First semester, I had a backpack and a laptop bag.  And a lunch bag when I purchased lunch.

Second semester, I streamlined down to a briefcase bag with many compartments and partitions for books and a laptop.  I carried books in my hand, and learned to reduce my load.

I agree with Rapunzel.  Hopefully my second year will be as fulfilling as hers.

I found 1L year to be full of emotional responses to work that I didn't expect.  I think I had a false sense of preparation from reading books like PLS, Law School Confidential etc.  Most of those books tell you that you have nothing to fear, just do it their way.  And I believed that, kinda.  But when I got there, everything is a lot more unclear than I thought it was going in.  Further, I knew what to do according to those books, but I still had to find a system that worked for me.  I think that's really the most difficult thing.  Finding a system that works for you and learning an entirely new way to think, write, and learn (almost).

I would suggest not going in too idealistic, but not pessimistic.  With all things there must be a balance.

Along with the work, you must find time for yourself.  A lot of people in law school either work themselves to death or pretend to.

The other aspect of law school was the "game" of it all: the people, the work etc.  Prepare for an emotional rollercoaster and cutthroat type A people no matter where you go.  You will probably meet one or two people you like, but be cautious. It's better to be prepared that shell-shocked.

Yeah, we have a lot of sorority chick cliques and frat boy cliques here too.  A lot of ppl are stressing out and keeping to themselves. Truthfully, I've been hanging out with some 2Ls more so than in my class.  They're a lot of fun.  It was so funny when the first two weeks everyone talked to each other and then in the last two weeks ppl have stopped talking when they're in their cliques...But they will speak to you when they're alone.

I just play the game.  Speak to when spoken to is the rule.  Don't rule anyone out, but you have a right to feel the way you do.  Try to make a life outside of school.

I have it Ruskiegirl. But I haven't had time to really read it.  Will do that this week.

I spoke to a 3L who had my teacher and it turns out that she hates Torts (bad prof experience at Harvard) and thus hates teaching it.  Apparently most ppl have a prob with the way she teaches...

When reading for these classes, I feel like I understand the main issues and general topics.  I find the lecturing style to be confusing and roundabout.  Some would say profs are playing hide the ball.  Problem is, they do it so subtly you don't know if you are confused or they are confusing you.

I've spoken to others in my class...I am not alone on this...Probably just expecting a little too much out of myself at this point.  What I mean is, expecting to grasp the material 100 per as a beginner.

Take out more loan money.  You don't have to do big law to pay it back.  Another option to day care are the preschools (not daycare) that may allow her to at least work half-time.  To be honest, it looks like your wife will have to work earlier than what you would both like.  But stay in school.