It has been a long time since I have written in here. Mainly because I believe that despite how much has happened, I have been so busy and uncertain about many things that I just, did not feel inclined to write about stuff.

Anyways. Just and update of things...

Graduation - 10 September 2008

This was... one of the happier moments that I had experienced lately. In a nutshell, my graduation was... well, it gave me a sense of finality and a sense of achievement. I was so very tired and ended up snoozing through one of the speeches. But seeing the people who I had studied with, gone to early property classes together, endured procedure and bumped into at the law school office when hastily handing in an assignment... it made me really happy. These people had been experiencing the same thing as me the past 5.5 years, I had seen them in their usual uni gear and now seeing them in their regalia was so...well.. it was a "moment."

All of the law students usually congregated outside Winthrop Hall stressed out of our minds, stressed about our notes, stressed about whether we had forgotten to bring the appropriate statute and stressed about whether we would understand and be able to answer the exam question at all.... But this night, was different in that we gathered together for one last time, because we are graduating. The usual stress in the air was gone in its stead there were the joys relief and pride.

Sitting in Winthrop Hall and soaking in its historical richness and beauty, examining the huge circular stained glass window and the organ pipes beneath it, my mind went back to the year 2001, or there abouts, when I came to Winthrop Hall for the first time. Dad had taken me, on a night like this, to listen to a talk about the Law School and what to expect from going to UWA if you decided to take this path. I can't really remember much about what was said. But I remember sitting with Dad and looking at the stained glass window and the walls, the ceiling, and just sitting in awe about this place. It was so beautiful. I remember thinking "It would be so awesome to go to this university..." that "... it seems so ridiculously far away before I would finish a degree... I'd be some old, mature person who knows what they want, some one who knows everything!" It felt like... like surreal, like it was a glimpse of what could be, but deep down I was not sure whether it would ever come to pass. Law at UWA. It seemed like a dream. It seemed like a lifetime away, and that it would never happen. But I have always been a sucker for chasing dreams, so to me, though it seemed like an arduous task, I always had the hope that it one day may happen.

And now... on the 10 September 2008, I was sitting there in Winthrop Hall no longer sitting with dad, as he was behind me with Mom, Scott and Will and all the other parents, family and loved ones of the graduates. I was sitting there by myself, accompanied by my peers. 7 or 8 years have passed and Winthrop Hall has not changed a bit, but I had. I kept on thinking throughout the ceremony... that 2008 Anna is very different to the 2001 Anna, and that the 2008 Anna is very different to who the 2001 Anna had expected to be. For the 2008 Anna is not old (well I hope not), she is definitely not mature, she has no idea what she wants, and does not know "everything."

It was only when I was waiting for the Dean to call out my name, that I got nervous. I don't know... was it nerves? Or was it excitement? Maybe both, because besides reminiscing about the 2000/2001 Anna, I was pretty cool, calm and collected. I really was not fussed. It was only when I heard "Anna Lam Sasson" pronounced perfectly, did I feel a surprising surge of happiness. It was the first time that I had heard my own name echoing clearly and correctly. As soon as he said "Sasson" as "Sas-s-own" I smiled, because there was no mistaking it, that was me.

Pride, happiness and a overwhelming feeling of accomplishment grew with every step I took across the stage. I beamed. I no longer thought about how unenthusiastic some people were about graduating, and those who did not even turn up to graduation. I must admit I thought it was nothing special for a while, but that changed the moment I heard my name. I think that was the first time in my whole life that I was undisputedly proud of myself. There was no doubt, there was no second guesses. There was no "But... I think So and So did a better job than me, why did I get it?" No one could take this away from me ever.

