B-52: The Bully Being Bullied
This past week has not been one I want to remember ever again. Namely due to the massive amounts of work I have handed in on the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, but also because I got sick with not only a cold, but what I’m sure is some kind of eye irritation. Lovely. I’ve had the vision of a bat for most of the week.
Wednesday was something other than my complaints to talk about though. The infamous Warren was at it again. Having predrinks in his room is turning out to be a bad idea, especially when we’re with tequila and Cape Velvet… the silent killers. You do, however, need to let them into your house before they slice your heads off but this is where Warren’s hospitality lets him down. I counted no less than 16 shooters (Cape Velvet and tequila mixed) downed by that boy in the space of about an hour and a half… needless to say, it did not end well, nor did it end well for me though. I had one of his experiments and nearly died on the spot. I have a long standing problem and hatred towards the agave’s diabolical destruction of hopes, dreams and sobriety so yeah, I was waddling.
Anyhow, we get to Friar’s and about ten minutes later, Warren gets himself kicked out; albeit, he wasn’t really himself or any type of thinking person at that moment in time. It was a very, very big fail. But God, massive respect to him though. I have never seen someone put alcohol down like he does. Kudos bru.
The rest of my week revolved around work, reading and sleeping… with the occasional meal and game of pool, I had to juggle being severely unhappy and motivated at the same time. It is not an easy thing to do. Somehow, I managed to not miss a deadline, and I even learnt some Japanese too.
Yesterday, I went to my psychology tutorial to find out that I had a test. A test at seven. The tut was at five. I hadn’t studied. I’m going to fail that test miserably. But, saving grace – I hope, I did manage to suss out certain answers, based on the actual wording of a question. Even then, I’m sure I screwed that up. If I get anything above 50 for that test, I am Legend.
Today is really not even worth a paragraph. Did absolutely nothing. I look one half Satan too due to my red eye and yeah, the unwashed hair with crowns standing up like horns do not help either. I guess I’ll have a snooze now. It’s been a long, long week, and I’m really just glad it’s all over.
22nd October – it’s gonna get messy. For the last time.
- reddevilandy10
Summer Loves Grahamstown, I Love Squillos
My eyes only had an hour’s rest yet they’re still appreciate what an amazing day it is in Grahamstown. As they ventured outside, they needed the shade of my sunglasses as the early morning sun was a touch too bright. Walking down the road, they noticed the luminous orange flowers dangling from the trees, begging the birds to play amongst them. The clouds seemed to have drawn along the horizon like curtains on a theatre stage, beckoning the main performer on stage. And what a performance! She danced across the sky, spreading her warmth across the groundings, as if she is indeed a god herself. Not only my eyes were enticed by nature’s vivid beauty today, my skin felt the tender heat of Summer softly caress my back… the scent of newly blossomed flowers ripened the air and the birds whistled gleefully as they bounced from tree to tree in an endless game of tag.
Sigh… Summer here is really great.
I’m a little sick of trying to be poetic for a moment. My eyes are about to go on strike, following my brain. I have slept a maximum of two hours last night (this morning) and I am not in a really good mood as a result. I actually blame journalism. You SOaB. Yes, you!
But you know what? I figured that if I could get through all this shit with a degree, do my travel writing, even if it is around Cape Town or South Africa initially, it’ll be worth it. It will be worth all the late nights, lack of sleep and copious amounts of coffee. It will be worth it.
I just forget that sometimes.
I think we all do. The need to immediately satisfy a desire is something we all need to learn to control…
Anyway, there’s nothing quite like oats in the morning, after one hell of a morning that is. I have a tutorial in about half-an-hour – the reason why I’m still manning it up and not attempting to catch a sensible snooze. This is my least favourite tut. I mean, yeah, I have a 17h00 psychology tut today too, but at least I can sleep before hand. This tut, more often than not, I’m sitting up late doing an assignment or some sorts. So I’m never in a good mood anyway.
Just to entice you guys and, well, to keep me awake, you can look forward to the following posts:
- “Top Ten Fails of 2010“
A post dedicated to those who have fallen for the cause… of a good laugh. There have been some truly memorable ones this year. I’m still doing the research necessary so this one may be a very special post. Stay tuned.
