What I (Arkan)saw on my visit

Apparently I saw horribly tortured puns. But I saw some other things, too.



This is a photo I took of myself after playing tennis with Lloyd. Although I feel like I'm very good at dealing with extreme heat, I have lost the ability to combat humidity. And it was quite humid even though it wasn't all that hot. Additionally, the AC in Karl and Lloyd's apartment broke toward the end of the visit. Thankfully, a thunderstorm made the last night much cooler. Lloyd and I actually sat outside on the deck and watched television through the window in order to stay cool. Laziness and trying to be comfortable: the mother of invention.



This photo is a cautionary tale about the dangers of sandals. Kat always bothers me about not wearing sandals regardless of the weather. I wear shoes because I am afraid that if someone in front of me for some reason doesn't continue walking forward, I will snap off a toenail.

Note: The person who didn't walk forward in this particular instance was me. If I had not been wearing shoes and had instead been wearing sandals, Lloyd probably would still have a full left big toenail.

This is not a very good photo by me, however, Lloyd and I accidentally got in trouble for using flash photography at the Clinton Library, so obviously no flash was used here. While it is good to see Lloyd, this photo is more about the Arkansas skyline. We had a good time downtown at the concerts during Riverfest. Huey Lewis and the News can still bring it, even though they all are collecting Social Security.

This is me hanging out at the replica Oval Office. I wasn't a big fan of the upholstery choice on the couches. Lloyd and I also saw the traveling exhibit of the miniature White House, which was quite impressive. I told him about the time I went to a press briefing in the West Wing's media room. The actual room at that time (I believe it has since been expanded) was not much larger than the model.

I enjoyed the Library and in general had an excellent time on my trip. Lloyd and Karl were gracious hosts. Thanks to them both.

I leave this Sunday for Yuma. I'm going to continue to blog right here on the Boom. I'm excited to see what actual legal work is like, so I'll let you know what is going on.

So keep it real, just not too real.

Pain Pain Pain

Because someone else dared me, I have been growing a moustache throughout final exams. I know this is a bad idea, but for some reason I haven't shaved it off. I guess at this point, everyone has seen how ridiculous I am, so I'm just trying to "own it" as the kids say.

Here is more photographic proof of how pathetic I am.


As for exams this semester, they have been some of the worst experiences of my life. I am excited that my first year is almost done - never again will they deride me by cackling "1L!" - but it has been quite painful in stretches. I don't know if it will get better or if it is supposed to, but many times this year, and especially the past two weeks, I have felt nauseous, in over my head or just plain disturbed.

(Note: The same reason why you shouldn't go to the grocery store when you are hungry applies to blogging while in the midst of law school exams. Everything comes out sounding worse.)

Anyway, I've taken to calling the exam periods "The Ordeal." The only good news is The Ordeal ends at noon Friday. I have actually enjoyed law school, and I can say with certainty that this exam period has been the worst part of a good first year. Every single exam has been an exercise in futility, fickleness and "f--- this!".

Some people encourage students to journal while in law school, but I didn't take the advice. I wrote down some dull drivel at one point in the first semester, but I haven't done any otherwise. I prefer ranting on my blog with a readership in the single digits. I think it might be cathartic and I'm reaching for catharsis wherever I can get it.

Sometime in the future the grades will come out, but at this point I'm not even worried about that. I just want what I've been through to end. I'm just ready for a break.

Reader Poll: When I return to Yuma for the (gulp) summer (another large gulp) should I blog on Tucsonic Boom or return to The Yumanity. I could go either way and appreciate any input. However, if no one wants to talk to me because of my foul mood (Kat gave up a week or so ago), I understand.

I'm excited about my job because I like researching and writing about the law. I just don't much enjoy the stresses of exams. I'll be back to normal soon - ranting about the NBA or some such thing.

But for now, I'm just trying to make it to the weekend. Thanks for your thoughts.