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Orientation v Life

LSU Paul M Hebert Law Center Class of 2022

Just like my career will marry my Pharm D. and JD, I want to marry my law school orientation to regular life. Usually, I would separate life and school posts, but I saw an opportunity to chronicle the experience for you.

(For all my lawyers and law students, the title is just to be cute.)

Orientations are generally uneventful. You could even say they’re overwhelmingly boring. Mine was two days, 8am-4pm, and covered several topics, including presentations by the law library, campus police, and the health center. For a real life example, imagine a work orientation. “There’s the restroom, some desks, the break room, click through some online learning tools, and now watch someone else work for the rest of the shift.” Good times. I found it interesting how my law school orientation ended up oppositely for me. It reflected real life (useful) advice in multiple ways. That created an opportunity for me to share those ways with you. Whether you’re a fresh 1L, a recent high school grad, or just a person who wouldn’t mind a refresher on basic life advice, this post is for you. Let’s get to it!

It’s going to be hard.

I think everyone knows this about law school and life. It’s hard. You have no clue just how difficult it will get. People, like mentors and parents, try to convey it to you, but there’s nothing like experiencing it. It’s like wading in a pool for the first time. You’re getting closer and closer to the deep end. The water is getting higher. Its getting closer to your chin, and suddenly you begin to float, and your feet don’t touch the bottom anymore, without you going under. You knew it would happen. Your friend told you how deep the pool is. You read the ‘8ft’ sign. But still, you’re a little shocked when it happens. You can turn around and go back to the shallow end, or you can swim forward. If you can swim, I’ll always advise you to swim forward. In other words, if you’re equipped with the basic skills, it’s always worth it to move forward and try something new. You gain experience as well as confidence. Next time, its not so hard. Maybe next time, you even try something even harder.

2. Take time for yourself.

This one was repeated several times by the upperclassmen. Make time to do what you like to do. You spend so much time in law school reading and writing and going to class. If you listen to professor’s suggestions, you should be busy with those things 45-60 hours a week. Real world people are busy working, taking care of others, running errands, grocery shopping, and more working. It’s so important to take time for yourself. Jog, if you like that. Dance, if you like that. Cook, if you like that. The upperclassmen suggested to take this time every day, even if you only get in thirty minutes.

They also suggested:

Shutting down at a certain time. Sitting with your nose in a book for hours is draining. Pick a daily time you shut that down and stick to it.

Take an entire day off. In addition to daily time for you, take an entire day. For me, it would be take an entire day not studying. For others, it might be taking off work. This includes no picking up an extra shift! You’ll feel better and look better. Trust me.

3. Be nice to each other.

Easy to say, harder to do. Life and school get next level stressful. You can get overwhelmed, overworked, scared, and confused, all while your supposed to be continuing onward. It is tough, friends. You may not know this, but the way grades are set in law school makes it competitive. Only a certain percentage of students get As, and professors required to give at least a small percentage of Ds. This can turn libraries into boxing rings. People won’t share notes, will lie about assignments, and I’ve heard of people throwing away other’s notes. It can get wild! But something that was conveyed to us at orientation was that it doesn’t have to be that way with our class. We are starting fresh, and we can be there for each other (at least be civil), instead of hoping someone cracks. Life is also this way. You can chose to lift up your friends, coworkers, and baristas, instead of tearing them down. Even when the pressure is high and your morale is low, you can still make that effort to be nice.

I hope these simple, yet effective points have reminded you how you can make tomorrow better than today for yourself and those around you.

Comment and share one way you can apply one of these helpful hints TODAY!

How I Deal with Anxiety

I know anxiety. I’ve been through pharmacy school (and the board exams that go with it). I’m halfway through law school. I played sports through middle school and high school. I’ve competed in a pageant. I’ve had jobs. I’ve climbed tall structures. I’ve ridden in a plane. I’ve had to make cold calls. I’ve dealt with most of the different types of anxiety a modern person deals with on a daily basis. Here’s how I deal with it:

I move through a very basic list you can now find anywhere on google, but when I learned these skills, google wasn’t the (self)helpful tool it is now.

Identify the source.

Find what’s bothering you. Can you fix it? Can you control how you react to it?

Personal reflection

Once I identify the source of my anxiety, I ask myself the questions above. If the answer is yes, I make an attack plan. If the answer is no, I move into self care.