- A review of Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream album.
This album has really interested me. Katy seems to be drifting towards a more club, electronic orientated sound. I’m really stoked to listen to it back to front and then back again. It’ll basically be my back up review if my journalism one turns sour.
- “Top Ten HIMYM Episodes” review (tribute).
Yes. I know. I’ve been promising this one for a while. I just hadn’t had any time recently. The only reason I’m posting this is to stay awake anyway! But this series truly deserves a review. It has been my inspiration for a few moments this year. From helping me handle my female issues to just being a guide on how to enjoy life… this is my favourite series. A tribute.
- A possible “Wins of the Year” post
There have been a fair share of these too. But really? Do we really need a review of them? What do my readers think?
If you guys have any other suggestions I’d love to hear about them. Comment!
Anyway, sipping on my chocolate shake, I’m off! Have a good day all!
- reddevilandy10
Graft. Sleep. Mare. Repeat.
It has just gone five in the morning. The birds are chirping outside… probably wondering why the hell I am still awake, and the sky has gone that dirty blue colour which must mean that it’s about to welcome the sun pretty soon. God, isn’t that the story of my life here. Either I’m awake getting totally mindless or I’m mindless trying to stay awake.
Speaking of minds, mine has been molestered by journalism tonight.
I have just finished what I deem to be the worst piece of writing I have ever written, on a subject I am really quite passionate about, Bafana Bafana, but I just didn’t feel it. I could not make it good. I just couldn’t. I feel like such a fail.
I’ve gotten to the point in my life where handing things in is just the bare essentials I need to keep alive. So that’s what I do. I graft. I hand in. I go sleep.
I can’t believe it’s a 9am hand in though. How shitty is that? That means I can’t even have a proper sleep now. I may as well have a damn movie marathon until the sun really does decide to rise.
Sigh. Life sucks so much right now.
I hope tomorrow will be better. If I have a shitty afternoon, I’m definitely maring in the evening! It’s going to be insane. I promise you that.
- reddevilandy10
Term Four: The Final Stretch
Post Location: From my laptop. on my desk in my Smuts room, Grahamstown.
Weather: Extremely cold; clear; just above 10 degrees Celsius.
Mood: Tired but in a good frame of mind; determined.
I Feel Like…: Sitting at La Med with my friends, watching the sun set behind the ocean with a pina coloda in my hand.
Song of the Day: See below.
Having been at home this past week, it gave me a chance to catch up with the people who colour my life so vibrantly. Those who are always there for me, yes, even when I claim that they are not, I was deeply mistaken. The inspiration I have taken from those four days I got to spend with my friends and family will hopefully help me get through these next twelve weeks. The following twelve weeks will be the most crucial of my life thus far.
I begin examinations in eight weeks time, with one swot week in between, and three exam-state weeks in which I write six very important papers. Yep, so basically one could say that those three weeks will be the most important.
Anyway, getting back to my one week vacation – it really helped me refocus on why I am here. I figured that if I can get past this year, or more accurately this term, I basically have this degree wrapped up with a silver bow on it. I just need to graft for the next few weeks. I have realised that in the end, once I’m done with all this bullshit, I will be able to do exactly as I wish. I could work a bit, get a car, pay my parents back for the astronomical amounts that they’ve dished out in sending my ass here, and yes, eventually get my parents and more accurately, my mom, that kitchen she has always wanted.
It’s going to take bottles and bottles of energy drink, packet after packet of chocolate and hundreds of tons of breakfast cereal, but in the end, it will amount to something – something great.
For now, my short-term goals include passing this semester – and thus, the year; getting a part-time during the December holidays, earn a little cash for the following year; going absolutely bonkers with my friends for those three months that I will be home for; try to cut down on the convulsive mood-swings that I have way too often to be considered normal.
This term, I will try to be less dramatic, more factual and exact with my posts and more understanding to what people feel when I mention them in my blog.
I will, however, not hesitate to include what I want in this journal, as it is semi-private nonetheless.
I do feel like adding something extra to this blog… so, with that said, this is my inaugural “Song of the Day”
“Photographs” by Jamie Cullum.
