Tuesday Thoughts. A List.

Hey everyone!

Hope your weeks are going well!

Here's some random updates from my second "real" week of summer.

I promise to start blogging more regularly now that I'm back and settled in!

I hope everyone had a great Memorial day and remembered what it was all about!

This makes me cry.

2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Speaking of cry...

This movie was amaaaaziiiiiing.
Watched with my fam tonight and I was a complete mess!


It is going in the "Whyyyy do I watch this when it just tortures me?" category.

Along with Shawshank.


And of course, The Green Mile. Oh my word.


I don't think I'll ever dabble in criminal law. I get too mad at the sleezy ones who get off; and WAY TOO SAD when people are falsely accused.

I'm weird.

And need to go to bed now before I get even more 'riled up.

Lots of lovin'
Liza

This Kind of Love. The Lanford's Wedding.

Hey, people!

This past weekend I was in one of my best friend's wedding!

And ooohhhhh what a BEAUTIFUL bride she was!

Me in the bridal room: "Ok Maddi, turn to side, hide down! Work it!!!"

Freshman year hallmates...feels like just yesterday we were watching Steel Magnolias and talking about this "new guy" at work. I am so blessed to be your friend!

Raise your hand if you think Madison is gorgeous!

Both hands. Jazz hands.

Raise your hand if you think Madison had an extremely good looking bridal party!

Duh. Especially in those JCrew dresses!

Everything was SO beautiful.

The bride. The ceremony. The chapel. The weather. The music.

It was a great time spent it with sweet friends.

Annnnd I got to have my handsome fella as my date!

I was so excited, thankful, thrilled to be able to be a part of such a beautiful day of worshipping Jesus and celebrating Madison and Adam's new life together!

Here's to my favorite new newlyweds!

Love y'all!

Lizanne



Oh, Hey. It's Officially Summer!

Y'all! Have I really been away for two whole weeks?

Oh my gracious so many updates and life happenings!

Can't wait to start blogging as a tan summer-breaker and soon-to-be 2L.

Woop.

Here we go!

Since May 10th, 2011 I have:

Made a trip to Clemson to stay 16 hours to celebrate SA's commissioning into the Air Force and graduation from the best University on the planet.

Super proud of him!

Took my last exam as a baby 1L.

Amazing. Feeling.

Celebrated with Section 5 loves with some dinner and downtown fun.

 Woke up the next morning at 6 in a law school-induced panic followed by a sweet, sweeeeet sigh of relief and another hour of slumber.

Kind of like when you wake up on a Saturday man this feels good feeling.. but times a gagillion.

Lie awake at 7 on a Saturday because I knew in a few short hours I would be heading to sunny Florida for family vacation!

Headed to Florida with SA and met up with my parents to take the best vacation yet!

The sun. The water. The reggae. The exploration and fun adventures. The people that make me happiest.

...The all-you-can-eat ice cream.

Paradise.

Just this week I have:

Moved apartments in Macon.

It's adorable. will post pics...after it's decorated of course!

Moved back home to SC and swore up and down I would not purchase any clothes and/or shoes this summer.

Since I was sweating like a you-know-what in church while moving in my whole summer closet.

Got online and drooled over this dress at JCrew. I mean, what's one more..right?

Don't answer that.

Reminded myself I already have a navy shift dress, I don't have 2 ben franks hanging around, and I shouldn't buy a dress from a store that pairs such a beauty with wrap up gladiators that shorten your legs in the first place.

I have issues.

But you knew that.

Moving on.

I've also:

Started my fifth year working full-time at my sweet little firm.

Adore it. Can't wait to fill you all in on the great stories.

Visited with my lovely hometown friends!

Including Miss SB who is teaching here during the month of May! Woohoo!

Woke up in law school-induced panics and yet again, sighing in relief that 1L is over, I am alive, Jesus is faithful (amen amen amen), I am tan, and it is summer! :)

Channeled the domestic diva by getting back to cooking and baking.

Ah, the smell of olive oil butter melting in a pan and the feeling of knowing I can take my time in the kitchen without hurrying to my 3 hours of reading. Love it!

Loved (and loving) me some fun new summer music.

It won't let me embed the video, so go here to see/listen to my current fave!

Prepared for Miss Maddi's wedding in 3 days hoorayyy!

I'll check in with everyone super soon!

Lots of love-

Lizanne

Colossians 2:2

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.

Summer Loves. Thoughts On the Upcoming Season.

Hey y'all!

Two more days of 1L, wahoo!

Is it Summer yet?

(Eleanor, Natalie, Monica, and myself...in our study group dreams)

Oh I can here my sweet dad now, "Don't wish away your life, girl!"

But this year has felt like two...

so I'm bound to have a little leg room to wish for my favorite season..

...right?

