Whirlwind...

I haven't posted since my last exam.... yes, I survived. In fact, I had my best semester yet! And.... I am graduating (drum roll please....) magna cum laude...

I have been busy enjoying (soaking in) every last second of freedom.... There is so much that has happened in the last, what two weeks?? that I could write about or post a few pictures of. Since I probably won't have a whole lot to write about all summer (other than I studied. alot.), I'm sure I will have time to catch up.

I crammed a trip to Raleigh in there, a trip to Carolina/Wrightsville Beach and a graduation party in my honor at my parent's house. I will blog later about these adventures...

So, today was my first day of "official" bar prep class. 9:30-4. Not to bad. Our school gave us basically an hour by hour schedule for us to follows. So far this week I have followed it to a T. It's only been about 7 hours a day. But, all that is about to change next week.

Tonight was "MEMORIES and MOCKERIES" at my law school. Basically, students "spoofed" the professors. I spoofed one of my favorite professors, pink suit/leopard shoes and all. I got lots of laughs. I laughed so hard tonight that my stomach hurt. You know what I am talking about-- the kind where your chest gets tight and your cheeks feel like they are about to bust.
Oh, did it feel good. I can't remember the last time I laughed like that. And, boy did I need it.
I think laughter is one of the best things on earth. I hope that over the next 69 days of bar prep that I can keep a smile on my face and even belly laugh every now and then.

WHOOOO HOOOOOO

Today is the day! I can hardly stand it! I take my last final at 6:00 tonight. And then I am officially done with law school... I have a week off, then its 10-12 hours a day of studying for the next 10 weeks.

I have a lot to cram in the next week... I am going to Raleigh tonight with my husband and then the beach this weekend with my law school gals. I'm moving to Charlotte sometime next week.

Okay, back to Elder Law...

Derby Days

The hats, the dresses, the parties... For those of you who don't know, in some parts of the country the first Saturday in May is way more imporant than the 5th of May. It's the long awaited Kentucky Derby --"the fastest two minutes in sports."

My dad grew up in Louisville so of course the Derby is extra special to him. I have actually never been to the Derby, but it is on my bucket list (wow, i really need to do a post on my bucket list). As a kid, I went to lots of races when I visited my grandparents in Louisville. The last race I went to was in 04, Brian and I were dating at the time and he got to come with me. Since I have been in school every May for the last 20 years, I have never made it to the Derby. Maybe next May I should go since it will be my first not in school.

I really like horse races. My husband would say its because its the only sport that can keep my attention as each race lasts two minutes. But I think my favorite part is the HATS. Sure the spring dresses are precious, but oh something about those big hats with even bigger flowers, bows and feathers just make me happy! (sigh...)


Maybe I will have to take a quick break from cramming for my elder law exam tomorrow and watch the race...

TTFN,
Carol

Not quite "Wordless" Wednesday

When I got home from school today, this was on my steps... (wow, i really need to sweep the pollen off the porch)

Now normally I LOVE getting mail... But, when I saw the words "BarBri" I knew what it was--25LBS of law to learn this summer....It's going to be a LONG summer....



But on a more positive note... I did pick these up from the invitation place today. It's the announcement for my graduation party. I really like them! I didn't want them to scream graduation or law school. (the yellow labels are to cover up all the "identifying info.") I think they came out nice. (yes, they say bring a fishing pole-- my mom and dad insisted that some of the guys might wanna fish, I kinda think not..but, since they were paying for them...)

Thinking of Africa

I often feel like I have a hard time articulating the impact my trips to Africa have had on my life. Sometimes I feel like the English language simply doesn't contain the words to describe it. I find myself almost daily reflecting upon the images of suffering, starvation and orphans, but more than that I find myself thinking about those I met with indescribable hope, courage and indomitable spirits. I ran across a video tonight and wanted to share it with you. The songwriter sings about her recent trip to Rwanda... She has found words to tell the story that I often struggle with. I can't get it to download, but here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPy2l4FYabU

Here are the lyrics:

I saw what I saw and I can't forget it
I heard what I heard and I can't go back
I know what I know and I can't deny it

Something on the road
Cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I'm afraid of
And what I know of love

We've done what we've done and we can't erase it
We are what we are and it's more than enough
We have what we have but it's no substitution

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I'm made of
And what I know of love

Something on the road
Cut me to the soul

I say what I say with no hesitation
I have what I have and I'm giving it up
I do what I do with deep conviction

Something on the road, cut me to the soul

Your pain has changed me
Your dreams inspire
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire

Your pain has changed me
Your dream inspires
Your face a memory
Your hope a fire
Your courage asks me what I am afraid of
Your courage asks me what I am made of
Your courage asks me what I am afraid of
And what I know of God


Until Next Time,
Carol

Green Goodness

So I have been on a health kick for a couple of weeks now. The first two weeks, I did amazing. I actually lost 5lbs following a strict weight watchers diet, not drinking sodas and not eating fast food.

The past couple of days I havent been doing quite as well. But, I have started drinking these very nutritious smoothies for breakfast because I realized that I am not getting enough essentials vitamins and minerals. They are super yummy.

