I don't know if anybody has read "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," but apparently people (i.e., critics) seem to think it's a good book. I'm going to have to disagree. It's the book currently on my nightstand, and it's driving me crazy.
Have you ever started reading a book and just couldn't get into it? Have you ever had a book that you didn't like but couldn't put down? Well, that's this book for me. I didn't like it from the start. It might be because it's obviously translated and the dialogue just doesn't flow. It might be because the characters have the strangest names (and there are A LOT of characters) and at first it's hard to keep everyone straight. It might be because it's just boring.
I think one of the biggest problems I have with this book is that I have this feeling I'm just missing things. It's based in Sweden, and there are a lot of cultural references that I just don't get. And I have a feeling that those references are important to the story. I understand what's going on and can follow the storyline, but I feel like I'm only following it superficially.
Aside from that, this book is driving me crazy because I can't put it down. It's just interesting enough to keep me reading, to make me think, "This is about to get really good," but I never get to the really good part. I keep thinking that if I turn another page, there's going to be some plot twist and I'm going to love it. Well, I still don't love it, it's still hasn't gotten really good, and there hasn't been some plot twist, and every night I still reach for it and read a few pages before going to sleep. Maybe tonight will be the night something interesting happens.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Vacation Planning
I've been working hard the last few years, and I think it's time I treated myself to a real vacation. I started saving up about a month ago, and my original plan was to take a nice long relaxing trip after taking the bar in February, but I don't think I can wait that long. So to anyone out there who is reading this, any vacation destination recommendations?
Here are some guidelines:
Here are some guidelines:
- It's going to be a long weekend only, so as much as I'd love to go somewhere like Europe or Australia, that's just not going to be possible at the moment. Maybe February.
- It's probably going to be in September or October, so no snow-required destinations.
- I plan on going alone, so nowhere where I'm going to feel like crap for not having someone special to be there with....unless the plan is that I meet someone special there. =)
Monday, July 26, 2010
Family Time Gone Wrong
I hadn't been out to play tennis in a while, so this evening I grabbed my stuff and headed out to the neighborhood courts. There are two courts, and I decided to hit against the wall on one of the courts. On the other court, there was a father playing tennis with his two sons, probably around 7 and 11 years old. At first, I thought it was really great that they were out playing together. None of them were very good, but they looked like they were having a good time.
Initially it reminded me of playing with my dad when I was younger, and then it didn't. After the younger boy got tired or bored or whatever, the father and older boy decided to play a set. That's when I decided that the father was teaching his son some bad lessons, and I'm not talking about tennis -- I've never seen a father cheat on his own child as much as this father did. Either this father did not know the rules of tennis (which is entirely possible), or he just really didn't want to lose to an 11-year-old (which is more likely).
Here's a quick run-down of what I saw in the course of about 15 minutes:
Initially it reminded me of playing with my dad when I was younger, and then it didn't. After the younger boy got tired or bored or whatever, the father and older boy decided to play a set. That's when I decided that the father was teaching his son some bad lessons, and I'm not talking about tennis -- I've never seen a father cheat on his own child as much as this father did. Either this father did not know the rules of tennis (which is entirely possible), or he just really didn't want to lose to an 11-year-old (which is more likely).
Here's a quick run-down of what I saw in the course of about 15 minutes:
- A ball double-bounced on the father's side. The son saw it and called it, but the father said he was wrong and refused to give him the point.
- Two balls hit by the son that were clearly in and were called out by the father. Both were in by more than a foot.
- A ball hit by the father that was clearly out (again by at least a foot) and was called out by the son. The father yelled at him about it until the kid changed his mind and said it was in.
- The father change the score three different times, each time taking a point or two away from the son.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
New "Nephew"
I took a little break from blogging (and everything else) this past week and went to visit family and friends. But now that I'm back home, I thought it would be a good time to introduce my new "nephew," Amos.
In case you can't tell, Amos is of the 4-legged family-member variety. He's an adorable 9-week old English bulldog that my brother and sister-in-law recently adopted. I'm hoping he stays this cute as he gets older.
