p.s. please send candies

Dear Ethics Cookies,

2012-01-21T22:37:00.000-08:00

cookie cake here.

Each week, my Professional Responsibility professor brings cookies and tea for everyone in the class. He does this because studies show that snacks “promote positive and efficient discussion in depositions.” I know he’s doing this to manipulate me into talking in class. I know he’s tricking my brain into being happy for that three-hour seminar.

But it works, cookies.
It works every time.

- Little Cookie Monster

"shared items",

2012-01-17T12:01:00.000-08:00

Since I pretended to see you last,

favorite Unhappy Hipster in recent memory.
putting paint onto a speaker, and then playing something really loud. awesome.
this has been a great morning song for me the last few days.
Whatever you're doing, make sure it cuts the mustard.
I love Elie Saab. LOVE. So much that my wedding gown is inspired by his Spring 2011 collection. His Spring 2012 collection is also (as always) totally awesome.
I love projects like this. Every day she's designing one lake logo... for every single lake in Minnesota. Which is to say, I love projects that take almost 28 years to finish. Logo above found here.

Dear Chicago.

2012-01-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

Chris and I went out to Chicago to meet his brother’s family. I worked all week so I could take the weekend off, and it was such a great trip. All fun all the time.

The weekend was filled with everything I hoped to re-experience: freezing cold, deep dish pizza, the L, Dunkin Donuts, seeing my childhood home, and going to my old church. I thought you looked familiar, but that’s probably less from childhood memories, probably more from Home Alone. Twenty-two years later, I have only a handful of memories from our time together. It was nice to make some very sweet new memories: little girl sleepovers, duckie towels, cello/piano concerts, the most delicious birthday cupcakes, and three days of laughter. I look forward to more memories together, Windy City. Hopefully next time my parents can come.

boo boo bear

Dear Olives,

2012-01-12T11:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, Chris sliced our cheese with a spork. On the flight back to San Francisco our picnic was a bunch of Dunkin Donuts. It didn’t look as classy, but it was TEN TIMES AS AWESOME.

Last week I read this article about packing a picnic for your flight. So for an upcoming trip to Chicago, I went into my favorite Italian grocery store, and I bought crackers, pepper jack, fancy chocolates, and you – you salty, wonderful, scrumptious, perfect olives. And I guess I'm writing to apologize that you didn’t make it to the airport. You didn’t even make through the seven minute walk to my apartment. You looked too tasty. I had to eat you. Maybe you’ll make it on next weekend’s flight to Utah

(unlikely).

I love you,

the impatient eater

"Shared Items"

2012-01-04T07:58:00.000-08:00

since I pretended to see you last:

These Arrested Development paper dolls. Genius.
All lava cakes remind me of Saturday nights in London. Even these ones from Trader Joe's.
love Harrison Ford.
Tom Hanks narrated this (long) 9/11 Boatlift video, and I've had it on my list of things to watch for months.
Good (long) post if you like How I Met Your Mother.
Thoughts on value re: spending money on photography and why portraits = more than paper.
Explosions on my new favorite website.
These backgrounds/desktops are pretty and can help you remember your resolutions as the year goes on. That one up there can be found here.
I love the new Paris Apple store

to 2012

2012-01-01T13:47:00.000-08:00

Sometimes Chris is in a suit and Brittney is in muppet skin slippers + pajamas + a blazer. Sometimes (read: every single day) this is Brittney's go-to outfit. Sometimes Jess thinks that's funny and takes a picture. Sometimes the best way to start the new year is exactly the way you ended the last one.

I usually spend more time reflecting on the previous year:

making course corrections with my past mistakes in mind
(e.g. No More Swears in 2011).
but this December my thoughts were focused on the future,
and I have never been so pleased to welcome a new year,
so excited for what's ahead.

2012 enthusiast

Kirk and Rebecca

2011-12-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

Hilary, Chris, Andrew, and I went to the Tavernacle. They have a dueling pianos show, and the night we went, the performers were insanely talented and hilarious. I can't believe I never went when I was in undergrad. I highly recommend it to anyone within a million miles of SLC.

Thank you for singing "Benny and the Jets" and "Fat Bottomed Girls." Two hours and many Shirley Temples later, I couldn't remember a more enjoyable night than the one I spent with you. I loved singing along, I loved your choreography to "Don't Stop Believing," I loved it all. I'll be back soon.

-the brunette with Trophy Boy and Devilishly Handsome Andrew

hello family,

2011-12-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

Page: thank you for the chocolate chip cookie recipe. You are the absolute best, and I love you. The ninjabread men cookie cutters were my gift to Spencer for Christmas. He got me ALL EIGHT HARRY POTTER MOVIES. My family is the best at gift giving, we love doing it, and we start months in advance. Steve got me a hot chocolate maker and some James Bond movies. Sam gave me my favorite sweat pants and a very sweet letter. Jules got me and Chris matching Perry the Platypus t-shirts since we're about to become the Perrys.

Two hours before Chris and I were supposed to head to Utah, I decided that, as a parting gift, I would leave behind chocolate chip cookies in The Greatest Shape Ever. I miss you, see you for New Years Eve,

- daughter, sister, chocolate chip cookie lover

Spencie,

2011-12-21T17:18:00.000-08:00

I brought my computer to the office because my brother got his wisdom teeth taken out right after I did. I brought a movie to watch while he was in there, and then I just slept the whole time anyway - but not before taking this picture... which I have absolutely no memory of taking.

Thank you for getting your wisdom teeth out with me. I was so scared. They hooked me up to a pulse monitor before the whole process started and I had a resting heart rate of 97. When the dentist came into the room it immediately jumped to 112. So thanks for being there that morning, and thanks for being here now for this Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter marathon.

- girl with zero wisdom teeth and the best little brother ever

Christoffer Perry, wonderful, darling man,

2011-12-17T14:08:00.000-08:00

Chris and I got engaged this weekend. :) In the most beautiful place, and he said the most beautiful things. It was perfect. He is perfect. and I keep really believing that perfect love casts out fear.

Yes. Absolutely. Please.
Please, please, please.

I love you more than all the stars.

britt

"shared items"

2011-12-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

I've seen this a couple places. I really want to "source" to something other than Pintrest, but this is the best I can do.

Since I pretended to see you last,

This Christmas, for 2.4 million, you could get the Home Alone house.
This tartan post really put me in a festive mood. I love tartan - also, being in a festive mood.
I have a bit of traveling to do over the next few months and I know that sitting around waiting for your plane isn't the coolest but, to me, it's better than the alternative.
Re: Gifts

This is a great bag and also has a San Francisco detail that I love.
I love the hearts on this little pillow.
I am in love with the illustrations and lettering in this planner by Jessica Hische.

So... I'm pretty sure the cows just wanted to be fed. BUT if they really just loved the music, that would be adorable. The second video is also darling.
I could not agree more with this post about writing cover letters.

- girl who will be done with finals on Friday night. letters of congratulations may be sent to my home in Idaho, where I will be sleeping for several days straight.

Little Brittney,

2011-12-06T00:37:00.000-08:00

This is me. I want to say in the first grade. Ish.It's definitely pre-second grade, which was when my teeth and face and hair took a nasty turn for the worst.

Some of your birthdays have not been "the best." (see 17th birthday: having strep throat, a sinus infection, pink eye, and the flu). And even though my license still says, "under 21," I turned 25 this year. And it was the best. birthday. ever. (way better than 18th birthday: when they admitted Dad to the hospital for emergency surgery).

