Monday, April 26, 2004
So I started work at Sheridan Nurseries again today.
Until now, I never understood how hard it is to start work in April instead of June.
It was fucking cold this morning! Especially sitting in a forklift, with no motion to warm the body and a self-generated wind. I'm looking into landscaping jobs, maybe a desk job...anything I can find in the classifieds, really, that pays better than what I have now. Prospects are grim; I can't write a resume to save my life.
Having not biked anywhere since two summers ago (last summer I had Ol' Bessy, my dad's decrepit old van, to drive), this morning's excursion was torturous. As an added "bonus", I decided to try an alternate route to just going straight down hwy 7 - up to Raymerville/Carlton, across to Main St. Unionville, and then a short stint down 7.
Bad idea.
See, Raymerville is uncanny in its ability to be the most uphill street on the face of this planet. I swear I was biking uphill for at least 10 minutes straight. Even were I in better shape, physically, that still would have made my legs tremble with the strain. So I scrapped that route and took 7 home. Today made one thing abundantly clear to me, though: I desperately need to buy myself a gel seat. Otherwise I think I may have to forget about ever having children. >.<
There's a new addition to my sidebar: yes, you can now all keep track of the trash I read, and laugh at how slowly I work through it. Actually, I've had the current book since commencement, when I won it as part of some award (Eva, coincidentally, won the same book for, I believe, a different award...in her case, it was particularly fitting...), and haven't bothered reading it because I haven't really had time (also, I was unsure of how good it would be...the last book I won as part of an award wasn't all that hot). However, last night Mr. Carter was unable to locate some Ayn Rand for me, and my weak bladder prevented me from getting to the abode of Mr. Hazelton (aka. The HazleTron3000) to pick up some Japanese-writer-whose-name-eludes-me, so I had nothing but Possessing Genius to read (besides The Wealthy Barber, which my dad is adamant that I read...I just don't feel like financial advice at the moment, I want a good story damnit!).
And I must say, I'm glad. It's a very entertaining book, filled with anecdotes on Einstein's life (and the lives of other famous scientists, although not as much), information on neuroscience (always brings a smile to my face...really gotta find out more about what I plan to have as my career :P), and a wonderfully woven story connecting these and other fascinating things.
Alright...I really should be reading my cognitive psychology textbook...course started today. And I'm scheduled to work 7-3 tomorrow, so I'll have to be up real early, which means I should probably sleep a bit early. >.<
Ah yes...it's always fun to blog when you should really be working ^.^
Until now, I never understood how hard it is to start work in April instead of June.
It was fucking cold this morning! Especially sitting in a forklift, with no motion to warm the body and a self-generated wind. I'm looking into landscaping jobs, maybe a desk job...anything I can find in the classifieds, really, that pays better than what I have now. Prospects are grim; I can't write a resume to save my life.
Having not biked anywhere since two summers ago (last summer I had Ol' Bessy, my dad's decrepit old van, to drive), this morning's excursion was torturous. As an added "bonus", I decided to try an alternate route to just going straight down hwy 7 - up to Raymerville/Carlton, across to Main St. Unionville, and then a short stint down 7.
Bad idea.
See, Raymerville is uncanny in its ability to be the most uphill street on the face of this planet. I swear I was biking uphill for at least 10 minutes straight. Even were I in better shape, physically, that still would have made my legs tremble with the strain. So I scrapped that route and took 7 home. Today made one thing abundantly clear to me, though: I desperately need to buy myself a gel seat. Otherwise I think I may have to forget about ever having children. >.<
There's a new addition to my sidebar: yes, you can now all keep track of the trash I read, and laugh at how slowly I work through it. Actually, I've had the current book since commencement, when I won it as part of some award (Eva, coincidentally, won the same book for, I believe, a different award...in her case, it was particularly fitting...), and haven't bothered reading it because I haven't really had time (also, I was unsure of how good it would be...the last book I won as part of an award wasn't all that hot). However, last night Mr. Carter was unable to locate some Ayn Rand for me, and my weak bladder prevented me from getting to the abode of Mr. Hazelton (aka. The HazleTron3000) to pick up some Japanese-writer-whose-name-eludes-me, so I had nothing but Possessing Genius to read (besides The Wealthy Barber, which my dad is adamant that I read...I just don't feel like financial advice at the moment, I want a good story damnit!).
