Summer Semester Continues

I just read my last post, and realized that much has evolved since I began law school just two months ago. In sum: more stress, less free time, more socializing, happier Erin.
We are now four weeks or so from finals, and the pressure is starting to set in. Law school is different from undergrad in a number of important ways, the first and foremost being the intelligence and intensity of my peers. I've never been around so many driven people who have clearly gotten this far by working hard and focusing on their goals. That being said, there does seem to be an ethos here of "being stressed is cool" or something, where everyone tries to up everyone else on how much they are studying and how hard they work. As finals approach, people are starting to buckle down a little more (if that's possible) to create outlines, review past exams, and confer with their study groups. Because everything in law school comes down to your finals and those are graded on a curve, there's a fair amount of pressure surrounding the final exams. I feel like I've done a good job so far of distancing myself from the stress and working at my own pace, but I think I'll have to work hard to maintain that philosophy the closer we get to finals.
Socially, things are much better. It took a month for me to admit to myself that I do in fact live in Michigan now. I have a core group of eight or so friends here that I see regularly to go out to brunch, grab a beer, or explore Ann Arbor. They seem to be more laid back, more mature, and more socially conscious than the majority of the class, and provide a good outlet when classes get too overwhelming.
One of the big perks of being in school again is having access to the health center here. I am now in physical therapy once a week for my back, and I'm happy to report that I'm running again! I'm certainly not cured yet, but I'm on my way! Now, I just have to try to get back in shape.
My one regret so far this summer is how little summer I've been able to enjoy. I haven't left Ann Arbor all summer and I haven't done any hiking or camping. Law school seems to get in the way, and not having a car makes it all the more difficult. Luckily, I will be going home between summer and fall semesters, and I expect to get my outdoor "fix" then.
As usual, my goals to keep in touch seem to have fallen by the wayside, but please know that I love to hear from you and I haven't forgotten about all my wonderful "family" scattered around the country!