Self care
1. Call a friend or book a therapy session. Whichever you choose may depend on the seriousness of the situation. Whether big or small, I find calling a friend and starting a conversation is extremely helpful. I feel anywhere from 50-85% better after this step. It’s the hardest step for me to start, though, because I tend to have more negative thoughts by the time I need to talk. I think I’m bothering them or I’m weak and I should keep it to myself. Those are lies. Throw those away and call the friend. Book the appointment.
2. Mediation/Prayer. Once I reflect, I have a starting point for healing. I’m a Christian so praying actually comes before any other step, but it also comes between all the steps, too. I need lots of prayer time, lol. Whether you’re a Christian or not, mediation is important. It is important to have a time where you empty your mind and focus only on your breath. Slowly, in and out. In and out. In and out. No thoughts, just vibes. The breathing helps release the tension in your body. It helps you reset. It helps you rest. It will take practice to sit with an empty mind for 10 minutes straight (to start), but you will get there.
3. Hygiene. Warm water helps with anxiety, so a nice steamy facial or bath can go a long way. You can make this a weekly thing or you do it as you need it. Bathing before bed can also help you sleep better which can also reduce anxiety.
4. Take a nap or eat a meal. Taking a break can halt whatever anxiety spiral you’re having. Take a 30 min rest or nap. Eat a meal you like to eat. Drink some water with it. Interrupt the noise.
5. Exercise. So many hate it, but find a movement that works for you. Even if it’s just stretching, your body will love it. I sometimes look up “places you hold anxiety in the body.” That search is a reminder to unclench my jaw, relax my shoulders, and sit up straight.
6. Vitamins and Minerals. You can take a pill or eat the foods that provide them. I love this one because I think they are too often underestimated. Are you getting enough sun? Have some vitamin D and calcium. The calcium helps put the vitamin D to work, so you can substitute that with some actual sun, if you can. Magnesium is one that I love to suggest. It lifts my mood, gives me energy, helps me focus, and it can even help you sleep more soundly at night. You can also try vitamin E, B-complex, or one of the many vitamin C and mineral combination options. It helps to look at your diet. Researching what vitamins are in the foods you eat can help find what you’re lacking. I’ve used MyFitnessPal in the past. You can log what you eat and within the Food tab there are ways to see how much vitamins and minerals you’re getting on a regular basis. For example, my regular diet is low in potassium. Since I’ve learned that, I’m more conscious about keeping bananas, spinach, and sweet potatoes in the house. You can also see a doctor or specialist and that will take all the work out of it for you. I will caution about pills, if you choose to take those. Some companies use the synthetic versions of vitamins so the absorption may not be as high as it is naturally. It’s a good idea to identify the synthetic version of the vitamin you’re looking for and compare that to the ingredient lists of brands you look through. A common example is vitamin E. The ingredient name of the natural version starts with “d” and the synthetic version begins with “dl.”
7. Tea. I’ve loved tea for most of my life and it seems everyone else is getting on the trend, too. It’s very exciting. Peppermint tea can help settle an upset stomach. It can also help with bloat. When you look good, you feel good. Green tea has antioxidants, but also gives a little mood boost. I like it as an afternoon tea. Black tea has the most caffeine so it’s great for mornings and afternoon pick me ups. Herbal teas are so helpful with rest and relaxation. They’re also caffeine-free so they are fabulous for the evenings. Even simpler is starting your morning with a lemon or lemon ginger combo. Many people say it helps start their day off right. There are many options to consider. It’s a matter of finding one that works for you.
8. Do something you enjoy. Another way to interrupt the anxiety spiral is to do something I find fun or relaxing. I like to walk by the lake here at LSU. I might also paint or watch Netflix or write a blog post. It all depends on the day.

These are all things I, personally, find extremely effective when dealing with anxiety. I’ve found it best not to let it build and attack it when I first feel it or when something happens and that event has given me anxiety in the past. (I’m looking at you, finals week.) Even if you may not be clinically diagnosed with anxiety (I’m not), know that it’s so common to experience, and you don’t need a diagnosis to get help or help yourself.

Lastly, I’d like to remind you that you can and should seek professional help when necessary. Many times a diagnosis helps you and your loved ones understand your behavior. Sometimes medication is necessary and that is nothing to feel bad about. So many people use it and it helps so many. My list is meant to help identify ways to defeat your anxiety in addition to or outside of prescribed medication, but certainly not in place of it. Always consult your doctor 🙂

Psalm 34:4

I love reading and studying my Bible because there’s always something new for me to learn, no matter how many times I’ve read it. From about ages 19 to 21, I spent time training to learn to breakdown verses and chapters of the Bible. It was a tough process, but I learned so much and it comes almost second nature to me now. Because I have this skill and this blog, I’d love to share with you from time to time some verses, stories, and chapters that I find inspiring or interesting. Today, I’d like to share Psalms 34:4. It was the verse of the day on the bible app and I felt inspired to share some of my insight. I’ve broken down this one verse into four parts. I’ll explain practically what each part means and how we can apply it today.

“I sought the Lord and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 ESV

It is a short verse, but let’s break it down!

“I sought the Lord…”

What are some ways to seek the Lord?

We can cry out to Him. “Lord, where are you?!” “Help me.”

Even deeper, we can fall into conversational prayer. You can talk to Him and just move through the entire situation that you’re going through. Lay it all out to Him. Ask for guidance with each occurring problem.

You’re not doing it wrong if your “conversation” sounds more like yelling. Just like in our everyday relationships, it’s better to talk it out than let it fester. Unlike people, though, God doesn’t yell back or get offended, so just let it out! In this instance, I’m reminded of the story of Job. In one day he lost everything- his livestock, servants, and all his children. He was going through the toughest time of his life! He curses the day he was born and ponders the human relationship with God. He grows frustrated and wants to confront God and complain. It’s important to note here that this is the Old Testament. Jesus had not come and died, and there was no Holy Spirit who helps us speak to God. At this point in time, God had to literally come down and talk to you some type of way. Like Moses and the burning bush. Job was faithful to God throughout his entire ordeal (meaning he never rejected God or renounced his faith), but even he wanted to confront God and air his grievances. You can read through the story to find out exactly how it all played out, but the point I’m making is that complaining to God is a thing you can do and don’t let the fact that you have complaints instead of praises stop you from seeking the Lord in prayer.

