff that won’t get wrapped up otherwise).
2. Consistent with the beard growth, I have broken out the flea and tick treatment (located next to my computer. And yes, it is necessary. See the comment below regarding my outfit for the next few weeks). There is now the distinct scent, nay, stench of peppermint and cinnamon (which oddly enough smells like pine when combined) lingering throughout the house.
3. Yes, I am using Hayley’s boppy – generally reserved for breastfeeding mothers – as a book prop. It makes it easier to highlight passages that someone (other than me) finds important.
4. I am wearing my 1988 Tecmo Bowl championship t-shirt. For the next few weeks, I will be a champion. (I am also wearing my flannel pants...and will continue to do so for the next few weeks.)
5. I am smiling for the picture. At this moment in time, that is my happy face.
Four days down, 20 days to go.
Yep, the law school study-a-thon is four days in the works and one thing is clear: I AM SICK OF STUDYING!!! The fact that four days has passed me by is alarming for three reasons. First, I’ve only concentrated on one subject – professional responsibility – and I’m still nowhere near where I need to be. Second, I’ve spent approximately four days trying to figure out how to not take the exams (now or in the future). I think I’ve determined it’s not possible to get a law degree without graduating from law school. And to graduate from law school, I need to take (and pass) the exams. Third, I cleaned the kitchen this morning. The fact that I would prefer to clean than to do something else shows something is wrong.
Above is a picture that shows my condition 4 days in. Take note of a couple of things:
1. I am growing my finals beard (which supposedly will help me get through this). I am slightly worried that it will not actually help. I am also worried it will not make it through finals (I think I may have to make a trip down to the office to wrap up some stuff that won’t get wrapped up otherwise).
2. Consistent with the beard growth, I have broken out the flea and tick treatment (located next to my computer. And yes, it is necessary. See the comment below regarding my outfit for the next few weeks). There is now the distinct scent, nay, stench of peppermint and cinnamon (which oddly enough smells like pine when combined) lingering throughout the house.
3. Yes, I am using Hayley’s boppy – generally reserved for breastfeeding mothers – as a book prop. It makes it easier to highlight passages that someone (other than me) finds important.
4. I am wearing my 1988 Tecmo Bowl championship t-shirt. For the next few weeks, I will be a champion. (I am also wearing my flannel pants...and will continue to do so for the next few weeks.)
5. I am smiling for the picture. At this moment in time, that is my happy face.
Four days down, 20 days to go.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Birthday Preview
Mark your calendars folks. The cake smashing will take place on Dec. 19th at 1pm. You know you want to be there!!
I'm so stinking excited about Kaylynn's birthday party! Let it be known that I have NO IDEA how to throw a birthday party. I don't know about party favors, games, foods, etc. I don't know what to do. But what I DO know how to do is make uber cute party invitations and stickers on photoshop (I can make yours!!) and come up with fun, clever (in my own humble opinion) sayings/theme for the party. I really want to show everything to you (the whole two readers that actually exist) but, I feel as though I should have some sort of element suspense. But if I don't share, you might not get it, and then I have to explain later, then my fun, clever sayings aren't so fun anymore. Does that make sense? No?
Just watch this video. That way you'll have some idea of what I'm talking about.
I'm so stinking excited about Kaylynn's birthday party! Let it be known that I have NO IDEA how to throw a birthday party. I don't know about party favors, games, foods, etc. I don't know what to do. But what I DO know how to do is make uber cute party invitations and stickers on photoshop (I can make yours!!) and come up with fun, clever (in my own humble opinion) sayings/theme for the party. I really want to show everything to you (the whole two readers that actually exist) but, I feel as though I should have some sort of element suspense. But if I don't share, you might not get it, and then I have to explain later, then my fun, clever sayings aren't so fun anymore. Does that make sense? No?
Just watch this video. That way you'll have some idea of what I'm talking about.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Finished!
