Star Kitchen,
You let me down. Big time. I know we've had at least one good meal together - you remember? That time I came for Dim Sum on a Sunday afternoon? It was decent. I thought we were friends.
But then today, your Chow Fun with vegetables was just all wrong! First it's a box of noodles and a container of the goodies. What!? Why aren't they mixed? Then, the sauce is so-so, and - let's be honest - the noodles were not wide rice noodles. They were pretty much just regular old skinny noodles.
Once again confirmed that there is no good Chinese food here in Denver.
Thanks a lot, Star Kitchen.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
New Round-up
Falling... off... the bandwagon... must post immediately!
Seems like the media has been going nuts lately: elections, leaks, holidays, Koreans. I would spend my time reading news reports from all perspectives if I had the time (and internet at home)! My 2 cents --
Elections:
Perhaps not so wise for Egypt to refuse international observers. 80 million people. Tourism the main industry. $1.56 billion in aid each year (from the U.S. alone!). Candidates put in the hospital. Citizens shooting each other. Ran out of ballots.
Haiti's elections? Pretty much a failure before they even took place.
N. Korea bombing S. Korea - showing the new underling how it's done? Exercising a little military might to shake things up a bit? Get a little attention, maybe.
Wiki leaks. I think it's super interesting to compare the British version of the story with the American story. British wouldn't shush up about it. They thought we Americans were conniving for spying on the U.N. They thought the world should know that Saudi Arabia is pressuring the U.S. to attack Iran. Americans, on the other hand, played it down. A lot. Morning news rolled around to the story 20 minutes into the hour. There were maaaaybe a few impolitic things released. No big deal. Some smallish middle eastern countries put a teeny bit of pressure on western countries, perhaps hinting or suggesting the U.S., to maybe stand up to Iran. Right.
I think most of the Wiki leaks, while not wrong were probably released with a tad of malicious revenge in mind. Like a bratty tattle tale who you want to think is annoying, but you have to admit is actually telling the truth. But, there are things in there (of course, it's a quarter of a million correspondences!) that really should be released to the public. I guess, generally, I think Wiki leaks provides a public service, even if they could have a bit more discretion about what's really important for the public to know, not just deliciously entertaining political gossip. The U.S. will play dumb about it for awhile. Countries the already don't like the U.S. will grumble. But structuralists win the day and all will blow over.
Seems like the media has been going nuts lately: elections, leaks, holidays, Koreans. I would spend my time reading news reports from all perspectives if I had the time (and internet at home)! My 2 cents --
Elections:
Perhaps not so wise for Egypt to refuse international observers. 80 million people. Tourism the main industry. $1.56 billion in aid each year (from the U.S. alone!). Candidates put in the hospital. Citizens shooting each other. Ran out of ballots.
Haiti's elections? Pretty much a failure before they even took place.
N. Korea bombing S. Korea - showing the new underling how it's done? Exercising a little military might to shake things up a bit? Get a little attention, maybe.
Wiki leaks. I think it's super interesting to compare the British version of the story with the American story. British wouldn't shush up about it. They thought we Americans were conniving for spying on the U.N. They thought the world should know that Saudi Arabia is pressuring the U.S. to attack Iran. Americans, on the other hand, played it down. A lot. Morning news rolled around to the story 20 minutes into the hour. There were maaaaybe a few impolitic things released. No big deal. Some smallish middle eastern countries put a teeny bit of pressure on western countries, perhaps hinting or suggesting the U.S., to maybe stand up to Iran. Right.
I think most of the Wiki leaks, while not wrong were probably released with a tad of malicious revenge in mind. Like a bratty tattle tale who you want to think is annoying, but you have to admit is actually telling the truth. But, there are things in there (of course, it's a quarter of a million correspondences!) that really should be released to the public. I guess, generally, I think Wiki leaks provides a public service, even if they could have a bit more discretion about what's really important for the public to know, not just deliciously entertaining political gossip. The U.S. will play dumb about it for awhile. Countries the already don't like the U.S. will grumble. But structuralists win the day and all will blow over.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving!*
I love remember this day from when we were kids. After a half day at school, we'd sprint home from the bus stop (cracking ice, if there was any) and race into the house. Dad would be home already, which was unusual because he was never home during the weekday. Mom would be yelling at us to get out of her kitchen and stop picking at the stuffing. She made it seem like she was annoyed, but we all know she loved it. The house would already be warm, busy, smelling like cooking. Grandma and Grandpa would be visiting up from the south (you know, that area below the Mason-Dixon line). A fire would be going and everyone would be totally off the walls just from the idea of Thanksgiving.
