The First Day - Fiasco.

Well, I was wondering how the real first day was going to go and now I can at least say that things can only get better. I guess I knew that there was reading for the first day, but I did not think it would start out so fast in the class. So I was not prepared, and guess who they call on in the old Socratic method. That's right, me. I have to stand up and stammer out what I think is the answer and then the teacher actually says, "you didn't read, did you"? I said no, so she made me stand in the corner and pull on a chain, just like I'm pulling yours! Ha ha ha. I hope that scared some of you, I just wanted to give Tracy a heart attack. The first day was really chill. I did all of my reading and it seems like they are going to ramp up the work gradually, which is good. The reading is pretty technical, but I know that it will get better. My teachers are cool and I have found all of my classes very interesting. I have four classes, Criminal Law, which is exactly like it sounds. Civil Procedure, which teaches you the procedure for going through all of the legal hoops when civil cases are tried (or mediated et. cetera). Torts, which is part of civil law, and it has alot to do with different types of crimes, suing people, a lot of it is trying crimes in the civil courts. I also have a legal writing and researching class. Law, here I come. Also, the apartment search is coming along, I looked at one in Berkley today where a couple of LDS guys live, I'll keep you all posted.

Just this thing to make everyone jealous

So I take the train into school from Walnut Creek I guess you all know, no big deal, I learned all about it when we visited Karl in D.C. Anywho, my school is downtown San Fran, and I get off at the Civic Center/U.N. Plaza stop. I usually go up Hyde street, and it's like a three minute walk to Hastings, but I decided to mix it up the other day. I walk by the U.N. Plaza on my way from the train to the school and I noticed on Friday that there is actually a set of stairs that go directly up to the plaza. So I decide to take them up, might be quicker I think to myself (two minutes instead of three or something). It was about the same distance actually, but the Plaza has something Hyde street doesn't, little shops set up in tents! Selling stuff!!!!!!!!! Everyday this goes on, and twice a week it's a farmers market. I'm sure you all have something like this on your way to school and or work, just wanted to let you all know I'm part of that cool crowd for the next three years. ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. ha.

First Day Jitters!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, it's been a little while since I've had a first day at a new school, but I think I still remember how its done. I picked out my clothes a week in advance and they are laid out on the floor of my room just like I'll have them on (except not so flat). I've doubled checked everything for tags and stickers, I don't want to go through the embarrassment of finding a 32x30 sticker on the back of my leg, right after recess when I just know all the other kids were staring and laughing at me behind my back. I think that is all I can do to make sure I'm ready in the morning.
I'm sure I'll wake up an hour before my alarm I'll be so excited. There are a few things that I will not be able to duplicate as I am starting school in a new state though. I won't have mom there to take pictures on my first day. There was no fashion show (but maybe soon, I'm wearing Aunt Jill down). I don't have a flat, empty backpack for the first day, it already has things I've been using. Last and not least, Dad won't be doling out pens, mechanical pencils, and notepaper just like it is back-to-school Christmas. Laugh if you want, these are cherished memories.
One thing I do have in spades, however, are the first day jitters. Will the other kids like me? Will I do well? Will I ever make back the money to repay these monster student loans? Funny, that one never came up in elementary school. I just wish old first-grade Matt could have had the same tools I do. A huge ego with extra confidence. Total commitment to my jokes. And last but not least, gosh darn it people like me, once they get to know me anyway.
Seriously though, while there is some anxiety on my part, I am excited to study something that genuinely interests me, and the competition is exciting as well. No matter what happens it will be a learning experience, hopefully one that pays off these loans.

You hang onto a car this cherry. . . . .

Well, I made it to San Francisco. Technically I'm not quite living there yet, (I'm in Walnut Creek staying with my aunt and Uncle until I get some housing lined up) but I did go into the city today so I have gone all the way there.
So far so good, the ward seems cool and I've already looked at one apartment and lined up another one to check out this week. The good news is that both are under a $1000 a month, one at $750 and the other at $850 or so. The bad news is that they are still $750 and $850. Seriously though they look pretty good, they both have members as roommates and at least one of them has plenty of parking. I'll check it all out and let ya'll know what happens.
Regarding the Oldsmobile which Grandmother Jenkins so graciously supplied me with on this law school-themed adventure, it is running fine. I even got an hour or so of air conditioned comfort out of it. It rides like a magic carpet and still has street cred, sort of.
The real reason I wanted to post something was because I was thinking of my prior post and I wanted to set straight exactly how much help I have been given. I got to thinking about it on my trip and realized I have really been blessed. Not just the immediate blessings of the car from Grandma and Denny and Jill letting me stay with them in Walnut Creek as well as the myriad other blessings which have directly made this move possible. I have also had constant support and help from my family and friends. This summer I really realized how wonderful my family is. Traveling to see Karl and Conni's family as well as the family reunion in Oregon made me realize several things. First, how genuinely excited we are to see one another, this is not normal. We actually like spending time together, which is great. Second, how quick we are to offer help and advice, or just wish someone good luck or ask them how things are going. I hope I have shown the same amount of love to my family that I have felt from them over the last few years.
Text messages, phone calls, and personal advice are not forgotten. I hope I have the opportunity to pay you all back over the next few years.
Anywho, thanks to all that have helped me on my way, not the least of all you, Mom and Dad. You have always been there to offer help and support and a spot to crash land if it was ever necessary. I got a lot of my tools for living alone while I was living at home.
One more thing before I go, now that I have made the move and the reality of the situation has started to settle in I think that I am still excited but also realizing more the work that will have to be done, but I am still looking at it as the next great adventure. I just hope the pirates get it right and spell "Home Run Matt", instead of "Run Home Matt". If you know what I mean.

Hacksaw's Inferno, Descent into liberalism

Regardless of the title, I do not want to imply that there is something wrong with liberalism, I think that we can all just get along. That being said, I guess I would describe myself as an optimist or an idealist maybe, but definitely not a realist. Seriously though, the idea is for this blog to chart my journey from the conservative heartland of Provo, Utah into the jaws of the liberal stronghold of San Francisco. That's how I see it from here in Provo anyway.
This trip will definitely be an awakening for me no matter what happens. I will be leaving what I've known for years and heading alone into the maelstrom. As daunting as it sounds, it will also be exciting, I'm sure. There is an innate desire in almost everyone to explore the unknown, and I feel it more and more as my departure draws nearer. San Francisco for me now represents the American Dream. It is the opportunity to put myself on the line and pit my skills and knowledge against the world. The tools I will need will largely come from my own abilities. There is something awesome in the idea that man can control his own destiny. Maybe I've been given more help on my way than some, but that doesn't take away from the fact that my own abilities helped give me this opportunity, and they are what now will stand between me and success or failure. Win, lose, or draw, knowledge will be reaped and experience gained. Maybe a wife, too. Don't worry General, I'll try to find one that at leasts dresses conservatively.