Oh summer, I just love how you include:

Working at the best job in the world!

I cannot wait to be back at the small-town firm I've worked for since my freshman year at Clemson.

I love everything about it!

The girls I work with are wonderful, and my bosses are the best.

Plus, I come home everyday with (at least) one hilarious story.

Especially from the family law clients. :)

Spending time with my CLT small group girls!

And visiting Steph in Charleston!

Celebrating the best holiday!

Baking lots of things...with ice cream in them!

Jumbo brownie ice cream sandwich?

Sure, I'll make it.

And of course Southern Living's peach cobbler with some Blue Bell!

Playing with my sweet pup!

Ok ok I don't really have a dog.

But if I had one, that'd be it.

And we'd do summery things.

Reading my favorite book!

And other books..for leisure :)

 

Spending nights on the screen porch!

Starting my official hill watch countdown!

The good stuff starts at 3:00

3:58 RIP Gaines!

5:25 Thunder

7:00 Lightning

115 days til my Tigers open up against Troy.

I'm ready!

Wishing my summer salary could pay for all my wants!

Oh my. Oh myyyy. Heart attack.

Monogrammed brown cowboy boots.

Are those real life?

My feet/skinny jeans/sundresses want.

They want badly.

I can dream!

The 5-year-old Justins are just going to have to keep holding on.

I can't wait to get started!

But confession, I spent a little bit of time testing out summer today on my lunch break.

It pays to have study group friends who live in expensive, gated, fancy north Macon apartments where you can study Ethics and Professionalism poolside.

Wait, is that contradictory?

Oh well it happened.

Just a few more days!

Lizanne

But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.

2 Corinthians 2:14

Some Saturday Morning Confessions.

Good morning people!

I hope everyone is enjoying their beautiful Saturday so far!

I have some confessions for y'all today.

I finished the two hardest exams of my life last week, and I'm feeling liberated.

I'm pretty much done with 1L except for a few "little" exams next week.

This morning, I am feeling the aftermath of being physically and mentally exhausted.

With that being said:

1. I had two chocolate chip cookies and a big mug of pumpkin coffee for breakfast this morning when I finally decided to get up at 9:15.

2. I blared Hillsong Pandora while I read my Bible and reflected on our Lord's faithfulness.

"For in him we live and move and have our being"

Sing praises to God, sing praises;

sing praises to our King, sing praises!  ps. 47:6

3. I have made no plans whatsoever to workout today.

I'll probably go for a run.

Then take a shower? Yes.

Fix my hair? Debateable.

4. I am one of the dorkiest people alive. This confession is two-fold.

First, I must tell you: when I first got to law school, I felt the need to be less "teacher-y" (in my khakis, danskos, and finger-paint stained button up) and more "professional".

I mean, I was in professional (NOT grad) school, right?

I busted out the legal pads and the expensive rollyball black pens.

I synced my Google calendar with my class schedule and study session times onto my Blackberry.

.....and cringed when I saw there wasn't much time for anything else after I got it all typed in.

I began using OneNote on my new laptop. (If you don't have OneNote, oh my..).

Yet, when I realized all that was involved that awful ConLaw exam yesterday, I knew my technology and 80-page outline wasn't going to get the job done.

I had 50 cases (exact dates, majority and dissent justices and opinions, quotes, facts, etc) as well as a whole other heap-ton to memorize.

So secondly, I knew it was time to revert back to ...the SPED route.
(minus the not-so-flattering Khakis)

I made 150 flashcards (written in red marker, which helps memorization).

And I included pictures that would help me memorize certain facts.
Take Green v. School Board for instance.

Just so happens the GB pack took home the superbowl championship in 1968.

When was the majority decision made in Green?

1968.

Baby.

(I like football, ok?)

Lastly, I busted out the fat crayolas in order to help myself visualize the big picture of how the Supreme Court has interpreted Constitutional issue cases since 1798.

Are you judging me yet?

Either way, the exam is over and it's the best feeling ever!

Glad the teaching skills could come into play.

5. It's Derby Day!

(Hi Emma!)
I think I'll spend a little time today with one of my favorite Kentuckians while outlining Sales.

6. Ok last thing (maybe) about school: My study group is the best ever.
Really don't know how I would've survived without them and am excited to celebrate with them in just a few days!
Since all 4 of us have the tendency to hit the road at any given moment (mainly to get away from school go see our bfs/gfs) we came up with a fun slogan and t-shirt idea:

[Supposed to be funny, y'all]

7. I'm ready to be done with 1L!
It will be nice to spend the summer away from all the books...and the law school Penelopes:

[Once again, meant to be funny, people.]

8. I am ready to go on a cruise with my fam and my fella!

I miss my tan! And being near water!

I miss my fam! And my fella!

Aaahh....see you in 7 days beautiful.