As we got older, it meant that Andy or Ellen would be home from college, which was always exciting. We would rush out to the driveway when they pulled up and feel grateful to drag their dirty laundry into the house (or, in Andy's case, it was more like picking up a sock from the front seat, a tee-shirt from the trunk). They seemed older each time. I guess they probably thought the same about the three of us.
There would be talk of strategy: do you eat a lot the day before to stretch the stomach, or do you starve yourself to be really good and ready to stuff your face the next day. It was a tough decision. I'm a starve-yourself-the-day before kind of girl, myself. Well, not really. In theory I am, but - let's be honest - I can't really ever go more than a few hours without eating. Realistically, I would just have a small breakfast the morning of Thanksgiving.
One year, we secretly planned for Diana to come home and surprise mom. I will never, ever forget the look on mom's face. She was so surprised and happy that she started crying. Sneaky us! I loved coming home from college - the air smells so good on the Cape, and the stars are so bright. Nothing is like that first step out of the car, home for Thanksgiving, during freshman year of college. Later, it was always just a few days after the Philly marathon. The whole week seemed like a treat: the marathon, the post-marathon laziness, the eating, the family. My first Thanksgiving away from home was in Peru. I made stuffing from scratch and we had all of our Peruvian friends over after work that day. And our British friend. First year of law school I didn't go home and was invited to an east coast transplant/orphan Thanksgiving dinner. Last year was in D.C. (and Mom did a Second Thanksgiving at home a few weeks after that!). This year, Denver.
Wherever you are, be thankful.
*This message is one day early because I probably won't have internet tomorrow.
I love remember this day from when we were kids. After a half day at school, we'd sprint home from the bus stop (cracking ice, if there was any) and race into the house. Dad would be home already, which was unusual because he was never home during the weekday. Mom would be yelling at us to get out of her kitchen and stop picking at the stuffing. She made it seem like she was annoyed, but we all know she loved it. The house would already be warm, busy, smelling like cooking. Grandma and Grandpa would be visiting up from the south (you know, that area below the Mason-Dixon line). A fire would be going and everyone would be totally off the walls just from the idea of Thanksgiving.
As we got older, it meant that Andy or Ellen would be home from college, which was always exciting. We would rush out to the driveway when they pulled up and feel grateful to drag their dirty laundry into the house (or, in Andy's case, it was more like picking up a sock from the front seat, a tee-shirt from the trunk). They seemed older each time. I guess they probably thought the same about the three of us.
There would be talk of strategy: do you eat a lot the day before to stretch the stomach, or do you starve yourself to be really good and ready to stuff your face the next day. It was a tough decision. I'm a starve-yourself-the-day before kind of girl, myself. Well, not really. In theory I am, but - let's be honest - I can't really ever go more than a few hours without eating. Realistically, I would just have a small breakfast the morning of Thanksgiving.
One year, we secretly planned for Diana to come home and surprise mom. I will never, ever forget the look on mom's face. She was so surprised and happy that she started crying. Sneaky us! I loved coming home from college - the air smells so good on the Cape, and the stars are so bright. Nothing is like that first step out of the car, home for Thanksgiving, during freshman year of college. Later, it was always just a few days after the Philly marathon. The whole week seemed like a treat: the marathon, the post-marathon laziness, the eating, the family. My first Thanksgiving away from home was in Peru. I made stuffing from scratch and we had all of our Peruvian friends over after work that day. And our British friend. First year of law school I didn't go home and was invited to an east coast transplant/orphan Thanksgiving dinner. Last year was in D.C. (and Mom did a Second Thanksgiving at home a few weeks after that!). This year, Denver.
Wherever you are, be thankful.
*This message is one day early because I probably won't have internet tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Living the Dream
Today has been such a good day, so far!
Went for a run around City Park. I'm not fast, but I feel less out of breath and am slowly inching to longer runs. Given that my first run was a 10 min jog 4 weeks ago, I'm psyched!
I studied at a cafe for a bit then got to take some friends (and the baby formerly known as smudge!) to the airport. I love playing with that little baby! He laughs when I come in the room and then proceeds to pull out my curls. I stop him before he puts my hair in his mouth, though. A-dorable!
I forgot to mention: I am done with 2 of my classes! I just have 2 little papers, left. Hard to believe.
