I Should Never Have Left My Bed This Morning
Warning: This post contains, what some readers may consider, strong language.
I am not having the best of days this Wednesday. Firstly, I was precipitously woken by a loud, annoying fire alarm (more…)
Just Another Tuesday, Heh?
Warning: This post contains, what some readers may consider, strong language.
There is nothing more satisfying than missing an English lecture, to be told in the tutorial the following day, that is was in fact, canceled. Even though I properly despise English tuts, they do have their fleeting moments of entertainment. (more…)
Online Resources For The Studying Student
THE PUPPY WHO LOST HIS WAY – EXAMINATION EDITION
Courtesy of memegenerator.net
I know exactly what you’re doing tonight – studying! Yes indeed! Exams officially begin here at Rhodes tomorrow and tonight, there are hundreds of students desperately trying to cram thousands of definitions, formulae and theories into their overheating cranium. Face it, the pen-in-hand talking-parrot learning method just doesn’t cut it in a tertiary institution that demands you know more than everything. So here are my favourite study resources, webapps and programs for those sick and sad of staring at mindless scribbles in desecrated notebooks. (more…)
It’s Been A Bad Day…
Warning: This post may contain content and subject matter that some may find offensive.
Oh yes, readers. Your favourite kind of post awaits you – the classic rant and rave.
Let’s try to sum up exactly what my state of mind is today, shall we? (more…)
Easter Weekend 2011: Maundy Thursday
So, it begins. Today, Maundy Thursday, as it is known in the Christian church, marks the beginning of my long, six-day-weekend. Six days of reading, blogging and well, sleeping, marked by random bursts of essay-writing and tutorial-completing. Speaking of tutorials… I seem to have (accidentally – blame the idiot who drew up our timetable) missed two English tutorials. I’m waiting to see what will become of it, but for now, I lay in my bed, warm, snug, happy.
It’s so cold here today. I wrote a test this morning and I swear I could feel my heartbeat in my face. My toes were dead, my fingers were turning blue and this paper had three ten-plus mark questions in it – which I totally lost all consciousness of, and wrote a splattering of ill-produced word-vomit. Really, that was really bad word vomit… some of it, well, most of it made no sense at all. I might as well have drawn pictures all over.
Anyhow, I’m really looking forward to being alone, completely alone this weekend. I will, obviously, miss my friends and family though. This will be the first Easter I spend away from home I think. My friends are going home and elsewhere; some to Jeffrey’s Bay, a little (world-famous) surfing hotspot about 150km south-west of Grahamstown, for the weekend. I was going join, but the idea of camping, and waking up cold, miserable, stressed because no work is being done, and dirty, doesn’t really appeal to me. It’s probably nothing of the sorts, however, I still can’t rid myself of that mental image. I have quite a bit of work to do though. English essay, history essay, history test, psychology practical report, crap… I forgot the rest. Anyway, my to-do list is more like a to-do scroll now. I need to dent it before it dents me. And I know what happens when you let work slowly creep up behind you; I know all too well from last year. Journalism was such a bitch.
Anyway, I wish all my readers a very happy Easter Weekend! For those in South Africa, enjoy the six-day weekend too!
- reddevilandy10
Rainy Days and Mondays
Credit goes to The Carpenters for the title of this post.
I’ve had what could be considered and indifferent day today. Not only did I plan to wake up at four in the morning (which I did do) and work tirelessly (which I did not do), I went back to sleep and subsequently missed all my lectures. I managed to make my mandatory Psychology practical, but otherwise, not a bead of sweat had been spilt for my studies this Monday.
I have an excuse, mind you, a pretty good excuse. I felt like shit all day. I still do. I’m seriously considering going to bed now to wake up and work later (but we all know how that turned out last time!). I’ve been in a rotten mood too since the Liverpool mauling of Man United over the weekend, not to mention waking up yesterday to find that my laptop would not boot. Yeah, fabulous day it was yesterday. I had to reinstall Windows, which in turn, vapourised of all my family photos, videos, my music… shit, everything. I was so pissed. I probably should have backed up, but seriously, Windows is supposed to ask you what partition you want to install it on, not just kill the entire drive. Sigh. Thanks Microsoft.
