[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsuQhHle_-Q[/youtube]

I first heard about the Center when Maher Arar’s attorney spoke about how he (a Canadian citizen) was kidnapped in the U.S. and extraordinarily rendition-ed to Syria and tortured. CCR represents him and all of the Guantanamo detainees. This radio story literally brought me to tears. I wept for our country, and I wept with joy that there are attorneys working to restore its integrity.

They do amazing work & I’m proud to be aligned with any organization that right-wingers call “The Terrorists’ Legal Team” and writes a book entitled “The Case Against Donald Rumsfeld.”

I couldn’t be more excited.

(in case you couldn’t tell…I’ll show you with my face how I feel about this job).

Not only did she get an interview with US Attorney’s office for her summer internship, she was just given the “Employee of the Month” award from the Law Library . But seriously, I am really proud of Kate and all her achievements. She has really worked hard this first year in law school and is taking every advantage offered to her. She is a real trooper.

Since we’re on a fashion kick… you know how Michelle Obama’s inaugural outfit was gushed about in the press?

Well, I’ve had that coat for years. Bought it at Savers, back when I combed through their racks for a living. It has gotten plenty of strange looks & comments. Now, Obama sports it & banana coats from the 60s are in.

YES!

We just got back from a tasty hot chocolate and turtle pie at the Zanzibar Cafe in Mission Beach. The desserts were delectable and our outfits divine. I wore the same outfit I’ve had on for the the last 3 days, namely a pair of shorts and an old ‘t’ with food stains, toothpaste drool, and possibly spray paint or silk-screening ink. Kate, on the other hand, wore her Lost Boys costume from the set of Steven Spielberg’s Hook. In case you haven’t seen the movie, I included a snapshot from Kate’s scene.

I convinced the Republican & Democrat clubs at my school to let me crash their student Presidential debate. I convinced another Nader fan at USD to participate with me, and we were allowed to answer 2/4 questions (ie, I only got to answer one of the questions). I’m not sure how many swing voters there were in the audience, but it was fun. And I got to wear my “Don’t hate the playa, hate the game” Nader t-shirt that Neil & I made. Worth it.

Neil and I went out to breakfast at a seedy diner to celebrate in the a.m., since I had class until 9:30p.m. the night of. Turns out it is the most popular place in San Diego, based on the crowd. I had a spinach fritatta, unusual fare for a highway-side diner, but delicious indeed.

When I got home from class I was so hungry that Neil took me out for a Birthday Burrito instead of the celebratory ice cream we had planned. It was also quite delicious.

My family came to visit me the week before my birthday & somehow we ended up at a seafood joint down by the San Diego marina. Luckily we started the birthday season out early & they brought me some complimentary birthday dessert.

What could possibly say “Happy Birthday” more than husband & wife matching fleece vests from the 2002 Olympics. Thanks dad! You are one-of-a-kind.

Neil fetched me out some seaweed from Coronado beach for my birthday.

But, luckily he also surprised me with this fantastic cloche.

And, just for a jog down memory lane… for my 27th birthday I made everyone rent costumes & go to a mansion in Salt Lake for a Murder Mystery party. Anyone who says I’m not a good time doesn’t know how to have a good time.

Happy Birthday Season everyone!

Yep. That’s right. I walked to the closest hair salon to campus (which happens to be Fantastic Sams) and got my hair cut. When I explained that I wanted it short one one side, long on the other there was great confusion on the face of the stylist (only partially due to the language barrier). She said that uneven haircuts don’t look good. Finally after about 10 minutes I won her over with my newly developed logical argument skills.

In retrospect, she may have been right. But, good looks never were my style.

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 658 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Neil Ransom, on the other hand, is much more unique. Bugger!

HowManyOfMe.com

There are 7 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

The procedure has been described to me by adult tonsillectomy veterans as more painful than, “3 natural childbirths,” “blunt-force stab wound,” “Broken nose,” “broken arm,” “any injury you can possibly sustain.” So, as you can imagine I am very excited for my upcoming weeks of recovery. Apparently your nerve endings in your throat must increase exponentially while passing puberty, because children can bounce right back. You give ‘em a hug & a popcicle and they are back to school the next day. Adults take 10 days just to be able to talk again. Awesome!

Luckily Neil is currently unemployed and can be at my beckon call. (Lucky, lucky Neil.) I think at this point he’s more nervious than I am. Three cheers for no tonsils! Hip-hip hooray.