We can go to His Word. I’ve heard countless stories from frustrated friends of them opening up their Bible to a random page, beginning to read and have a verse, paragraph, or even the entire chapter reveal the answer to their question or bring the peace they were seeking. It’s truly a beautiful thing to hear and even more incredible to experience.

Of course, you can intentionally go to the internet to find verses that speak on the issue you want to resolve. This can be tricky because sometimes we don’t know exactly what we’re looking for, so it’s helpful to pray or meditate on the issue and find the root of the problem before trying that method.

We can literally seek Him by going to a particular place, like a church, a pastor, or event.

The woman who touched Jesus’ garment (Luke 8; Mark 5) had a level of faith that’s hard for some to imagine, but she also got up from her home and went to where she knew he’d be. She physically sought after God. We can do the same today, for example, by showing up to a Sunday service, Bible study, or small group meeting.

Other ways to seek the Lord are through worship. We can worship in song, in the giving of our time or finances, or in community with others.

“…and he answered me…”

This can happen in more ways than I can probably list here.

Sometimes He comes with a literal sign.

For example, you seek him by asking, “Lord should I stop smoking?” Suddenly, there’s a blimp flying overhead sporting a flag that simply says, “QUIT TODAY.” This may not happen every time but it’s a possibility that happens more than you’d think.

He can answer through people.

This is a wonderful result of having community. Whether it’s a close friend, a parent, a neighbor, or a stranger, God uses people to get answers and messages to us. Someone close to you might know your whole story and be able to give insight from the inside. A pastor or therapist may be able to give you insight from the outside looking in. Either way, it’s as if you feel peace or understanding from their advice. Like a lightbulb flicked on and suddenly you see. A stranger may not know your situation, but they may just say something or do something that is exactly what you need to hear or see.

He can also answer through prayer.

Whether you’re reading a prayer, having conversations with Him, or more formally having a structured prayer time, He can answer this way, too. Sometimes He brings up a thought or a verse or just a feeling washes over you and you know He’s answered you in that moment.

He can answer through His Word.

When you seek Him through His Word, sometimes the answers are right there on the page! It’s fascinating and inexplicable. So, many different verses from different stories can yield the same result when applied to your personal situation.

Sometimes when you haven’t even opened your Bible, but a verse pops up on Facebook or is sent from a friend that is exactly what you needed.

Lastly and most obviously, He can answer through action.

Of course, he can literally answer your prayer. The sick are healed, money from seemingly nowhere shows up, pain just leaves you.

Other times it can be more complex than that. The best example I have is praying for patience. Everyone I’ve ever known who has prayed for patience has simply been given a situation that requires more patience than they thought was humanly possible to give. It’s funny, but it’s tough and it’s real.

“…and delivered me…”

Delivery usually comes with the seeking, but oftentimes we don’t feel it until we’ve received the answer or even long after that.

What I’ve learned, from those much wiser than myself, is that God will always deliver, but it’s on me when I receive and accept it. That may sound complex but let’s break it down.

Sometimes we don’t get the answer we want and we reject the delivery. For example, we pray for healing for a loved one, yet they pass away. It may take time to recognize there is a healing in death. An end to their pain. A beginning of a new chapter. It is very hard to hear and accept the finality of it all. It takes time. Frequently, it takes a lot of time. More time than we would like. In this example, when we sought the healing, we knew death was an option. We just couldn’t see how death could ever be the “right” answer. But in our seeking Him, He began to set in motion a plan. They will be healed (even if you don’t like how), and you will be held by Him throughout the process. The delivery started when you sought Him, and when you look back, you’ll see all the small and big ways your prayers were answered.

On a lighter note, delivery may be more obvious. Like, a feeling of peace or a phone call with someone giving you the exact solution you asked for.

“…from all my fears.”

It’s tempting not to give this phrase it’s own section, but rather lump it with the delivery part. I think it’s important to discuss this little tail end of such a powerful verse.

This is ALL of our fears. All the doubts, the anxiety, the what-ifs and the possibilities. Every stage of life has its own set of new and different fears that can come with it, and the Lord is freeing you of each one. Even the unspoken and unseen ones.

Isaiah 41:10 tells us not to fear because He will strengthen us, help us, and uphold us with His righteous right hand.

You can be delivered from every fear. He will be right there with you through it all.

Now that you’ve had a deep dive into this verse and have some tools to help you live it out, I hope you put it into action today! Right now. Sooner rather than later.

And remember at least two things. (1) It starts when you seek Him, and (2) it may not look exactly like you pictured but be encouraged by the results. You will be delivered. And loved all the way through it.

3 Things Not to Try at Trader Joe’s

I like almost everything at Trader Joe’s. It’s a little freaky how I can try just about anything and like it. This post is not about that. This post is about the very few things I don’t like. These are all things I would normally eat, but I just don’t like what they did with it. But remember, this is what I, personally, don’t like. You may still like it. This is just a heads up, in case its your first time or just want a trust opinion before buying. As usual, I’ll try to keep the descriptions brief.

1. The Queso Cheese Dip

I had about three bites and I couldn’t do anymore. It had separated, and I’m not sure it was ever a cheesy consistency. The cheese flavor was…absent. Very disappointing.

