Oh Atlanta, hear me calling.

The other day, Bad Company popped up on my iTunes shuffle while I was working away on my Evidence outline. For some reason, BC songs have always made my mind drift to one thing.... Summer.

In terms of yearly seasons, Summer is and will always be my absolute favorite. In the second and equally as important category of seasons, football is #1. Duh.

Ah yes, SUMMER and all its glory. 

Being tan, skipping school, spending time with family and friends, going to weddings (Mr. Gray? Um yes, um, the answer would be..wedding season! Sorry had to.) spending time by any large body of water, celebrating my favorite holiday, basking in the warm weather, not wearing shoes, lying in hammocks, fishing...I could seriously go on and on.

Anywayyyys, while working on Evidence, I decide to put on my summer playlist. 

A randommmm mix of country, southern rock, oldie goldies, and even some jam band lovin..ha!

And that, once again, caused me to daydream a little more...oops ;)

Annnnnnndddd then I got to thinkin' 'bout.....starting my NEW summer job!

Why yes, I am going somewhere with this post. Whew!

Right before Christmas break, I applied for a job with Emory's Child Advocacy Center. In January, I found out I made it through the initial application process and got to interview with some awesome organizations and courts in the ATL. At the end of January, I sent them my preference and crossed my fingers...and pray-pray-prayyyyed.

And well,, a couple weeks ago I was given an offer to work this summer under the in-house counsel at Georgia CASA! Eek!

I couldn't be more excited to be working in CASA headquarters under some amazing attorneys that really care about children! I will be doing research, writing, and even teaching at different CASA branches. Additionally, I will get to work with some legislators in redrafting child laws and policies under OCGA. Woop!

Sure feels good to be putting this ole (almost) law degree to use..and towards something I really care about!

It is going to be an adventure for sure, and I am just so extremely blessed! I will miss home and the SSF for sure, but I am just READY to start this amazing opportunity. 

I just wanted to update y'all! Sorry for putting it off a little, I just wanted to wait til the right time.

I guess you can thank Bad Company for that. ;)

Thanks for reading!

LF

Weekend Roundup.

Hey y'all!

I hope everyone is having good weekends!

It's been a great one here! Lots of activities packed in.

Friday night, one of my best friends from home was supposed to visit, but she got sick. Sad :(

 But it was still a good time! I just ended up grabbing some Mexican with some friends and then, always up for a random adventure, I traveled with them to a sketchy Macon pool hall, ha!  It was a fun time though- lots of people watching, lots of pool playing... and I only had to wash my hair 124013 times when I got home to get the cig smell out!

Saturday morning, I woke up early to workout and do this to Hannah's door! 

She is one of my bff's here at school, lives directly across the hall, and turned 24 over night! 

And since I love birthdays, I just had to go sorority girl on it.

Then, a group of us from small group ventured downtown to serve lunch to some homeless people and hand out clothing! It was a beautiful day to be outside.

Han and Ellie, showing how the pros make slaw. ;)

Then it was time for a little schoolwork by the open window (boring!)

annnddd then Barrister's Ball aka Law Prom! (fun!)

My camera really struggles indoors, but I thought this was cute enough!

Love these sweet ladies!

Law prom was great of course- lots of rug cuttin' and fun!

Today has been equally gorgeous! 

About to go on a walk with Han, some more studying, cleaning, and then we are headed to a friend's house for an Oscar's party!

 Homemade pizza...Oscar's bingo..and lemonade in champagne flutes!

Love y'all! Thanks for reading these crazy rambles!

Lizanne

Praise the Lord.

Sing to the Lord a new song,

His praise in the assembly of his faithful people!

Let them praise His name with dancing...

Psalm 149:1-3

Happiness is...

78 and Sunny!

Finally figuring out the "shuffle" function on Pandora 

-- only thanks to my boyfran who left it that way after his visit because I wouldn't have figured it out.

Eric Church, Lady A, Seabird, Steep Canyon Rangers, Needtobreathe, Avett Bros, Little Feat? 

Doesn't get any better! Thank you lone boy reader! ;)

Skyping with the precious, beautiful Lauren earlier this week!

She is one of my bfffffs from Clemtown who now lives in Oxford and is studying how to be the best bioengineering smarty pants ever

She is currently studying data to help people with CP

Yes, she is a big deal...

I just adore skyping on my midday break while she's getting ready for bed!

50 cents flowers!

Having ANOTHER weekend visitor get into town tomorrow!

So pumped for this!

It's almost Friday! How are y'all doing?

Love you mean it-

Lizanne

My Weekend Visitor.

This past weekend, my favorite weekend visitor came to hang out!

I won't go into much detail because our weekend mainly consisted of us:

Fixing up places in my apartment.
Ok ok, so this was mainly him, with me as the assistant (aka supervisor), of course.

Going to Walmart for supplies for such fixings. 
He talked me through it; I did just fine!

Making breakfast 
Once again him, because he makes it best.
I must also point out that he insisted on trying out my two new oven mitts despite my challenge of the necessity of such.

