As I was getting into my mom's car to make the hour long drive to Atlanta, I dissolved into a puddle of tears. It was like nothing I had ever felt before. Of course, my mom cried with me and my dad laughed. They had watched me over the past three weeks--ensconced in their house looking out over the North Georgia mountains. I had to round up pillows to sit on because my butt and back hurt from sitting in the same place for so long. I was on a mission to pass the Georgia Bar Exam.
Once you graduate from law school, you pretty much immediately launch into the bar review courses. You see, all you really learn in law school is how to think and write like a lawyer. You don't learn much of your state's substantive law, so you have to fork out another couple of thousand dollars post graduation so that you can learn that law and learn how to take the test. We graduated in early May, and as I recall, our first bar review class started three days later. I didn't really kick it into gear until after July 4th and I didn't kick it into overdrive until nearly a week after that. But, I had been in overdrive for a while at this point and the stress was getting to me.
So, once I got to a place where my cell phone worked, I called my best friend who was on her way to Tampa for the same sort of hell only in a different flavor. She was in the same state of mind, so I at least found that reassuring. I managed to calm down and all was well until I got to the hotel and realized I hadn't really packed any clothes. I mean, seriously.
A buddy and I decided to drive over to the (huge) building where we would be taking our test for the next two days and discovered that the Georgia Board of Bar Examiners was sharing a building with an African American Harley Davidson festival. So, as we're all pulling up stressed beyond belief, the bikers are all setting up their tents for the night and popping open their beer. Someone finally asked what we were doing and once we explained, they not only promised to keep everyone quiet, they promised to pray.
While I am a religious person, I tend to practice my religion in quiet, traditional ways. I go to church on Sunday and sing in the choir. I used to hate going on mission trips as a youth because I was never comfortable approaching people at McDonald's to ask if Jesus was their savior. But, I asked everybody I saw over the next two days to pray for me. Riding the elevator down the next morning--there were two men with name badges on riding with me. "Do you pray?" I asked them. "Yes. In fact, we're here at a convention of ministers." "HALLELUJAH! Will you ALL please pray for me--and everyone else--taking the bar exam today?" As I pulled into the parking lot and gave the attendant my money for parking all day, I asked the same question. "Yes, baby. And I'll be praying for all of ya'll in there today."
So, I'm here today on behalf of all the incredibly stressed law students who are in the homestretch of this trip to hell. A lot of states start the bar exam today, the multi-state exam is tomorrow, and some states finish up on Thursday. So, if you pray, lift a prayer on behalf of those poor souls stuck in a giant room some where trying to write down everything they know in 45 minute increments today.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Yum
This is my favorite time of year to eat. I've been doing Weight Watchers for the past month so I haven't indulged in several of my all time favorite summer treats--a BLT and peach cobbler--but I will eventually. Life's too short not to have peach cobbler.
Tonight, I made this recipe for the Pioneer Woman's Crash Potatoes, and since I was already heating up the oven, I decided to roast some of the zucchini I bought as well. Boy, was it good. I usually downsize most recipes since Etta is on a strictly dog food diet, but I went ahead and roasted both zucchini and plan on using the leftovers in several different things this week. I also "grilled" (using my grill pan) all three chicken breasts I had (marinated in juice of one lemon, one crushed garlic clove and a splash of soy sauce) for the same reason. Planning ahead is a key for me, and I usually try to cook more on the weekends so I have several options for lunch and for things to just grab and add throughout the week.
Mayberry has a local growers' market several times a week--everything sold there must be grown in the county. I always try to limit my cash so that I don't go overboard, and I showed up this morning with $12.00 and intentions of leaving with tomatoes, corn, squash, zucchini, basil (the damn squirrels ate mine) and maybe some beans or peas. Instead, I immediately fell victim to the cute kid selling tiny amounts of homemade granola for $3 right off the bad. Then, I refused to pay $5.00 ($5.00!!!) for a sandwich size bag of basil sold by a grumpy old man. So, I left with corn, tomatoes, granola and some peaches. The peaches aren't nearly as good as these, so they are destined for a cobbler. I'll probably make it tomorrow so I can take it in to work.
