Staying Organized in Law School

Law School has turned my life into a hot mess. Staying organized is something I struggle with every day... keeping up with classes, reading, assignments, online homework, bills, homeownership, pet care and blogging is enough to make my head spin. Below are a few necessities that keep me organized and in all honesty, sane.

A Day in the Life of a Law Student

Welcome to a day in the life of a Law Student. I am going to outline my day, Tuesday, and break down what life really looks like when you are a Law Student. FYI, it is the furthest thing from glamorous....

Taking Time Away from the Show Ring

Isn't life great when you are a youth and you go ride every day after school and hit up horse shows every other weekend and all you care about is that new showmanship outfit? Oh how I wish I could go back to the days when life was that simple. My parents provided such a wonderful youth show career for me; I got to travel the country, chase my dreams and have my life revolve 100% around horses. Next was college. I stayed in my hometown so I still showed, I still rode almost every day and I competed as a college equestrian. My life was a bit more busy and diverse; now I had to worry more about classes, a part time job and working towards Law School but horses and horse shows still mostly drove my life. 

Then came 2016. I graduated college, married to the love of my life, we bought a house, we moved an hour away from home and I started Law School. I was able to compete in one horse show in May before life just got too busy. This is the longest I have gone in my entire life without competing in a horse show. This is also the least regular riding I have ever done. It is a strange time in my life where goals and focus has completely changed from horses all the time to making sure I keep my head above water in Law School, dealing with the upkeep of a home and loving every minute of newlywed life. Charlie is spending his says of semi-retirement turned out and my dad rides him as a demo horse for teaching. Ella is at home pregnant with her first baby and enjoying the broodmare life. We sold the 2 and 3 year olds and several of my show clothes. The trailer is frozen in time waiting for another adventure.... whenever that may be. 

I am not going to lie; I love where my life is right now. Things are going great and I am truly happy. I knew this was coming all along; I knew that when I got married and started Law School, horses would move to the backburner. It was not a surprise and I was honestly looking forward to a bit of a break. But then reality starts to hit.... the stall reservations for my favorite show were due last week and it broke my heart to not be sending them in. Knowing that I will not be eating candy and showing my horse the last weekend in October at Fall Color Classic is really sad. Seeing all of my friends pictures from shows throughout the summer while sitting at home surrounded by casebooks makes me very homesick for a weekend spent in my horse trailer, eating junk food and getting no sleep all to get the thrill of being in that show arena with my best friend. 

I miss horses as the center of my life more than I thought I would. Only getting to ride Charlie every other weekend is rough. So many days I get done with school and all I want to do is go see my pony but he is an hour away and I have 100 pages to read that night. Seeing my facebook memories of heading off to another horse show almost every Friday makes me sad as I prepare for another weekend of learning the Law and trying to make sense of a new city. I would give anything to be loading up the trailer and heading off to a fairgrounds in the middle of nowhere right now. 

As much as I miss my old lifestyle, one thing keeps me going: when I finish Law School, horses and horse shows will still be there waiting for me. My English boots will still zip, Charlie can be tuned up and ready to show in no time, Ella can shed the baby weight and be back to loping like a boss and I know my horse show family will welcome me back with open arms. This is a part of me that I can always return to, no matter what else happens in the between now and then. Law School will come and go, we may move and we may have kids.... and no matter what I can always get back to the show ring. 

Time away is sad and hard and I miss being at horse shows more than I ever thought I would. Thankfully I still have Charlie and can ride when I fee the urge and have the time. I have not had to remove horses fully from my life and I am so thankful for that. But when I get back to a show for the first time in a long while, I know it will be all the sweeter for my time away. That first showmanship pattern will feel so good; it will be so worth the wait. Zipping up those black pig suede chaps will make me smile for the first time maybe ever. I will appreciate the opportunity to show horses just that much more and will enjoy the shows more for having spent some time away. I will hug my friends I have not seen in a while, triple check my patterns, polish the long unused show saddle and probably have some serious butterflies when I enter the ring that first time back.... but once I am there, I will be back on my stage, doing what I love with the most amazing animals as if no time has passed and that will be a moment worth waiting for. 