Having a big group over for dinner and a game.
In a crazy game of Taboo, Team A (the "Alpha Males") lost to Team B ("the Broads") by ELEVEN points.
They gave us a bottle of Dawn as our prize.

Watching loads of King of Queens Series DVDs 
Boyfriend points +++++
For one, buying me the whole series on DVD for Christmas
And two, watching it for hours with me on the couch while I cackle the whole time



Learning more about Jesus and his grace at IBC
"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you should go bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another" John 15:16-17

Skyping with the cutest baby on the planet. 
With her making owl and elephant noises and being the cutest baby ever.
And with me not being able to figure out how to fit my whole head on the screen correctly.

annnnd... making and eating more food. 
Doreen was in FULL action this weekend, onion goggles and all.

Check out the recipes if you'd like:
White Chicken Chili, 7up Biscuits, Peanut Butter Pie, Mushroom Risotto, Pork Tenderloin

It was really great!

How was your weekend?

Off to run 7305 miles!
Lizanne

The one where I talk about Valentine's Day.

Hey, people!

I hope you each had a great love day!

I will admit I am not really big on Valentine's Day.

Meaning, I don't personally participate.

Meaning, I am a weirdo and don't like chocolates or the color red or roses or really any flowers or items that I know are expensive and bought specifically for a certain day of the year.

 Meaning, I am much more a vanilla and shades of orange and a hook me up with some wildflowers you saw on your drive over here on a random Wednesday kinda gal.

Sorry...

However! I am not going to sit outside Hallmark and protest either!

To each his own, man.

Yesterday was a fun day though!
And if you're willing to move past my confessed lack of Valentine's Day celebration and unconventional objects of affection, I'd be much obliged to tell ya bout it.

1. While in court, I witnessed the bailiffs give candy to the little kids in there with their mamas.
My love for sweet, precious, old men bailiffs ++++++++

2. Five minutes before Stat, a guy on my row was given a singing Valentine gram..
It wasn't even for me and I felt the embarrassment of getting a valentine gram in front of 80 people!
I hid under my scarf and then awkwardly mumbled, "You go Glen Coco!" to my friend seated next to me.


Please tell me you love Mean Girls!

3. We started our divorce unit in Domestic relations.
And the point goes toooooo -----> the Valentine's haters.
Nothing like a little law school to bring you back to reality. ;)

4.  I got home from a LONG day to find a package from my sweet Mama P!
She sent me a wooden block for my desk that says, "You are loved."
Snail mail from her is the best. :)

5. My sweet friends and I cooked shrimp pasta and split a bottle o' vino.
We laughed and dubbed the night as our "Galentine's Day" celebration.



Love me some Parks & Rec! Click here if the video doesn't work.

I hope you all had great days yesterday! Whether it was indulging in those chocolates or sitting outside Hallmark.

I sure love ya-
Lizanne

Ps- If I were to pick a Valentine, it'd be this fella:

(He likes orange, too.)

Happy Monday!

Obsessed with this as of yet.

Feel the chains fall away, feel the heaviness fall away...because Jesus REIGNS!

Turn it up!!
My heart, O God, is steadfast.
My heart is steadfast,
I will sing and make music.
Awake my soul!
I will awaken the dawn
I will praise you Lord among the nations
I will sing of hope among the peoples
For great is your love reaching to the heavens
your faithfulness stretches to the skies
Be exalted O God above the heavens
let your glory be all over the earth
Psalm 57:7-11

Be encouraged today, lovas-

Lizanne

Sunday Morning.

This is what it looked like :)

Sooo thankful for Newspring live!


"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

Ya learn something new everyday...

Hey y'all!

 I have been learning lots of new stuff these past few weeks.

Among those things, ahem: how to determine relevancy of evidence by weighing its probative value and prejudicial harm, which elements are needed for establishing a prima facie case of sex discrimination under Title VII, and how to interpret a statute using legislative history...

But I mean who wants to really talk about that?

Great!

So glad we could be in agreement and that's been covered.

Next item of bidness...

When I am not reading for all my classes or at court, I am reading blogs and perusing pinterest. They have both provided my mostly boring life with some fun, exciting tidbits of "how to". Liiiiiike:

I will preface this list by saying to some, this will be quite boring. Just skip. No harm no foul!

1. How to make perfect iced coffee.
Pictured above is my large tumbler that I carry to and fro' to school and work everyday. (Go Tigers)
I almost forgot to take a picture til I was half-way through with the wonderful deliciousness that is iced coffee.
It's extra delicious when you can make a big batch for the week and it's way less than $3 a cup, wahooo!

2. How to bake a potato in the microwave.
Are y'all now laughing like my boyfriend did when I texted him?
"A!!! I learned how to make a SINGLE baked potato in the microwave! My life has been forever changed!"
But seriously y'all, I know potatoes aren't the best thing for you, but when you are having a busy day and live alone and are sick of eating cereal/PB&J...that baked potato is the b-o-m-b.