And I must say, I'm glad. It's a very entertaining book, filled with anecdotes on Einstein's life (and the lives of other famous scientists, although not as much), information on neuroscience (always brings a smile to my face...really gotta find out more about what I plan to have as my career :P), and a wonderfully woven story connecting these and other fascinating things.
Alright...I really should be reading my cognitive psychology textbook...course started today. And I'm scheduled to work 7-3 tomorrow, so I'll have to be up real early, which means I should probably sleep a bit early. >.<
Ah yes...it's always fun to blog when you should really be working ^.^
Friday, April 23, 2004
Don't leave me high, don't leave me dry...
Almost exactly at noon today, I left Stuart St. for the last time. I handed in my keys, got my receipt, signed the book, and left Queen's for the summer.
Three hours later, I got back home. It took 1.5 hours to get everything packed into the car, and only about 20 minutes to get it all back into the house.
It then took pretty much 3 hours to get everything set up again in my room. Because I've only been home for short periods of time throughout the year, I had always managed to get away with the temporary abode feel, but now that I'm gonna be here for 4 months (!!!), I felt it needed to become a little more like home.
And by "feeling like home", I mean organized. This place was a dump - stuff randomly placed in the closet, in drawers, on desks, etc. If ya know me well (and if you're here, that should probably be the case), ya know that I am the most nonenthropic entity on this planet. I thrive on organization, and get easily lost in chaos.
I knew where everything was in my rez room...coming back here, I had no clue.
So I reorganized. I managed to fill an entire black garbage back with papers and other random junk, and blocked my stairs with boxes and more junk to go upstairs. But after all that, I finally had everything organized (with the exception of my "bookcase", which, being behind the door, I never touch anyway..it's a horrible mess).
I have a sinking feeling that putting all my textbooks/binders on one side of the shelf in my closet wasn't such a good idea...I'm waiting to be woken up in the middle of the night again to a loud crash (happened last summer >.<)
Worst part of the day? Not the floormates who I may not see again, the friends I won't see often/at all during the summer (although damnit I'm gonna miss some of you...as close as it is, Toronto is much further than just across the street :( ), or leaving what had been my home for the past 8 months.
The worst part was realizing, upon coming home, that somewhere between Kingston and Markham my copy of Vox has been lost. T_T
For the first time ever, I wish it hadn't sold out...it did sell out, right girls? Cuz if you have an extra copy around, I'd be more than happy to trade for money or sexual favors ;)
Almost exactly at noon today, I left Stuart St. for the last time. I handed in my keys, got my receipt, signed the book, and left Queen's for the summer.
Three hours later, I got back home. It took 1.5 hours to get everything packed into the car, and only about 20 minutes to get it all back into the house.
It then took pretty much 3 hours to get everything set up again in my room. Because I've only been home for short periods of time throughout the year, I had always managed to get away with the temporary abode feel, but now that I'm gonna be here for 4 months (!!!), I felt it needed to become a little more like home.
And by "feeling like home", I mean organized. This place was a dump - stuff randomly placed in the closet, in drawers, on desks, etc. If ya know me well (and if you're here, that should probably be the case), ya know that I am the most nonenthropic entity on this planet. I thrive on organization, and get easily lost in chaos.
I knew where everything was in my rez room...coming back here, I had no clue.
So I reorganized. I managed to fill an entire black garbage back with papers and other random junk, and blocked my stairs with boxes and more junk to go upstairs. But after all that, I finally had everything organized (with the exception of my "bookcase", which, being behind the door, I never touch anyway..it's a horrible mess).
