We have a problem

I have listened to Carrie Underwood's "Jesus Take the Wheel" no fewer than 15 times today. I even have Nicholas singing along. Wait, I guess I should have started with I bought "Jesus Take the Wheel."

Anyway, help me. Someone. Anyone. - I guess I should just let Jesus take the wheel...omg, I can't believe I just said that.

The Class of 2001

The Class of 2001
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

This weekend we returned to Transyland for Nicholas's 5th year reunion. We flew into Louisville Saturday morning and rode to Lexington with my college roommate Erin and her boyfriend Seth.

I have to admit it was crazy being back on campus. The second we walked into to Back Lobby the smell about knocked me over and my heart started to race. It wasn't a bad smell - it was just the Transy smell. You forgot details like that and it was so overwhelming to encounter them again.

We took a short tour around campus and took a stroll down memory lane. It's amazing how far we've come in just a couple of years but I have to admit I do miss it (at least parts of it).

Saturday night was T-Day Ball and his reunion reception. We both felt a little underwhelmed by the evening's festivities. Plus, since we haven't gone to either of our high school reunions, it was the first time I've been to a reunion and the energy was pretty intense. Lots of judging and one-upmanship.

On Sunday, we met my big sister Hollie and her new man for breakfast at Ramsey's. I even got in an Ale-8-One!After returning to Louisville, we met Mike and Smith for my favorite Fazoli's! (You'd be surprised how much you miss it.) We left late Sunday night after a quick stop at Grater's - wow this sounds like we went back to be reunited with food not people but I swear that wasn't the case. ;)

Ummm...WHOA!!!

What the F happened to Jewel?!? I thought the uber-glamorization in that Intuition video was some cultural statement not a permanent change. I don't want some sex kitten parading as folk singer - I want my used-to-be homeless, crooked teethed, grungy Jewel!!!

Seriously - I might have to return my slightly dogearred copy of A Night Without Armor.

Dear ABC,

Stop splicing together old episodes of Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy into a "Catchup Special" and calling it a new episode. It's not. However, my poor trusting Tivo doesn't know that and records it as if it were a new episode. Then I get all excited when I see it on my list - followed promptly by me getting all pissed off when I realize it is not a new episode at all.

I realize you are saving the new episodes for May Sweeps. But just the same, it's a jerk move and you should stop.

Love,
Sarah

P.S. That What About Brian show is dumb.

Justice Kennedy

At the Supreme Court
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Last week, I had the honor of meeting Justice Anthony Kennedy. As I have previously mentioned, Jamie is ridiculously connected so I wasn't too surprised when out of nowhere he asked if I wanted to go with him to the Supreme Court and meet Justice Kennedy. My answer was a resounding yes.

The Justice came in a spoke with us for about a half an hour and was interesting and witty. He talked about the importance of the Court and the changes its gone under recenty. There was a short Q&A and I was allowed to ask him a question. I asked him what he thought was the number one mistake oral advocates make. He responded that lawyers often try to cover up the difficult, weaker points of there case when that is exactly what the Justices want to talk about.

It was really fascinating to see him upclose and personal. You expect Justices to be staid and impersonal but he was very warm and seemed sincerely interested in talking to us. All in all, it was really amazing to get a better understanding of not only a Justice but probably the most powerful Justice on the Court at this point in time.

A Couple of Things

1. Everyone stop wearing cropped pants. Seriously. Stop it! They are not flattering on anyone. They make tall girls look short and short girls look shorter. I know they are everywhere but try to resist. Try hard.

2. hehehehehehe

3. Oprah today was the most feminist-oriented thing I've seen on national television in a long time! "Women are being exploited." "There is a machine that profits over making women feel small." This is why I love Oprah and why you should too! ;)

4. Everyone can dada!

5. This is for all the lawyers in the crowd - a quote from "Thank You For Smoking"
Son: "Dad, what makes the American government the best government in the world?"
Dad: "Our endless appeals process."