I did a closing this week for a mortgage broker who has a pretty big garden. However, unlike most southern gardeners, his wife is not a sharer. When I started teasing him about not sharing his bounty, he told me that his wife keeps a close eye on things. However, we reminisced for a while about shucking corn and shelling peas. Imagine my surprise and delight to find three tomatoes, one (small) bag of butter beans and one (small) bag of purple hull peas in the fridge the next morning.
So, the plan this week includes succotash, some sort of quinoa or couscous salad with zucchini and tomatoes, and a panzanella. In addition to the peach cobbler, of course.
Tonight, I made this recipe for the Pioneer Woman's Crash Potatoes, and since I was already heating up the oven, I decided to roast some of the zucchini I bought as well. Boy, was it good. I usually downsize most recipes since Etta is on a strictly dog food diet, but I went ahead and roasted both zucchini and plan on using the leftovers in several different things this week. I also "grilled" (using my grill pan) all three chicken breasts I had (marinated in juice of one lemon, one crushed garlic clove and a splash of soy sauce) for the same reason. Planning ahead is a key for me, and I usually try to cook more on the weekends so I have several options for lunch and for things to just grab and add throughout the week.
Mayberry has a local growers' market several times a week--everything sold there must be grown in the county. I always try to limit my cash so that I don't go overboard, and I showed up this morning with $12.00 and intentions of leaving with tomatoes, corn, squash, zucchini, basil (the damn squirrels ate mine) and maybe some beans or peas. Instead, I immediately fell victim to the cute kid selling tiny amounts of homemade granola for $3 right off the bad. Then, I refused to pay $5.00 ($5.00!!!) for a sandwich size bag of basil sold by a grumpy old man. So, I left with corn, tomatoes, granola and some peaches. The peaches aren't nearly as good as these, so they are destined for a cobbler. I'll probably make it tomorrow so I can take it in to work.
I did a closing this week for a mortgage broker who has a pretty big garden. However, unlike most southern gardeners, his wife is not a sharer. When I started teasing him about not sharing his bounty, he told me that his wife keeps a close eye on things. However, we reminisced for a while about shucking corn and shelling peas. Imagine my surprise and delight to find three tomatoes, one (small) bag of butter beans and one (small) bag of purple hull peas in the fridge the next morning.
So, the plan this week includes succotash, some sort of quinoa or couscous salad with zucchini and tomatoes, and a panzanella. In addition to the peach cobbler, of course.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Dining on the Emerald Coast
Have you ever had amberjack? If not, I highly recommend you drop everything and go get some right now. Preferably at Goatfeathers (two locations on 30A). About 5 or 10 minutes before you are ready to eat, squeeze some lime juice in a bowl with some olive oil. Lay the fish down in the bowl with a couple of sprigs of cilantro while you get the rest of the things you like with your fish tacos ready (I recommend guacamole, sour cream mixed with a little lime juice and cilantro, and fresh salsa).
Once everything else is ready, heat up your grill pan or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the fish on both sides with salt (preferably a good sea salt) and pepper and grill it for 5 or so minutes on each side--until it flakes easily with a fork and is cooked all the way through. Squeeze some more fresh lime over it and sprinkle with more fresh cilantro. I also recommend you serve it to my sister so that it will be adequately appreciated.
If you are more interested in eating out after your day on the beach, head to Seaside to Bud & Alley's. They have a kid-friendly, white tablecloth restaurant downstairs (you might make a reservation if you're there during high season) that uses the freshest of everything and an outdoor bar upstairs where you can watch the sunset. If you are in the mood for fish tacos, they have recently opened up a taco bar as well. I haven't tried it, but my sister enjoyed it.