I woke up and had presents to open from my grandparents, first thing. Then Mom sent pictures from my (incredibly awkward) childhood. Then a surprise breakfast run. And Dad wrote me a story. And I got to video chat with my family. I love those guys.
And then.
Then.
As luck would have it, my birthday fell on a Tuesday. I love Taco Tuesday. Ninety-three percent of the time, Taco Tuesday is the greatest holiday of the week. And rather than just go to one taqueria, Chris took me on a taco tour. We had chicken and pork and fish and steak and red sauce and green sauce and horchata and coke and we walked from taco trucks to restaurants to taquerias. and I was so happy.
And when I came home and my roommates had left out three slices of cake and candles for me, which we shared for breakfast the next day.

Just keep growing up. You're doing fine. You'll be fine.

- girl with all her grown up teeth (btw, getting my wisdom tooth taken out in a couple weeks... yikes.)

to the man by my bus stop who sang, "The First Noel,"

2011-12-01T15:10:00.000-08:00

I loved hearing you caroling; you had the most beautiful voice, so deep and rich and Christmasy. And you sang, "Noel, noel, noel, noel," and I felt holiday cheer bubble up inside my heart. And then after the "Noel"s you sang, "la da da da da da da da da da." And I just. I don't know. Maybe you already know. I wanted you to know. The words are, "Born is the King of Israel." And that's the reason I love that song: born is the King of Israel.

- girl who seriously could not be more excited about Christmas this year. I can't explain it, but all I want to do is watch Home Alone and make nijabread men.

dear law school,

2011-11-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

in other monumental news: Chris shaved :) he is so handsome.

This morning I had my last class of the semester, which means I am officially half-way through with law school classes, and I feel a little grown up and terrified.

- little grown up and terrified.

"Shared Items" -

2011-11-26T18:47:00.000-08:00

Since I pretended to see you last:

I just want to crawl into that bed up there. and read and watch movies and cuddle and giggle and never leave. I'm glad finals start/end soon.
This is the coolest photobooth I've seen in a long time.
Justice Posner on Occupy Wallstreet.
I have seen so many awesome minimalist posters recently:

I keep coming back to these modern children's story posters.
And retro muppet band/concert posters.
And this is my favorite of Matt Owen's posters.

The most powerful weapon on earth.
Did you know freaking Ron Swanson HAS A WOOD SHOP?

miss you,

student that's just ready for finals to be over so she can start properly celebrating Christmas

to the universe:

2011-11-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

picture from my aunt cari

I am most thankful for:

my family.
a flight back to san francisco with a travel buddy (for the first time in like seven years).
the best travel buddy ever.
pie.
the people I go to school with.
the little girl playing the ukulele in the Oakland airport this week.
being half-way finished with law school in three weeks.
Caltrain.
Birthdays and birthday parties.
the internet.

Thammy,

2011-11-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

My brother is going on a mission to Madagascar, and he’ll be gone before I come home for Christmas break. So he came to visit.

Thanks for taking the time to come to visit me. Thanks for picking me up from school for lunch breaks. Thanks for bringing a big book so we could read/work together. Thanks for being cool about how busy I am right now. Thanks for being an adventuresome eater (La Fajita, Ike’s, ice cream, Kasa, Mama’s, Sushi Time, etc). Thanks for going on a mission. Thanks for making me feel like you love me. I love you back, I’m going to miss you while you’re in Madagascar.

your thithter.

Google Reader,

2011-11-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

picture from here. I have really taken to sea imagery in the last year. and I love this picture.

I don't understand why Google would take "Shared Items" away from me. Oh, how I miss you; my far-from-elegant transition attempts (Google+, Facebook, yelling at people as they walk by) have been awkward at be at best. So, to honor the life we shared, I'm going to post the occasional tribute to what I would have liked to share with you. If you were still around. They will be but a vestige of your former resplendence, but it's the best I can do.

Parks and Recreation has made me love the heck out of Rob Lowe (and I love Nerd Boyfriend).
I was an English major, and this week I had occasion to revisit my favorite xkcd post.
A favorite Pablo Neruda poem: "I love you because I know no other way."
I want to make this pumpkin pie real bad.

R.I.P

- mourner, griever, google reader

Perspicacious,

2011-11-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

a perspicacious bunch.

You are my favorite word. As November begins and finals approach, I aspire to be many things. You are one of them.

perspicacious |ˌpərspiˈkā sh əs| adjective

having a ready insight into and understanding of things : it offers quite a few facts to

the perspicacious reporter.

- wannabe

Dear Diary,

2011-10-31T16:06:00.000-07:00

this weekend we also made some grilled cheese sandwiches with brie + green apple slices + SF sourdough

I’m not proud of this, but if I kept a food diary, today’s entry would have looked like this:

Three of the best salted caramel chocolate cupcakes ever made from Esther
A fun-sized almond joy from Jackie
A handful of brown sugar pumpkin seeds from Jackie
A giant pumpkin sugar cookie from Aly
Two hard candies (lemon and strawberry) from Professor Greene
Snickers Peanut Butter Square from Professor Dahr
Leftover pizza from Little Star

The corresponding feelings diary for today would have looked like this:

I don’t feel awesome... But I am so freaking happy.

- junk food junkie

Dear Berkeley,

2011-10-28T17:42:00.000-07:00

Katie and Grandma - sorry it took so long to post this, these were our Halloween costumes. Chris was Fidel Castro and I was Che Guevara.

Ever since 1) the Woods got married and 2) Love at First Bite’sdisplay fridge broke (and they stopped making my favorite banana pudding) Ihaven’t been out to see you as much as last year. But the BerkeleyHalloween party reminded me of all the good times we had together. Thanksfor everything (and please bring back the banana pudding).

- Che

Hey Dad,

2011-10-25T07:58:00.000-07:00

I saved this picture to my desktop before my computer crashed. It was the inspiration for my Halloween costume this year (Che + Fidel Castro). And when we plugged in the external hard drive and restarted my computer, my desktop came up and I knew things weren't so bad because this picture was still saved there. And then I was really pleased that a picture of Castro could be my computer's symbol to me saying, "yeah, we're still here. I know you thought you got rid of us... and you tried your best. But you can't. We're stil here."

First of all, AlwaysAlwaysAlwaysAlwaysBackUpYourStuff. Always. And you should also invest in Apple Care if you can. Second of all, this week, like a cave person, I had to bust out a freaking stone tablet and chisel away my notes for Con Law, Wills and Trusts, and Evidence. I did this because my hard drive failed, and I didn’t have a computer for two days. Thank you for getting me that external hard drive for Christmas. Because of that, I still have my notes and outlines, my pictures and post-its, my songs and screenshots. Were this not the case, my only option would have been to drop out of law school and move back in with you guys. So thank you for saving my career.

- lover of time machines.

Little Brittney,

2011-10-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

this is Chris on our late night doughnut run to Bob's. I've had Bob's before, but never been in person. For reasons not even I understand, seeing the doughnut man squish the dough into the deep frier was the new Best/Happiest/Greatest Moment Ever

This week was a busy one in the Bay Area. Out of necessity, “Do Laundry” became “Eh, Rub a Tide Pen On It And You’ll Be Fine.” And I realized I haven’t been grocery shopping in nine weeks. I know how much you love food, preparing it, eating it, sharing it, talking about it, but I have some bad news: the closest thing I’ve done to “cooking” is A) putting milk in cereal and B) rinsing off berries to put in a salad. Other than that, I haven’t so much as boiled water. But you’re eating well. Not to worry.

