Protesting, Negoitating & More

It has been a busy week thusfar for me in New York. As many of you know I spent my Sunday protesting George Bush and the Republican Convention that came to town on Monday. Wherever you stand politically, it was a remarkable event to participate in. I get excited seeing democracy in action. On Sunday, over 200,000 people took to the streets to peacefully express their dissastisfaction with Bush's performance as president. I marched along side not only my new found liberal friends from law school (funny thing, there's a few of them) but communists, Nader supporters, Babies against Bush (my personal favorite, I'm such a sucker for cute kids) and more. It was quite an exciting experience and definitely made me feel as though I was taking some action, and not just sitting back passively. I meant to remember meaningful signs to share with you folks, but the only one that stuck was "Bush lies, Who dies?" I think that perhaps my father has had more political influence on me than he would care to believe ;)

In my 'normal' life things are starting to even out. I feel like I am getting into the swing of things with my classes and I am excited about my new adventure. In my lawyering class today we performed a simulated regulation negotiation regarding snowmobile regulations in Voyageur's National Parks, International Falls, MN. I got to practice being Minnesota nice all the way out here in New York. My team represented the International Falls Chamber of Commerce. It was a good learning opportunity. I am thrilled that my school has chosen to include a hands on aspect in their teaching of the law.

My criminal law books and civil procedure are calling my name. I hope you all are fantastic! Much love!

We Say No! To the Bush Agenda. 

Lots of protestors! 

Protesters Everywhere! 

Nicole, Becky & Brian - Ready to Protest! 

240 Mercer - Apartment 816 - Room A

Welcome to my new home! For those of you who have been requesting pictures of the new stomping grounds here they are. I tried to give a general idea of what my place is like. Basically I have a room, a kitchen, a bathroom and a small area that serves no useful purpose. We affectionately refer to it as the "living" room. My roommate also has a room of her own.

My Room 

My Room! 

Dresser 

Closet 

Bookshelf 

Bed 

Kitchen 

More Kitchen 

The "Dining" Room 

The "living" room! 

Bathroom 

More Bathroom 

My Building - As Seen From My Room 

View From My Room 

View #2 From My Room 

View of Courtyard of my building 

My Window 

My room! 

New York Adventure

Hey everyone. So this whole "blog" idea seems new and trendy and maybe a little annoying. However, my Dad suggested that some of my friends and family might be interested in regular updates on my life. He suggested an online journal, for timesaving purposes. Please feel free to totally disregard this if you are not interested. If you are I will attempt to periodically post what is new with me. I am new to the whole concept so we will see how it goes.

My adventure to New York really begins with my roadtrip adventure. My good friend Alyssa (Hamline Mock Trial Buddy) drove all the way from the great state of Minnesota to the great state of New York in a metallic blue minivan. Yes, a minivan. Check my pictures for photographic proof. We had a wonderful adventure, stopping in Wisconsin for Cheese curds and photo ops with strange oversized plaster animals. (What is WITH THAT?!?!?) We spent our first night in Chicago, arriving so late that the only interesting part of the stay was when I almost (as in an inch to spare) hit a pole with my large, rented minivan. From then on Lyssa did the parking. After a trip through Illinois and Indiana our second stop was in Columbus, Ohio, home of my very dear friend Shana. We visited Shana, her hubby Peqass (real name withheld for reasons unknown) and her beautiful baby boy Caden. I got to rub her 8 month pregnant tummy and whisper lots of silly things to my soon to be born honorary niece, Ahvia. Day three took us through Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and finally NY. Driving in New York City was quite an experience, Alyssa laughed and was a very good navigational assistant while I talked outloud to myself, repeating over and over "I am driving my Honda...not a minivan...This is Minneapolis...not New York." It was crazy but it worked. We got my minivan unloaded and safely back to the rental place with not even a scratch. Phew!

Lyssa and I spent about 5 days exploring NYC. It was very exciting as you can see from the photograhs. We were uber-touristy...hitting all the major spots, Central Park, the Empire State building, Brooklyn Bridge, Lincoln Center, and more. We also did some shopping. If you know Lyssa ask her to explain the slipper/Artichoke incident. I won't embarrass her on the good 'ol WWW.

After Lyss left my Mom and Richard came to visit. Unfourtanetly Richard took all the photos so I don't have any of our time here :(. We had a great time however, taking a boat cruise around the city, exploring a new park, dining in my neighborhood, and attending The Producers on Broadway. My mom also helped me set up my apartment, very exciting, I know. We fixed my bed (which originally was about as comfortable as a rock), explored my new city, hung my photographs, and basically just soaked up each others presence, which was wonderful as I won't be seeing her until Thanksgiving.

My new apartment in New York is on Mercer street between Bleecker and W 3rd Street. I have learned that most New Yorkers give addresses this way, which is quite helpful when trying to find something. I share a two bedroom apartment (really just 2 bedrooms, a kitchen and bath) with a girl named Nicole Leyton from Virginia. She is very nice and we are getting along well. My room is much larger than expected and quite nice. I am on the quiet side of the building (very important in the city) and have a nice view of our courtyard and neighborhood park. Yeah green. It's almost (except not at all) like home.

Classes started on Wednesday. I have now made it through Criminal Law, Civil Procedure, Contracts and Lawyering. For those of you in the know about law school, Lawyering is our version of Legal Research & Writing, only more inclusive. I like all of my professors and I am not too intimidated by the Socratic method teaching style (where teachers call on students and question them). There is a ton of work, which I was expecting, but I know I will be able to handle it. Last night I got to read the Shoe Bomber case from 2001...it was quite intersting.

I'm excited about my new life, missing all of my friends from home, and loving you all!

-Nicole Renee

Lyss & Nicole on the Empire State - We are a little sleepy 

More NYC at night 

Ms. Liberty