Off to the cinema with Em this afternoon. Still have a whole heap of uni work to trudge through. Instead I'm watching the six nations matches on ESPN. The picture of responsibility, me.
Music: Six Nations
Mood: Sleepy
Saturday, March 13, 2010
I'd be wittier if I had more sleep
> Day 9: A photo you took
Off to the cinema with Em this afternoon. Still have a whole heap of uni work to trudge through. Instead I'm watching the six nations matches on ESPN. The picture of responsibility, me.
Music: Six Nations
Mood: Sleepy
Off to the cinema with Em this afternoon. Still have a whole heap of uni work to trudge through. Instead I'm watching the six nations matches on ESPN. The picture of responsibility, me.
Music: Six Nations
Mood: Sleepy
Shelter me oh genius words
See, it's all good and well to get a pair of the currently highly fashionable over-the-knee boots but I fear I'll never be able to wear them again. Come next season, they'll be hooker boots again and will be regulated to the back of the closet. So I'll refrain from buying said boots, no matter how many "oooh shiny!" moments I have. Instead I'll buy ankle boots from General Pants...and jackets....shirts....sweater dresses...someone save me from myself!
But yes. Hi blog, how have you been? Haven't really been using you in my normal rambly fashion. I've been spending significantly less time online since being back at uni. You'd think this meant I was doing uni work, but not really. Tomorrow morning though, definitely.
Classes have been going well though. Critical writing is a bit of a challenge as Martin treats me as if I should know everything already and it always takes me a while to absorb theory, so quick-fire discussions have never been a particularly strong point. But I feel confident enough to chip in when it suits me, so that's what counts. Advanced Narrative Writing is the opposite because I feel as if I actually do know everything already and so am highly amused observing the others. Which upon reflection sounds mean, but I do it in good spirit. I get along fairly well with everyone in that class, which is good as we are assigned a partner to read all your work before your class workshop - sort of like a double workshop. My partner is an ex-English teacher who is absolutely lovely and even gave me a book last week because she had a spare. She's waiting on my short pieces which I, in typical me fashion, am still to write. I did have a bout of annoyance on Wednesday though because the first person to workshop was uber-defensive and spent 90% of the time explaining her choices in order to sidestep the criticism. This always annoys me because it completely negates the point of workshopping. Just because someone suggests something isn't working doesn't necessarily mean you have to listen to them, but explaining the whos, whys and whats is completely counterproductive. Just think of it this way - when someone reads your work one day, you won't be sitting next to them explaining everything. Your writing should do that for itself *shrugs* It always annoys me because it drags the entire workshopping process out longer than it needs to be and makes it painful for all involved. I'll be workshopping first next week because it'll be St. Patrick's Day and I'm hoping to get out of class early.
That's uni. Life is frightfully dull the rest of the time - work, work, work. It was dad's birthday today, so it was the usual scramble for cards and vouchers. I went to see The Used last night, which was much needed. I have a bit of a cold but wasn't going to let that deter me - these tickets have been nothing but drama, the gig was originally supposed to happen last November and for reasons I no longer recall was rescheduled. Anywho, it was a good night. Even arriving an hour and a half after doors, I still had to wait about twenty minutes for them to take the stage - why does it always take so long? I spent most of this time lamenting regrettable tights-wearing by a group of girls (Singlets and tights do not mix. Ever.) and noting how emo has really well-and-truly left the building. I was expecting the usual sea of black, and it wasn't to be found. Sure the black tshirts were still out in force, but so were colours and denim shorts. Overall though, it was a strong crowd who were completely into it once the band took the stage. The entire floor was virtually a mosh. I often wonder what it is about bands like MCR and The Used particularly that inspire this level of engagement and fanaticism (they're the only ones I've ever witnessed it at on this level). On that note, it was sort of funny, and I suppose nostalgic, to remember a time when I liked The Used more than My Chem, and indeed only really got to know the latter because of their involvement with the former. Seems so long ago.
As for the actual gig, I thought they played a nicely balanced set with old and new, if only to reinforce my belief that their old stuff is way better than the new songs. Bert was in fine hobosexual form, encouraging any drug use in the crowd, and he was on the verge of declaring that he wants to live here when a shoe scraped past his head - that's right, a shoe. His response? "Well I'm not fucking moving here now!" I am a bit disappointed I've never seen him at full vocal strength as he still leaves most of the rougher parts to Quinn, Jeph or the crowd. Side note, I've never realised how tiny Jeph is! They had some sound issues but luckily it seemed to clear up during the night. I think we got about an hour and a half set out of them, and they did all the songs I wanted to hear so I'm not complaining. I'd forgotten how much I adored 'Blue & Yellow' so that was a definite highlight. Considering what I said earlier about the old and new songs, it must be said that 'Pretty Handsome Awkward' is one hell of a song. Utterly epic.
