Honored Smiting - February 27, 2008

Lessons are just a part of my life. While others learn lessons on occasion, the big, omnipotent master planner smites me daily.

Here are a few reasons from this last week why I know Mr. Big Stuff is playing games with my life (followed by explanations below).

1. Advocate of the Year.
2. Property Class Discussion Shenanigans.
3. Contracts Class Has Become Study Hall.
4. Blood Letting.

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1. Advocate of the Year.

In a surprising turn of events, the "powers that be" somehow felt it necessary to award the honor of being named Advocate of the Year (for the organization in which I try the unemployment cases) to a first-year law student. Even stranger yet, they decided that, for the first time ever, the award would go to not one, but two advocates.

But, trust me. The irony of my life does not stop there.

My worthless, never-asked-a-question-on-the-record, take-credit-for-doing-nothing partner and I received a curious email from the President of the local chapter of the organization.

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can you meet me, at your convenience, before the end of the week?

I propose the Dunkin Donuts on Old Country road, directly across the street from the County Courthouse;

you have my cell

v

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When I received this email, I freaked. Who wouldn't?

So, I replied:

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It is going to be rough to get a solid amount of time this week, but I am free tomorrow from 2-4.

What is going on? This sounds bad.

-H

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Then, he replied:

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not a big deal; nothing to worry about. i'll even buy you guys coffee.
let me know.

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So, needless to say: I was an anxious mess leading up to the meeting today. What in the world could we have done wrong? As I told my partner, "We have taken the most cases out of any Advocates; we are bound to have screwed something up." I am just so happy free coffee is involved! That just made everything better. Come on.

When we showed up, he asked us about how we liked everything, how we were doing in school, how our hearings were/are, and other non-urgent questions that could have been answered over the phone or email. We were waiting for the buzz-kill.

After small talk for a lengthy period of time, he non-chalantly said the following:

"Oh yeah. You two are being recognized as the Advocates of the Year."

Wait a second. Can you repeat that for me? Advocates of the what? Year? There must be a mistake.

Alas, there was not. My Partner and I were recognized as the best and most highly valued Advocates out a great many persons. Good lord! We are only first-year law students.

As we were told about the award/honor, two thoughts quickly shot into my head. A) This is going to look great for jobs. And then, suddenly, B) Wait. Did they actually recognize my partner also?

As per the timing of this award with my stating the worth(lessness) of my partner: I know games are being played. My life is a giant ball of irony. However, as my Father so succinctly stated: "Welcome to the real world of law. In a law firm, the partners will take credit for your successes." Thank you Swami-Daddy. How right you are.

I tend to agree.

I am excited that I have my first permanent resume accomplishment. Talk about reinforcing good behavior - it is true that we are "getting so much better" (please read the sarcasm here). He also talked to us about paid summer positions doing exactly what we are doing now, as well as taking on the top leadership roles in the organization.

We have to go to a big banquet now to accept our award (which is supposedly a gavel). Good times. Go team.

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2. Property Class Shenanigans.

I tend to speak and be spoken to a great amount in this class. When I am not talking, I am engaged in great conversations via online messaging. Sometimes both occur.

During one class, I was having a very impassioned discussion with my Professor about something that was not worth remembering. We went back and forth. In the middle of the exchange, a window popped up on my computer.

"Fight! Fight! Fight!"
Then it flashed again: "Get it H. Handle the Professor."

These are not helpful messages when you are trying to have an educated exchange with a Professor. Thanks instant messenger.

But, for each distraction the program offers, there is an equally musing conversation that it allows. The following is my favorite thus far:

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Me: this blows
Friend: unfortunately it doesn't
Friend: that might be enjoyable
Friend: this is just god awful

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And lastly, the most recent debacle was a public policy question that my professor posed where I was one of just two hands raised in support of a very liberal ideal. I think that people just did not want to get called on to explain, so they went with the crowd. Darn me and my beliefs!

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3. Contracts Class Has Become Study Hall.

Must I repeat myself?

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4. Blood Letting.

A word to the wise: if you are going to donate blood, make sure that you eat breakfast and do not drink coffee prior. The nurse asked me if I ran to the location to donate because I had such a fast pulse. I also learned that they do not want you to write comments or specifics on their forms. Just when you thought it would be nice for them to have all the information about the blood they are receiving, they reprimand you. Sorry.

Seriously though, nearly fainting from planned blood-loss is never a good part of the day. I did get four boxes of apple juice, 2 packets of cheese-its and pizza. Helping others never tasted so good.

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Today was a relatively good day. Other than being smited with irony, no big complaints.