And the reason I call him my "nephew" is because of my dad. Ever since pets became part of my brothers' families years ago, he has referred to them as my nieces and nephews. The funny thing is he refuses to say they are his grandchildren or he is their grandfather. But I'm their aunt. Go figure.
In case you can't tell, Amos is of the 4-legged family-member variety. He's an adorable 9-week old English bulldog that my brother and sister-in-law recently adopted. I'm hoping he stays this cute as he gets older.
And the reason I call him my "nephew" is because of my dad. Ever since pets became part of my brothers' families years ago, he has referred to them as my nieces and nephews. The funny thing is he refuses to say they are his grandchildren or he is their grandfather. But I'm their aunt. Go figure.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Mad Lawyering Skills
Since I am not yet a lawyer (not even a baby lawyer), I am not allowed to give legal advice. However, I thought I'd take a chance and help out a friend anyways. She was having trouble with some pesky trespassers and heard that I had been too. I got rid of them by posting a little something on my door. I changed it slightly to apply to her particular pesky trespassers, and the result is below (minus their names). She says it's worked up until now! All I have to say is I've picked up some mad lawyering skills these last few years. ;)
IN THE MATTER OF THE DOE HOUSEHOLD
On __________, 2010, this Court heard the following case and entered the following orders.
1. Parties
The parties to this suit are:
a. The DOE household, including but not limited to JANE DOE, JOHN DOE, and JIMMY DOE.
b. Unknown six- and eight-legged intruders, including but not limited to ANTS, CRICKETS, GRASSHOPPERS, FLIES, and MOSQUITOS.
2. Findings
This Court hereby finds that all insects, arachnids, and other creatures which have been or may be called pests, bugs, or insects (hereinafter PESTS) have trespassed on the DOE residence.
This Court hereby finds that said PESTS have ignored repeated requests by the DOE household to vacate the premises.
This Court hereby finds that said PESTS are in violation of natural law and Texas statute by entering a residence or other dwelling equipped with at least one of the following: air conditioning, heating, plumbing, walls, windows, and/or roof.
3. Orders
Based on the above findings, this Court orders the following:
a. All PESTS are hereby ordered to vacate the DOE residence immediately. Any PEST found within the DOE residence after this notice is posted may remain in the residence only by mutual agreement between said PEST and an adult member of the DOE household. Failing mutual agreement, said PEST is subject to the following sanctions:
i. First offense - Immediately upon finding PEST within the DOE residence, said PEST is subject to the death penalty.
1. Said death penalty may be carried out by any member of the DOE household, including but not limited to JANE DOE, JOHN DOE, JIMMY DOE, and any four-legged DOE family member.
2. Said death penalty may be carried out by any means, including but not limited to Raid or similar chemical, or crushing with a shoe or other object.
3. Said death penalty is determined not to be cruel or unusual punishment, regardless of the means chosen to carry it out.
4. Said PEST is not entitled to a warning or trial before carrying out said death penalty.
ii. Second offense - Not applicable.
b. If a PEST is found within the DOE residence, all members of the PEST's immediate and extended family, as well as any neighbors, co-workers, and acquaintances of said PEST are subject to the same sanctions as PEST as outlined above.
c. The DOE household reserves the right to extend these orders to all property owned, rented, or leased by the DOE household, including but not limited to yards, patios, and garage or other parking areas.
d. The DOE household members reserve the right to extend these orders to all property visited by the individual DOE household members, including but not limited to parks, schools, stores, and homes of others.
e. Minor children of the DOE household are hereby ordered to obey adult members of the DOE household with reference to PESTS as follows:
i. Minor children must carry out the death penalty on PESTS if so instructed by adult members of household;
ii. Minor children must dispose of PESTS if so instructed by adult members of household, regardless of whether the above penalty was carried out by said minor child or an adult member of the household;
iii. Minor children may not befriend PESTS;
iv. Minor children may not invite or otherwise allow PESTS to enter or remain in the residence without prior written permission from JANE DOE;
v. Minor children must immediately report any trespassing PESTS to an adult member of the household;
vi. Minor children may not conceal whereabouts of trespassing PESTS.
4. Duration
This order is in effect until revoked in writing by JANE DOE or JOHN DOE.