- chef brittney

To Hyperbole -

2011-10-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

Joe, me, Paul, Kels. This night was basically a picnic flash mob in Golden Gate Park, everyone had to wear white and bring their own four course meal, table settings, chairs, etc. And then we ate/danced for a couple hours. It was freaking sweet. There are more pictures on facebook, but this is my favorite of the four of us.

I often speak in extremes. Okay: always, I always speak in extremes. And I’ve been told that this can make it hard to know when I actually believe this is the best taco I’ve ever had, or the best movie I’ve ever seen, or the best night of my life. But listen, this weekend, seriously was the greatest weekend of my entire life. And on Friday, I had the most incredible meal I’ve ever had, the weather was absolute perfection, the French band was utterly charming, I could not have enjoyed the company any more than I did. The energy of the dance party was amazing, and I felt like every single one of those thousand-ish people were also having the best night of their lives. If I could add any other superlative to that summary, I would, but that might be going overboard.

- Le Diner a San Francisco attendee

Gus,

2011-10-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say how much I miss you. I still cry uncontrollably whenever I think about you.

Wish you were here,
brittney

Dear Growing List of Responsibilities,

2011-10-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

this is a closeup of my locker at school: job search handbook, Constitutional Law casebook, California Probate Code, Wills, Trusts, and Estates casebook, Evidence casebook, Federal Rules of Evidence supplement, Accounting, Auditing, and Finance for Attorneys text, and Costco trail mix (aka the source of life and happiness)

Even though the weather has been absolutely beautiful recently, I’ve taken to wearing long sleeved shirts and hanging out in the library. Before I start my homework, if I take a moment to literally roll up my sleeves it gets me focused and keeps me in the right frame of mind. I have more to do before Halloween than can actually be done. I ask you. In times like these, what’s a girl to do but roll up her sleeves and get to work.

- trail mix addict

To everyone who inquired, called, texted, emailed, messaged, stopped by, hugged me when I cried, bought food, or promised to “kill whoever did this” -

2011-09-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite prints ever. from here.

Thank you for taking care of me. When people ask what happened (had some bruises on my face and a sexy limp I got from the torn ligament in my hip) I joke around and say I got in a bar fight. Truth be told, it didn't feel funny all the time, and I had a teeny bit of anxiety the last week and a half. The thing I miss the most from my pre-accident life is feeling safe. Yes, I can hear how dramatic I’m being right now. The point is, your words of concern have helped me feel safer, so thank you.

- drama queen

to my little blue stitches,

2011-09-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

illustration from here

Thank you for keeping me together this weekend – but I don’t miss you very much. Whenever I smiled or laughed I could feel you tugging at my skin, which actually made being happy less pleasant than usual. Anyway, after the doctor threw you away, he replaced you with a special tape that I have to wear every day until Thanksgiving. I also have to wear a hat whenever I go outside or the sun will tattoo the scars you left behind.

- girl who is about to become a hat person. And you can call me a hipster, but I’m going to buy a fedora.

Stevie,

2011-09-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

This is me with my plastic surgeon - he was the sweetest. And even though we had to wait like two hours for him to get out of surgery, I didn't care because A) he was so nice and B) the ER doctor said it would be worth the wait so the scaring will be minimal.

What I planned for Friday:
9:00 - Constitutional law
12:10 - Pick up sandwiches at Ike’s and leave for Carmel
4:00 - Spend the rest of the day reading First Amendment cases at the beach

I didn’t plan for this, but it happened anyway:
- Car accident
- Blood
- Crying in the emergency room
- A tetanus shot in the butt
- A plastic surgeon stitching up my face/eye

And I'm sorry I didn't call you first, and I'm sorry you had to hear it third hand, but thank you for leaving that message. I love you,
- damaged

To the twinkly lights

2011-09-10T23:01:00.000-07:00

You were the only thing I could see hanging under the trees tonight. But the heat from the day became gentle in the breeze. And we could smell lavender wafting from the baskets around our tables. And we heard laughter, and favorite Mackenzie-and-Jared stories, and “La Vie en Rose.” So yes, you were hanging there, but we could all feel the romance in the air, even if we couldn’t see it.

- the girl who "met Mackenzie in DC almost two years ago. Yes, I am the girl she lived with in San Francisco before she found a place in Berkeley."

JenLee Lee,

2011-09-06T00:41:00.000-07:00

Went to Palo Alto to see Jen and her friends from the Colony – an apartment complex that I never lived in, but I loved because 1) they had good sand volleyball courts in 2009 and 2) sometimes people would steal the “Y” off “The Colony” sign, and it said, “The Colon.” :) This is such a goofy picture that I don't even care I am partially cut out of it.

Seeing you this weekend was the best surprise, and making friends with your friends made me so happy. I could not stop laughing all day. Be safe in Canada.

- American girl

Cyrus-

2011-09-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

Went to Sunnyvale with Aly and Tyler (that's us in the picture) to see Siena, Miles, and Cyrus. I love the heck out of these people. And I wish I could describe how wonderful it feels to have an In N Out picnic with incredible people that you have loved for years. It is the very best kind of comfortable.

I was so pleased to meet you (you are such a happy little man!) and thank you for sharing your parents this weekend. I could not stop smiling on the drive back to San Francisco, and the warmth I felt from our time together has stayed in my heart for days.

Love you,
your mom’s college roommate

Justice Scalia,

2011-09-01T22:52:00.000-07:00

Today I asked a stranger to take this picture for me because OMG MY SCHOOL HAS BABY BUSTER'S HAND CHAIR.

It’s been years since a book kept me up at night (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), but this week I stayed up reading Constitutional Law until 1:00 because I got seven sentences into your Heller opinion, and wondered how you were going to convince me that Americans have a constitutional right to carry guns. Coincidentally, in the three days after reading Heller, I read almost 80 pages of opinions you've written over the years, mostly your hearsay cases. You, Your Honor, are brilliant. By the end of your opinions I find myself thinking, "Wait... how did I get here? Am I agreeing with Justice Scalia right now?"

- Con Law Convert

Family,

2011-08-28T09:27:00.000-07:00

Friday I had dinner with my friends from school, and I got to eat some delicious food and hear some hilarious travel stories. Saturday I went to an outdoor movie in Union Square with my friends from the ward. I'd never seen Roman Holiday before, and it is adorable.

Thanks for taking care of me the past few months, and thanks for checking up on me during the first week. Things I forgot over the summer:

Four hours feels like an eternity when you only read 36 pages. In related news, hearsay is not my fave and "a brief history of American accounting, finance, and auditing" did not feel "brief."
My hair gets bigger in humidity - not Monica big, but still.
I love USF and the people I go to school with.
It is wonderful to be in school with women (52% of the students) and be taught by women (3/4 of my professors).
I'm registered for 600-level classes. Yikes.

- your favorite older thithter

Kenz-

2011-08-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks for coming into the city tonight. Thanks for the burrito and the shopping trip and 30 Rock and the little chocolate chip cookie. I missed you more than the Haight-Ashbury misses the 60s.

- little hippie

Dear San Francisco,

2011-08-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

photo of morning bun at Tartine from my dad

I'm back. And it feels so good.

- your prodigal daughter - who returned to a robe, a ring, and a fatted calf (and bread pudding, Ike's, clam chowder, a carnitas taco, and balsamic strawberry ice cream).

to all my past passengers

2011-08-15T10:23:00.000-07:00

picture of the daisies at my house. there's like 200 white ones, and then this little pink guy.

