I got my financial aid package for law school.  On the one hand, YAY, I got a scholarship and my expected family contribution (according to FAFSA) is $0.  That means I qualify for more Federal Stafford loans than I did in undergrad.  On the other hand, OUCH, we will be taking out about $200,000 when all is said and done.  Between Stafford loans, our combined undergrad loans, and private loans (to make up the difference in what I wasn’t offered in my financial aid package), it’s going to be a lot.  Granted, I thought I’d be taking out more like $300,000, so I feel good about that (at least).

Now that we know that, we are definitely pinching pennies even more!  It is depressing to think about taking that much money out, but thankfully I will (one day) have a good job that allows us to pay it back.  A good portion of the interest will be paid by the government, too (thank you Subsidized loans that I actually qualify for this time around!).

Scary, yet fun – tonight I logged into my student account at my law school – for the first time ever.  Don’t ask me why, but it was the coolest and scariest feeling!  I have said it about a million times, but I CAN’T BELIEVE I’M GOING TO LAW SCHOOL.  I’m so excited and nervous!

Speaking of the law, work is going so well.  Whoa, I almost just typed “school” instead of “work.”  Yeah, I forgot what going to school feels like, haha.  That feeling will come back soon enough though, right?  I’ll eat my words in August, haha.

I just realized how ridic this post is.  Sorry!  I’m feeling a mix of emotions and in the process, babbling all over the place.  I want to go play Sims 3 (which I got in the mail yesterday) but my book (John Grisham’s The Street Lawyer …. haha) is also calling my name.  Hmmm….

May 3, 2009

Click the picture for a full size version

You guys, that’s me up there, shaking the hand of the Dean of my college.  Everything went by so fast, despite the ceremony taking two hours!  We didn’t even have a special speaker!  When we got back to the apartment, there were several family members waiting – the ones that have little kids celebrated at the party, since they didn’t want the kids to disturb the ceremony – and the party began.  I felt so incredibly loved and supported.  Unfortunately, my dad and my sister did not make an appearance, but that was to be expected.  And to be honest, it looks like I robbed a cash drawer or something, because I got a TON of cash!  Which is really good, because I can’t seem to find a summer job right now… so this will definitely help me get through!  More pictures to come on flickr sometime today when I feel like being more productive.

Our next stop was Target.  We’ve decided to have two registries (one at Target and the other at Macy’s) to make our wedding gifts affordable for everyone.  It was very exciting to hold that scanner in my hand and know that I could ask for ANYTHING I wanted.  We asked for a lot of kitchen utensils (since the ones I have are from my dorm days and in bad shape), patio furniture, and some basic linens.  After that, we had a quick lunch at BJ’s (which is my new favorite … even though it’s sooo bad for you) and then headed over to Macy’s.  This is where the fun really started!  I found some gorgeous Lenox china with matching stemware.  I really really hope we get that.  We got a bunch of other stuff too, but need to go back and tweak it and add some more things.  I would highly recommend Macy’s for a registry.  There are a lot of perks to registering with them.  Check out their web site for more details.  Honestly, if we threw in a couple of farmhouse sinks, we’d have an entire house worth of stuff on our registry!

Tom and I got back around 6pm (we left at 11:30am!), played around on our computers, and then I got to studying for my final.  I’ve been doing reading on and off all night while Tom plays Super Mario Brothers on the Wii.  We used our Wii points to download it … and are obsessed with it.  We’re staying up until we’ve beaten it, haha.  Thankfully, I’m able to focus on my reading.  Only 20 more pages until I’m done for the night!

I got some good news this week.  We finally know where we will be moving and where I will be attending law school beginning in the fall.  Unfortunately, I did not get into my top choice, but PLEASE do not comment and say “I am so sorry” because I am totally fine with it.  My top choice was a private school and although it would have been so nice to live back at home near my friends and family, it would have cost us SO much more.  With my school, I will be saving about $22,000 because of my scholarship.  Also, Tom and I will be able to start our marriage completely fresh and on our own; not that I wouldn’t prefer to have his family and mine closer for us to lean on when we need them, but I really think it will help our marriage to be away.  We’ve already told our families that our house will be the “vacation house” so they will have to come visit.  I am so incredibly excited (and proud of myself) because I am actually doing it - really and truly going to law school!!!

With finals and all that, I have seriously been slacking with working out, and my good eating habits have gone out the window.  This morning, I started up again.  The gym is going to be my last “errand” of the day and when I get back from that, I will be shredding.  I weighed myself this morning AND I GAINED A POUND FROM LAST WEEK.  UGH.  I was talking with a friend and she recommended that I should stop weighing myself and instead get a measuring tape to measure myself once a week.  With all the strength training I’m doing, it makes more sense to pay attention to the inches but not the pounds. 

