How to Have a Happy Day in Law School
I have spent most of this week more-or-less despairing about the futility of trying to get everything done. Projects are no longer looming overhead; they have in fact descended, and are sitting right on top of me, putting me in an uncomfortable position of smooshedness.
So the fact that I’m writing about having a “happy law school day” is a bit of an accomplishment. I’m trying to finish this post before the euphoria wears off and reality sets back in.
But first, get a lot of sleep. I went to bed early last night, telling myself it was so I could get up early this morning. This morning, laying in bed, I decided that the most reasonable course of action was to laugh at the whole world and go back to sleep. So I did.
Second, once your sleep is done, kick the day off with some coffee. Then, enjoy the feeling as coffee kicks back. Transfer that kick into a page of notes on whatever inane topic you are trying to think about.
Third, pick a day that storms. When I drove to Starbucks for said coffee, it was a pleasant day. When I left said Starbucks with said page of inane notes, the day had transformed itself into an unbelievably gorgeous thunderstorm. As I drove through the downpour I had to keep reminding myself that the rattling coming from my engine block was sympathetic vibration responding to the thunder’s crash, not transmission problems.
Fourth, find your hideout from the storm. After getting soaked, I am now firmly ensconced in my weekend hideout, to wit, Panera Bread. Watching the storm is better with a sourdough breadbowl of French onion soup, and so is law school.
Finally, you have to have the music. I got a new CD a couple of days ago with one of my favorite pieces of all time, the Cavatina from The Deer Hunter. I fell in love with that piece the first time I heard it on public radio, and after listening to it more times than I can count, I still love it. David Russell plays it with an amazing lyrical quality that brings out the emotion that the piece is supposed to have.
There. I have spilled all of my secrets.
(And if you care to share my joy, you can check out this CD. The five traditional Venezuelan pieces are also especially delightful.)