Finally honoring your request!!

I have been asked almost 700 million times for a list of things to send to James overseas. After little to no help from him, I've rounded up a list of things he likes/could use :)

• Triscuits (His favorite kind--Cracked Pepper and Olive Oil)
• Chex Mix
• Beef Jerky
• Honey Roasted Peanuts
• Candy
  
• Sunflower Seeds
• Protein "stuff" (bars, powder, etc.)
• Anything banana (banana bread, banana candy, etc.)--If you know me, you know I think this is gross :)
  
• Goldfish
• Chips & Salsa
• Red Bull
  

Other Stuff:

• Chap Stick
• DVDs
• Anything Auburn!
• Stuff to read (i.e. Sports Illustrated)

There's plenty of other stuff to send but this is all I could come up with right now! The flat rate boxes at the post office are the way to go. And you have to fill out a customs form--don't get intimidated like I did. It's supposed to be easy lol

Here's the address again
SSG James Pescia
214th MP CO
PSC 903 Box 4
FPO AE 09859

I'm Back!

It has been entirely too long since I have written, and I when I started this blog thing I swore I would keep it up to date! Hopefully I will be better about that!

Finding time to blog isn't easy though. Law school has stolen most of my time, and of course college football gets what little I have left! On that note, War Damn Eagle...the last few games sent my blood pressure soaring into the heavens, but thank goodness we came out with the W. Seeing Auburn ranked #10 this morning = an awesome end to the weekend and the perfect start to the upcoming week!

James sent a message earlier this week saying his 15 day leave will be in the middle of October! Only about 3 weeks until Toby and I will be beside ourselves with excitement! I can't believe it's already been almost 4 months! School taking up so much time is making it go by faster than I thought it would! Hopefully he will be back for good before we know it!

I realize I haven't provided you with much entertainment in this post, so I'll work on that in the ones to follow, but for now Toby and I have some cases to read and briefs to write (he helps the best he can). Have a wonderful week!!

Disorder in the Court! Thank you Dean See for entertaining us on TWEN!

These vignettes from a book called Disorder in the American Courts are reputed to be things people actually said in court, word for word, taken down and now published by court reporters who had the torment of staying calm while these exchanges were actually taking place.

ATTORNEY: Are you sexually active?
WITNESS: No, I just lie there.
_____________________________________

ATTORNEY: What is your date of birth?
WITNESS: July 18th.
ATTORNEY: What year?
WITNESS: Every year.
_____________________________________

ATTORNEY: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?
WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And in what ways does it affect your memory?
WITNESS: I forget.
ATTORNEY: You forget? Can you give us an
example of something you forgot?
_____________________________________

ATTORNEY: How old is your son, the one living with you?
WITNESS: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can't remember which.
ATTORNEY: How long has he lived with you?
WITNESS: Forty-five years.
_____________________________________

ATTORNEY: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
WITNESS: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"
ATTORNEY: And why did that upset you?
WITNESS: My name is Susan.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Do you know if your daughter has ever been involved in voodoo?
WITNESS: We both do.
ATTORNEY: Voodoo?
WITNESS: We do.
ATTORNEY: You do?
WITNESS: Yes, voodoo.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in
his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
WITNESS: Did you actually pass the bar exam?
____________________________________

ATTORNEY: The youngest son, the twenty-one-year-old, how old is he?
WITNESS: Uh, he's twenty-one.
________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Were you present when your picture was taken?
WITNESS: Would you repeat the question?
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: So the date of conception (of the baby) was August 8th?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: And what were you doing at that time?
WITNESS: Uh....
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: She had three children, right?
WITNESS: Yes.
ATTORNEY: How many were boys?
WITNESS: None.
ATTORNEY: Were there any girls?
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: How was your first marriage terminated?
WITNESS: By death.
ATTORNEY: And by whose death was it terminated?
______________________________ ________

ATTORNEY: Can you describe the individual?
WITNESS: He was about medium height and had a beard.
ATTORNEY: Was this a male or a female?
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Is your appearance here this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?
WITNESS: No, this is how I dress when I go to work.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Doctor, how many of your autopsies have you performed on dead people?
WITNESS: All my autopsies are performed on dead people.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: ALL your responses MUST be oral, OK? What school did you go to?
WITNESS: Oral.
______________________________________

ATTORNEY: Do you recall the time that you examined the body?
WITNESS: The autopsy started around 8:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY: And Mr. Denton was dead at the time?
WITNESS: No, he was sitting on the table wondering why I was doing an autopsy on him!
____________________________________________

ATTORNEY: Are you qualified to give a urine sample?
WITNESS: Huh?
____________________________________________

And the best for last

ATTORNEY: Doctor, before you performed the
autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for blood pressure?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: Did you check for breathing?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: So, then it is possible that the patient was alive
when you began the autopsy?
WITNESS: No.
ATTORNEY: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
WITNESS: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
ATTORNEY: But could the patient have still been alive,
nevertheless?
WITNESS: Yes, it is possible that he could
have been alive and practicing law.