Okay, are you ready for the indulgence? I bought a book today. A novel! Wait, maybe I should say, "The Federal Loan Division of the U.S. Government bought a book today." (Oooh, bookstores are so dangerous. You can dress me up but you can't take me anywhere! Now I remember why I don't let myself go into any bookstore ... except occassionally to Goodwill's back section with 10 cent used books.) I just ... it was ... I just love books! And, this is embarrassing, I bought it because of its cover (G'ah! I totally judged a book by its cover. ) It was minimalist, outdoorsy and winter-looking. Small. Written by someone from Massachusetts. Had a shiny little "Pulitzer Prize Winner" sticker. I couldn't resist. Behold the little gem:
As I had heard nothing of it before buying it on a whim, I checked out the review. I'm saving it as my snuggle-up-with-a-good-book on Thanksgiving.
P.S. Even the Indonesian government remembered the Jews, unlike Colorado, apparently.
Went for a run around City Park. I'm not fast, but I feel less out of breath and am slowly inching to longer runs. Given that my first run was a 10 min jog 4 weeks ago, I'm psyched!
I studied at a cafe for a bit then got to take some friends (and the baby formerly known as smudge!) to the airport. I love playing with that little baby! He laughs when I come in the room and then proceeds to pull out my curls. I stop him before he puts my hair in his mouth, though. A-dorable!
I forgot to mention: I am done with 2 of my classes! I just have 2 little papers, left. Hard to believe.
Okay, are you ready for the indulgence? I bought a book today. A novel! Wait, maybe I should say, "The Federal Loan Division of the U.S. Government bought a book today." (Oooh, bookstores are so dangerous. You can dress me up but you can't take me anywhere! Now I remember why I don't let myself go into any bookstore ... except occassionally to Goodwill's back section with 10 cent used books.) I just ... it was ... I just love books! And, this is embarrassing, I bought it because of its cover (G'ah! I totally judged a book by its cover. ) It was minimalist, outdoorsy and winter-looking. Small. Written by someone from Massachusetts. Had a shiny little "Pulitzer Prize Winner" sticker. I couldn't resist. Behold the little gem:
As I had heard nothing of it before buying it on a whim, I checked out the review. I'm saving it as my snuggle-up-with-a-good-book on Thanksgiving.
P.S. Even the Indonesian government remembered the Jews, unlike Colorado, apparently.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Rookie Mistake
Do not forget about the second day soreness.
Ouch.
****
What do you think about this: The Colorado state government buildings have massive nutcrackers and Jesus scenes literally on the buildings. Not just a string of lights. Not just a Christmas tree. Not a tree and a menorah. No inkling of blue or white, dreidel or anything. If there were some Hannukah stuff on there, I'd still find the Jesus stuff a little over the top, but acceptable given the equal representation. But, as it is, I find the Jesus scenes to be distasteful, offensive, exclusive, and a violation of the separation of church and state.
Ouch.
****
What do you think about this: The Colorado state government buildings have massive nutcrackers and Jesus scenes literally on the buildings. Not just a string of lights. Not just a Christmas tree. Not a tree and a menorah. No inkling of blue or white, dreidel or anything. If there were some Hannukah stuff on there, I'd still find the Jesus stuff a little over the top, but acceptable given the equal representation. But, as it is, I find the Jesus scenes to be distasteful, offensive, exclusive, and a violation of the separation of church and state.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Mustang Trail
I had such a great trail run yesterday! I wish I could show everyone just how beautiful this park is. I won't lie: the beginning is about 45 straight up. It's brutal, but so worth it! After about 20 minutes, you stop seeing other people (mainly mountain bikers). I was unprepared for such a long, hard trail, but it was just so pretty and I really wanted to try it, so I just did it. There was snow and ice in some parts. Pretty leaves in others. Lots of mountains! And, there was a beautiful sunset. Wait, sunset!? Oops. Poor timing on my part. It's a bad sign when you're still at least a half hour from the trail head, the sun is setting, and you're already exhausted! I swear, I heard animals come out and my heart started pounding as I sprinted down the mountain. Nothing like taking an unknown trail, by yourself, as the sun is setting to make you run further and fast than you've run in months. It all worked out in the end! :)
It was pretty much pitch dark when I got back to the car, and the temperature must have dropped something like 20-25 degrees during the run. I was freezing! I had to change my clothes - all of them - right there in the parking lot because I was going to freeze to death on the drive home, otherwise.... doo bee doo be dooo ... nothing to see here (which, let's be honest, there isn't much to see).
I did some serious stretching and took a long walk last night. I was tired of being on my feet, but I think it worked because I'm not even [that] sore today!
Success.