Labels: University

Oh what a feeling!
I had a restless night last night. I had played indoor soccer at uwa with a whole bunch of guys... I was working it, I tried my best, so I was pooped. I was battered and bruised. I hurt my ankle again (self inflicted by kicking someone) and then shed blood from getting a cut upper and lower lip from attempting to header a ball... but ended up hitting something... (It might have been Jesi, but to tell you the truth, I think my face just hit the ball instead of my head). So with all that drama, playing from 7 till about 9.30 and my stomach content from having one of the best kababs ever in northbridge (YAY for the sour cream and chilli combo!Thanx Jesi!)... you would assume that I would be buggered as and ready to sleep as soon as I "smelt" my pillow (as my mom would say).

But no. I kept on waking up. I didn't know why... it occurred to me that its probably because results were coming out the next day... and its do or die. I have never failed a unit before, but it was never too late to do so. Failing one unit would cut me SO bad. My last semester ever... extended till the end of this year for 1 unit... I would die.

So being an eager beaver and always doing the facebook/email check before work, this morning I went to student connect to see if the grades were up. They come out today... but NO they were not up at 7.15am... and they were not up at 8.30am. I was not going to check them at work... because if the worse does happen, it will ruin my day especially working at a law firm. So I was not going to find out till... well.. late at night because straight after work I had netball. Luckily Will rang me, and asked if I had checked. I said no, and then got him to check for me...

WOOOOO!!!! I passed everything! I am graduating! The feeling... well. Huge relief... I will never have to listen to a lecture again. I will never have to go to tutes, or get stressed out about going to tutes... I will never have to cram for exams or assignments... 5.5 years at uni... finally over. Parts of me doesn't feel like I am finsihed... I still feel like a student in a way. Maybe once I attend the ceremony and all, then I'll feel like a law graduate.

I really really hope... some random chance... that my graduation ceremony is the same as the engineering one... because then so many people will be at the ceremony! It will be an eventful night, and not a boring one... coz there will be quite a few people that I can see graduate too! *fingers crossed* heres to hoping!

Labels: Sport, University

I had to blog. I am feeling all squirmish, bubbly and goosepimpley all over despite the fact that I'm feeling quite warm. The news may seem minor to most, but for me it has changed my whole attitude and mood!

This semester at uni has been pretty damn stressful. "Good one" I would mutter to myself, "So much for choosing easy units to make your last semester at university less stressful." You see, I thought that since I've always done quite well in assignments as opposed to exams, and by choosing units that had no exams, it would allow me to have a enjoyable, stress-free last hoorah before I leave this institution. Instead, what I had done, was create a whole lot of "inter semester" stress in lieu of the lack of "intra" or "post" semester stress with the whole exam period. So... this whole semester has been a count down of assignments.

1. Criminology - 50% weight
2. Advanced Torts Assignment 1 - 50% weight
3. Employment Law - 30% weight
4. Advanced Torts Assignment 2 - 50% weight.

Disgusting really. I have so far laboured away at 3, and am working on the last Advanced Torts Assignment which is due this Friday.

Last night I got a message from a classmate of mine from Criminology, asking how I went with the assignment as himself and a friend had failed it. I totally went into freaking out mode. I had not gone to lectures since the Lecturer merely reads off his very detailed notes, and I had rationalised it with "well, I can spend better time doing my assignments than going to the lectures." I then remembered another friend who had done the unit before telling me that the Lecturer was a hard marker. So... I messaged another classmate who had done the unit and asked how he went. He said he passed, giving me some light of hope. What was a night of me being pumped up full of stress from my Torts Assignment and other matters, had just increased 1000x fold.

I couldn't think. I couldn't read. I played poker on facebook and won 2000 though. (YAY). But still I had a sick feeling in my stomach... I sick feeling that hey, I might just scrape through to pass this semester, or just miss out on passing. I have been working so very hard lately with no avail. Nothing has been going my way... everyone is on my back for something or some reason and I truly feel like cracking.

This morning I woke up early, packed my bags and went to uni to collect the assignment. I had done it such a long time ago, I couldn't remember what I had written. I remember changing my assignment on the advice of the 2 classmates who had failed... which made me feel like stabbing myself in the stomach. "Idiot!" So I went to the law office, collected it... and waited till I got well outside the law building so I don't feel the ghosts of past law students who had become politicians, lawyers... judges, looming over me and my mark, laughing and saying "You never had it in you little girl."

