Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Day 2 of the Bar: History

I honestly do not know how I did.  I do know that I flew through both sets of MBE questions quickly, finishing with an hour to go.  I made myself double check things.  The first session was a brutal exercise in staying awake.  The words were blurring in front of my face.  I got up 4 times to stretch, hoping deep breathes and stretching would bring some oxygen to my brain and keep me awake.... didn't really help that much and resulted in a scolding from a proctor.... yeah again.

I don't understand some test takers.  Maybe I have too much of a "I don't give a damn" attitude these days about the exam, or something.  But people, it's a test.  Your life will not end if you fail.  So breaking down and crying during the exam -- if you can't hand the stress of this exam, I suggest maybe the practice of law is not for you.

So, I am done for now.  Hopefully I never have to take it again.  In 8 weeks or so I will know for sure.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

First Day of the Bar Out of the Way

Finished my first day of the bar exam.  I am mentally and physically exhausted.  I can't adequately describe the the feeling.  I wish that I could.  You study so hard for this and cannot predict what will be on the exam.  Our essays consisted of Contracts, UCC Article 2, Evidence, Trusts, Wills, Corporations, Ethics, Civ Pro, and Torts.  The worst part is all that time I wasted on Admin Law, Secured Transactions, Federal Tax, Oregon Evidence, Agency, and Partnership.

You realize that things, like the stupid questions, are idiotic and contrived.  They aren't really testing your ability to practice law, and hold some standard, but testing how well you read, and how well you memorize..... You also come back to your hotel room, or house and you are frustrated, tired, out of sorts and no one you know understands this feeling (except your fellow test takers.)  Well meaning friends and family tell you, "you are going to pass, don't worry."  How do you not worry?  It just eats away at you, day after day.......hour after hour.... until the results come back.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

A New Experience.....

Right now I can't post much about this, but I will follow up with some facts and some other information soon.  I have been asked by an organization to be a spokesperson as they navigate a series of lawsuits lodged against them by the attorney general.

I had to think long and hard about this decision.  What I will do is make an enemy out of one of the more powerful men in law in my state.  However, I believe that what is being done to free speech, a free speech to this particular group of people is disgraceful and beyond the pale.  Sometimes we little people need to be willing to take on those in power, to get things accomplished.

I was honored and flattered that someone I know had the confidence to let me handle the press for their organization.  Yes, you heard it PRESS.  Likely I will be appearing before the press, and possibly cameras and radio, in order to make the position of this organization heard.  So, keep me in your thoughts.... I don't want to have a terrible sound bite!  LOL.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Distractions Abound

Why is it that life sends us distractions at the time when we can least afford the time to follow them?  I never have understood this.  I go along good, time starts running thin, and then POW -- things start happening all over the place that leave me where I don't know where to turn or how to get through things..... Not that these are bad distractions -- in fact, they are not.  The distractions I am facing are quite lovely.  But that does not change the fact that the bar is looming, actually three weeks from today.......