This song reminds me so much of my recorded memories with the people I love. The lyrics go something like this:
“When I look back on my ordinary, ordinary life,
I see so much magic, though I missed it at the time.
When I look back on my ordinary ordinary, ordinary life,
I see so much magic, though I missed it at the time.”
And with that, I shall end. Friends, family, see you in November. Thank you for everything. Everything.
Week Six of Six
Well, it’s finally here: the last week of term.
This term has really flown by. The amount of work being thrown at us I thought it never would, but here we are.
I’m actually reluctant to leave again, just as my friend says, we always meet just before we go on holiday. That was the highlight of my week. I really like talking and listening to her. It was good fun. Nothing quite like chatting over hot chocolate about your life and stuff.
Anyway, I haven’t posted in a long time – I’ve had a ton of work to complete, but I still feel crummy about not writing anything.
I hope the rest of today turns out for the good, like yesterday was.
Friday The 13th: Part One
Happy Friday the 13th!
English: completed. I actually enjoyed writing that paragraph. It was on a really good poem by Michael Ondaatje entitled The Cinnamon Peeler, so it was really interesting to try and sieve through the poem to find the meaning.
Today seems as though it’s not going to end in a hurry, and yes, it’s only 8.12am here, but still. I have a psychology test, and a psychology tutorial today. My English tutorial is in about an hour’s time but I’ve completed that work. The psychology I still need to do, but thank God it’s only at 5pm. After that test tonight, I will be jumping into bed, throwing the covers over my head, and drift off into a really deep sleep. I’m going to try and do just that now though. An hour’s sleep can make all the difference in these kind of days.
Sunset to Sunrise
An all-nighter successfully negotiated: There is no better feeling at university. The sheer joy, relief and pleasure culminating at one point – the “hand in.”
I needed to complete an English and linguistics essay in one night, and did it. As well as being wired to the core, I’m elated, proverbially “floating on air” if you will. These were basically the final two assignments of term. I am free.
Grahamstown today has never felt so metronomic, so intricately balanced. As the students dash about to hand in last minute work, the lecturers and professors frantically mark away before the exams begin. The iciness in the air, compensated for by glorious warmth from the sun. The caffeine and high blood sugar levels counteracting my tendency to fall asleep in random places today. Everything relies on everything.
I guess you could just say that I’m in a good mood today, that later, I look forward to florid dreaming in my bed. But, I guess, for once, I’m just looking at life from a Romantic perspective. That’s not to say I never do, that’s to say I don’t do often enough.
One tutorial today, in about half an hour, linguistics to hand in, and afterward, the world be my oyster and I, the cute little otter.
Onward!
- reddevilandy10
Tuesday All-Nighter
Earlier, I was chatting to one of my close friends back in Cape Town. I told him about this Journ essay we (Rhodes Procrastination Society members) have due tomorrow. He replied: “Don’t worry, I also have a 2000 word assignment.” I asked him when it is due, and he’s like: “It was due today, but I got an extension.”
Random? Yes, I know. But it does have a point.
It got me wondering, since high-school, nearly five years I’ve known my six best friends and even though we’ve gone solo towards completely different targets, we’re still as close, if not more so, than we have ever been before. I mean, I’ve said it time and time again: I’m 900km from Cape Town but I feel our lives are so intertwined that they’re right here in G’town with me.
We’ve all grown up together and graduated high-school together, from writing mini ten mark geography tests on continent names, to full scale departmental exams to national three hour monsters, to 2 000 word essays due ten minutes after they’re issued. It’s strange how people mirror each other in that respect. Just shows how we are all have something in common one way or another. My friends and I are pretty damn inseparable. They’re the four brothers and other two sisters my parents failed to give me.
Anyway, I best get back to this Journ essay, which is ironically, based on the people who directly influence your life…
I can’t wait to see you guys!! June 2010 is going to be a month to remember!!
PS: That “Quote Book” guys; please remind me to start it! I need some activity when I get bored of studying… which, for me, is inevitable.