A Couple Quick Thoughts

“Dissent is the highest form of patriotism.” -- Thomas Jefferson

"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. The mediocre mind is incapable of understanding the man who refuses to bow blindly to conventional prejudices and chooses instead to express his opinions courageously and honestly." -- Albert Einstein

An Address for James!

SSG James Pescia
214th MP CO
PSC 903 Box 4
FPO AE 09859

Occasionally how I feel while briefing cases upon cases

Lake Life

When I spoke with Gabe and Whitney Friday afternoon and they mentioned spending Saturday at the lake, I thought what a great way to take a break from a busy first week of law school. It's still not too overwhelming yet, so I may as well get in some fun time while I still have a chance. Yesterday morning I packed up my backpack (it couldn't be a completely law school free day) , put on my bathing suit, and Toby and I headed out to the car to be on our way to a fun-filled day!

To say that Toby had a great time would be a DRASTIC understatement. The dog loves water, in fact I'm wondering if he may be part fish. He swam for the better part of 5 hours, almost nonstop. He even started going under the water to see what he could find down there...thank goodness he didn't come up with anything crazy. He thought he could fly for a minute as he sprinted down the pier to sail off into the water...bellyflop...and then he would swim around and do it again. Needless to say we both slept like babies last night.

I almost feel bad though, having fun days like that when I'm on the phone with James knowing he's bored out of his mind in Kuwait. I'm definitely ready for him to be back, joining us not just on our fun-filled days like yesterday, but also on our lazy do nothing homework days like today. I let him know that, after yesterday, Toby is probably going to require a lake house and that he should probably plan that somewhere into our future ;) haha

Shane made it Iraq recently and he sent me an address

SGT McDonald, Christopher 1st Plt
214th MP CO
COS Marez, Iraq
APO-AE 09334

So start sending him lots of packages! He prefers anything Auburn, or blue an orange! Ok, not really...unfortunately he belongs to the dark side of Alabama football. If I ever get any requests from the boys I'll be sure to post a list in case anyone wants to send something their way but doesn't know what to send.

Time to spend day reading property and torts for tomorrow, and organizing contracts and civil procedure notes. Thank goodness I finished most of my legal memo and organizing notes for the other classes yesterday at the lake...I'm pretty proud of myself for being productive out there!

First day

not for me, obviously, but as all you facebook friends keep reminding me, today is the first day for undergrad..and grad school too I suppose. As I reflect on my undergrad years, the difference between that and law school is the same as that of day and night. For this, I must say, I am extremely thankful.

My property professor insisted today that we "demand a refund from our undergraduate institutions," and I'll just leave it at that.

Words To Live By

I believe that this is a practical world and that I can count only on what I earn. Therefore, I believe in work, hard work.

I believe in education, which gives me the knowledge to work wisely and trains my mind and my hands to work skillfully.

I believe in honesty and truthfulness, without which I cannot win the respect and confidence of my fellow men.

I believe in a sound mind, in a sound body and a spirit that is not afraid, and in clean sports that develop these qualities.

I believe in obedience to law because it protects the rights of all.

I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all.

I believe in my Country, because it is a land of freedom and because it is my own home, and that I can best serve that country by "doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God."

And because Auburn men and women believe in these things, I believe in Auburn and love it.
-George Petrie (1945)

And so it begins

Although this is technically being referred to as "orientation," I think it is safe to say that law school has officially begun. Civil procedure reading assignments on top of legal research and writing assignments, although fairly easy for now, are definitely characteristic of school being in session! The first day consisted of several individuals speaking to us on what we have gotten ourselves into, which continued into today, but today we also started playing our law student role in mock classes; however it turned out to just be the first class in Civil Procedure, nothing "mock" about it! I do love it though, and I have been waiting since December for this week! Bring on the first semester!