It was pretty much pitch dark when I got back to the car, and the temperature must have dropped something like 20-25 degrees during the run. I was freezing! I had to change my clothes - all of them - right there in the parking lot because I was going to freeze to death on the drive home, otherwise.... doo bee doo be dooo ... nothing to see here (which, let's be honest, there isn't much to see).
I did some serious stretching and took a long walk last night. I was tired of being on my feet, but I think it worked because I'm not even [that] sore today!
Success.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Good morning
I have vivid memories of my grandparents during their annual summer visits. Even then, they had already slowed with age and awoke well after we did. We tried to read quickly through the important parts of the newspaper (the front page, the Ask Ann Landers column, the photos in the sports section, and the comics) before the adults used their seniority to take it from us or to spread their business section over our precious Calvin and Hobbes.
Those days back then were before I learned to respect my grandparents. The low-sodium ketchup they put on vegetables disgusted me. The little-old-lady perfume wafting in the hallways and lingering in the powder room was suffocating, not familiar and endearing, as it now is. The impromptu history quizzes (You don't know what happened on December 7, 1941? How could you not know!? What kind of school are you at, anyway? Um, elementary school?) induced squirms. The much-dreaded check on our progress in playing musical instruments induced tears.
One morning, Grandpa and Grandma, wrapped in robes, shuffled down the long hallway from the guest room to the kitchen and living room. Grandpa was not a morning person and, combined with his general venerable scariness, I tried to make myself invisible. Good morning, he barked. Silence. Hi Grandpa, I replied. Hi!? What kind of greeting is that? You don't say Hi. You say Good Morning. Grandma jumped in to assuage the reprimand. Oh, Carrie, sweetheart, Good Morning is just a nicer way to greet someone. *Gulp* Got it. Lesson learned. Say Good Morning.
This memory popped into my head this morning, over twenty years later, as I walked into school with a classmate. Good Morning, I said. How did this classmate respond? What up. *Raised Eyebrow* What up? Who says that? Even my 5 year old Hi is a more pleasant slang greeting than the rude "What up." Does this guy still say that to his grandparents? While I never disagreed with my Grandparents, I think I finally appreciate just how lovely it is to hear Good Morning.
Say simply, very simply, with hope -- Good Morning.
Maya Angelou
Those days back then were before I learned to respect my grandparents. The low-sodium ketchup they put on vegetables disgusted me. The little-old-lady perfume wafting in the hallways and lingering in the powder room was suffocating, not familiar and endearing, as it now is. The impromptu history quizzes (You don't know what happened on December 7, 1941? How could you not know!? What kind of school are you at, anyway? Um, elementary school?) induced squirms. The much-dreaded check on our progress in playing musical instruments induced tears.
One morning, Grandpa and Grandma, wrapped in robes, shuffled down the long hallway from the guest room to the kitchen and living room. Grandpa was not a morning person and, combined with his general venerable scariness, I tried to make myself invisible. Good morning, he barked. Silence. Hi Grandpa, I replied. Hi!? What kind of greeting is that? You don't say Hi. You say Good Morning. Grandma jumped in to assuage the reprimand. Oh, Carrie, sweetheart, Good Morning is just a nicer way to greet someone. *Gulp* Got it. Lesson learned. Say Good Morning.
This memory popped into my head this morning, over twenty years later, as I walked into school with a classmate. Good Morning, I said. How did this classmate respond? What up. *Raised Eyebrow* What up? Who says that? Even my 5 year old Hi is a more pleasant slang greeting than the rude "What up." Does this guy still say that to his grandparents? While I never disagreed with my Grandparents, I think I finally appreciate just how lovely it is to hear Good Morning.
Say simply, very simply, with hope -- Good Morning.
Maya Angelou
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Lounging hard
After a book review, a paper, and 2 presentations, I took today OFF. It was glorious. Slept late, went to breakfast at my favorite spot, read part of a novel my parents gave me, wrote letters, caught up on cleaning, dishes, and laundry. Went for a 2 1/2 hour ride with la Gracie. Oh my gosh, we were so cold! There was ice and snow in parts! I'm just not ready to put Italo away for the winter...
The Epitome Of My Day:
I was bumming around checking my e-mail at school before class tonight and my friend Tony walked up and says, "You look like you're lounging hard."
The Epitome Of My Day:
I was bumming around checking my e-mail at school before class tonight and my friend Tony walked up and says, "You look like you're lounging hard."