Dear Blog…
…forgive me. For I have forsaken you in the lust for another literary volume, unwritten by me. Its tales are endless, its journeys – captivating and its protagonist – so innocent, so pure of heart.
If you’re wondering what the hell I’m going on about, don’t worry, you haven’t missed anything. I just finished (partly sped) reading Jane Eyre last night. What an amazing book. It totally recaptured my love for literature, and indeed, quelled my uneasy heart.
But, I really need to shake off this ‘colourful’ language. After all, my life isn’t all butterflies and Summer days. Just look outside the window right now. You would swear I’m living in Cape Town now – rain on and off with the sun peaking through the grey smudge that seems to be blanketing Grahamstown. It’s sure as hell not trapping in any heat though – a nice cool 7 Celsius is what the thermometer is shy to show. It’s bitterly cold.
Since I last updated my blog, I’ve been, as you all know, drenched in a torrent of assignments, tutorials and essays due this past week. I’m so glad this week is over. I do, however, dread Monday as I have yet another essay due. This time, a 2 000 minimum word Psychology paper. Awesome!! I’m so psyched!!!
As far as my normal, social life goes, the society has been great recently. I seem to meet a new face almost daily here, some faces, more pleasantly striking than others. Grahamstown life, college life, my life from my life, doesn’t seem so bad anymore. If anything, I feel that I could spend four years here, easily. My perception of the people here was a bit, one-sided, almost jaded if you will. But, the odd one or two have evoked a new feeling of gratitude for my residence here. I feel as if I am finally a part of this 1820′s city.
To end off, I haven’t had much sleep last night. I completed the essay at 5.30am and, since then, have had only an hour and a half’s rest. I am completely wired. Hopefully, I can have a proper powernap after lunch, but until then, I think I’ll entertain myself in laundry matters. These things need to be done after all.
Till later.
- reddevilandy10
Jane Eyre
Two lectures (actually, one, for reasons I can’t discuss) and I’m back at res. Can you see why I love Mondays? I think I’ll just curl up in bed, as it’s alarmingly cold outside, and page through, what is definitely, a literary masterpiece.
Charlotte Bronte wrote a really great book here. More often than not I was able to just throw myself into Jane’s shoes. Although, I was never orphaned and forced to live with my evil aunt, I feel like I do experience some of the emotions she does on a daily basis. Bronte manages to pair the most vehement yet subtle wordings together in each sentence. The book feels like it has been written with absolute thought. It’s amazing. Even though it is a setwork book which I have to finish before Friday… It’s still very enjoyable.
As good as this book is though, I feel as if I could pass out at any moment. Maybe have a nap and save all the shitty work for later? I think so!
Until later,
- reddevilandy10
P.S: Just out of curiosity, and seeing that we are on the topic of Jane Eyre; does the movie Definitely, Maybe seem half told to you? Incomplete? I felt that strange “I want to know more” sensation when I watched it again the other day.
Drop me a comment!
Midweek Mentality
Once in a while, I like to get home from a lecture, kick off my shoes, put some Jason Mraz on, jump on my bed and just, chill. Life is too hard to keep constantly put in 100%; even the fastest racing cars have to brake now and again to turn the next corner.
Wednesday is usually a great day here. Apart from that bitch of a journalism tut I had to complete last night, I have no other work due today. Although, I do need to fetch a linguistics course guide, read Jane Eyre, which in, all honesty, is a pretty decent book, study for a psychology test and write a 1 200 and 2 000 word essay for English and psychology, respectively. Fun much? Indeed!
Of course, all of my subjects do actually need 100% of my constant attention, so you can’t blame me for relaxing when I do have the chance; and trust me, they’re few and far between. Others, however, see Wednesday as the mother of all nights here in Grahamstown. Beer, spirits and other sweet drinkables will be falling from the sky tonight, and what makes this phenomenon even worse is the fact we had a plus 35 Celsius day today. People will be thirsty. Granted.
I have my last lecture for the day in about half an hour, as well as that damn journalism tut two periods after that. I can’t wait to come back to res, do my work, read a bit, study some psychology and then, pass the [expletive] out. And that is, in all respect to my permanently-partying colleagues, my current Midweek Mentality.
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