Recall every time you've ever driven with me: You and I were going to that thing, and you feared not only for your own life, but also the safety of the drivers and pedestrians around us. I know I'm a terrible driver. I'll be the first to admit this. I've been pulled over. Many times.

Fast forward to today: People at work were figuring out who would drive to lunch. I declined for, oh, several hundred reasons. Reason #1, one of the passengers is a police officer - and he isn't patrol, he isn't security, he is a traffic guy. He knows all the rules.

Cut to the chase: me driving a cop and my boss on one really nervous burrito trip. It was bad.

- the girl who gave up driving for almost two years, and will continue to forgo driving for as long as she lives in California

Mr. Schleiffarth,

2011-08-10T21:20:00.000-07:00

This week it was my grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary. We got a cabin in Midway and it was awesome. Me and my family went four wheeling over the mountain to Brighton, dommed go carts, had dinner in Harriman, golfing in Orem. Me and dad spent a few hours with an estate planner. My family watched movies, went swimming. I spent Saturday morning walking through campus (library, MoA, HFAC, etc), and we remembered how great Costco lunches are. I almost went to Whitney’s baby shower. And Saturday night I went to the Heber fair and rodeo… Had a great time.

I'm so glad you are still a kid at heart.

- giggly gravitron girl

dear accutane,

2011-08-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

As soon as you were gone, I could tell. I tried to tell my Dad what it was like, but I couldn't find the right comparison. Like fog lifting, like waking up from a bad dream, like being lost and then finding home, like suddenly remembering the right answer on an exam... But I guess Dr. Seuss has the most accurate post-accutane description. "And what happened then? Well, in Who-ville they say that the Grinch's small heart grew three sizes that day! And the minute his heart didn't feel quite so tight, he whizzed with his load through the bright morning light, and he brought back the toys!"
Anyway, you left last Wednesday. And I think my heart grew three sizes. I just wish it had happened sooner.

- a post-Who-ville Grinch

Chimera,

2011-08-01T21:53:00.000-07:00

picture from jen lee, who I love with all my heart.

I thought the first day of August would feel better, but it doesn’t. And it rained all day. “A rainstorm in the dessert” should be a symbol for relief, sustaining life, fresh starts. But the wind, the cold, the clouds, the rain… it all feels like an entirely different metaphor.

- an English major, who sees metaphor in everything

dear accutane,

2011-07-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

The dermatologist told me you would stay in my system for a couple days after I stopped taking you. We had almost seven months together, but I hope I saw the last of you tonight – and please get out of my system asap. My skin and lips feel fragile and raw almost all the time. My eyes look like they’ve seen a hundred years of misery. But that’s all ending soon, I hope. Hopefully, after all the side effects and scars wear off, I’ll be even better than before.

- accutane vet

to the sea,

2011-07-25T21:14:00.000-07:00

"The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, or the sea" Isak Dinesen

This has been my calendar for July. This morning I decided to take Dinesen's advice with all three kinds of salt water. I worked in the morning, cried all day, and since I'm not near the sea, my family thought I could just learn how to wake board - which I did.
And it's not that I'm "cured" yet, but I made it through the day. I'll be back in about a month, I have missed you.

- wake boarder who can't actually get over the wake

future children,

2011-07-19T23:08:00.001-07:00

I've spent a lot of time with my family this summer, and I realized a nice piece of symmetry in my dad's side of the family. My dad's oldest sister, Heather, has six boys, no girls (excluding in-laws).My dad's youngest sister, April, had six girls, no boys (also excluding in-laws).And if I had to choose between all girls or all boys, I'm not really sure which way I'd go. But then, I don't have to choose - and whoever you are, we'll have a good time when you get here, okay?

love you,

- your awesome mom

Harry,

2011-07-13T20:11:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to see you tomorrow. in 3D. These glasses are the best idea ever.

- 3D novice (never been to a 3D movie before)

Dear West Yellowstone,

2011-07-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

My cousin was the Man in the Chair in the Drowsy Chaperone, so we went to see him. He was great. I loved the show. Someday I will see Sutton Foster.

I think my favorite thing about seeing you (aside from the Drowsy Chaperone, which I really enjoyed) was listening to eight hours of Jim Dale reading Harry Potter.

- Hogwarts School of Law Transfer Student

Dear California,

2011-06-25T16:40:00.000-07:00

went to orange country for Paul's brother's graduation. took a day trip to San Diego.

I miss you the most because you have the good food.

- lover of sea food and fresh produce

Pam Dixon (Michelson),

2011-06-12T21:19:00.001-07:00

1. I went four wheeling this weekend with my family and Paul. Do not let this picture mislead you. I almost never drove. 2. Ash - totally thought of you the whole time. We need to go do that together. 3. I have mixed feelings about wearings a Cubbies hat when I love the Giants so much and this post is about the Angels.

I'm sure you've heard this before, but this weekend I watched Angels in the Outfield, and I must say, great job casting Adrien Brody, Matthew MacConaughey, and Joseph Gordon Levitt all in one movie before they became super famous... seriously, amazing. I'm also excited to go see Green Lantern, which you were also the casting director for. You're the best, thanks for everything.

- appreciator of handsome men in classic movies

Spencie,

2011-06-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

Thank you for setting up the hammock. Best surprise ever. I love you.

- your favorite person in our family

James Bond

2011-06-02T06:02:00.000-07:00

From Russia with Love has got to be one of the most boring movies ever made. Good news: we also watched like six other Bond movies this weekend too. And went sailing. And went climbing. Met a "Mr. Fluck." And went to the Real game. And had pizza on my grandpa's basement floor. And went to music and the spoken word. In retrospect, I would have done some things differently, but there were some pretty good moments that I wouldn't change for the world.

- little girl who always gets caught remembering

Dear Idaho,

2011-06-01T21:52:00.000-07:00

When I was taking my property test, quite by accident I discovered that my “happy place” is in Ammon, Idaho. I was a little surprised, to be honest, but tonight spring was in full bloom and I remembered why I could endlessly savor these nights. My dad and I headed out to the garden to pick some rhubarb, and just being around the trees in my backyard is debilitating; the air around the thousands of lush apple blossoms is intoxicating. This smell is second only to the long-awaited rhubarb raspberry pies baking in the oven right now.

- rhubarb pie enthusiast

hey strangers, (3/3)

2011-05-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

Full double rainbow on the train ride home. It's somewhere in Nevada, but it made me miss my neighborhood.

I knew I would miss my bed, I knew I'd miss Ike's, I knew I'd miss my friends. I had no idea I would miss you and your inordinately loud emotions. Thanks for all the good times. We'll see you in a little while.

- steadfast Castro local

to all my future hugs,

2011-05-20T09:58:00.000-07:00

yeah. today = hugs and packing. packing takes all the fun out of organizing. and a last dinner in the city.

Yesterday was filled with a lot of "Yay, congratulations!" and "Ah! see you in a few months" and lots of hugging. And I realized I don't do nearly enough hugging. Until now. Now, there's going to be a lot more hugging. Assuming that I don't die tomorrow in the rapture. If that happens, there will only have been this one day of more hugging. Totally worth it.

- an official 2L. Boom.

to Juan and Ricky (2/3),

2011-05-17T16:11:00.001-07:00

The picture's from here. I am excited for summer. Finals end Thursday at noon. So that will be great.

