Blind Rat

New Italian information

2006-04-19T22:50:00.000+01:00

Not much going on. Today, Katie Holmes gave birth to a baby girl that she is going to raise to believe things like we're all aliens or something or other.

Also, finally the courts have ruled that Prodi is the new Prime Minister of Italy, although Berlusconi is still sulking in a corner in denial.

A new thing I learned today was that not only a) Italy has a president, but that b) his name is Carlo Ciampi. I really had no idea. How often do you hear about the Italian president? Or am I really that ignorant? Ok, don't answer that.

Finished what I hope is my last application today, after dealing with one crappy and unhelpful DOS. It really is tiring the number of 'write 500 words of blah blah journalism blah blah bursary blah blah' that I've had to write, but it's necessary if I want a little bit of spending money next year living in the smelly, smoggy capital.

Where one youth fails, another one wins...

2006-04-10T16:24:00.000+01:00

Thanks to the anonymous commenter, we've also learned that the Cambridge-Oxford airline launched by some entrepreneurial youngster has stopped running due to a lack of demand. We sort of feel sorry for Martin Halstead...but yeah, not really.

Other, bigger news is that after a whole month of striking and protests, French President Jacques Chirac announced that the youth job law would be scrapped.

It does still have its NIB aspects though. The French are famous for striking. Normally, it just serves to disrupt public services, and when you're in the country at the time, it's a huge nuisance. But this time, it seems that they have actually achieved their goal.

Who would have thought it? I have to say that I didn't expect Chirac to give in quite so easily - I would have thought that that would be just encouraging them. How typically French. Probably one of the most self-contradictory countries in the world.

Essay in French

2006-04-10T13:02:00.000+01:00

One of the most pointless exams here, for me, is the Essay in French. We've never written an essay in French, there's no reason to expect us to be able to write a fluent essay in French. Except we have to do one in our final exams. WHY?

Today's essay title is:

"Le cinema est un art double: celui de former un recit. Celui de figurer cette histoire."

This translates roughly as: "Cinema is a double art: on the one hand, it creates a story. On the other, it shapes this story."

I mean, WHAT? I've been thinking a lot about this question and not come up with many great ideas. I may have to revise my whole film paper before I can answer this question. How depressing.

However, the essay is supposed to have the following format:

1) Explain the subject a little. What is the subject? Do they mean 'film' in general?!
2) Refine the subject.
3) Write about the aspect that interests you.
4) Give examples, opposing twists.

They basically want a Cambridge essay but in French. The question being so broad should make it easier to write an essay on basically anything, but the example of a real student's past paper essay was SO good. I could NEVER write that good French! Though thinking about it, the ideas in the essay weren't hugely complicated. Hmm.

Sorry for the inane rambling.

Time to do nothing

2006-04-07T21:26:00.000+01:00

Hi peeps!

Quite chirpy as have not had as monotonous week as usual. Last Saturday, I got offered a place at City University (thanks to those who had their fingers crossed for me) which made me very very happy. I'm finally getting nearer to being a journalist! So exciting. Starting in September.

Last Monday, I went to see 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' in London. Was excellent, great actors and very funny. Kathleen Turner was in it. She sounds so much like a man! It was really quite long and heavy and amazing to think that the four actors could keep it up every night for months!

I then went home until today. I got to see my auntie's new baby, Jennifer, who is SOOOOOOO adorable. Even when she farted! lol. But a lot of the time she was curled up asleep just like an Anne Geddes photo. Unbelievably cute. Didn't want to leave, as she was starting to get used to me and not crying her eyes out when I held her. Though the other appeal of being at home was the TV - there's so much good stuff on! American and British stuff. Sigh. It would be so distracting to have a TV here, I don't think I'd do any work.

No revision tidbit for you today I'm afraid. Quite knackered after a 5 1/2 hour journey on the coach from my home to college.

Very unproductive day

2006-03-31T17:57:00.000+01:00

I just watched the latest Daily Show episodes online. That pretty much sums up what I've done all day.

I just can't be bothered to work! Also, am quite pissed off about the news that Wembley can't get it's act together (you'd think if Athens could do it, the UK could - remember, how their stadium was incomplete just months before the olympics?) and finish building the new stadium in time for the Bon Jovi concert that I have tickets for in June. Mind you, it has been moved to Milton Keynes, which at least is closer and cheaper to get to than London, from Cambridge.

But still.

What I actually did revise today:

Meaning of 'mise-en-scene': staging of an action; all the elements in a frame. This word has theatrical roots, don't you know. And the elements are things like setting, costume, lighting and figure movement.

Maybe I will continue to do this during my revision period. If anyone has any questions on:

1) Modern european film (technical film terms as well as films and directors themselves).

2) European history from 1890.

3) French grammar/ language.

Do ask and I'll endeavour to answer your queries! Plus, it forces me to read up and revise.

Revision

2006-03-28T17:00:00.000+01:00

Am back in Cam. Yesterday had my City Uni journalism interview. Keep your fingers crossed for me everybody. Though they have probably made up their minds either way now, so I can't change anything. I did do my best though. That's all anyone can do, right?

Forgot to write about Boy getting hair clippers last week, for me to have a go on his head. Produced quite funny results, though in the end it was OK (though the back has clearly been attacked by someone inexperienced). Practice makes perfect though heehee.

Today, got up late, have done a revision timetable for the rest of the month (i.e. the rest of the Easter vac before my final term at Cambridge! Argh, what a terrifying though!!)

The trainers I bought from Ebay arrived today. They're lovely :) Before I bought them I asked the opinions of three boys about which to get. Their combined opinion was like a third of the opinion of a girl! I would have asked a girl, but no one was online at the time. The thing was, with boys, all they can say is which pair they prefer but not why, which is what girls use to buy stuff. Why is this? Why can't boys say why? Though, I do trust Boy's judgement as he seems to have quite a metrosexual eye at times.

Sorry, life is quite dull again as I'm now just procrastinating to avoid work. Not that's new information to you readers.

Lazy days

2006-03-24T14:58:00.000Z

Another lazy day in Stratford.

I went to Bath the other day, primarily because my friend had an assessment centre thing there, but I tagged along to make it a day trip. It was SO good to get out and about, and Bath was brilliant! I loved it, and didn't do enough so a trip back is definitely on the cards. However, I did get a chance to go to the Jane Austen centre which was cool, and came away with my own seal and wax heehee. I love kitschy stuff like that. Almost bought a parasol but really couldn't justify using it anywhere except for promenading in Austen costume along the streets of Bath...maybe. They are pretty cool though...like Boy says, I was so born in the wrong era.

Spring seems to be FINALLY trying to creep through the horrible winter we've been having. About time too!

Just to mark the 1000th visitor...me.

2006-03-21T00:07:00.000Z

Didn't really do much today. Watched a dvd of a Spanish film, Secrets of the Heart, which was quite cute. Sorted out my papers before I start revision.

First it was the Year abroad dissertation; then it was my second dissertation; now all you'll hear about until I graduate is revision.

I apologise. I feel like I've been a student forever. The irony is that even after this year, I plan to continue studying for journalism!

Glutton for punishment.

Funny name

2006-03-19T12:07:00.000Z

Read this article from the BBC website.

Interesting article about the new Bond girl, Eva Green. But what made me chuckle about this article was another name in this article. Can you see it?

Barbara Broccoli!

Heehee.

Childish :)

Stationery binge

2006-03-17T17:48:00.000Z

Random free day today. Went to my DOS meeting, was alright, nothing special. Then went to Wolfie for lunch, quite tasty, a veggie lasagne was alright, but the desert, raisins in a honey cake or maybe treacle with custard. Miam.

Then had an interview for a summer job - funny cos I was sat reading the papers in the 'Airport lounge' and there was a guy there who I had a feeling might be the guy who was to interview me, but I was there half an hour early. Turned out it was, when he asked a girl later on if she was me. Before I was interviewed though, a MML supervisor saw me from a room where they were having an MML open day lunch, and he asked me to come answer a few questions about the year abroad, so I did my bit for the college inadvertently then as well. Interview went fine although for some reason my face went bright red when trying to answer a question about why being a welfare officer was useful experience for the job and I just know he could see it because my face felt very hot. I wasn't lying, just obviously flustered! Will hear back in a month if I got the job.