2. White Cake

The prepared white cake, whether cupcake or sheet cake, has been dry every time I’ve tried it. Not a fan, and no icing can save it. Stick to the chocolate or maybe a pie.

3. Ground Beef

Specifically the kind that comes in the little vacuum sealed, square packs. This are found in the both the fresh and frozen sections. They’re just extra ground, which leaves the meat tasting overworked. I’ve tried every variation of fat percentages and its all the same. Not worth it. Either go for the much more expense ground angus or go to another store. I prefer Sprouts.

(Dis)Honorable Mentions

These are more like items that I think I may be wrong about, but I still want to give you a heads up.

A. Small Tomatoes

Their little (grape and cherry sized) tomatoes go bad so quickly! This may be just me and maybe I should not refrigerate them? Not sure. But I still buy them anyway because they’re delicious, even if I have to throw most of them out before I can eat them all.

B. Any of the pizzas

Honestly, I haven’t actually tried all the pizzas because they look weak. I can’t bring myself to spend the money on something that looks either completely floppy or like it’ll taste like cardboard. Plus, out of the entire frozen pizza dedicated freezer, there’s only ever two with meat on them. I like a meaty pizza, when I do have one. On top of all of this, I’ve seen a ton of bad reviews about them. So, I’m not 100% sure you should skip it, but if its your first visit, stay away.

I had to keep this list shorter, because I truly enjoy most of the food (and prices) at this store! Let me know if there are some that missed, because most of the vegan things I don’t try, like the plant based “meats,” “cheeses,” and dressings.

Happy shopping!

7 Things You Have to Try at Trader Joe’s

Here, I’m laying out my favorite store and my absolute favorite things they offer. Trader Joe’s (TJ’s) balances quality, safe ingredients with reasonable prices. One month I put myself on a $65/week healthy food budget and met my goal shopping only at TJ’s. They have some options that are name brand, but most of the food there is their own brand, like Whole Foods has 365. I made this list so that it exclusively includes things that are specific to Trader Joe’s. You might be able to find similar items other places, but it won’t be all in the same place and they won’t all be these good! (And, no, this definitely is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or affiliated with TJ’s in any way.)

1. Butter Chicken

My all time favorite. A classic. I keep at least 3 in my freezer at all times. If you’ve never had butter chicken, its an Indian dish. TJ’s recipe has flavor, while not spicy, and comes with a side of basmati rice. It’s perfect for one person. You have to try it at least once, even if you’re a picky eater.

2. Greek Spiral

Crispy, cheesy, just read the description on the top of the container. It’s the perfect appetizer for when friends come over. Although, if you eat it all yourself, I can confidently tell you that you’re not the first person to do so.

3. Jicama Wraps

My latest obsession. They are malleable like a flour tortilla, but crunchy like a corn tortilla, with almost no flavor at all. They’re perfect for anyone, but especially the low carb or vegan. I’m neither, but I could crunch on these all day.

4. Mandarin Chicken

This is a very popular one. I add rice and broccoli on the side and I like it better than ordering Chinese takeout. If TJ’s makes a crab rangoon of this caliber, someone will need to check on me.

5. Chili Onion Crunch

Everyone loves this stuff. I particularly like it because I no longer have to think of a better option than alfredo for my pasta. This stuff is a perfect sauce replacement because the oil is healthy, the onion and pepper flakes give it added nutrients, and the crunch of it all adds dimension. It’s also delicious if you want to use some bread to sop it up. I love the ciabatta bread at TJ’s. Just a tip.

Also, if you’re wondering, I don’t find it to be too spicy, but if you have an aversion to spicy food, I’d skip it to be safe.

6. Dark Chocolate Ganache mini sheet cake

If you like chocolate but don’t like dark chocolate, still try it. The ganache icing makes all the difference. Its the perfect store bought chocolate cake. I had an unhealthy obsession for quite a while, but I’ve recovered. And, a word of advice: the cupcakes are not the same.

7. Hold the Cone

Do you remember those ice cream cones that had that chocolate chunk in the bottom? That chocolate was a sweet surprise for me, plus it kept my ice cream from dripping out of the bottom. Well, TJ’s makes a cone like this, but its mini sized. So, you get ice cream, chocolate, and cone, and none of it is wasted. It’s fun. It’s yummy. And I’m not sure why I can’t find this more often at other grocery stores, but its genius.

There are plenty of other things I love from TJ’s but most of them are things you can get other places. I just choose to shop at TJ’s because the prices are so reasonable and the ingredients are generally clean.

I love just about everything at this store, but I haven’t tried it all! Share your favorites below, so we get a nice long list going.

How to Pray 101

Navigating faith is difficult. If you’ve ever wondered how to pray or if you’re doing it right, this post is for you. This is my own Christian perspective and very basic guide on how to say a prayer. If you’d a second opinion on prayer, there’s an excellent, Amazon e-book I’d recommend called Prayer Time by Belinda Keller.

What is prayer? Prayer is talking to God. If you’ve heard formal prayers or prayers spoken in church, there’s usually a structure. This isn’t necessary, but is helpful when you’re first starting out or being put on the spot. All prayer really is is a conversation with God.

