Where Steven Comes to Waste Time

The End?

2007-02-10T14:35:00.000-08:00

I decided to end this blog for several reasons.

In light of the title, I haven't had much time to waste lately. School has been keeping me busy and in addition, I am writing a research paper and job hunting.

Also, now that the bar exam is behind me, there really isnt much to write about. My schedule has pretty much been the same: school, homework, and sleep. Other than recent events, that's it.

Finally, Ive lost interest in blogging. Now that Im an attorney, a part of me tells me that I should be careful what I say, especially online. Especially since I am sure there are a few readers who know me outside of this blog.

So now what? I suppose I will take the CPA exam just for the hell of it. With all of the classes I have taken so far, may as well go for it. I just havent set a date yet. But perhaps I will at some point take it seriously.

As for my love life, Im sure I'll find the special someone eventually. If not, then that's fine too. While everyone should experience true love at some point in their lives, not everyone is suited for a long term commitment.

Will I come back? Its possible, but not likely. If I do, it will most likely be in a new blog with a new identity. In it, I hope to establish myself as a more confident person with many opportunities open to me.

So to the readers past and present, I want to thank you for joining me in my miserable journey through the dreaded California Bar Exam. It took several tries, but I finally made it. There were definitely lessons I have learned. I sincerely wish you well.

Closure

2007-01-29T21:31:00.000-08:00

I got an email from the crush and she wants to hang out sometime. From the tone of her email, it looks like we'll be going back to old times. And I'm happy with that.

As Humphrey Bogart said in Casablanca, "We'll always have Paris."

Am I overanalytical?

2007-01-29T14:29:00.000-08:00

I finally got some real sleep last night. In my dream, I saw the crush hanging out and laughing with someone I know. It must have been pretty bad because it woke me up. While I am certain that I have accepted the reality of our relationship (or lack thereof), I think my subconscious mind wanted more answers before it can let go.

I suppose because so little has happened that afternoon there are many questions left unanswered. But in a situation like this, there are three problems: First, it will be difficult, perhaps impossible to get the answers from the crush. Second, for each question answered, at least one more follow up question will arise, creating a possibly endless cycle of questions and pondering. Finally, even if I could get all of the answers, they are ultimately irrelevant because it won't change anything.

So I suppose it will take more time before my subconscious can move on. As annoying as it is, I suppose in the bigger scheme of things, it makes finding the right person a very special moment.

The chicken or the egg?

2007-01-28T09:38:00.000-08:00

For the last week, I have had trouble sleeping. I took sleeping pills for a few days but the relief seemed only temporary and I decided to get off of them.

Last night may have provided more insight. I went to a friend's house where we drank, smoked, shared my misery stories and then played some darts. I got an email from a classmate who took pictures of me and the crush. When I looked at the picture, I couldn't recall the last time I looked so happy. Surprisingly, the picture didn't really affect me at the time. I digress. I went to bed in a relatively good mood and a full stomach. I thought I wouldn't need the sleeping pills this time.

I slept for approximately 2.5 hours. I woke up around 3 AM and when I realized that I wasn't sleeping, I just started thinking. And thinking and thinking some more. That's when those sad feelings seemed to creep up again. So it seems like the lack of sleep is causing my sadness, rather than vice versa.

So for the rest of the day, I decided not to take any stimulants whatsoever. I'll exercise a bit and watch what I eat. I hope that once I can get some sleep again, things will get better.

Lucid dream?

2007-01-26T16:55:00.000-08:00

Wow it has been a long time, hasn't it?

Unfortunately, I return to the blogosphere with a sad story.

Its been a long time since I had a crush on someone. Since Im older now, I thought those days were gone. But last week, it really came back with a passion.

For the most part, we knew each other professionally and even then, I was somewhat attracted to her, although at the time I didn't think I was her type.

Without getting into details, the two of us shared a moment together. The setting was perfect. I put my arm around her waist and she reciprocated. She then hinted that she might be interested in me.

A few days later, I invited her to lunch but she said that she was too busy. I realized that we may have spent too much time together and maybe she needed some space. So yesterday, I sent her an email asking her to call me if she had some free time. She hasn't written back and I'm betting she won't.

I guess Im trying to comprehend the sudden change of heart. Maybe she had too much to drink that day. Maybe I did something wrong. Maybe the moment was just a lucid dream. Who knows? But I really cant hate her for not being attracted to me. The most I can do is wish her well and wait for the next perfect wave. After all, if we were together, I would want her to be happy.

I dont see her these days so I thought I would it best to just let her be and maybe one day say hi if we run into each other sometime.

I hate women sometimes.

2006-12-02T12:04:00.000-08:00

Welcome to another episode of "I hate women sometimes."
Today's topic is: talking in the library.

Final exams. Most people (including myself) go to the library to prepare for upcoming exams. I try to ensure that I emit the least noise as possible:

1. Cell phone is on vibrate.
2. Volume on the computer is turned off.
3. On-site conversations are limited to less than 30 seconds in a whisper tone.
4. If conversations are expected to last more than 30 seconds, I direct myself and the other person(s) to another area so that I do not disturb others.

I was under the impression that law students are a cut above the rest in terms of maturity and would try to follow the above rules. But not in this one library.

Every once in a while, someone starts a conversation in a room. Usually with guys, they tend to be a bit louder but the conversation last less than 30 seconds before the conversation ends or they decide to go elsewhere. And typically the conversations are limited to a class subject or something short.

But not women. They blabber on in the library about how their AIM or MSN messenger isn't working, gossip, Brangelina or Tomkat, teacher complaints, a long-winded explanation of the difference between res ipsa loquitur and res judicata or some other useless crap in addition to the usual chuckle. I sometimes wonder if they know the difference between a library and Starbucks (Ironically where they tend to be quieter.) Its particularly annoying to see these women sit together in the library and yet I constantly hear them whisper to each other, "I don't understand this." I don't mean to generalize, but I have not seen any men pull crap like this.

How do people like this get into law school in the first place? Did the admissions committee select them so that the school won't be full of quiet drones?

If you happen to be one of these women, either SHUT UP or go to the mall! The rest of us may not say anything, but we do notice and one day, you might piss off the wrong person.

Off to exams.

2006-11-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought I would be done studying...Final exams are coming.

I'll be studying for the next few weeks.

So I wish everyone a Merry Chr...er Happy Holidays!

Hopefully I'll be sworn in by the time I get back.

Talk to me!

2006-11-28T19:49:00.000-08:00

(deleted) May 25, 2007

For those who didn't pass...

2006-11-26T19:43:00.000-08:00

I'll bet you didn't do as bad as this person...

The MBE was harder?

2006-11-26T14:35:00.000-08:00

Apparently, this exam's grading curve was a bit more forgiving. I applied my July 2005 scores to this year's grading formula and my overall score improved by nine points. Still not enough to pass though.

In July 2006, the mean score of the MBE for CA applicants was a raw score of 135 translating into a scaled score of 1451. The national average MBE score was a raw score of 133.
In July 2005, the mean MBE score for CA takers was also a raw score of 135 but the scaled score was 1436. The national average was a raw score of 132.

I am posting this info because I and some other repeaters thought the MBE this time was a lot harder than last July. But apparently, there doesn't seem to be that much of a difference.

What now?

2006-11-24T12:13:00.000-08:00

Over the last few days, I got congratulatory handshakes, hugs, phone calls, and emails.

Among my classmates and other former law students, the most frequent question I had to answer was: "How did you do it without taking a bar review course?" There's a long and short answer to this question and for obvious reasons I gave them the short answer: "I thought I could pass without it."

I talked to a few of my classmates who didn't pass the exam....again. The thought of studying for the test again makes me want to puke.
One scored in the high 1300's, which was a little lower than than the February test but was an improvement from last July.
Another scored in the mid 1300's. I forgot this person's past scores but I'm guessing there was no improvement.

One bad thing that came out of this ordeal was that I started smoking again. The nerve-wracking experience of waiting and worrying compelled me to take it up again. I thought I could quit after I found out, but the addiction wont let me off the hook so easily. I think I should be able to kick the habit over the weekend. Usually I am able to quit by not having a cigarette for 24 hours.

Old junk

2006-11-22T07:42:00.000-08:00

First of all, I should apologize for the earlier post regarding the bar scores. I erased and rewrote it. The main reason for the post was that I was severely intoxicated. It's also easier in hindsight to chastise and forget how hard the test is. On the other hand, since I am also a repeater, I know firsthand what it is like to fail. Despite my close score, I knew at the time that I didn't prepare adequately.

Anyway, I gathered up all of my bar prep materials. I can't wait to get rid of them.

In case you're wondering why I have so many books, its just that I didn't take a bar review course. I had to scrounge these materials myself from friends and various stores. They include audio tapes, CDs, and outlines going back to the 1970s. I was surprised to see that the MBE subjects haven't changed much over the last 30 years (except Con Law).

I sent an email out to my friends and old classmates telling them I have bar exam materials to give away. Hopefully I can get rid of them before the weekend.

Aftermath

2006-11-20T14:52:00.000-08:00

Well, its been a long weekend. In fact, its been so long that Im even resting today. Its almost hard to believe that I am back in the real world. I have to keep reminding myself that exams are coming up in a few weeks.

I just received the state bar's care package.

For those in the know, I didn't notice this before but it looks like the examiners replaced the use of the social security number and replaced it with a "file number" instead. After all, you don't want one of your graders to lose a stack of tests with individual SSNs. Wouldn't that suck?

Redemption and advice

2006-11-19T23:59:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to everyone who passed!

As a repeater, passing the July exam feels particularly good. It feels almost as good as passing the first time. The atmosphere of the February exam doesn't feel as competitive. At that time, I entered the exam knowing that most of the examinees were in the same situation as I was. I wasn't as nervous (until that one point...) and I thought I had more leeway since the grading curve would be more forgiving. In other words, I didn't have that sense of urgency that I did in July.

