Today I’m going to Olympus Spa in Lynnwood with Brigitte for my birthday. You get in free on your birthday, but they are closed on Sundays, so I’m hoping I can get in free today. I spent yesterday with my family, and then relaxing and taking phone calls from the family who is too far to visit. I got an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins which was really good, and Charlie sang me Happy Birthday all by himself (I got it on video!).
I’m going to do a Mock Trial competition on February 27th, which I’m looking foward to. I enjoy doing it and I hope I can learn more about evidence while doing it. Evidence seems to be the most important class I’m taking.
Erik and I have been putting pu Elfa shelves in his office and our bedroom. This is a project we work on every January/February because the Container Store has a 30% off every January. The bedroom looks particularly nice. We ordered a recliner for Erik for his office which is supposed to arrive at the beginning of March.
Yes, I know all I talk about is law school and how hard it is. Here’s another whine. I have a Torts final tomorrow!! That has been my worst class so far. I’m in the process of making a list of things to write down on my scratch paper the minute the test starts. I practice writing it over and over and then once I write it down during the final I can use it, like an open book, as I take the test. That does not seem like something a brilliant person would do as far as I’m concerned. But it’s what I do. 
A week from today my sister and nephew leave Iowa for Seattle! Unbelievable!
After classes today I only have three more days of classes until the first year is over. I start finals on May 5th and then they end on May 15th. On the 17th, a Saturday, Erik and I then go on vacation to the Oregon house (in Depot Bay) we went to last time, “Whale Vista.” I can’t wait to go, it’s going to be so nice. I will be excited to get home after that because Sherry and Charlie are moving back while we are in Oregon, so they will be in Seattle when we get back. This summer I’m not going to take any classes, so it will be a nice relaxing summer!
After talking with my husband, I’m not as sure about consulate work as I once was. It still is very alluring, but I am trying to figure out some things. One is that I have cats. I am a very responsible pet owner. Not just because it is the “right” thing to do but because I genuinely love and care for my pets. I’m sort of wondering if I should “wait them out” (they are all over the age of 10) or put them in the care of a relative. I have heard that cats do not attach to people, they attach to places. Maybe they wouldn’t miss me. I’m not sure. I want to move when I graduate anyway, so I will be moving no matter what and they will have to get used to a new environment.
The second thing is my health. When I flew to Las Vegas my hands and feet swelled up really badly and I felt really bad. I worry about the medications I’m on, and will I be able to pass a medical test.
Another thing is my sister and nephew, but I could either 1. visit a lot or 2. get the visas! Charlie could be internationally educated.
I also worry that I have done things in my past that will preclude me from being hired by the government.
All of those things make me wonder if I am going in the right direction. I was thinking how I like to have a home, a place that is the same, that I can live in and feel comfortable in. I have a lot of things. A lot of books. A lot of clothes. All of those things are my responsibility and it makes me feel like I’m tied down to them. Is it an anchor or a ball at the end of this chain? Is that calling I’m always hearing around the corner or around the world?
My sister is moving back to Washington in a month!! Yay! Erik and I went last night and looked at a couple of townhouses for her. The one in Bothell is amazing, I hope she gets it. A person’s surroundings have such an impact on their life. If you live somewhere that is a dump, then it is really hard to find the desire within you to treat yourself well and to realize that you deserve the best in life.
I have really missed being able to hang out with Charlie and to have Sherry and him a part of my immediate life. It is going to be really great to be a family again.