Monday, November 15, 2010
Snowy Monday
This weekend was great - had dinner at a professor's house on Friday night. Saturday I worked on my book review all day until I went to the Tiesto concert at night. So fun! I love love love Tiesto. The concert wasn't sold out or anything, but there were a ton of people there. For some reason, a bunch of girls befriended me (a girl, alone at a concert). Nice people, I felt like I had to have my guard up a little, though, what with the dark/crowded/drugs. But generally, I felt really relaxed and "ser" happy during the concert. That music really puts me in a weird trance (I swear, no drugs!). I can only compare it to cruising in "the zone" I get somewhere around mile 24 in the marathon. Pretty great concert!
Sunday I got up early, finished my book review, worked out, and then spent the rest of the afternoon working on a project for mining. I'm going to present tomorrow on Foreign Investment Climate/Risks in Colombia. It's super interesting, but I have much to do! I also have another presentation on CAFTA and the current trade dispute between Central American countries and the Dominican Republic. They're fighting over these nylon bags and plastic cord of string -- I'm going to argue there are deeper non-trade political reasons behind the dispute.
OH! And, Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest. A good day for Burma!
It's snowing this morning - I love it!
Sunday I got up early, finished my book review, worked out, and then spent the rest of the afternoon working on a project for mining. I'm going to present tomorrow on Foreign Investment Climate/Risks in Colombia. It's super interesting, but I have much to do! I also have another presentation on CAFTA and the current trade dispute between Central American countries and the Dominican Republic. They're fighting over these nylon bags and plastic cord of string -- I'm going to argue there are deeper non-trade political reasons behind the dispute.
OH! And, Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest. A good day for Burma!
It's snowing this morning - I love it!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
An e-mail to save and read on rainy days...
| ||||||||||
| Hi Carrie. I'm in the process of writing a blog post about the RMMLF event last week at the law school. Would you mind if I mentioned in the posting that you organized the event in conjunction with the Foundation? It was a really impressive event -- I wish we would have made arrangements to video tape it, but maybe next time. Best wishes, --Don Smith Don C. Smith Director, Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Graduate Program University of Denver Sturm College of Law +1 303 871 6052 dcsmith@law.du.edu http://enrlgp.blogspot.com (blog) http://www.law.du/index.php/enrgp (website) | ||||||||||
Friday, November 12, 2010
Shabbat Shalom
Shabbat Shalom!
I love how in Judaism Friday night is the beginning of the holy day each week - for me, it always truly is a day to celebrate! Speaking of Jews, check this out.
I'm totally beat this week. It took me 2 hours to putz around and get ready/make it into school this morning. Now that I'm here, I can't pull myself together to get real work done. Serious case of mushy brain syndrome. I think I'm going to roll with it -- do some easy work, print some stuff off to read later, and get out of here to take the afternoon off. I feel a wee bit guilty, but if I'm going to be uselessly inefficient, I might as well just rejuvenate myself and have good work days tomorrow and Sunday. All in all, I'd rather not fall apart in life, if it means I have to do less in well in law school. If taking an afternoon off is what I need to do to be happy, that seems worth it.
Dinner tonight at a prof's house. Very exciting! I feel like this sort of thing happened all the time in undergrad, but not in law school. I made mini cheesecakes - photo and recipe to follow!
A song to get you excited for the weekend.
I love how in Judaism Friday night is the beginning of the holy day each week - for me, it always truly is a day to celebrate! Speaking of Jews, check this out.
I'm totally beat this week. It took me 2 hours to putz around and get ready/make it into school this morning. Now that I'm here, I can't pull myself together to get real work done. Serious case of mushy brain syndrome. I think I'm going to roll with it -- do some easy work, print some stuff off to read later, and get out of here to take the afternoon off. I feel a wee bit guilty, but if I'm going to be uselessly inefficient, I might as well just rejuvenate myself and have good work days tomorrow and Sunday. All in all, I'd rather not fall apart in life, if it means I have to do less in well in law school. If taking an afternoon off is what I need to do to be happy, that seems worth it.
Dinner tonight at a prof's house. Very exciting! I feel like this sort of thing happened all the time in undergrad, but not in law school. I made mini cheesecakes - photo and recipe to follow!
A song to get you excited for the weekend.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Personal Growth
I grew a little yesterday. Don't be confused -- I haven't actually gotten taller since about 7th grade. And, these days, any growth I have is probably Out, not Up. But the growth yesterday was In.
I am in Int'l Mining Law & Policy and Int'l Petroleum Law & Policy classes. Back in August, I decided to take these classes for several reasons. First, minerals, oil, and gas seem to motor (pun intended!) much of Latin American economy, so I figured I should know a thing or two about it. Secondly, Know Thy Enemy. A vaguely informed liberal, I assumed I would be the anti-mining, anti-oil & gas person of the class. We've all heard of the Newmont incidents in Peru, exploitation, digging away mountains, black diamonds, slave and child labor, digging for "black gold," and spending and making big profit. Need I say more? Finally, DU law has one of the best Environmental and Natural Resources programs in the country so I wanted to take advantage of that before I left the Rockies.