Here's how I did last July. I cannot disclose the exact numbers, but Im sure you get the idea.

I can't find my February 2006 results at the moment, but trust me...it is a joke. The score is so bad that anyone would understand that I had no control over it.

Unfortunately, I noticed that some people didn't pass. I applaud you for making the difficult decision to blog your results. Take a hard look at your score and see where you went wrong. I recommend the following advice based on your score:

1390-1439 - Close but no cigar. It is important that you look at your score very carefully.
Essays - Look for discrepancies in your scores in the writing section. If you scored consistently low, then you should focus more of your time on issue spotting skills. On the other hand, if you scored high on some and low on others, then chances are you were gambling on Barbri's predictions (or made some similar gamble). In that case, you should spend more of your study time on your weak subjects. The good thing is that your writing skills probably do not need much improvement, unless you got below a 65 on an essay.

MBEs - do more practice questions, focusing particularly on sections where you got less than 20 questions right.

As for the PTs, I am not sure what advice to give about this. In July 2005, I was totally lost on the 2nd PT. My answer did not make any sense. The answer was just totally off. To this day, I have no idea how I broke a 60 score. But last July, things were different. While I was studing for the exam, I don't think I did more than 10 of them. But I understood the facts better. I figured out how to structure the answer and extract the rules. I even managed to come up with some creative advice.

Be optimistic. Most people pass the next time around.

1300-1389 -
For the most part, the above advice also applies, but chances are you got this score because you royally screwed up on one of the three sections. Obviously, you will need to spend a majority of your study time improving this area.

You also probably got below a 60 on at least one of the essay questions. If this is the case, you will also need to reevaluate and improve your essay writing format. How to do that is beyond the scope of this post (and this blog). You should seek additional help or just keep working on practice essays until you understand how to write the essay correctly.

400-1299
If you got below a 1300, you will need to start over. If you took a bar review course, demand your money back and go to a different program. Also, you may even have to ask yourself whether taking the exam will be worth your time. Remember, the exam costs $600, lodging will cost extra, in addition to the lost time for studying.
I also think that most people got this score because they did not give it their best. That's the reason why I failed last time. If you cannot give it your best, perhaps it is better to wait until you can.

0-399
Dude, did you make it past the first day? (If you get the joke, you may laugh.)

A few people seemed to blame their loss on personal problems. It happens to all of us, but unfortunately, the bar exam does not take it into account when grading your score. You'll have to deal with them or learn to live with them. But you can't let them get in your way.

BREAK OUT THE BEER CUZ IM BUYING!!!!!!!!

2006-11-17T18:19:00.000-08:00

How to capture and post your bar results screen: click here

Last minute thoughts, part 2

2006-11-17T17:02:00.000-08:00

Well, this is the 11th hour. I could go on and on about what I did right but I'll just leave it to fate. I am going to spend the remaining time doing what I do best -- play video games.

I will try to have the results posted before midnight.

I wish everyone the best of luck.

Last minute thoughts, part 1

2006-11-17T11:15:00.000-08:00

Today, three movies are playing on HBO: Rudy, Cinderella Man, and Field of Dreams. Faith is the common theme of these movies. Was this a sign?

Just to recap, this is how it went. My score on last July's test was a little above 1400, which means that I came close to passing. I knew I blew at least four of the essay questions and one of the performance test questions. I arrogantly didn't take BarBri or any bar review course. Yet I came so close. Why?

A good friend of mine who graduated with me did a lot worse. He was in law review, moot court and had a reputation for being a hard worker. He spent a lot of money on a bar review course. I found out that his July 2005 score was somewhere in the high 1200's! And last February, his score was in the low 1300's. Why is that? Since we live over a hundred miles away, it wasn't possible for us to share our stories in any detail. Anyway, he probably wouldn't want to and I wouldn't blame him. Perhaps things were going on in his life that I didn't know about.

Unlike the first timers, I have the benefit of a failed exam which I can use as a reference point. But Im beginning to wonder whether my score last year was inflated considering the crappy job I did. Maybe I had a generous grader last year, and now I have a tough grader.

I know I did better than last year. I just hope the same person who graded mine last year will grade mine again this year.

I'll be back.

One day left...

2006-11-16T16:14:00.000-08:00

First of all, I know its been a while. Its mainly because not a whole lot has happened since the last time I wrote. I have been mainly focusing on classes and working on a research paper.

Like I said previously, I feel optimistic about my results.

Im just trying to keep busy at this point. If not, I'll be pacing and wondering about what's going to happen.

For those of you who are keeping track, here are the rules:
I will post whether I have passed or not before Saturday 11/18.
If I fail, you can laugh at me all you want.
If I pass, I will be hanging out at "the bar" in downtown LA for most of the night.

Apathy

2006-09-18T00:26:00.000-07:00

I realize I haven't been posting as regularly as I used to. There are several reasons, but the main reason is that the bar exam is over and I am awaiting results. Perhaps if I changed the purpose of this blog to become my online diary...nah...I probably would have been just as lazy.

Since the results are almost two months away, there isn't much to worry about. Although sometimes, in the dark corner of my mind, I dread about the thought of studying again. While I feel good about most of my answers, I still worry about having to study for it again. Wow..only 60 days away?

Anyway, what's been going on lately? For starters, some people are getting married this month. A good friend of mine from law school, a classmate's older sister out of state, and some others. And here I am single. Oh well. Maybe next year. Although I'm not really in a hurry to tie the knot.

As for school, I'm taking one class that is really kicking my butt. Although my class load is not that demanding, this class is the equivalent of taking three classes. Maybe its because we have to know 100 different tax laws...before the fourth week of school! To make things worse, financial aid is being a pain. If I don't resolve this soon, I'll have to pay my loans. Darn.

Happy 9/11 day!

2006-09-11T23:04:00.000-07:00

I look back to what I was doing that day...

I was sleeping at my parents' house. Around 6:45 AM, I faintly heard my sister say to my mother, "Someone crashed a plane into the World Trade Center." I immediately got up and turned on the TV. Every TV station was focused on the towers. I thought that it might have been an accident, but once the 2nd plane hit the second tower, I knew that this was planned.

School was cancelled that day, and I cancelled my plans for the day. My sister, who worked in one of those tall buildings in downtown was on standby, but was told not to come to work that day. My father also worked in the downtown and he also contemplated staying home, but later left since he worked in an area which was unlikely to get hit.

My first thought was whether someone was going to go nuclear. But I dismissed it thinking that if the terrorists had nukes, they would have used that instead of taking the risk of hijacking planes. My next thought is whether they were going to hit the west coast. All flights that day were cancelled, so I didn't expect to see planes crashing anytime soon. Although car bombs or random violence was also likely.

The rest of the day was a blur. I stayed fixated to the TV, watching the towers fall, and seeing everyone in NY panic as if it was Armageddon. I was waiting for news that order was restored and that the people who did this were identified. I knew that whoever did this was Middle-Eastern/Muslim.

I kinda wondered, is killing Osama Bin Laden worth killing 1 million non-Americans?

I'll get back to you on that.

Insomnia

2006-09-07T03:59:00.000-07:00

I don't know what's been wrong with me lately. I haven't been able to sleep right the last seven days. I think I averaged three to four hours at most the last three days.

I thought it was the recent heat. It has been dreadfully hot the last few weeks. There were a few times where I even broke a sweat while I was sleeping.

I also thought it may have been caffeine. Usually this is not a problem as I don't drink caffeine unless it was a hardcore study night.

Maybe its my eating habits. Since I'm turning 30 this month, I tried to eat healthier (tried...yeah).

Its just frustrating.

Death of a computer

2006-09-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

Im back.

For the last seven days, I was without a computer. The stupid thing caught on fire (sort of) in the school library.

Now school has started, although I am more interested in finding a job during the day.

Overreaction?

2006-08-21T01:37:00.000-07:00

One night, I was having dinner with my parents.

While I was finishing up, my father looked at my plate and said something like, "You left some bits on the plate. Finish it up." At that point, something inside me snapped. I stopped eating and stormed out of the dining room. Looking back, my actions seemed unexpected.

Later, my mother asked me what happened. I told her that I was sick and tired of my father telling me how to eat. She said that "that's just the way he is...don't make such a big deal out of it." I then told her that I hate it in general whenever he makes a big deal over such little things. My mother said that he thought that my current eating habits (leaving bits of food on the table) was not the best display of etiquette.

Before I go on, I should explain the relationship between my father and I: We don't have one. We don't hate each other. It's just that my father was never around when I was younger and we hardly ever did anything together. So in a sense, we don't really know each other. But I understand and respect his reasons for doing what he did. I doubt we would have had any fun together anyway, at least not these days.

I am actually around a lot my parents a lot but I hardly ever talk to my father. I was hoping that if I (or a brother or sister) got married and had a kid, I would let him/her spend a lot of time with my parents so that they can pass on their wisdom to him/her.

Anyway, I told my mom that I think it's too late for my father to try to teach me certain things.
I am going to be 30 soon and if my father wanted to play "belated dad", I thought the best thing for him to do was to at least teach me things that are more relevant to my age.

Maybe I overreacted. Perhaps the more prudent option would have been to 1) finish eating the remaining bits and make him feel better, 2) tell him I'd rather not or 3) just ignore him. Its just that in my experience, no one cares if you left bits of food on the plate once you were finished eating. To put it another way, I don't think many people will look down on my eating habits or my personal etiquette. If I was eating with someone and I noticed him/her making sure that she ate every single pea or every kernel of rice, for the most part, I wouldn't think anything of it. But a small part of me would think that this person was extremely anal retentive.

Back to School

2006-08-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

I received my school ID card this week, which means I have three law school ID cards for my collection. Orientation is coming soon. I'm guessing there's going to be a tour of the campus, a meet the professors and staff session, and hopefully a free meal. Since it will be on a Friday night, I suppose some people might want to check out the nightlife afterwards.