I then went to the library, got a few DVDs out and the latest Amelie Nothomb novel out. Looking forward to reading that.

Spent the afternoon chatting to Pippa. Where are all the good chick flicks! We want chick flicks!

After leaving Pippa, I went on a chocolate and stationery binge. Bought two folders and an A4 pad (necessary for revision you know), as well as a magazine, Le Figaro, and The Week. How intelligent am I? (Kidding.)

My digital prints arrived today. Lots of lovely photos from the past year!

Hmm...what to do now? Sort out stationery perhaps? What little things please little minds :)

I'm back!

2006-03-16T19:47:00.000Z

Did you miss me?

Probably not. Ah well, the NIBs was a short-lived venture, which was a shame. But you can only come out with animal puns for so long.

Life is pretty much the same as previously - without the dissertation! That was a nightmare but a nightmare that has now ended. Am currently in the middle of hearing back from journalism applications (for the courses, rather than the jobs), but term has ended (today in fact) so at least the stress has diminished somewhat.

Feeling very uninspired and nothing is keeping my attention today.

Oh, I have a wisdom tooth coming through - painful! Poor me.

Quick note

2006-01-09T12:17:00.000Z

Sorry for the lack of posting here, I'll probably still post here now and then but now my new project (and Boy's too) is here - please go there and comment, spread the word, but most of all, enjoy!!

Can't sleep

2005-12-30T02:13:00.000Z

Am stressed.

Am worried.

Am an insomniac.

Am depressed.

Am disappointed with life.

I wanted to talk to Boy some more but we talked loads already.

It's all crap.

Yet another night of crying myself to sleep.

Updated Bible

2005-12-24T22:19:00.000Z

And another thing. I went to (Catholic) mass this evening and in the story of Mary and Joseph and Jesus, there was a line that struck my friend and I as very peculiar:

"And Mary had not had sexual intercourse with Joseph..."

For as long as I can remember I have gone to mass and NEVER heard that line in the story! How times are a-changing...

Merry Christmas!

2005-12-24T22:16:00.000Z

Two hours until Christmas! I’ll be opening my presents at midnight on the dot, and am quite excited as I have no idea what I’ve got.

Was watching ‘Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway’ earlier, and they had the best of ‘Little Ant and Little Dec’ clips which was so funny. For people not living in the UK, Ant and Dec are two great Geordie, very funny, TV presenters, very popular in the UK, and they have this show on Saturday nights based on adverts, with quizzes, music and celebrity interviews. Except they get two little Geordie lads, aged about 10 and who look a bit like the real Ant and Dec, and they’re called Little Ant and Little Dec, to carry out all the interviews from a huge variety of celebrity such as Kylie, Angelina Jolie, Will Smith, Kevin Costner, David Beckham, Tony Blair…the list is endless! The funny thing is they are at the age where they don’t like girls and can act all innocent and innocently ask questions that a grown-up would never ask, with hilarious consequences as the celeb is completely gobsmacked and flustered.

E.g. Asking Tony Blair: Do you ever get bored during one of those long meetings and just want to go home?

Or asking Richard Branson: What does virgin mean? (Branson went bright red and didn’t know quite what to say)

Or getting David Beckham to sign a piece of paper, and unfolding it to reveal that he just signed a contract they drew up saying: ‘I promise to play for Newcastle United, signed…’

Or asking Kylie: ‘People talk about your bum a lot, why is that?’ (Then running from her when she showed them a pair of knickers from her collection, ‘eewwww’)

Or asking Ewan McGregor: ‘In Valiant, Ricky Gervais is the voice of a really fat and drunken pigeon – why do you think that is?’ (Ewan is so fit…)

It’s brilliant, very very funny stuff.

OK, that’s all I can remember off the top of my head!

Very Merry Christmas Wishes to Everyone!

xxx

VERY weird dream

2005-12-21T15:24:00.000Z

VERY weird dream

Sleeping way too late I had the most bizarre dream. Me, Steve, Angela and Jon Stewart went ice skating and Steve and I were late and completely missed our slot but Angela and Jon Stewart were able to go and talking to Angela the next morning it turned out that she had slept with Jon Stewart and ‘he wasn’t that great’!!! She wasn’t at all impressed at his love-making apparently.

Now that’s one weird dream.

Questionnaire thingy gleaned from Glamourous Cod

2005-11-28T19:58:00.000Z

Three names you go by :-
Anh
Pierre
Cat Jumper (CJ)

Three screenames you have had :-
Bogof
I miss Dawson's creek
Yey end of term

Three physicals things you like about yourself :-
My nose (for being small and insignificant)
My hands
My back

Three physicals things you dislike about yourself :-
My skin
My tummy
My eyes (unfortunately also small and insignificant)

Three things that scare you :-
The dark
Horror films
Heights

Three of your everyday essentials :-
Moisturising
Checking emails and blogs
Moisturising (it takes up a lot of time)

Three of your favorite musical artist :-
Matchbox twenty
Rob Thomas
Lifehouse

Three of your favorite songs :-
Push - Matchbox twenty
Accidentally in love - Counting Crows
Mr Brightside - Killers

Three things you want in a relationship :-
Boy
Honesty
Love

Three lies :-
I'm an adult
Boy is an adult
University life is all drunken nights and fun.

Three truths :-
I'm lugubrious
I have a mental age of 4 and three-quarters
Ear muffs are cool

Three physicals things about the opposite sex that appeals you :-
Hair
Voice
Hands

Three of your favorite hobbies :-
Cinema
Reading
Going to the theatre/concerts/musicals

Three things you want to do really badly now :-
Eat a clementine
Burn all my work
Play in the (non-existent) snow

Three careers you're considering/'ve considered :-
Journalist
Lawyer
PA

Three negative features you have :-
Procrastinate too much
Can be insensitive
Act before thinking

Three positive features you have :-
Good cook (sometimes)
Good listener
Independent

Three places you'd want to go for vacations :-
Hawaii
Canada
Everywhere Boy has been

Three kids name you like :-
Sophia
Jack
Keeley

Three things you want to do before you die :-
Win millions of pounds
Go on a beach holiday
Get married

Three ways that you are stereotypically a boy :-
Messy room
Love the drums
Don't wear make-up often

Three ways that you are stereotypically a girl :-
Like shopping
Like sparkly things
Have many shoes

There you go. Now don't you feel enlightened!

Vivid dreams

2005-11-19T18:12:00.000Z

I've had loads of vivid dreams lately and after checking a friend's neglected dream blog, I thought I'd start my own here. Also because I've written 36 words of my OPDISS and therefore feel like a break :)

Anyway, so last night, I had a dream that made me wake up in a bit of a strop. Why? Because it featured Scarlett Johanssen. If I were a guy, that would probably be a good thing but as I found out, when she features in my dreams - it's definitely not a good thing.

There wasn't much to it really, I was driving a car in a car park, and she was in the seat beside me and Boy was in the backseat. I think she got there as a companion of Boy's which I got upset at, and so I drove wrecklessly (or normally, however you want to look at it :)) to the extent that I drove on top and over a yellow car. I didn't feel too bad about that because it already had a lot of dents on the bonnet. So the car goes over and lands with a thud but we were all ok.

And that's it! Not very exciting but vivid nonetheless. I never did like her much for reasons such as:

1) She's too sexy.
2) She's younger than me.
3) She's a good actress.
4) She bears a very slight resemblance to Boy's ex. Grr.

I think I much prefer dreaming about sheep.

VERY FUNNY LINKS

2005-11-14T00:26:00.000Z

No joke, I laughed until I cried - these are HILARIOUS.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6739710473912337648&pr=goog-sl

and

http://www.break.com/articles/loveme.html

It will cheer you up no end. Honest.

Remember me?

2005-11-04T22:24:00.000Z

It's been a while hasn't it? Shame on me. Yet lots have thing have happened that have been worth blogging about but I've just been too lazy! However, seeing a link to ME! on Glamorous Cod's blog, has encouraged me to write again.

Yet, I am still lazy so will be succinct:

Boy took me on a romantic weekend to Paris. We came back with foie gras. Nice.

