Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Today, is my best, best, best friend in the whole entire world, birthday! I have sent her many well wishes for a blessed birthday today and always. I have known this woman ALL of my life and it indeed a Blessing to have a friendship like hers in my life.
I answered a reference question today regarding probable cause and warrantless arrest. I keep telling myself I should have went to Law School in my younger years..........
Chris and I met today to go over my assignments submitted to date for correction and review for the final exam. He was impressed with the fact that I have done really well despite my constant pain from sitting or standing too long. Thats so kind of him. Dwight checked on me today as well; his sense of humor and concern is good medicine. Physical therapy really worked me over yesterday, that I feel like I got beat up pretty bad.
I found myself thinking about where I am going to end up after my residency ends. A good friend works in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The temperature today is 16 below. He took the job for the money and a 9-month +28 extra days contract, but he has to deal with frigid weather! There are some really great positions being posted in academia, but I have to consider the needs of my children at this time. My daughter had a difficult transition moving here to South Bend, and I would really hate to move her again. I might have to consider doing something else for a living. . I finally was starting to believe that I could be a librarian until retirement...as Georgia Evans has said from Good Times...."D**m, D**m, D**m!"
My life is presently making a 360 degree turn during this holiday season, but in spite of yet another change, the Lord is in the midst, and all things will work itself out once again. Its just when I'm in the midst of chaos and stress, its hard to focus on that aspect. In spite of myself, I believe in my heart of hearts the value of when one door closes, another door opens to possibilities never imagined.......Amen, Amen, Amen.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
I found out early this morning that one of my favorite writers of Black Fiction and commentary on Black Life, Bebe Moore Campbell died Monday, November 27, 2006 of complications due to brain cancer. I have been a "fan" of her fiction writing since the time I was pregnant with my son, Gelasius-Christopher and of her writing in Essence Magazine over the years. She died at such a young age of 56, but she will always be remembered by me as a woman who told meaningful, thought-provoking stories of Black Life from a place of truth given the times we live in today. Each generation has its story tellers, and Ms. Campbell will be remembered in the same light as writers of the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. Peace and Blessings to her family at their time of grief and rememberance!
***************************************************************************************
I am really determined to get my assignments done for Chris this week so that I can take the exam. Its been a real struggle for me this term due to my constant back pain. I have been feeling "off my game" and its affected me. Thank God for the recent Thanksgiving break! I needed time to be off my feet and relaxing with my family.
*************************************************************************************
Words to internalize today and this week:
"I have caused a door to be opened before you that no one can close"- Revelations, 3:8
The door is opened.....free access to God's grace is open to all. No power on earth and no evil power of hell can close this door if I myself do not close it. This is a grave responsibility for all human beings and for me: never to neglect grace, nor to put salvation in peril. Do I take this matter seriously?
My Prayer: "My Father, You accept all those who aspire to You. Never let me be separated from You." Amen........ (From Minute Meditations for Each Day, y Rev. Bede Naegele, O.C.D. 1993/1982, Catholic Book Publishing Co. -New York).
I found out early this morning that one of my favorite writers of Black Fiction and commentary on Black Life, Bebe Moore Campbell died Monday, November 27, 2006 of complications due to brain cancer. I have been a "fan" of her fiction writing since the time I was pregnant with my son, Gelasius-Christopher and of her writing in Essence Magazine over the years. She died at such a young age of 56, but she will always be remembered by me as a woman who told meaningful, thought-provoking stories of Black Life from a place of truth given the times we live in today. Each generation has its story tellers, and Ms. Campbell will be remembered in the same light as writers of the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. Peace and Blessings to her family at their time of grief and rememberance!
***************************************************************************************
I am really determined to get my assignments done for Chris this week so that I can take the exam. Its been a real struggle for me this term due to my constant back pain. I have been feeling "off my game" and its affected me. Thank God for the recent Thanksgiving break! I needed time to be off my feet and relaxing with my family.
*************************************************************************************
Words to internalize today and this week:
"I have caused a door to be opened before you that no one can close"- Revelations, 3:8
The door is opened.....free access to God's grace is open to all. No power on earth and no evil power of hell can close this door if I myself do not close it. This is a grave responsibility for all human beings and for me: never to neglect grace, nor to put salvation in peril. Do I take this matter seriously?
My Prayer: "My Father, You accept all those who aspire to You. Never let me be separated from You." Amen........ (From Minute Meditations for Each Day, y Rev. Bede Naegele, O.C.D. 1993/1982, Catholic Book Publishing Co. -New York).