Who to pray to? As I have previously stated, this is my perspective of prayer as a christian. I pray to God, who is also Jesus, who is also the Holy Spirit. Maybe that’s a lot to think about or maybe you just don’t agree, but that’s okay. If you’re here just looking for a way to start a prayer, this is still the spot for you.

What’s considered prayer? I consider any conscious (but sometimes unconscious) question, comment, or concern directed to God a prayer. Even something as small as, “Please, don’t let it rain today.”

How to start? If you don’t want pre-planned structure, start with a simple, “Hi.” I know plenty of people that start with, “Hi, God. It’s me.” If you’d like a more formal, structured beginning, you can start with, Dear God/Lord/Jesus. Then you can move into where you want to take the conversation. Maybe you’re having a problem you need help with. Maybe you want to discuss a decision or something that made you happy or something that made you sad. Maybe you want to ask for something. It’s okay to jump right into that.

How to end? ‘Amen’ is the word Christians usually use to end a prayer. Amen means “it is so.” It is a declaration of affirmation. It’s an agreement between you and God on what you’ve talked about. If you don’t like that, you can end your prayer like any phone conversation. “Thanks!” “Love you.” “Talk to you later.” All are acceptable, if you’d be more comfortable with those. It is more important that you spend time praying to God than is the structure or the way you do it.

How do you know He’s heard you? As a christian, I believe God is omnipresent. This means that He’s everywhere at once. I also believe that, through the Holy Spirit, I have direct access to God. That’s how He hears my prayers. If you get the chance to read through the Old Testament of the Bible, you’ll find that not everyone had access to God then. Only those He picked out himself could talk to Him. The New Testament gives us the story of how He sent Jesus here, to Earth, from heaven to make a way for everyone to have access to Him. That access is through the Holy Spirit. It’s kind of like, even when you don’t have the words, the Spirit knows what you mean and can convey your message to God. So, even when you feel unworthy or out of sorts, you have a helper there to help you through your prayer.

Why pray? You may be thinking, “If this God is so powerful, why doesn’t He just already know what I want? Why do I have to tell Him?” Honestly, I think prayer is mostly for us, not Him. He does already know everything, but we need to consciously address our fears and problems. We need to know God better. We need to know that He’s listening. The best way to do that, like anything else, is through practice. Just like friends or family members, you can talk to Him every day. He’s always there. Prayers to God can also bring you peace. You may not be able to explain it, but after prayer, you may feel better about what it was that was on your mind.

Where/How to pray? Prayer can happen anywhere, anytime. In the car, at home in bed, in the shower, even a mid-conversation “Thank you, Jesus” can be considered a prayer. The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This may seem like a daunting task, but you don’t have to start there. I’d say most people never make there. For now, you can think of it as an open invitation to pray as often as want. Wherever you want. In your head or aloud. Sitting down or kneeling or standing, etc. For however long you want.

Mainly, make your prayer your’s. It is a conversation between you and God that many times no one else will hear.

If you want to know even more about prayer, look out for part two: How to Pray 102. In the meantime, let us know what you found most helpful about this post. We’d love to hear it!

Recipes I’m Currently Obsessed With

Deconstructed Eggroll

Sometimes, the eggroll is the part of Chinese takeout you look forward to the most. Its just comforting knowing it’s going to be there and it’s going to be good. For me, the best and worst part of the egg roll is that it’s fried. I tend to eat healthy, especially at home, so Chinese takeout is a special thing. When I decided to try this recipe, I didn’t know it would satisfy all my cravings without the fried, doughy guilt trip. It also only costs me about $7 for about 4 (large) servings. Ladies and gentlemen, the deconstructed eggroll!

I found a similar recipe to this one on the internet somewhere and made it my own, so feel free to do the same.

Ingredients

Ground beef (about 1 pound)
Cabbage (1 small head or half a large head)
Onion (I use half one yellow onion)
Carrots (1 whole carrot or a few baby carrots)
Oil (Pam, coconut, olive, ghee– just pick one)
Salt
Black pepper
Soy sauce or Coconut Aminos

Instructions

Cook the meat: Season your meat with salt and pepper. Brown it in a pan on med-med/high heat. I use a cast iron.

Get the grease off the meat: Take it out of the pan, place it on some paper towels or something. Leave it on the side.

Cook your veggies: I clean out the pan and start over for the veggies, but you can use the grease from the meat, if you want. I use either pam or butter for this recipe. These are much less healthy than all the other options I listed above, but if you don’t care about that, go big! (I don’t like how much I can taste the coconut flavor when I use coconut oil with cabbage, so if you don’t like coconut, do NOT use it.) Dice up your onions and carrots and chop the cabbage. Then, add everybody to the pot. (Usually I add the onions, first, honestly.) Anyway, season the veggies. I use black pepper and coconut aminos, here. I don’t use much salt because the coconut aminos usually have plenty sodium. After, stir and let everybody cook down together until the onions are clear and the cabbage is browned.

When its just about ready, add the meat back in. Stir.

That’s it, baby. Enjoy!

If you want to stretch it, feel free to add some jasmine or basmati rice.

Give it a try and let us know what you think!