That was the first of many nights that broken, booze-bathed hearts stood outside my window and cried for all the world (and I like to think especially for me) to hear. It turns out that my apartment is the perfect distance from the bar down the street to have a 2:00 a.m. angry break up. It’s usually nothing special: slurred accusations of betrayal, weepy confusion, complete abandonment of hope. But every once and awhile I’ll hear something truly memorable. For example:

Juan, I liked hearing that you were "not around just for [his] entertainment." You were "NOT [his] own personal episode of Jersey Shore." This is one of the most brilliantly crafted break up lines I've ever heard. Thank you.
And you, Ricky, why did you feel the need to chant "You are so FAT AND UGLY!!! FAT AND UGLY! FAT AND UGLY!!" for such an uncomfortably long period of time? Eventually the other guy just walked away and you explained to my entire neighborhood that you were deleting Jesse from your phone.

Break ups are hard. But I hope you are both happier now; you'll get through this,

- a hopeful and concerned bystander

All the Single Ladies (Part 1/3),

2011-05-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

from ffffound

I woke up at 2:30 last night to a break up going on right outside my window. Incredibly, alcohol was involved. I had a Civil Procedure test this morning, but I didn't mind being woken up because these late-night break ups are one of my favorite parts of living here. The first night I slept at my place, Esther (who I think must be the most compassionate and wonderful person ever) and I woke up to a girl wailing for Sarah on the sidewalk in front of my house.

Brittney [silently to herself]: Lady, I don’t think you appreciate how little I enjoy being woken up in the middle of the night.
Girl looking for Sarah [with relish, incredible volume, and shameless ignorance that that others might be asleep at 2:00 in the morning]: SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRAAAAAAAH!
Guy upstairs: (Sarah isn’t here and you shouldn’t be either) edited for the children
Girl looking for Sarah: Why don’t you come down here and say that to my face! (also edited)
Guy upstairs: goes down there and says it to her face (the most edited of all)
Brittney [silently to herself]: I have the best neighbors ever.

I just think you should know that if you choose to break up on the streets here, you might feel like nobody is there, but people can still hear you.

- a friendly neighborhood representative

to the neighbors who can see me through my kitchen window,

2011-05-11T19:56:00.000-07:00

This is what I was dancing to. I don't want to give away too much, but it involved a lot of spinning and victorious throwing of my fists into the air.

Listen. It's finals. And I have very strict ground rules about when I get up in the morning, when I go to sleep at night, how many hours a day I need to do practice tests and memorize case names. And it's a lot of very stressful work. And I've been doing this for weeks. So sometimes I get a little antsy and need to go to my kitchen, grab a snack, and dance like a crazy person. So I'm not going to be embarrassed that you saw me do that.

please forget what I look like so that if we ever meet, I can just feel like we're starting from scratch,
- your awesome next door neighbor.

Dear Tina Fey,

2011-05-05T21:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Cinqo de Mayo everybody. I had a fish tacos for lunch and a tamale for dinner because I will take advantage of any excuse to justify eating Mexican food (i.e. "huh.. I really want some tacos" is sufficient).

First of all, I am in love with you.

Second of all, yesterday was my last day of class. No more 1L classes. And I have a two-week "Finals Period" ahead of me that will eventually come to be known by it's real name, "Clinical Recurrent Depressive Disorder." In season 2 of 30 Rock, Tracy walks into his dressing room and says to his entourage, "Pay attention to me! I'm inconsolable!" And that's exactly how I feel right now. As I flip through Contracts flashcards and weep over Property sample essay questions, I'm developing "Pay attention to me! I'm inconsolable!" into a mantra. It isn't something that I'm proud if, but in lieu of a more sophisticated coping mechanism, it's the best I can do.

In conclusion, I just want to quit law school and read Bossypants.

britt

to anyone I actually come in contact with today -

2011-05-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

I was going to take a picture of my puffy eyelid, but this was the picture that was up on my photobooth. so I posted this instead because look at Steve's mustache. Me and Sammy could not stop laughing.

I'm sick, which is perfect since, apart from the royal wedding coverage, I already hate my last-week-of-class life. My left eyelid appears to be staging an invasion attack on the rest of my face, my throat hurts, and I'm all kinds of congested, and I think I might have a fever. It is not my fave. I had some chicken (curry) noodle soup so I'm feeling better, but you should wash your hands, because I don't want you to get this.

britt

Hilary

2011-04-29T10:54:00.001-07:00

Pictured: Microsoft Word’s pronouncement of my abundant inadequacies

Not pictured: personal dignity, happiness

Here’s the screen shot of that warning. It happened with my Contracts notes this morning, on our last substantive class. When it happened with my Property notes it was kind of funny. But it didn’t feel as funny just now; it felt like getting kicked when you’re down. Last weekend was rough. I didn’t leave my apartment for three solid days. This weekend is going to be comparably rough – but it will include banana cream pie, so that’s something. And then I have a week of class/reading days. Then two weeks of finals. I would be really excited for the summer if it weren’t for the three weeks in between now and then. Blech

See you soon,
britt

to Will and Amy,

2011-04-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

I wanted to show a picture of my haircut (p.s. it was the cheapest haircut of my entire life. $15. amazing) but this is the only picture I have of myself from the last three weeks. yikes. I gotta get out more.

I got my hair cut a while ago; It was just a tiny trim, barely noticeable, no big deal. Still. Thank you for noticing that I got my hair cut; it's nice to feel noticed.

britt

Somebody. Anybody.

2011-04-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

Bonnie, I have not forgotten your suggestion to post pictures of my place. I'm going to get that. seriously. This is phase one. My dad (well, and the rest of my family) went to Ikea and got me some much needed shelf space, and I spent some time this afternoon reorganizing. I also hung up some of my favorite letters/notes, property notecards, and an Easter egg garland from my grandma.

I have never taken any pleasure in shattering other people’s hopes and dreams. So will someone else please tell my neighbors to stop playing so loudly? because their band just isn’t going to make it.

thanks,
britt

Aly,

2011-04-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you for letting me use your computer cord when I forget to bring mine to school - which is often. Thanks for bringing it even when you don't need it, because you know I'll forget mine and need yours. I'm so glad that we both love Siena, and that in 2007 she married Miles and wanted us to be her bridesmaids. We were both blonder then, and knew so much less about the Statute of Frauds. Now, not only do we know about the Statute of Frauds, but we also know what makes a contract enforceable even if it isn't in writing. I'm sure it goes without saying how exciting it was to learn about all that this morning sitting next to you. You are the best. My computer and I would be powerless without you.

britt

to my family

2011-04-13T18:23:00.000-07:00

this is what I did this afternoon after you all left. It was a melodramatic and thinly veiled attempt to not outline property.

60 minutes avoiding sadness
6 minutes of indecision (followed by the wrong decision)
52 minutes fearing failure, postponing beginnings.
14 minutes of anxiously dreading the imagined future
7 minutes of unnecessary panic
50 minutes of partial consciousness
32 minutes of restlessness and regret
6 minutes of hesitation and doubt
38 minutes of doing nothing important at all
32 minutes making impossible plans
38 minutes of worry without action
11 minutes waiting to be told what to do
18 minutes of dreading the inevitable
3 minutes of arguing for a lost cause
20 minutes avoiding an unpleasant task with dread
3 minutes searching for reassurance
27 minutes of ignored reminders
45 minutes wishing I was someplace else

britt

Dear Giants,

2011-04-11T13:05:00.001-07:00

The last baseball game I went to was this summer, and I went to was a Nats/Brewers game. This time it was a Giants/Dodgers game, which was a little more intense.