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
November 22, 2006
It's the day before Thanksgiving and it seems to be really quiet in the Law Library. There are still a handful of students working hard on assignments utilizing our electronic as well as our print resources. From the students who I have assisted to date, the overwhelming response has been to seek out the print source for information retrieval. At the end of the day, a lot of the print sources used are left on the tables.
I am down to two assignments left for Chris to check for me before I get the opportunity to take the test. I am not nervous about this process because the assignments I have been working on to date falls in line with what I have surmised the test will be about. I still hate taking tests, because I really do believe that a way to determine one's ability to grasp knowledge, has a lot to do with how one writes. My goal is to pass the test and finish my rotation on a good note. I have learned a lot about doing legal research and I could really do well in this area of librarianship, but the nature of the Law Librarian profession is having that Law degree.
On a Reference Note.............
I assisted a patron with locating information on "Unjust Enrichment" within the State of Indiana. I was able to locate a definition of terms and found two case examples to coincide with the definitions. It was very apparent that this patron was in need of legal advice, but when I explained to him that my role was strickly to "present the information" it was acceptable to the patron. WHEW! I have heard stories from Law Librarians how sometimes, patrons want the Librarian to act as Lawyer. I encouraged him to review the information and speak with his attorney if he had any further questions or concerns. It worked!
A reflection from the book entitled, "Minute Meditations for Each Day"......
"Everyone who does the will of God is brother and sister and mother to me." Mark 3:35
Reflection: To do God's will means to listen to His word and follow it. This gives rise to a communion of faith that is mysteriously regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The communion of faith is incomparably better than any ties of blood. Have I experienced this renewal in me>
Prayer: "Jesus, my brother, let my whole being be consumed in the will of the Father so that I may be worthy of Your love."
******************************************************************************
THANKSGIVING IS...... Home. Our home brings us a sense of beauty, peace, love, spirit and safety in a difficult world. ..... There can be great satisfaction in creating a pleasing environment....... Our home must contain an atmosphere that is conducive to reading, thinking, and studying, and this is especially vital with children in the home." From "Black Pearls, Eric V. Copage (1993).
It's the day before Thanksgiving and it seems to be really quiet in the Law Library. There are still a handful of students working hard on assignments utilizing our electronic as well as our print resources. From the students who I have assisted to date, the overwhelming response has been to seek out the print source for information retrieval. At the end of the day, a lot of the print sources used are left on the tables.
I am down to two assignments left for Chris to check for me before I get the opportunity to take the test. I am not nervous about this process because the assignments I have been working on to date falls in line with what I have surmised the test will be about. I still hate taking tests, because I really do believe that a way to determine one's ability to grasp knowledge, has a lot to do with how one writes. My goal is to pass the test and finish my rotation on a good note. I have learned a lot about doing legal research and I could really do well in this area of librarianship, but the nature of the Law Librarian profession is having that Law degree.
On a Reference Note.............
I assisted a patron with locating information on "Unjust Enrichment" within the State of Indiana. I was able to locate a definition of terms and found two case examples to coincide with the definitions. It was very apparent that this patron was in need of legal advice, but when I explained to him that my role was strickly to "present the information" it was acceptable to the patron. WHEW! I have heard stories from Law Librarians how sometimes, patrons want the Librarian to act as Lawyer. I encouraged him to review the information and speak with his attorney if he had any further questions or concerns. It worked!
A reflection from the book entitled, "Minute Meditations for Each Day"......
"Everyone who does the will of God is brother and sister and mother to me." Mark 3:35
Reflection: To do God's will means to listen to His word and follow it. This gives rise to a communion of faith that is mysteriously regenerated by the Holy Spirit. The communion of faith is incomparably better than any ties of blood. Have I experienced this renewal in me>
Prayer: "Jesus, my brother, let my whole being be consumed in the will of the Father so that I may be worthy of Your love."
******************************************************************************
THANKSGIVING IS...... Home. Our home brings us a sense of beauty, peace, love, spirit and safety in a difficult world. ..... There can be great satisfaction in creating a pleasing environment....... Our home must contain an atmosphere that is conducive to reading, thinking, and studying, and this is especially vital with children in the home." From "Black Pearls, Eric V. Copage (1993).
