I have rediscovered oatmeal. I used to eat it growing up, especially in elementary school, but only recently have I begun to switch from cereal back to this healthful alternative. It's a lot healthier than a lot of different kinds of cereal, and when you're like me, and are trying to eat better, anything that cuts your calories will help. I have been eating the Quaker instant kind, which is as easy as it gets to make-just pour on some milk and stick it in the microwave for one minute. Obviously, I can't eat it every day, but I have a feeling that eating oatmeal for breakfast several times a week is going to help a great deal with losing weight.
I have also rediscovered the fitness center in my apartment building. Normally I go to RPAC (Ohio State's Recreation and Physical Activity Center) to work out, but the high today was about 17 degrees, meaning I would have frozen to death somewhere on Neil Avenue. So I worked out in the building instead. It was nice-it's just a small room, and there was no one else in there. I could be alone with my thoughts for a while, instead of listening to the din of 100 people jogging and TV's playing afternoon episodes of Oprah or SportsCenter.
To complete the trifecta...I have rediscovered the value of silence. Honestly, how much silence do we have in our lives these days? Not nearly enough. Let me explain.
I first figured this out on my way to work about a week and a half ago. It was about 7:30 in the morning, and I was doing my usual fiddling with the dial at a red light, trying to find a good station. Finally, not being able to find one among the dozen or so I listen to regularly, I turned the radio off. I drove the rest of the way to work in total silence, with nothing but the noise of traffic to disturb this tranquility. It was the most gratifying simple pleasure that I had experienced in a long time, and all I had to do was push a button. I did the same thing on the way home from work that day, not even turning the radio on, except for a few brief minutes to hear the local news.
I have begun to realize that there is a spiritual dimension to this as well. When I turn off the radio, or the TV, or seek out silence when I can get it, it is akin to letting God's presence into my life, in that small way. He is always there, but I was never able to hear Him over country, or talk radio, or whatever it was that was playing in the background. One of the things I have learned in this brief year so far is that sometimes, God speaks in what we think are the dead spots between point A and point B in the car, or the times we are sitting in our apartment without the TV on or a law book in our hands (as rare as those times are nowadays). If you're paying attention, sometimes you can really feel God's presence-it seems to have its own form of quiet reassurance, an unspoken "I'm here" that you feel when you need it the most.
This is why I am going to try and seek out more silence in my life, as a way of working toward my goals in 2007 (a stronger walk with the Lord, and better stress management). The less I have to listen to background noise, the better off I will be.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Pressing Forward
From now on, in keeping with my desire to better learn and internalize Scripture, and apply its principles to my life, I am going to start listing a few verses in these dispatches that are especially relevant to my life at the moment. So, here goes:
"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?...Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" (Matthew 6:25, 30 KJV).
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. (emphasis added)" (Proverbs 23:7 KJV)
"And he said, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV)
"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?...Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?" (Matthew 6:25, 30 KJV).
"For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee. (emphasis added)" (Proverbs 23:7 KJV)
"And he said, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV)
Newark, New Jersey
I got some great news this past week-I finished fourth overall in the Herman selection argument, which means I made one of the traveling teams. Being on a traveling team is a great honor, especially for second-year students, so I am excited, and grateful for the opportunity.
The selection argument was pretty tough-we had to argue in front of two professors, one of whom I had this past semester for Appellate Advocacy. I was struck at how the selection argument resembled an actual Supreme Court oral argument-very little time to make your own points, because the judges (or justices, if you're up before SCOTUS) are constantly asking questions. I was very fortunate to have survived this session and advanced to the traveling team-at the beginning of the year, my goal was to compete in Herman, so the fact that I was able to surpass that says volumes about God's providence and love, since I will get to visit New Jersey and New York City for the first time (and that I am proud of my accomplishment).
I will be on the Criminal Procedure team, so that means I will be headed to the Seton Hall School of Law in Newark, New Jersey in March. It's right across the river from New York City, so I will definitely want to do a little sight-seeing if we have time. I'm still not sure how exactly the competition will work-I will have to wait to hear from the Moot Court Governing Board to find out more of the details. I will probably have more about this in a later post, when the competition dates get closer, compete with pictures.
