Weekend Update

We've posted so sporatically lately that I find myself combining weekend reports! We spent this weekend officially celebrating Craig's bar passage with dinner and a night out dancing with friends. For a change, we thought we'd try the newest, trendiest restaurant in Scottsdale and I'm not sure it paid off for us? The atmosphere at Roka Akor was very cool upon first entry, but constantly waiting for your family style dinner elements allows you to examine further and I couldn't get past the place smelling like a band-aid? We waited almost 45mins for each course to come out, and when it did, the quality was questionable.

Anyway, we shook that off and headed out to Devil's North for dancing and fun. We had a great time there, of course it was packed, but still plenty of room on the dance floor. Everyone enjoyed the beats. Even Craig's usually shy friend BW, brought his A game and it paid off! Thanks to all those guys who came out to celebrate Craig's success.

It's really rare that I get out to dance twice in one month, but it happened! Last weekend was GNO and we were living it up at Devil's South. That's where we usually hang out in Old Town. I can now attest to the fact that both locations are 'shutting it down' every weekend! Here's a fun photo from GNO, Shelsea, Jill & me. I had the camera this weekend too, but for some reason did not capture any of the fun?

Quick 'Bar' Update

Good times here in Barland...

Luckily Mallory is such a phenomenal student that she asked for a desk for one of her Christmas presents this past year because I'm keeping it very much alive during these summer months. We, ie, all the other losers that are still actively taking the BarBri study class, had a 'psuedo' exam the last 2 days that mimics the real event taking place in around 2 weeks in the enchanting city of Tucson. I did well enough at this point as things are starting to come together, but I've got a funny or perhaps scary revelation depending on your perspective.

Most everyone in this class just graduated from 3 years of law school, most everyone attended all of the extremely comprehensive review sessions for the past month, most everyone is probably pretty diligent in their studying, and most everyone is likely pretty bright with the exception of your current author. Nonetheless, the average score for our 6 hour multiple choice test that we all labored through today (after our fun day of 12 essays in 6 hours yesterday) is a measley 105 out of 200 questions. I managed a 115 so I'm a little ahead of the game but it's still pretty hard to believe. With the insane amount of time and effort everyone is putting into this, getting 85 wrong and beating the average by 10 is crazy.

Changing topics, not that it effects me currently, but BRLC, Vic's former employer also known as Syntax Brillian Corp, officially went under the other day. RIP BRLC. So much for exercising those stock options...but in another sick ironic twist, so did our 65" BRLC television!! Everything shows up as pink so Mal's happy, but it's not ideal--especially for watching the Cubs. BRLC's demise, although not unexpected, definitely had no relation to the tremendous amount of blood, sweat, and tears that my beautiful wife put into that plagued company. It was good while it lasted but now we're probably going to have to pick up a new television and it's probably not going to be anything remaining under the BRLC umbrella, ie, Olevia. I think we'll end up supporting a nice California company that seems to be able to successfully do everything that BRLC could not, Vizio, with our next purchase.

Lastly, Nick is having a great summer. He's really enjoying his kids camp that he goes to 3 days a week and gets to play ball, swim, and run around with other dudes his age. Played catch with him yesterday night and the boy is going to be a player. He may already have a better arm than me. He's going to be one hell of an athlete if he keeps working at the sports that interest him. And I don't even need to mention his golf swing...

Closer...

Today, the Supreme Court of Arizona, Committee on Character & Fitness has deemed Craig Steven Riebe certified to sit for the Arizona Bar Examination. Woohoo.. we (he) is one step closer to becoming an actual attorney.

It only says that the school has filed Evidence of Graduation, so I don't know if that means all of the character references you've sent in on his behalf have been considered or not, but it seems he's good to go. Thanks to everyone for not mentioning that he disappears for days at a time to gamble at the casino! We owe you one! ;o)

Graduations

Before the wedding weekend, Craig's parents and Anne flew in a bit early to attend his graduation from law school. It was a very hot day, but it went well overall. This graduation ceremony and all of the students with advanced degrees and even international diciplines was a big deal.

We are all so proud of Craig - that's Craig S. Riebe, J.D. now - and it feels like things are going to start to get back to normal. The graduation means that he can move back to Phoenix, which is huge for us, no more commuting between Tucson and Phoenix. Class has begun to help him study for the bar exam, everyday from 9am to 1pm and then studying all day. So, he'll be underground over the next 8 weeks as he prepares for probably the biggest test of his life, so far.

I just think Craig is an extraordinary man. In one week, he's become a law graduate, a dog owner, a husband and a bonus dad to Mal and Nick. (Bonus dad sounds better then step father, so that's what Mal and Nick have decided on.) Most people get to ease into these roles throughout their life, but he's taken them on all at once. Not everyone would be up to doing this, and that's why I love him so much.