So you can imagine how difficult it was for me to smile earlier..
Oh well, the good story of this week though is that I finally found my student card. Or, well, someone else did. She said she picked it up in Friar’s as she was leaving. At least there are still a few genuinely good people left on the planet. Anyhow, I need to pick that up soon as well. I’ll probably catch her at her residence; hopefully she’ll be home when I do decide to potter that side of campus.
Umm… as for everything else in my life – I’ve had little to no contact with my friends since my birthday. This is why I’m not really a fan of birthdays – they seem way too superficial for the people who aren’t directly affected. I’m sure they’re [just as] busy [as I am] but I try to make time for them, especially those who I think need it most. I’ll always just leave a message on her wall or something, just so that she knows I’m still there. Lately though, I feel like I’ve encroached on the friendship boundary set around our relationship like a ten-foot wall. Seriously feel like knocking it down… but that in itself would not be a wise decision.
I still miss home, but there’s four weeks until vacation begins. It’ll be soon before long, and one soon comes, it’s only a week-long vacation until I’m back, here, again. Sigh.
Anyway, my bed is looking evermore comfortable to me from here so I’m off to lie in it.
- reddevilandy10
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
Home-Sick
I’m really homesick today, not to mention physically sick too.
I woke up at 5am this morning, for no substantial meaning… I got to see what there was of the sunrise… and I’ve been awake ever since. I haven’t stopped sneezing since I woke, I look like Rudolph with a beard and mustache. Dirty.
Not sure why I’m missing Cape Town today of all days, but it’s all I can think of now… okay, bar my Table Mountain of work piled on my desk looking at me as if I owe it something. Oh, and our psych lecturer thought he’d be really generous before Christmas and give us a six page essay due in nine days time. What an asshole.
Forgive me, I feel like utter shit today. I can’t even fall back to sleep. I’m just sitting here… watching my Twitter feed update like it’s a slot machine. Actually, God, this is reminding me of journ… Shit.
Before I really bring out the vile, crude, volatile version of English that I enjoy using so much on this blog… best I leave. Swiftly. Maybe throw my bed out my window just for fun. That would really make my day. Ha. Ha. Haaaa.
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
Turnitin: Screwing Students Over Since 1996
Seems as though the proposed FFS Week post I’ve hinted about on my Facebook page has come to fruition a bit earlier than anticipated. I’ve just murdered a 2,500 word psychology essay in two days, whilst having one unforgettable (or unrememberable) mare Saturday evening… but that perhaps, in itself, deserves a totally separate blog entry.
As for now, I’m waiting on the students’ worst enemy, Turnitin.com, to give me a plagiarism report for this alleged academic essay. It doesn’t sound too academic to be honest – I’m pretty sure my twelve-year-old cousin could write a better one than me. I just wasn’t in the mood.
To make my life even worse (it always seems so dull after a night out here) I have a 600 word English hand in, and a 600 word feature article for Journalism, both not started, both due early Friday morning. In essence, I’m screwed. As well as that, I have a Journalism portfolio hand in for the 12th and that includes a 1,000 word write-up about the shadow week – even though I can’t remember a freaking thing about it. So much for “Yeah, it’ll be easy.”
I really can’t afford to hand in this essay late either, I can see Turnitin taking its own sweet time with this. God, please spit out a report for me!!
Anyway, seeing that I have nothing left to say, and my hands are literally about to fall off, I’ll say goodnight! Until 5am, to print the report. Yes, I am being a glass-half-full man today. After the hand in… I am sleeping. So stoked!
Anyhow, goodnight readers!
- reddevilandy10
Coldplay Tracks and Rabbit Traps
Post Location: In bed.
Weather: Chilly and overcast.