James called today, which was much needed since the last time we spoke the phones cut out, and I hadn't spoken to him since (other than a couple of emails). It's still not easy for me. Not at all. I suppose I'll keep taking it day by day, and hope communication is easier from Bahrain. I do get a little peace with 'no more Iraq tour' at least. As I've said before surely law school will keep me busy, and that will help.

It's time to go look over a couple cases, read in my Legal Writing and Analysis book, and start getting used to this life! I've never been a coffee drinker, but from the advice and stories of those who have gone before me, it seems like that's not far off in my future!

Also, happy (late) birthday to my old roomie Hilliary Patterson! Finally 21! I didn't make it to your celebration but I will no doubt make it up to you my love!

Sunday Night Sex & The City

"Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous."
-Carrie

Carrie : Honey, if it hurts so much, why are we going shopping?
Samantha : I have a broken toe, not a broken spirit.

"I make mistakes. That's what I do. I
speak without thinking, I act without
knowing. I drink so much that I can
barely walk...I'm a fantastic lover
though, and an amazing friend. God
knows I mean well."
-Carrie

Contracts, Torts, and Property Oh My!

Add civil procedure as well as legal research and writing and you have my life for the next 5 months! Law school orientation starts in the morning and lasts for the next 4 days and then the semester begins! I am beyond excited because since I graduated in December, I've just been waiting to get back in the swing of things! Don't get me wrong, having a break was nice but it's time to get back to school!

When James called this afternoon from his "unavailable" Kuwait number, he was definitely glad the time is here for school to start so he doesn't have to hear "I wish I were in school, I wish school would start already, I can't wait for school to start so I will have something to keep me busy" every other sentence! I'm hoping being crazy busy with school will make this time apart go by so much faster!

Although I'm not able to talk to him whenever I want or send any text messages when I think of something I need to tell him, he's called at least once a day which has been a blessing since I had planned on not hearing from him for a while. He's in Kuwait where it's 120 degrees and an 8 hour time difference from home, but doing well :) I'll be sure to put an address on here as soon as I get it in case anyone wants to brighten his day with a package (I know Amber and Laura have already been planning it)

On another note, I am back in the blackberry world with a brand new Blackberry Bold thanks to my wonderful mommy. It only took an hour and 15 minutes at the Verizon store which I won't even get in to...

Toby and I are heading out for a nice long walk before dinner to end up our weekend...hope everyone had a good one and if you are having a bad week this week just remember you could be reading about torts everyday for the next 5 months...then maybe it won't seem so bad :)

All Grown Up

I spent most of my Saturday today sleeping since I wasn't feeling up to par, but I did manage to make it to Mary Jeanne's graduation party tonight for at least a couple of hours. I can't believe 4 years ago we were moving out of Scottsboro into our first dorm room, and after Monday we will both be college graduates...just waiting on her to join me in the club!

Tomorrow also marks my last day of freedom before Law School takes over my life. Orientation is next week, with classes starting the following Monday. Let's hope I'm good at this thing. And remind me of how ready I am to be back in school when I start complaining about it in a couple of weeks!

Also, Toby is back home where he belongs! It just didn't feel right around here without him! Mom brought him back yesterday and she is staying through the weekend, and hopefully she will be getting me a new phone tomorrow :) If any of you have seen my phone lately you know it's barely hanging on!

It's time for bed. Good Night!

A Good Laugh And A Long Sleep Are The Best Cures In The Doctor's Book

A six-year-old boy told his father he wanted to marry the little girl across the street.

The father, being modern and well-schooled in handling children, hid his smile behind his hand.

"That's a serious step," he said. "Have you thought it out completely?"

"Yes," his young son answered. "We can spend one week in my room and the next in hers. It's right across the street, so I can run home if I get scared of the dark."

"How about transportation?" the father asked.

"I have my wagon, and we both have our tricycles," the little boy answered.

The boy had an answer to every question the father raised.

Finally, his dad asked, "What about babies? When you're married, you're liable to have babies, you know."

"We've thought about that, too," the little boy replied. "We're not going to have babies. Every time she lays an egg, I'm going to step on it!"

Last Call

It's time for the cell phone to turn off...no more texts, and no more of James's ringback tone right before he says hello. After today I won't be calling or texting those 10 digits that have received so much action from me over the past year. This could take a while to get used to...

