A few things I am loving...

1-Law school. You may have heard from me that it is sometimes completely overwhelming [and if you haven't heard this from me, it's probably because I am currently too overwhelmed to call], but I absolutely love and adore it. I love learning and discovering something new every day. I love that there are many possible interpretations to problems presented and in order to 'win' you don't have to prove you are correct, you just have to prove you are more correct than the other side! And I really, really love being immersed in school and really and truly actively being engaged in the process again.

2-da Saints. I think this is going to be their year. And even if it isn't-cheering, yelling and screaming at the top of my lungs for four straight hours every other week or so isn't a bad release of law school stress. Those boys carried the weight of a city on the brink-now they are proving that they have what it takes

3-Tulip. Particularly the new, somewhat better mannered version. She is such a delight and joy. Always there to cuddle, snuggle, play, or get me out the door and on a run, or at least a trip to the river. And she is just so darn cute.

4-My primary kids. They are as adorable as can be and have truly taught me so much over the past year. It really is amazing what going back to the basics can do. And they make me smile and laugh with them. And they put on an awesome program-those 4 rugrats sure make me proud.

5-Law School. The never-ending hilarity of it all: the cases we read, the professors, and mostly the students. Oh the things that are said and shared. Filter, people, filter what pops into your mind before you share it with 90+ of your closest new frenemy classmates please! Or, maybe don't so I continue to be entertained by you

6-The return to Weaver/Davidson. Yep, that's right, law school is a return to the past. Between the lockers and all the classes being in one building to the clear class/age level hierarchy TLS is totally interchangeable with either Weaver/Davidson. Except here all the cool kids hang out in the library :)

7-The departure of 'the cougher' from my area of the library. As we enter October the carrels are filling up. But thankfully, my coughing space invader has departed from my area. He must have gotten the message behind my scathing looks

8-Fall. Even though you wouldn't know it from the 80+ degree and humid weather, it is FALL! That wonderful time of the year. And last week it was even not very humid for a few days, which made it feel cool, which made it seem like Fall

9-Special Birthdays. And no, I'm not talking about my own 1/2 bday which just passed and put me one step closer to that older demographic. My lovely roomie and sister's bday is TOMORROW! Which means not just celebrations tomorrow, but for the whole month to come! And I hear a cousin of ours, also with an October bday is coming to NOLA to celebrate HER big day, so it should be quite the birthday month!

10-Halloween decorations. I never cease to marvel over the decorations that go up here in NOLA: St Patty's, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Fourth of July, Easter, Halloween, Mardi Gras. True celebrants the citizens of NOLA are, and the abundance of cobwebs and ghostly ghouls hanging in trees these days is certainly a testament to that spirit

11-Tulane. How 'bout it: back on the front page of that pesky ranking service, Katrina numbers considered, 2-2 in football [which is a big deal for us-see the BYU game footage if you have any question over the awesomeness of a 2-2 record for us], killer application numbers [and a little bird told me that celebrity sibling interest has risen recently]

12-Homecoming. Such a fabulous time of year. Alums and parents gather around campus. Traditions are revived and continued. New friends meet old friends. Hopefully we win the game. New Homecoming Court members join the great legion and are fete-ed and paraded. Windows are painted, green waves are decorated, commemorative beads are tossed, tailgating numbers are at a season high and a new King and Queen are crowned. May the newest members of Tulane Royalty be as surprised, delighted, and honored as those who have gone before

13-Sailing. So fun and carefree. So much more athletic than I ever considered

14-Service. Helping people you believe in work towards their goals and dreams

15-Snail Mail. Best ever.

Dear Black Sheep,
Thank you for coming home safely. My anxiety level will now decrease by about 75%, and I shall feel free to delete Doha as a daily weather check location. I'm so proud of you for your service to our country and SOOOOOO happy you came back alive and in one piece. I expect to be on your schedule around Christmas because you will definitely be on mine.
Forever yours,
White Sheep

Never forget, Never lose hope

Four years ago today my life changed. Four years ago today I watched as the city I had begun to love was decimated by a storm and then destroyed by the aftermath.

Then, something crazy happened. People came back. I came back. We rebuilt this city we love and now love it even more. We have not forgotten those lost and we have not forgotten the wrongs inflicted. We have determination. We have strength. And most importantly, we have hope.


Four years ago today I thought I was losing something I just barely loved. Instead, I gained something so much greater than what I previously had.

Never forget, Never lose hope.

Just out of my first class of law school and I LOVED IT!

Peace and Tranquility

I barely knew you and I seriously doubt you would even remember you ever met me. But attending your class was a huge part of my decision to go to Law School. Next week I really begin that exciting journey. I was hoping I would be in your class. Now, no more law students will ever take your class. I hope it was quick and painless, the way I hope everyone passes, even though I know that many do not get that last gift in life. You will be missed. I am sure of it. And even though you likely wouldn't know who I am, you made a difference in my life. Thank you, and may peace be with you and your family.

Morning Warrior

Early morning runs. So lovely. So peaceful. So much {ok, slightly} less humid. So freaking hard to get up and go on sometimes. Went this morning. Loved it. Love feeling accomplished and already having a major item on my to-do list checked off before work. Love feeling refreshed and as though I can take on the world before 8am. Getting back into the habit of early morning runs. Off to join my fellow morning warriors!

Tulip gets a...

We had our first puppy school class last night with Miss Angela and Tulip was the STAR!!!! I'm so proud of her {and us}! Now I genuinely want all of the dogs to succeed in the class, don't get me wrong, and while I am a little teeny tiny bit happy she outshone everyone else, I am mostly thrilled for her because we really have been working a lot with the her and she does genuinely try hard. Last night all of our hard work was redeemed when Miss Angela turned to Tulip and said "Tulip's over this, she's ready for the advanced class"! So exciting!!!!!! So Tulip gets the gold star of the week and extra time to practice sitting and staying in an effort to continue her good work at school! Way to go Tulip!