For awhile now, I've been cursed with a temporary case of writer's block. Everything I typed was pointless and utter crap. I had nothing new to say I suppose and the last thing anyone wanted to hear about was pumpkin spice lattes, Halloween costumes, or that Hobby Lobby already has their Christmas stuff up and ready to go. *sigh* It's truly the most wonderful time of the year. And at the same time, it's the most miserable time of the year. But I will let you in on a little secret - it's really not that bad.
This is the time of year law students dread. We dread the looming finals, the deadline for papers, the hours upon hours of study time, outlining, memorizing, and to top it all off, juggling all that with holiday time with the family. By all intensive purposes, we are (or should be) miserable. And our appearance shows it.
Sweatpants become an almost daily occurrence. Our greasy hair gets a shot of dry shampoo (if we're lucky) and a messy bun emerges. Makeup make or may not be worn. Slip on shoes become our best friends. Our study carrels overflow with paper and books and outlines. Our free WestlawNext highlighters run dry. Everywhere you look, there are at least three people drinking coffee. Lots of coffee. Sweatshirts, scarves, shawls, blankets, anything that can double as a pillow are brought to class and the carrels. We seriously consider bringing actual pillows. If we're not at our carrels, we've nested at our desk at home or Starbucks or Java Break. Our workout routines either become non-existent or intensify with the stress level. And we will eat anything that's put in front of us because chances are, we forgot to eat two meals ago. Or we continuously snack, hence the necessary workouts.
Now, keeping that image in mind, I absolutely LOVE this time of year. For me, there is nothing better than having things to do. It means more "to do" lists. It means I constantly need to be somewhere, doing something, listening to someone, writing, reading - working. Rushing all over campus. Justifying a coffee shop trip for my Digital Works readings between classes. Wearing heels that click when I trot on the tile. Throwing on the traffic court robes and making out like I'm a real judge. Practically running out of class to get to work on time. I suppose it makes me feel important, to constantly need to be
somewhere.
And all that work means I can justify sitting here, listening to Jump (For My Love) by the Pointer Sisters, and write a blog for you, my readers. And after this, I'm hitting the treadmill to complete what I'm told is a REALLY less intense version of some sort of military workout. Which means I won't be running (walking/jogging) 3 miles in under a half hour and no push-ups. And after all that, however long all that may be, I'm going to sit at my desk and work on my tax outline. Or memorize evidence rules.
But the point is, while we law students complain and are completely miserable at this time of year, if you think about it - I think we actually kind of like it. It's a rush that is unlike any other. And the relief after turning in that Open Memo (1Ls), completing that final Trial Ad trial, or just finishing an outline you thought would never get done - that's actually pretty gratifying. Or maybe it's just me. Which is entirely possible.
