TN State Gov. Buyouts

Our governor today announced that they are going to ask some state employees to take a buyout, which will save a lot of money next year. The buyouts are only $25,000 though, so that would not be a very good deal for many people. The only way it would be a good deal is if you were leaving to go to another job anyway. Well, there may be some people who would want this package and could benefit from it, but I just don't see how it would be beneficial for a lot of people.

Studying for My Last Test

As unbelievable as it seems, I am studying for my last law school test. It is kind of a drag, since most people have already finished their last test. I could be too if it weren't for this elective. I am exhausted, I am stressed, my house is a wreck, I have gained weight again, and I don't know how I am going to finish all this and start PMBR this week as well. I guess it is just another week in my law school career. All said and done though, I am sorry it is all coming to an end.

A New Earth

Since I am in law school, I don't have much time to read outside of class or do much of anything else. But I am always looking for ways to think more positively and get more out of each day. A lot of people have been touting the book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose. I have heard many good things about it, and will likely read it and do or at least check into Oprah's class on the book. Reading Laura Williams' Musings, she said she would not read the book, as she says the only way to God is through Jesus. It is interesting how different people have such different outlooks on the subject. I would never not read something just because I thought it contradicted my viewpoint. But then I am a journalist and have a big worldview, and I think the more information people have, and the more critical thinking they do, the better.

I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Dog-Gone It, People Like Me!

Those who have been SNL fans for some time will recognize the headline. It is the title of one of Saturday Night Live's best skits--Stuart Smalley, played by Al Franken. Franken would sit in front of a mirror and repeatedly say the above sentence. While it was hilarious, it had a point. It is bascially The Secret. You draw to you what you think. Even in my best moments these days, sometimes I feel myself slipping back into my old codependent ways. It usually happens when I feel lonely or that I am being ignored or left out of something. So, it wouldn't hurt me to think more positively, and that dog-gone it, people like me!

Price of Gas

I just found the blog Common Sense Corner and its nationwide gas price chart. Regular is listed at $3.19. I wish that were the price here in Nashville! I filled up on gas the other day at Kroger, and having spent $100 at the store last month, I got the 10 cents a gallon discount. But even with that, it was still $3.42. I won't be traveling out of town until Labor Day, so I hope it is down before then. I really feel sorry for the people who are already pressed financially up against the wall. This price of gas could really send some people over the financial edge.

My Last Class

I had my last class Thursday night. It was anticlimatic. None of my friends took the course, so there was no one to go celebrate with afterwards. The course was good--very practical, useful info--and an area of law in which I might even want to practice, but for some reason the teacher was harder to connect with than some of the others. And at the end of the class, no one clapped. Students always clap at the end of the last class when they particularly liked the course or the teacher. No clapping last night. I felt kind of bad, but am hoping maybe he doesn't know the tradition. I kind of wish I had ended with a class that was a little more "holistic," whatever I mean by that. It just left me a little sad, but it shouldn't. I think I am just starting to get sad that this will soon be all over. Maybe a little thinking about my three upcoming tests that I am sorely unprepared for will cure me of that.

Cinco de Mayo

It is the sign of the times. I drive by the fairgrounds everyday and wondered why there was a carnival being set up. A good sized one too. It is not the time of year that there is usually a fair there. I noticed a sign today saying Cinco de Mayo. And it looks like a real Cinco de Mayo celebration. Guess they are having it because of the growing Hispanic population here in Nashville. I was glad to see it. Unfortunately the weather has been bad today, so the fair has been quiet. I think it is supposed to be nice on Sunday, so maybe it will be able to be in full "tilt" then.