So I was at the mid point from the law building and reid library, I opened my assignment to my first page a few ticks here and there (but in law school, a whole lot of ticks could still lead you to a mere CR... a puzzling anomaly). There was a comment at the bottom of my introduction "Good. You have told me what you set out to do." Throughout my paper there were comments like "Good Show me," few of them were points to note like "This is a major rationale of criminal justice systems worldwide," and "At the Fed Level, Eg the 'Alcopop' tax." But me being me, I am always second guessing myself, there is always this strong sense of self doubt. So I get to the final page. There is this HUGE feedback comment. I saw the mark and let a sigh of relief.

"I passed!" I told Will over the phone. I had promised to tell him my mark. "Thats good!" he said. "I got a 73!" I blurted out... I couldn't hold it any longer! I was soooo happy. Finally... something to demonstrate to me that "No look Anna, your not a total lost." I felt and feel so relieved. I feel like this sense of vindication... like "Yeah! Take it pompus law school! The non-conforming law student CAN bring something worthwhile to the table."

Yea... I'm beeming. But now, I should really get to my Advanced Torts Assignment. I promised myself that I would work extra hard on this assignment in "celebration" of my small, but huge personal achievement. *Hoorah!*

Labels: Law, Opinion, Random, Studying, University

Wagyu Beef Tataki.

Rack of Amelia Lamb, caramelized tomato tart, roasted garlic, Persian feta.

Avon Valley Beef Fillet, grilled marron with soft herbs, creamed woodland mushroom.

Hot Valrhona Chocolate fondant, sorbet, soft caramel.

My mouth is drooling again from looking at the photos and the desciptions of the dishes... omg... *drool.*

Other than that, I have been busy stressing and procrastinating with assignments galore! I have completed and submitted my criminology and first advanced torts assignment on Friday the 9 May which was like... the best feeling ever. But now... I have to complete my next 2 assignments coming up. Employment law and advanced torts assignment 2. I also have an employment law tute to get done GRRRRRR.... Not only that I have found out that my employment law exam is the first Saturday of the exam period. Meaning the first Saturday after study week. *Stresss*

Luckily for me, I have had sports this semester to keep me balanced. What started off with mixed soccer with the 3rd season of the Bananaroos, I have taken up basketball on tuesdays, netball sometimes on thursdays and then volleyball when I can get to it on Fridays! Unfortunately this Monday I injured my ankle... yes... the same ankle as always... so I've been out of action for this week. *sigh* But... I'm going to get back on that horse next week! = D its getting better now... just a bit tender in some places. I've also been invited to play soccer on Fridays in an all girls team organised by Mich, and a mixed netball team on tuesday nights organised by Julie. *Rolls eyes* I wanna play for all but I caaaaaan't!

So thats about it for now... until next time... say hi to your mom for me!

Labels: Dinner, Food, Love, Sport, Studying, University, Will

A valuable experience for sure.

I didn't really know what to expect from visiting WA's male maximum security prison. I didn't know what they were willing to show a group of law students. But... man did my flight/fight responses get a work out.

They started off the tour with showing us the visiting centre. They showed us where prisoners would have their contact visits. A table with the prisoner sitting on one side, and his visitors on the other. We were told that the prisoners wear a grey tracksuit when they are out seeing visitors, once they finish with the visit, they have to change back into their green tracksuits. I think this is for security purposes as well as ID purposes. Like... since they change tracksuits, it prevents the prisoner from bringing things from inside the prison to the visitor, and like wise, prevents the prisoner being able to bring things from the outside back into the prison. ID wise, any prisoner that is wearing green and is outside of the prison, obviously is not supposed to be there.

After that we were taken to the "inside" part of the prison where we were shown where the prisoner's wait to be taken outside to the visitor's centre. When we walked in, there were some men in green tracksuits handling the exchange of greens and greys...I was like "woah... they are actual prisoners... and they are standing only a few metres away from us." Little did I know at the time that this was not going to be the first and closest interaction we would have with them.