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Thursday, November 16, 2006
The following information was forwarded via an e-mail:
NEWS BRIEFS
First Black West Point Commander Dies In Iraq
Sept. 27, 2006 – The nation is mourning the death of Lt Emily Perez, 23, the first Black woman to serve as corps commander sergeant major atWest Point . Perez, who graduated in the top 10 percent of her class, out-ran many men, directed a gospel choir, read the Bible every day. She also headed a weekly convoy as it rolled down treacherous roads, pocked with bombs and bullets near Najaf , Iraq Baghdad Iraq U.S. military to be killed in Iraq or Afghanistan
The following information was forwarded via an e-mail:
NEWS BRIEFS
First Black West Point Commander Dies In Iraq
Sept. 27, 2006 – The nation is mourning the death of Lt Emily Perez, 23, the first Black woman to serve as corps commander sergeant major at
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Law Research is AWESOME!..... WooHoo!....
Professor Nagle wanted a copy of the actual case that address whether or not a burrito is a sandwich (Apparently the world wanted to know, tee-hee). In Worcester, Mass. recently, Superior Court Judge Jeffrey A. Locke "weighed in" on the question and ruled that a burrito is not a sandwich. The legalities of this case began in September, 2006 and ended October 30, 2006. known as: White City Shopping Center, L.P. v. PR Restaurants, LLC d/b/a/ Bread Panera. Its an interesting case read, and I used my new found legal skills to acquire an actual copy of the case.
Professor Rice wanted a copy of the actual article in which Sean Wilentz, of Princeton University recently published examining the question: Is President the Worst President in History? One of America's leading historians assesses George W. Bush. I utilized one of the electronic databases linked to Hesburgh to find my answer. Rolling Stone Magazine, May 6, 2006, Issue 999, p.32.
One of my favorite 2L students came by inquiring about a question regarding attorney fees with bankruptcy cases. I went straight to the print source and found. Dwight was proud! It makes real sense sometimes to locate the print source before going into Westlaw and Lexis-Nexis.
The contiuing campus-wide discussion relating to Pope Benedict' Encyclical:
Returning to the reflection on Love, I turned to a gift (a small book) entitled, "Black Pearls: Daily Affirmations and Inspirations for African Americans by Eric V. Copage (1993) ISBN: 0-688-12291-4. The following quotes in this book discusses what Love is:
"Love is mutually feeding each other, not one living on each other like a ghoul. "Bessie Head
(December 16th)
"If your're going to be sick and not sure about the future of your life, its pretty nice to have someone who loves you". --Sammy Davis Jr.
(June 10th)
"To love is to make one's heart a swinging door."-Howard Thurman
(May 18th)
"I've heard some of the young people laugh about slave love, but they should envy the love
which kept mother and father so close together in life, and even held them in death".
-Alonzo Haywood, former enslaved African-American
(April 15th)
"I have cared for more than six hundred addicted babies since we opened the center.....They love you to tell them how great they are, how good they are. Somehow, even at a young age, they understand that". - Clara "Mother"Hale
(April 8th)
Law Research is AWESOME!..... WooHoo!....
Professor Nagle wanted a copy of the actual case that address whether or not a burrito is a sandwich (Apparently the world wanted to know, tee-hee). In Worcester, Mass. recently, Superior Court Judge Jeffrey A. Locke "weighed in" on the question and ruled that a burrito is not a sandwich. The legalities of this case began in September, 2006 and ended October 30, 2006. known as: White City Shopping Center, L.P. v. PR Restaurants, LLC d/b/a/ Bread Panera. Its an interesting case read, and I used my new found legal skills to acquire an actual copy of the case.
Professor Rice wanted a copy of the actual article in which Sean Wilentz, of Princeton University recently published examining the question: Is President the Worst President in History? One of America's leading historians assesses George W. Bush. I utilized one of the electronic databases linked to Hesburgh to find my answer. Rolling Stone Magazine, May 6, 2006, Issue 999, p.32.
One of my favorite 2L students came by inquiring about a question regarding attorney fees with bankruptcy cases. I went straight to the print source and found. Dwight was proud! It makes real sense sometimes to locate the print source before going into Westlaw and Lexis-Nexis.
The contiuing campus-wide discussion relating to Pope Benedict' Encyclical:
Returning to the reflection on Love, I turned to a gift (a small book) entitled, "Black Pearls: Daily Affirmations and Inspirations for African Americans by Eric V. Copage (1993) ISBN: 0-688-12291-4. The following quotes in this book discusses what Love is:
"Love is mutually feeding each other, not one living on each other like a ghoul. "Bessie Head
(December 16th)
"If your're going to be sick and not sure about the future of your life, its pretty nice to have someone who loves you". --Sammy Davis Jr.
