Studying for the Patent Bar

I decided to pass the patent bar as the first step in a long term goal of becoming a patent / IP lawyer. That was a couple months ago. Since then I have obtained some study materials and a text on patent law. I gave myself a target date of passing by July 31. I figured that would give me time even with our busy lives. I didn't get a tremendous amount of studying done during the holidays and since then I've been taking up my free time with some projects around the home.

Now that February has started I figure I have about three months to really study before I should at the point where I am just reviewing old tests to practice. I want to get in at least three hours a week though the more the better. It has been difficult setting aside that much time so far, but I have to do better or there will be no way I'll ever be able to handle law school.

Two days til Christmas

It's going to be a white Christmas this year! We are getting snowfall after snowfall. I built a snow hill in the back yard for the kids to sled down. We've actually had enough winter weather to keep the hill for a while. We need a new sled though. The one we had last year shattered on a big hill.

All tuckered out

After hours at the Winter Fest at Navy Pier the kids are spent. They did pretty well considering they were up before 6 this morning. They played on a bunch of bounce houses, rode rides, decorated cookies, and watched a park district production of Beauty and the Beast. Now for the long ride home.

Early morning breakfast

We packed everyone up early this morning to drop Achi off for a 8am flight. Then we stopped for pancakes!

Spirit Entertainment

I was thinking recently about the way people have the sense that loved ones are still with them after they have passed on. It occured to me that if spirits can hang out and watch over people they loved in life then perhaps they can also visit other situations they cared about. Maybe it's floating room only at big football games due to all the past fans. Maybe there are election watchers for every voter. Then my thoughts took an odd turn and I wondered how many past letchers are tuned in for adult entertainment performances. A little creepy, though harmless I suppose.

Rebin's Birthday!

My wife Rebin has always been big on birthdays. I didn't really celebrate them that much until her (which created some friction in the early years). She gets it from her mom. This morning as soon as Rebin came downstairs her mom met her singing Happy Birthday with a card and present.

Like most people, Rebin doesn't particularly like getting older. On the other hand, she's healthier and in better shape now than at any time in at least the last 10 years, probably 15. She looks fantastic and I am reaping the benefits. Having kids lit a spark in her life that burned away all the chaff leaving a svelte beauty who would be a trophy wife if it weren't for the fact that there's so much more to her than just her looks.

My Grandma

My grandma died a couple hours ago. We knew it was coming. My grandpa died a while back and since then she hasn't been in the best of health. She just moved in with my uncle's family a couple months ago. She had a stroke last week and never regained consciousness. She's an awesome woman. I haven't seen her for some time. Now that we have kids it's more difficult to get everyone on a plane somewhere. I regret that we never took our youngest to see her. I don't know that the girls remember her either. The things I remember best are her smile and chuckling laugh.

There are eight grandchildren between my dad and uncle, interspaced about a year apart. When each of us was eight grandma and grandpa would have us come to stay with them for a week. It was a pretty memorable experience for me. It was strange and I was unsure, but I got to see a lot of what their life was like. Other than that we usually only saw them during the holidays for a few days and that was in large groups so there wasn't much one on one time. Those week long visits were a great idea. I'd like to do that with my own grandchildren.

She's not having a funeral, choosing only to have a small group join at her grave to say goodbye. The details aren't set yet, but I'm planning to go. I won't be able to bring Rebin and the kids, but I don't think they would really understand yet. Sunni is still internalizing the death of our dog Bubble. I'll go and say goodbye for all of us. She won't really be gone, I know. I guess it's more about being there to show we remember and love her.