My Must Have's for Fall Fashion

Ahhh Fall.... leaves, pumpkins, crisp air and my personal favorite time of year for fashion. I am perpetually cold so as soon as the season style dictates layers and warmer clothes, I am just happy as could be. In the past, my fall attire could be summed up as hoodies, flannels, and leggings... now that I am in Law School, I need to stay warm and comfy while coming off a bit more polished and classy. What made the cut in undergrad just won't cut it for the day in, day out of professional school. Here are my must have's for a polished, classy fall style without sacrificing comfort:

How to Decorate for Fall on a $50 Budget

My love for Fall knows no bounds.... With a brand spanking new house I was simply dying to decorate for Fall. The only issue is my lack of income thanks to Law School... I don't like to spend all my Hubby's money so I had to be very frugal. Decorating for Fall does not have to be expensive to look great. Here is how I decorated my three most used rooms on a $50 budget.

Fall Bucket List 2016

Happy First Official Day of Fall! Granted I have had my house decorated for Fall since Sept. 1st but now it is official!

Why You Should Visit Law Professor Office Hours

Week 4 of Law School is complete! I rounded it out with joining Public Interest Law Association, starting my outlines and visiting professor office hours for the first time. I was so nervous to go talk to my professor's one and one and after visiting office hours for the first time, I can't believe I did not do it sooner. If you are confused about something, curious about something or just want to make yourself more visible to the professor, office hours provide a great opportunity. Here is why you should visit professor's office hours in Law School. 

How to Balance Marriage and Law School

Week four of Law School is in progress.... I am exhausted, my back hurts from my giant bookbag and yesterday I made a pan of brownies just so I could have some batter. So that's how my life is going. Kidding aside, I am figuring out how to "do" law school and still have a life. Now that I am a bit more familiar with Law School and all it entails, I thought I would pass along my tips for balancing Law School with a significant other; in my case, my husband of 2 months.

Law School Study Habits

Now that I am a few weeks into Law School, my study habits have settled into a routine. It is working well for me. It has taken me a long time to develop good study habits; in High School, I could get by with A's without studying or working very hard. In Undergrad, I stepped up my study habits but still got by easily with minimal effort and a high GPA. Law School is a new ballgame; I really had to buckle down and hone my skills to be successful and keep up. I am sharing my habits in a hope that they may help someone else develop their study habits to be their most successful self.

Week 2 Recap: Law School is Getting Easier

I am happy to report that week 2 of Law School has ended and it is getting easier every day. Despite some crazy stuff that happened this week, classes are making more sense and my reading is getting faster which combines to a much lower stress level overall.

The Monday of Mondays

I might be here until midnight... thank goodness for hot tea in the most relatable mug I own.

#LawSchoolProbs

Well, Law School Monday 2/15 is complete... sort of. I still have probably 3 hours of work on my Legal Research and Writing assignment that is due tomorrow.... that was never explained to us and we have only had one class meeting. So that's really fun to try to figure out while flying completely blind.

A Recap of My First Week of Law School

Well.... I survived. The first week is finally over and I am completely exhausted. I think it is the mix of stress, nerves, hours of reading and just getting back into the swing of a school schedule. Overall, my first week was pretty darn good despite the Tornado warning and touchdowns in my area Wednesday night that sent my husband, pups and I to the basement for a little over an hour. That is certainly one of the more memorable parts of my first week. I only fumbled in class once, I mostly understood what was going on and I was able to complete all my readings and still find some time to take my dogs to the park, cook dinner and watch plenty of How I Met Your Mother. Thankfully I have no Friday classes so I can use that as a catch up day from this crazy week.

Law School Day 2 Recap

Day 2 is complete! In reality, this was the first meeting of my Tuesday/Thursday classes so it was basically another first day. However, I was feeling significantly more confident today. I again dressed classy casual in skinny jeans, an Express top and oxford shoes. I brought a sweater with me because there is one classroom that is freezing!

My First Day of Law School

Well, I survived my first day! It was in part not as bad as I expected and other parts worse than I imagined. Overall, not a bad first day; here is the scoop!

Law School Orientation Day 2

And that is a wrap on day 2 of law school orientation! Overall, it was another great day (day one recap here). I made friends, learned some tips and tricks and ate some great food. 

Law School Orientation Day 1 Recap

Well... I am officially a Law Student. Today was day one of Orientation and overall, it went pretty great.

5 Things to Do the Day Before Law School Orientation

Tomorrow I start Law School orientation. Tomorrow I take the first step in my legal career. Tomorrow, my life will change significantly.... but tomorrow is still 24 hours away so I am focusing on today.

Today I am binge watching How I Met Your Mother on Netflix, listening to the Woodstock playlist loud as could be while I clean my house, taking my dogs for a walk despite the overcast, windy weather, cooking a yummy dinner for my Hubby and soaking up the last few hours of not being a Law Student.