I finally finished this jacket! Now, it looks nothing like the one that is on the site of Heidi & Finn, but that's ok, because I MADE IT! It'll look a lot cuter on Sweet Girl than on Pink Bear. I promise! Actually, I don't promise, I just hope that when Kaylynn wears it, she doesn't look like a Jedi Warrior (or Hans Solo...I don't know, I didn't care for Star Wars.)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
11 Months already!
Dearest Kaylynn,
11 months have come and 11 months have gone. It is hard to believe that your will be a whole year old in a few weeks! Time flies too fast!
This month you have been a busy bee! You went back to Ohio to visit GiGi, Auntie Melissa, Uncle Angelo, and Cousin Anthony! We had a great time!
You saw Anthony standing, so you decided it would be the cool thing to do. Now you stand all the time. You prefer crawling though. Sometimes you forget that you don't have complete balance, and will stand for a few seconds by yourself before you grab on to me or the couch.
We are drinking from a cup now for your bottles! We still have the bottles, in case a cup is dirty, but you'd drink out of it each time if it is given to you. You're becoming more independent, that's for sure.
Though independent, you'd rather someone play with you. Most times you get angry if we're not on the floor with you or you aren't in our laps. Sometimes when I'm on the floor playing with you, you crawl into my lap for some snuggles. I love those times!
The new game is handing us invisible things. You like to share your toys with us, but now you've started giving us things that don't exist. Tonight, after your bath, you acted like you took a bow out of your hair and gave it to Daddy. Then did it again, and again. It's hilarious!
Speaking of bows...you've decided that they taste better than they look. You can no longer be left unsupervised with bows on (aka, in your carseat). Mommy got quite a scare when you started hacking on one while she was driving. Not fun! Since your hair is so long, we've had to do the "Pebbles" style ponytail to keep your hair out of your face. It's just a phase, it'll soon be so long that you won't need it. Mommy isn't cutting bangs for you.
Each month keeps getting more fun! We love hearing you laugh when you get Eskimo kisses or tickled. We love your sweet kisses and hugs. We love you!!
Love,
Mommy
Kaylynn on her 11 month birthday.
11 months have come and 11 months have gone. It is hard to believe that your will be a whole year old in a few weeks! Time flies too fast!
This month you have been a busy bee! You went back to Ohio to visit GiGi, Auntie Melissa, Uncle Angelo, and Cousin Anthony! We had a great time!
You saw Anthony standing, so you decided it would be the cool thing to do. Now you stand all the time. You prefer crawling though. Sometimes you forget that you don't have complete balance, and will stand for a few seconds by yourself before you grab on to me or the couch.
We are drinking from a cup now for your bottles! We still have the bottles, in case a cup is dirty, but you'd drink out of it each time if it is given to you. You're becoming more independent, that's for sure.
Though independent, you'd rather someone play with you. Most times you get angry if we're not on the floor with you or you aren't in our laps. Sometimes when I'm on the floor playing with you, you crawl into my lap for some snuggles. I love those times!
The new game is handing us invisible things. You like to share your toys with us, but now you've started giving us things that don't exist. Tonight, after your bath, you acted like you took a bow out of your hair and gave it to Daddy. Then did it again, and again. It's hilarious!
Speaking of bows...you've decided that they taste better than they look. You can no longer be left unsupervised with bows on (aka, in your carseat). Mommy got quite a scare when you started hacking on one while she was driving. Not fun! Since your hair is so long, we've had to do the "Pebbles" style ponytail to keep your hair out of your face. It's just a phase, it'll soon be so long that you won't need it. Mommy isn't cutting bangs for you.
Each month keeps getting more fun! We love hearing you laugh when you get Eskimo kisses or tickled. We love your sweet kisses and hugs. We love you!!
Love,
Mommy
Kaylynn on her 11 month birthday.
