I'll Be There for You

You're still in bed at ten and work began at eight 
You've burned your breakfast, so far things are going great 
Your mother warned you there'd be days like these 
But she didn't tell you when the world has brought you down to your knees that
I'll be there for you 
                                     -As done by Boyce Avenue

Greetings!

I know there are major gaps in my posts, but lately, nothing but school has been happening. However, this is about to change! Monday is our last day of official class, then we have the rest of the week for Thanksgiving and studying (not in that order) and then we have two weeks of finals. And THEN, ladies and gentlemen, I will have finished my first semester at law school. In a way, I can't believe it went by so fast, and yet in a way, I can't believe it took so long. I'm looking forward to it being over....I can't wait to go home to California. This time, I actually have time to go to Sacramento and get to see my parents! It's exciting. I'm excited. :D

So, the last two weeks or so have been a little different. A couple weeks ago I made chili for the chili cook-off at my school. I didn't win. :[ BUT, according to my friend and the lady at the table, mine was one of the first to run out from sales to the public. One of my other friends joked that I must have won the people's choice award. Haha, that's a nice thought. The law school didn't go unrepresented though, and another law student won second place. I can be happy for him. :]

Last weekend, I went to northern Virginia with some friends (Michael, Lila and Cassie) for a Rend Collective concert (if you don't know who they are, look 'em up. They're really good). Cassie went to stay with friends and Lila and I stayed at Michael's parents' house and it was wonderful getting to sleep in a bed again. His parents were very nice and welcoming, we had a really wonderful time. In the morning, we helped Michael's mom with a puzzle and ended up getting a much later start than we would have liked. But it was relaxing and an appreciated change of environment.

After we left Michael's place we drove the last 40 minutes to DC and met up with Cassie to go to the Library of Congress to do some homework. Thought it would be a lot cooler than it was. The law library ended up not being so spectacular. But Cassie took us through an underground tunnel to the Jefferson building (I think) which was absolutely beautiful.
But we got there right as they were closing down, so we walked around DC a bit and saw the Supreme Court building, the ACLJ office, the capital building (had a YOLO moment there, and I blame Cassie <3), and I think one other place, but I don't remember.

We went to Cassie's old church on Sunday and then drove back to Virginia Beach (haha, I almost wrote Northridge). The rest of the night was spent doing homework, talking to Kris and watching a movie over skype.

This week has been mostly review. Since we only have class on Monday next week, our T/Th classes are now over, but most of my professors are having Q&A study sessions next week to prepare us for finals. I'm not as worried as I probably should be, but I think I'm gunna do alright. I'm going to miss spending Thanksgiving with my family this year, but mostly everyone not from the area is staying here (cause of finals), so we're doing something for Thanksgiving ourselves.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'm thankful for all of you who read this blog. It makes me feel less alone when I know there are twenty some-odd people reading this (Blogger tracks how many page views, so I know. haha) who care enough to spend 15 minutes out of their days to see what's up with me. I appreciate it as well as all the encouragement and support, I've gotten, too.

Also on a note of Thanksgiving I would like to give thanks for five things.

1. God. I couldn't have gotten to where I am on my own, and I am so indebted every day. My faith and my life because of what God does is incredible. I promised I wouldn't get preachy on this blog, but I'm always down to talk about the specifics of this point in a personal conversation via whatever convenient mean.
2. My folks. Every step of the way since I said, "I'm going to law school," they've been nothing but supportive. Especially since I moved here, they've done so much to give me every chance to succeed. I'm forever grateful.
3. My friends. Sabrena, Matthew, M@, Rachel, Shannon & Dustin, Brendan, Joanna, Laura, Erin, Amanda, Melissa, Monte, Darin....the list is way too long to type out everyone's names. You guys have been there when I call and I'm so ready to pack up and come home to talk me out of being ridiculous. I don't keep in touch as much as I'd like, but I'm grateful to know I have all y'all who care for me.
4. This school and my classmates. To hear my professors tell us that they're praying for us, that they prayed over our applications, that they pray for us during finals....it's amazing to know that your law professors care for you. It really is a rare thing. And without my 1L's and other friend's I've made here I definitely wouldn't be able to survive.
5. Kris. Words don't work here. The list grows all the time of the ways you make sure I know that I'm loved and supported and taken care of...all from 2700 miles away. I'm very grateful to be with you.

There. My 5 things I'm giving thanks for over this blog. There are many many more that I'm reminded of all the time, but this post is long enough as it is, so I won't make it longer. I hope your holidays are wonderful.

Oh! Sidenote: I can't promise to post in the next few weeks, but chances are I might resurface to let y'all know I'm alive.

AND!!!! STILL, please send me mail! All I get is junk mail and it makes me sad. :(

Have a good week, month, holiday and life. <3 I shall send you off with my favorite season....FALL!!