I have a sinking feeling that putting all my textbooks/binders on one side of the shelf in my closet wasn't such a good idea...I'm waiting to be woken up in the middle of the night again to a loud crash (happened last summer >.<)
Worst part of the day? Not the floormates who I may not see again, the friends I won't see often/at all during the summer (although damnit I'm gonna miss some of you...as close as it is, Toronto is much further than just across the street :( ), or leaving what had been my home for the past 8 months.
The worst part was realizing, upon coming home, that somewhere between Kingston and Markham my copy of Vox has been lost. T_T
For the first time ever, I wish it hadn't sold out...it did sell out, right girls? Cuz if you have an extra copy around, I'd be more than happy to trade for money or sexual favors ;)
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Every one of you is fired...
So I received a very unpleasant surprise today. As many of you know, I was planning on taking a statistic course during the summer, correspondence. In fact, I had already registered and paid for it, and last night I bought the textbook from one of Marco's friends.
Here's a transcript from an MSN conversation I had today:
[Phil]: I just phoned the biochem department
[Phil]: and they don't take the credit for that correspondence
What...the...fuck? (that was actually my exact response to him). So I phoned them up.
[Me]: Hi, I'm taking Stat 264 an...
[Her]: (cuts me off with /laughter/) haha...yeah, that doesn't count for your degree anymore. We only accept Stat263 now [note: stat263 is NOT offered correspondence, or at all during the summer, in fact]
[Me]: Oh...
I mean...both the online calender and the printed one say that as a requirement for my program, I need stat264* and 265*. I guess they just changed it for next year, but it would have been nice to tell us...
Come June, there's gonna be a /lot/ of biochem students registering for those stat courses, and then there's gonna be mass confusion etc. at the registrar's office when they find out they need to drop the courses.
A simple email...that's all they needed to do....
Oh well.
As soon as I can secure the funds, I'm going to register for psyc220: Cognitive Psychology (correspondence, of course). I think it'll probably be more fun than stats anyway.
Then I just have to hope that either biol205* or this stat263* are offered in winter term (and that they don't add/change any of the other requirements), and I'll have space for phgy214 (mammalian physiology) next year! (which means I won't have to suck some dean's dick to take phar340*, a third year intro to pharmacology course I need for further lifesci/neuroscience courses [phgy214 is a prerequisite, in case you're wondering]).
And I'm sure once I started quoting numbers, you all stopped reading :P
In other news, I watched "Being John Malkovitch" today...interesting movie, but very very weird. I don't think I've ever seen John Cusack in long disshevelled hair and a beard before...
So I received a very unpleasant surprise today. As many of you know, I was planning on taking a statistic course during the summer, correspondence. In fact, I had already registered and paid for it, and last night I bought the textbook from one of Marco's friends.
Here's a transcript from an MSN conversation I had today:
[Phil]: I just phoned the biochem department
[Phil]: and they don't take the credit for that correspondence
What...the...fuck? (that was actually my exact response to him). So I phoned them up.
[Me]: Hi, I'm taking Stat 264 an...
[Her]: (cuts me off with /laughter/) haha...yeah, that doesn't count for your degree anymore. We only accept Stat263 now [note: stat263 is NOT offered correspondence, or at all during the summer, in fact]
[Me]: Oh...
I mean...both the online calender and the printed one say that as a requirement for my program, I need stat264* and 265*. I guess they just changed it for next year, but it would have been nice to tell us...
Come June, there's gonna be a /lot/ of biochem students registering for those stat courses, and then there's gonna be mass confusion etc. at the registrar's office when they find out they need to drop the courses.
A simple email...that's all they needed to do....
Oh well.
As soon as I can secure the funds, I'm going to register for psyc220: Cognitive Psychology (correspondence, of course). I think it'll probably be more fun than stats anyway.
Then I just have to hope that either biol205* or this stat263* are offered in winter term (and that they don't add/change any of the other requirements), and I'll have space for phgy214 (mammalian physiology) next year! (which means I won't have to suck some dean's dick to take phar340*, a third year intro to pharmacology course I need for further lifesci/neuroscience courses [phgy214 is a prerequisite, in case you're wondering]).