Mood: I could be better; content.
I Feel Like…: Bunking my English tut and staying in bed.
Song of the Day: “Amsterdam” by Coldplay. (See below)
I’ve only had about five hours sleep today. It’s 8.12 in the morning and my eyes feel as if they’ve been surgically attached to my face. I had to wake up to finish an English tutorial, and should actually be doing my psych essay, but naa that’s for later’s entertainment.
The tut was really interesting… we’re doing modernist poetry so the works under the microscope today was Plath and Hughes “The Rabbit Catcher.” What a turbulent relationship it was in those poems aren’t emotionally biased. Hughes one I especially enjoyed.
Comparing a rabbit snare to a relationship? Yeah. You get the idea. Anyway, I’ll post both of the poems up on My Poetry page so you can have a read, because it’s well worth it.
On a much happier note, this Saturday, as I had said in last night’s post, will be one to remember. Really looking forward to it. It will probably be the last mare in Grahamstown for a while. After all, exams begin in less than a month’s time, and I have so many things due even my calendar is getting confused. I’m handling it though. Readers, you will be the first to know if your author has a mental or emotional breakdown!
I’m gonna try to get some rest now, even if it’s just for an hour, every second counts in this place.
PS:
Courtesy of user Bigjokk, here’s a YouTube video of Coldplay performing Amsterdam live from the V Festival in England in 2003. Enjoy.
- reddevilandy10
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.
Update: Post 58
The past few weeks has seen me study more than I can vaguely recall, going on random “BP Runs” in the quest to kill the 2 a.m. hunger syndrome and totally neglect the one thing that’s actually the most constant in my life — my blog.
I feel pretty damn sick for not posting anything in the past two weeks. That’s not something I want to do again, I mean after all, JMS2 requires that I post at least once a day should I pass. Speaking of passing… I wrote two exams so far: Linguistics and English. Did they go well, you ask? Well, to tell you the truth, I have no idea how they were. I’m just thoroughly glad that they’re over now.
This week, with two exams left, I write psychology on Thursday with JMS (Journalism) on Saturday — the last day I spend in Grahamstown for six very long weeks. The weird thing is though, I’m really going to miss all the people, the atmosphere and the constant panicking of work not completed on deadline. It’s growing on me, and I don’t think I can move to UCT next year even if I wanted to. I am a Rhodent now.
Anyway, on a more random note, I’m playing “night owl” again. Tonight’s one of those when you just cannot sleep regardless of your efforts. I really need to start studying tomorrow though. It’s not just psych I’m worried about too. JMS is going to be probably the toughest exam I will write to date. I hope I end up eating those words. But yeah, tomorrow evening I’m meeting up with a friend of mine. A possible “Cougar Monday” mare taking place tomorrow, well, I might as well make the most of it — it will be the final time I go out in Grahamstown this semester. Really excited to spend some time with her too, I know she needs a good friend more than ever right now.
I’ve yet to plan my first week back in Cape Town though. My friends and I definitely need to sort out the itinerary for that! It is going to be a truly epic vacation!
Well, untill tomorrow (I hope) have a good one all!! I feel the gentle embrace of the sandman’s spell coming on. Nap time!
- reddevilandy10
So Bored
Now this I haven’t done in a while… Blogging from my little Nokia 3110 Classic. Why, you wonder, have I resorted to such desperate means to post on my humble blog? Truth be told: I’m bored.
Currently sitting in EG Red lecture theatre waiting for journalism to begin; psych ended early again today. I love the way that *always* happens when I have journalism afterward. It sucks.
I’m really missing home today too. One of my best friends may become a mommy later, and I’m not there. I miss everyone so much; especially you!
Anyway, I think I’ve got to run. This lecture’s probably going to be one, huge, gigantic waste of time!
P.S.: She had, in fact, became a mommy before I posted this, unbeknown to me. I only found out now, a good two hours afterward. Anyway, Congratulations new mommy!!
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