Currently Reading Pawn of Prophecy (The Belgariad, Book 1) By David Eddings see related

Almost Done!

That's right, the semester's almost over! For those of you not in school anymore, I'm sure you can still sympathize.

And, as always, my lack of time for xanga has been a direct result of my busy schedule. Here are some brief updates since my forever-ago last post:

- went to L.A., competed in national civil trial competition. Didn't win (didn't even make it to finals) but look at the bright side! We didn't have to spend our last day in L.A. (my first trip out there) in a stuffy federal courthouse--we got to go to Universal Studios!  Very cool.
- spent Thanksgiving in Vermont, where it was snowy and gorgeous and holiday weather all around:

- spent the second part of Thanksgiving in Ohio at a wedding, also gorgeous and wonderful

Here comes the not so wonderful part of my update.

While trying to get on the road to go to Ohio, I locked my keys in my car. Had to call AAA, in the middle of a blizzard, who hung up on me once, gave me a busy signal five times, and then put me on hold for 20 minutes before saying there was an "extended wait" in my area. Luckily I begged the man at the gas station/repair shop to use a very frightening-looking device to break into my car for me.

Next, after the wedding, we got lost roaming around Cleveland (not the best parts, either) looking for a Dairy Queen. Don't ask. But we found one! (an hour later).

Finally, back on the road again for the five-hour drive home, my battery light comes on. I know what this means. I had my alternator replaced this past summer, so I figured it couldn't possibly be that, but I pulled off the road anyway. And sure enough, the car wouldn't start once I turned it off. Several calls to AAA, one tow truck, and one rental car later, we are back on the road. Unfortunately, my poor little Chickadee was still in Buffalo.

So the week after Thanksgiving, when I had an appellate brief to write, an oral argument to prepare, and four outlines to be doing, I had to drive nearly three hours each way in a snowstorm to go pick up my car, who needed $600 of repairs to get her up and running again.

Current status: appellate brief turned in, oral argument presented, one outline done (three still procrastinating), car fixed, snow tires on, happy Stephanie. Finally.

Currently Reading Criminal Procedure: Principles, Policies and Perspectives (American Casebook Series) By Norman Dorsen, Joshua Dressler, George C., III Thomas see related

Just had to put this in b/c I took the quiz after seeing Andrea's blog, and it made me laugh out loud. If you need any further proof that I don't have time to write in here b/c I'm so BUSY BUSY BUSY these days... here you go

You Are a Double Espresso Hey Energizer Bunny Girl! Do you ever slow down? You're a mix of high energy and ambition, perfectly matched with strong espresso When you want something you get it - by any means possible You're driven, determined, and no nonsense. Which is just how you like your java. What Kind Of Coffee Are You? Take This Quiz

Currently Reading The Millionaires By Brad Meltzer see related

Yes, I'm Alive

Ahh! Finally an update on my xanga. Mostly due to "when are you going to update your xanga?!" IMs and emails. What can I say, I'm a slave to social pressure.

Well, I'm back in Syracuse, law school has started back up, and I've officially lost control of my life. Between law review, moot court, five classes, and now the a trial team, I have much, much less free time than even last year. In fact, as I write, I should be getting dressed to go to trial team practice. So I will make it short.

A couple weeks ago, some friends and I went to the American Idols concert, which was fabulous. Some good pics:

Vonzell, looking stunning and singing even better...

Nadia, belting it out

Constantine, looking remarkably like the ushers at the concert....

And of course the PopTart, since the whole concert was sponsored by them:

It was a great night, and to top it off, it was (a) the last concert of the whole nationwide tour, and (b) it was a benefit for Hurricane Rita, 100% of the proceeds going to the victims. They were supposed to have their last concert on a Saturday, but added a Sunday concert as a benefit.

The number 3 or 4 single in France right now is by an 11-year-old girl named Ilona Mitrecey. Yeah, she's 11. The song is about going on summer vacation. it's her second hit- the first one was about "A Perfect World" ("Un Monde Parfait") and was to a techno beat with lyrics about bunnies and sunshine and smiles. Now, I'm against child stars as a principle, but like most people, I can't help but think "oooh, they're so cute!" when kids like Charlotte Church and Billy Gilman are belting out opera solos or Christmas classics. I just hope they don't turn into Britney or Christina. But I think the French got it right, with this girl. She sings about little kid stuff. The pictures of her are very "child", no sexy tank tops or school girl outfits. Example:

Also, and this is my favorite part, her CD cover and website and all the paraphernalia that goes with it, is all cartoon. Here's her CD cover, and the "image" that the CD company is using to market it:

Now, that company could very well (and was probably tempted to) have used pictures of the little girl in a little catholic school girl outfit, and have her face plastered over everything. Instead, you have to actually go looking for a picture of the real person... they've marketed a concept instead. There are only a dozen or so pictures that I could find on the internet of the girl, which means that she can probably go out on the streets and not be noticed, at least not right away. Whoever made this marketing decision, I wholeheartedly approve. They're still making a ton of money, and yet managed to keep this little girl's childhood... child-like. Way to go!
Now, just don't let her turn 13 and go kiddie-porn on everybody.

Things You Don't Want to Hear In a 7:30 AM Job Interview:

"How would you define 'justice'?"
"Ok, now's the part where we ask you some policy questions to see how you think and to see if you can do it on your feet."
"Do you think Miranda should be broadened, narrowed, or left the same?"
"What role do you think victim/witness advocates should play in our office?"