Week 1 — done!

I survived the first week of classes! The rest is easy, right? A group of us are going out for margaritas to celebrate in a little while. I think it's well deserved.

Much like college, class has quickly turned into my favorite part of school. I enjoy all four of my professors, though they're all quite different. Because each class has about 75 people, personal interaction with each prof is limited. About an hour ago I stopped in to introduce myself to Michael Green, my Civil Procedure prof. He has a Ph.D. in philosophy and has published a book on Nietzsche. So, if I ever want to discuss Twilight of the Idols, he's my guy. Philosophy majors are actually well represented here. It's refreshing. I also told him that Civil Procedure is starting to make sense and that I think I might actually like it. He seemed reassured by that. He said that a person who doesn't like Civil Procedure — which is really all about how the civil, or lawsuit, side of our legal system works — should probably consider a different profession.

My work at The Institute of Bill of Rights Law (IBRL) began yesterday. Professor Neal Devins, the IBRL's director, talked to us a little bit today about what we'll be doing and the kinds of opportunities we'll have. My first real jobs relate to the Supreme Court Preview. Of course I've been assigned to write a story for the law school newspaper, The Advocate. Also, Amanda (the other 1L IBRL fellow) and I will be doing a display for the lobby. A man who wrote a book about the Duke lacrosse rape case will be coming to campus the weekend of the preview, so I'm going to try to track down a lacrosse stick for the display. For the part of the display that includes the Supreme Court justices, I'm thinking I might find that page from Jon Stewart's book that shows them all naked, with mix and match robes. Of course I'd be respectful to the Hon. Sandra Day O'Connor — she is our chancellor, after all. Prof. Devins says it's fine with him, so long as I run it past the appropriate dean. Oh, the red tape.

My new laser printer arrived today. Initially I didn't think I'd need to buy one but after two weeks, it became quite clear that I needed one ASAP. Printing in the library costs 5 cents a page, and the amount of paper we consume is unbelievable. Once interviews start for summer positions — December 1 for 1Ls — I'll be printing hundreds of cover letter and resumes. A laser printer isn't a nice alternative; it's more of a necessity. I found one for under $100, Mom and Dad, so don't worry, I haven't broken the bank yet. Actually, I think you'd be quite impressed with the tiny chunk of change I've had to spend so far. Books, groceries and the printer have been my only real expenses. Oh, and beer, but that's a given. 

Leg update: Physical therapy session #3 was easily the best so far. I rode a stationary bike for eight minutes. Last week I wasn't even able to make a full rotation. Progress! Unfortunately, it's still at least two weeks before I can get the doc's clearance to start putting weight on it again. While Emily's been great for getting to class, finding rides to the law school for my IBRL work and to various social events has been a drag. To further my cause I've made a promise to my friend Leslie that I'll be her personal chauffeur once I can drive again. I'll just be so glad to be useful to other people again.