Another favorite is Red Bar in Grayton. It's sort of a local destination and there is usually a crowd. It's got a great, eclectic atmosphere with live music set up in a corner. Various album covers and other posters cover the ceiling and there is a disco ball in the center of the dining room. The menu is written on a chalk board and changes regularly. A lot of people like the crab cakes, but if you are from the mid-Atlantic region, don't even think about it. They also offer a kids menu (1/2 portion of some of the regular menu items, chicken fingers or pasta). The good news about the wait is that your food comes very quickly once you've ordered. Another plus of a small menu.
For breakfast, we like to ride our bikes to Seaside and have Mickey Mouse pancakes at the Great Southern Cafe. Also recommended? The French toast, the beignets and the grits. Or, for a closer ride, stop in Grayton at Another Broken Egg Cafe.
If it's your designated day to head to the outlets in Destin, stop at the Donut Hole on the way in. More than just donuts, but all of it is great.
These are our current favorites. More on the list for our next visit include Fish out of Water in Watercolor, Fire in Grayton and macaroons at a bakery in Watercolor. Wanna go now?
Once everything else is ready, heat up your grill pan or a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Season the fish on both sides with salt (preferably a good sea salt) and pepper and grill it for 5 or so minutes on each side--until it flakes easily with a fork and is cooked all the way through. Squeeze some more fresh lime over it and sprinkle with more fresh cilantro. I also recommend you serve it to my sister so that it will be adequately appreciated.
If you are more interested in eating out after your day on the beach, head to Seaside to Bud & Alley's. They have a kid-friendly, white tablecloth restaurant downstairs (you might make a reservation if you're there during high season) that uses the freshest of everything and an outdoor bar upstairs where you can watch the sunset. If you are in the mood for fish tacos, they have recently opened up a taco bar as well. I haven't tried it, but my sister enjoyed it.
Another favorite is Red Bar in Grayton. It's sort of a local destination and there is usually a crowd. It's got a great, eclectic atmosphere with live music set up in a corner. Various album covers and other posters cover the ceiling and there is a disco ball in the center of the dining room. The menu is written on a chalk board and changes regularly. A lot of people like the crab cakes, but if you are from the mid-Atlantic region, don't even think about it. They also offer a kids menu (1/2 portion of some of the regular menu items, chicken fingers or pasta). The good news about the wait is that your food comes very quickly once you've ordered. Another plus of a small menu.
For breakfast, we like to ride our bikes to Seaside and have Mickey Mouse pancakes at the Great Southern Cafe. Also recommended? The French toast, the beignets and the grits. Or, for a closer ride, stop in Grayton at Another Broken Egg Cafe.
If it's your designated day to head to the outlets in Destin, stop at the Donut Hole on the way in. More than just donuts, but all of it is great.
These are our current favorites. More on the list for our next visit include Fish out of Water in Watercolor, Fire in Grayton and macaroons at a bakery in Watercolor. Wanna go now?
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Random
My dog has been asking to go to bed for the last 30 minutes. It's only 10:00 p.m. How does she ask, you ask? She stands and stares at me. I've let her out, I've thrown her ball, I've given her fresh water (she will only drink the freshest of water). Nada. Zilch. Zilp. She is now lying down staring at me. Dude. . .
I watched that silly Best Dog in America (or whatever it is) tonight and was thrilled when the judges got on to the girl who dressed her dog in a dress. I also cried when the older guy's dog got hurt. And, alright, I tested Etta during the obedience tasks and she would have totally won. Just so you know. Never-you-mind that the large, distracting terrier wasn't in our physical presence; she and her mom were distracting enough on T.V.
Did you know that it is still just as hard to get the straw into a Capri-Sun? They have made absolutely no improvement in the 26 years since I last drank a Capri-Sun.
Etta is now staring at me from the chair. I'm going to have to relent shortly. Uh-oh. Bottom licking in the house; I feel anal gland issues coming on.
So Aimee finally convinced me to make a real profile on Facebook today. [Etta off couch. Taking position at front door. Followed closely by placing her chin on my shoulder. What's a girl to do?] I've had a dummy profile for a while but have resisted having one more time suck in my life. However, I've already gotten two more friend requests in a few hours and found one of my buddies from study abroad. Plus, I talked to Aimee more today than I have in the past three months. Guess she was right and I was wrong. Did you hear that, Aimee?