All in all, I'm definitely glad I went though in some roundabout fashion it is the most expensive gig I've attended so far. Along with AFI, I can now tick them off the list of bands I've somehow shamefully not seen live. Taking Back Sunday are still the most elusive of the lot, I miss them every single time they're out here, but one day it'll happen.
The great thing about it all is that gigs just seem to reset my equilibrium - somehow they make the world balanced and level again. I always feel so much better walking out of a venue than I normally do going in. They don't even have to be particularly good gigs (oh and don't the really amazing ones just occupy an entirely different sphere, total high), just the act of seeing a band I enjoy somehow makes everything right again. Even if I have the sniffles.
Music: Top Gear
Mood: Working
But yes. Hi blog, how have you been? Haven't really been using you in my normal rambly fashion. I've been spending significantly less time online since being back at uni. You'd think this meant I was doing uni work, but not really. Tomorrow morning though, definitely.
Classes have been going well though. Critical writing is a bit of a challenge as Martin treats me as if I should know everything already and it always takes me a while to absorb theory, so quick-fire discussions have never been a particularly strong point. But I feel confident enough to chip in when it suits me, so that's what counts. Advanced Narrative Writing is the opposite because I feel as if I actually do know everything already and so am highly amused observing the others. Which upon reflection sounds mean, but I do it in good spirit. I get along fairly well with everyone in that class, which is good as we are assigned a partner to read all your work before your class workshop - sort of like a double workshop. My partner is an ex-English teacher who is absolutely lovely and even gave me a book last week because she had a spare. She's waiting on my short pieces which I, in typical me fashion, am still to write. I did have a bout of annoyance on Wednesday though because the first person to workshop was uber-defensive and spent 90% of the time explaining her choices in order to sidestep the criticism. This always annoys me because it completely negates the point of workshopping. Just because someone suggests something isn't working doesn't necessarily mean you have to listen to them, but explaining the whos, whys and whats is completely counterproductive. Just think of it this way - when someone reads your work one day, you won't be sitting next to them explaining everything. Your writing should do that for itself *shrugs* It always annoys me because it drags the entire workshopping process out longer than it needs to be and makes it painful for all involved. I'll be workshopping first next week because it'll be St. Patrick's Day and I'm hoping to get out of class early.
That's uni. Life is frightfully dull the rest of the time - work, work, work. It was dad's birthday today, so it was the usual scramble for cards and vouchers. I went to see The Used last night, which was much needed. I have a bit of a cold but wasn't going to let that deter me - these tickets have been nothing but drama, the gig was originally supposed to happen last November and for reasons I no longer recall was rescheduled. Anywho, it was a good night. Even arriving an hour and a half after doors, I still had to wait about twenty minutes for them to take the stage - why does it always take so long? I spent most of this time lamenting regrettable tights-wearing by a group of girls (Singlets and tights do not mix. Ever.) and noting how emo has really well-and-truly left the building. I was expecting the usual sea of black, and it wasn't to be found. Sure the black tshirts were still out in force, but so were colours and denim shorts. Overall though, it was a strong crowd who were completely into it once the band took the stage. The entire floor was virtually a mosh. I often wonder what it is about bands like MCR and The Used particularly that inspire this level of engagement and fanaticism (they're the only ones I've ever witnessed it at on this level). On that note, it was sort of funny, and I suppose nostalgic, to remember a time when I liked The Used more than My Chem, and indeed only really got to know the latter because of their involvement with the former. Seems so long ago.
As for the actual gig, I thought they played a nicely balanced set with old and new, if only to reinforce my belief that their old stuff is way better than the new songs. Bert was in fine hobosexual form, encouraging any drug use in the crowd, and he was on the verge of declaring that he wants to live here when a shoe scraped past his head - that's right, a shoe. His response? "Well I'm not fucking moving here now!" I am a bit disappointed I've never seen him at full vocal strength as he still leaves most of the rougher parts to Quinn, Jeph or the crowd. Side note, I've never realised how tiny Jeph is! They had some sound issues but luckily it seemed to clear up during the night. I think we got about an hour and a half set out of them, and they did all the songs I wanted to hear so I'm not complaining. I'd forgotten how much I adored 'Blue & Yellow' so that was a definite highlight. Considering what I said earlier about the old and new songs, it must be said that 'Pretty Handsome Awkward' is one hell of a song. Utterly epic.
