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1 1 . 3 0 . 0 1 Well the CAT wasn't that bad, I did pretty good on 2/3 of the sections, actually in reality I did well. I get some hell about complaining about not being satisfied with above average scores, even though I didn't have as much time to prep for the test. I think the idea of taking a test with a computer is a little new process for me. Probably hurt my score a little. but thats pau, I have a score to report now, which is all thats important. Don't know if i want to take it again, choto takai. Taking the LSAT tomorrow, thinking about cancelling the scores, according to some sources, even if I get a perfect, since most schools average the scores, it might not be a wise choice to take it. Plus even the LSDAS advises against taking the test again on a consecutive administration date. which is what I will be doing if i take it tomorrow. Thing is, the way they set it up, you don't get your score until after the registration date for the next test, so unless you're absolutely sure you aced it, you'll be registering again, taking a late cancellation fee, or a test date change fee. then again how much does a number really mean in the admissions process? I think I'm a little sick of all this grading and judging, its kind of like applying for college all over again, except this time the schools are more focused, and more anal about requirements and standards. Happy November 1 1 . 2 7 . 0 1 Its raining like heck right now, kind of expected, after a muggy monday, and about maybe a month of sunshine. I was reading an article about alternative energy ideas in sundrenched honolulu, apparently San Fran is incorporating solar panels on the tops of some of their skyscrapers. It would make more than enough sense to at least entertain the idea of alternative energy here. Rain is always welcome. At least it isn't sleet. GRE tomorrow, I'm taking a CAT, computer assisted test? not sure what the acronym stands for, but I know its on a computer. apparently its a four hour test, hope I don't fall asleep. Taking some time off from the court, and from work to study. Gave Judge a copy of the report, at least so far I think she might at least find it interesting for her possible future career. Having a little trouble writing a statement of purpose for schools, I guess talking about my accomplishments and merits for the past 4 years seems a little cocky. I recall even writing my college essay was a little stratnge. Part of me thinks that accomplishments and awards are better internalized for personal reference at a future time. sure, they can be an assessment of a person's potential, but if someone needs to brag about something they've done too much, then it really hasn't meant that much afterall. Of course, I'll do it eventually. I have accomplished a lot these past 4 years in Madison, I just need to put it into writing. Laozi. 1 1 . 2 2 . 0 1 Its Turkey day and i'm sick. fun. keeping up with tradition in a sense, i think 2/3 Thanksgivings I spent in Madison I was pretty sick. change in weather, and midterms picking up I suppose. At least the ground isn't frozen outside. This time I think it was working with too many case files, kind of like when I was working in Medical records. I guess crim files are similar in that respect. Went and saw that Harry Potter movie, it was pretty good. Haven't really seen an excellent movie in the theaters in a while, although this one kind of sticks out. special effects and fantasy plot, something a little different, but same. Some people are upset by the plot, apparently there are some groups that want to ban the books from the public library, let alone the theaters. Debating if I should go into work tomorrow, probably should since I need to talk to Judge about this paper I'm writing, and need her input before I start. then again maybe it can wait. Trial in progress right now is turning out to be very interesting, kind of chaotic at times, but it seems with an understanding and fair judge, the pro se idea actually works. not much else going on. think maybe the polynesian paralysis is setting in. nene time for me. 1 1 . 2 0 . 0 1 Chie and Dustin are in town for a couple of weeks, actually they're in Kailua, which in reality is prety close by mainland standards. Kind of a last minute revert to plans, originally Chie was going to come by herself after her original plans fell through, but it came back on schedule again. Saw them both in Waikiki and gave them a little bit of a tour of Honolulu, more history than needed perhaps. Coming down with a cold, or the flu or something, hope I can nuke it with some good old ester C and li hing mui. I'm getting the feeling that this is a virus though. Grad apps are itching me, I need to write a good statement, and time is starting to get sparse. Emailed Thornton for a letter, hoping that it isn't too late with the holidays and finals coming up. GRE next week and LSAT take two next weekend. woo hoo. Looks like its grad school or bust, no JET. not enough time, and honestly my Nihongo is too rusty. I guess theres always vacation time. Haven't been into Public safety yet this week, there was an interesting trial this week with a pro se litigator, it really makes things complicated for the court. Due process claims are tedious as is, when a pro se tries to work with the law it causes more confusion. part of the irony of our justice system in a sense, I mean the jurors themselves are lay persons who can be confused by the procedures and rules of the law, if a defendant is unable (if he chooses to) defend himself in a court of law, then what kind of justice is there really? 