Its 1/2 c. of fat free vanilla yogurt, 1/2 c. skim or 1% milk, 1/2 c strawberries, 1/2-1 whole banana, and 1 c. of fresh spinach. Just put all the ingredients in the blender and there ya have it!

Here is a picture of my green goodness before I mix in the spinach... it really looks pretty...

Post spinach... yes, I know it looks disgusting. But it tastes the exact same with or without the spinach.

Here is my smoothie in my new Tervis Tumbler--- which I love, by the way. Cute, huh? It was my graduation gift from the law review party on Saturday. Keeps drinks hot or cold and is perfect for my smoothie.

Lauren at http://lifelite10.blogspot.com/ encouraged me to add the spinach... She has named her smoothie the green monster.. check out her recipes on her blog. She uses 3-4 c. of Spinach and lots of other really healthy things. :) One of which is flax seed, which I am going to have to try very soon.

This baby has 300 calories, which yes is a lot.. that is why as soon as I run out of this gallon of milk I am going to by skim milk and eventually the even a lower calorie version of yogurt. Tiffany (my best friend + dietitian), correct me if I am wrong, but these are considered "good calories" right?

It has 7.7 g of Fiber, Potassium 1,341.9 mg and 12.8 g of Protein. These are its daily values of the following vitamins/minerals: Vitamin A 65.8 %, Vitamin B-12 19.5 %, Vitamin B-6 40.2 %, Vitamin C 182.7 %, Vitamin D 15.8 %, Vitamin E 7.7 %, Calcium 42.3 %, Copper 14.0 %, Foliate 33.3 %, Iron 16.2 %, Magnesium 27.5 %, Manganese 53.6 %, Niacin 10.1 %, Phosphorus 34.2 %, Riboflavin 41.6 %, Selenium 15.2 %, Thiamin 12.7% and Zinc 14.2 %.

I dont remember a whole lot from my nutrition class in college, but this sounds pretty nutrient rich to me. I have a hard time getting a lot of Iron in my diet -- I am anemic, so I am suppose to eat alot of Iron rich foods. I also have a hard time with calcium because I dont drink enough milk or eat enough dairy products.

Spinach is considered a super food in a lot of ways because it has so many benefits: (1) its high in lots of vitamins/minerals (2) its loaded with antioxidants which are thought to have cancer preventing effects, (3) its heart healthy, (4) good for your gastrointestinal health, (5) it has anti-inflammatory properties, (6) its thought to be good for your brain and memory (7)protects against eye disease and (8)its also an excellent source of iron.

Supper yummy... thought i'd share.. now enough procrastinating, back to my paper....

Catch up

I haven't blogged a lot lately about the things going on in my life. To be honest with you, I have actually taken time to really enjoy the past few weeks. Knowing an intense summer of bar prep is around the corner has really motivated me to take some time to (1) relax and (2) do the things I enjoy.

I started off the week by reading another Nicholas Sparks novel, The Lucky One. Once again, Nicholas did not let me down! Such a great book.... I am looking forward to catching up on all the ones I've missed while in law school.

Wednesday night was the awards night. It was in one of my favorite parts of town. Very nice. I won the Dean's Excellence Award- for reflecting positively upon the school. I was very honored to receive this award.

Here is a picture of me with my award at Alex's place.

Here is a picture of Alex making fun of me and my nerdy award....

After the awards ceremony I headed over to my friend Alex's condo to get ready to head out for our friend Lindsay's 24th Birthday. We went to Howl at the Moon- a dueling piano bar. This was my very first time at Howl at the Moon. It was soooo much fun. The pianist could play ANY song you could think of, from the Thong song (yes we requested it for laughs)... to sweet Carolina girl.. to the theme song of one tree hill.. We had a great time, but stayed out WAY to late. To be perfectly honest, I had never been out on a school night and now I know why. I didn't bring my camera so I have no pictures of our shenanigans. ;)

Thursday night I helped pack gift bags for the homeless as part of a missions weekend at my church. Such a great idea. They had crackers, vienna sausage, oatmeal cookies, toothbrushes, candy, deodorant, combs, bubble gums and other items.

Last night Brian and I went to a lovely dinner at the Sweezy House- its an adorable restaurant in an old farm home. The restaurant has delicious southern cuisine. I had Chicken Parmesan and Brian had some kind of amazing pork chops, with hashbrown casserole and steamed veggies.

Today, Brian headed to Asheville to go to his college roommate's wedding. I hate that I had to miss it, but I was in charge of our Law Review's End of the Year Party. The Party was at one of our Professor's homes. She lives on one of the local lakes. Her house was so beautiful. We were supposed to spend the afternoon playing on the jet ski's and boat. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate. But, dont feel too sorry for us.. she had an arcade game, a pool table and a movie theater with 8 recliners and a tv that literally was probably 9 or 10 feet. Her home was gorgeous to say the least! .

I got to meet one of my friends from law review's wife who also blogs, Lauren. Her blog is very interesting and she always has great recipes... Lauren, if your reading this I bought spinach on the way home and I am going to try a smoothie in the morning. It wont be a "Green Monster," but we will see. I think everyone had a great time today. It was nice to get to hang out and not to have to work on our journal.Here are a few pictures from the day. Once again I forgot to take a picture of myself