Seattle Patriot

So, as you know, I’m now in the process of getting ready for the Washington State Bar Exam. 1.5 days down, and…lots to go – which is not entirely a bad thing! You’ve all been so supportive and I want to give you each an update, but time is of the essence, so this will have to suffice.

The experience so far reminds me a lot of first year, but without the blind panic. They tell me at BarBri that if I do the work they assign, I will pass. I’m signed up for the deal where they check to make sure I’m doing everything. People who are signed up for this have a 95% pass rate, so that works for me! Of course, it’s been about 12 hours of work a day (including class), but I’m willing to do it to pass. Plus, if I don’t pass, they’ll let me take the class again for free, instead of the $2,000 it’s costing me this time around.

It’s nicely structured, which is right up my alley. Wake up early, work out, shower, eat, class, eat, review notes, create outline, dinner, write 3 essays, bed, rinse, repeat. I can do this. Meanwhile, other things have improved – since I had so much time to relax, hang out, vacation, etc., I have quickly switched into time-conservation, super-human, efficiency mode. I’m taking this ten minute break to make tea, write my shopping list, write this post, listen to music, and generally get ready for the next couple hour push. I’m most surprised at how NOT crazy-stressed I am. I’m happy with myself, and I feel like it’s a good sign of growth from 1L year. Good things came out of law school!

So that’s all for now. Things are going smoothly! It’s only day 2, of course, but at least so far so good! Even if I don’t write to you individually, please let me know what’s happening with you in the outside world! I miss you guys (except Jeremy ) already!

PS: Graduation Pics still coming in – stay tuned on that.

Watch the all new, world premier of my video ALL FOR ONE, here! After I got my new computer, Ben showed me its awesome new power of making DVDs out of photographs, videos, or whatever other kinds of media one might have on one’s computer. This one is basically a slideshow set to music of a selection of some of the races the girls and I ran over the past year (hence the trochanteric bursitis)

I hope you enjoy it – please feel free to respond with feedback and suggestion for future films!

We took our time getting ready to leave on our last day – as though no one was ready to admit our trip was almost over. We had a leisurely brunch out and came back to finish packing up and cleaning. Heading back, we took the scenic 101 highway up the coast, and stopped in Seaside, OR, for some afternoon fun. After walking the promenade for a while and exploring Main Street’s attractions, games, rides, and amazing array of candy we rented a Surrey for better transport (and some serious exercise as it turned out!) and rode all over town. It was an overly eventful ride, complete with almost crossing the highway, Y-turns in a vehicle that doesn’t back up, steep hills and questionable breaks, going through a drive-through mail stop, the old Saltworks from the Lewis & Clark expedition, and even a box of free stuff (you’ll see me looking through there and getting two great finds – 2 workout videos from the late ’80s!!).

When we finally had to get back on the road, we bouyed our spirits with sing-a-longs and Kit Carson’s for dinner. Let’s just hope that was enough fun and excitement to propel me through my whole bar review course!

Our second day started off with slightly overcast skies, but we didn’t let that get us down, and a tasty breakfast prepared by Jessica and Jeremy started things off on a high note. Our first stop that morning was to the famous Tillamook Cheese Factory, which in addition to selling delightful dairy products, also opens the doors of its factory to the outside world (think Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory minus the disappearing kids, exclusivity, and flying elevator). The employees were sparse due to the Holiday weekend, but we still got a good look. Several in our party sampled the ice creams as well – fantastic!

Apparently still not full, we continued on to next door – Blue Heron Wine & Cheese. We toured the farm first, and then headed inside to see what was on the menu. Having had our fill of dairy for the moment, we enjoyed a wine tasting (my picks are pictured). I preferred the dessert wines, and the local varieties offered at Blue Heron proved quite tasty.

After a bit more wandering and picture taking, we made a quick stop at home for some tasty sandwiches prepared by the Stewarts. Our energy renewed, we headed out toward Carmen’s favorite beach. We took the scenic route, which led us by an overlook populated with some interesting people. We decided to check it out and got to see a paraglider preparing his chute and taking off. Soon after that we arrived at the beach, played in the sand, tossed the frisbee
(or “disc” as some people vehemently prefer), and when we were sufficiently worn out, took the opportunity to climb the incredibly steep bluff at one end of the beach. Although probably not quite a 45% grade, the incline was close and very tiring. When we finally made it to the top, though, the views were amazing. The trip down took about 1/10th the time, and we got to enjoy a sunset dinner afterwards. Gorgeous.