3.  How to organize all those scarves.

I layered two hangers so that they could be on display/not crumbled in a plastic bin on top shelf.

Perfection for both my small closet and my OCD heart.
(ps- this can be done with tights/leggings, too!)

4. How to clean a laptop screen.
Using a coffee filter!
This comes in sooo handy as I always feel like my screen is a mess!
(the link has a ton of cleaning ideas)

5. How to download pantry labels and put 'em to use.

Once again, my OCD tendencies are so happy!

What projects have y'all be working on?

Love ya mean it-
Lizanne

Campus Club Lovin'

Hey y'all!

The one on the right looks like one of the cuties I hung out with today.

The one on the left is me at Zumba. ;)

Whew, this has been a crazy-busy week!

I've been spending a lot of time in juvenile court.. in class.. reading a lot, etc etc.

But, also something exciting happened this week!

I got a call from a friend in my class who worked for Teach for America before coming to law school. We spoke a lot before about how we were both interested in working in areas of the law involving children and educational issues. He called to ask if I would be willing to help him start an Education Law Society at our sweet little school.

Of course I told him I would  help in any way he needed, and we, along with four other friends, met on Tuesday to put together some bylaws, etc. Then we went in front of SBA yesterday and got approved, wahoo!

A main aspect of EdLaw is to reach out to youth in the Macon community. One of the ways we are doing this is through a program down the road called Campus Clubs, a place for local school children to go after school for homework help, mentoring, Bible study, and more. These children come from rough parts of town and most likely do not get this kind of help at home (mom is working or noone to help them/be consistent).

We went after school today to turn in our application, get a tour, and set a time we could come once a week.

Y'all, our little visit just made my WEEK!

The place is sooo nice (I was thinking an old gym split with dividers- but no it's a legit facility with classrooms, labs, and a gym), the directors are the sweetest, most incredible ladies, and then..the kids! Oh my gracious. Honestly, this was so refreshing and a huge blessing. Being in law school with grumpy grownups gets old! 

The cutie little darlings just ran up to us with hugs, play time, and lots of fun conversation. Love loved it.

I am so looking forward to my Thursdays from 5-6:15! :)

How are your weeks going??

Thanks for reading-

LF

I do my Sunday dreaming...every hour, every day.

It's 76 and sunny here today!

Here's some good jams for your Sunday drive with your beau.

Or um, your Sunday study by your lonesome..whatever! :)

Chris Young- You
Needtobreathe- White Fences
Avett Brothers- Kick Drum Heart
Lady A- Something 'Bout a Woman
ZBB- Settle Me Down
Bad Company- Shooting Star
The Temptations- The Girl's Alright with Me
Pistol Annies- Lemon Drop
Coldplay and Rhianna- Princess of China
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons- Let's Hang On
Eric Church- Springsteen
M.Tuck- Take the Highway
Dave Barnes- Mine to Love
Little Feat- Dixie Chicken
The Civil Wars- I've Got This Friend
Adele- One and Only
DMB- Dreamgirl
Tim McGraw- Where the Green Grass Grows
Chairmen of the Board- Give Me Just a Little More Time
ABB- Blue Sky
Etta James- Sunday Kind of Love

And lastly,

Yes, I went there. Forever love those mulleted men.

Commercials & Confections.

Happy weekend y'all!

Last night, I visited with some fun friends in Atlanta!

It was a much needed get-away and I loved spending the awesome quality time with Ali, Ans, and Caroline!

Oh, and I may or may not have gotten a Krispy Kreme milkshake from this amazing place.

No judging on this blog, remember? ;)

Besides, that confession was just to get you warmed up for the rest of this post.

Tonight, my friend Ellie is having a dinner party!

I am bringing this spinach-artichoke dip (sub greek yogurt for mayo, blek) 
and a biiiig, colorful salad with homemade dressing and croutons.

Homemade croutons are my new favorite thing. 

I never liked them...til I made them.

 Oh, the wonders of experimental cooking! 

Bread, olive oil, garlic, parsley...

My life is forever changed!

Then tomorrow is the Super Bowl!

I am not a big fan of pro football, so the super bowl is really only exciting to me for a few reasons:

1. Getting together with friends

2. Making (and eating) treats

3. Funny commercials

I will be filling my monogrammed picnic basket to take to my friends' with:

These quesadillas, some of this delicious dip with yummy flax chips, and these sweet treats.

Whew, I am full already!

Snackers heaven all weekend = 3 miles Monday morning. :)

What have y'all been cooking up lately?

Hope y'all are having great ones!!

Lizanne

It's almost Friday!

Love you all :)

Pssst get on gchat.

Happy February!

Funny video for y'all today.

There have been a ton of "'stuff' girls say" videos going around on youtube.

This one had me cry laughing.

Along the same lines, this one was emailed to me last night and is my new favorite:

Ugh, why wasn't I just a housewife?

Laughing out loud at this video and myself -- know my law gals will appreciate at least!

Hope you each have GREAT days!! 

Lizanne