I've managed to alienate a Parisian friend yet am not as concerned as I should be. It makes me sound like a bitch but I've got plenty of friends to prove that I am not one. I hope.

Went to see a terrible arty film 'Beau Travail' by Claire Denis for my film paper, and then had a not great meal at a Greek restaurant, and then on to a play with full frontal nudity (male and female) full of philosophical language that went way over my head - 'Orgy' translated from a play by Pasolini. Boy's jaw dropped and stayed grounded for a while.

Though we did see the excellent excellent excellent 'Match Point' in Paris. Loved it. Will definitely buy it when it comes out. Everyone must see it.

Dreamt vividly of cute, fluffy sheep.

Have been in a zombie state for the past three days.

C'est tout.

I never wanna hear you saaaay...I've so much work today

2005-10-19T22:18:00.000+01:00

I'm so musical huh? The subject refers to both the Backstreet Boys concert I'm going to on Friday night (far too excited about that, seriously) and the fact that I've got two essays to write for which I have to do lots of reading and I have no idea what to write.

The Cambridge term has definitely started. And because I arrived two weeks earlier than most people I feel like I've been here forever. I hope I don't go mad too soon.

...

That illustrates a time lag of about three hours where I went to return books to the library, checked my pigeonhole, watched half of 'Lost', chatted to my lovely crazy friend in her room on the otherside of college, then spoke to Boy who is away on conference.

I have done no work. I will pay for this with late nights I am sure. Oh woe is me.

THE YAD IS NO MORE!

2005-10-11T23:36:00.000+01:00

Yes, that's right, I've finished my dissertation! And I'm incredibly proud of the 30-odd page extravaganza I've produced yey. Lots of celebration in my head! Tomorrow I'll go bind it and then in the evening go round to Boy's to celebrate. It will be nice for him to not have a stressed me for just one evening (tomorrow, it starts all over again with another dissertation. But enough about that for now) as I've been very stressed and consequently emotional for about a month now. I forgot that Cambridge really does turn you into this constant, tight little stress ball.

You know, lots of people have taken to hating their dissertation, and although I was stressed about it, I didn't hate it or lose interest in it. Not really. Probably because I'd spread it over so long then had a huge break before slaving over it again.

I feel as though I have used up my capacity to produce words. What a lovely, lovely feeling.

Getting back into the groove

2005-10-03T17:16:00.000+01:00

I had my French oral exam and it went OK I think. I should have posted on the day of the oral as it would have been more enthusiastic but now I'm working to another deadline - my dissertation of which you have heard about all summer and probably before then. Sorry readers, back to the same stress.

Freshers have arrived now, and I have to say I preferred it when they weren't here. I just want to concentrate on working this year so, even if it sounds incredibly anti-social, I just can't be bothered making new friends. I have enough distractions as it is!

Haven't worked all day and only about to start. I think I'm going to try and work late tonight, as that's my uni groove, though I'm very out of practice. Been doing things like writing in my diary when all my lectures are for the term and deciding when to report arrival with my tutor, sign up for French language classes and stuff like that - more to see when I have free time rather than to see what I've got to do.

Also looked at the state of my bank account. Not good. Will seriously have to curb all spending until my loan comes through.

It's going to be strange and somewhat difficult getting back into the groove I think.

All made up and ready to go

2005-09-27T15:21:00.000+01:00

Boy's dad's birthday is around now and as he and his wife are in London, they have invited us out to dinner in London tonight. I felt like making an effort, donning my beautiful skirt that I bought from Goya/Sheryl May at London Fashion Weekend (where I bumped into Talkative OJ who had worked with me in Paris and who I hadn't heard of since she left Paris last December - random!) and applying make-up.

Ah make-up, the activity of leisurely ladies or simply those who can be bothered. I am most of the time bare-faced, but today, I put on eyeshadow, blusher, and dun-de-duuuuuh - mascara! Which is making my eyes water a teensy bit, but should be ok I think. It must be over a year since I last wore mascara. I feel so girly today.

Oh don't tell me that's rain out there!!!

GRR. Bloody English weather.

Working to a timetable

2005-09-22T15:54:00.000+01:00

I made a timetable last night to structure my day today. It’s not helped much as I’ve been straying from it quite a bit. And it certainly doesn’t figure in ‘blogging’ time either. Ah well.

Not much news. Back in cold college (it’s warmer and so lovely outside) trying to revise. I’m learning things though admittedly, I really haven’t procrastinated the whole day away…quite. I feel that I’ve got at least some ‘intellectual’ topics that I could sort of discuss if forced in my French oral. Stuff that only Boy would talk about while normally I let it wash over me. He’s proving quite useful, explaining any (usually all) geeky-politic-related questions I’m throwing at him. Plus I think it makes him feel intelligent again in something other than dog grooming.

We plan to go see Pride and Prejudice tomorrow evening. I must be the last romantic in the country to see this film. Also probably another dinner at our beloved Bangkok City. My mouth waters every time I think of that restaurant. It really is that good.

For Butterscotch

2005-09-19T15:03:00.000+01:00

Hey Butterscotch,

I know you're really curious about the ex, but it's quite a long and complicated story and also quite personal, which is why both Boy and I have been really vague about it all!

However, I too understand having the curiosity of a cat, so I will give you a very brief version of the story.

Boy and I became friends at university when he was still going out with Ex. Boy moves to America to work and live with Ex.
Boy and Ex break up, I go to America for two week road trip and Boy and I get together.
I don't like Ex because she was horrible to Boy, but Ex keeps wanting to be friends with Boy, whilst I am suspicious that Ex still has feelings for Boy despite her fervent denials. So every time Ex contacts Boy I get jealous and drama ensues.

That's the long and short of it! Hope that is enough to satisfy your curiousity!

x A x

Leaving soon...

2005-09-14T22:49:00.000+01:00

Leaving my wonderful hometown and going back to uni tomorrow. I love Manchester, its northerness, cheapness, home-ness. I wish Boy and I could settle here. He likes the place too. The only problem is that my parents live here.

Going out for dinner with two friends in London tomorrow. I haven't seen either of them for a while so it will be nice to see them too. They're the sort of of friends that would make up my 'ladies who lunch' group if we had the time to do that sort of thing! (Boy will be making up the fourth 'lady' :)) Huge burgers are on the menu. Not small, not just burgers, but huge. And tasty. I'm making myself salivate already.

Adieu, Manchester.

Emotional Rollercoaster

2005-09-13T10:49:00.000+01:00

I'm going to keep this very brief. Had emotional rollercoaster weekend with Boy which is now over, so a message to his ex - you can stop trying to break us up now cos it's not going to work, bitch.

That is all.

All TV and no appetite

2005-09-09T14:48:00.000+01:00

Watching a lot of crap daytime TV. I need to eat more than an apple and an orange though - what should I eat?

Decisions, decisions.

So gutted

2005-09-08T13:15:00.000+01:00

So here I am, blogging, from Manchester. I never did make it to London. And I won't make it to Paris. I was so looking forward to it and so determined to go, but then I had to go vomit my guts up didn't I.

I've just managed to have lunch - two thirds and a half of a piece of buttered toast, and now I'm full.

I'm quite angry at the world right now. Or maybe just at myself. Quite upset at it.

Blind Rat is sick...again! Shock horror...

2005-09-06T16:38:00.000+01:00

I have no idea what has come over me this year but I am constantly sick! Right now, (I think) I am recovering from a bout of headache, fever and vomiting, which has plagued me for the past three days. I say 'think' because I keep on feeling better then not alternately.

But I need to get better quickly! Tomorrow I go down to London and then the next day I'm off to Paris for a week.

My pet theory is that my allergy to Paris is what brought this sickness on. Honestly, all my illnesses didn't start until I was in Paris. I got an insect bite that made my ankle swell with an egg sized lump, severe eczema, appendicitis and it was illness that forced me to come home early from my year abroad!

Ok ok so I sound like a right hypochondriac, but come on, it really does seem that my body and immune system really don't want me to go to Paris.

Terrorist driver

2005-09-03T21:14:00.000+01:00

I just got back from my first drive without an adult chaperone.

You wouldn’t believe that I’ve had a driving license nearly two years.