And I'm sure once I started quoting numbers, you all stopped reading :P
In other news, I watched "Being John Malkovitch" today...interesting movie, but very very weird. I don't think I've ever seen John Cusack in long disshevelled hair and a beard before...
Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Throwing flowers on the box that was once, that was once you...
Well, today at 4:24pm I left Jock Harty Arena for the last time until probably December.
That's right, I am finished exams!!!
First year is officially over for me, and I couldn't be happier! ^_^
(ok...well...I could be happier...in fact, there are many things that could make me happier - like money, and power, and chicks...but I guess I /can/ say that I'm quite happy right now).
What better way to celebrate than watch movies alone in your room?
Specifically, I decided to give Matrix:Reloaded another shot (haha, get it? :P)
And you know what? I have /no idea/ why I thought it was so bad the first time around. I mean, standing alone (ie. not being compared to the original), it's a pretty good movie. And as a sequel, it's still quite good. Not great, but good.
Actually, there wasn't really anything that bugged me - except their overuse of slow-motion, and, of course, the reach-inside-and-make-your-heart-beat-again thing.
But it's much much more enjoyable the second time around, when you know what's happening - it makes more sense, and I don't only mean the major dialogue-filled "plot points".
One thing still does bug me, though - the Malpighian (oi, too much bio!) fight scene, in the nice marble-staircase area.
Why...do...you...hit...with...the...FLAT...of...the....blade?!?!?
Ok, they did that in Xena, Hercules, Sinbad, et al because it was afternoon TV and young children were watching.
We're all adults, and we aren't shocked by seeing a bit of blood.
ONE PERSON got run through with a sword in that entire scene...he had ample opportunity to slice people up, but instead Neo decides to hit them with the flat of the blade, so they can come back and attack him again 20 seconds later. It frustrates me to no end - for God's sake, they are your ENEMY so FUCKING KILL THEM...don't just slap them around a bit.
He really should have taken a cue from Kill Bill...quite possibly the only time you'll ever hear me coming close to complimenting anything about that piece of ass movie (I'm gonna re-watch Vol. 1 over the next couple of days, and hope that it was just Bri's monitor and crappy version that made me hate the movie, and not the fact that Uma Thurman is an ass-ugly bitch who has the acting skills of a lower invertebrate coupled with a shitty script written by the most unduly, over-appreciated movie-guy on earth - and yes, by that I mean Mr. Quentin "the only good thing I ever did was Four Rooms, which I don't even recognize as my movie" Tarantino).
Also, of course, the rave/orgy scene was unnecessary...but I skipped that part. :P
So yeah...I strongly suggest if you really hated that movie, give it another shot...because chances are, you'll end up liking it....or, at least, thinking a bit better of it.
Oh yeah..."Electro-Shock Blues" is a TIGHT record...I strongly recommend you take a listen.
Although the Eels certainly have their own sound, which I dunno...you might not like.
Well, today at 4:24pm I left Jock Harty Arena for the last time until probably December.
That's right, I am finished exams!!!
First year is officially over for me, and I couldn't be happier! ^_^
(ok...well...I could be happier...in fact, there are many things that could make me happier - like money, and power, and chicks...but I guess I /can/ say that I'm quite happy right now).
What better way to celebrate than watch movies alone in your room?
Specifically, I decided to give Matrix:Reloaded another shot (haha, get it? :P)
And you know what? I have /no idea/ why I thought it was so bad the first time around. I mean, standing alone (ie. not being compared to the original), it's a pretty good movie. And as a sequel, it's still quite good. Not great, but good.
Actually, there wasn't really anything that bugged me - except their overuse of slow-motion, and, of course, the reach-inside-and-make-your-heart-beat-again thing.
But it's much much more enjoyable the second time around, when you know what's happening - it makes more sense, and I don't only mean the major dialogue-filled "plot points".
One thing still does bug me, though - the Malpighian (oi, too much bio!) fight scene, in the nice marble-staircase area.
Why...do...you...hit...with...the...FLAT...of...the....blade?!?!?
Ok, they did that in Xena, Hercules, Sinbad, et al because it was afternoon TV and young children were watching.