This will be a great opportunity to get experience that will serve me well as a trial lawyer. I imagine that with Criminal Procedure, this will be a chance to get more acquainted with the rules of evidence, with the quickness of trial-making motions, objections, and the like-that will be so important later on, whether I go into litigation, criminal prosecution, or another field.
Praise God for this opportunity.
The selection argument was pretty tough-we had to argue in front of two professors, one of whom I had this past semester for Appellate Advocacy. I was struck at how the selection argument resembled an actual Supreme Court oral argument-very little time to make your own points, because the judges (or justices, if you're up before SCOTUS) are constantly asking questions. I was very fortunate to have survived this session and advanced to the traveling team-at the beginning of the year, my goal was to compete in Herman, so the fact that I was able to surpass that says volumes about God's providence and love, since I will get to visit New Jersey and New York City for the first time (and that I am proud of my accomplishment).
I will be on the Criminal Procedure team, so that means I will be headed to the Seton Hall School of Law in Newark, New Jersey in March. It's right across the river from New York City, so I will definitely want to do a little sight-seeing if we have time. I'm still not sure how exactly the competition will work-I will have to wait to hear from the Moot Court Governing Board to find out more of the details. I will probably have more about this in a later post, when the competition dates get closer, compete with pictures.
This will be a great opportunity to get experience that will serve me well as a trial lawyer. I imagine that with Criminal Procedure, this will be a chance to get more acquainted with the rules of evidence, with the quickness of trial-making motions, objections, and the like-that will be so important later on, whether I go into litigation, criminal prosecution, or another field.
Praise God for this opportunity.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
L'audace, l'audace, toujours l'audace!
This will be the new theme of my search for a job this summer-boldness, boldness, in all things boldness. This was the quote of the Prussian king Frederick the Great in one of his military journals, and this is the approach I need to take to looking for a job in the new year.
Here is where I found the quote: http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=120666
Don't misunderstand me-boldness does not mean pestering potential employers, or going beyond the bounds of civility and decorum expected of members of the legal profession. But it does mean that persistence is what I need to prevail. The repeated phone calls, multiple faxing of resumes and cover letters, and increased networking opportunities is what is going to get me noticed-and this means taking an approach with more initiative and energy than ever before.
Ultimately, this is going to be the first test of my ability to argue persuasively and effectively on behalf of a cause-my own employment. And I need to be able to do the job better than the other dozen or so individuals who are likely gunning for the same job.
But there is one thing that has changed the equation. Two days ago, I felt despondent over my job search-that I wasn't hired after interviewing with several big firms through OCI (on-campus interviewing), and that while I have received at least one job offer, I am still pursuing employment in Akron and Columbus. In the midst of this, I prayed about the situation. I asked God to take over and bless my job search, that I was putting it in His hands where He chose to have me work this summer. And while I still have to work at times to keep a positive attitude, the Lord has responded. I know now that while I have to search vigorously, and leave no stone unturned, that He will lead me where I need to go.
So while I could have been bold all along in seeking out a clerkship for next summer, with each phone call, each job interview, each resume that is sent out, my attitude will be one of boldness in going forward in Him, and, ultimately, approaching His throne for the job that I need to sustain myself this summer. I am no longer being guided by my own feelings of pride, consternation, or uncertainty about the future, but by the feeling that God is going to take care of my needs before they come to pass about four months from now.
Here is where I found the quote: http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=120666
Don't misunderstand me-boldness does not mean pestering potential employers, or going beyond the bounds of civility and decorum expected of members of the legal profession. But it does mean that persistence is what I need to prevail. The repeated phone calls, multiple faxing of resumes and cover letters, and increased networking opportunities is what is going to get me noticed-and this means taking an approach with more initiative and energy than ever before.
Ultimately, this is going to be the first test of my ability to argue persuasively and effectively on behalf of a cause-my own employment. And I need to be able to do the job better than the other dozen or so individuals who are likely gunning for the same job.
But there is one thing that has changed the equation. Two days ago, I felt despondent over my job search-that I wasn't hired after interviewing with several big firms through OCI (on-campus interviewing), and that while I have received at least one job offer, I am still pursuing employment in Akron and Columbus. In the midst of this, I prayed about the situation. I asked God to take over and bless my job search, that I was putting it in His hands where He chose to have me work this summer. And while I still have to work at times to keep a positive attitude, the Lord has responded. I know now that while I have to search vigorously, and leave no stone unturned, that He will lead me where I need to go.