All in all, I'm definitely glad I went though in some roundabout fashion it is the most expensive gig I've attended so far. Along with AFI, I can now tick them off the list of bands I've somehow shamefully not seen live. Taking Back Sunday are still the most elusive of the lot, I miss them every single time they're out here, but one day it'll happen.
The great thing about it all is that gigs just seem to reset my equilibrium - somehow they make the world balanced and level again. I always feel so much better walking out of a venue than I normally do going in. They don't even have to be particularly good gigs (oh and don't the really amazing ones just occupy an entirely different sphere, total high), just the act of seeing a band I enjoy somehow makes everything right again. Even if I have the sniffles.
Music: Top Gear
Mood: Working
He's a double threat, untalented and arrogant
> Day 7: A photo that makes you happy
Original
> Day 8: A photo that makes you angry/sad
Uh. This was rather hard. I don't generally save photos that make me angry/sad. I only have one that vaguely relates and um, yeah, fandom. I apologise.
Music: Top Gear
Mood: Working
Original
> Day 8: A photo that makes you angry/sad
Uh. This was rather hard. I don't generally save photos that make me angry/sad. I only have one that vaguely relates and um, yeah, fandom. I apologise.
Music: Top Gear
Mood: Working
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Crossing in style someday
> Day 6: Whatever tickles your fancy
At the moment, I really don't care about this but I figure if I don't keep up with it, it will fall by the wayside like so many other projects. So just for the sake of sheer randomness, here is my favourite planet represented in my favourite drink.
Fact of the day - I have it on good authority that Charles Dickens is generally credited for inventing the word boredom, which I think is rather apt as that is how I find myself feeling when reading his books.
I know, I'm a philistine, what can I say.
Music: Moon River - Danny Williams
Mood: Really don't want to do any work
At the moment, I really don't care about this but I figure if I don't keep up with it, it will fall by the wayside like so many other projects. So just for the sake of sheer randomness, here is my favourite planet represented in my favourite drink.
Fact of the day - I have it on good authority that Charles Dickens is generally credited for inventing the word boredom, which I think is rather apt as that is how I find myself feeling when reading his books.
I know, I'm a philistine, what can I say.
Music: Moon River - Danny Williams
Mood: Really don't want to do any work
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Someone isn't worthy
> Day 4: Favourite Book
Sometimes I'm not sure I have a favourite book, I seem to have collection that appeals to me in different ways and in each of their genres, they are perhaps my favourite. I don't know. Though not strictly speaking a book, I have read Romeo and Juliet more times than I can remember. I also read Lord of the Rings a lot, and of course the Harry Potter books - The Prisoner of Azkaban being the most read there. There are others of course, books I adore and cannot possibly imagine being without, and I have a hard time narrowing it down to only one. I suppose Life of Pi is the most obvious contender though. It's a book that for reasons that remain somewhat inexplicable to myself works on some base level that I find myself thinking about it at the most obscure times.
> Day 5: Favourite Quote
Oooh I love quotes! I'm not sure if this is meant to be "real people" quotes or quotes from film/television, but I shall go with the former cause with the latter I'll be here all day. I've always really liked "Those who were seen dancing were thought insane by those who could not hear the music" by Nietzsche, mostly because it sums up a great part of my life. Also, "We are all of us failures, at least, the best of us are" by JM Barrie. When you say quote though my mind first goes to two particular phrases - "But the mourners be outcast men and outcasts always mourn" [The Ballad of Reading Gaol, Oscar Wilde] and "I had a dream last night / Well so did I / What was yours? / That dreamers often lie" [Romeo & Juliet, William Shakespeare]
Music: NCIS
Mood: Bored doing uni readings, two of which I've read before
Sometimes I'm not sure I have a favourite book, I seem to have collection that appeals to me in different ways and in each of their genres, they are perhaps my favourite. I don't know. Though not strictly speaking a book, I have read Romeo and Juliet more times than I can remember. I also read Lord of the Rings a lot, and of course the Harry Potter books - The Prisoner of Azkaban being the most read there. There are others of course, books I adore and cannot possibly imagine being without, and I have a hard time narrowing it down to only one. I suppose Life of Pi is the most obvious contender though. It's a book that for reasons that remain somewhat inexplicable to myself works on some base level that I find myself thinking about it at the most obscure times.