We're all adults, and we aren't shocked by seeing a bit of blood.
ONE PERSON got run through with a sword in that entire scene...he had ample opportunity to slice people up, but instead Neo decides to hit them with the flat of the blade, so they can come back and attack him again 20 seconds later. It frustrates me to no end - for God's sake, they are your ENEMY so FUCKING KILL THEM...don't just slap them around a bit.
He really should have taken a cue from Kill Bill...quite possibly the only time you'll ever hear me coming close to complimenting anything about that piece of ass movie (I'm gonna re-watch Vol. 1 over the next couple of days, and hope that it was just Bri's monitor and crappy version that made me hate the movie, and not the fact that Uma Thurman is an ass-ugly bitch who has the acting skills of a lower invertebrate coupled with a shitty script written by the most unduly, over-appreciated movie-guy on earth - and yes, by that I mean Mr. Quentin "the only good thing I ever did was Four Rooms, which I don't even recognize as my movie" Tarantino).
Also, of course, the rave/orgy scene was unnecessary...but I skipped that part. :P
So yeah...I strongly suggest if you really hated that movie, give it another shot...because chances are, you'll end up liking it....or, at least, thinking a bit better of it.
Oh yeah..."Electro-Shock Blues" is a TIGHT record...I strongly recommend you take a listen.
Although the Eels certainly have their own sound, which I dunno...you might not like.
Monday, April 19, 2004
They say i'm mental cuz i'm not amused by it all...
Last night, I downloaded Beautiful Freak and Electro-Shock Blues, 2 older CDs by The Eels (see sidebar), the band responsible for such amazing songs as Novocaine for the Soul and Last Stop This Town.
I also d/l-ed a copy of Songs for the Deaf, by the Queens of the Stoneage.
So I've been listening to these CDs and flipping through last year's yearbook instead of studying this morning...
I just can't do anymore...I've had my fill of studying - thank God it's all over tomorrow...
Woke up this morning wishing I was back at this time last year (hence the yearbook-reading)...first time I've really felt strongly nostalgic for MDHS, and the high school life...
I'm glad I'm going back to Markham at the end of the week (of course, once I get back I'll just wish I was at Queen's...such is my life - never satisfied :P)
Last night, I downloaded Beautiful Freak and Electro-Shock Blues, 2 older CDs by The Eels (see sidebar), the band responsible for such amazing songs as Novocaine for the Soul and Last Stop This Town.
I also d/l-ed a copy of Songs for the Deaf, by the Queens of the Stoneage.
So I've been listening to these CDs and flipping through last year's yearbook instead of studying this morning...
I just can't do anymore...I've had my fill of studying - thank God it's all over tomorrow...
Woke up this morning wishing I was back at this time last year (hence the yearbook-reading)...first time I've really felt strongly nostalgic for MDHS, and the high school life...
I'm glad I'm going back to Markham at the end of the week (of course, once I get back I'll just wish I was at Queen's...such is my life - never satisfied :P)
Friday, April 16, 2004
Undeniable proof...
See?
"Fuck up" is a valid English expression. I told you I wasn't crazy...
(care of PA Remix)
See?
"Fuck up" is a valid English expression. I told you I wasn't crazy...
(care of PA Remix)
Friday, April 02, 2004
It's the end of the world as we know it...
Well, not really. But today was the last day of classes for us. I guess I should probably feel something - relief, or joy, or sorrow - but instead I've got to worry about exams, and kicking this weird stomach-flu-turned-tired-medicine-head disease that's been putting me to bed a bit early each night and making me feel completely worn out throughout the day.
Thursday means psyc AND physics exams, back-to-back (9am and 2pm...which means I really get a 2 hr break between, but those are consecutive exam periods), and then going home for a few days. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to home, and decent food. Not only that, but the exams afterwards are significantly less stressful (less material + easier format + more time to study). Back to the food item, I've reverted back to my stage of feeling physically ill from the caf food. I mean, I'm hungry, but I feel physically repulsed by the food I am offered. *sigh* If nothing else, I have a summer of decent food to look forward too.