Not Lasagna

One day I decided to make spaghetti with spaghetti squash instead of pasta. But, after I got all the elements together, my mom suggested I layer the elements instead of combining them. I called it lasagna, she said, “It is not lasagna!” She was right, but I didn’t know what to call it, so Not Lasagna stuck. This recipe combines all my favorites: squash, meat, and cheese. This recipe probably runs me about $15 and it’s about 6 hearty servings. Let’s get into it.

Ingredients

Spaghetti squash (1 smallish squash)
Italian sausage (1.5-2 links)
Ground beef (about 0.5-1 pounds)
Spaghetti sauce (however much you like-I like about 3/4 of a jar)
Onions (about 1/2 yellow onion)
Garlic (Optional** A couple cloves, maybe? Do what you like. I use like 6 cloves.)
Seasonings: salt, pepper, and whatever else you like
Mozzarella cheese (1.5-2 cups, shredded)
9x13in pan (you can go bigger, but I wouldn’t go smaller)

Instructions

Cook the squash: There are many ways to cook spaghetti squash. I cut it in half, scoop out the seeds with a spoon, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Then, I place the halves on a baking sheet and place them in a 375 degree oven until its ready. That’s about….maybe 45 minutes? I, honestly, wing it every time. The skin starts browning and things start bubbling, and that’s how I know it’s ready. Once its done, take it out. You should let it cool, but I never do and just burn my little fingertips separating the skin. To separate the skin from the squash, take a fork and rake it out. It looks like noodles. That’s why its called spaghetti squash. Alternatively, you can take one half, flip it over, and squeeze/pinch the skin. The squash should slide out, and you can rake it from this step to make the “noodles.”

Cook the meats: I like to start with the Italian sausage. Side note: I don’t use any brand name. I use a local grocery that puts it together in house, so that’s what I’d recommend. It’s delicious! You can also try local Italian groceries. They exist, look into it. Anyway, squeeze/pinch out the meat from the casing into a hot pan. Brown it, the set it to the side. Next up is the ground beef. I cook down the onions until they’re clear, then add in the meat, seasoned with salt and pepper. Sometimes, I add red pepper flakes. You can any Italian seasonings you like.

Next, add all the meats together in the pan with the spaghetti sauce. Let them warm together. I like to cook some garlic in the oven and add it here.

To make the garlic, I take an entire clove, wrap it in foil, and stick it in the oven (anywhere from 350-375) until the garlic is soft (about 20 minutes?). The cloves slide of the…skin?…so easily and they’re soft.

Next, layer your ingredients like lasagna. Except, it’s not lasagna, so no ricotta or pasta.

Layers: Meat sauce, cheese, squash, meat sauce, cheese. I usually stop there, but you can continue, if you have enough. You should, I just like thick layers.

Pop that baby in the oven until the cheese is melty and bubbling. That’s about 20-25 minutes.

Let it rest a minute or two, if you’re not starving. For me, I can cut into this stuff well, so it’s easy to get nice, neat squares. This should be the same for you.

This recipe keeps me full and reheats well. Try. It. And share how you liked it below 🙂

My First Semester of Law School

I’ve finished my first semester of law school. Surprise! It was hard. Adjusting to reading cases on cases a day/week plus going to classes and learning completely new information literally gave me a headache. It was also the typical graduate/professional student’s struggle to balance class, family, sleep, and a social life.

I was exhausted but growing every day. This semester felt like actual growing pains. I learned something new every single day. I learned about the law and I learned about myself.

Having gone through pharmacy school before this, I knew much of what to expect. I knew I would be tired. I knew there would be stress, what that stress would feel like, and how to cope with it. But, since I was moving from a science to law, there was a learning curve.

Here, I’ll share some tips for any future 1Ls out there who want to a peek at what you’re about to get into.

You’re going to be tired. Like tired tired. Like exhausted. I was asleep by 8pm at least once a week. A sleep I could not be awoken from.
You need to really want this. Law school will test you. You must be willing to work hard. It is okay to not know what kind of law you want to practice or what you want to do with your degree, but you must be *determined* to start and finish.
The ideal situation: you live alone, close to campus. Any other situation will make the process slightly more difficult, but you will manage.
If you like animals, try to have one with you. They are a comfort and a constant. You will quickly come to appreciate that.
If you’re a first generation law student, it’s likely none of your family members will understand. Accept that now. They love you, they just don’t understand your new situation. Do your best to explain how busy you’ll be, and don’t resent them when they’re still pulling for your time and attention. They’re going through a change, too.
Learn how you manage stress best! I like to cook. I also spent quite a bit of time alone. Since I’m an introvert, this really helps me recharge. I did spend some time socializing though, because being in my own head so much would cause me to worry too much.
Use your resources! At my school, there were plenty of upperclassmen willing to help. Joining a club is a great way to meet some of those helpful people. Your school may have online test banks, seminars on how to succeed, and alumni weekends. Even social events are a resource. Law is a very social field. If your grades can’t get you in the door, a contact may be able to. Don’t cheat yourself.
Make friends with your classmates. Some schools are very competitive and students may sabotage each other. That’s just the facts. But, that’s not always the case, and it doesn’t have to be that way. Everyone is just as nervous as you are. Be kind. You’ll find other’s like yourself and it’ll be okay.
You may get “imposter syndrome.” Imposter syndrome presents as feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success. You have one degree and you got into law school. Bare minimum, you have these great achievements under your belt going into your first semester. Whether you’re one of the youngest in your class or the oldest, whether you have a family of five or you’re starting this journey alone, whether you have an art, construction, or science background, you belong. You can make it. And, with hard work and persistence, you will.
Celebrate the little wins. Finishing a week of class. Completing every reading. Surviving cold calls. Responding to emails. Whatever it may be, recognize that win. Law school is so competitive and it’s important to give yourself recognition.