Last day that does not involve me going to law school. Enjoying my freedom by binge watching HIMYM and drinking several cups of coffee ☕️

— Brandy (@Legal_Duchess) August 16, 2016

I am also finishing some Property reading, ironing my orientation outfits, packing my tote and preparing for the exciting day tomorrow. I feel less nervous when I am totally prepared so that is why I am getting everything done today. Here is my list for feeling prepared to start Orientation.

1. Spa Day
To feel extra fierce for my first day as a Law Student, I am giving myself a manicure and pedicure to ensure that I have good first impression nails. I am also doing a face mask, a deep conditioner on my hair and whitening my teeth. I have always felt that looking your best can definitely help you feel your best. At orientation, you meet your peers and professors for the first time; you only have one chance to make a good first impression so any little things you can do to make yourself look and feel your best is worth it.

2. Pack a Tote
I am using my tote (similar) instead of my bookbag for orientation because I do not have much to carry and it goes much better with the required attire of business casual than a big heavy bookbag. I have packed my tote with the handouts, a notebook, pens and pencils, my computer, computer cord, wireless mouse, wallet, some beauty/toiletry necessities and a few granola bars just in case I get the munchies. Hopefully, I will have everything I need and then some.

3. Review the Reading
My school had a few cases to brief and a professional development handout as the required reading for the orientation workshops. I completed the work weeks ago so I just want to review the information in order to have it fresh in my memory and to be prepared to discuss it at orientation.

4. Lay Out Outfit
Having a fierce outfit, including jewelry, laid out, ironed and ready to simply put on in the morning makes me feel so much more prepared. I know I simply have to wake up, put it on and can leave the house feeling ready to rock.

5. Relax and Destress
For me, this is Yoga followed by hot tea but it could also be a workout, a coffee date or a bottle of wine. Whatever floats your boat and helps you to settle your nerves before the big day tomorrow.

Despite all the stress and nerves, I am mostly excited about starting my Law School journey tomorrow. I cannot wait to meet my new peers, explore my new school and get started on this journey to my legal career. It is sure to be a very exciting day! Check back tomorrow night for my Orientation recap!

Why I Chose Law

Law School starts really soon. I may be slightly freaking out. It's time to get real; I might seem super prepared from what I have depicted on my blog but in truth, I am struggling to get my first-day assignments completed, stressing about what to wear at Orientation and silently questioning what I was thinking by wanting to become a lawyer. A million questions are running through my mind: will I be good at Law School? Will I make the grades? Will I hate it? Can I ever be a good Lawyer? In the midst of my slight anxious breakdown, total frustration with my Contracts book and second-guessing, my husband reminded me of something I had lost sight of: my dreams.

15 Random Must-Haves for College Girls under $15

It's back to college time! Summer is very quickly coming to an end and it is bittersweet. I may be going to Law School but I feel that the must-haves are very similar to those needed for undergrad. Below I have compiled a list (with links) to 15 items I found impossible to live without in undergrad and I am sure will also be fantastic in Law School. Best part? Each item is less than $15!

1. Water Bottle
College classes are long and dry, study sessions can go on forever and if you make it to the gym a good water bottle is a necessity. Staying hydrated is so important for your health and wellness. I personally have a few of the Camelbak Eddy bottles and I love them! You can add a monogram decal for a fun girly touch :)

2. Travel Coffee Mug
I could never have survived college without coffee. That being said, for morning classes, I usually did not get out of bed early enough to drink a cup or two before those 8am's. A travel coffee mug solves that problem easily. I love this autoseal mug because it will not spill and it keeps drinks hot for a long time. I not only took my morning coffee but also hot chocolate and hot tea for late night study dates or cool walks to class. Law School will be no different and I will probably have a travel coffee mug practically glued to my hand.

3. Wireless Mouse
I HATE the mousepad on laptops. It just drives me nuts. Therefore, my wireless mouse is seriously my BFF and I couldn't live without it.

4. Crossbody Purse
I usually carry a giant "mom" purse or I just throw my wallet in my bookbag. However, there are times that a small-ish crossbody bag is a lifesaver. Whether it is for going out with friends, a date, a trip or sightseeing event of any kind and just so many instances where it just comes in super handy.

5. Weekly Planner Pad
I literally live by these things. I make one out every Monday morning and it just keeps all the assignments, work, meetings, dates and everything else so nicely and concisely organized.

6. Portable Power Pack
Long days on campus = no more battery. Keeping a portable battery pack charged and ready will save your phone and occasionality your sanity.