Law School Prom...and the Party Bus that took us there.

Laughing my butt off
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

This Saturday night was Barrister's Ball - better known as Law School Prom. My friends and I have a pretty strong philosophy that there are only so many times in your life you get to go to Prom, particularly Proms where you can legally drink, so you might has well make the most of it.

Every year we rent a party bus to take us from one of our houses (aka the preparty) around DC and then park outside Prom, functioning as our own personal VIP room. This year's bus had stripper poles and well what can you say - when the pole calls one must answer. ;) No, we all have to take the Bar someday so we behaved for the most part. I think I can safely say we all had a blast with no major mishaps...oh except the FIGHT on the bus.

That's right my dear friend Leslie who is the originator and organizer of the party bus (she has a spreadsheet people!) got in a fight defending the integrity of our executive coach. A 1L who shall remain nameless (until we figure out her name) got on our bus and when Leslie pointed out that we didn't know her, she didn't pay, and she should leave, proceeded to punch Leslie in the side of the face! Leslie, who is a peaceful girl, pushed her back by the throat. At this point, our friend Chickein interceeded and forced her off the bus. It was wild but to be expected really - jealousy is a sickness. ;)

Jamie Raskin for State Senate

Jamie
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Recently, Jamie Raskin, a constitutional law professor at my school, announced his candidacy for Maryland State Senate. I have joined his campaign as his personal aide and the campaign's all around go-to-girl. I squeeze in as much work as I can right now and will work full-time this summer.

Jamie is running against Ida Ruben - a 32 year incumbent who is what we call a DINO (Democrat in Name Only). District 20 is particularly liberal so the entire race will be the primary, because the Republicans never run a candidate. Jamie is the candidate you always dream of working for - an incredibly intelligent man full of honor and integrity.

He garnered a large amount of attention recently when he testified before the Maryland State Senate on a gay marriage amendment. When a conservative Senator pointed out that the Bible defined marriage as between a man and a woman, Jamie replied, "Yes but Senator when you took your oath of office you placed your hand on the Bible and swore to uphold the Constitution, you didn't place your hand on the Constitution and swear to uphold the Bible."

Check out his campaign website.

National Democratic Law Students Council

At the conference
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

The second weekend of Spring Break I went to Boston (for the first time ever) for the Inaugeral Conference of the newly formed National Democratic Law Students Council at Harvard. It really was an amazing weekend with lots of networking and great sessions on "Running for Office" and Democratic Strategy. It really restored my faith in the party, especially our keynote address by Howard Dean. I made an unsuccessful bid for VP of Campaigns and Elections but in a runoff election. Overall, as silly as this sounds, I left feeling like I'd really broken into the inner circle. When our speakers looked into the audience and said there were future Senators and Governors in the crowd, it wasn't like how they said it in elementary school - they meant it. People encouraged me to run and thought I had some really great ideas. It's funny how being from a Red State lends you instant credibilty. ;)

Nicholas came with me and we fit in as much sight seeing as possible. We even got to see South Boston's (Southie to locals) St. Patrick Day's Parade. Besides their ridiculous public transit system, we really enjoyed ourselves and of course the accents were good for hours of entertainment.

London Calling

London Calling
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

As promised, I will related some of the details of my very quick, very tiring trip to London.

I arrived Friday night very late and spent several hours convincing myself I was tired. On Saturday, Brad and I went to Portobello Market and had (according to Jamie Oliver) the best fish and chips in all of London at George's. It was in fact pretty fantastic. From street market to super upscale, we stopped off at Fortnum and Mason's where I bought various English foods. When Nicholas asked why I was so excited because the British aren't exactly known for their food, I reminded him that they are masters at anything in a jar (jam, clotted cream, mustards, etc.). He thought this was bloody hilarious, as they say.