I terrified the life out myself and consequently my brother. My driving was fine (honest) but he just got scared cos I was so scared (‘Oh my god my leg won’t stop shaking’, ‘argh, please don’t crash’, ‘heeeeelp I don’t like driving’)

But we got home.

The fun part is that at 1.30am, I’m doing it again, as bro wants to be picked up from town.

Hehehehe.

Hurricane Katrina

2005-09-02T22:19:00.000+01:00

Hurricane Katrina

I’m watching the TV news for the first time tonight. I’ve been reading the papers about it, and news websites, but the devastation on TV is far more than I bargained for.

I can’t believe I was there just last year.

I’m getting upset watching this, more because it’s nearly time of the month, but still, to see how people are just left dying and people so upset at everything they’ve lost. I have no idea how I’d cope in that situation, and I hope I never have to.

Spent the day packing to go back to uni as well as to go to Paris next week. So busy this week at home.

Home, Ewan, DISS

2005-08-31T19:09:00.000+01:00

Am posting from Word for real, and it’s pretty cool to be able to do this!

Am finally at home. Not sweet home unfortunately. Just home.

Boy took me to see Ewan last night which I loved, Ewan is amazing live. And he bought me a gorgeous cream trench coat from GAP over the weekend, so he is officially the best boyfriend ever.
Love you pup (

Going to try and resist watching Moulin Rouge and continue with redrafting my dissertation now I am free from the classical music prison.

Wish me luck guys.

WARNING: MUSIC GEEKDOM

2005-08-19T11:23:00.000+01:00

I have no idea what I expected coming to an isolated rural area like Dartington to do music 24/7.

I should have been more prepared for the ridiculously high concentration of geeks/nerds/weirdos in one place. I would even go as far as saying that there are more people here than in Cambridge.

No, really.

It's going ok. I hated the first few days until I got into more of a routine. My roommate is nice, and not as weird and music obsessed as everyone else, thank god. I would have gone mad otherwise.

I'm missing Boy a lot. Especially when you see couples walking around the place, enjoying the greenery and sun. I also miss city life. Right now, there's a chance that I'll even retire in a city rather than subject myself to this isolation.

Roommate and I are getting bus into Totnes, the nearest village, soon. I hunger for those things called shops...and roads...and buildings...and non musical people...

What on earth am I doing here?

I love Ewan

2005-08-08T20:02:00.000+01:00

I want to go to see Guys and Dolls.

a) It's very expensive

b) Few tickets are available

c) But I still want to go

d) Life is unfair

Right now, I'd give my right arm to go be where my friend is right now - front row at Guys and Dolls. Lucky lucky lucky cow.

Pineapple cutting

2005-08-05T21:01:00.000+01:00

Today I learned how to cut up a pineapple, the RIGHT and least wasteful way. (Mum showed me.)

An extremely useful skill as I LOVE fresh pineapples.

That is all.

Well not quite. Today, Boy left for Dundee with his bro, and will be going flying with his father over the weekend. Sounds like it should be good fun. Will miss him, but I hope he enjoys it.

Also, booked tickets for a week in Paris in September, to stay with Cone, a crazy, always out to shock French Algerian girl who worked at Simmons with me when I was there earlier this year. Hopefully she will give me the confidence I need for my orals.

Oh yeah, had a hair cut today - not that you can tell at all! People at work could only tell cos it was the first time they saw me with my hair down anyway! Ah well, they tidied it up enough so that I can have it down instead of tying it up all the time. Very strong chance that I'll be keeping it long from now on after all!

Natural Born Apes

2005-08-02T20:07:00.000+01:00

The weekend just gone, I organised a group of friends, Boy and brothers to go to Go Ape in Sherwood Forest, Nottingham. It was the best fun I've had in a long time! Despite being afraid of heights, I loved it, enjoying the zip lines immensely. It somehow provided the thrill of rollercoasters but it was so much better than a theme park, very hands-on, independent, mentally and physically challenging!

Definitely recommend it.

Last night, went out to the cinema with Irish G, an old school friend. We went to see a TBA film - a new film which has not yet been released, which we commented on at the end. It was a good Scottish film, with very realistic characters, called 'On A Clear Day'. The funniest guy in it was one of the Hobbits in the LOTR films.

Work is going well, I'm still enjoying it and the people are nice and friendly. Though the deputy editor is nice, she's also incredibly cynical. You know how journalists are so absolutely close-minded in their cynicism.

Like today, I was saying how some people aged 90 can seem so frail and others so healthy and she said 'Yeah and they usually go round repeating "you'll never guess how old I am!" in an annoying way', but I argued, 'but actually, there was this really old woman at my church who was not at all like that, she was really quiet and gentle, very nice and you couldn't tell she was over 90 at all." Cynics only ever grudgingly allow for exceptions

Ok, a bit of cynicism can be useful in journalism but it doesn't half make some people seem like miserable old cranks. It makes you think they don't deserve to be happy as they don't expect it nor do they seem to want it.

I know that if I were that cynical and didn't try to look for the best in people before making crass and negative judgments, a CERTAIN PERSON would not be in my life right now.

I'm not saying that I'm completely optimistic either - if I weren't just a bit cynical, I wouldn't see Boy's Evil Ex's (BEE) actions as purely an effort to get back at me and steal Boy back. BEE is someone I don't believe does anything without an underhand motive. Yet Boy, who claims to have the right amount of cynicism to be a journalist, likes to believe the best in this manipulative person and believes she 'just wants to be friends.'

Why is it that he will give the greatest benefit of the doubt to a complete bitch like BEE, yet always believes the worst will happen when it comes to our own good relationship? Go figure.

Parents. Who fucking needs them?

2005-07-28T18:32:00.000+01:00

I hate how my parents treat me like I'm 10 years old, when they let my brothers get away with blue murder.

(Why is murder blue?)

I'm not even going to go into it. It's just not worth space.

I'm definitely moving out once I graduate, I'm telling you. If my parents think I'm going to start asking permission to do things again, they can just get lost. I just don't give a damn.

To top it off no one appreciated the fact that I'd put dinner on, after standing 40 mins waiting for the bus in the rain. I think I'll just walk next week, it's ridiculous.

Tired all gone

2005-07-26T22:13:00.000+01:00

I slept from 9.30pm to 8.20am this morning - it was very worthwhile as today, I don't feel sleepy like yesterday at all.

Today, several things annoyed me. Actually, one particular person annoyed me but Boy wouldn't allow me to commit murder.

I shall call her the AntiChrist. Admittedly, she's not THAT evil, but I swear, spend a few hours with her and you will, I guarantee, go absolutely POTTY.

She is so unbelievably inept, incompetent, incapable of multitasking (very simple things like answering a phone and pressing a button at the same time) and is driving everyone in the office up the wall with it. I mean, she managed to break the till. The till. Probably one of those things that lasts the longest in a shop. It's metal, it's sturdy, it doesn't move. But no, she managed to break it. In fact, it didn't just 'pack it in'. It 'LITERALLY packed it in'. Yup, you guessed it, she also comes with an annoying catch phrase.

The other thing that was ridiculous about today is that although it took me 5-10 mins to get to work by car, it took me a whole hour and 10 mins until I got home.

Why? Well, my silly journey takes two buses. The first bus, I had to wait 45 mins for, when it should have been 20 mins at the most. Then I decided to walk the last 15 mins home instead of getting the bus, except on the way home, I was so close - the mother of a friend at church, a nice old lady, stopped me to chat about her wonderful hospital visit. I didn't even enquire about it! But you know how these old women can chat your ear off.

Ok, that's my grumpy old woman rant for the day!

Sleepyhead

2005-07-25T20:15:00.000+01:00

I'm feeling very lethargic today. Tired all day, even when out on assignment, (another boring one: opening of a sport stadium visitor centre with a lunch buffet that had wine - at 11.30 in the morning???) and definitely in the afternoon once I'd finished a big article.

And now, the lethargy continues. I can barely keep my eyes open, and I do need to do some neglected YAD.

Talking about sleepyheads, a funny anecdote involving Boy last night. At around midnight, when I knew he'd be asleep, I phoned him because we'd finished talking on a funny note earlier in the evening. After hearing that there was nothing wrong, Boy abruptly cut off our conversation saying that he wanted to go back to sleep - I was given no options.