7. Cork Board
I keep a small cork board above my desk for random papers and important things like business cards, etc. It is nice to have a small spot to collect all those random little papers that can easily get lost.

8. Nail Polish Drying Spray
Sooo I hate nasty looking nails and I also have no patience for waiting for my nails to dry. The answer to this predicament: nail polish drying spray! Paint your nails, spray, blow on them for a minute or two and off you go to class, the bar or a meeting with lovely nails and you didn't have to wait!

9. Lunch Box
I was a commuter all through college and I hated having to pay for lunch on campus; there's only so many ranch chicken wraps you can eat before you start to hate them. For any long days on campus, I packed a lunch that either didn't require refrigeration or I would stick it in the fridge in my academic advisor's office area (he was cool like that). I saved a ton of money and ate a lot healthier just by simply packing a lunch.

10. Wristlet Wallet
Earlier I mentioned my habit of throwing my wallet in my bookbag before leaving for class. I got a cute little wristlet that holds my cash, cards, keys and cell phone. It was simple and handy to just move it from purse to bookbag or just carry it alone.

11. Throw Blanket
For anyone else who is perpetually cold, having an extra (non-bedding) blanket is perfect. I would curl up in it while studying at my desk, watching movies, eating dinner, any of the above. I am always cold soooo I tend to have a lot of blankets.

12. Bath Robe
To reiterate the fact that I am always cold, I live in my bath robe. Not only does it keep me warm and toasty in the morning; it also is quite handy when living with 4 other girls or 3 boys (thankfully that was only one semester). Bath robe = necessary.

13. Book Stand
Do yourself a favor and buy a book stand. It will make your life SO much easier when studying and save your neck.

14. Laptop Sleeve
During college, you are constantly on the go and you usually take your laptop. Laptops are expensive so invest in a laptop sleeve and protect your expensive equipment that literally is your lifeblood in college.

15. Wall Calendar
So you may have noticed a theme of organization and keeping everything straight? Wall calendar is another lifesaver in that department. I use my planner and weekly planning pad for everyday stuff but for the long term, a wall calendar is the way to go. t also has things like my then fiance/ now husband's work schedule so I know what he is up to as well as the long term things like finals.

So there you go! 15 things every girls must have in college all coming in under $15 to fit within the college budget! Hope they help you as much as they help me!

Things to Watch Before Law School

I am a firm subscriber of both Netflix and Amazon Prime. I have had some spare time before Law School and I have been catching up on my lists of things I wanted to watch. Movies and TV shows relating to the Law and/or Law School are few and far between but below are some of my favorites found on Netflix and Amazon Prime as well as a few that need to be rented!

Movies

The Paper Chase (Netflix)
An oldie but a goodie, this is one of the best Law School representations in media. You see the Socratic method at it's fiercest, Law Students succeed and fail all at the esteemed Harvard Law School. It is certainly worth a watch!

Legally Blonde (Netflix)
My personal favorite. The pretty blonde follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard and instead of getting him back, she gets a legal education and defies all expectations. Let's all aspire to reach the same level of fabulous perfection as Elle Woods.

A Few Good Men (Rent)
Tom Cruise as a military attorney is perfection. I love this movie for several reasons: seeing the main character find himself in the courtroom, the storyline and the themes of humanitarianism and truth will win are timeless.

Bridge of Spies (Rent)
A snapshot into a tough time in our history as well as a unique use of a legal education to save lives. Tom Hanks stars in this intriguing Cold War era movie and it is a great legal and historical watch.

Nuremberg (search on Youtube and full movie can be viewed)
Another historical movie featuring strong uses of the law this time for prosecution of Nazi's following World War II at the Nuremberg Trials. The Cheif Prosecutor, played by Alec Baldwin, lays out damning cases against people who committed the some worst atrocities in history.

TV Shows

How to Get Away with Murder (Netflix)
Though not very realistic, this is a thrilling and entertaining watch. It does feature some fun personalities in the Law Students.

Reckless (Netflix)
Though it is only one season, I love this show and I wish it would have continued. It contrasts a northern attorney and a southern prosecutor as they clash in and out of the courtroom of Charleston, S.C.

Making a Murderer (Netflix)
I am just getting started on this one but it is enthralling to hear the story of one man and his quest for justice under the law. I can't wait to finish it!

SUITS (Prime)
I also just started this show and it is a fun watch. I am excited to get more into it and see more of the legal action.

Still Want to Watch

- Scandal

- Good Wife

What are your favorite legal movies and TV shows?