Speaking of which...summer = summer job. I've given up hope on the UofT Medical Biophysics program, and since I never got a response on the NSERC dealies, my prospects are looking grim. I may have to end up going back to Sheridan. And, really, that doesn't seem so bad - good hours, decent pay, and an opportunity to get a bit of exercise and fresh air. Of course, only once I get there do I remember how boring the job is and how much I hate that place. And how most other people have jobs that require less manual work, in nicer conditions (40+ degree heat and sun is by no means a favorable working environment), that pay far more.
Yes, I'm bitching. I just got off the phone with my mom recently, and she nagged me again about how I should have applied and gotten a job during reading week. Blargh...it annoys me most because I know she's right...
But she did have another suggestion - use my "connections". Hrmm...well, you guys are my "connections" - are your parents/friends/employers hiring? Cuz I would really like a decent job, and y'all know I'd be a kick-ass employee. Let me know if you have anything that might be remotely possible, k? Thanks.
This year went...alright. Met a few new people, and don't keep up with them nearly as much as I should. I have a feeling my web of friends didn't grow as much as other peoples' did - I guess that's the price I pay for coming to a university with a bunch of my HS friends. Still, some of those people I didn't know all that well in HS I connected with better - most notably a certain Mr. Thomas Carter.
Found university to be not much different than high school - sure, classes are larger, but it's not really the intellectual leap I was expecting. A lot of stuff was review, and because of the lack of regular assignments, tests, checked homework, etc. I've been able to let a few classes slide. I have no clue what's been going on in physics for the past 2 months (even though I attend lecture), so I'm doubly screwed for the exam.
I have, however, expanded myself physically - not hard considering the only exercise I got in HS was walking to and from school. Got back into squash, which is good, and started this Haidong Gumdo thingie, which was also good. Unfortunate I couldn't get my blue belt (PEC issues, Eva coming, and this current illness-thingie got in the way), but I'll get it next year. No rush. Hopefully this summer will see a commitment to regular jogging/running/biking and some tennis/bball/squash. Need opponents for those games, so let me know if you're interested in kicking my ass over the summer, and we'll make sure we do some playin'. Hopefully I might also start on some fencing training from Maitre Carter - I want to join the varsity team next year. Then I can introduce myself as a varsity athlete, which I'm sure will elicit laughter and confusion from everyone I meet.
I anticipate bigger and better things next year - courses should get more interesting (and harder, unfortunately), and more time-consuming (1st term is 17hrs lecture, 12 hrs lab/tutorial >.<, 2nd term gets easier with only 15hrs lecture and 6hrs lab/tutorial).
I'll be a PASS advisor (giving presentations in residence and one-on-one academic advising to first year students), as well as hopefully on the fencing team, and I'm looking into either joining QMO (Queen's Medical Outreach), or being a tutor. With my 29hrs of classes, I think that may already be overdoing it, though - fencing apparently takes up a hell of a lot of time, and PASS is at least a couple of hours a week commitment. But I'll figure it out - and I may always be able to join stuff come 2nd term.
And, of course, living with Gary, Bri, Jamie, and "Pat" will be a blast. Until we realize none of us can cook or clean. XP
I think I'm getting a bit ahead of myself - managed to get into summer plans and next year, when this year isn't completely done yet. Best of luck to everyone on exams - don't worry, in 19 days (for most, 18 days for me, perhaps longer for those crazy arts students) it'll all be over.
PS. To all the hot girls at Queen's (and there are a LOT) - thanks for being around. You always brightened my day, even when you didn't know I was watching ;). I will miss you all dearly during the summer. I just wish less of you had boyfriends...
Well, not really. But today was the last day of classes for us. I guess I should probably feel something - relief, or joy, or sorrow - but instead I've got to worry about exams, and kicking this weird stomach-flu-turned-tired-medicine-head disease that's been putting me to bed a bit early each night and making me feel completely worn out throughout the day.