(June 10th)
"To love is to make one's heart a swinging door."-Howard Thurman
(May 18th)
"I've heard some of the young people laugh about slave love, but they should envy the love
which kept mother and father so close together in life, and even held them in death".
-Alonzo Haywood, former enslaved African-American
(April 15th)
"I have cared for more than six hundred addicted babies since we opened the center.....They love you to tell them how great they are, how good they are. Somehow, even at a young age, they understand that". - Clara "Mother"Hale
(April 8th)
Friday, November 10, 2006
November 10, 2006
This has been a good November to date. Students are coming to my office pretty regularly to ask reference questions. Some of the topics covered: death penalty cases, same-sex marriage legislation by states, mental health/competence to proceed with trial, statues and U.S. Code research using Westlaw and Lexis. In addition, I have four more assignments to complete for Christopher. I have been pretty regular about arriving at work between 8:00am-8:15am and still leaving around 6:00-7:40pm most evenings.
I attended the reception honoring one of the graduating Law Students and to give students an opportunity to meet me. The Law School Student Affairs department did a tremendous job in setting everything up. I did engage about three students who are new to Notre Dame as well as new to the United States. I happen to look up at the ceiling and notice my alma mater flags pinned to the wall amongst a slew of flags representing other universities. I have very fond memories of the University of Detroit Mercy and Wayne State University. It put a smile on my face and confirmed for me that I am beginning my Librarian career in an awesome place.
I did get my items into Laura for my upcoming review. When I was finalizing my report, I was amazed at all of the things that I have been doing here at Notre Dame as well in my committee work via ALA & ACRL. My colleagues outside of ND have been enormously gracious and kind with their words of encoragement and pride they have for me. I just count it all as a blessing and a confirmation that if you do what you really love, the rewards are infinite!
On a personal note: I celebrated 15 years of marriage! WOW! Times really moves fast..... Our children are the most awesome testament of our love and promise we made to each other. My husband is truly my number one fan, which is why I love him very much! We celebrated by joining one of our favorite couples who are new friends of ours here in South Bend. Its so nice to be around other couples who are energizing and engaging towards one another. They treated us to a lovely dinner and dessert. We left the evening with an edible gift: a white chocolate image of a capital building. I am going to bring this large piece of "guilty pleasure" to work to share with the students and staff at the Law School.
************************************************************************************************
I am so Blessed to be able to read and get fortified by words of wisdom.............
I was in the midst of organizing some of my writing papers, and I came across a copy of a conversation with Maya Angelou and Cornel West they did in February of 1996. Fr. Jenkins (The President of the University of Notre Dame) sent out an email last week about an encyclical written by Pope Benedict about Love. He has asked the faculty, staff, and students to reflect on. The following dialogue as well as the scriptural passages, speaks volumes to me what Love is:
Cornel West: "....when I think about love, both in my own life and in the life of others, I think of that which keeps one keeping on.....Motion, Movement, Resilence, Resistance...."
Maya Angelou: "Yes."
Cornel West: "You can't love others until you love yourself. And loving yourself is not a matter of putting yourself on a pedestal. Its a matter of acknowledging your own humanity."
Maya Angelou: "There's a statement that was made in Latin. "I am a human being. Nothing human can be alien to me." Now that statement was made by Terence. And when you look in the encyclopedia besides Terence with one r , in italics you see Terentius Afer. He was an African, a slave, solde to a Roman senator, freed by that senator. He became the most popular playright in Rome, influencing everybody as far as Molie're. But in 154 B.C., this black man, not born white or free or with any chance of ever achieving citizenship in the Rome of his day, said this incredible statement: "I am a human being. Nothing human can be alien to me". This is so incredible! If you can internalize the least portion of that, you can never be the same.........I'm a black woman who has come through some things and who is going through something now. And if I live and the creek don't rise, I will go through something tommorow. I could not have gone this far without an understanding that there is no place that God is not." ..........."God is Love"........
Cornel West: "For me, this has to do with being able to view yourself in the light of a story thats bigger than your life...."you've got to be able to say, Look, I am a small character in a larger narrative that goes all the way back"......"You have to love yourself enough to allow it to spill over and support others"......:The Million Man March and a host of other events that generate some sense of possibility and motion"......."Thats Love"......
Maya Angelou: "Whatever my dream, whatever my hope, whatever my aspiration, and ambition, it is no greater hope than to be loved by my people".....To be loved by my people first!"