> Day 5: Favourite Quote
Oooh I love quotes! I'm not sure if this is meant to be "real people" quotes or quotes from film/television, but I shall go with the former cause with the latter I'll be here all day. I've always really liked "Those who were seen dancing were thought insane by those who could not hear the music" by Nietzsche, mostly because it sums up a great part of my life. Also, "We are all of us failures, at least, the best of us are" by JM Barrie. When you say quote though my mind first goes to two particular phrases - "But the mourners be outcast men and outcasts always mourn" [The Ballad of Reading Gaol, Oscar Wilde] and "I had a dream last night / Well so did I / What was yours? / That dreamers often lie" [Romeo & Juliet, William Shakespeare]
Music: NCIS
Mood: Bored doing uni readings, two of which I've read before
Monday, March 8, 2010
The time has come for your devotion
I watched the Oscars and lived to tell the tale. It is an amazing feat. So. Boring. I don't even know. Luckily I had Twitter to make it ten thousand times more amusing thanks to the snarky people I follow *tips hat* I am so happy The Hurt Locker won best director and best picture, it completely deserved it. Not to mention its other awards. Avatar won what it should have, and that is that. My faith in humanity has been restored. Now I never want to hear about the blue cat people again, I swear there was a mention of it every 5 minutes. The biggest surprise of the night for me was seeing Sam Worthington in a suit. My brain said "Whatwhatwhat he's not wearing shorts! Does not compute!" Overall though, I enjoyed the show infinitely more last year...which has everything to do with Hugh Jackman, I'm sure. The most important thing is that I have managed to get through awards season without so much as seeing Ryan Seacrest. I WIN mwahahahaha.
I've just realised Kathryn Bigelow directed K 9: The Widowmaker which was written by the husband of my Honours supervisor and who I have had a long lunch with, full of jokes and debate. That is...a weird thing to realise.
Now let's forget all about the Oscars and supposed quality film making, and instead focus all our attention on the new trailer for Iron Man 2. Aaaaaaaah! It's not going to be as good as the first one, obviously. They never are, but as long as it continues to make fun of itself, it'll be epic win. I have really come round to RDJ, ever since 'Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang' really. Despite Sam's best efforts however, Johnny Depp remains number one in my affections - how can he not be, when he is such a delicious deranged lunatic?
That is my not so subtle cue to talk about Alice in Wonderland, which I really enjoyed. I think a lot of people continue to misinterpret what Tim Burton is all about, which to me is kind of silly considering how long he's been around. This was exactly what I would expect from him, and it is gorgeous. I adore the costumes, and the visual style is arresting as it always is. Personally, I don't tire of it, regardless of what many critics say. I think he always bring a touch of the macabre, and there is always texture and depth - no mere black and white situations - and I think that is brilliant. Of course, I love Depp's turn as the Mad Hatter. He brings such a quirky individuality to his characters that really make them more than what they are - to borrow from the text, much more muchness. I also thought Mia Wasikowska was a convincing Alice, and to those who say she looks like she's on heroin...that's kind of the point, isn't it? It must be said that Lizzie and I yet again got distracted by our fandoms intersecting into one big ball of awesome, everyone say hi to Snape the Caterpillar and Saruman the Jaberwocky. Plus there's Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen, Crispin Glover, Helena Bonhem Carter, and Anne Hathaway - there is nothing here not to like.
My weekend was rather lovely all round. I had the friend's kid's 11th birthday which was rather amusing, especially the part were I read everyone's creative writing, went on one of my 'Cedric is not Edward or in fact remotely talented' tirades, and got them all worked up about clowns coming to get them in the night. Well, that was more the next door neighbour than me, but us 22 year olds stick together. We were about four twenty-somethings hanging around and I had a wonderful time mocking the three guys as we watched various sports and consumed too much red wine. I also ended up spilling half the content of the chocolate fountain on the carpet. As you do. It was a surprisingly amusing evening, even with everyone initially kind of baffled by what to make of me, which is of course the way I like it.
Last night I was seized by this overwhelming melancholy and fear of a life of failure and defeat. It happens every now and then when I realise I have no real career ahead of me, and definitely no job security thanks to this unfortunate desire of mine to write. Being a writer is hard, I have no illusions about that. I think creative types are actually rather brave, telling the world to fuck off and doing what they want, regardless of the chance of success. It's simultaneously liberating and utterly terrifying. I keep telling myself that there is no point dwelling on it though, and just to keep doing what I love, and with a little luck and preservation, I'll survive.