There were great things about last night's game, like nachos and hanging out with my brothers. Also, I can't believe how fast we got home. I thought it would take forever, but it took like 32 minutes to get from our seats to my front door. Amazing. But maybe next time you can win, okay?

thanks,
britt

Dear Steven's Mustache,

2011-04-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

My family is coming to San Francisco this week and they have all kinds of fun plans: Alcatraz, Jelly Belly factory, shopping, eating tacos, Dodgers/Giants game, etc. I'm really excited since, in lieu of most of that, I will be working on outlines and running through practice exams. Whatever.

I consider mustaches to be The Most Effective form of birth control in the known universe. Icky, icky, icky. And yet, as much as the mustache confuses and disturbs me, I have loved watching you grow these past few weeks. Every time I video chat with my brother, I need a few minutes to just laugh at him for having you at all. Anyway, since my family is coming to visit this week, I assume you'll be coming with them. I'm really looking forward to meeting you.

britt

To the People Who Love Me -

2011-03-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

Today in Property, Professor Kaswan asked Curtis, “What might you be feeling, if you had any feelings left in your second semester of law school?” At first, I didn’t think this was a problem for me since I broke into tears in Professor Magee’s office over one of Justice Posner’s more callused economic observations. But, in a way, Professor Kaswan is spot on; some of the strongest emotions in my second semester concern “particular notions of personal jurisdiction.” But while we all laughed at her joke, I distinctly remembered my very first day of law school, frantically taking notes while Professor Vu said, “Be nice to the people who love you. Stay connected to the world outside. Be yourself – don’t let your first year of law school take over your personality. Consume everything, but don’t be consumed. Be nice to the people who love you.”

So I know I should have said this before, but I love you too. Thank you for letting me know we're still friends, that you'll be there for me. Thank you for taking care of me. Thank you for believing in me. I miss you. I hope you’re well. Thank you for helping me get to where I am today. I couldn’t have done it without you.

britt

to the rain,

2011-03-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, this blog will always be a series of pictures of the food I eat. This week was kind of intense (oral argument video taping,class, millions of hypos, getting a job, still looking for a roommate) so last night I picked up some ice cream on the way home and fell asleep to 30 Rock. Good night overall.

You were around a lot this week. The weather was really miserable. Rain, hail, wind, thunder... And maybe it's because I have to spend all day inside anyway, or maybe it's because I grew up in the desert, but I loved it.

britt

Dear College Basketball -

2011-03-20T16:45:00.000-07:00

Everyone is at the top sometimes, right? I had to take a screen shot four games in because I anticipated that I'd officially reached my apex of awesomeness... so young in my life... I'm in sixth now.

Am I your biggest fan? No. For 11.5 months out of the year, for the most part, I don’t think about college basketball at all. But do I LOVE March Madness? Yes. Yes I do. January scores come and go completely unnoticed, but then March hits, and the University of Richmond makes you yell angry words and cry bitter tears, all before consuming thirteen carnitas tacos and everyone knows you don’t even like carnitas.

britt

Microsoft Word -

2011-03-17T10:18:00.000-07:00

In unrelated news: since I don't drink alcohol, I decided to drink a yummy float from Bi-Rite for St. Patrick's Day. It's a fresh squeezed blood orange soda float. holy smokes. delicious.

My Property notes (are less coherent and) have more typos per sentence than a second-grader’s report on a book she hasn’t read. Sure we can attribute a fair number of those typos to my typing skills, but we should also acknowledge that your refusal to accept words like “availment” “foreseeability” “reverter” and “defeasible” takes a toll on my “misspelled” words. Last month I was frantically taking down every word Professor Kaswan said, and a little notification popped up that I’ve never seen before basically saying, “There are so many typos in this document that we’re not going to keep track of them anymore. We’ve had enough.”

Please start letting me add words to my Word dictionary. This is embarrassing.
britt

Dear BYU,

2011-03-13T23:02:00.000-07:00

This is me and Paul at Disneyland by the Matterhorn. Yes, those are Minnie ears. It's fine; they're awesome. Throughout the week we also went to the Getty Museum, the beach a couple times, a show we love in LA, we went to church, watched all the Back to the Futures (I'd never seen them before) and a couple other movies, ate good food. etc.

The middle of February to the middle of March is the worst month of the year. At BYU this time suffers from two injuries: terrible weather by an act of God, and a terrible schedule by an act of man. It’s not quite spring, it’s freezing but there’s no snow, it still gets dark at like 2:30 in the afternoon, you’re just starting to feel bogged down with school work – and if you’re at BYU, you don’t get a break until summer. No Spring Break. Well, I just had the first Spring Break of my adult life, and those things are the best idea ever. You should definitely look into those. They're great.

britt

Hey mom,

2011-03-06T17:34:00.000-08:00

this is me. flying a kite. by the ocean. :) Paul took it.

For the last two days I think the temperature in Orange County has been somewhere between 72° and divine perfection. I know how you like that. I do too.

Love you,
britt

note to self:

2011-03-01T22:45:00.000-08:00

Since Anisha's moving we all went on a walk together on a walk to Delores. This picture is from Paul (some cool... panoramic app on his phone) from when he and I were there last week.

Sometimes the little things can wear you down: It's impossible to find time to do laundry. There's no food in the kitchen. It's really cold in your bedroom. One of your roommates moves out. Etc. All those things feel like little welts and paintball splatters across your back. Then, like today, you realize you're a few days into a week-long final exam and still up to your neck in legal theory that you may or may not understand. That feels like a bazooka to the face, and the little things don't get to you so much. But you'll be fine.

Just roll up your sleeves. Do your best.
britt

Dear Cherry Chap Stick,

2011-02-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

Accutane makes my lips so unspeakably dry that at any given point in the day I have an assortment of lip balm, lip gloss, Eucerin, and Neosporin all within grabbing distance. I have spares in my backpack, in the pockets of all my coats, in my locker, next to my bed, and scattered throughout my house. But last night I when left to meet Burke (who I haven't seen this this ballet) at the Ferry Building for dinner + some macaroons, I was so excited I forgot to do my usual double check for chap stick.

After 20 minutes without moisturizing protection on my lips, the corners of my mouth started to crack open, and I had to visit the Fairmont gift shop to buy some chap stick. At first I wasn't all that interested: Cherry flavor always seemed a little juvenile, and it kinda remind me of that Katy Perry song. But I like you a lot now. Actually, when I got home, I found some Eucerin in my coat, hidden away like a painful memory in a secret, zipper-closing, rarely accessed pocket. I have no idea how it got there, but I’m glad I didn’t know about it because you’re a nice addition to my already ample arsenal against chapped lips.

britt

Dear Mango Mochi Ice Cream -

2011-02-23T14:21:00.000-08:00

my phone was dead so I couldn't snap a picture, but this is exactly what mine looked like.

Last night while we were outlining Civil and Criminal Procedure, Aly said she wanted some sushi. I, of course, have been craving sushi since Christmas, but haven't made the time in the semester to get any. We went to a little sushi bar right by my place, and for dessert I asked, "What's mochi?" Turns out you, Mango Mochi Ice Cream, are amazing. You took something that I've dedicated years and years getting to know pretty well (ice cream) and presented it in a whole new way. Delicious. New favorite food. So glad we got to know each other. Marry me a little.

britt

to the coked out dude who agreed to take our picture on the BART ride to the airport -

2011-02-20T23:04:00.000-08:00

(Patrick, this is Paul.)