1 1 . 1 5 . 0 1 Been pretty busy with things, courses are winding down, or up depending on how you look at it, and there are of course applications to work on. LSAT scores came in, I guess I ended up doing OK afterall. Debating whether it might be worth taking it again, or crossing my fingers. Still need to take a GRE too if I want to apply for some programs. Some of these application processes are so complicated. Hung out with Kim a couple nights ago, she's doing well. Training with the team for nationals, I'm pretty impressed that she's still dedicated 2 years after HS. I think I might go into the room when I get a chance, would be something to see how much I remember. Different mindset, but I don't think you need to teach an old dog old tricks. Also ran into Nealie, Ike, and Geoff all pau with school and home for a bit. Haven't seen them in a while, they seemed the same, but different. older I guess, maybe a little more jaded in some aspects, more mature in others. I don't think any of them still play their horns when I think of it. Ike said that he applied for an Air Marshal position, but the FAA hasn't gotten back to him yet. Wonder if it's still worth applying for. I got an email from a student at UH doing an ethnic studies report on Myles Fukunaga, she ended up reading my paper on Hawai`i's cemeteries, and had some questions about it. I don't really know if anyone out there is still interested in that sort of thing outside of academia. Unimportant in some sense, but for the sake of culture. 1 1 . 9 . 0 1 Lots goes on in a week. one thing, I officially applied for a job through UH's referral services for students, the interview went well and I think i hope I'll be working sometime next week. I bought my ticket for Japan, should be coming in the mail sometime today or tomorrow. I'm expecting my LSAT scores any moment now. That actually I'm a little hesitant about. Saw two more films with the Hawaii international Film Festival, a group of docudramas on the 100th Battalion, and a Japanese horror movie about the Ingugami. Had a visit with the state capitol on Wed, I was Coyne's shadow and got some insight on something we call politics, specifically Hawaii politics. Had kind of a bad day at the court yesterday, well actually Judge did. shes under a lot of stress with the cases coming up. being a gopher kind of gives me the feeling of unimportance, which is to be expected of course. it kind of got to me yesterday a bit though. later I went to Jack-in-a-box and the lady got my order wrong. thought i said taco when i meant coke. Went to the college fair at the blaisdell convention hall, Reids parents were there plugging the school. All of the kids coming to the booth were so young looking. Funny thing is I never went to the Wisconsin booth during the fair. At the fair I met an alumni who went to LaFollette for her masters, and is now working for an insurance company here. Got some contact information, I think it'd be neat to go back up there again. Had a dream last night that I was going to Iowa of all places, and got lost in Iowa City. had to stop in a store to find a map, but all I could find was alcohol. oh, and some topless Japanese tourists being escorted by a drunk midwestern haole. don't ask me. Symbolism, I was driving a car that turned into a motorcycle/bicycle when I was in the store. I also was watching the traffic out of my peripheral vision, I was concentrating on an article or research paper I had clamped on the wheel. i missed the road where I was supposed to be going, as I had an idea where it was. All the while I was thinking, "hey, i'll just stop for a map later". Mom says theres a dojo in Kalihi that has a Kendo instruction, although they're kind of hard core. I have to learn how to meditate first. Dunno, it sounds pretty appealing to me. 1 1 . 1 . 0 1 Part of me is curious about whats going on back in Madison with the orgs, but a bigger part thinks that its a non-factor. Kind of like reflecting on the profound HS experience, now its college. I know that things are different though, we are a lot wiser than we were 4 years ago. Don't get me wrong, I don't have any regrets about my time in the Mad Towne. Although I may have felt distracted by some relatively unimportant things, its all in the learning experience. Besides, I can honestly say I look back on things and laugh more than not. Ultimately it isn't about vengance or "winning", rather more walking away from an experience, every experience with something in your backpocket. And I don't mean money. Dang thats the last thing that was on my mind. Especially when slandering former members is part of the unseen budget of a non-profit student run organization on a website that no one looks at. I hear that some of them are still pissed at for some WWW satire which, I'm sorry to say I didn't have the creativity to construct. It would be dishonest to say that I had the gall to make it. heh. Sad thing is that some people who I care deeply about, as well as those who I have grown indifferent to (not hate, mind you - I've moved beyond that at least with this) still haven't gotten over some of the conflicts and disputes of the past year. Plus the politics of reconciliation - don't get me started. Easy to play peacemaker from a safe haven of non-confrontational involvement. $1,000,000 is a nice figure for promoting diversity I suppose. Too bad its most likely going to go for self-promotion of a minority few. My secret hope is that not everyone is that stupid, or conflicted. Time to wake up people, no one wants to listen, let alone fund a sob story. |