So I spent some time a few weeks ago in the motherland.  Well not my motherland (although the majority of my caucasian friends wouldn't know) but Chinese peoples' motherland.  And better yet, in Beijing where it all happens.  Or will happen.. this summer... for the 2008 olympics... so long as Tiebet doesn't interfere, or is it China that's interfering with Tiebet? I'll leave that to those who are more familiar with the matter :\  Before I get too far off topic... here are some pictures:

Well, Yonsei's Intensive Korean Language level 2 is over, and it's on to level 3! Level 3 is different in several regards from the first two levels. First, in the first two levels, you switch instructors after midterms, in level 3 it's the same instructor all the way through. Next starting in level 3 you get to choose an elective. In level 3 there are four: reading, writing, speaking, listening. Beginning in level 4 you can choose to learn subjects like korean culture, food, and even hanja, Korea's ancient language and alphabet (this is the foundation of Chinese, Japanese and Korean).

A lot has been going on since I last put thoughts to keyboard, here are some in no particular order:

1) I was inspired by a blog about eating dark chocolate
I'm a fan of chocolate, dark chocolate to be specific. And to be more specific, the 72% variety. So when my good friend blogged about the nuances of enjoying a piece of dark chocolate, I must say I was inspired.

2) Sent in my letter of acceptance to Duke Law School

3) Applied for a tourist visa to China
Do you know that a tourist visa costs over $130 for an American to get a visa!?!?!? Highway robbery I tell you! Anyways, I also secured the hotel for my trip, the Westin Beijing Financial Center. Looks pretty cool, it should be fun, except neither my friend or I can speak any Chinese, but I suppose if we did it wouldn't be as adventurous right?

4) Finished reading "Blue Like Jazz," "Rules for Revolutionaries," and "I Isaac Take Thee Rebeka"
So I tried reading Blue Like Jazz once before and couldn't get past the first couple of chapters. I'm not quite sure the reason, but I really disliked the book. I mean, really, really disliked it! Anyways, so I thought I'd give it another shot and I must say that in the couple of days it took me to read it, I fell in love with Donald Miller... Well not with him, but with his writing style and the book. If you've ever wondered what becoming a Christian is like from a non-christian's point of view is, or if you've never considered yourself a Christian, or if you sometimes find yourself wondering if after death comes an eternity filled with pools of vanilla wafer pudding... (don't know why I threw that last one in there?) This book is for you.

5) Visited family

6) MC'd a Music Competition at the Korean Language Institute
Not so bad?

I'm not sure. But once you register with the Law School Admissions Counsel, there seems to be no end. Had a few people ask which law schools had given me fee waivers and sent solicitations and I've never had the time until this morning, when I should be studying for finals. (isn't that always the case?) So I did a quick search in Gmail for "law school" and these are the names that turned up... glancing through them, most included fee waivers, if you want to know specifically just ask...

Washington University New York University
Chapman University Duke Law
University of Virginia Notre Dame Law
University of St. Thomas New College of Law, Ca
University of Detroit University of Michigan
University of Arizona UST School of Law?
University of Miami Arizona State University
Tulsa College of Law Texas Weslyn University
University of Akron Lewis and Clark
Southwest University Santa Clara University
Southwestern Law, LA Washington and Lee
St Luis University University of Iowa
Vanderbilt Loyola University
Pierce Law Washburn University
Phoenix Int'l Law Temple Law
Oklahoma City law Boston College

So the first decision is in.  As mentioned before, I received an invitation from Duke Law to apply using their "fast track" process.  In essence, a program designed to help them encourage possible applicants to apply and get a non-binding decision with 7-10 business days... 

I received my first considerable letter from a law school today: Duke School of Law. It's interesting because up until this point I've received several letters from law schools I'd never heard of and although the first few made me feel pretty accomplished, that feeling faded pretty quickly once I examined the incoming class profile. Duke on the other hand, was ranked 10th in US News and World Report last year and seems to have a great emphasis toward the public sector. Did I mention, they even sent me an application waiver! :D Although I've never really considered attending Duke, I suppose I'm up for applying to see how things work out. Worst case scenario, I get in and file the acceptance letter away to show the grandkids...