On Sunday, we the Tate to Tate ferry to the Tate Modern and had high tea at Brad's private club. Then I went up in the London Eye while Brad went to church. (He described it as charismatic Church of England, which didn't exactly interest me.) We ate dinner at this delightful (and highly recommended - Thanks Laura!) restaurant called Chelsea Kitchen. Monday and Tuesday I was pretty much on my own as Brad was finishing up his semester. On Monday, I went to the National Gallery and just generally explored the city before meeting Brad for some evening Wagamama and Shakespeare . On Tuesday, I took a bus tour to Stonehenge and Bath. Bath, in particular the actual Roman Baths, was incredibly fascinating and strikingly beautiful.
Wednesday, it was back home to American, which consisted of approx. 11 hours of travel.

THANKS DADDY!

Video iPods ROCK!
Originally uploaded by SarahorNicholas.

Last December, my 15-year-old brothers both got video iPods for their birthday. I protested because clearly I NEED an video iPod more than them. A couple of weeks later my dad got one and then I just started feeling left out.

So, I pointed out to my father that I was the only Stewart lacking a new video iPod and that my current iPod was acting a little wonky (I might have washed it in the washing machine). He then says those magic words every daughter from 2 to 24 likes to hear "Honey, if you want one I'll get you one." At which point, I jumped around the room because YEAH I'M GETTING A VIDEO iPOD!!!

We decided to send it to Nicholas's office in case no one was at our apartment to sign for it. Nicholas points out that since it's coming under his name to his work it is clearly his iPod. My dad hears him and says those words every son-in-law loves to hear "Tell Nicholas if he really wants one I'll get him one." Anyone who knows Nicholas can guess that his immediate reaction was to scoff and say he did not need a video iPod and he didn't want to burden my father WHICH is why I secretly emailed my dad and said yes he'd love one.

This would be the best story if I was able to keep the secret and it just showed up at his office but alas I have a freaking big mouth. It doesn't matter anyway. All that matters now is that Nicholas and I are constantly rocking it out with our new video iPods and that my dad is like the most generous most wonderful dad ever! (If this doesn't impress you, just ask him about going to a Korn concert with my little brothers!)

SNOW! SNOW! SNOW!

First steps outside.
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

Ok so overnight the sky opened up and dumped about six inches of snow all over the DC Metro area. And can I just say? It's A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!! I love snow - I even set the alarm so I could get up and play in it before everyone else messed it up. We walked down to the mall and made snow angels and went sleddin'. The best part is we got to go up in the Washington Monument and see the whole city covered in snow. See Flickr for all the pics.

Saturday

What I did while waiting for the snow.
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

The were predictions for a massive snowstorm over the weeknd. However, Saturday proved to be a bit disappointing. Nicholas went to the (very hectic) grocery store in morning and the rest of day we did what the Sweet Potato Queen's call "jack shit"! We watched no fewer five movies and I completed a puzzle, pictured above.

Red Carpet Extravaganza!

Pretty Girls
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

My friends Laura (left) and Leslie (middle) threw a red carpet extravaganza to celebrate Laura's birthday. We were instructed to come as our favorite celebrity or a more fabulous version of ourselves. They were Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen complete with boho garb and large cups of coffee. Nicholas and I were more glamorous versions of ourselves. However, also in attendence at the party was TomKat and Courtney Love. We had a blast as you can see from the huge amount of pictures we took posted on flickr.

WHY!?!

My hard drive crashed - it sucks so hard I can't even tell you. Last night, it started acting slow and freezing. It got progressively worse until Nicholas decided to reinstall my operating system. Then, I called the Apple Helpline and they told me to do all this stuff that made it worse. THEN, I went to the Apple Store and the so-called "geniuses" did all this stuff that made it worse. Finally, they decided to send it off for a new hard drive and it should be back in 3-10 days.

In all honesty, it could be so much worse. We just backed up all my stuff to an external drive. Actually, it's kind of funny because we bought the external drive because my music was taking up so much room. Well, it turns out I didn't really need it because I just accidently been uploading music files in this really large format. So, I converted them back and deleted the big files and I was fine. Luckily, we decided to keep the drive and back up all my documents or else this crash would have been disasterous.