5. Definitions
"Adult" means JANE DOE or JOHN DOE.
"Minor child" or "minor children" means any child of JANE DOE and JOHN DOE, regardless of age.
"Family member" means any current or future human, dog, or cat member of the DOE family.
"Pest" means any creature determined to be a pest by JANE DOE. This definition may be changed by JANE DOE at any time without prior notice.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Stupid Warning Labels
While preparing for my last final, I came across my notes for defective warnings. I'm sure you've seen some warning labels on random products and thought, "Are people really that dumb??" Unfortunately yes, some people are really that dumb. And I have to admit that lawyers are the reason we have a lot of those stupid labels. If someone doesn't realize that using a hair dryer in the shower is dangerous (or just plain stupid -- how are you supposed to get your hair dry if water keeps falling on it?), then there will be a lawyer willing to sue because the hair dryer maker should have warned them about that particular act of stupidity.
When we got to this particular topic, the professor brought along a list of his favorite stupid warnings and shared some with us. He was literally laughing so hard, he started crying. Here's a sample:
When we got to this particular topic, the professor brought along a list of his favorite stupid warnings and shared some with us. He was literally laughing so hard, he started crying. Here's a sample:
- On a hammer -- May be harmful if swallowed.
- On can of pepper spray -- May irritate eyes.
- In a microwave oven manual -- Do not use for drying pets.
- On a stroller -- Caution: Remove infant before folding for storage.
- On a box of rat poison -- Warning: has been found to cause cancer in laboratory mice.
- On a chainsaw -- Do not attempt to stop the blade with your hand.
- On a hair straightener -- Do not use to straighten eyelashes.
- On a jar of peanut butter -- Allergy warning: Contains peanuts.
- On a bottle of stain remover -- Caution: Contains cleaning agents.
- On a can of Raid -- Do not apply to humans.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Chain v. Local
Like many people, I think chains have turned our cities into carbon copies of each other. When I'm traveling and I've forgotten to pack some essential, it's nice to know that right down the street there's going to be a Target or Walmart and that I'll be able to walk straight to the aisle I need without asking anybody where I can find this or that. But what I don't like is that when I ask someone where's good place to eat, they point me to the nearest Chili's or Olive Garden. I like both of these places, but what I'm looking for is something local, something I can't find in my own home town. Many people can't tell me a good local restaurant, and that's just sad.
I like supporting local businesses if possible. In Fort Worth, there are a lot of local eateries that I've been slowly discovering. Since I usually go on someone else's recommendation, they're usually all really good too. Some have long lines, but are definitely worth the wait. The people who own and run these places have worked hard to get to where they are, and I wish there were more of them around.
But there's something about a chain too. I'm writing this as I'm enjoying a cup of Starbucks. Yes, Starbucks -- about as far from local as you can get. About 6 - 8 months ago, a little local coffee shop opened about a block from where I live, and their coffee is really good. But I still drive a couple of miles in the other direction to get Starbucks. Why? Because although this little shop has really good coffee, I never know when I'm going to be able to get any. Their hours are constantly changing, they're not open at all on the weekends, and their service is horrible.
The last time I went, there was nobody in line in front of me, but the two ladies working refused to take my order! They were not standing around, but they were not helping other customers either; they just thought it was more important to wipe down the counters and restock the cabinets than to help a customer. They knew I was there, because each of them looked over at me a couple of times, but neither stopped what she was doing to take my order. I waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and then I left. As I got to my car, one of the ladies came running out of the shop, apologized for not taking my order, and begged me to come back in. She said they were almost done and were about to help me. For a shop that has almost no business, you'd think they'd try to be a little better as far as the customer service goes. Well, I didn't go back in, and I haven't been back since. It wasn't the first time they tried my patience, but it was the last.