Sporting her new ponytail on 11/08/09
Fun video of Kaylynn's afternoons. Notice how she always crawls back to the lap.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Quiz: What's your interior personality (personality color profile)
I found this link on another blog. Since I really want to take a nap right now and not grade papers (hey, I am caught up for once, I just have a new assingnment to grade), I'm not being very productive. I took this quiz, just for fun. I do not think it's results are very shocking. At least not to me.
Now, I just need an infinite supply of funds and no job! :)
Now, I just need an infinite supply of funds and no job! :)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Halloweeny! (well, mostly Cleveland)
A photo tour of our Cleveland trip (and a few of Halloween).
CORN MAZE!! This was cool. They carved it out to look like Frankenstein.
Trying for some fall photos in the Metroparks. It's near impossible to get 2 babies looking at the camera at the same time.
Mommy and Kaylynn. Mommy needs to work on her posture.
Auntie Melissa and Anthony. Anthony has the biggest smile (and the cutest dimple!)
Kaylynn was a huge fan of the leaves. She wouldn't keep a clip in her hair. You can really see how long it is getting.
"Anthony. You HAVE to taste this leaf!"
"Kaylynn, you're crazy. I'm outta here!"
On Saturday, we hijacked Sean and drove Grandma (GiGi) to Smithville, OH. She's famous there. Here's a picture of Grandma with her picture.
Halloween pictures did not work out as planned. Here's our little pumpkin with Daddy!
A tiger and a pumpkin.
A ladybug (Emma) and a tiger.
She was about over it!
CORN MAZE!! This was cool. They carved it out to look like Frankenstein.
Trying for some fall photos in the Metroparks. It's near impossible to get 2 babies looking at the camera at the same time. 
Mommy and Kaylynn. Mommy needs to work on her posture.
Auntie Melissa and Anthony. Anthony has the biggest smile (and the cutest dimple!)
Kaylynn was a huge fan of the leaves. She wouldn't keep a clip in her hair. You can really see how long it is getting. 
"Anthony. You HAVE to taste this leaf!"
"Kaylynn, you're crazy. I'm outta here!"
On Saturday, we hijacked Sean and drove Grandma (GiGi) to Smithville, OH. She's famous there. Here's a picture of Grandma with her picture.
Halloween pictures did not work out as planned. Here's our little pumpkin with Daddy!
A tiger and a pumpkin.
A ladybug (Emma) and a tiger.
She was about over it!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Beard Me
:: sigh :: It's that time of year again. November has come, and along with it has come the feeling of despair from another bout of finals. And the arrival of finals means only one thing for me:
It's beard-thirty.
It's beard-thirty.
In hockey, there is a tradition amongst the players to grow a beard as long as their team is in the playoffs. For me, I have grown a "beard" while preparing for finals (generally I have shaved it off when I went to take my first final because it's uncomfortable - much like the feeling in a certain part of my body when I'm taking the final). It seems to have served me well considering I am still in school. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
Of course the growth will not start for another few weeks. I can't show up to work looking like a complete bum. I still have a professional responsibility to make it look like I know what I'm doing. But as soon as I take off of work for the two weeks of hell, it's beard time. And I don't plan on shaving it until after finals. Even then, I'm only going to shave it into a goatee. Why? Because my lovely wife hates it. (In my defense, she knew what she was getting herself into when she married me.)
Consider this the official countdown to beard-ness. There will be pictures.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
On the Docket
- A mustard yellow jacket for Sweet Girl.
- Finishing a stocking for Sweet Girl **not actual stocking, I don't think. I can't remember**
- A very cool blanket.
- Finishing my readings.
- And Christmas shopping.
And in the meantime, trying to keep the house clear from our now STANDING baby girl. That's right folks. She pulled up a few times in Cleveland (her cousin, Anthony, showed her how it was done) and has become a pro back here in Houston. We even sit down pretty well from standing.
(Halloweeny photos to come soon. Maybe. If I remember.)
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