Then this morning, he emailed me with no mention of the phonecall, and I guessed he didn't remember it at all. And yup, I was right. He had absolutely no recollection of my phonecall, no recollection of fobbing me off. But I don't mind, Boy's dopey like that :)

Plus, he's ill at the moment, so the poor bubba needs TLC.

It does remind me of when he tried to push a code of buttons into my neck in his sleep. Funny times.

Fantastic...maybe...Four!

2005-07-22T19:16:00.000+01:00

Tonight, hope to be going to see The Fantastic Four with my two younger brothers. Not heard great things about it but Ioan Gruffud, whose name I can't really say or spell, is a gorgeous man.

Watched Extras the Ricky Gervais programme yesterday - extremely funny stuff. Never was a big fan of The Office but this was hilarious.

I've just managed to accidentally make the MSN messenger icon and conversations go into hiding (probably a work/office device) - for the third time, and I can never recall what it was that I press to make it do it. It's a sequence of keys pressed but as I don't look at the keyboard I don't know what I press. Ah well.

Talking of which - I slaughtered Boy in typing tests yesterday. He's convinced his two fingers is better than my touch typing, but I showed him, ha! Though to be fair, he did get quite fast.

A man got shot by plain-clothed police 24-stylee on a London tube today, and a tube station was evacuated again.

What happened to peace?

More bombs...and in other news, I'm in print!

2005-07-21T23:18:00.000+01:00

Another four bombs, just two weeks after the first attack. Will London ever be safe again??? You'd think that this time would be the safest time to travel on public transport in London, but clearly not. I never did like the Tube.

Am continuing to have lots of fun at work, getting on with Lind-Zoi, being her navigating sidekick, usually at first getting lost by relying on AA directions, then using my skilful local knowledge to get to where we want, eventually! (Boy would be extremely skeptical. Actually, everyone I've ever tried to navigate would be very skeptical).

The paper was printed today, and about 6 of my articles were in it. Every single one was really dull, but hey, it was cool to see my name in print, thankfully spelt right!

Should go to bed, other than working, I'm learning shorthand at home, which is also quite interesting. Have so far learned the alphabet, though struggling to put letters actually together in the right way.

My lymph nodes keep getting bigger and smaller, and I've another one on the other side of my neck - though I think I know what's the cause of that one - eczema on the back of my neck on that side. Not heard a word from the hospital. Waiting lists are so crap.

My first inquest

2005-07-19T19:29:00.000+01:00

So, today, I navigated the way to an inquest with Lind-Zoi at the wheel, since I'm from Manchester and should know my way round. In fact, I do know where the coroner's court is, but as it is me navigating, of course we got lost. Navigated us back to the office fine.

The inquest was very sad. A mother gave her statement about her 20-odd year old son who was mentally ill after spending a spell in prison, and jumped off a 16 storey block of flats to his death.

Anyway, back at the office, work was piled onto me and I spent the afternoon on two articles that actually required more thought than press releases do, and I have also been given my first lone assignment tomorrow - nothing hugely exciting but a bit nerve-wracking all the same: Going to a local school and covering a story about them burying some time capsules to be opened in 50 years time. Well, that's local news for you.

In the meantime, the radio reports roads in the city centre being closed off as a result of a drive-by shooting. We'll only cover the story if any of the people involved were from North or East Manchester...here's to hoping...

First day on the job

2005-07-18T21:48:00.000+01:00

I started work experience (unpaid) at the Manchester Advertiser today.

How I enjoyed it! I was given articles to write from the word go, and by the end of the day I had five articles (admittedly not that long) done and dusted! Will be very cool if they all go in. The people there were very friendly, and Lind-Zoi, a girl not much older than me, has said I can go out on assignments with her. Possibly an inquest tomorrow.

I'm hoping that the next three weeks will be as enjoyable, as it would be more than a relief to know what I want to do after I graduate. If not, well, I'm slightly buggered.

All good again

2005-07-17T16:52:00.000+01:00

Long story shortened - Boy and I argued all last week, Boy visits this weekend and we make up and had a perfect time together.

Weather was lovely, we went to Heaton Park and rowed on the boating lake. Took me a while to get the hang of it, but once I did, I was good! Boy did a bit of rowing, (I asked him to storm the geese) then we just drifted a bit and munched on ginger nut biscuits. There's an adorable childhood related story that goes with that but Boy won't let me tell anyone, but I am dying to tell someone...

Can we have a vote?

Then today we went to see 'The Wedding Crashers' - surprisingly very funny and I enjoyed it :)

Now off to put some potatoes on boil.

YAD Part Two. You know what that means...

2005-07-03T16:20:00.000+01:00

Yup, that's right - it's time to procrastinate again! Am currently at 177 words, not quite typing like a demon as I had said to Boy in text this morning.

That previous post's title has disappeared. It should read: This one goes out to Perfect Boy.

Where is it? Huh?

I should get going with the YAD. If I finish this, that's the dissertation completed (well, I have a five hundred word conclusion to do as well) though it will be in its raw, rough form so will need a lot of revision, but it would be good to get the basics down! Come on Blind Rat! Get working!

Oh, and Live 8 was on yesterday. Discussing with Boy about who should have played, I realised today that people like Britney weren't playing because, well, it has to be live, and her live track record is pretty much...non-existant. I wish I had been in Philly though - overcast London skies just didn't cut it, though they did have a few good acts.

This one goes out to Perfect Boy

2005-06-26T01:57:00.000+01:00

Happy Anniversary my love. A year today we got together, and it really sucks (it's a useful americanism that, short and sweet) that we can't spend the day together, but thank you so much for everything you did to make our celebration yesterday and today, absolutely perfect. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

You don't need me to tell you how much it pained me to leave you today.

But here's to seeing you again VERY soon.

I love you.

Sorry it's a depressing post.

Free...sort of...and Italy

2005-06-22T00:27:00.000+01:00

From now until the end of the week, I am declaring it May Week for myself. It is quite unfair when everyone has finished their exams, to have to worry about my dissertation. This year abroad hasn't been as quite as free as I had hoped.

Although, I can't complain about Italy can I! First off, Milan was terribly disappointing (though I did get my new favourite, straw hat there, and for Boy there was women's beach volleyball in the Piazza in front of the Duomo), but we were only there for two days, and the rest of the time definitely made up for it. We made it to Como ('la notte bianca ruined it slightly what with the pop concert outside our window until 6am then just for good luck, a parade with brass band and all for war veterans in the morning) and Bellagio (where I got a beautiful turquoise, silk pashmina) on Lake Como, then to Gargnano and San Zeno di Montagna on Lake Garda (San Zeno was a real find, our 4-star hotel was magnificent with a pool and the most vast and serene mountain/lake view you could ask for, and at only 88 euros a night for both of us, a bargain), a brief evening at Sirmione on Lake Garda too, Mantova another evening, and a few hours in Verona (obviously numerous pictures taken at house of Giulietta) before the flight home.

Mantova was really lovely, but particularly poignant as I finally got to meet my Italian penpal of about 9 years! I'd been nervous about meeting her simply because I knew we had quite different tastes in practically everything - but she was very friendly and normal, which was a huge relief! The most funny thing was her driving though. She was a slip of a thing, about my height and much skinnier, yet she drove her parent's jeep - and you'd think we were driving off-road the way she drove! 'It's a one-way street? Really? Never mind.' Though we did come to realise that that's just how Italians drive - completely mad, carefree, with not a single concern for safety. You gotta love their passion.

And their gelato. I ate SO many. More than one a day, for the first few days at least. It's a surprise that I don't look like one now (I hope). I should not miss it, but I do - oh straciatella how I miss thee. Oh amarena, when will I taste thee again?

It's close!

2005-06-06T11:07:00.000+01:00

The holiday that is. Leaving for wonderful Milan and its wonderful italian food on Thursday - very very very early Thursday morning, yey.