Say what you will about places like Starbucks, they always have great customer service. Or at least that has been my experience. When I walk in the door, I'm greeted with a smile and a hello (not necessary, but still nice). If they're busy doing something else, they stop what they're doing and help you (unless they're helping another customer, which is completely understandable). On the rare occasion that they accidentally get someone else's order in front of mine, they apologize and hand me a coupon for a free coffee next time, and this is without me even pointing it out. They were local once upon a time too, and over time they've managed to become what they are now. I know a lot of people hate them, but they must be doing something right. Unfortunately, I don't see this little local coffee shop surviving much longer. With their constantly changing hours and their lack of customer service, I just don't see enough people being patient enough with them to keep coming back. And that's a shame.
I like supporting local businesses if possible. In Fort Worth, there are a lot of local eateries that I've been slowly discovering. Since I usually go on someone else's recommendation, they're usually all really good too. Some have long lines, but are definitely worth the wait. The people who own and run these places have worked hard to get to where they are, and I wish there were more of them around.
But there's something about a chain too. I'm writing this as I'm enjoying a cup of Starbucks. Yes, Starbucks -- about as far from local as you can get. About 6 - 8 months ago, a little local coffee shop opened about a block from where I live, and their coffee is really good. But I still drive a couple of miles in the other direction to get Starbucks. Why? Because although this little shop has really good coffee, I never know when I'm going to be able to get any. Their hours are constantly changing, they're not open at all on the weekends, and their service is horrible.
The last time I went, there was nobody in line in front of me, but the two ladies working refused to take my order! They were not standing around, but they were not helping other customers either; they just thought it was more important to wipe down the counters and restock the cabinets than to help a customer. They knew I was there, because each of them looked over at me a couple of times, but neither stopped what she was doing to take my order. I waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and then I left. As I got to my car, one of the ladies came running out of the shop, apologized for not taking my order, and begged me to come back in. She said they were almost done and were about to help me. For a shop that has almost no business, you'd think they'd try to be a little better as far as the customer service goes. Well, I didn't go back in, and I haven't been back since. It wasn't the first time they tried my patience, but it was the last.
Say what you will about places like Starbucks, they always have great customer service. Or at least that has been my experience. When I walk in the door, I'm greeted with a smile and a hello (not necessary, but still nice). If they're busy doing something else, they stop what they're doing and help you (unless they're helping another customer, which is completely understandable). On the rare occasion that they accidentally get someone else's order in front of mine, they apologize and hand me a coupon for a free coffee next time, and this is without me even pointing it out. They were local once upon a time too, and over time they've managed to become what they are now. I know a lot of people hate them, but they must be doing something right. Unfortunately, I don't see this little local coffee shop surviving much longer. With their constantly changing hours and their lack of customer service, I just don't see enough people being patient enough with them to keep coming back. And that's a shame.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Talking Hands
How many people out there are incapable of talking without moving their hands? Yep, me too. I say it's hereditary. I swear if we tied my mom's arms to her side, she would become mute. I actually think this is kind of cute, but unfortunately can lead to some misunderstandings.
I have one memory in particular that comes to mind to describe my mom's (and mine) animatedness (let's assume that's a word). I was in junior high and riding in the car with my mom, my brother, and a friend. My mom and brother were in the front seat having a normal conversation, and my friend and I were in the back having a completely different conversation. Suddenly, my friend stops mid-sentence, stares at my mom and her eyes get really wide. Then she slowly turns to me and whispers, "Why is your mom so mad? What did your brother do?"
I guess I should also mention that my mom and brother were speaking in Spanish, and my friend couldn't understand a word. Since my mom was so animated (and loud), and she couldn't understand what she was saying, she assumed my brother was getting yelled at for doing something bad. I just laughed and explained that they were just talking about what to have for dinner (or something boring like that).
Thinking back at her reaction, I wonder how many times people have seen my mom and me (or other family members) in the car and assumed we were having a huge fight. I've also noticed something random lately -- I'm also very animated when talking on the phone. I'm not sure why; it's not like the person on the other end can see me. For some reason it seems like I can get my point across better if I allow myself to use my hands. I know, weird.
I have one memory in particular that comes to mind to describe my mom's (and mine) animatedness (let's assume that's a word). I was in junior high and riding in the car with my mom, my brother, and a friend. My mom and brother were in the front seat having a normal conversation, and my friend and I were in the back having a completely different conversation. Suddenly, my friend stops mid-sentence, stares at my mom and her eyes get really wide. Then she slowly turns to me and whispers, "Why is your mom so mad? What did your brother do?"