We were taken into the grounds of the prison, they showed us the infirmary, the cells, the kitchen, laundry, different living blocks around the prison. It was an eye opener for sure. The prisoners are the ones who are in the kitchen cooking the meals (and decent meals!) They were also the ones doing the laundry... its quite similar to what you see on Prison Break. Only... a lot less darker and gloomy. It is interesting how prisoners get an allowance, and from that they have to pay for their food etc. Meals are about 2 bucks each... and as I mentioned before the meals are quite decent! They have to pay for phone calls and other items (eg magazines, chips etc)

Sensory overload... every time we were walking pass or standing near prisoners (which was a lot of the time) I was on my guard. Its amazing what a label can do to your opinion of a person. there was a little incident where when we had just walked into the central grounds of the prison where there were a few wolf whistles coming from one of the living quarters. there was no one on the grounds at the time, but they could see us from their cells...I kinda sent a shiver down my spine...like "omg... its really like that?"

There was another time when we were walking to another living block, and we walked down this path where there was a fence on both sides. Some prisoners approached the fence and started to talk to us, asking "where you guys from?" "what are you doing here?" "oh coming in to join us?" I thought I'd would have been pretty brave, would have walked with my head up high or looked them in the eye. But I wasn't. I walked pass them with my head down, or I just looked forward. I was...pretty confused as to how to respond to them, and DO I respond to them? My friend Andrew did. He told them we were law students, and some of them responded with a "Aw! so when I get out of here, I might see you when I need some free advice."

Overall these guys get a lot of autonomy during the day. They can do what they want really, wonder where ever they want. But they are dictated what to eat, where to eat, where to shower and when to leave and stay within their cells. Like I said before, it was not as gloomy or dark as what I had expected, if anything else, it looks like a cool boarding school. But nevertheless, it is still a prison, your freedoms are taken away, and you have to live among criminals. What I was curious about was, whether there was all the dark silent violence that you see on Prison Break or Shawshank Redemption... I didn't really ask.

Things like re offending seemed to be an issue. Which made me realise that even though the Prison system is seen to be a chance for the criminal to be rehabilitated, it seems that the prison system fails to do so. Our tour guide said things like "You see them in here and then released, 2 years later, they are back here," and "You see a prisoner in here, years later you will see his son, its a family business." I may be just an idealistic law student, but it appears that the prison system is flawed in its attempts to rehabilitate the criminal in order to live within society once they leave... I Guess this then leads into my criminology assignment...which I should really get a start on... since I am all rev'ed up to go since I started writing this blog entry.

I am grateful for the opportunity to see the Prison. Visitors don't get the chance to see this. Lawyers only see the conference rooms. But here, I was able to walk through the grounds of the prison. See where they ate, slept, where they go to work. I got to walk among them and be scared out of my wits as a prisoner would have felt if they had just entered the prison for the first time. There is a high level of stress in that prison. You are always on you guard. Despite the fact that they can feed themselves decent meals for about 6 bucks a day, have free medical care (if you have a heart attack, the state pays), no rent to pay, and tafe and university education available at hand... the mere fact that your in this place is bad enough, and I would never want to step foot in such a place.

Labels: Law, Opinion, Sightseeing, University

WOOHOOOOO!!! the hardest, most stressful exam in my whole career as a law student is finally over!! Now all i gotta do is sit and wait to see how well i do! All i know is that i at least passed!

I am kinda nostalgic in that, well this is the 2nd last core law unit I have completed. It seemed only yesterday walking into the law courtyard wide-eyed, naive, excited and scared of final year because of this "procedure exam" that is infamous for how many books the students take into the exam. There were rumors of boxes, whispers of bags on wheels...(like those carry on bags u take on planes)

When it came down to it, in reality, those rumors were true. I personally brought a big carry bag that was mega heavy. But as I approached Winthrop Undercroft I saw, boxes, boxes on wheels! (u know the plastic ones you get from the Crazy Clarkes where you can seal up the box)... and there were bags on wheels.