Classes begin next week, but I haven't signed up for any yet. My usual strategy is to sit in on all of the classes in my available time slots and pick the ones I like at the end of the first or second week. This way, I can get a sense of which professors are boring, hard-nosed, demanding, etc. Since law school is focused heavily on grades, one has to be practical about choosing classes.

Since you asked about the wisdom teeth, I haven't given it much thought lately (I blame it on post-bar exam trauma.) I hope to make an appointment with the dentist sometime next month, but I'm not sure what's going to happen with classes, work, etc. To recap, I need to have three of my wisdom teeth removed, one of them using a special technique - which I forgot what it was.

Anyway, remember when I said that I would quit smoking? I relapsed again for a short time earlier this week. During my three day hump, I went out with some friends. Over dinner and some drinks, we split a pack of cigs. The next day, I was craving for them again. I huffed and puffed for another week before I got the nerve to quit again. It's been two days now. Let's see how long this will last...

CPA exam? GMAT?

2006-08-15T01:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a long post to make up for the lack of recent posts:

First of all, I emptied out my desk today and now it looks like this:

I'll figure out a suitable arrangement hopefully by the end of the week.

I considered studying for the CPA exam. I bought this book to get an idea of what the test is all about:

On first glance, there is a lot more material covered on the CPA exam. While I knew that the exam was divided into four separate parts, I didn't know that each "part" had several sub-parts.

Based on what this book covers, I am certain I will have to take a review class. I am praying that my employer will pay for the review course. I know most of the bigger CPA firms do this for their entry level associates.

But to be honest, I am reluctant to make a serious effort into studying until I pass the bar exam. While I feel good about the results, I just want to take things one test at a time, especially considering that the tests will affect my future career in...um...something business-like...I guess...

So what are my other options?

I could study for this test:

That's right. B-school. The good thing about this test is that it is more abstract and is more geared towards understanding logic and reading comprehension (and the math section). There isn't much memorization required.

Once again, the question is whether I should take a prep class. I took a prep course for the LSAT (law school admissions test) and it did not help much. But then again, was I a different person back then?

I should point out that I am now sick of school. Since I already have one advanced degree, and one more on the way, the MBA may only be marginally useful to me. So long ago I decided that I will only apply to B-school if my GMAT score is in the 85th percentile (around 620-640) or better. Other than my expectations, I know little about the exam and it will take some time before I am fully informed about the exam.

I visited some of the other bar exam bloggers over the last few days. A number of them forgot about their blog after the bar exam. I'm guessing I won't see another post from them until days before the results - if I don't hear from them again, I assume they didn't get the good news. Others have posted regularly again and have returned to the real world. Some have even found jobs pretty quickly, which is commendable.

But the ones I follow on a regular basis are the repeaters, for obvious reasons. Unfortunately, most of them seem resigned to the fact that they have failed again. In general, their posts describe how they messed up on one essay question and complained about how the MBE's were harder than they thought. If any of them are reading this, I say this: be honest. If you think you passed, then just say so. Almost all of them are writing anonymously so I really don't see the point in beating around the bush about it. But I suppose for a few people insecurity knows no bounds (and they want to be attorneys?)

I see my whiny attitude is kicking in, which means that I should go to sleep soon. BTW, a smoking issue came up. I should write about it soon.

Now what?

2006-08-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

I realize its been awhile since my last post. I have no clear explanation. A part of me was at a loss for words. A part of me was just tired. Also, a part of me was just full of thoughts (which is ironic, considering that I started this to record my thoughts.)

So this is what my room look like right now:

So what's significant about this picture? The fact that I haven't cleaned my room since the bar exam ended. I should get around to it, but my brain has still been on cooldown mode.

The one day hump

2006-08-06T00:24:00.000-07:00

Now that my post-bar "vacation" is coming to an end, I had to quit smoking before it becomes a nasty addiction (again.) So last night, after I smoked the last of my pack, I decided to quit the same way I did before - cold turkey.

For me, I need to deal with the cravings for 24 hours before they go away once and for all. So to get one addiction off of my mind, I had to turn to another addiction. This time, I decided to turn to an addiction from a past life: video games. So I headed out to the local video store and rented Resident Evil 4 for the weekend.

To make a long story short, it worked. I didn't have a cig for 24 hours. While I think this should be enough, I may have to give myself another 24-48 hours just to be sure.

Its going to be a bit more difficult to sleep for the next few days, but then again, I was having that problem as it is.

Bar Exam Rehab

2006-08-04T02:13:00.000-07:00

Its 2AM. I thought sleepless nights would be a thing of the past.

Most people spend their post bar exam days doing fun stuff...going on a vacation, going out with friends, things like that. Not me. I just stayed at home, trying to get my brain back into normal mode. I really didn't feel like going anywhere or doing anything in general.

I started smoking again (and if you're reading this Prince - wherever you are - this is partly your fault) in hopes that I would stop worrying about how I did last week. It partly worked. But considering I have been down this path before, I wasn't worried as much.

I have recently considered moving out of state or at least outside of southern California. This is a bit weird, especially if I pass the bar this time. The main reasons are job prospects and also my desire to live outside of SCA for a year or two. This isn't going to happen anytime soon - I'll ponder this for at least six months to a year before making a final decision.

Bar exam results will arrive on November 17th.

Do I think I'll pass?

2006-08-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

The answer is: Yes, I believe I passed.

I should note that I said this before last year, and I ended up failing. But back then, I said it with a significant degree of uncertainty. I knew that I missed some issues (and some significant ones at that). Also, I knew that I blew one of the performance tests.

But this time, its different. I thought I did fairly well on both performance tests. As for the essays, while the grading seems a bit volatile and a bit arbitrary (which is not necessarily a bad thing), I don't believe that I missed any major issues. However, I am a bit worried about the MBE multiple choice section. It was a bit harder than I anticipated, but it seems that I am not the only one who felt that way.

But the more I think about it, the more I wonder...Did I follow the instructions correctly?

I know I did better than I did last year. I'm hoping that its enough to enter me into passing territory.

Here are some interesting facts I thought I'd share:

Statistically, repeaters have little chance of passing. Last July, only a little less than 13% of repeaters passed, and only less than 17% of repeaters passed the year before.

Based on word-of-mouth and from representatives from several bar review programs, people who scored above 1400 on the first try has a high chance of passing the bar within their second or third try.

Casualties of Bar - Part 2

2006-07-29T02:21:00.000-07:00

I spent the last 24 hours resting. My brain still hasn't recovered completely from the exam but I'm hoping I will be back to normal over the weekend. In summary, the dizzy spells returned, but I was able to find a way to deal with it.

DAY 1

BEFORE THE EXAM - I forced myself to wake up at 5:15 AM. I only slept five hours the night before. Since I have never been to Ontario before, I wish I had taken a test drive so that I can determine the best time to leave the house. However, considering traffic (especially the 10 freeway) is unpredictable, it was probably more prudent to head out early and wait, instead of showing up late. After eating, dressing, and doing a few other things, I left the house at 6AM and got to Ontario at around 6:45 AM.

I felt like crap the moment I got there. I didn't feel completely awake. It's a really awful feeling where you want to go back to sleep, but you can't. My brain does not function well if it is in conflict physiologically. For the next hour and a half, I tried to focus my mind on something else. Thankfully, I met with an old classmate and we spent the next hour and a half catching up on old times. Unfortunately, it only helped a little bit.

At 8:30 AM, we were allowed into the convention center. The moment I sat in my designated seat, I felt a rushing sense of anxiety and dizziness. My mind went absolutely crazy. I didn't show it physically, but I knew this was the same experience I felt six months ago. Needless to say, I immediately considered leaving.

I rushed back to my car, cracked open an energy drink, and drank as much as of it as I could in 30 seconds before returning. I began to realize what was going on: I was having an anxiety attack. At that time, I didn't understand why it happened, but at least I knew that I wasn't going to collapse, faint or have a seizure during the exam.

I returned to the center just as the main speaker began the general instructions. I still felt the rush of dizziness and anxiety, but I was able to remain calm physically. I had hoped that once the morning session began, my mind would focus on the test and away from the anxiety. (But then again, that's not what happened last time!)

THE MORNING SESSION - Thankfully, my anxiety/dizzy spell wore off as soon as the test began. I felt slightly tired, but I was able to fully focus. About halfway into the exam, my stomach began to grumble a bit. The hunger got progressively worse until the end, but I was able to manage. But the worst came about two hours later when I was doing the third Contracts essay. The complexity of the problem confused me a bit, and as a result, I began to feel dizzy. So I stopped what I was doing and gave myself a break. I closed my laptop, took a few deep breaths and tried to clear my mind. I reminded myself that I was going to be fine and nothing was going to happen. Thankfully this technique worked, but it took five minutes to regain my composure. At that point, I read the fact pattern very slowly and I was able to write an answer before time expired.

The morning essay section covered three subjects: Torts, Contracts, and Constitutional Law (For some people, this was a repeat of their first year final exams.) The torts problem was pretty straightforward and limited. It involved false imprisonment, negligence, negligence per se, and vicarious liability. The Con Law question was a broad first amendment problem. Finally, the Contracts problem was a bit difficult. It asked about formation, breach and remedies. Unfortunately, I didn't give a good answer towards the end because the initial offer/acceptance confused me for a while.

I MADE IT!!!!!!!!!!

2006-07-27T19:34:00.000-07:00

ITS OOOOOOOOOOOOVER!!!!!!!!!!!

I made it past the first day!
I made it to the end!

Anyway, I am so tired.

I'll post the what happened maybe later tonight or tomorrow. I've had my share of unforeseen events the last three days.

BTW, be sure to upload your answers.

Done!

2006-07-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

I am officially done studying. My brain has shut down.

So whatever happens the next three days will determine whether I studied enough.