A Girl's Best Friend

Now that I am back on the wonderful plains I realize more than ever what has been missing for the last several days...my sweet Toby. He wasn't able to make the trip to Philadelphia so my mom took on the task of dog sitting while I was away, and for supposedly not liking my baby boy, she sure has been spoiling him. He will be coming home with a new kennel, a new bed, some new toys if he hasn't managed to demolish them, and quite possibly some new food and water bowls because as of yesterday mother had decided he needs bigger ones. He is also coming home without something he's had all his life...I won't go into detail but for those of you who know our dog, you know he was "well-off." Apparently he has been doing fine, and contrary to popular belief that this may help calm down dogs, I feel like Toby will be the exception. I'll keep you updated!

"We only part to meet again"

Waiting at the airport for the plane that would take me to see the boy I said goodbye to so many weeks ago, was the longest morning I can remember. Sitting on the flight to Philadelphia, which they said would only take 2 hours, felt like days. Those few minutes waiting at the airport in Philadelphia took hours. But it was all worth it when I realized that the guy standing behind me at baggage claim in the Army uniform was just the guy I had been waiting to see! I wish I could put into words the excitement and the happiness that overwhelmed me at that moment, but it's near impossible.

I am beyond thankful to have had the past 5 days with James before he goes overseas. We enjoyed a much needed vacation and some much needed time together! We saw the sights Philadelphia had to offer, did some shopping, and had some amazing food, and it was just as though he had never gone away, we had never missed a beat, the real us.


Then yesterday came and another goodbye was in store. I'm not good at them...at all. I'm a cryer for the most part, and I never want to be. I try to hide it, I try to stop it, but I just can't help it, and saying it out loud triggers it most. I did alright or so I thought, and headed up the escalator to my gate where I started walking and realized what just happened, and then I cried a good cry as I ate my piece of pizza, which eventually ended up in my lap. So there I am with my red puffy eyes, mascara face, and red stained shirt alone in an airport...as sad as it sounds I remind myself how incredibly lucky I am to be in love with such an amazing guy and that I'm blessed with someone to miss.



And thank you to the sweet old lady who sat with me on the flight back to Atlanta, consoling me and getting me tissues, and making sure to pray for James.

And thank you to Laura who picked me up from the airport, and made sure I had an entertaining ride back to Auburn!

The Countdown is now at 3

Three days, and then it's Friday. Which means I will be on my flight to Philadelphia to see James for the first time since he left over a month ago...words can't even describe my excitement! Toby is already jealous, he won't get to see his Daddy until he comes home in October. I've already learned that deployment is hard...all the time apart, and not always getting to talk, definitely not something I signed up for but it comes with the package so I'm learning to adjust. My all time favorite show for the last few years has been Army Wives-it's amazing- never in a million years did I think I would be living it-not army wife of course, but army girlfriend is equally as difficult I would argue. Needless to say I haven't been watching this season, but as soon as this year is over the DVDs will be in my TV and I will be caught up with Roxy, Denies, Claudia Joy, Pamela, and Roland-all my favorite people. Until then I will patiently (there's that word again) wait for James to come home and the cast to re-enter my Sunday night schedule.

As for our Monday night, Toby and I are heading over to have a fish fry with our fabulous friends, and yes I actually helped catch tonight's dinner :) enjoy!

The man with the money gives some real world advice

Bill Gates Lays Down The Rules of Life:

RULE 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

RULE 2: The world doesn't care about your self-esteem. The world expects you to accomplish BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

RULE 3: You will NOT make $40,000.00/year fresh out of high school. And you won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you EARN both.

RULE 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait until you get a boss. He won't have tenure.

RULE 5: Flipping burgers is NOT beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping - they called it OPPORTUNITY!

RULE 6: If you mess up, it is only your fault; learn from your mistakes.

RULE 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes, and listening to you talk about how COOL you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parents' generation, try delousing the closet in your room instead.

RULE 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life has not. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and will give you as many times as you need to get it right. This doesn't have the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

RULE 9: Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time.

RULE 10: TV is NOT reality. In real life people need to leave the coffee shop and go to work.

RULE 11: BE NICE TO NERDS!! Chances are you will end up working for one!

The start of something wonderful...or maybe just the start of something

Ahhh, the first post of my first real blog. Everyone's doing it...or so it seems. As a recent Auburn graduate about to start my new journey in law school, as well as the girlfriend of a recently deployed American soldier, and probably the most challenging - the "mother" of a 9 month old 70 lb lab/german sheppard with enough energy swim across the Atlantic (twice) I figured I had plenty to tell the world about so by golly I'm gonna do it. (Doubt "the world" will get into my blog, but hey dream big)

Obviously this year was meant for me to work on my patience...or to find some and then work on it. I suppose I'll put it on my To Do list, a little reluctantly.