So while I could have been bold all along in seeking out a clerkship for next summer, with each phone call, each job interview, each resume that is sent out, my attitude will be one of boldness in going forward in Him, and, ultimately, approaching His throne for the job that I need to sustain myself this summer. I am no longer being guided by my own feelings of pride, consternation, or uncertainty about the future, but by the feeling that God is going to take care of my needs before they come to pass about four months from now.
Blackstone Deadline Reminder
For my law student friends who are applying for the Blackstone-don't forget, the deadline is January 22. Good luck-it is an amazing experience.
3 Days To Go....
Until the start of the spring semester. And also the national championship game. I have been in Columbus since Tuesday night, buying my books, making daily trips to RPAC to work out, and researching my note in time to hand in the first draft on the 16th. Thoughts on the day:
- The warm weather is absolutely amazing. It got up to 61 here today, and instead of having the usual snow and bitterly cold winds that blow through Columbus this time of year, all we have had is some light rain. It was overcast today, but when it's in the 50's and 60's in January, you can't complain at all. It's nice not having to keep the heat on all the time, too-the less I have to flip the notch on that thermostat, the cheaper my electric bill is at the end of the month.
- Bowling starts up again next Wednesday-our team is going to make the playoffs this semester, I am sure. I have been petitioning our illustrious captain, the Bee Girl, to see if we can coordinate our colors this semester, if not order shirts with our names on them. So far, no definite answer-my vote is for scarlet this week, in honor of the Buckeyes.
Every semester, I tell myself that I am going to practice, and at the same alley we bowl at for our league, but my workload and schedule prevents it. It would be even better if we could get the whole team to go. But in law school, we are all so busy that getting together for league bowling on Wednesdays is enough of a challenge. Plus, open bowling is at least $5.00 a game, and I am always trying to save my money. My goal this semester is no less than a 130 average-I am sure I will get it, come Wednesday. I am going to keep using the 12 pound ball, and with the weightlifting I am doing as a part of my diet, I am hoping to get some more power behind the ball, for more spares and strikes.
- As for RPAC, I have a feeling I am going to get very familiar with that place before the end of this summer. My goal for this year is to lose about 100 pounds (98, to be exact) and I will be spending as much time as I can there this semester. It is amazingly busy right now-I have not even been able to get a treadmill the last two days I have been there, so I have been playing basketball in the gym instead. I started out with just shooting around yesterday, and today I joined in a pickup game with a couple of other guys. I got up and down the floor, but I was clearly a couple of steps behind them-I will need to pick up the pace as the weeks pass by, and I start to take off some of the excess weight that is slowing me down.
My exercise plan involves trying to combine aerobic exercise, such as basketball, with some weightlifting. I started lifting today-nothing that strenuous, just a few arm curls, lifting the dumbbell behind my head to work the triceps, and then a few sets on the bench press. I also got in a little bit of leg lifting and work on the calf muscles, when the machines were open. I will probably hold off on more weights for the rest of the week, since I don't want to be sore when we go bowling Wednesday.
- Also, I will be heading back to New England this summer, to attend the Acton Institute conference in West Cornwall, Connecticut this August. The theme will be "Toward a Free and Virtuous Society." The details still have to be ironed out (such as whether I'll go, since I need to be accepted to receive the travel fellowship), but I am definitely looking forward to going, if it can be arranged. More on that in a later post.
- The warm weather is absolutely amazing. It got up to 61 here today, and instead of having the usual snow and bitterly cold winds that blow through Columbus this time of year, all we have had is some light rain. It was overcast today, but when it's in the 50's and 60's in January, you can't complain at all. It's nice not having to keep the heat on all the time, too-the less I have to flip the notch on that thermostat, the cheaper my electric bill is at the end of the month.
- Bowling starts up again next Wednesday-our team is going to make the playoffs this semester, I am sure. I have been petitioning our illustrious captain, the Bee Girl, to see if we can coordinate our colors this semester, if not order shirts with our names on them. So far, no definite answer-my vote is for scarlet this week, in honor of the Buckeyes.