Now, the question for today...
> Day 3: Favourite Television Program
Torchwood. Easy. Though I have to say it shares the top spot in my affections with Doctor Who, as they appeal to me in different ways. The thing I loved about TW was that it never took itself too seriously, and yet it was incredibly dark in its humanity. I've had many people say to me that it is hard to like anyone on that show, and it is precisely that element that appealed to me. It's rough around the edges, and yet somehow still silly and cheesy and light-hearted. It was 'real' in that way many shows often claim to be, and yet had all sorts of crazy stuff happening with aliens and pet pterodactyls. It is the only show I have ever gotten involved with in terms of an online fandom, and gave me an OTP. As for DW...well what can I say? It's Doctor Who, it's science and magic and myth; and wonder and awe and excitement. It's being captivated, being simultaneously young and old, and being swept up in imagination so that the world out there holds a promise that it didn't have before. So yes, I have loved many television shows in the past, and no doubt I will love many more, but looking around my study right now, it is absolutely clear which ones have captured me the most - posters, figurines, books, dvds, and cds all stand as proof that my heart belongs to the Whoniverse.
Parting note: Listening to the first Cobra Starship album, I'd forgotten how much fun it was.
Music: The church of hot addiction - Cobra Starship
Mood: Distracted
I've just realised Kathryn Bigelow directed K 9: The Widowmaker which was written by the husband of my Honours supervisor and who I have had a long lunch with, full of jokes and debate. That is...a weird thing to realise.
Now let's forget all about the Oscars and supposed quality film making, and instead focus all our attention on the new trailer for Iron Man 2. Aaaaaaaah! It's not going to be as good as the first one, obviously. They never are, but as long as it continues to make fun of itself, it'll be epic win. I have really come round to RDJ, ever since 'Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang' really. Despite Sam's best efforts however, Johnny Depp remains number one in my affections - how can he not be, when he is such a delicious deranged lunatic?
That is my not so subtle cue to talk about Alice in Wonderland, which I really enjoyed. I think a lot of people continue to misinterpret what Tim Burton is all about, which to me is kind of silly considering how long he's been around. This was exactly what I would expect from him, and it is gorgeous. I adore the costumes, and the visual style is arresting as it always is. Personally, I don't tire of it, regardless of what many critics say. I think he always bring a touch of the macabre, and there is always texture and depth - no mere black and white situations - and I think that is brilliant. Of course, I love Depp's turn as the Mad Hatter. He brings such a quirky individuality to his characters that really make them more than what they are - to borrow from the text, much more muchness. I also thought Mia Wasikowska was a convincing Alice, and to those who say she looks like she's on heroin...that's kind of the point, isn't it? It must be said that Lizzie and I yet again got distracted by our fandoms intersecting into one big ball of awesome, everyone say hi to Snape the Caterpillar and Saruman the Jaberwocky. Plus there's Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen, Crispin Glover, Helena Bonhem Carter, and Anne Hathaway - there is nothing here not to like.
My weekend was rather lovely all round. I had the friend's kid's 11th birthday which was rather amusing, especially the part were I read everyone's creative writing, went on one of my 'Cedric is not Edward or in fact remotely talented' tirades, and got them all worked up about clowns coming to get them in the night. Well, that was more the next door neighbour than me, but us 22 year olds stick together. We were about four twenty-somethings hanging around and I had a wonderful time mocking the three guys as we watched various sports and consumed too much red wine. I also ended up spilling half the content of the chocolate fountain on the carpet. As you do. It was a surprisingly amusing evening, even with everyone initially kind of baffled by what to make of me, which is of course the way I like it.
Last night I was seized by this overwhelming melancholy and fear of a life of failure and defeat. It happens every now and then when I realise I have no real career ahead of me, and definitely no job security thanks to this unfortunate desire of mine to write. Being a writer is hard, I have no illusions about that. I think creative types are actually rather brave, telling the world to fuck off and doing what they want, regardless of the chance of success. It's simultaneously liberating and utterly terrifying. I keep telling myself that there is no point dwelling on it though, and just to keep doing what I love, and with a little luck and preservation, I'll survive.
Now, the question for today...