Had a nice, productive but not rushed weekend. Started off with my Rob Thomas album ...Something To Be arriving Saturday morning (CD-WOW I commend your service, Figleaves - you're crap. I'm still waiting for a bikini from them grr) then Boy and I (Boy was wonderful and had surprised me by coming over late on Friday night) went into town to get our new specs (we're geeky like that). Not just normal milk bottle bottom thick glasses, but also new prescription sunglasses so that we look cool too, without being blind! Then we played tennis over the weekend back at college, both feeling good for actually doing exercise, until eating the Victoria sponge cake I bought at the Sunday market. Ah well.

This morning, I renewed my travel insurance and am looking forward to procrastinate at some point today by packing my suitcase.

Oh what a wonderful feeeeeeeeeling...

Procrastination time again

2005-06-02T15:55:00.000+01:00

Yup, it's the second installment of my YAD - Part 1 (of 2) needs to be about 3500 words. By the 23rd June. Should be manageable right? Well, better get started. I guess blogging isn't quite starting, but it's getting me in the mood to type. No really, it is.

Exciting trip to Milan a week today. Yey. Very excited.

Life has been quite dull recently, sorry. Going to see Sin City tonight. Should be good. Though Boy clearly just wants to stare at Jessica Alba's navel. *rolls eyes*.

Actually, Boy wrote quite a funny post in his blog yesterday (nearly came out as 'bog' that): Woffle. I even emailed the BBC website about it to let them know, as they do a feature each week or something on weblogs.

Anyway, am going to get started now.

See you again soon I'm sure.

A couple of achievements

2005-05-25T22:45:00.000+01:00

Mostra tutti il mio cuore che hai acceso...paese che non ho mai, vivro con te, partiro.

I finally finished my first draft of the YAD introduction last night, and today, freed from the YAD, was able to finish posting my Divento pages, which have been put aside for something like a month!

Though on the other hand, still no sunny holiday booked yet. Yesterday, I emailed an Italian hotel to ask them for their prices - in Italian, and I got a reply in Italian too, which was quite exciting. Been a long time, but it's still a beautiful language.

Feel quite downtrodden today, don't know why. Possibly the copious amount of salmon I ate for dinner. Very healthy it was. Followed by a whole punnet of strawberries - drowned in single cream and sugar. Not so healthy. Ah well.

Optician's tomorrow. Maybe get some prescription sunglasses too.

What I've learned today: Freud

2005-05-23T20:10:00.000+01:00

According to Freud, there are two reactions to the loss of a loved one.

Mourning, is the usual reaction, which is consciously withdrawing from the lost object, and a person gets over it over time.

Melancholia/depression, is a reaction that acts on a more unconscious level, where the person is highly self-critical, has very low self-esteem, and it is later unravelled that it is not him/her self that the person is criticising, but that his/her ego has identified with the lost object, that is, has taken on the qualities of the lost object, and what the person feels about the lost object is now transferred onto the identifying ego.

Makes sense, right?

Writer's block

2005-05-23T14:52:00.000+01:00

If you are confused, check with the sun, carry a compass to help you along.

It's very sunny outside, but quite windy too. Though dry weather and blue skies is more than you could hope for at this time of year in England.

I really moan about the weather a lot don't I? Sorry, it won't be long until I'm an old biddy surrounded by cats and knitting.

As the blog title indicates, I have writer's block. This is obviously only in relation to my YAD, as I'm having no trouble writing here.

Psychoanalysis is a nightmare.

Feels like a long weekend

2005-05-20T17:20:00.000+01:00

Boy plans to do boy-ish things this weekend - buying a car (maybe I'll get an input on the colour :)), watching the FA Cup final (which involves Man U so am not too bothered by it) and going to a car boot sale to supply his Amazon selling enterprise. I don't mind being a part of all this. Coming from a family of four males, it's nothing new.

We had a horrible fight last night but fortunately we've since made up and all is good. I just need to get used to certain things. I woke up to find Eeyore sitting on a note from Boy, on top of Smokey (our toy cat), which was an adorable gesture. Boy does love me after all :)

Some of my perfect baked potatoes for dinner tonight. Thankfully, my food bingeing has diminished this week.

Oh, and the neck lumps have been giving the all-clear by a consultant who talked to me as though I was foreign. I thought he was just a bit retarded, myself.

Bring on the weekend!

Complete lack of concentration

2005-05-17T12:54:00.000+01:00

I think I need a kick up the bum or something. I've written 68 words so far today, and it's been about three hours since I woke up.

A trip to the library might work. The sights and sounds of people revising like beavers usually works to motivate. Plus, I need to photocopy some stuff for the YAD.

It looks bright outside, but still cold.

Right, action - to the library! Hey-ho, hey-ho, it's off to work we go!

Funny dreams, bad dreams, and a visit to Oxford

2005-05-16T15:35:00.000+01:00

In the middle of the night, half asleep, I suddenly felt Boy poking at my neck and muttering something. It sounded like a number sequence. And it sounded like he was pressing this sequence into a pad. On my neck.

Boy: "253017. I need the code to open your neck"

Me: "HUH?"

Boy: "I need the code for your neck."

Me: "Hmm." Turns over and goes back to sleep.

It was very amusing! And also weird that he was actually interacting with me, rather than just muttering some old gibberish.

I juxtapose this with a horrible nightmare I had last night.

I was actually a man, and running away from this old granny wielding a rifle, and shooting and killing everyone in sight. Even when I got far away, she was able to come close and chase me. I ran and ran but couldn't seem to escape her, and everyone who tried to stop her got gunned down in a bloody way.

Nasty.

So, Saturday, Boy takes me to his childhood town and home in Oxford. He was raving about this little cafe/restaurant that I just had to go to and eat at, and as we walked down the road, some memories began to stir from my last and only visit to Oxford.

Me: Oh yeah, my friend took me to a small street like this and we ate at this place where you had to go upstairs and choose food at a counter.

Boy: OH NO! You've already been there!!!

Me: Oops.

Ah well. However, he did show me his childhood home out in the country (the 5p toll bridge was extremely quaint) which was huge and definitely confirmed my suspicions that he is indeed a well-off posh southern boy. Chuh.

Anyways, back to the YAD (Year abroad dissertation).

Junk food monster

2005-05-11T16:54:00.000+01:00

That's me that is. Since a huge lunch of Tatties jacket potato with beans, cheese and sausage, I've eaten chocolate strawberries, apple flavoured bootlace, crisps, Percy Pigs, and tonight I can barely wait for dinner. Reheated lasagne leftovers! I'm not being sarky! You would be privileged to have such a dinner waiting for you. The original thing yesterday was, if I may say so, quite superb and delicious :)

Talking of yesterday - I saw Boy ride a bike for the first time ever! It was one of the funniest images of him I have to date. I have never seen a person so big ride a bike so poorly! He wobbled all over the place and could barely keep his balance. Needless to say, I laughed and laughed and laughed.

Unlike when I saw Monster-In-Law. Not one of the best chick flicks, very J-Lo, as you can imagine. Though it wasn't absolutely dire (like Maid in Manhattan, what with Ralph Fiennes with the horrendous american accent) it wasn't as good as The Wedding Planner. Though in both, she does end up with a doctor. What is it with that? Though, I do remember finding it very sweet that Matthew McConaghey was a children's doctor.

Got a lot of books for my dissertation, which are all easy to understand (e.g. Lacan for Beginners - my level, with pictures and everything) and surprisingly very interesting.

So interesting that I can't possibly start writing my dissertation until I read it all.

Me? Procrastinate?

At the moment I am liking...

2005-05-09T22:09:00.000+01:00

...Evanescence's cover of Korn's Thoughtless - found on their Anywhere But Home CD.

All of my hate cannot be found

I will not be drowned by your thoughtless scheming

So you can try to tear me down

Beat me to the ground I will see you screaming

I'm listening to it so much even the shouting bit has grown on me:

Why are you trying to make fun of me?

You think it's funny?

What the fuck you think you're doing to me?

You take your turn lashing out at me.

I want you crying with your dirty ass in front of me.

Poetic really :)

What happened to summer?

2005-05-09T14:34:00.000+01:00

Technically, it is probably still spring, but what has happened to the sparse glorious days of sunshine and warmth? British weather is so dire and unpredictable. Everything you hear about our weather is so true. The sun is blasting through now and then, but I see those dark threatening clouds! I have my eye on you, dark cloud.