However, it still really sucks because its going to be a couple days without a computer and a couple of hours getting it back to where it used to be once I get one. I guess I'm just paying back bad kharma for bragging about how great Macs are to all my PC using friends. I mean I watch My Name is Earl so you'd think I'd know better. But I'm sure I'll get mine when I have to go beg to all them for last week's class notes.

A New Year

Maggie's New Haircut
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

A new year comes with the requisite resolutions which include but are not limited to posting more on the blog. And I was doing so well last year till December of course when finals happened! Lots has happened since then which I will list because I am a lazy lazy girl.

1. I took two exams and turned in my paper of the semester (bringing the grand total of pages written to 110).
2. I went home to Paducah WAY too early and was bored out of my stinkin' skull.
3. Nicholas had a little accident in which he sprained his hand and seriously messed up his face.
4. I failed my freaking comment which composed over half of the previously mentioned 110 pages. I have a chance to resubmit and am guarenteed I will pass as long as I put in a "good faith" effort. I just hope my definition of good faith is the same as theirs'.
5. Christmas came and went far too quickly. Santa brought me lots of goodies including a new digitial camera, beautiful gold earrings from the hubby, and a bunch of other lovely things. And the Skidmore family created a new pajama party tradition that is here to stay. (See Flickr for pictures)
6. Nicholas and I spent a lovely New Year's evening at home. He made a romantic dinner and we watched the ball drop with Carson Daly (b/c Dick Clark was just too depressing--sorry!).
7. I discovered Sudoku thanks to a well-intentioned stocking stuffer from my mother. I now have significantly less free time.
8. I saw The Chornicles of Narnia (that lion was freaking amazing), The Family Stone (aka tear-jerker masquerading as a comedy), King Kong (poor thing! he just likes the blonde), Rumor Has It (more Shirley McLain!), and after waiting FOREVER the gay cow...I mean Brokeback Mountain which was by far the best movie I've seen in a season full of good movies. Give Heath Ledger his Oscar.
9. Watched approximately 14 of the 16 hours of the Oprah DVD collection while wishing a million times over that I was Gayle King and realizing I don't remember a time in my life when I was NOT watching Oprah.
10. Oh, and Maggie got a haircut (see above).

Maggie's Sweet Face

Maggie's Sweet Face
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

Over Thanksgiving, Rob took some "art shots" of our adorable pup. We've been meaning to get her picture taken professionally forever. Luckily Nicholas' dad is a photography genius and FREE!

Thanksgiving

Family Portrait
Originally uploaded by The Smooze.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving in Atlanta with Nicholas' family. We drove down with Pamela on Tuesday night and came back yesterday. The meal itself was wonderful and spending time with family, especially the new addition Stephen really was nice. If only I didn't have to come back to finals!

I'm in love

Meet Butterstick

WARNING: Do not click this link if you have impending deadlines, errands to run, or basically anything to do for the next couple of hours.

Dear Pizza Hut, You suck. Love, Sarah

Tonight at approximately 6:30 I ordered a large cheese pizza and an order of breadsticks from Pizza Hut. Now, I had a credit for the breadsticks because last time they were out - that took about five minutes to explain. So, I got off the phone and waited and waited and waited. Around 7:45 I called and they said it would be 15 minutes. The pizza showed up at 8:30. Let me rephrase. The chicken pizza showed up! As most of you know, we do not eat meat. So, we chased the pizza guy down and he said to keep it and he would bring us a cheese pizza. We called the store and they said they would give us a store credit and another pizza was on its way. That was about 8:45. At 10:00, I called again and after sitting on hold for 10 minutes the manager explained they thought we only wanted the store credit. He's sending a pizza right over.

It's 10:30. There is no pizza yet. We are hungry.