Week 1 -- Loads of Fun

HIM: So, as we've stated, we arrived in Jacksonville and are now busy with our activities.

We found Sebastian a great school to attend. He's adapting really well to the change in scenery and schedule. He loves school and having a pool near the apartment. Last weekend was his first visit to the beach. He was somewhat overwhelmed by the possible activities (ie. swimming, finding seashells, drawing in the sand, chasing seagulls...), but managed to enjoy himself all the same.

Vanessa has been searching for a restaurant job during the week with good success. She conducts herself in such a way that inspires possible employers. She should be making a decision about her options later this week. She's gotten a tour of the law school already, and I'm looking forward to dining at whichever place she chooses.

Aidan (our cat) seems to be doing really well at his temporary home in Salem. Sarah and Mindy were so nice to take him in while we raised the funds to pay his apartment "pet deposit". Mindy's kids have been giving him due attention in our absence, whereas, had he stayed outside at my parents' house he would have gone feral... again. Unfortunately, it will be a while before anyone can bring him down to us. In fact, if any of you happen to be coming this way by car, he is a really good traveler (not-so-subtle HINT). Sebastian has actually been talking about playing with him lately, so it'll be good to get him back under our roof.

As to my activities, I survived orientation and the first week of classes. The last chance to drop/add classes was Friday, so I'm in it for the long haul now. :) Regardless, orientation was a great time! They introduced law and law school in a very user-friendly way, making sure we knew what resources were available to us and how tough the whole thing would be. They went over procedures and gave us a few mini-lectures so we were ready for the real deal on Monday. The mental health counselor gave a presentation, letting us know that there were alternatives to insanity (or at least options to reduce the negative impact of prolonged craziness... ; ). As well, they had the security chief, who looked like a primary character from the Sopranos, stop in and remind us that there was no corner of campus not being recorded on camera. Oddly unnerving and comforting at the same time... I got my books and had my last weekend before the madness began.

In discussing classes, it is first important to outline the class structure. For those of you exposed to some grad-level schooling or the Harry Potter books, this may seem familiar... All the first-years were divided up in to sections (or "houses"... ;) and I was assigned to Section F (yup, as in "Frank"!). All my classes would be with other "effers". We would share the same schedule each day, except for one which we were further divided into. My two sections: F, U. Fun stuff. =)

So, my schedule is as follows:

Tort Law
Lawyering Process (Section U)
Property Law
Contract Law
Criminal Law

I've met so many awesome people since school started! Some of us got together on Friday to play cards and cope en masse. I hope to have some photos from that event as soon as Seth (Our gracious host, to whom much thanks are in order!) can deliver them to my eager hands/computer.

As well, there has been some discussion about a Section F softball team. At first, I was a bit wary of engaging in an extra-curricular activity like that. After thinking about it, though, I can see the benefit of institutionalized socialization with my fellow "effers". Exercise, fun and sun are nearly guaranteed with this crew! Regardless, I'll keep you posted on further group activities, as I hope there will be many more!