Thanks.

britt

to Winter-

2011-02-15T22:36:00.000-08:00

today's favorite rain music, though Norah has been my favorite since I was 14.

You are different in San Francisco than you were in Utah and Idaho. For the last few days it's been 50 degrees, and it has rained almost constantly. I've been trying to think positively about a lot of things (I'm looking at you, new workout plan), and these are some things I've liked about you this year:

Soup - Amy's Kitchen and the soups on campus
The sunny days
Waking up/falling asleep to the sound of rain against my windows
Thunder
Good "oh, it's raining" music
Nestling in bed
Rain boots
Goals
Layers
Hot chocolate
Dark nights
Coming home
Going home
Visitors

britt

Dear iChat -

2011-02-13T20:07:00.000-08:00

My two brothers in college, the rest of my family at home (stretchy). Also. me.

Thank you for letting me talk to my family once a week. I look forward to "seeing" those guys every Sunday night. I could not love them anymore than I already do.

britt

Tanya,

2011-02-09T15:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (after 36-ish hours of being awake) the best part of the walk home = all the cherry blossoms. There are little pockets of cherry trees all over San Francisco and it makes me miss DC. These two trees are close to my bus stop.

Today you and I had the following conversation:
You: something about law school
Me: Well, I went to bed at 5:30 so…
You: wait, 5:30 last night? Or 5:30 this morning?
Me: Oh, 5:30 last night.
I'd like to follow up on that conversation; I’m still a little appalled to live in a world where either answer is understandable. And if you went to bed at 5:30 p.m. one day, it’s probably because the last time you went to bed was at 5:30 a.m.

love you, I'm going to bed,
britt

Dear Firemen,

2011-02-02T18:13:00.000-08:00

the house a few doors down from me caught fire. there were three fires in my neighborhood that night. scary. makes me want to buy renters' insurance.

On Monday mornings, they clean my side of the street. On Tuesdays they clean the other side. On Thursdays they take out the trash. And on Saturdays and Sundays brunch starts pretty early. And I sleep in the room closest to the street, so Wednesdays and Fridays are the only mornings where the streets are quiet enough for me to "sleep in" past 5:00. But this Wednesday I woke up at 4:30 to your fire truck outside my window. I didn't think about the fact that one of my neighbors' house might be burning down, that someone might need my help, that my house might be in danger of burning down, that I should investigate the situation, no no. Instead I just thought about how much I hated the noise and wished it was quiet. Yeah, I rolled over, tried to go back to sleep, cursed the day I was born.

britt

Ms. Ripley

2011-01-29T18:02:00.000-08:00

it was an absolute pleasure to see you again. Thank you for coming to San Francisco.

britt

To Thursday Nights,

2011-01-27T07:40:00.000-08:00

This is a picture from the back of my classroom. It's from last semester's criminal law class, but all my classes are in here. By the way, Legal Writing, Civil Procedure and Contracts are continuing from last semester, and I'm also taking Criminal Procedure and Property. We start Moot Court in a few weeks.

Thank you for bringing back 30 Rock and Community and Modern Family. I’ve been waiting for so long, and in the meantime, I've been drowning in summer internship applications. As I reason through cover letters and read job descriptions, I can hear myself saying some pretty hilarious stuff. For example: “Sure I could live in [not fun place] this summer,” or “I guess I could be interested in [not fun law]” What a [not funny] joke. As it turns out, I need you in my life to help maintain perspective on what is actual comedy and what is just laughable.

britt

Rosmund,

2011-01-22T19:08:00.000-08:00

This is Rosmund Pike and me (in which I look like a little cherub: chubby and blushing like crazy).

We met in the summer of 2007 when you were playing Paula Alquist in Gaslight. This afternoon for the Film Noir Festival at the Castro theatre, I saw Ingrid Bergmen’s Oscar-winning performance of that same role (little surprise, Angela Lansbury played Paula's maid). That was the kind of scary movie I could handle... the kind where nothing bad really happens.

Wish you could have been there,
britt

hello, again, San Francisco,

2011-01-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to the Container Store for some under-the-bed storage, and this morning I went to the Ribbonerie (this is the wall by the register); two stores I could have stayed in for hours.

On the night before my very first day of law school, I dreamed I was on an express train in England going to Hogwarts School of Law. As I landed at SFO last week, I wasn't headed to Hogwarts (in large part because I'm no Hermione Granger) but I felt I was somewhere just as magical. It's hard to imagine how my Christmas break could have been more perfect, but I am happy to be back in this city with ribbon stores, great theater, and delicious chicken quesadillas.

love,
britt

Ms. Franklin,

2011-01-11T11:46:00.000-08:00

I cannot get enough of you and Sister Knight this week. 70s Soul - to borrow a phrase - I'd rather live in that world, than live without it in mine.

britt

Martin Espada-

2011-01-07T10:08:00.000-08:00

Between the fifth and sixth readings, Paul and I took my brothers up to school. I could not love them any more than I already do.

I learned about Pablo Neruda via your Republic of Poetry. I had a couple books I wanted to read over the break. And instead, I just read the Captain’s Verses (seven times). Here are some highlights:

For me you are treasure more laden
with immensity than the sea
(la infinita)

And when you appear
All the rivers sound
in my body, bells
shake the sky
and hymns fill the world.
(la reina)

Your whole body has
A fullness or a gentleness destined for me.
(el alfarero)

and the stolen branch

Dear 2010

2010-12-31T07:52:00.000-08:00

picture of my brother lighting New Years bottle rockets.

You and I, we took on a lot.

Wounds I thought had healed, reopened.
Scars I'd hoped were permanent, faded.
Then some new scrapes
and band aids.

Law school.

A Kafkaesque romantic history in which we discovered that I
was actually the author of the (senseless)(menacing) complexity
And I felt like a lady.

We called six cities across the country "home."

Sometimes I got what I wanted/needed/deserved.

So many republicans.
So much (but not enough)
about contract law.

And thank you for all of that.
Here's to fresh starts
moving on
clean hands
blank slates
And taking root
settling down
staying put.

miss you already

britt

to everyone who said "18 hours!?"

2010-12-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

I took the train home from school... awesome.

Yes. 18 hours. I could have gone for 80. I watched Northern California go by, wrote Christmas letters, read some poetry. And my train conductor had a white mustache, just like you'd imagine.

britt

last week,

2010-12-21T20:01:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday night me and Paul went to the Nutcracker (side note: the first time the Nutcracker was performed in America, it was by the San Francisco ballet, in the War Memorial Opera House, where we saw it) and we went to In N Out for dinner.

Sometimes my life is exactly the way I want it to be. That was you:

30 Rock
Conservative propaganda
Spanish and English poetry
Lacoste
Sleeping in for four days in a row
Christmas shopping in Union Square
Cetaphil lotion and Aquaphor lip salve (yay accutane)
Not having to tie my shoes
Seeing movies that remind me of London
Food that tastes so good it makes you want to be a better person
No homework
A train ride home
And an earnest and insatiable love
of good company.

britt

Dear Berkeley,

2010-12-15T17:59:00.000-08:00

Last night Mackenzie came to the city for dinner. And then I went back to Berkeley with her. And then I accidentally stayed all day because when Kenz was at work and I wasn't wearing shades, I got SO much civ pro done.