I hope this was a helpful, practical guide to your first semester. Let us know in the comments below where you plan to go or where you’ve been accepted!

Plant Based Meals!

These three recipes work for different seasons and can be adjusted to fit most diets! These are also great for meal prepping and are good options for a no microwave situation.

Spring Roll (Gluten-free, Vegan)

Dipping Sauce

Peanut butter
Hoisin
Start with equal parts. Stir. Adjust proportions to your liking.

Roll

Rice paper
The rest of these ingredients are optional:
Vermicelli
Avocado slices
Tofu (however you’d like it)
Spinach
Carrot slices
Radish slices

Rolling Instructions: You want to lay out each sheet, as you need it. I’ve been advised to use a damp towel instead of a dry plate, so that’s what I do. This is for easy handling of the rice paper. Next, you place your ingredients on the sheet, horizontally, in between the middle and the end of the sheet that is closest to you. This is the best position for rolling, which is the next step. Fold the edge closest to you over the ingredients. Fold the left and right flaps that have been created on the sides in, burrito style. Last, tuck and roll until you have the finished product. The tucking keeps the spring roll tight. Done!

TIPS

Where to buy rice paper: I’d suggest finding a local asian market (they usually have lower prices) or visiting the “cultural” isle at your local grocery.

Stacking: layering the vermicelli or spinach on the bottom gives the other ingredients a base, so they don’t slide around while you’re prepping.

Vermicelli: If you’ve never had it before, please look into it and try it! It’s basically a rice noodle and it’s yummy.

Adjustments: It’s your roll! You can add or subtract any ingredients you want. Make it your way and make it fun!

For my meat eaters: You can, of course, adjust this recipe by adding shrimp or beef or both!

Chick pea salad (Gluten-free, Vegetarian)

2 can, drained and rinsed
1 quarter purple onion diced
2 large tomatoes (4-5 Roma tomatoes)
1 cucumber diced
1 tbsp minced garlic
4-6oz feta cheese
Salt and pepper
Lemon juice (2 lemons)
2 tsp olive oil

Combine. Enjoy!

Spaghetti Squash (Gluten-free, Vegetarian)

I love using this recipe for meal prep, because I enjoy it hot and cold. If I don’t feel like microwaving, I don’t have to! And it doesn’t feel like I’m eating a boring salad.

This recipe comes from All Recipes, but I’ve been making it for years. Feel free to click the hyperlink to go straight to their site to view it, but I’ll put the info and a very help cooking tip here.

1 spaghetti squash, (halved lengthwise and seeded, optional- see tip)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons sliced black olives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Maralina’s Helpful Tip:

“Temperature is wrong and so is the time. First, do NOT cut the squash. Instead, use a long bladed serrated knife to poke holes all over the squash (be careful!). Put the squash in shallow pan (no need to butter or add any liquid) and bake at 375 degrees for ONE HOUR. Remove from the oven and use oven mitts to hold steady with one hand while cutting with the serrated knife. Cut in half then scoop the center seeds/fibrous strands out of each half. Then use a fork to scrape the flesh which yields the spaghetti like noodles. You will be able to see the “spaghetti-ness” before starting. The squash is AWESOME. It is very mild in flavor and can be used with any and every sauce/vegetable/meat/etc. It does NOT taste like squash so feel free to go crazy. It is also low calorie, low carb, NO fat (5.5 grams effective (net) carbohydrate plus 2 grams fiber and 30 calories). Perfect for diets or if you just want something delicious and filling.”

Now that you’ve read her helpful tip, here is the original recipe, in case you want to try it that way.

“Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.

Place spaghetti squash with cut sides down on the prepared baking sheet, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a sharp knife can be inserted with only a little resistance. Remove squash from oven and set aside to cool enough to be easily handled.

Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir onion in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and cook until tomatoes are warmed through.

Use a large spoon to scoop the stringy pulp from the squash and place in a medium bowl. Toss with the vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and basil. Serve warm.”

Again, my meat eaters can feel free to add chicken or ground beef. Maybe you can use it as a side dish for fish, instead of an entree!

I hope you get to try and enjoy each one of these meals. Share on your socials which one is your favorite!

Your First Week of Law School

What a ride. Your first class. Your first cold call. What’s it like? How will you make it through? Here’s some tips on your first week of law school from my fresh 1L perspective.

Imposter syndrome

I think just about everyone feels this their first week. Looking around at the older students, hearing just how much is expected of you, and how much your professors know can be overwhelming. You can begin to wonder, “How did I get here? Can I even DO THIS?!” Yes, you can do it. By the time the first month has passed, you’ll realize this. Listen, you got in. That LSAT was hard. You made the score. You got into law school. You’re already beating the odds. You just have to finish, now. It’s up to you to stick with it.