But, surprise surprise, the semester rolls on and I find myself respecting the mining industry more and more. (Unfortunately, my views of the petroleum industry still hold steady.) I look forward to my Tuesday evening Mining class and I patently dread Wednesday evenings' Petroleum class. I had assumed the fields would be virtually the same, but they aren't. How curious! I decided to organize a comparative lunch discussion event to think about this a bit more. I enlisted my professors, who graciously indulged me and took time from their busy work days. I scrounged around for some money and -- low and behold -- received a small scholarship grant from the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation to cover lunch.
And, so, yesterday was the day! Essentially, I was the MC and moderator of this two-person panel discussion. I asked questions. They answered. People listened. I think it went great! About 50-60 people showed up to hear this comparative discussion. We ran out of food (!!), which probably means I didn't plan well, but also is exciting that that many people were there. My professors were great, engaged with each other well and really drew out the differences between the two fields. It was super interesting and think people learned a lot. We had people from all different countries (American, Chilean, Peruvian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Nigerian, etc), Denver Law and Colorado School of Mines, students and professors. I was especially happy to see professors there because professors never come to anything.
After, people were thanking me for organizing, asking "Which organization are you with" (the Independent Carrie Wants to Learn Fund?), how did I think of the questions and format, when was my next event, etc. I was approached by the Director of Development for the law school and the Director of the Environmental & Natural Resources Law and Policy Graduate Program. After it ended, people stuck around and chatted. As my dad said, "Sounds like you brought people together."All in all, it was exciting!
I'm proud of myself for two reasons. First off, I wanted to learn something and the opportunity to learn it didn't already exist. So I made it happen! And, along the way, I thought I'd share the learning experience with others. It's a truly invigorating and confidence-boosting thing to feel like you can make your ideas really happen. Secondly, I have been trying to put myself in mildly uncomfortable situations (e.g. speaking in front of 60 people who are mainly older men with prestigious roles as lawyers, engineers, and professors). I think it's good for me because I'm forcing myself to grow as a person. I hope I didn't sound too nervous, young, or scared. But, hell, even if I did - who cares? The more times I do stuff like this, the better I will get.
Onward and upward (or, in this case inward!).
I am in Int'l Mining Law & Policy and Int'l Petroleum Law & Policy classes. Back in August, I decided to take these classes for several reasons. First, minerals, oil, and gas seem to motor (pun intended!) much of Latin American economy, so I figured I should know a thing or two about it. Secondly, Know Thy Enemy. A vaguely informed liberal, I assumed I would be the anti-mining, anti-oil & gas person of the class. We've all heard of the Newmont incidents in Peru, exploitation, digging away mountains, black diamonds, slave and child labor, digging for "black gold," and spending and making big profit. Need I say more? Finally, DU law has one of the best Environmental and Natural Resources programs in the country so I wanted to take advantage of that before I left the Rockies.
But, surprise surprise, the semester rolls on and I find myself respecting the mining industry more and more. (Unfortunately, my views of the petroleum industry still hold steady.) I look forward to my Tuesday evening Mining class and I patently dread Wednesday evenings' Petroleum class. I had assumed the fields would be virtually the same, but they aren't. How curious! I decided to organize a comparative lunch discussion event to think about this a bit more. I enlisted my professors, who graciously indulged me and took time from their busy work days. I scrounged around for some money and -- low and behold -- received a small scholarship grant from the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation to cover lunch.
And, so, yesterday was the day! Essentially, I was the MC and moderator of this two-person panel discussion. I asked questions. They answered. People listened. I think it went great! About 50-60 people showed up to hear this comparative discussion. We ran out of food (!!), which probably means I didn't plan well, but also is exciting that that many people were there. My professors were great, engaged with each other well and really drew out the differences between the two fields. It was super interesting and think people learned a lot. We had people from all different countries (American, Chilean, Peruvian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Nigerian, etc), Denver Law and Colorado School of Mines, students and professors. I was especially happy to see professors there because professors never come to anything.
After, people were thanking me for organizing, asking "Which organization are you with" (the Independent Carrie Wants to Learn Fund?), how did I think of the questions and format, when was my next event, etc. I was approached by the Director of Development for the law school and the Director of the Environmental & Natural Resources Law and Policy Graduate Program. After it ended, people stuck around and chatted. As my dad said, "Sounds like you brought people together."All in all, it was exciting!