> Day 3: Favourite Television Program
Torchwood. Easy. Though I have to say it shares the top spot in my affections with Doctor Who, as they appeal to me in different ways. The thing I loved about TW was that it never took itself too seriously, and yet it was incredibly dark in its humanity. I've had many people say to me that it is hard to like anyone on that show, and it is precisely that element that appealed to me. It's rough around the edges, and yet somehow still silly and cheesy and light-hearted. It was 'real' in that way many shows often claim to be, and yet had all sorts of crazy stuff happening with aliens and pet pterodactyls. It is the only show I have ever gotten involved with in terms of an online fandom, and gave me an OTP. As for DW...well what can I say? It's Doctor Who, it's science and magic and myth; and wonder and awe and excitement. It's being captivated, being simultaneously young and old, and being swept up in imagination so that the world out there holds a promise that it didn't have before. So yes, I have loved many television shows in the past, and no doubt I will love many more, but looking around my study right now, it is absolutely clear which ones have captured me the most - posters, figurines, books, dvds, and cds all stand as proof that my heart belongs to the Whoniverse.
Parting note: Listening to the first Cobra Starship album, I'd forgotten how much fun it was.
Music: The church of hot addiction - Cobra Starship
Mood: Distracted
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Burn it down until the embers smoke on the ground
Yes, you're mad, bonkers, off your head. But I'll tell you a secret...all the best people are.
Mood: Quixotic
I'll do a proper blog tomorrow, I'm suddenly very tired. I did have a lovely day with Lizzie today though, and I enjoyed Alice in Wonderland. The detail in it is just amazing. On that note...
> Day 2: Your favourite film
I don't know what my favourite film is, it seems to vary between a set selection. Going on the sheer number of times I've watched a film, then it has to be Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. You know what, I'm fine with that.
Me, I'm dishonest, and a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest. Honestly, it's the honest ones you want to look out for because you can never predict when they're going to do something incredibly...stupid.
That's what a ship is, you know. It's not just a keel and a hull and a deck and sails, that's what a ship needs, but what a ship is, what the Black Pearl really is...is freedom.
Music: Your heart is an empty room - Death Cab For CutieMood: Quixotic
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Work sucks, I know
I found this question-a-day meme on Tumblr this morning and figured I may as well give it a go. I'll probably be cross-posting it here with embellishment.
> Day 1: Your Favourite song
Fairytale of New York - The Pogues feat Kristy McColl
I could have been someone
Well so could anyone
You took my dreams from me
When I first found you
I kept them with me babe
I kept them with my own
Can't make it all alone
I've built my dreams around you
Mood: Sleepy
> Day 1: Your Favourite song
Fairytale of New York - The Pogues feat Kristy McColl
I could have been someone
Well so could anyone
You took my dreams from me
When I first found you
I kept them with me babe
I kept them with my own
Can't make it all alone
I've built my dreams around you
I don't know what it is about this song, but I adore it. To me it's an amazingly romantic song. I always wanted a guy to sing it to me (and hey, it happened, haha win.) I have a warped sense of romance, what can I say? After all, I think The Crow is one of the most romantic films ever...
For the sake of randomness, here is a conversation I just had -
My mother (mid conversation):...and you know what I realised, I know more about John Barrowman than any person needs to know.
Me: Hey don't blame me, I know more than I ever wanted to know too (receives incredulous look) What? I never go looking for info, I just stumble upon it and it sticks.
Mum: And then you share.
Me: Well, yeah, when it's appropriate.
Mum: Which is always.
Me: When we're discussing musical theatre, it is!
Mood: Sleepy
Friday, March 5, 2010
Mysteries of the universe
Randomly watching End of Time part 2 and I have to say (cause I don't think I did in the original post-viewing post) I really do not like the fact that Martha ends up with Mickey. What happened to Tom?? I liked Tom. It just perplexes me. Martha deserves more than Rose's seconds - "Sorry Martha, I got to the Doctor first, but hey I don't need Mickey anymore so why don't you take him?" I'm with Nine here, Mickey the idiot.
I'm not even going to mention the bar scene again cause it makes me shouty and annoyed. Shouty and annoyed.
On a completely different note, really? No one wants to go to the theatre with me? Is it because you're all lazy bastards? What about if I paid for you, will you come along then? C'mon, it finishes on Sunday!
Moonlight Cinema has been cancelled due to the rain - this is the second time this has happened to me, I'm clearly not destined to go. Alas I have no choice but to do some uni work...
