Is it already almost October?

Time has FLOWN this semester!  I cannot believe how close we already are to halfway!  Definitely time to start outlining!  I've done a bit of charting, but nothing too serious yet.  My main issue: Law review paper (Dun Dun DUUUUUUN!)  My first draft is due Monday.  I have less than one page so far.  UGH!  Someone shoot me!  I need 12.  I know I can pull it out, I just need to get over this funk I am in right now.

My "funk." I am totally in a lazy mode and I have no idea why.  Maybe it is second year?  Maybe it is stress?  Maybe it is that my classes no longer have me constantly on call (unlike first year)?  All I know, is I need to get out of it.  Anyone have any remedies?  I have the lazies.

Now, for your viewing pleasure, my beautiful Wills and Trusts Intestacy Charts (My favorite class this semester!):
 I do love color!

Facts	Rule
UPC §2-102
Spouse only	(1)(A) Entire Estate
Spouse+all joint issue	(1)(B) Entire Estate
Spouse w/spouses step kid (regardless of other kids)	(4) 150,000+ ½ the remaining estate
Spouse w/decedent’s step kid (only if also joint issue)	(3) 225,000+ ½ remaining estate
Spouse + parents	(2) 300,000+ ¾ remaining estate
OK Ti. 84 § 213(B)
Spouse Only	1(a) Entire Estate
Spouse + Joint issue	½ interest in estate
Spouse + spouses step kid	½ JIP + equal interest in remaining estate (Non JIP)
Spouse + Parent/Sibling	All JIP + 1/3 interest in remaining estate (Non JIP)

Types	Rules
Parentelic (OK follows)	Lowest Parentela Wins (Heads trump) distribute entire estate w/in closest parentela (Allows representation)
Civil Law	Lowest degree from decedent wins (No representation)
Modified Civil Law	If tie w/in Civil law, closest parentela wins (No representation)

All play and no work

I talk about school/life balance, but lately, the life side has been taking over.  While it is still early in the semester, I can't help but want to spend as much time with friends and family as possible before I have to become a recluse.  It's been filled with fun times such as:

BANG!  It's a fun game of outlaws, sheriffs, deputies, and a renegade.  It's an old western shoot 'em up.  It is confusing at first, but sooo much fun once you get the hang of it.

It's like a combination of catch phrase and charades.  You play 3 rounds.  First round you get as many clues and guesses as you want, but you can't pass.  Second round you can say 1 word, but as many sounds or gestures as you want, but only one guess.  Third round, no words, gestures and sounds and one guess.  Both of those rounds you can pass.  Everyone tries to get as many cards as possible in 30 seconds and the round ends once all the cards (You can choose anywhere from 25-40 cards) have been guessed.

And of course:

FRIENDS!  Team V was Victorious!  My friend Jenny (on the left) has moved away to New Mexico and we only get to see her sporadically, so I gave myself a break to get to see her.

The problem with this is I am half-assing my school work, this is no bueno.  In my attempt at balance, I have merely tipped the scales.  So, this week, I am forcing myself to stay at the library until at least 5-6PM to do nothing but homework.  No facebook, or words with friends, just work!  Hopefully I can balance properly having a full week and a fun weekend, because this weekend is Dallas Pride!  WOOOHOOO!   Thumbs up:

Second Year is soooo much easier!

This is a bold faced lie.  There are certainly differences, but I wouldn't call second year EASIER.  Between law review, mentoring, classes, and trying to find a freaking job-second year is flat out busy!  I haven't had a lot of time to myself.  Well, I finished my cite checking (early, yay!) and decided to give myself the night off last night.  That's right, I blew off my homework and had a date night with my husband.  It was so nice!  We ate good food, had a few drinks, met up with friends, and just relaxed.

As busy as school is, it's important to keep some time open for your spouse.  It is hard at times, but not only is it good for my marriage, it is good for ME!  Mentoring the 1Ls, this is something I hope to instill in them.  Yes, you need to work hard and spend a LOT of time on school, but if you don't take care of yourself (and your relationships) as well, you will be useless.