I'm proud of myself for two reasons. First off, I wanted to learn something and the opportunity to learn it didn't already exist. So I made it happen! And, along the way, I thought I'd share the learning experience with others. It's a truly invigorating and confidence-boosting thing to feel like you can make your ideas really happen. Secondly, I have been trying to put myself in mildly uncomfortable situations (e.g. speaking in front of 60 people who are mainly older men with prestigious roles as lawyers, engineers, and professors). I think it's good for me because I'm forcing myself to grow as a person. I hope I didn't sound too nervous, young, or scared. But, hell, even if I did - who cares? The more times I do stuff like this, the better I will get.
Onward and upward (or, in this case inward!).
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Autumn fades into winter
The puff coat has come out!
It's been below freezing and we had our first hail-snow yesterday. The first frost was on my car this morning and I had to pull out the scraper. Que loco! I do love fall, and there are still hints of leaves changing, but it looks like winter is coming. It's shocking how after even just the first flurries or overnight frost, fall somehow fades away. The trees look sparse, the leaves are no longer vibrant colors. No more frozen yogurt stops on the way home from school. Now I just want a cup of hot tea with a splash of milk.
I'm excited for scarves, mittens, and hats. I can't wait for anonymous runs in the crisp, dark night and that feeling of fresh legs during a brisk winter run. Then, with rosy cheeks, I get to make (and eat!) thick, creamy soups like pumpkin or butternut squash.
Ooo, and it's almost time for those festive balls of light in Rittenhouse Square (Philly) -- that, to me, is the epitome of winter. I even get to see them this year when I'm back east in December!
It's true my favorite season is ending, but my second favorite seasons is arriving!
It's been below freezing and we had our first hail-snow yesterday. The first frost was on my car this morning and I had to pull out the scraper. Que loco! I do love fall, and there are still hints of leaves changing, but it looks like winter is coming. It's shocking how after even just the first flurries or overnight frost, fall somehow fades away. The trees look sparse, the leaves are no longer vibrant colors. No more frozen yogurt stops on the way home from school. Now I just want a cup of hot tea with a splash of milk.
I'm excited for scarves, mittens, and hats. I can't wait for anonymous runs in the crisp, dark night and that feeling of fresh legs during a brisk winter run. Then, with rosy cheeks, I get to make (and eat!) thick, creamy soups like pumpkin or butternut squash.
Ooo, and it's almost time for those festive balls of light in Rittenhouse Square (Philly) -- that, to me, is the epitome of winter. I even get to see them this year when I'm back east in December!
It's true my favorite season is ending, but my second favorite seasons is arriving!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
One day at a time
Here we go - Wednesday, November 9. In my new-found age and wisdom, I've been feeling better. I think I just get so anxious and stressed out that I work myself into a tizzy and can't calm down. The work is still there. My Deadline List on my whitey-board at home is full. But, I have accomplished some (small though it may be) work since my last post. I wrote a personal narrative about being a female law student. I wrote a short memo about risk management for a mining investment in Venezuela.
A lovely friend from Boston has been in town for a conference (lucky me!). It's really amazing to feel this de-stressed just by having a good friend, with nice chats, easy company, and familiarity nearby. She's a quick one, though, and I probably ran too fast and too far for my getting-back-in-shape routine. How fun! We did a little city park loop. Unfortunately, I made her talk the whole time as I was desperately trying to keep up and catch my breath.
As the Momster says: Just take one day at a time.
Keep calm and carry on...
A lovely friend from Boston has been in town for a conference (lucky me!). It's really amazing to feel this de-stressed just by having a good friend, with nice chats, easy company, and familiarity nearby. She's a quick one, though, and I probably ran too fast and too far for my getting-back-in-shape routine. How fun! We did a little city park loop. Unfortunately, I made her talk the whole time as I was desperately trying to keep up and catch my breath.
As the Momster says: Just take one day at a time.
Keep calm and carry on...
Saturday, November 6, 2010
The baby formerly known as smudge
Okay, last post was depressing, but such is my life these days. And it's my bloggie, so I'm allowed to write how I feel. I do feel better after getting that out...
but
...on a happier note, I just was lucky enough to spend a few minutes with my friend's baby, who I shall call The Baby Formerly Known As Smudge. I love this little baby so so much! I'm not related by blood, so you have to believe me when I say this little baby is the mostest cutest bestest good mannered-est lovable-est baby in the world. It's true. He is. We hugged, we laughed, we hiccuped (okay, just TBFKAS, not me). We realized the world is not such a bad place after all.
but
...on a happier note, I just was lucky enough to spend a few minutes with my friend's baby, who I shall call The Baby Formerly Known As Smudge. I love this little baby so so much! I'm not related by blood, so you have to believe me when I say this little baby is the mostest cutest bestest good mannered-est lovable-est baby in the world. It's true. He is. We hugged, we laughed, we hiccuped (okay, just TBFKAS, not me). We realized the world is not such a bad place after all.
