I have a paper that I must write and turn in on Monday. I also have a brief in support of a motion for summary judgment that I have to have to the attorney on the case by Tuesday. This means, of course, that this is a perfect time to catch up on all the things I’ve been remiss in doing, like posting here and shopping for bad ass vintage reproduction dresses. Anyone who hasn’t heard from me in a while (read: last time I had a major project looming) just might hear from me this weekend. I will probably exercise for the first time in weeks, and perhaps I’ll make another trip to Whole Foods (yes…heaven has finally come to Cleveland…it’s on the East Side) and make some spicy hot homemade veggie chili. That’s just how I roll.

Seriously, though, the paper is pretty interesting. I’m writing about Behavioral Economics in the Subprime Lending Market (aka Why People Make Really Stupid Financial Decisions, Predatory Lenders That Capitalize on Their Stupidity, and the Bad and Useless Lending Laws That Fail to Help Anyone). This paper will result in my grade for my Predatory Lending seminar, which has really been an amazing course. I might actually miss this one, which is something of a miracle, when you consider how much I just *love* law school. The seminar really complimented the Fair Housing Clinic that I’m involved in this semester, where I’m working at a housing advocacy organization doing actual case work. So far I’ve done lots of fun stuff (all types of housing discrimination and FHA claims, landlord tenant disputes, predatory lending actions, TILA violations) and I’ll hopefully be continuing in this realm this summer and actually be paid for it (unless I get that fellowship at Housing Court this summer, which I’m also really hoping for).

And no, I still have no idea “what kind of law I want to practice,” and if anyone really wants to piss me off, that’s the sort of question that will get you on your way. You can follow it up with, “so what’s your grade point average?” Man…that one REALLY gets me going…

I actually did well last semester. This was something of a relief, because the last few weeks of the semester I was seriously considering getting a job and getting the hell out of there, so that Dean’s List certificate probably had a lot to do with me sticking around. The irony now is that I’ve decided to stick around the University for another year and get my M.P.A. (concentration: urban economic development…YAY ECON!). In making this decision, I’ve committed to taking classes for another four semesters (…yay summer school) and my first ever tuition bill. Yep, I’ve never actually had to pay for any of my education. Of course, if I can convince the fine people at Urban to give me a GA, I might manage to obtain eight years of post-high school education for free. So yes, my being a nerd has totally paid off. Take THAT cheerleaders! My ultimate goal is to…? I have no idea really. I want my PhD, so that’s one of my goals. As for the rest, I hope I can figure it out.

As for the non-school events going on in my life…(wow…I’m really struggling to think of something…) Living downtown is still pretty cool. Aud and I are still loving the swank digs (and each other, which is a relief) but have sort of decided that, when our lease is up, we’ll scale back the pricey living for a while. Part of that stems from my insane desire to pick up and go somewhere that strikes about every other day. Traveling when you don’t have a job is pretty tough, though, so living somewhere cheaper might help the cause. Aud and I are planning on going to Italy next summer, but little does he know that I can’t wait that long for a trip and I have to go somewhere…anywhere…soon. We did go to Chicago a while ago…in February I think…to see the Shins at the Congress. I am starting to love when bands I want to see don’t come to Cleveland, because it gives me a perfect excuse to go and see them somewhere much cooler. Now if *only* I can convince Aud to see Modest Mouse in Spain with me in June…

We also bought a car last week. This is a first for both of us (first time we’ve ever had a new car, first time we’ve ever had a car payment) and we’re still pretty cheesed about it. It’s only a little Nissan Versa, but compared to the Honda we were driving, the thing feels like a…well, I don’t know what to compare it to. I don’t know cars. It’s cool, though. Perfect for us, perfect for the beagles…I love it.

Speaking of beagles, the cats had to go. I felt pretty damn awful about this one, but I just couldn’t live with them anymore. I’m worried, now, that I’ve developed asthma because I still sound pretty awful at times. We found them an amazing home, however, and it is much easier to think about them in their new home than at a shelter (or worse). It was tough on Aud. Poor guy. I don’t think I’m an easy girl to live with.

So that’s it, really…my life, in a nutshell. Add lots of bottles of wine, every episode of The Office, and a whole lot of crazy-busyness and there you have it. Things are good. I’m happy. And that last sentence is something that sometimes just stops me in my tracks.