This exam was quite different to most law exams, in that, usually every student keeps to him or herself. Every student for themselves. It is a ruthless competition. But with the Procedure exam, it was completely opposite. It was like all students were joining forces to defeat this monster of an exam. The prospect of failing it and having to repeat the year again was pretty much worse than death. LOL

Anywho. its over now. Hoorah!

Labels: Law, Studying, University

Law Graduation Dinner

This weekend has been pretty busy... well sorta.

On Thursday night I went to the UWA Law Graduation Dinner at the Karrinyup Country Club. It was quite last minute decision as initially I wanted to go, but no one confirmed with me so I didn't get a ticket. By the time I found out people were going, I it was too late for me to get one. Luckily, Alison thought of me when she got word of a guy who was selling his ticket as he could no longer go! "CHA - CHING BABY!"

I just wore the same purple dress I wore for Will's 22nd Dinner/Asia Cocktail night. And yea... it was a very fun night indeed. It seems that I have peaked quite late re: the UWA Law social outtings. I've only gone to functions this year, and well, its my "final year." (Despite graduating mid next year). Yea... good fun! though I did not eat that much in comparison to drinking the red that had there.

Heres some pics of the night.







Final Year Law Photo/BBQ

The next day, I came into uni early to have the final year group foto taken and for the BBQ afterwards. I must admit, I was annoyed I had to leave so quickly (as Calverley Johnston allowed me to have 2 hours off work for this function). But yea, I felt like, kinda sad. Sad in a way because, effectively this IS my last year, but not so sad, because I still have a semester left (as do most of my year group).

Anywho, heres some pics from that morning. Oh yea, if you are wondering what is that jacket heaps of ppl are wearing? its out Final Year Law Jumper. LOL so High School style.

Labels: Dinner, Friendship, Law, Party, University

Ok...

Accident Prone-ness
I'll have my rant for the day. WHY am I so accident prone?!?!? Why is my Achilles' heel my right ankle??!?!?

How embarassing, I was walking to my car with Jeff Ha, from the Law building after our final Comm Pract Class (WehehehEee no more comm pract tutes) and as we were talking I just randomly rolled my ankle! I was wearing thongs for god sakes!!! WHY!?!?!?

Its soo annoying.. now my ankle is tender...its still good. Not seriously injured... but still tender... like it stings when I sit cross legged. AUGH! How am I to stop rolling it??? Its soo Bad.

Naruto
Damn you Dean! Now I am hooked on Naruto!!! Its soo cool. I think I like it because it has the same format as Harry Potter, LOTR etc... the whole comradeship, teamwork, people with different skills, talents that are brought together and to fight for a common purpose.

Im a sucker for that. LOL

I love all things French
I went to 'Sugar and Spice' in Joondalup to obtain Will's bday cake... the owner is this Frenchman and he has won some awards for his pastries, cakes and pies... Augh.... they are to die for! Walking in there, it was jammed packed for a little stall and awww the pastries... sooo beautiful, so deliciously sweet looking... so precious...

I can see why Marie Antoinette loved her cakes now... and said "Let them eat cake."(Referring to the starving impoverished French people at the time... yes it is a bit rude and pretty mean but hey... they the French Pastries are just jewels!)

I bought one... yea... naughty.

Labels: Food, Random, University

Well yea... I was so buggered last night that I forgot to write about what actually made Will and I buggered!!!

Asia Cocktail man!!! It was such a GOOD night!!!! After dinner at Jackson's we sped home to grab our tickets, pick up Megan (Who was to drop us at Metros and then take the car back) get some moola out of the ATM and arrived at metros around 10.30ish.

The music was sooo good! Its was contemporary stuff which EVERYONE knew!!! And... what made the night soo good was that there were heaps of people that we knew there. It was amazing. The company was cool, our group was fun, the drinks were good... I forgot the fact that we were in the older tier of the group there because.. damn... did we act to the contrary! we showed those youngsters how to parrrttaaeee!!! heheehe...