Chill out

This time is about you practicing reading cases and taking notes. So just focus on that. Don’t stress about 2L year, internships, or even exams. Create a strong study routine. Improve your reading and comprehension skills. Learn your professor’s habits. But most importantly, learn to relax in the midst of stress. Don’t be in the library all afternoon if it stresses you out to be around all those people studying (or procrastinating). Exercise daily, if that’s what you like to do. Cook, if that’s what you like. (Hi, that’s me!) You might like making memes in your spare time. But, absolutely take one day of the weekend to relax and do no work at all. This will a helpful habit very, very soon.

The cold call

This is formally known as the socratic method. Instead of straight lecture, the professor will pose a question, then choose (sometimes randomly, sometimes not) a student to answer. You’ll laugh about it later, but in the moment you might actually break a sweat. Sounds stressful, and it can be. Here’s why. It’s not ask one question, and they move on. It’s more like this:

Prof: “Tell us what happened in the case.”

Student: Begins with the facts of the case..

Prof: Interrupts. Poses question.

Student: Answers

Prof: Okay, continue.

Student: Continues with facts..

This continues until they decide they’re done with you. It’s supposed to being preparing you. Like for court and arguments and what not.

Its okay. Read the assignment before class. You won’t have all the answers, but you can start there and begin to understand how you’re supposed to be thinking soon enough.

Outlining

It’s a summarized version of your notes from class, grouping together rules and information you need to know for exams, organized into sections. You don’t have to start this right away, so don’t stress about it.

Learn how you learn, NOW

Know which ways you learn best. Handwritten notes, flashcards, etc. There are apparently studies that show students learn best when they take notes in their own handwriting, so some, possibly all of your professor will ban laptops/technology in class. There are a couple articles from Scientific American and NPR on why that is and how scientists have come to that conclusion.

This is not undergrad

You HAVE to prepare for class. You’ll likely change your mind on this later on in law school, but for now, absolutely read the cases, do your briefs, and be prepared. Don’t make a bad first impression. Don’t ruin your experience before you even start.

Lastly, I want to mention something that’s quite important. You may have already made your mind up about this topic, and that’s fine. As a Pharm.D., I feel I have to mention it. It’s common knowledge that many people take drugs in professional school, including law school. This does not have to be you. Drugs are physically and emotionally expensive. They cost a lot of money, they can get you in more trouble than you’re ready to deal with, and they’re addictive. Please don’t do drugs.

Law school is one whirlwind of an experience, but you can do this!! One day we’ll all look back and think, “Wow! Glad that’s over.” I’m kidding…or am I?

A Prescription for Singleness

There are a lot of single people out there, myself included. It can feel like a struggle dating as a Christian, and many Christians seek comfort and advice on the subject.

Here are some helpful tips for moving forward from a sad, lonely mindset of singleness into a joy-filled, vibrant mindset of singleness.

First, let’s acknowledge it- you’re single. That’s not weird or wrong. Although, in many ways we can be made to feel, externally and internally, that somehow it is wrong. You may have family asking lots of questions. Maybe your friends or followers seem to be happy in serious relationships. This can cause us to feel (very unnecessarily) pressured. In some cases, dating and marriage begin to be a topic people think about daily. An attractive stranger passes and you think, “They’re cute. I wonder if they love the Lord.” You might wonder, “Why doesn’t _______ like me? Why doesn’t…anybody like me?”

Get over that.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?
Jeremiah 17:9 (ESV)

Comments from family stick in our minds and plague our pre-bedtime thoughts. The amount of social media engagement announcements make you put down your phone in the name of self care. You begin to feel crazed and desperate by the sheer number of times you wonder if someone you barely know could be “the one.” But in Jeremiah, we see our heart sounds like it doesn’t know up form down. In the text, “heart” means a ruling center for a person. The spring of all our desires. We cannot begin to understand where our desires come from or what they mean or what we should do with them. This can get very overwhelming. The rest of that verse says, “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” He knows and understands. You can take this singleness and every wild thought that comes with it and begin to trust that He understands what you do not understand. Begin to trust that He will, in time, give you exactly what you need.

If you’re under 25, doubly I say to you:

Get over it.

You have a big beautiful life to live for Jesus, not for yourself. When you crave and actively seek a partner to step into your life and make you happy and “complete,” you are telling Jesus, “I want MY version of my life, not Your version.” You are rejecting what He’s planned for you.

You don’t need a husband or wife. You need Jesus. You also need community, a hobby, and some goals.

Ask Him for help

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”
Matthew 7:7-12

Prayer works. Your prayers, if you ask, can help move you forward to see things much more clearly. Pray (seek) to truly want what God wants for your love life. Trust, like I do, that the desire for a life partner is a desire He will fulfill. (The door will be opened.)

A perk to this process is you no longer worry about the when-will-it-happen or the who-will-it-be.

Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4 (ESV)

That’s my only other advice. Delight yourself in the Lord. It is the best way to live life. It’s the most fun way to live life. My skin is clear, my hair is healthy, and I sleep so well. Overthinking and worrying about a future spouse is bondage. It’s bad for the body and the soul.

Additionally, remember: a relationship won’t start or fix your relationship with the Lord. So, crack that Bible open and get to know your Savior. It’s the most important thing you’ll do all day.

Rx: Quiet time (Bible Study)

Sig: 1 Q6-12H PRN QD (1 every 6-12 hours as needed daily)