Edit 22:01 - I've decided to clear out my hard drive(s) and as I go, I will be posting the random things I've hoarded over the years on the Tumblr I created especially for this procrastinating purpose - for any interested parties it be here. I've started at the top, so it's mostly of the emo band variety at the moment.
Music: La televisión
Mood: Annoyed
I'm not even going to mention the bar scene again cause it makes me shouty and annoyed. Shouty and annoyed.
On a completely different note, really? No one wants to go to the theatre with me? Is it because you're all lazy bastards? What about if I paid for you, will you come along then? C'mon, it finishes on Sunday!
Moonlight Cinema has been cancelled due to the rain - this is the second time this has happened to me, I'm clearly not destined to go. Alas I have no choice but to do some uni work...
Edit 22:01 - I've decided to clear out my hard drive(s) and as I go, I will be posting the random things I've hoarded over the years on the Tumblr I created especially for this procrastinating purpose - for any interested parties it be here. I've started at the top, so it's mostly of the emo band variety at the moment.
Music: La televisión
Mood: Annoyed
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Can't stop those kids from dancing
I know we've had a hot, beautiful summer this year but for some reason it just doesn't feel long enough to me. I was in the shops on the weekend noting the winter stock creeping in everywhere and I just can't believe it's that time already. I think on some level I somehow expected this summer to last forever. The worst part is I never even made it to the beach! I'm sure there are still a few warm days up autumn's sleeve, but it's just the last few rays before sundown. Still, at least I've begun to appreciate winter for its fashion options - I do love my jackets and scarves after all. I've already found two jackets to drool over. Hmmm jackets...
This week of course marked my return to uni, though now as an illustrious post grad student. Before I start the inevitable complaining, I just need to stress something. Over my uni career I have often lamented how little affinity I felt with the tertiary education system. All my life I wanted to go to university (well, from the first time I set foot in one at the age of 6), I've always been obsessed with knowledge and I loved the idea of this institution where people got together out of their own free will to pursue their interest. I went through school thinking that it didn't matter if I didn't feel like it fit, once I got to uni, everything would work out. Then I got to uni and it was nothing like that. I hated my first semester, and though I settled into a pattern that I was content with, I always regretted the fact that reality wasn't even close to the idea in my head.
Now, however, I realise that all of that was just a necessary evil to get to post graduate work where, though it is early days yet, I finally feel like I belong. I have never been so at ease with myself and others, so comfortable and confident. It's such a liberating feeling. It is just nice to be in an egalitarian environment where people are from such diverse backgrounds and interests, all genuinely collected there because they want to learn and grow, and all secure enough in themselves not be those grandstanding students who declare their opinion loudly on everything (aka people Admit it!!! was written for). I feel like finally, finally I have gotten what I've always wanted from an education system.
Also, it must be said I am so stupidly glad I did Honours. It is one of the best things I have done. I know I complained endlessly but even as I was doing the complaining, I knew in the back of my mind there would come a time when I recognised how useful it was...and certainly that time is already here. I may not be particularly well read in very recent theory or literary developments, and I'm certainly not as widely read as some of my classmates, but because of the seminars and research I completed for Honours, I am familiar with a wide selection of theorists and concepts, so much so that I no longer feel completely lost when people start bandying about French literary theory. To be honest, that feels fantastic (and I guess that's what should happen as your education progresses, I am actually just happy I'm finally retaining something.)
University however is still steeped in eccentricity and bureaucracy and so of course I reserve the right to complain. I've already had two visits to the student centre because it turns out my non-fiction class is exactly like the creative non-fiction class I took in my second year, right down to the readings, and it was suggested I apply for 'recognition of prior learning' so I am not bored to death. Now if I should get this, it means I only have two subjects this semester - critical writing, and advance narrative writing.
So, to conclude the round up of my first week, I've never been as happy at university as I am now, I love all my subjects, I'm calm and confident, I get compliments and I make people laugh. At the start of the year I thought I'd finally made peace with who I am, and maybe I have and that's translating into this, I don't know. All I know is that I'm happy, and I want it to last. I feel positive about this semester, it looks breezy and I am confident I can do well.
Night classes are going to take some getting used to, I'm sure new dinner schedules and waiting for trains will be refined as the weeks go on. There will also probably come a point where people fall into the pub after class. It also complicates my social life but c'est la vie.
Speaking of social life, I'm going to moonlight cinema on Friday to catch Breakfast at Tiffany's and I'm trying to rustle up some company to see the Sydney Theatre Company's production of Spring Awakening though I only have one day I could possibly see this. I have a friend's daughter's birthday to attend on Saturday and then Alice in Wonderland on Sunday. Rock and roll.