I guess I should also mention that my mom and brother were speaking in Spanish, and my friend couldn't understand a word. Since my mom was so animated (and loud), and she couldn't understand what she was saying, she assumed my brother was getting yelled at for doing something bad. I just laughed and explained that they were just talking about what to have for dinner (or something boring like that).
Thinking back at her reaction, I wonder how many times people have seen my mom and me (or other family members) in the car and assumed we were having a huge fight. I've also noticed something random lately -- I'm also very animated when talking on the phone. I'm not sure why; it's not like the person on the other end can see me. For some reason it seems like I can get my point across better if I allow myself to use my hands. I know, weird.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Movie Tavern
A friend first told me about Movie Tavern about 4 - 5 years ago. It sounded like a great way to watch a movie. And in case you don't know what they are, Movie Taverns are movie theaters and taverns in one (duh!). Basically you get to watch a movie while enjoying a meal. Just have a seat, place your order with your waiter, and sit back and enjoy. They even have a full-service bar.
There was one in Houston, but it was so far from home that I never got around to going. Now that I'm in Fort Worth, there are 4 within about 10 - 15 minutes. I've been meaning to go for a while now, but one thing or another always comes up. I was planning on going this past week, but I got busy with school. And now I'm getting started with finals, so I definitely don't have time.
Next week, my last final is on Thursday, and then I have a class to go to on Saturday. What does that mean? That Friday is completely open! And I just promised myself that I would finally go.
Now I just need to figure out what to watch. I think I'll sleep in and then catch a mid-day movie. Friday's schedule isn't up yet, but based on Thursday's schedule, it look like my options are: Despicable Me, Grown Ups, Knight and Day, Predators, The Last Airbender, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, and Toy Story 3. I'm not sure which I'll watch, but it won't be Predators or Twilight.
If you've seen any of the above and enjoyed it, let me know!
There was one in Houston, but it was so far from home that I never got around to going. Now that I'm in Fort Worth, there are 4 within about 10 - 15 minutes. I've been meaning to go for a while now, but one thing or another always comes up. I was planning on going this past week, but I got busy with school. And now I'm getting started with finals, so I definitely don't have time.
Next week, my last final is on Thursday, and then I have a class to go to on Saturday. What does that mean? That Friday is completely open! And I just promised myself that I would finally go.
Now I just need to figure out what to watch. I think I'll sleep in and then catch a mid-day movie. Friday's schedule isn't up yet, but based on Thursday's schedule, it look like my options are: Despicable Me, Grown Ups, Knight and Day, Predators, The Last Airbender, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, and Toy Story 3. I'm not sure which I'll watch, but it won't be Predators or Twilight.
If you've seen any of the above and enjoyed it, let me know!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Lovin' the Drama
I was sitting in the law clinic today when a fellow intern came into my office to discuss one of her cases. While I obviously cannot divulge any information, let's just say we're lovin' the drama.
There's just something about other people's drama that can be really entertaining. Now I'm not saying that people deserve to have bad things happen or anything like that, it' just that some people insist on continually creating drama, and this particular family is full of those people.
Unfortunately, my clinic duty days are pretty much over. That means I'm going to have to find another place to get my daily dose. I'm open to suggestions -- soap operas, reality TV, or Jerry Springer? Decisions, decisions.....
There's just something about other people's drama that can be really entertaining. Now I'm not saying that people deserve to have bad things happen or anything like that, it' just that some people insist on continually creating drama, and this particular family is full of those people.
Unfortunately, my clinic duty days are pretty much over. That means I'm going to have to find another place to get my daily dose. I'm open to suggestions -- soap operas, reality TV, or Jerry Springer? Decisions, decisions.....
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Things I Miss.....
Since starting law school, I've had to temporarily give up a few things that I truly love. One of those is reading, or better put, reading for pleasure. I love to read and I always have. I think I may even have been born reading.