9. Chickfila is on the non-agenda agenda today.

Raise your hand if you love the Cathy's!

Look at all that lovin' mmhmmm.

10. I'm done for now.

Bless your hearts for making it all this way!

Thanks for all the lovin', prayers, and support!

It really means the world!!

Love to each of you!!

Lizanne

[Thanks Google for all the pics]

Gotta Get Down on Friday.

 

One:

"Remember this and stand firm,

recall it to mind, you transgressors,

remember the former things of old;

for I am God, and there is no other;

I am God, and there is none like me,

declaring the end from the beginning

and from ancient times things not yet done,

saying, 'My counsel shall stand,

and I will accomplish all my purpose,'

calling a bird of prey from the east,

the man of my counsel from a far country.

I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass;

I have purposed, and I will do it.

Isaiah 46:8-11

Two:

Conlaw exam from 2-6

Hoping to go Sandra on 'em.
Tomboy turned lawyer?
Turned (always well accessorized)SCOTUS Justice?
 Yes ma'am.
Let's show that privilege and immunities clause who's boss.

Three:

Law school crushes!!

Can't wait for this tonight with the girls.
After 1-day-late 'ritas, of course.
Need some brainless entertainment.
Can't believe I'll be paying $10 to watch a chickflick.
But I can't wait. :)

Thanks for reading all about today's breaking news!
I know you're leaving feeling exhilarated. :)

Love y'all-

LA

Good Morning! Some Hillsong Love.

America! My Thoughts on Last Night's Events.

Hey y'all! I waited til today to post this because I wanted to find a good picture.

Thought this was the best pick :)

Warning: this post has absolutely nothing to do with law school. And I like it that way! But just a head's up if you're here for more than a pointless ramble from a study-crazed person.

“Tonight I can report to the American people and to the world, that the United States has conducted an operation that has killed Osama bin Laden — the leader of al-Qaeda and a terrorist who is responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children.”–President Barack Obama.

So I have been studying the U.S. Constitution all day (ok, after church from 1 til 9 with a few breaks in between) and I get a text from a school friend: "Osama is dead!"

What?

I dug my way out of my papers, flashcards, and highlighters; ran into my living room; turned the TV to Fox News (yes, I am a red-blooded Conservative. yeehaw.); and I sat and watched one of the most historical announcements of my fresh 23 years of life.

First, just a quick assertion and FYI: I would not consider myself a "cryer." I just don't like it. No, there's nothing wrong with crying, it's healthy and normal; I'm just a weirdo and don't like to participate. However, there are two situations that are guaranteed to bring tears to my eyes.

Ahem..

1. I am in church and the Holy Spirit shows up. (coughcough all the time)

2. I am any where and there is the right mix of red/white/blue, star spangled banner, old glory, servicemen, servicemen and families (oh my. mercy.), the famous lee greenwood one-hit-wonder, fireworks, the army goes rolling along, old veterans (esp. WWII in their little black caps ahhh), and/or the 4th of July.

Meaning: Jesus and America? I'm done for.

Call me a softy.

I've made peace with it.

The end amen.

ANYWAYS! I am sitting on my couch, by myself, in my nike shorts, with my reading glasses on, and my wavy unfixed hair in a heap of a mess on top of my head...(very teary) eyes glued to the TV. (lovely image, I know)

I felt....weird.

My heart was sooooooo full of happiness: justice had been served! America! Got 'em! I was beaming with pride for America and the troops that sacrifice SO much to ensure our freedom. I wanted to run and hug them and yell something awkward like, "You rock!" I wanted to cheer and shout! I wanted to dance I danced around to some Miley Cyrus!

Yet, honestly, y'all...I was a little sad.

A life lost without salvation.

Dern!

It's the Jesus and America mix. I'm telling you. My circulatory/nervous/whatever else kind of systems (Going to be a lawyer, not a doc, ok?) can't handle it!

Tears!

So glad nobody was around! Haha. :)

Don't get me wrong, I am EXCITED that the world's leading terrorist is dead. I am! I am excited for the life that will be given to others through this beheading of the terrorist regime. I'm excited for a victory for our servicemen who risk their lives daily and the morale this will boost. Yet, I don't feel right celebrating the death of someone so lost from God.

And among the 10 million thoughts running around in my little brain last night, this one came to mind:

"Among all this excitement and cheer, there are still people who don't really know Jesus and his love and peace. There are people hurting."

So...I prayed. I prayed that even here at school, in the middle of one of the craziest, most stressful weeks of my life (wish I was exaggerating) that God would use me to help hurting people. That he would open doors. That I would step away from studying, for at least a little, and focus on what really matters.

Whew!

I'd better get back to the books now! Thanks for your prayers, love, and support!!

Don't worry, I fixed my hair today-

Lizanne

Hebrews 12:1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.