I tried to learn everything, but I realized that it is not possible. There will come a point where an essay question will test some obscure issue that I forgot. At least this time, I have a way to BS my way through. The answer might be wrong, but at least I'll get partial credit. As I said before, I don't even remember the black letter rules. Whenever I read an essay question, I look for issues in each single paragraph.

Here's some observations I made:

Day 1 AM - Essays - This section is probably the most stressful because you can be tested on any of the subjects.

Day 1 PM - Performance test - Not as stressful as the essays, but if you don't have a set strategy for tackling these, the time will go faster, and you will get confused. Trust me on this.

Day 2 - MBE - 200 questions of minutia. If you don't know the answer after 90 seconds, guess and come back to it.

Day 3 AM - Essays - This time it is not as stressful as Day 1, since you there are three (or four or even five) less subjects for you to study, but don't let your guard down. A subject tested in Day 1 may appear again, like last year.

Day 3 PM - Performance Test - Thankfully, the final stretch is not that stressful. Still, staying focused and staying in your rhythm will get you past this.

Sweet. Anyway, I packed everything I will need and I even selected my clothes. So basically all I need to do tomorrow is wake up, shower, put on the clothes, and walk out.

So the question is, will I pass? I'm sure of it. I know a lot more than I did than the last two times. Also, I took better care of myself over the last six months.

On that note, I wish the best of luck to everyone and I'll be back on Friday.

Pre-epilogue epilogue

2006-07-22T23:25:00.000-07:00

Once again this insane temperature is preventing me from sleeping. I've been trying desperately to wake up at 6AM.

On Monday, I'm going to call the State Bar and ask them if I can switch test centers. To make a long story short, something came up and the other test center may be more convenient for me.

I've felt so damn isolated the last few months. I'm not even sure if I have any real friends anymore. I am hoping that when I start at my new school next month, I can find some people to kick it with.

I mentally did a few more essays today. Its nice whenever I am reminded of what I still don't after all this time. I have to remind myself that I will pass this time.

I have been following other bar exam bloggers, mainly the repeat takers, and I can already guess who will fail and who will pass. In general terms, the ones who I think will fail are those who are following the same routine that made them fail the previous time.

Tomorrow...I'll probably study a little bit, but I'm not sure how. I also need to buy food (and LOTS of it) for the upcoming week.

Random Insomnia

2006-07-22T02:01:00.000-07:00

Its 2AM and I can't sleep. This is not good.

I'm thinking it's something I ate. Or probably the soda I drank around 7PM. Or maybe because it's so freaking hot in my room. Whatever.

Until I feel sleepy again, I'll just write about anything.

So what have I done differently this time? I made an effort to take care of myself. I've seen several doctors.

And as for studying? I copied most of that damn Barbri outline word by word. Unfortunately, I didn't finish, but I completed about 98%. And I think it was worth it. I learned a few new rules I overlooked the last two times.

Also, got rid of the cigarettes after November. And I've been coffee free for the last month. BUt I think the energy drinks have helped.

I stopped writing out the essays a few days ago. Now I just read the fact pattern, and just think out the outcome in my head.

I think about the future at least once per day. If I don't pass, I can't devote the same amount of time I used to. The student loan people are a little pushy about this type of thing.

But I guess the good news is that I feel confident this time. Most of my answers were at least as good as the essays, and my writing skills have improved.

Anyway, my urge to sleep has returned. I'll be back.

Everyone is lazy.

2006-07-18T23:02:00.000-07:00

I guess I am not the only one who has been speechless the last few weeks. A lot of bar exam bloggers have either reduced their postings dramatically or have quit posting altogether. I guess its hard to express your thoughts when you're nearing the finish line.

Health
I still worry that what happened on February will happen again next week. Its one thing to fail the exam, but it's totally different when you're sent to the hospital. To this day, I don't know what happened. I keep telling myself it won't happen again. By all accounts, I should have passed last February, and I would be blogging about the CPA exam, and going nuts over assets, liabilities, capital, valuation, auditing, etc. At least it's comforting knowing that the CPA exam is a different experience (and quite possibly not as harrowing.)

Stooping to new lows
On my way to the library today, I saw a certain billboard in Los Angeles. Unfortunately, I am so disgusted with what I saw that I can't even give credit to it even if it means that this paragraph will make no sense. According to internet rumors, the billboard seems to be a teaser for some upcoming TV show, but it could be some weird ad campaign. Once I find out who is behind this, I will refrain from watching their show, buying their product, or supporting their position.

Anyway, its getting late. I'm trying to wake up at 5:30 AM so I better get to sleep.

Essay Predictions

2006-07-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

Apparently, the predictions for essay questions have been released. Considering that Barbri's predictions were mostly wrong last July, I gave it little attention.

Last July, I thought about every possible scenario as to how the bar examiners came up with the essay questions in the hopes that I can reasonably predict what the questions would be. Of course, now I realized that this was a total waste of time.

Here are my personal predictions:

Professional Responsibility - with obscure rule
Trusts
Real Property
Corporations
Remedies - likely cross-over
Criminal Law - with obscure rule
Criminal Procedure - with obscure rule
Torts - with obscure rule

Study note: I highly recommend not doing a PT at night. It's hard to concentrate for at least three hours knowing you plan to sleep soon.

Seven Days

2006-07-17T20:31:00.000-07:00

To be quite honest, I haven't posted lately because I really didn't know what to write about. Anyway, my postings will at times be sporadic until this exam is over so please bear with me.

As focused as I should be, considering this is my third (or second) time, I still feel scatterbrained. I can only recall a few rules off the top of my head. But when I read an essay test, I can most likely recall a rule after looking at a fact pattern.

A week from today, I will take the bar exam again. Here are some nuances that takes place on the test days.

You are expected to arrive about thirty minutes before the test begins, around 8:30AM. The next thirty minutes is spent listening to the proctor's monotone voice regarding prohibited items, particularly cell phones. The proctor makes it clear to you that cell phones are prohibited, and then reminds you again in case you were busy trying to get your Examsoft to work.

After the first half of the test, you have a two hour break for lunch. Technically its 90 minutes since you have to be back at the site by then. The second half then begins with the proctor reminding you yet again that cell phones are prohibited.

Moral of the story - leave your cell phone in the car.

I SWEAR...I'M STILL ALIVE!!

2006-07-12T00:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I've been a combination of busy, tired, and bored in the last week. I'll be back soon. Promise.

Day off

2006-06-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

I know its been a while since I last posted. Its just that the test is right around the corner and I've been trying to focus on the test. As today is the last day of June, I decided to take the day off from studying. I might even take tomorrow off too.

Anyway, here's an update as to what's been going on:

1. Looks like GLC has made their decision. I have decided not to disclose the decision on this blog. I'm sure a few of you can understand why.

2. My interest in the World Cup has dwindled since three of the teams of I have been following have been eliminated in the last week.

3. My study schedule has been divided into subjects (with practice MBE/essays):
Monday: Torts/Crim Law/Crim Pro
Tuesday: Con Law/Wills/Trusts
Wednesday: Property/Corporations
Thursday: Evidence/Civ Pro
Friday: Contracts/UCC/Community Property
Saturday: 100 MBEs/Remedies/Professional Resposbility
Sunday: Day off or passive studying (aka wasting time)

And I suppose somewhere in there I will do a PT or two.

I think that's the schedule I will keep until test day.

Review

2006-06-28T00:19:00.000-07:00

Today, I reviewed Con Law, Wills and Trusts. The interesting thing is that....oh crap, its past midnight. I'm tired.

Ontario

2006-06-24T14:23:00.000-07:00

For your amusement, I visited two of the locations where I will be taking the exam. Here are the pictures of the Ontario Convention Center.

Unfortunately, Ontario is pretty dull. At least compared to Pasadena (see below). It was so dull that I didn't leave the car when I took these pictures. You have to literally go blocks awat to get to a restaurant. There really wasn't anywhere to go except to the nearby hotels. The good part is that there are a lot of hotels here so getting a room wont be too much trouble.

It was hard to tell from this vantage point how I was going to get in to the convention center. I guess I'll just have to follow the sea of bodies on test day.

Pasadena

2006-06-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, I have no idea how these pictures are coming out so I'll make a general description. Unless the applicant lives too far away, chances are Pasadena would be the ideal bar exam location. The convention center is located near the mall, and the atmosphere is pleasant. Also, after Thursday (or even Tuesday or Wednedsay), almost everybody would be going a few blocks away to Old Town for drinks.

Memorization and confusion

2006-06-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

I decided to spend less time rewriting outlines and focusing more on memorization. The one thing I learned about memorization this time around is that it is not enough to memorize the rule. I have to memorize the rule to the point where I can write it in an essay question without a second thought.

This brings up one thing about BarBri's books that pisses me off. They don't state the rules in a consistent manner. For example, one of their essay questions concerns false imprisonment. In the answer, the writer wrote the Rule portion of IRAC in this manner:

To establish a prima facie case for false imprisonment, plaintiff must prove: 1) an act or omission to act on the part of the defendant that confines or restrains the plaintiff to a bounded area, 2) intent on the part of the defendant to confine or restrain plaintiff, and 3) causation.

Whoever wrote this must have memorized the outlines or had an open-book test. Its a bit long to write, but it points out the elements and makes the analysis portion easier.

In another essay question, the author wrote a shorthand rule describing assault:

An assault is an affirmative act with the intent to place the plaintiff in an apprehension of an immediate harmful or offensive contact.

Now lets go back to the false imprisonment example. If I were to write it in shorthand, it might look something like this:

False imprisonment is an intentional act that causes plaintiff to be confined to a bounded area.

Another essay question dealt with negligence. In the answer, the author used the short method: Negligence is the breach of a duty of due care which is the actual and proximate cause of plaintiff's injuries. This is a lot easier to write, and this method would work if the writer is proficient with negligence analysis.