I watched that silly Best Dog in America (or whatever it is) tonight and was thrilled when the judges got on to the girl who dressed her dog in a dress. I also cried when the older guy's dog got hurt. And, alright, I tested Etta during the obedience tasks and she would have totally won. Just so you know. Never-you-mind that the large, distracting terrier wasn't in our physical presence; she and her mom were distracting enough on T.V.
Did you know that it is still just as hard to get the straw into a Capri-Sun? They have made absolutely no improvement in the 26 years since I last drank a Capri-Sun.
Etta is now staring at me from the chair. I'm going to have to relent shortly. Uh-oh. Bottom licking in the house; I feel anal gland issues coming on.
So Aimee finally convinced me to make a real profile on Facebook today. [Etta off couch. Taking position at front door. Followed closely by placing her chin on my shoulder. What's a girl to do?] I've had a dummy profile for a while but have resisted having one more time suck in my life. However, I've already gotten two more friend requests in a few hours and found one of my buddies from study abroad. Plus, I talked to Aimee more today than I have in the past three months. Guess she was right and I was wrong. Did you hear that, Aimee?
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Home Again
If you would have told us in 1988 that I would willingly spend 10 days with my sister and enjoy it, we would have both laughed. But we did. And I didn't enjoy it just because she comes as a package deal with the cutest kid on earth or because I came home with only a handful of dirty clothes thanks to her OCD laundry tendencies. We honestly have fun together, and that's not necessarily something either of us would have counted on 20 (OMIGOD) years ago.
I drove to Nashville to be with my entire family for the 4th--my grandparents were there for a visit. I arrived just in time to witness the 3rd of July fireworks display by a local church. They were so close that Etta made several valiant attempts to catch them. More quality family time followed over the next 36 hours before my sister, nephew and I departed for the beach.
We arrived in time to make some sand angels and eat some crab legs.
I spent some time the next morning convincing my nephew that the ocean was fun, and slowly but surely convinced him to swim with me. He still prefers the "swimmin pool" and was almost completely water safe by the end of the week thanks to my sister. Add in a couple of long bike rides and you have an accurate picture of the rest of the week.
We've been going to this same beach for 3 years now, and it's amazing to use it as a frame of reference in my nephew's life. He's gone from that smiling, chubby 10 month old who loved the water to an adorable 2.5 year old who charms everyone he meets--including the group of 10 18 year old beauties waiting for dinner on Friday. Everyone we encountered commented on his manners and his excellent behavior and he is certainly a credit to my sister's hard work.
I also spent a large chunk of time wondering what I'm doing with my life. I always leave determined to find a way to settle down there. One of these days I might actually get off my butt and do something to make it happen.
I drove to Nashville to be with my entire family for the 4th--my grandparents were there for a visit. I arrived just in time to witness the 3rd of July fireworks display by a local church. They were so close that Etta made several valiant attempts to catch them. More quality family time followed over the next 36 hours before my sister, nephew and I departed for the beach.
We arrived in time to make some sand angels and eat some crab legs.
I spent some time the next morning convincing my nephew that the ocean was fun, and slowly but surely convinced him to swim with me. He still prefers the "swimmin pool" and was almost completely water safe by the end of the week thanks to my sister. Add in a couple of long bike rides and you have an accurate picture of the rest of the week.
We've been going to this same beach for 3 years now, and it's amazing to use it as a frame of reference in my nephew's life. He's gone from that smiling, chubby 10 month old who loved the water to an adorable 2.5 year old who charms everyone he meets--including the group of 10 18 year old beauties waiting for dinner on Friday. Everyone we encountered commented on his manners and his excellent behavior and he is certainly a credit to my sister's hard work.
I also spent a large chunk of time wondering what I'm doing with my life. I always leave determined to find a way to settle down there. One of these days I might actually get off my butt and do something to make it happen.
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