Thursday means psyc AND physics exams, back-to-back (9am and 2pm...which means I really get a 2 hr break between, but those are consecutive exam periods), and then going home for a few days. I cannot tell you how much I look forward to home, and decent food. Not only that, but the exams afterwards are significantly less stressful (less material + easier format + more time to study). Back to the food item, I've reverted back to my stage of feeling physically ill from the caf food. I mean, I'm hungry, but I feel physically repulsed by the food I am offered. *sigh* If nothing else, I have a summer of decent food to look forward too.
Speaking of which...summer = summer job. I've given up hope on the UofT Medical Biophysics program, and since I never got a response on the NSERC dealies, my prospects are looking grim. I may have to end up going back to Sheridan. And, really, that doesn't seem so bad - good hours, decent pay, and an opportunity to get a bit of exercise and fresh air. Of course, only once I get there do I remember how boring the job is and how much I hate that place. And how most other people have jobs that require less manual work, in nicer conditions (40+ degree heat and sun is by no means a favorable working environment), that pay far more.
Yes, I'm bitching. I just got off the phone with my mom recently, and she nagged me again about how I should have applied and gotten a job during reading week. Blargh...it annoys me most because I know she's right...
But she did have another suggestion - use my "connections". Hrmm...well, you guys are my "connections" - are your parents/friends/employers hiring? Cuz I would really like a decent job, and y'all know I'd be a kick-ass employee. Let me know if you have anything that might be remotely possible, k? Thanks.
This year went...alright. Met a few new people, and don't keep up with them nearly as much as I should. I have a feeling my web of friends didn't grow as much as other peoples' did - I guess that's the price I pay for coming to a university with a bunch of my HS friends. Still, some of those people I didn't know all that well in HS I connected with better - most notably a certain Mr. Thomas Carter.
Found university to be not much different than high school - sure, classes are larger, but it's not really the intellectual leap I was expecting. A lot of stuff was review, and because of the lack of regular assignments, tests, checked homework, etc. I've been able to let a few classes slide. I have no clue what's been going on in physics for the past 2 months (even though I attend lecture), so I'm doubly screwed for the exam.
I have, however, expanded myself physically - not hard considering the only exercise I got in HS was walking to and from school. Got back into squash, which is good, and started this Haidong Gumdo thingie, which was also good. Unfortunate I couldn't get my blue belt (PEC issues, Eva coming, and this current illness-thingie got in the way), but I'll get it next year. No rush. Hopefully this summer will see a commitment to regular jogging/running/biking and some tennis/bball/squash. Need opponents for those games, so let me know if you're interested in kicking my ass over the summer, and we'll make sure we do some playin'. Hopefully I might also start on some fencing training from Maitre Carter - I want to join the varsity team next year. Then I can introduce myself as a varsity athlete, which I'm sure will elicit laughter and confusion from everyone I meet.
I anticipate bigger and better things next year - courses should get more interesting (and harder, unfortunately), and more time-consuming (1st term is 17hrs lecture, 12 hrs lab/tutorial >.<, 2nd term gets easier with only 15hrs lecture and 6hrs lab/tutorial).
I'll be a PASS advisor (giving presentations in residence and one-on-one academic advising to first year students), as well as hopefully on the fencing team, and I'm looking into either joining QMO (Queen's Medical Outreach), or being a tutor. With my 29hrs of classes, I think that may already be overdoing it, though - fencing apparently takes up a hell of a lot of time, and PASS is at least a couple of hours a week commitment. But I'll figure it out - and I may always be able to join stuff come 2nd term.
And, of course, living with Gary, Bri, Jamie, and "Pat" will be a blast. Until we realize none of us can cook or clean. XP
I think I'm getting a bit ahead of myself - managed to get into summer plans and next year, when this year isn't completely done yet. Best of luck to everyone on exams - don't worry, in 19 days (for most, 18 days for me, perhaps longer for those crazy arts students) it'll all be over.
PS. To all the hot girls at Queen's (and there are a LOT) - thanks for being around. You always brightened my day, even when you didn't know I was watching ;). I will miss you all dearly during the summer. I just wish less of you had boyfriends...