Now, random links.
- David Tennant is to play "half-dead military man" in new virus movie. Uh right.
- Here is a quite lovely random piece written by Redditor alukima about finding happiness
- Philip Palmer did a blog post on 'Avatar' which I found quite interesting. I think the notion of black-white morality might have been one of the reasons I found it hard to engage with the film.
- I don't know what's happening with this Google Books thing, but I love this Google Monster art.
- Finally, I trust everyone has seen the new OKGo video for 'This too shall pass'
Now I can either watch an episode of Buffy, or do some of my reading....hmm I'm sure you can imagine which is more likely.
Music: Blackadder
Mood: Working
This week of course marked my return to uni, though now as an illustrious post grad student. Before I start the inevitable complaining, I just need to stress something. Over my uni career I have often lamented how little affinity I felt with the tertiary education system. All my life I wanted to go to university (well, from the first time I set foot in one at the age of 6), I've always been obsessed with knowledge and I loved the idea of this institution where people got together out of their own free will to pursue their interest. I went through school thinking that it didn't matter if I didn't feel like it fit, once I got to uni, everything would work out. Then I got to uni and it was nothing like that. I hated my first semester, and though I settled into a pattern that I was content with, I always regretted the fact that reality wasn't even close to the idea in my head.
Now, however, I realise that all of that was just a necessary evil to get to post graduate work where, though it is early days yet, I finally feel like I belong. I have never been so at ease with myself and others, so comfortable and confident. It's such a liberating feeling. It is just nice to be in an egalitarian environment where people are from such diverse backgrounds and interests, all genuinely collected there because they want to learn and grow, and all secure enough in themselves not be those grandstanding students who declare their opinion loudly on everything (aka people Admit it!!! was written for). I feel like finally, finally I have gotten what I've always wanted from an education system.
Also, it must be said I am so stupidly glad I did Honours. It is one of the best things I have done. I know I complained endlessly but even as I was doing the complaining, I knew in the back of my mind there would come a time when I recognised how useful it was...and certainly that time is already here. I may not be particularly well read in very recent theory or literary developments, and I'm certainly not as widely read as some of my classmates, but because of the seminars and research I completed for Honours, I am familiar with a wide selection of theorists and concepts, so much so that I no longer feel completely lost when people start bandying about French literary theory. To be honest, that feels fantastic (and I guess that's what should happen as your education progresses, I am actually just happy I'm finally retaining something.)
University however is still steeped in eccentricity and bureaucracy and so of course I reserve the right to complain. I've already had two visits to the student centre because it turns out my non-fiction class is exactly like the creative non-fiction class I took in my second year, right down to the readings, and it was suggested I apply for 'recognition of prior learning' so I am not bored to death. Now if I should get this, it means I only have two subjects this semester - critical writing, and advance narrative writing.
So, to conclude the round up of my first week, I've never been as happy at university as I am now, I love all my subjects, I'm calm and confident, I get compliments and I make people laugh. At the start of the year I thought I'd finally made peace with who I am, and maybe I have and that's translating into this, I don't know. All I know is that I'm happy, and I want it to last. I feel positive about this semester, it looks breezy and I am confident I can do well.
Night classes are going to take some getting used to, I'm sure new dinner schedules and waiting for trains will be refined as the weeks go on. There will also probably come a point where people fall into the pub after class. It also complicates my social life but c'est la vie.
Speaking of social life, I'm going to moonlight cinema on Friday to catch Breakfast at Tiffany's and I'm trying to rustle up some company to see the Sydney Theatre Company's production of Spring Awakening though I only have one day I could possibly see this. I have a friend's daughter's birthday to attend on Saturday and then Alice in Wonderland on Sunday. Rock and roll.
Now, random links.
- David Tennant is to play "half-dead military man" in new virus movie. Uh right.
- Here is a quite lovely random piece written by Redditor alukima about finding happiness
- Philip Palmer did a blog post on 'Avatar' which I found quite interesting. I think the notion of black-white morality might have been one of the reasons I found it hard to engage with the film.
- I don't know what's happening with this Google Books thing, but I love this Google Monster art.
- Finally, I trust everyone has seen the new OKGo video for 'This too shall pass'
Now I can either watch an episode of Buffy, or do some of my reading....hmm I'm sure you can imagine which is more likely.
Music: Blackadder
Mood: Working
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