For the past 2 years, I've been a little too busy with law school reading to get in much of the fun reading. I haven't given up fun reading completely; long ago (so long ago I don't even remember when), I started leaving a book on my nightstand and I read a few pages every night before going to sleep. But what I miss are the lazy days of curling up on a couch with a good book and reading all day long, especially on cold or rainy days. I miss not having to remember every detail of what I was reading. Back then, when I remembered it was because it was an interesting book or an interesting detail, not because I might get called on the following day in class.
Over the past 2 years, I have slowly read a few really good books a little at a time, but I'm looking forward to having an hour or two at a time of pleasure reading. In 5 months, I'll be done with school. In 7 months, I'll be done with the bar. Until then, I'll just have to keep reading a few pages at a time.
For the past 2 years, I've been a little too busy with law school reading to get in much of the fun reading. I haven't given up fun reading completely; long ago (so long ago I don't even remember when), I started leaving a book on my nightstand and I read a few pages every night before going to sleep. But what I miss are the lazy days of curling up on a couch with a good book and reading all day long, especially on cold or rainy days. I miss not having to remember every detail of what I was reading. Back then, when I remembered it was because it was an interesting book or an interesting detail, not because I might get called on the following day in class.
Over the past 2 years, I have slowly read a few really good books a little at a time, but I'm looking forward to having an hour or two at a time of pleasure reading. In 5 months, I'll be done with school. In 7 months, I'll be done with the bar. Until then, I'll just have to keep reading a few pages at a time.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Blog Visitors
One of the things I like about writing this blog is seeing how many people actually read it. And the truth is, not that many. I have a couple of followers, and a couple of people who read it on a regular basis. A while back, I sent a mass email to friends and family to let them know about the blog. I got a ton of hits from that email, and some have continued to read it since then, but most have not. This could be because they forgot about it, they have better things to do, or they simply don't care. I'm going to assume it's the first one.
And for those of you who don't know, there's a lot of information that shows up on my end of the blog, like where people are visiting from. I never know who is actually reading it, but I can guess. For example, if I see Germany (or Italy or Holland), I know it's the Islas. Other than that, there are too many people that could be visiting from Texas or California or Arizona to actually know who it is. All the visits show up on a world map, and even if I don't know who's visiting, it's still pretty cool to see all the little pushpins appear and gradually grow.
The reason I'm mentioning all this is today I hit a milestone -- somebody did a Google search and ended up on my little blog! This is actually more funny than exciting though. They apparently searched for "blog" and "cross-dressing" and ended up on my post from a few days ago. Something tells me that wasn't exactly what they were looking for. ;)
And for those of you who don't know, there's a lot of information that shows up on my end of the blog, like where people are visiting from. I never know who is actually reading it, but I can guess. For example, if I see Germany (or Italy or Holland), I know it's the Islas. Other than that, there are too many people that could be visiting from Texas or California or Arizona to actually know who it is. All the visits show up on a world map, and even if I don't know who's visiting, it's still pretty cool to see all the little pushpins appear and gradually grow.
The reason I'm mentioning all this is today I hit a milestone -- somebody did a Google search and ended up on my little blog! This is actually more funny than exciting though. They apparently searched for "blog" and "cross-dressing" and ended up on my post from a few days ago. Something tells me that wasn't exactly what they were looking for. ;)
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Movie Suggestions
If you have Netflix, then you know that they suggest movies based on what you've watched in the past. Occasionally there's actually one I'm interested in watching, but usually I've never heard of them. I recently noticed that Netflix has started inventing new movie categories/genres. Based on what I've watched in the past, Netflix has generated the following movie/TV categories/genres for me:
I also think it's funny that some movies/TV shows created multiple categories. Apparently liking "The Office" means I like both feel-good comedies and witty TV dramas. I'm not sure how it's a drama, but apparently Netflix thinks it is.
- Sentimental Romantic Movies
- Critically-Acclaimed Thrillers
- Feel-Good Comedies
- Workplace TV Dramas
- Witty TV Drama
- Romantic Comedies with Strong Female Lead
I also think it's funny that some movies/TV shows created multiple categories. Apparently liking "The Office" means I like both feel-good comedies and witty TV dramas. I'm not sure how it's a drama, but apparently Netflix thinks it is.
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