I may have got closer to choosing an oral topic for my French oral in September. Not any easier than the ones provided, but hopefully more manageable, if they're acceptable.

Have a dissertation supervision tomorrow so am desperately trying to do some work on it, though the supervisor is really nice so won't be mean, I'm only allowed 8 supervisions so I need to make the most of them.

Survived a trip home

2005-05-08T21:25:00.000+01:00

Went home last week for four days. Wasn't as bad as I was expecting, though did give me more dilemmas to think about.

Remember that lump in my neck? Well, it grew, so back off to the doctor I go on Tuesday.

I went to see 'Kingdom of Heaven' with Boy today. Orlando Bloom is one of the most terrible actors. Is it that, or is it that he just plays terrible characters? Only found out after the film that the masked king was Edward Norton. Who is one of my favourite actors since he is BRILLIANT. He had a small role, you didn't see who he was - yet he still stood out with a great performance. As Boy likes to say: I want his babies.

Am quite tired now and not hungry so don't know whether to just go to sleep or eat something?

Decisions, decisions!

Hello again

2005-04-28T23:12:00.000+01:00

Well, since that last post, I have decided to abandon running completely as I fell very ill over the weekend. Don't want a repeat of that.

And guess where I'm going tomorrow - yet another trip to the doctor! Yey! Not. This time, for a little lump on my neck. Was quite happy to ignore it, but thought I might as well get it seen to before going home for a visit next week.

Visit home next week. Now there's something I'm not looking forward to. However, it is a must for a number of reasons. Let's hope it will go by peacefully. In the meantime, need to fatten up so that parents don't say that I haven't been recovering since I left. Buttered toast, here I come.

Filled out another job application today. Hmm, that's about it really.

Oh yeah, Boy and I had a nice time last night. We went out for a meal at this Thai place called Bangkok City. I've eaten there once before and found it very delicious, and yesterday was feeling quite peckish after a brief, weekend famine, so we went there and had a long, luxurious, very tasty and filling meal (beef fried noodles, prawn crackers, spring rolls, chicken curry with rice). We normally rush about from meal to film/theatre or whatever, so it was really quite pleasant to take our time and just do one thing and really enjoy it.

Must do it again sometime.

Running's not for me

2005-04-22T13:55:00.000+01:00

Thigh muscles still hurting from the other day, I decided to have a break from running yesterday, and tried to resume it today.

It was pathetic.

As I was running on my own, no one would urge me to keep running, so five minutes round college and I started to want to stop - and I did. And walked the other five minutes back to college.

Now, I'm sleepy and can't even stand up straight. Hopefully a shower will do the trick.

By the way, finally finished that article for the job application last night. Spent far too long on it, way longer than necessary, but at least it's now done. A little hassle with Boy about it last night, now resolved, but seems even more stupid considering how I am unlikely to get the job anyway.

Another job application today hopefully. Though they want passport photo, so am going to have to preen sometime next week to take stunning 'HIRE ME!' photos.

No, not nude.

Am.So.Unfit.

2005-04-20T18:32:00.000+01:00

Back people!

That was quick huh? Well, it took me 15 painful minutes (I was ready to stop half way through in fact) to run round college grounds, then we walked to see the ducklings in the pond - it was so cute how nine little ducklings raced out from behind the water plants to come nearer to us as soon as they saw us, expecting food. I felt so sorry for them for having been tricked, especially since I have a packet of going-off bread in my fridge.

Anyway, off to shower now. I'm so not going to be able to move a muscle tomorrow.

Deadlines, deadlines

2005-04-20T17:46:00.000+01:00

Tonight, my goal is to write an article for a job application. It's only 500 words - I should manage it. Although it seems that I always need a deadline to really push me forward. The deadline is Friday. I WILL get it done! I WILL!

However, some friends have invited me to go running at 6pm (10 mins). This should be interesting. I haven't run for so long, mainly because I am terrible at it. Seriously, I walk faster than I run.

So, that first, then dinner, then an evening of 'regulating the internet'.

Wish me luck :)

I'm an intern!

2005-04-14T22:53:00.000+01:00

Woohoo! I'm now an intern at www.divento.com and will earn commission on tickets sold through posts I write. It probably won't be much, but it's a CV booster at least!

Managed 2 hours of piano practice with FluteGirl this evening. I haven't played in so long, my sight-reading is APPALLING. Notes all over the place. It's amazing how fast the time went by though.

Ok, now off to do some handwashing...

Mission Accomplished!

2005-04-14T18:49:00.000+01:00

I finally finished writing two articles for the writing test for an online internship (like a European Ticketmaster website, with short reviews on pop groups, opera, and so on), on two topics I knew absolutely nothing about (I didn't get a choice): Tori Amos, and Marilyn Manson. I've never had any interest in either performer, but it was interesting to research them, though Manson was particularly scary - his website with the intro page of a close-up of a bloody nose was quite off-putting. However, thanks to the genius of Boy, who came up with an amusing introductory paragraph, I finished the article on time.

With such a sense of achievement, I feel quite pleased with myself - just for having finished it.

Am very unsure about what to do with the next few months of my life...help, anyone?

Bored...

2005-04-14T13:56:00.000+01:00

Nothing better to do...

You Are 13 Years Old

13

Under 12: You are a kid at heart. You still have an optimistic life view - and you look at the world with awe.
13-19: You are a teenager at heart. You question authority and are still trying to find your place in this world.
20-29: You are a twentysomething at heart. You feel excited about what's to come... love, work, and new experiences.
30-39: You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more!
40+: You are a mature adult. You've been through most of the ups and downs of life already. Now you get to sit back and relax.

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatagequiz/">What Age Do You Act?

Now I need to get on with writing a short article on Marilyn Manson. Fun.

My head's spinning

2005-04-06T17:10:00.000+01:00

I've been reading some secondary literature relating to my dissertation. Identification, Freud, psychoanalysis, Oedipus, cannibal-parricide, Totem, one butcher's wife's simple dream with five different identification theories...ARGH. My head is spinning!

There is so much I can take.

Another one of those listless days. Boy came home for lunch and should be home soon for dinner. DO sounds jealous by commenting that Boy will be going home for lunch because I will have made some for him. Which was true. I'm such a good Stepford Wife in the making. Beat that, DO :)

Even managed a bit of job application filling today. Half-way through a spontaneous application for L'Oreal, before postponing the application at the part that requires thought ("describe yourself in three lines" etc).

Nothing interesting on the news either - since the Pope died, the biggest news stories have been:

a) The wedding of Charles and Camilla. Who cares, really?

b) The announcement of the general election. Again, who ca...ok, I should care.

Otherwise, a pretty poor crop of news, wouldn't you say?

TV Fight and Pancake Puppies

2005-04-05T16:34:00.000+01:00

Apparently I have a TV fight on my hands this evening - the brilliant Hustle is on, and so is some silly football match involving a team that no one in the household actually supports. You can tell which side I'm fighting for.

Got up early for the first time in ages this morning - for a doctor's appointment. It was so weird (but nice) to have the few hours before midday back into my life. Due to doctor appointment rescheduling and shuffling, involving a cycle back to college, this means that this morning I cycled about 7 miles. Getting up early AND exercise?! What is the world coming to?

It's a beautiful sunny day, though still a bit chilly. Might be going to feed some ducks later.

NEWS JUST IN: Boy nearly squashed and killed the office puppy by rolling his chair back at high speed, not realising she was sat behind him. Would the DO's (Dog Owner) love for Boy be enough to forgive him in the event that he does step on the dog one day? (Boy is known for being big and clumsy.)

Boy's co-worker fancies him!

2005-04-04T20:33:00.000+01:00

It's a great source of amusement for me! Boy had been denying it for weeks, even though I just knew - Boy really does look nice when at work, and since I'm going out with him, of course I fancy him and therefore think that everyone must fancy him.

Surely you should be jealous? I hear you ask.

The answer is, well, even though she is single, and constantly flirting with Boy in various ways such as:

a) Constantly asking him what she's done wrong on her computer so that he'll sit next to her and she'll smell his lovely cologne.

b) Making sure that the office dog, which is also her dog, adores Boy out of all the people in his office. I think dogs are like babies - they like who their owner likes.

c) Late Sunday evening, sending him a picture message of the new office puppy, then after a few textual exchanges, wishes him 'sweet dreams' then says that she will be going to bed with 'sweet dreams' at any rate.