The ASIA comittee did a pretty good job on the entertainment. They had pole dancers on stage behind a screen which was very interesting for me. I have stopped pole dancing for a bit just coz of work and uni and stuff, but watching them doing all the moves... its made me want to go back again!!! I forgot about how COOL it loooks... because after doing it for almost a year, it becomes more so about exercise, technique, and strength... you forget about how friggin cool it looks!!! Most of the moves displayed i could do too!!! though the girls were really good... they were prob the instructors because they had the stamina to say on the poles, hold their poses, and stay on the pole instead of sliding off it and getting back on it again.

We ended up leaving around 3ish 4ish i think... and Chrissy was nice enough to give us girls a lift to Fast Eddy's for an early breakfast! We all ended leaving around... say.... 6ish... which was freaky as... because Saturday morning was already here, and the sun... ooh... i felt like a fleeting vampire... trying to race against the rising sun to get home and sleep! Thanks to Kim for taking us home!!!!

Um... yea... its already 12.00... ill leave it at that... heres some pics of the night!

Labels: Clubbing, Friendship, Party, University

YAY!!!

After 5 years... Will has finally graduated! Starting in 2003 and finishing mid 2007....what an achievement!

Ive been quite busy with assignments... been in a little pickle this week... ok.. HUGE pickle... but hey...uni and assignments... ew...

There has been a lot that has happened... but I am only gonna make this a shortie. I just wanted to to say congratulations to Will... he is finally, officially a graduate... and no longer a student! = D

Here are some pics!!

Labels: University, Will

Woah woah wee wah... Whatta weekend.
I must admit, I am one tired monkey.
Lets go through the paces.

Law Ball - Friday 10 August 2007
Whatta night. I have heard many things about the law ball.

That it is the hugest event that is organised by Blackstone,
That it is one huge ass piss up,
That you pay a hefty $90 bucks and not remember parts of the night.

All of which I found out, were not rumors based on fiction!

The theme was "Forbidden City" which was enthusiastically carried out by the ball committee, because when you entered into the Grand Ballroom at the Hyatt, the place was decked out red red red red! Guests were welcomed by the drumming of the Chung-Wah Lion Dancing troupe and once everyone was seated, the night started off with a Lion Dance.

The food was so-so (that IS probably because I was not in the frame of mind to savor the tastes) but the alcohol provided... well... lets just say, I definitely would have gotten my $90 bucks worth if I could drink that much - red is my best friend!

Music was good, the company was good... Boogied on down half of the night, and then just sat down and mingled.

Post- Ball
Buses were organised for people to go to the Manor in Leederville. I did not follow the masses as I was already quite the drunken lil monkey. So Will picked me up from Hyatt to head off to the Deen to meet up with Christina. LOL Unfortunately we were not fortunate to catch her, but I did end up meeting Dean who had on a whim came to the Deen to find us, even though his phone battery had died... Brave... very brave.

He then brought Will and I to Black Bettys (A first time experience for Will) and we pretty much hung there till about 2am where I was able to sober up for the ride home. Congrats to Deano who is starting copper school!!! YAY-ness = D "Flip it outtttttt!!!!"





Belated Anniversary - Saturday 11 August 2007

After a very very late morning... (11am) Will and I got ready for lunch at the Witches Cauldron. Lets just say... it was one YUMMO lunch! It was good to go out just the two of us and enjoy really good food. It has been a while = P

We were taken to the booths in the middle part of the restaurant (yea... its a pretty big restaurant, its deeper than you think from looking on the outside). We were seated and given the menus. After umming and ahhing for a while we made our decision. Will was to have the Dhufish and I was to have the smoked Salmon Caesar Salad. For the entree we decided on the famous garlic prawns... Yuuuummmmyyy!

Hoorah! we have finally celebrated our 4 years!





Quiz Night

Labels: Friendship, Fun, Law, Love, Party, University, Will