************************************************************************************************
Luke: 10: 25, 27
"And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" .....So he answered and said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself"...................
I Corinthians 13: 4-8
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up. Does not behave rudely, does not seek it own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; Does not rejoice iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.........."
It is a true Blessing to be in an environment to which I can nurture my Spiritual Self"
This has been a good November to date. Students are coming to my office pretty regularly to ask reference questions. Some of the topics covered: death penalty cases, same-sex marriage legislation by states, mental health/competence to proceed with trial, statues and U.S. Code research using Westlaw and Lexis. In addition, I have four more assignments to complete for Christopher. I have been pretty regular about arriving at work between 8:00am-8:15am and still leaving around 6:00-7:40pm most evenings.
I attended the reception honoring one of the graduating Law Students and to give students an opportunity to meet me. The Law School Student Affairs department did a tremendous job in setting everything up. I did engage about three students who are new to Notre Dame as well as new to the United States. I happen to look up at the ceiling and notice my alma mater flags pinned to the wall amongst a slew of flags representing other universities. I have very fond memories of the University of Detroit Mercy and Wayne State University. It put a smile on my face and confirmed for me that I am beginning my Librarian career in an awesome place.
I did get my items into Laura for my upcoming review. When I was finalizing my report, I was amazed at all of the things that I have been doing here at Notre Dame as well in my committee work via ALA & ACRL. My colleagues outside of ND have been enormously gracious and kind with their words of encoragement and pride they have for me. I just count it all as a blessing and a confirmation that if you do what you really love, the rewards are infinite!
On a personal note: I celebrated 15 years of marriage! WOW! Times really moves fast..... Our children are the most awesome testament of our love and promise we made to each other. My husband is truly my number one fan, which is why I love him very much! We celebrated by joining one of our favorite couples who are new friends of ours here in South Bend. Its so nice to be around other couples who are energizing and engaging towards one another. They treated us to a lovely dinner and dessert. We left the evening with an edible gift: a white chocolate image of a capital building. I am going to bring this large piece of "guilty pleasure" to work to share with the students and staff at the Law School.
************************************************************************************************
I am so Blessed to be able to read and get fortified by words of wisdom.............
I was in the midst of organizing some of my writing papers, and I came across a copy of a conversation with Maya Angelou and Cornel West they did in February of 1996. Fr. Jenkins (The President of the University of Notre Dame) sent out an email last week about an encyclical written by Pope Benedict about Love. He has asked the faculty, staff, and students to reflect on. The following dialogue as well as the scriptural passages, speaks volumes to me what Love is:
Cornel West: "....when I think about love, both in my own life and in the life of others, I think of that which keeps one keeping on.....Motion, Movement, Resilence, Resistance...."
Maya Angelou: "Yes."
Cornel West: "You can't love others until you love yourself. And loving yourself is not a matter of putting yourself on a pedestal. Its a matter of acknowledging your own humanity."
Maya Angelou: "There's a statement that was made in Latin. "I am a human being. Nothing human can be alien to me." Now that statement was made by Terence. And when you look in the encyclopedia besides Terence with one r , in italics you see Terentius Afer. He was an African, a slave, solde to a Roman senator, freed by that senator. He became the most popular playright in Rome, influencing everybody as far as Molie're. But in 154 B.C., this black man, not born white or free or with any chance of ever achieving citizenship in the Rome of his day, said this incredible statement: "I am a human being. Nothing human can be alien to me". This is so incredible! If you can internalize the least portion of that, you can never be the same.........I'm a black woman who has come through some things and who is going through something now. And if I live and the creek don't rise, I will go through something tommorow. I could not have gone this far without an understanding that there is no place that God is not." ..........."God is Love"........
Cornel West: "For me, this has to do with being able to view yourself in the light of a story thats bigger than your life...."you've got to be able to say, Look, I am a small character in a larger narrative that goes all the way back"......"You have to love yourself enough to allow it to spill over and support others"......:The Million Man March and a host of other events that generate some sense of possibility and motion"......."Thats Love"......
Maya Angelou: "Whatever my dream, whatever my hope, whatever my aspiration, and ambition, it is no greater hope than to be loved by my people".....To be loved by my people first!"
************************************************************************************************
Luke: 10: 25, 27
"And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" .....So he answered and said, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself"...................
I Corinthians 13: 4-8
"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up. Does not behave rudely, does not seek it own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; Does not rejoice iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.........."
It is a true Blessing to be in an environment to which I can nurture my Spiritual Self"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