If one were to write using the previous method, it might look something like this:

To establish a prima facie case of negligence, the plainiff must show: 1) The existence of a duty on the part of the defendant to conform to a specific standard of conduct for the protection of the P against an unreasonable risk of injury, 2) Breach of that duty by the defendant, 3) That the breach of that duty was the actual and proximate cause of the P’s injury, and 4) Damage to the P’s person or property.

Blah blah blah...

The point is, now that we are on the final stretch, it is best to stick with one set of rules. I just wish the people at Barbri would do a better job at doing it.

Weekend update

2006-06-18T23:46:00.000-07:00

I am now officially hooked on soccer. The fast action, and especially the lack of commercials has somehow got me interested.

I initially watched the World Cup to see only a few countries play, but I've been watching all of the games today and yesterday. How do I do this and study? I simply turn it to the Spanish-speaking channel. That way, the announcers' commentary does not distract me unless a team scores, or is about to score (the crowd is also a good indicator).

Unfortunately, the reality of summer is kicking in. 83F (25C). At night. Makes sleeping a bit more difficult. This may also explain why I'm posting so late.

My cell phone is officially broken.

2006-06-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

Between now and the end of the bar exam, I am not going to answer my cell phone. There are many reasons for this, but they are all related to this main story.

Yesterday, a family member calls me up and asks if I can drop her off at the airport today. Initially, I say that I can't but she complains that no one else can do it because they are all working and I am the only person she knows that isn't doing anything today.

First of all, it was very nice of her to demand this on such short notice. But more importantly, I loved how she implied that I'm not working and I'm just hanging around and doing nothing. (sarcasm off). If this was a friend (even a close friend), this conversation would have been over within the next 30 seconds. But since this was a family member, and she sounded pretty desperate, I reluctantly agreed to do so.

I think this raises one problem that makes studying for the bar (and my life in general) more frustrating than it needs to be. People think I'm free. My friends and family think that I can drop everything at the spur of the moment and do favors for them, drop them off or pick them up somewhere, or fix their computers.

And I blame 90% of my problems on my cell phone. Apparently, the best and worst part about the cell phone is that it makes you easier to reach.

So beginning today until the end of the exam, my phone is "broken" to almost everyone. If someone wants to get a hold of me, they will have to leave a message. I'll call back if his or her message passes intermediate scrutiny (bar exam takers - substantially related to an important purpose? can't think of a good analogy) (everyone else - that person must have a good reason for me to call them back.)

I suppose I got a good half day's work done today. I got 10 of 17 Con law MBE questions right and 9 of 15 mixed MBEs right. If I can average 140-150 on the MBEs, I think the tedious outline copying will be worth it.

40 days and 40 nights

2006-06-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

In the interest of bar exam takers, a recent Supreme Court decision concerning the execution of a warrant may have an effect on the July bar exam:
1) Will this subject be tested?
2) If so, will we have to know this rule?
3) If not, will he have to know the old rule?
4) Is there a distinction between this rule and the old "knock and announce" rule?

I'm going to try posting in between my one-hour breaks. I noticed that posting before I go to bed makes me sound more incoherent. On that note...

I think I am at the point now where I can focus less on copying outlines and start focusing more on MBE, essays and PTs. I've finished most of the important points on the MBE subjects so now I'll focus more on non-MBE subjects. Although I still have a signifinacnt amount to do, at least the end is close by.

Unfortunately, I have been trying to figure out what I am going to do about my trip to China. I have to apply for a U.S. passport soon if I do decide to go. Unfortunately, it has been more difficult than I originially anticipated. It was originally because of potential school conflicts but now with my focusing on the exam and all, I haven't had time to even think of a travel plan. Hopefully, I hope I can squeeze some time in either tomorrow or on Monday.

Can you see how many blogs I am holding?

2006-06-13T20:22:00.000-07:00

If you can read this, please leave a comment so I know this template is working. Thanks.

Day off

2006-06-12T00:12:00.000-07:00

In World Cup news, I saw the Iran/Mexico game. Im sure that many people in the U.S. were wondering who to root for. Where I live, the crowd is evenly split. One half wants Mexico to win, mainly because there are so many of them here. But there is a surprisingly strong contingent rooting for Iran. I think its not so much they like Iran more, but because an Iran victory can lead the way to a U.S. vs. Iran match. Now that it's over, I suppose a Mexico vs. U.S. match might also be a possibility.

For some reason, a lot of people (at least in the U.S.) are interested in the Mexico vs. Portugal match coming up in the 21st. What's up with that? What did Portugal do?

Friday night

2006-06-09T18:04:00.001-07:00

Im meeting with some former study partners (who are also taking the test again) tonight. We're not meeting to study. Instead we are going to compare test preparation techniques and then just hang out.

I'm wondering how they're studying. I know one of them is studying on his own, after taking BarBri a few months back. A few others are repeating with other prep programs (I think its Micromash or Barpassers. All I remember is that their services are free for repeaters.) I don't know about the others.

I'm not studying with them anymore for two reasons. First, they live too far away and lately I have been less inclined to leave the city to meet with them. Second, we never get anything done when we study together. One of the libraries we frequented actually got one of our study sessions on tape.

So what did I do today? Just copy more outlines. Instead of focusing on one subject, I tried doing a little bit of everything. So I copied a little bit from Wills, Trusts, Torts, Crim Pro and Civ Pro. Tomorrow, I am going to closely examine an answer from a PT and try to figure out how the answer was structured. And then try some MBE questions...finally.

Justice

2006-06-08T22:26:00.000-07:00

Remember the car accident I got into a while back?

I finally found some free time to get the car fixed. So I call the insurance company and asked them about some recommended body shops. What happens instead is I get a bunch of questions from the lady at the other end asking me about the accident. Most of the time, I answered "It's in the police report."

At some point in the conversation, she mentioned that they identified the car that hit me. The first thing on my mind was "lawsuit". As soon as I pass the bar exam and get my license (assuming I wont be spending the year in the east coast), he or she was going to be my first defendant. Not only that, I plan to press charges for hit and run and reckless driving (in case you forgot, this happened in the freeway).

Anyway, I can't get too detailed about this here, but I'm just glad they found the prick so he or she will end up paying for the damage and I won't have to pay a deductible. Now the car's in a shop and hopefully it will come out looking like new again.

In other news, I'm sure most of you know that Al-Queda has made a joyous announcement. I for one am happy for them and hope that all of their members have similar joyous occasions.

I bring this up because of the $25 million reward that the U.S was offering. For CA bar exam purposes, who gets the reward?

1. The guy who shot the missile into the "safe house"?
2. The guy who unwittingly led the coalition forces to him?
3. Some informant?
4. Who?

A wasted day off

2006-06-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

Lets start with the good news: I got the site fixed. I think everything's back in place.

Now the bad news. The dentist appointment was cancelled due to a billing issue. What makes this "bad" is that the dentist didn't tell me this until I got to the office. If they just called me a few hours before, I could have brought my insurance card and had everything straightened out. The appointment was postponed until Monday, but what a waste of time. I guess I can consider this a day off.

Blog Wars

2006-06-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

It seems that more bar exam blogs are popping up and everyone's looking around.

If you're a fellow bar exam blogger I want to say hello and welcome. Most likely you're here because I was linked under someone's BlogRolling list. Anyway, I look forward to reading about everyone's trials and tribulations. Whatever you're going through, chances are you're not alone. It is likely that I will visit your blog at some point between now and the end of July. And I may even leave a comment or two. I tend to visit those who post on a consistent basis more frequently.

I want to wish you all the best of luck!

A day in the life of...

2006-06-06T23:21:00.000-07:00

Today, I thought I'd do something different. I am going to try to give you a taste of what a bar exam essay question is like and at the same time, explain my day.

In law school and bar exams, we are encouraged to write based on the IRAC format. IRAC is an acronym for: issue, rule of law, application of the law to the facts, and conclusion. I'll start with a very simple illustration. No law involved. Promise.

The issue is whether I have spent the day effectively.

The rule is that I have spent the day effectively when I have spent at least 8 hours studying for the bar exam.

Applying the rule to the facts, today I spent 3 hours studying Property and I spent five hours studying Civ Pro and Corporations. Thus, I have spent eight hours studying for the bar exam today.

In conclusion, because I have spent eight hours studying for the bar exam, I have spent the day effectively.

That's an extremely simple example. Now pardon me while I laugh and throw up at the same time because even though I did study for eight hours today, I still feel stupid.

In other news, I have to see the dentist tomorrow to get my wisdom teeth removed. As long as the post-extraction pain is manageable, I suppose I can study in some fashion.

Please forgive me...

2006-06-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

I get the feeling that I pissed someone off. So here goes:

3 schools you went to:

1. College
2. Law School
3. Masters program

3 things in your purse / backpack / pocket

1. My keys
2. My wallet
3. My cellphone

3 things you do when you're really stressed

1. Sleep
2. Watch TV
3. Walk back and forth

3 places you go on a daily basis

1. Bathroom
2. Kitchen
3. Backyard

3 favourite fruits

1. Strawberries
2. Oranges
3. Richard Simmons

3 names you go by

1. JD
2. LLM
3. CPA

3 of your favourite food

1. Assault Energy Drink
2. Decaf coffee
3. Some junk food

3 things you are wearing right now

1. Shirt
2. Shorts
3. Slippers

The WHOS'

Who is in the house with you?
No one

Who are you thinking about right now?
The admissions committee at Georgetown.

Who did you last talk to on the phone?
My friend who I can't stand

Who did you sit to in your 5th period class?
Probably some attractive chick.

Who was the last person you told you loved?
Sorry, can't think that far back.

Who do you wish you were with right now?
My future self who has the answers to the bar exam questions.

Who gets on your nerves the most at school?
The classmates who are smarter than me.

The WHERE'S

Where is your phone?
Charging

Where do you sleep?
Wherever the TV is.

Where is the last place you took a ride to?
The mechanic to pick up my car.

The WHAT'S

What was the last thing you ate?
Something I thought was jello.

What color shirt are you wearing?
Red

What is the closest item near you that is blue?
My PMBR book.