Trudging through
Rough week at law school this week.
While I really do appreciate the support, it seems like when people want to help they just tell me things like It will be okay, You only have a few months left, You only have a few weeks left of this semester, You've done it before so you'll do it again. But maybe I won't be able to get through it this time. And even if I get through it, "a few" weeks and months is a lot to me -- especially when they are this miserable. It's a crappy few weeks/months with too much work, not enough sleep, feeling miserable, perpetual anxiety. I just want to go home -- real home, to Cape Cod -- and sleep for a month straight without eating, working out or seeing anyone. Literally, when this is all over, I want to not wake up for a month.
I don't want to feel stressed out all the time. I don't want to feel high strung and jumpy. I want to be spontaneous. I don't want just one "fun" thing of the day, especially when that one "fun" this is going on the training bike at the gym at 5:45 a.m. I want to spend a long time at the grocery store and cook dinner. I don't want "sleeping late" to mean sleeping until 5:30 a.m. I want to be more laid back and easy going. I want to read novels and do the crossword puzzle. I want to listen to This American Life and Radio Lab. I want to go to pick-up frisbee games until dark, or whenever I feel like leaving. I don't want to burst into tears for no reason other than the stress of it all. I want back the confidence in myself that I used to have.
When will it end?
While I really do appreciate the support, it seems like when people want to help they just tell me things like It will be okay, You only have a few months left, You only have a few weeks left of this semester, You've done it before so you'll do it again. But maybe I won't be able to get through it this time. And even if I get through it, "a few" weeks and months is a lot to me -- especially when they are this miserable. It's a crappy few weeks/months with too much work, not enough sleep, feeling miserable, perpetual anxiety. I just want to go home -- real home, to Cape Cod -- and sleep for a month straight without eating, working out or seeing anyone. Literally, when this is all over, I want to not wake up for a month.
I don't want to feel stressed out all the time. I don't want to feel high strung and jumpy. I want to be spontaneous. I don't want just one "fun" thing of the day, especially when that one "fun" this is going on the training bike at the gym at 5:45 a.m. I want to spend a long time at the grocery store and cook dinner. I don't want "sleeping late" to mean sleeping until 5:30 a.m. I want to be more laid back and easy going. I want to read novels and do the crossword puzzle. I want to listen to This American Life and Radio Lab. I want to go to pick-up frisbee games until dark, or whenever I feel like leaving. I don't want to burst into tears for no reason other than the stress of it all. I want back the confidence in myself that I used to have.
When will it end?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The buzz
Check out this really cool website: http://www.buzzchurn.com/
Someone I know in the PhD program at the grad school made it. It checks all the English language newspapers around the world for "state fragility" -- in real time. How cool is that!?
In other news, I signed up for course next semester. My LAST semester. Unbelievable.
Denver Journal of Int'l Law & Policy (2)
International Business Transactions (3)
Evidence (4)
Community Economic Development (3)
Conflict of Laws (3)
I likely will end up dropping one of those classes (Community Economic Development?), but -- unfortunately -- Evidence is required. Silly Lawyer classes. Int'l Business Transactions will be taught by a guy who does Int'l Development and Law stuff. Should be good!
I also will be a Research Assistant for a professor at the grad school. We're going to work on collecting and coding bilateral trade agreements, looking for clustering between OECD countries.
Someone I know in the PhD program at the grad school made it. It checks all the English language newspapers around the world for "state fragility" -- in real time. How cool is that!?
In other news, I signed up for course next semester. My LAST semester. Unbelievable.
Denver Journal of Int'l Law & Policy (2)
International Business Transactions (3)
Evidence (4)
Community Economic Development (3)
Conflict of Laws (3)
I likely will end up dropping one of those classes (Community Economic Development?), but -- unfortunately -- Evidence is required. Silly Lawyer classes. Int'l Business Transactions will be taught by a guy who does Int'l Development and Law stuff. Should be good!
I also will be a Research Assistant for a professor at the grad school. We're going to work on collecting and coding bilateral trade agreements, looking for clustering between OECD countries.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
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