Every semester, I tell myself that I am going to practice, and at the same alley we bowl at for our league, but my workload and schedule prevents it. It would be even better if we could get the whole team to go. But in law school, we are all so busy that getting together for league bowling on Wednesdays is enough of a challenge. Plus, open bowling is at least $5.00 a game, and I am always trying to save my money. My goal this semester is no less than a 130 average-I am sure I will get it, come Wednesday. I am going to keep using the 12 pound ball, and with the weightlifting I am doing as a part of my diet, I am hoping to get some more power behind the ball, for more spares and strikes.
- As for RPAC, I have a feeling I am going to get very familiar with that place before the end of this summer. My goal for this year is to lose about 100 pounds (98, to be exact) and I will be spending as much time as I can there this semester. It is amazingly busy right now-I have not even been able to get a treadmill the last two days I have been there, so I have been playing basketball in the gym instead. I started out with just shooting around yesterday, and today I joined in a pickup game with a couple of other guys. I got up and down the floor, but I was clearly a couple of steps behind them-I will need to pick up the pace as the weeks pass by, and I start to take off some of the excess weight that is slowing me down.
My exercise plan involves trying to combine aerobic exercise, such as basketball, with some weightlifting. I started lifting today-nothing that strenuous, just a few arm curls, lifting the dumbbell behind my head to work the triceps, and then a few sets on the bench press. I also got in a little bit of leg lifting and work on the calf muscles, when the machines were open. I will probably hold off on more weights for the rest of the week, since I don't want to be sore when we go bowling Wednesday.
- Also, I will be heading back to New England this summer, to attend the Acton Institute conference in West Cornwall, Connecticut this August. The theme will be "Toward a Free and Virtuous Society." The details still have to be ironed out (such as whether I'll go, since I need to be accepted to receive the travel fellowship), but I am definitely looking forward to going, if it can be arranged. More on that in a later post.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Brian Agonistes
I got the title of this post from my Word a Day emails-"agonistes" means someone who is involved in a struggle, which pretty much describes my life right now, in the midst of the second year of law school.
But first, the Christmas season. I had a pretty good holiday season-got interrupted by some work at school that couldn't wait, but other than that, it was a real blessing to be home with family. We went to church Christmas Eve, as usual, and the service was beautiful. My favorite part comes at the end, where the congregation sings "Silent Night" by candlelight. This, more than anything captured the Christmas season for me-it's not about a break from exams or presents or any of the other distractions of this world, but the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord.
New Year's was fun also-I went to see "Night at the Museum" with my mom and dad (which wasn't a bad movie-I like anything with a history theme and featuring my favorite president, Teddy Roosevelt), then came home and watched the ball drop at midnight. Overall, I had a few days off around New Year's before coming back to Columbus Tuesday night.
So what lies ahead this semester? Writing my note for the Ohio State Law Journal, finding a job for the summer, the Legislation Clinic (where I go work at the Statehouse and see the inner workings of the Ohio General Assembly-more in a later post), and oh yeah, 13 credits' worth of classes and a work-study job. I move forward into 2007 prayerful and with a good attitude-I believe that good days lie ahead, come what may.
But first, the Christmas season. I had a pretty good holiday season-got interrupted by some work at school that couldn't wait, but other than that, it was a real blessing to be home with family. We went to church Christmas Eve, as usual, and the service was beautiful. My favorite part comes at the end, where the congregation sings "Silent Night" by candlelight. This, more than anything captured the Christmas season for me-it's not about a break from exams or presents or any of the other distractions of this world, but the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord.
New Year's was fun also-I went to see "Night at the Museum" with my mom and dad (which wasn't a bad movie-I like anything with a history theme and featuring my favorite president, Teddy Roosevelt), then came home and watched the ball drop at midnight. Overall, I had a few days off around New Year's before coming back to Columbus Tuesday night.
So what lies ahead this semester? Writing my note for the Ohio State Law Journal, finding a job for the summer, the Legislation Clinic (where I go work at the Statehouse and see the inner workings of the Ohio General Assembly-more in a later post), and oh yeah, 13 credits' worth of classes and a work-study job. I move forward into 2007 prayerful and with a good attitude-I believe that good days lie ahead, come what may.
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