What do you like best about school?
The breaks.

What is your favourite color?
Yellow

What do you wear most; jeans or shorts?
Jeans

What is the last movie you watched?
Star Wars E3. I have it On Demand right now. Sweet...

The WHEN's

When did you start school?
kindergarten

When did you last go to the mall?
A month ago.

When did you last burn something?
Last February. Burned my bar application form.

Tired

2006-06-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

Lately, I haven't been sleeping as well as I would have liked. Ive been getting up more frequently at night to use the bathroom (thanks for the advice, doc). But in a way, it has been a good thing. It has helped me pinpoint what caused the illness back in February. While I haven't found the exact reason yet, I am on the right track and I can make sure to avoid it in July.

Finally, my application has been completed. This doesn't mean much other than the fact that I don't have to bother my professors any more. I guess Im breaking my earlier promise by talking about this so I'll keep it short. I am not anticipating a favorable decision. In light of all the circumstances, I think I have a 30% chance at admission. I'm just hoping that they will make it quick and painless so I can send my deposit check to the other school.

Other than that, I did not get much done today. I finished the Con Law outline (122 pages!) and I'll probably work on the Property outline tomorrow. I should at least get started on practice MBE questions, at least on the subjects I have finished outlining. I anticipate that this week will be a bit slow due to that dentist appointment on Wednesday, so I will have to make the most of it tomorrow.

A fork in the road

2006-06-05T01:01:00.000-07:00

I have finished the following outlines so far: Con Law (almost, skipped defamation), Contracts/Sales (skipped remedies), Crim Law, Evidence, PR and Community Property. So how much work have I put in so far? Well, if I were to print out the outlines, I would print 400 pages.

Unfortunately, I am beginning to forget the things I have learned. So I think now might be a good time to switch gears. It's just that Im not sure how to go about doing this. Should I begin taking practice exams? Should I try to re-memorize everything I have learned to date? Should I just continue what I am doing until I finish the rest of the outlines? Should I take a day off? Its getting late. No wonder I can't think.

In lighter news, I have been seeing a bunch of spiders in my room lately. When I see a spider, most of the time I catch it with a napkin, go outside, and let it go. But recently, it appears that the spiders have been taking advantage of my pro-life attitude. So in the future, I will adopt a pro-choice attitude.

When I say pro-choice, I mean choosing the method of execution:
1) the traditional squash (quick and painless but a bit messy)
2) the toilet flush (before or after using the toilet for its usual purpose)
or if I am in a really, really bad mood:
3) well...its really cruel.

One more outline.

2006-06-03T23:30:00.000-07:00

Finished the Evidence outline! Woo-hoo!

What happened to Thursday?

2006-06-02T16:09:00.000-07:00

Im posting a little early today because I am taking the night off with some friends tonight. The strange thing is that I thought today was THURSDAY. I don't know where my mind has been lately. I suppose its a combination of trying to cram a lot of information into my head and worrying about a number of things at the same time. I need to start focusing more and worrying less about other things.

On that note (in addition to someone's comments), I decided not to post any more updates on what's going on with GLC. I made a few phone calls and sent some emails today and I think that should take care of any future problems. In the end, its no big deal and everything will be ok. As much as I would love to spend a year in the East Coast, I am happy with staying here and transfering to the new school this fall.

As for my studies, I completed three the Criminal Law and the Sales outline. I am almost done with the Evidence outline and hopefully, I can finish the Property outline (particularly that LONG section on land conveyance). I just realized that I didn't even touch Torts.

Tomorrow, I am taking a day off. I plan to visit two of the bar exam sites, so I can decide which one I wish to go to. I have to check out the temperature, restaurants, and perhaps even local hospitals.

Looks like the template's acting funny.

2006-06-01T19:13:00.000-07:00

For some strange reason, my template stopped working. I think I changed it a little too much. Anyway, I'm going to switch back to this until everything's back to normal.

Part 2

2006-06-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

Went to see another doctor today, this time an ENT. Basically, he told me that my ears, nose and throat is normal, although he advised me to drink more water every day. He also advised me to come back in a month for a hearing exam. July 11. Fine.

As for GLC, my application still hasn't been completed yet, even though six weeks have passed. Once again, the letter of recommendation is holding me back. Remember the teacher who I thought flaked on me? It turns out that he actually went the extra mile for me. He personally made sure that the school received it. Awful nice of him.
On the other hand, there was a problem with the other professor. I just found out that he sent the letter, but it was "returned mangled". He said last night that he would fax it ASAP.
As for the alternate, he told me that he has faxed his letter to the school.

Let's see what happens, I guess.

I wish this would freaking hurry and Im sick of keeping tabs on professors and Im sure they are sick of receiving my emails. Anyway, I need to know their decision ASAP. The other school wants their nonrefundable deposit. I can probably get away with two more weeks if I really need to, but Id rather not go this route.

BTW, Im seeing the dentist again on June 7. Yup. Im getting my wisdom teeth pulled out.

Part 1

2006-05-31T21:58:00.000-07:00

The bar exam is officially seven weeks away (I think. I need to install a countdown meter here. Suggestions anyone?). I thought about going back to drinking coffee again, but so far Ive been good without it. I kinda miss the flavor though. Decaf perhaps?

I just registered and paid for the exam. It turns out that I will have to go to a different city to take the exam this time. In fact its so much farther away that I may have to rent a hotel room in the area. On my next day off, I might drive down there and see how long it will take me to get there.

I'll post again later. Im tired.

For the bar exam takers

2006-05-29T01:18:00.000-07:00

I want to congraulate everyone who passed the California Bar Exam. For the majority of people who took it for at least the second time, the effort was well worth it.

For those who didn't, keep your head up for July. The test won't get easier. In fact, you will be held to a higher standard, so do what you have to do to get ready!

Painful weekend?

2006-05-26T23:06:00.000-07:00

My dentist recommended that I remove my wisdom teeth. Under normal circumstances, I would probably would have done it. However, with the exam coming up, I was a bit concerned about how the throbbing pain would affect my studying. She assured me that the pain would at most last for a few days. Is that the normal routine? If that's the case, then I might just do it and take the weekend off. Anyway, I have to do it in a few weeks.

In less painful news, I'm planning to go to China sometime in August. If I'm lucky, I might even stop by a few more countries in the area (hint, hint). Anyway, this is developing and thing might change depending on the circumstances.

My prayers go out the people in Indonesia.

Heating up

2006-05-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

For the last few weeks, I have been studying at home. The usual distractions that plagued me last winter are gone. However, one new distraction creeps up: its freaking HOT in here!

I kinda half-assed it today. I didn't get too much done. A few subjects here and there. I tried to do a PT, but gave up after an hour and a half.

On top of that, I have to go to the dentist tomorrow MORNING. I cancelled the other date. Big mistake.

GLC Application status: APPLIED
Strangely enough, both of my professors (including the one who I thought flaked on me) have confirmed that they have sent their reference forms to GLC. I even asked them to FAX it so that it will arrive quickly. That should take care of everything.

Assuming everything works out, my application should be complete and the powers that be will make their decision sometime next week and I will be notified of their decision within two weeks, hopefully before June 10. Otherwise, the other school will be raising their eyebrows.

On top of the world

2006-05-24T22:57:00.000-07:00

Taylor Hicks is the new American Idol.

While AI doesn't interest me, this one is the exception. Why? Because Taylor reminds me of someone. He's 29, slightly bulky, and not your typical rock star. In other words, he reminds me of me.

But Taylor got his big break. He took the opportunity, and gave it his best.

When the hell am I going to get my big break?

A new look

2006-05-23T22:57:00.000-07:00

Well, here's the new look I have been promising. Actually, I wanted to create one from scratch, but with my subpar HTML skills and other things to do, I thought a new template would suffice for now. Anyway, while the overall look is finished, there are few details I still want to fix.

As for the bar exam, Im beginning to forget the subjects I reviewed a few weeks ago. I wonder how many outlines I can finish by the end of the month. I am currently shooting for four.

Weekend update

2006-05-22T01:13:00.000-07:00

My current worry list is as follows in the order of priority:

1. My health.
2. The bar exam.
3. My application to GLC
4. My job (more like lack thereof...see #2)

Well, I finished copying another outline...the wonderful world of Community Property. So that's three down (PR, K, CP) , twelve to go (CL, CivPro, Corp, RM, TR, WI, CrimLaw, CrimPro, Sales, RP (Ugh!), T, Ev). I skipped a PT this week. I think I'll make up for it by taking two this week...I hope. Im copying the CL outline right now and perhaps I will finish the Multistate subjects (CL, K, Sales, RP, E, CrimLaw, CrimP, T) so that I can start paracticing the MBE questions. Actually that sounds like a good idea. If this raises my MBE average score by 15 points, then this tedious crap is well worth it.

Also, I saw the pass list and there were generally no surprises. The people who I thought would pass passed and those who I thought wouldn't didn't. Regardless, I decided to stay silent. No congratulatory or consoling emails or phone calls. I haven't really talked to them anyway. To be more specific, I try to get a hold of them once in a while but they never try to get a hold of me.

Now that I am transferring to a new school in the Fall, I feel a lot more detached from my law school classmates. Im hoping to make some new friends at the new school (or at Georgetown).

GLC application status: ? - I didn't check - most likely APPLIED
The person from the admissions office told me that she would keep an eye out for the reference letters. I try very hard not to get my hopes up about admission. But I would like for them to make a decision as soon as possible. The other school wants a $500 nonrefundable deposit and I want to get the rejection letter before I cough up the money. I am hoping that the professors will get back to me confirming that they have sent the information.

Oh crap, its getting late. And I have another dentist appointment tommorow (today).

Did I fail the bar exam?

2006-05-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

If I had finished the bar exam, I would have found out the result today.

But instead, I am trying to scrounge money together to pay for the next one.