And lastly, I was tagged by one of my favorite people to post a picture of myself that I JUST took.  I took three and couldn’t choose, so I’ll just post all of them:

Um yeah.  Still in my pajamas, hair unwashed, face unwashed, and … I haven’t even brushed my teeth yet.  Why did you make me do this, Rachael?!

I am going to get a couple other people to do this, so consider yourself tagged Tiffany, Jessica, Katharina, and Lynn!  Here are the rules:  

• Take a picture of yourself right now.
• No primping or preparing.
• Just snap a picture.
• Load the picture onto your blog.
• Tag some people to play along.

Have fun! :)

Although I don’t feel like I am just starting my life, I am entering a new chapter.  After years and years and years of dreaming about law school, I am on my way!  I have literally dreamt about going to law school since I was in elementary school.  I’ll also be bringing with me to my new school a husband and a family (well, the dogs and cat are our family, too).  I am so excited about what the future holds for me.

Reflecting on the past four years really makes me feel proud and successful.  There have been many challenges along the way – three major changes, relationship troubles, friendship troubles, trying to balance school, work and play – but I’ve managed to do it all.  All the goals I set up for myself I have accomplished, and I am so very proud to say that.

This morning, I am going to be mailing my graduation announcements to friends and family.  It’s a way for me to say, “Hey, look, I did it!  I reached my goals!”  It’s one of the most rewarding feelings.

For those of you who are graduating – whether it be from college, high school, or even if you’re just experiencing a change in your life in the next few months – I wish you nothing but luck and success.  I can’t wait to hear all about your journies (hopefully, you’ll be sharing them).

We came back on Sunday night and went to bed early.  Yesterday I hit the gym bright and early and learned a couple new machines – I even tried the rowing machine which I have never done before.  I liked it – burned 120 calories in 15 minutes!  That thing is amazing.  I’m going to need to get a pair of gloves or something, though, because my hands were rubbed raw from pulling the wooden bar so much.

I wanted to go back to the gym today but I am getting this allergy/cold thing (not sure which one just yet) and feeling pretty gross.  I tell you, when does the sickness end?!  It seems like everyone keeps getting sick over and over again.  STOP IT POLLEN.

In other news, I have received two acceptance letters to law school so far, with scholarships to both schools!  One is out of state and I will not be accepting it since I have received acceptance from one school (so far.. hopefully the rest will accept me also) that is in state.  In state means cheaper tuition and less money I will have to take out in loans.  Pllllllease keep your fingers crossed for me!  I still haven’t heard from my top school but I should be hearing in the next few weeks.  We would be okay with going to the in state school I’ve been accepted to so far, but it’s not as close to our parents’ homes, the beach, our nephew, etc. as my top choice is.  As Rachie put it, my top choice is the “perfect place” for us.  Plus Tom could transfer within his company and continue to create cad drawings instead of starting all over at another company.

I promise to be better with updating and commenting.  For the record, I really do read your blogs on a regular basis.  It’s just the commenting that I’m bad at sometimes.  I guess that’s why I don’t get upset when people comment on my site all the time.  Life is busy and hectic, and people’s first priority isn’t to visit the blog!

I guess what I’m trying to say is, I’m not in the business for the money.  I’m in it to help people.  Which is why I think I’m leaning towards family law.  Family law (divorce, adoption, custody) is near and dear to my heart.  I am a child of divorced parents.  When I was in second grade, my parents sat us down to tell us they were divorcing, even though they loved my sister and I very much.  The divorce was bitter and incredibly hard to deal with, and I am still feeling its effects to this very day.  I’d like to take my experience and help others going through divorce; whether that be the kids involved or the parents.  Personal injury lawyers are great, but there are not enough family law attorneys who are working to help families remain strong units even after divorce.

Obviously, I’ve got at least three years until I have to make a decision.  I want to take some classes and see where I am most interested in the law.  But at least I can go into it knowing what I am more interested in.

Last week was my spring break and I spent it working fulltime at an attorney’s office.  I have been trying to find a job in an attorney’s office for the entire time I’ve been in college, and of course I found it right when I’m on my way out.  I had fun despite the fact that I just did office work for a week.  I filed, answered telephones, sent faxes, and made labels for letters to be mailed out.  It doesn’t matter though, it will look good on my resume.  At the end of the week, the attorney asked me to work every Friday, which will most likely turn into more work after I graduate!  Speaking of law, I haven’t heard back about law school, but I should start to hear back fairly soon.

What else has been going on… the weather!  It is absolutely GORGEOUS!  The azaleas, dog woods and wild plums are in full bloom and our little family is loving it.  Tom was lucky enough to go out on the boat a few times this past weekend, but I was busy doing wedding preparations, so I didn’t.  Hunter went out on the boat for the first time, and just like Remington he loved every minute of it.  We’ve got some great pictures on the hard drive, so I’ll have to get those and show them to you all.