And even though Boy visibly blushes when teased about this, I just can't bring myself to be jealous of a woman who is twice my age, and, not to be bitchy but, she looks it too.

Unless Boy suddenly goes through a Mrs. Robinson phase...hmm.

Hilarious blog entry...

2005-04-04T16:11:00.000+01:00

...Unfortunately doesn't belong to me, but deserves a link: A New York Intern. I thought the dialogue was hilarious, and the first comment from the Canadian was also something I'd like to try out myself, as it seems quite a logical thing to do!

Odd weekend just went by - not a bad one though. Decided to go to Felixstowe for a few hours on Saturday, as it was a nice day. (I told Boy that although it was warm and sunny in Cambridge, it would be colder on the coast - and although it was sunny, it was FREEZING.) As we had arrived there quite late, and there isn't much to do there, we had a very late lunch in a local pub, then played a few rounds on the addictive quiz machine. Don't think Boy believes me, but I did have a nice day.

Then Sunday, after church in the morning, Boy tidied flat and I helped by hoovering. He said he'd been meaning to do this for the past month, but hasn't managed it, and so I thought I'd supervise whilst reading A Sunday At the Pool In Kigali which had come highly recommended by Boy, and it is a REALLY good book - very moving and educational (again, like Hotel Rwanda but I think I preferred the book. Or maybe they complemented each other in building up my awareness of genocide.

Boy and I have made a pact to move to another country away from any future pending genocide threats at the earliest opportunity.

Am in a job application mood after being accepted as a steward at an International Summer Music School for two weeks this August. Unpaid, but accommodation and food is provided, as well as the opportunity to attend music courses that would normally cost a few hundred pounds. Plus, it's to stay away from home as much as possible this summer.

I Have Amazing Research Skills

2005-04-01T19:05:00.000+01:00

You know the Calvin Klein advert for Eternity Moment, featuring Scarlett Johansson? The guy in it, I thought had a very striking resemblance to the 'Guy With The Dodgy Foreign Accent' in both an episode of Smallville, and some West Wing. After much research, I have found that he is indeed the same guy! An actor called Trent Ford, who is half American, half English - and 100% Bad Accents Embodied.

Any businesses out there need a girl with an excellent eye for detail and research skills that would floor any computer geek?

Drop me a line - particulierement si vous avez un travail pour moi en France. Merci.

Blind Rat Does Chimp Rather Well

2005-04-01T18:09:00.000+01:00

Eczema is a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge pain in the ass. I've been scratching so much my skin has gone bad again so have finally made an appointment to see the GP in the hope of a referral to a dermatologist who will strip me of this wretched skin and give me a new...oh what the hell, as if. At best, I hope for some treatment that will make me less itchy for a few weeks, then goodness knows what will spark it off again.

Also, what is the MATTER with MSN Messenger?! Once again, it has been unable to sign in, cutting off my contact with the outside world. It really is ridiculous how such a widely popular service is so susceptible to 'technical difficulties'.

Must now go return the tray off crockery back to the canteen (please excuse the French spelling of this word in an earlier post, as pointed out by Boy.)

Loving Gesture

2005-04-01T14:58:00.000+01:00

Boy did miss me after all, yey.

He surprised me by coming to visit yesterday evening (well, he tried to surprise me, but had to divulge the surprise after I announced the temptation to go visit him at the same time) armed with a bunch of beautifully colourful tulips, a box of Maltesers, grapes, and three tins of soup. It's stupid how much I miss him after just a couple of days, so the surprise was lovely.

We went to see Hotel Rwanda which was a quite depressing film (what do you expect from a movie about genocide, really?) but it was good, and educational for someone who knew nothing about it.

Tonight we're double-dating with SH&SH - they're making dinner for us, and then afterwards we're going bowling. Should be fun. As long as the men get on, what with meeting for the first time. I love bowling - it's been a long time since I last played. What a way to get everyone's competitive streaks up, huh?

Food Glorious Food

2005-03-31T19:55:00.000+01:00

I've got quite a varied spread this evening - roast chicken, springrolls, green salad, boiled egg and mayonnaise covered potatos with grated cheese, a fruit salad dessert, an apple pie dessert and cornettos. The majority of that thanks to the cheap college cantine.

I don't know about you, but I'm starving!

Well...I didn't quite make it into town

2005-03-31T17:02:00.000+01:00

But I did get my sweets. En route, I decided to make a turn into a residential area where I knew there was a newsagents that also sold sweets. It was a lot closer than going into town and back and probably saved me more money. It was really weird to be in such a residential area, with lots of newspaper girls and boys going around on their bikes. So quaint. I like cycling out of the city, it feels a lot calmer and serene. Also, cycling even that little bit made me more tired than it should. My bike needs lubricating.

See my brand spanking new Site Meter on the left there? Was quite chuffed at myself for being able to set it up and move it around the page, all by myself! I guess I'm not that inept with the computer really - just very lazy. But I thought that if Woffle can do it, I can :)

Feeling much better

2005-03-31T14:22:00.000+01:00

I prolonged my sleep until noon, after waking at 8am this morning and it seems to have done some good. I feel refreshed and up for doing stuff.

Priority is a shower, then laundry, then maybe going into town to get some sweeties.

Not seeing Boy until tomorrow. I kinda miss him, especially when he talks about looking dapper in a suit to work. (For the record, I helped pick the suit, and he does indeed look gorgeous in it.)

I think I need to start doing sit-ups again. The only obvious place I seem to be putting weight on is in my belly.

I might become the first Vietnamese Belly Pot Blind Rat.

Oh, and this is a very funny blog.

Should be in bed

2005-03-30T23:41:00.000+01:00

Listening to 'Crazy In Love' by Eminem. He's a funny one, Eminem.

Boy told me I should not write about mundane things such as going to Sainsbury's, but rather stuff like politics, issues in life and generally 'What's Relevant To The World'. Wouldn't the BBC news website be a better place to find that sort of stuff?

According to my sources at S & S (where I used to work in Paris), they have an office party on a boat on the Seine tomorrow night. Pretty cool huh?

Also, if you didn't already guess, Boy = Woffle. We share a wonderful Blog Life.

I did that thing, where you click on the 'next blog', earlier this evening, and came across the blog of a clearly messed up person. The blog was called 'F.U.B.A.R' (unfortunately I didn't record the link, sorry, and incidentally, there's a bar in Paris called Fubar) and was really quite disturbing: a wrist-slitting social worker woman in the Bay Area of California talking about getting a divorce from her politician (I think) husband who cheats on her with students. It was quite addictive reading, more like fiction, for some reason. I find it rare to come across an interesting blog randomly in that way.

Anyway, I can't sleep, and have been up an extra hour since I started writing this blog.

Internet Downtime

2005-03-30T20:30:00.000+01:00

Isn't it the most annoying thing? All day, I'd been having trouble logging onto blogger in order to blog in my beautiful new blog. (Try saying that fast three times!) Now, it seems that MSN messenger is down, and blogger is working again. Don't you always feel that internet should NEVER break down, being the all-knowing-I that it is?

Anyway, not been up to much today - just woke up from a little nap and have a nice cup of hot chocolate in front of me. You need these sorts of comforts when you have a cold, though mine isn't that serious. Just a snivelly nose (you wanted to know that, right?) after the sore throat has gone, and the desire to sleep and not do much else.

What I should really do is laundry. Or my dissertation.

Boy (short for boyfriend) is currently watching the football, therefore is unavailable. Why did I bother waking up from the nap?

That was a nice cup of hot chocolate :)

A New Beginning

2005-03-29T22:00:00.000+01:00

Dear all, welcome to my new, humble abode! For those who already know me, this isn't going to be a very different blog, but the main reason for setting this up was to create a more anonymous blog because the other one was far too personal. Plus the other one seems to have died a horrible blog-death, so I'm wondering if I can make this more interesting and actually get random readers hooked.

Have pity on the Blind Rat. Feed it scraps :)