I love San Francisco, and I am so glad that I live there. It took me a few weeks to warm up to the idea, and even a few more weeks to start feeling at home, but I'm looking forward to spending a couple years here. That said, riding BART to the East Bay feels like hugging towels fresh out of the dryer. You are a great escape, and I love you.

britt

Professor Dumbledore,

2010-12-13T21:52:00.000-08:00

This is me and Whitney on my bed in London reading the last Harry Potter book (which came out while we were there) oh SO many memories just came rushing back to me! We had a really strict Code of Silence policy where nobody was allowed to talk about the book anywhere in the Center. And reading in St. James park. And crying when (spoiler) Doby died. Best Summer Ever.

Last year my friends from London put together a little book of things that made us happy, I've been reading through that book this week because I'm in the middle of my exams, and I still really love law school, but woah this is hard. And still have not seen the Harry Potter movie... but I've been thinking of something you said in the Prizoner of Azkaban: Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light. So here's a list of things that always make me happy, without fail, no matter how dark things feel.

Rainstorms, a friend, and nowhere to go
A good book and time to read it
LARPers in the Medieval Club
That silence between kisses
Something to dress up for
Live music and theatre
Eating together
Anticipation
My family
Prayer

love you, miss you,
britt

Dear Santa,

2010-12-08T13:52:00.000-08:00

my roommates put Christmas in our living room while we watched White Christmas. I sat on the couch and worked on my criminal law outline... yes, I can see how that makes me a terrible roommate.

This year for Christmas I'd like some guilt-free free time. I want to read Catcher in the Rye and the Economist. And nestle in bed watching movies. And start filling out job/internship applications for the summer. I'll eat hummus and and drink hot chocolate, and not really care about anything except for how I'm going to decorate my apartment and what I'm going to wear on New Years Eve. I think my (hilarious and beautiful) friend Molly has it right: the problem isn't so much that I have no free time - it's that I feel guilty for every single second that I don't spend studying. This year for Christmas, it would be great it just relax.

britt

Mrs. Palsgraf -

2010-12-04T10:52:00.000-08:00

Hilarious, though poorly designed, t-shirt from here, Mrs. Palsgraf's story can be found here. She's kind of big deal in Tort law.

Two days ago I saved a document that reminded me of you. It was completely unrelated to anything regarding causation, proximate cause, or even tort law and I called it "Paul's Graph." I am still cracking up about it. Days later. Like an eight-year-old boy in a room full of whoopie cushions. Though I usually appreciate a good pun, law school has clearly warped my sense of humor.

glad we could discover that together,
britt

Dr. Hall,

2010-12-02T14:37:00.000-08:00

If I had my way, I would have reduced my stress with these guys. Because I love them.

This morning at my dermatology appointment you told me to try to reduce my stress levels - something about cortisol. I went home and worked on Torts for 14 hours; It did not reduce my stress level.

Maybe in 2011? I'll let you know,
britt

Dear Mexican Food,

2010-11-29T13:43:00.000-08:00

I love sleepovers with Mackenzie. Last night = dos tacos, a phenomenal view of San Francisco, Sleepless in Seattle, wonderful/cheesy/girly texting conversations... oh and then I kissed all prospects of happiness and joy goodbye for 19 days. it was the most action I've seen since Billy was a hero.

Law school has pushed me to the limits of my physical and mental abilities. For this very reason, in addition to a whole lot about contract law, I've learned about my priorities: the people, places, and things I love enough to make time for. As it turns out, Mexican Food, you are one of those things. I always answer your calls, I always text you back. Even when I know I don't have the time, I always make plans see you. Because I love you - and I never want you to question that.

Gracias,
britt

Dear Family

2010-11-25T12:20:00.000-08:00

This is my family. They picked me up at the airport last night. true story: in addition to being family, we're all friends. besties. and I love them for that.

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and new.

Emerson

{and also me}

Dear Phone,

2010-11-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

I lost my phone for a few days. Like four. I found it in my coat, which was in my locker at school. If you called or texted, I'm sorry, I'll get back to you later. This rug is from Urban. I already say this phrase to myself every time I leave the house, but the rug may help.

Nice to see you again. I've left you lying around campus more than I'd like to admit; at least six or seven times this semester. Somehow you always get back to me. Sometimes they call home (thanks, btw, to my sister for taking care of that), or turn you into the Registrar's office or the Library lost and found. I though you were permanently lost this time, so I'm glad you're back.

britt

Hey,

2010-11-17T17:35:00.000-08:00

I found this print two years ago, and it has been on my mind this week. It meant something different to me then, but it's been helpful for me to remember in this "law student" context where vulnerability is built into the system. I can't really give up being vulnerable, but I can choose to be courageous.

See you soon,
britt

Signor Vivaldi,

2010-11-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

this is a picture of Lizzy that I stole from Facebook. She is incredibly talented, and I love her.

Last night I went to a Baroque concert at the Conservatory of Music that my friend Lizzy was in. Sure I was also memorizing Torts case names (the flashcards are small - it wasn't disruptive) but I wasn't in the library and the company was excellent. And as I listened to one of your Sonatas, I realized I had forgotten how much I like doing stuff. So thanks for reminding me about life outside of law school. There's 33 days left in my first semester, and my first final is on Friday. I think now I can go back to doing nothing but school for 33 days, but that was a really wonderful break. Thanks.

britt

to Hope,

2010-11-13T09:20:00.000-08:00

picture from here. this NASA website, I may as well tell you, is the best government website in the entire universe. and whitney agrees. and listen to this while you peruse. I know I did.

I have never had this much of you. I have never believed in you like this. I may explode. My little heart will burst.

britt

Hil!

2010-11-10T19:59:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken October 2009 right after I took the LSAT. Basically... I came home, crawled into Hilary's bed, and burst into tears. I was so tired, so drained, so happy that it was finally over. and then we went to lunch with my dad.

One thing I love about law school is that I get to learn about interesting stuff that isn't "legal." Trade secrets, Geronimo's bones, whatever. Last week for my torts class I read about a guy who was diagnosed with LeFort factures – he literally broke every single major bone in his face. Professor Magee’s take away from the case is about contributory negligence, but I also learned A) there is a name for when you break every bone in your face and B) don’t drive drunk. This is the kind of stuff I would tell you about if we still shared a bedroom where I sat in bed reading, and you sat on the floor painting. One of the things I don't love about law school is that you aren't here to share stuff with. I miss you. Please move.

britt

little Brittney,

2010-11-08T10:04:00.000-08:00

We don't really get "the fall" in the Bay Area, so I loved this text that my mom sent me of the Aspens (my favorite tree) in front of our house.

One of my favorite Mark Twain quotes is, "History doesn't repeat itself, but it does rhyme." You'll read it next semester in Dr. Hickman's class. And while we're on the subject of your Sophomore year, I might as well tell you: it will not be awesome. Anyway, I just started law school, and my life "rhymes" with yours in the following (internet appropriate) ways:

Homework all the time: 21 credits of a new major then, first year law student now
Ross, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe, Rachel, and Monica are my best friends.
Love my classes – even though I’m working way too hard
A roommate obsessed with Korean soap operas
Another brother about to go on a mission
A frighteningly similar dating pattern
A close friend from Sunnyvale
Video chats and g-chat
Accutane
No car

Those things (and a few others) create an interesting rhyme scheme. It's kind of eerie, like Poe's "Telltale Heart," or Spears' "Baby One More Time." I think the similarities would freak me out if I wasn't so happy here. The good news is, and hear this on every level, as not awesome as your life is now, I'm doing it better this time around. It's awesome.

britt