Wedding plans are coming along nicely.  I slightly altered the color – instead of “Wild Orchid” on the David’s Bridal web site, we’re now going with “Lilac.”  The other color is called “Clover.”  The moms have their dresses, and the bridesmaids have at least started to look.  I am going to have three bridesmaids, because of a falling out with one of them.  It’s easier to have three because there won’t be as much drama, but my feelings are hurt because of the way it all went down.  Anyway.

This weekend, we also met with the priest that will be marrying us.  He gave us a book of readings to choose from and information that we will need to set all the music up for the mass.  It was really nice to talk with him.  He has been the monsignor at my church since before I was born, so I have completed all my sacraments under him.  He also married my mom and stepdad in 2003, so he knows the entire family.

Flowers are set.  My bouquet will consist of green and white hydrangeas and freesia, and a single green (very light … almost yellow) rose in the middle.  The rose is significant because my deceased paternal grandfather was a wholesale florist and absolutely loved yellow roses.  Since the yellow won’t match with our colors, we’re going with green.  It’s so beautiful!

We also went to two cake tastings and decided on a cake baker/decorator.  We’re doing a three tier with cornilly lace, and a sheet cake that will be decorated the same.  Very simple yet elegant, which is exactly what we wanted.

In other news … I planted an herb garden yesterday!  I only have four herbs in it because it’s just a small window box – basil, sage, flat leaf parsley and mint.

And, after a two week hiatus from the gym because of my sinus infection and working, I went back last night.  It was a little rough, but I’m going back tomorrow.  They actually demonstrated some safety equipment while I was there, which was kind of strange.  I should have pushed myself to go today, but I didn’t.  Tomorrow I’m going first thing in the morning and doing cardio and strength training.  I got some tips from my soon to be brother-in-law and that will also help jumpstart my weight loss again.

Off to finish the laundry and get ready for bed.  I have gotten back into the habit of reading right before bed again.  I really missed it!

The night before I was looking on Craigslist for jobs and came across an ad for a legal assistant for next week only.  If anything, I could use the extra money, even if it isn’t an ongoing job.  Anyway, I submitted my resume and got a call back!  I will be working Monday and Tuesday full time to help a local law firm get caught up while one of their adminstrative assistants is on vacation.  I spoke with the head attorney about possibly getting a more regular job and he said it is very possible.  So, please keep your fingers crossed that I dazzle this guy and he’ll want me to stay on!

Since I’ve been feeling better since yesterday, I’ve gone crazy with cleaning.  The apartment got so bad that I just buckled down and did some of the really necessary cleaning – like the bathrooms.  I even washed the shower liner!  On the agenda for today is laundry (I feel like I’m always doing laundry), finishing up cleaning, dusting, and then who knows what.  I’m hoping that Tom and I can go somewhere to use our camera (like the botanical gardens or something).  It’d be a neat date idea, too.

It has really warmed up the past couple days, and it feels SO GOOD.  Seriously, I love being able to have the windows open and enjoy the warmth.  It got a little too warm yesterday, but once I turned the fans on in the apartment it was much better.  Since it warmed up, I decided to get out my ice cream attachment for the mixer.  I just made vanilla ice cream using a recipe that came with the attachment, since I’ve never done it before.  It’s actually really easy!  I’ll let you know how it turns out.

Other than the two days of work, I don’t have any plans for spring break.  I’m going to probably need to go home to do some wedding stuff.  I’m going to use the time to get ahead in my classes and take care of some impending assignments, and one of my goals is to do some work on this site.  I want to incorporate more weekly articles that you can expect on the same day every week.  What would you like to see more of on this web site?  Be honest, I’d like your ideas!

I need to get out of this room … Remy is stinking it up with his farts!

I wanted to mention something about my healthy eating habits.  The nice thing about working out and eating healthy is that I am still able to get in some of the things I like that have less nutritional value.  For instance, with my lunch I had Bugles.  Because my stomach is so different now that I eat better, I honestly didn’t want even the whole serving.  Instead, I ended up with half a serving.  Another benefit is that healthy fruits and vegetables are actually more appealing to me than junk food.  I have never downed strawberries, blueberries, grapes, bananas, peppers, etc. before, but I really look forward to them now.

Strength training is going out of this world; again today I was able to increase some of my weights by 4 lbs. and some by 2 lbs.  Either way, all my weights were increased.  I didn’t get a chance to do the ab rotator but I’ll do that on Friday.

I love the renewed energy and GREAT nights of sleep I get with a week full of dedicated exercise.  I’m also in such a better mood and when I go even when I don’t want to, I come out just feeling so proud of myself.

One thing I’d like to do is utilize the wii accessories – specifically the Wii Fit that we bought in September – on the days that I’m not doing strength training at the gym.  That way, I can work on the yoga moves.  I always loved the yoga moves!

Alright, enough chatter.  I have to go study for my midterms, which are tomorrow!  Happy Hump Day!

PS – I am charging my camera so I can do a video of my apartment for you all.  So get excited!