I'll be waiting for the emails or the phone calls from my classmates screaming "I PASSED!!" Otherwise, the deafening silence might indicate another result. The bar exam results will be made public on Sunday so I'll find out who passed and who didn't. I'll congratulate those who passed and I might contact those who didn't.

All of my friends told me that I shouldn't consider this as a "fail". After all, I was ill and I am currently seeking treatment for it.

I visited a few other bar exam blogs and here is the score:
2 passed - 1 first timer, 1 unknown
3 failed - stats unknown
3 unconfirmed - stats unknown

GLC Application Status: APPLIED
After yesterday's fiasco with the admissions office, I have a strong feeling that one of my professors either won't write the letter of recommendation or he 'll forget about it. So I contacted another professor and asked him to write a letter of recommendation instead. He's a lot more reliable since he came through for me once before (He also helped me gain admission to the other school -- why I didn't ask him the first time?)

He emailed me last night and said that he would do it. Unfortunately, GLC requires a special personal reference form which requires my signature. So I emailed him back telling him I would come to his office to drop the forms off.

This morning, I drove to his office and to my surprise, he had left the building. Permanently. When I looked him up at the state bar website, I learned that he moved 200+ miles away! So I sent him another email telling him to download the forms himself and to fill out as much info as he could. I also asked him to fax and mail the documents once he finished them.

I told the admissions office that I "anticipate" that the letters will arrive within the next seven calendar days. Let's see if they come through for me.

Full Steam Ahead!

2006-05-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

The bar exam is a little over two months away. I was hoping that I can finish copying all of the outlines by the end of the month, but with unexpected stuff happening, it won't seem possible.

As for my condition, the doctor called me back yesterday and told me it is still too early to tell and to check back with him in a month. Great. What am I supposed to do in the meantime? I am so tempted to take matters into my own hands considering the seriousness of the situation, but as he said...it's too early to tell.

I suppose life gets in the way sometimes, but I was hoping it wouldn't be this frequent. This is my third (or second) try so I should know everything anyway, but its easy how much one forgets the nuances after a while.

GLC Application Status: Incomplete
I got an email from Georgetown this morning. Apparently they are missing the letters of recommendation. Whatever. My professors told me they mailed their LoRs and I don't have any reason to believe otherwise. Its frustrating because the longer the delays, the longer it will take to make a decision, making it harder for me to make advance plans.

Just some random dog images

2006-05-17T22:38:00.000-07:00

I sometimes wonder how the dog sleeps like this...

Losing it

2006-05-17T00:19:00.000-07:00

Over ten years ago, a friend told me that I would be cuter if I lost weight. In a general sense, I believed her.

In case you're wondering, I'm 5'8", or about 173 cm tall. I also weigh on average 174 lbs or 79 kg. While weight loss is not a top priority right now, I was hoping to shoot for 160 lbs or almost 73 kg by year's end.

Anyway, I am considering making myself a very strange promise. If I can reach 160 by the end of the year, I will get plastic surgery on my face. Its nothing expensive or extensive. I just want to get rid of a few blemishes and reduce the "law school" eyes (characterized by the bags and red eyes).

This is a bit weird because less than a year ago, I laughed at the idea of plastic surgery. But now, all the arguments for plastic surgery seem to make a lot more sense.

I'll tell you what: If I do get the plastic surgery, I'll seriously consider posting some pics.

That strange feeling again?

2006-05-16T23:12:00.000-07:00

Today was supposed to be my "day off" of studying because I had some errands to run. Fix the car, send out resumes for externships and go to the dentist (again), among other things. To make a long story short: I didn't fix the car because my sister had to use it and I didn't send out resumes because I just didn't feel like it.

However, I did go to the dentist. Today, she worked on some fillings on the lower right side of my teeth. I should point out that last week she did the same on the lower left side of my teeth.
So what does this mean? I will be eating at Jamba Juice for the next few days. I'm also seeing her again on Monday for some finishing touches. She passed her licensing exams (more of this later).

Unfortunately, the highlight of the day was around 3PM when I started to feel slightly dizzy at the dentist's chair. I know this feeling well because it was the same dizziness feeling I had back in February. Let's see...this was the first time it has happened in the office. Also, I didn't eat lunch that day (just like last time). Anyway, I called my doctor about this and he said that he will get back to me tomorrow.

On the Bar Exam front, I finished copying out the Contracts outline. So that's two down, ten (?) more to go. I think I will start copying the Community Property outline starting tomorrow.

GLC Application Status: APPLIED

OH MY GOD THIS IS TOO FUNNY! NSFW

2006-05-15T15:10:00.000-07:00

PROGRAMMING NOTE: I will keep this post on top for the next few days. THIS MAY NOT BE SAFE FOR WORK!
The link has been fixed!

Hahahahahahahahaahahhahahahhahahahhahahahaha hahaha
hahahahaahahhahahaha hahhahahahahahahhahahahahahaha
hahhahahahahahahahahhahahahaahahahahaha!!!!!
CLICK HERE! AND WATCH IT ALL THE WAY THROUGH!

:: catches breath ::

hahahahahaahahahahahahahahaahhahahahahahahahahaha
hhahahhhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahhaha!

I'm sorry...I have to take the day off because of this one...

Hahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahaaha
hahahahahaahahahahaahahahaahahahahahaahahahahaha......

GLC Application status: APPLIED

Hahaahahahahahaahahahahahaahahahahahaahahahahahahaahha
ahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahaaha!

Pass on your first try, or else!

2006-05-09T14:23:00.000-07:00

Do the people at Barbri know that their materials have a shelf life of only six months? After that, they begin to fall apart. I guess they assume that everyone who uses their materials pass.

I managed to copy the entire Professional Responsibility outline. It took me three days but I think its worth it. Doing this helped me catch a lot of details that I missed in the past. Hopefully the information will stick for the next six weeks.

Off to the dentist tomorrow. Great.

GLC application status: APPLIED

Radioactive juice, Take 2

2006-05-06T13:59:00.000-07:00

I just bought another can of this radioactive juice again. But today, I will do something different. Today, I will study at home instead of the law library. If this drink is as good as I hope it is, I should get the similar results today.

Be right back!

----------

Georgetown Law Center application status: APPLIED
In case you're wondering, APPLIED means that I have made an official application for admission, but my file has not been completed yet. In other words, some supplemental information such as transcripts, personal references or other documents have not been received. The admissions committee will not review my application until the file is complete.

Oh no.....OH HELL NO!

2006-05-05T23:24:00.000-07:00

Someone sent this to me via email. Who is this person? A convicted criminal? A junkie? Nope.

ITS WHITNEY HOUSTON!

The glowing can!

2006-05-05T22:06:00.000-07:00

I think I have found the potion that will help me study for the bar exam.

I was a bit drowsy while studying this afternoon so I picked this up at the library vending machine. It tasted semi-awful but that was about the worst of it. After 30 minutes, I did not feel tired and was able to study at a comfortable pace. It did not give me a brain rush the way that coffee does sometimes. It felt like a smooth consistent energy rush.

Its hard to say whether this may be the one, but I will have to try this again tomorrow.

Work done: PT, Evidence - General, Relevance, Character Evidence, Judicial Notice

Jamba Juice: JADED

2006-05-04T18:07:00.000-07:00

The pic above is a pic of the law school I will be attending this fall (unless....)

The Jamba Juice gets a resounding FAIL.

I ordered the extra large power-sized orange dream (?). I even requested an energy boost to boot. I walked around for an hour before beginning the PT.

Result: I lost concentration in 20 minutes. Feeling sleepy soon after.

But all is not lost. I think the walking may have caused the early fatigue. Tomorrow, instead of walking, I think I will just relax for one hour before studying again.

Ready, set, GO!!!

2006-05-04T12:01:00.000-07:00

Georgetown application status: APPLIED
For more information, click here.

So the bar exam preparation begins.

Right now, I am not so worried about learning as I am about in being in peak mental and physical condition during the crucial hours: 9AM - 12 PM and 2PM - 5PM. One of the reasons I was killed the last time around was that I didn't have enough energy and I was hungry.

So for the next two weeks, I am going to experiment on myself. I am going to eat different foods and see their effect on my body.

Today, I will have one of those extra large "Jamba Juice" shakes, and maybe an energy drink.

Eye on DC

2006-04-28T00:15:00.000-07:00

I checked Georgetown Law Center's website and it stated that my application was still being processed. In other words, all of my information has not been supplied yet.

To make a long story short, I'm hoping to get a decision before the end of May. If I get rejected, it wont bother me too much and I will be able to focus on the bar exam. If I get accepted, there are a lot of things I have to plan, mainly housing and how I am going to pay for it. On top of that, I will have to fly over to DC to visit the campus, find housing, etc. Most likely I will have to do this in July, which is the month of the bar exam!

Strangely enough, this isn't bothering me too much because I have a feeling I know what their decision is going to be. (Let's just say that I just want it to be quick and painless.) The scenario that scares me the most is being put on a waiting list. This means I wont get a decision until sometime in June or even July! If this is the case, I don't know if I will be able to go to GLC if I get accepted.

Application to Georgetown

2006-04-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

One of the to do lists I didn't mention:
Make sure my application to Georgetown Law Center** is complete.

In case you don't know, GLC is ranked third in tax law. GLC is also one of the top 20 law schools in the U.S. And in my opinion, GLC has the most impressive lineup of tax and accounting classes of any law school. And it is safe to say that competition for admission is tough.

Ironically, I applied to GLC after receiving my acceptance letter from the other school.

**There's a reason why I can mention this school by name. Can you guess?

Long distance moment

2006-04-25T22:10:00.000-07:00

I met this girl today.

She's nice. She has a sense of humor. She's a medical professional (hint: drug dealer). And she doesn't look half bad.

Under most circumstances, she sounds like someone who I would like to get to know a lot better. But there's a hitch:

She lives 3000 miles away.

Just an arbitrary picture

2006-04-24T23:28:00.000-07:00

Edit: This photo was taken at a local Starbucks in Southern California.

I spoke to the director today and he was a bit sympathetic about my needs. Yet he didn't seem overly distraught over the fact that I might be leaving. I think he was indifferent.

He did make an interesting proposal. He was willing to let me take half of my remaining classes at the new school while taking the other half at my current school.

Anyway...I don't know...I don't care anymore to tell you the truth. I have a few weeks to decide, although I may be able to get an extension.

To flee or not to flee.

2006-04-23T21:05:00.001-07:00

On Monday afternoon, I am meeting (more like a phone call) with the director of the tax program at my "current" school. He knows that I have been offered transfer admission to a different school and I planned to attend next fall. But I wanted to speak with him before I left. Perhaps he wanted me to stay. Or he may just wish me well. I don't know.

To be honest, I don't even know why I am even contemplating this decision. Ive been dreaming about this moment for months. The new school is a LOT closer to home (meaning less $ on gas, less lost wages because I can stay longer at work) and has a better rep. I have already calculated the benefits and risks and have come to the conclusion that the benefits outweigh the costs.

I could go on and on about this, but I can sum it up in one sentence.

He better give me a good reason to stay or I'm gone.

I've already written my "so long" letter.

Warming up

2006-04-22T23:45:00.000-07:00

I'm planning to start studying for the bar exam again on Monday, May 1. There will be some major changes in my study routine.

First, to avoid what happened in February, I will be under a doctor's supervision for the next two months. Constant blood tests, etc.

Second, my study routine will be less intense. I haven't thought of the exact routine, but I know I will give myself at least one weekday off and there will be a few 1/2 days and/or four hour breaks.

Third, I will do at least one PT per week. From then until July, that should be eight PTs so that should be fine.

Fourth, I will spend most of the time reviewing the minor details that I didn't take seriously like the double jeopardy clause and res judicata, etc.

Finally, I will assume that Real Property and PR will be on the exam. They are two of the most annoying subjects (at least for me) and they seem to be a popular essay topic.

For the next seven days, I need to tie up some loose ends:
1. File my late tax return and get my refund. (More on this later.)
2. Fix the car.
3. Make an appointment with the docs and the dentist.
4. Find a study partner and arrange a schedule.
5. Clean my house.
6. Redecorate this site, if I have time.

Tell me why??

2006-04-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

NOTE: This post is a joke. I'm still wondering if the original author figured it out. HINT: Read the first sentence.

I've noticed that whenever I would post a certain topic or story, immediately the next day or two days later there'll be someone else who would do the same thing (^v^) . Be it on jokes, childhood days and there's a few others too...like post photos & skin layout are not spared either.
I'm not quite sure whether it is pure coincidental or what...? Hmmm, but if it's true, than its an honour for me to be a trendsetter. So...for this week, I'll be posting mostly craps!!... (^o^).

Here are 14 silly yet logical questions that needs to be answered. Can someone help me answer them? I know someone will.

Why are people scared of mice but love Mickey Mouse?
Why is vanilla ice-cream white when vanilla extract is brown?
If marriage means you fell in love, does divorce mean you climbed out?
If shampoo comes in so many colours, why is the lather on your head always white?
On a hamburger bun, why is the top half of the bun is always bigger than the bottom one?
How can sweet and sour sauce be sweet and sour at the same time?
If a rabbit's foot is a lucky charm that some people carry with them, what happened to the footless rabbit?
Why do we say "bye bye" but not "hi hi"?
If Dracula has no reflection, how come he always has such a straight parting in his hair?
Why is it called pineapple, when there is neither pine or apple in it?
Why is it called eggplant when there's no egg in it?
Why is a blackboard green?
Why is it good to be a daddy's girl, but bad to be a mummy's boy?
If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

Noticing anonymity

2006-04-20T22:41:00.000-07:00

I just realized that I am giving away a little too much info about myself here. So I had to make some changes/deletions.

It's not that I am insecure. Its just that I generally don't trust the internet, especially with employers snooping around. In other wrds, I don't need some1 evaluating my riting SkillZ based on somethin' I posted on the InTaRnEt whil I wuz drunk.

I should point out though that if one tries hard enough, s/he can find out who I really am. There are very few people in California who hold a JD, and LLM and a CPA. (Well, I don't fit under this yet, but I will in a few years.)

Also, I know the identities of some anonymous bloggers as well. Case in point: I know who this person is (I'm only linking him because he hasn't posted since January.) I have talked to him on several occasions and he is a really nice guy. He has a cool Simpsons screen saver.

So where is this blabber coming from? I met someone who may help me find a job for one of the most prominent firms in the tax industry. This person was very impressed with my credentials to date. Now what do you suppose this person would do if this person found out that I was crying my eyes out over some girl who didn't even know I existed? Hmm?

As I was saying...

2006-04-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

Before my heart was ripped into shreds, I was talking about transferring schools.

The long shot, secret plan has come to pass. With all of the careful planning over the last seven months, I thought that this decision would be a no-brainer. But I am still having second thoughts.
The problem is that I have already taken 15 units at my current school. If I transfer, then only six of those units will be transferred. This means that if I make the wrong decision, I stand to waste a huge chunk of money.

The crush

2006-04-19T01:01:00.000-07:00

About six years ago, back when I was an undergrad, I had a major crush on this girl the way that most young teen boys do. She was such a hottie....I fell in love with her at first sight.

I had two classes with her but I never got a chance to talk to her. During class, one eye would be focused on her while the other was focused on....um...class. I recall trying subtly to get her attention but of course it never worked. And back then I didn't have the guts to walk up and say hi to her or any girl for that matter. (Not much has changed in THAT department.) The point is, I had it BAD. I remember this vividly because she was the last major crush I had before law school wiped out the puppy in me.

For the last six years, whenever I saw an attractive woman resembling her, I thought of her. I wondered how she was doing and what she would look like today. In the darkest crevices of my mind, I had hoped that fate would bring us together again and I would definitely ask her out for a cup of coffee.

Guess what....during a random Google search on stupid stuff....

I FOUND HER!!!!

She STILL looks hot....

She also has a boyfriend.

WHAT!!???!?!?!?!?!?!11?!?
________!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111!!!!1!!!1!!!!!!!!
_________!!!!!!!!11!!!1!!!
WHY THE _____ING _____ DID THIS HAVE TO ______ING HAPPEN!?!?!?!?!?! WHY!?!?!?1?
OH ______ ME!!11!!

(Since blogs cannot capture sarcasm well, I wrote the above for humor. I also needed to get it out of my system. Please begin laughing at my sorrows now.)

Anyway, she looked happy in her photos with her S.O.
As happy as I would want her to be if I was her S.O.
The irony is that her S.O. is an attorney!

At least now I don't have to wonder anymore.

God, you have a sick sense of humor sometimes.

Sigh......

2006-04-19T00:04:00.000-07:00

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

2006-04-15T13:48:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd get the exciting news out of the way first.

I received a letter two Fridays ago (one day after the accident.) It was pretty unexpected actually. I haven't heard back from the director of the program for the last two months, so I thought they had either given up on me or was implicitly telling me that I didn't make the cut.

While I am really stoked about this, the decision to switch schools will not be as easy as I thought it would be. Ever since September, I had been dreaming about this day and contemplating all of the good and bad consequences of the path I choose to take.

To be continued

Car Accident

2006-04-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

Rain, rain go away.

2006-04-05T19:44:00.000-07:00

Imagine seeing THIS for two hours straight. Normally this trip would take only 45 minutes. BRB

SATAN IS THE SAVIOR

2006-04-01T16:54:00.000-08:00

I will die for His sins!

I WORSHIP LUCIFER

2006-04-01T16:52:00.000-08:00

He is the almighty.

LUCIFER IS MY MASTER

2006-04-01T07:47:00.001-08:00

As I was wondering about the July bar exam last night, He appeared before me. His presence was so worldly and commanding that I felt compelled to get on my knees.

He displayed compassion and sympathized with my experiences last February. He told me that God has a sick sense of humor and generally likes to see his creations suffer for his amusement. Our existence is a part of a grand divine experiment to determine how far humans can survive when given the belief that they are the masters of their existence.

He told me that there is an alternative to the suffering I am facing and there is a way out. He then placed his hand on my head and told me to join His cause and prove the falsity and hypocrisy of the word of god.

Stunned, I fell back to my bed and had the best sleep I have had in years. I remember the dream vividly. In the dream, to make a long story short, I was able to do whatever I wanted.

Strangely, He didn't have the horns and pitchfork look that I saw in books and movies. The christian weaklings only portrayed Him in that way to promote their propoganda.

I've prayed to God many times over the years. I always asked for his guidance and never got it. During my time of need, I asked him for strength and never got it. I never asked him for selfish things.

I have some more diatribe, but I'll be back.

April 20, 2006: You do know that this was an April Fools joke, right?

Old memories revisited?

2006-04-01T00:03:00.000-08:00

Did you have one of those days where someone who you thought you'd never meet again suddenly appears out of nowhere and you are trying to remember how the two of you met?

I just had one of those days.

What do I look like?

2006-03-19T19:00:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are curious as to what I look like:

1. I am about average build, but I could stand to lose 10-15 pounds.

2. I used to have a goatee a few months ago.

3. I have been told that I have a potato-shaped head.

4. My eyes are subtly asymmetrical.

5. My waist size is 33.

6. My shoe size is 9. So I do NOT have big feet.

That's all I can think of for now.

My pic? Yeah, right.

My email address

2006-03-19T18:49:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize that the email address was not working.

I can be reached at stevenblog@hotmail.com

Particularly for those who want to see pics of my "rabbit."

Weekend update

2006-03-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

I havent had much to write about in recent weeks. First of all, I am not studying for the bar. Second, I am not using the computer as often as I used to.

The doctor has put me on some pills and I have yet to see if they are working. He wanted to conduct more tests but he had to take care of "formalities" (translation: get insurance approval).