Well, Valentine's Day has come and nearly gone again. And good riddance I might add. I have never seen a more trite and contrived holiday, and more desperate men in the mall, in all my life. However, I'm extremely bitter as I have broken my glasses, and they are held together with scotch-tape.
Yes! You heard me, scotch-tape. *shiver*
And I actually went to school like this as I could not get them fixed until tomorrow. Bravery, thy name is Venus. Pride, Dignity, you have no place here.
Anyways, I've been busy, busy, busy again. Trying hard to keep up with 3 jobs, 4 roommates, full time school, papers, and a wee bit of TV watching. I have too much to do, and too little time. But in general school is good, and life is ok, so how can I really complain. Oh yeah, by typing this blog...
Had our Anti-Valentine's mixer on Friday. It went very well and was a blast. This is now the second mixer that I and the other roomies/exec. have planned, and it was a lot of fun. Lot's of work too, and that tires the crap out of me, but it feels like it's worth it so what the hey.
And (sorry mom...turn away, TURN AWAY!!) I have actually spent a week mostly sober. One aspect of having a bit more time to flit around, especially since I'm spending said amount of time in Newfoundland, is that drinking seems to occur a bit more often. Yes folks, I have been carousing. I have found a little hole-in-the-wall, sketchy pub called the Peter Easton Pub right down the street from my house. Peter Easton was a pirate, you know. Oooh. So, when the spirit of P.E. entered me and told me to start drinking, against my own tea-totaling nature, I truly had no choice.
Man, what a sketchy little pub though. It's actually a good place to go and have a drink as you don't want to do it too often...the regulars remind of you of how good life is when you don't have a mullet and broken veins on your nose. However, the bartenders are 3 cute young b'ys who like to buy us drinks as I think they are desperate to have more non-mullet wearing customers.
On a less debaucherous note, I have also applied for Grad school and it seems pretty likely that I will get in. This means another 2 years on the Rock. Thought I might get off early for good behaviour, but you see what happens when you let the evil spirit of a pirate take over your person...
Speaking of which, I'm going to commune with the mostly dead by becoming one myself. In other words I'm going to beddy-bye. I'm hoping that I won't have to spend another scotch-tape wearing day, or it may turn into a scotch-drinking day as well.
G'night, and Aaaaaaargh,
VF
Monday, 14 February 2005
Sunday, 16 January 2005
Venus Invaders...
Venus Invaders...I'll come aboard ya!
Well, well...Now that the invaders have left I am able to post at last. It was a rough go of it there for awhile...what with the making of alien sandwiches and tea...but I am alone once again.
Because, of course, if I had not been captured by aliens I would have never left my diary for so long. I mean, the thought of not updating the comings and goings of my fascinating life are simply unthinkable!
So, I'm back.
As you can see, due to extreme time constraints (there, there boy, shut up...) for my web master/brother/hoster-extraordinaire he is no longer able to host and update my site. So, I am forced...nay, violently wrenched...away from my precious site and stuck with using this generic "web-blogger". Could the fates (aka my brother) be so cruel.
Ok, melodrama aside, the boy is hurtin' for time, and got sick of me calling about updating my site. So, here I am...deal with it.
Oh, Happy New Year to one and all. It was a rough go of it in 2004, and I wasn't quite sure I was going to get through. Last semester was grim. Grimy grim. Grimy grim in an old-fashioned Grimm story kind of way. Too much work, no time, tension in the house with roomies, not a lot of contact with friends and family. However, it is over! I came out of the semester with livable grades and a better attitude for the new year, and us roomies are still best kind.
So, now I'm in the home stretch...Only 2 more semesters to go for the ol'Bachelor's Degree!! I could have finished it in one, but do not want a repeat of the aforementioned "bad times" of last year. So, I'll finish in Aug. 2005, and hopefully start the Master's Program in Folklore the following Sept. Then it's about 2 years to finish that, and later I may end up in the University College of Cork, Ireland to get my Ph.D.
Right now the Folklore Society (of which I'm still pres.) is starting it's planning for the Mary Griffiths Night, an event that raises money for the Mary Griffiths Bursary and hosts a lot of local musical talent, and some mixers and fun stuff. I'm also planning to go to FSAC...the Folklore Studies Association of Canada conference in May. This is exciting as it would be the first conference I've attended in my field.
The highlight of all highlights...Crystle is coming to see me in April!! Boo yeah!
Ok, this is quick and dirty, much like myself...heh heh...but I have to get reading done for class tomorrow. Just want you all to know that I'm alive, and will be updating more regularily!
Keep an eye out for the Venus Invaders that may enter your province, town, neighbourhood and homes!!
Keeping my eyes to the skies,
Venus
Wednesday, 7 July 2004
Last entry of 2004...and yet it's only July
Well, well…it’s been a long time. Sorry about that folks. But I’ve been rather busy with school, work, moving and all that jazz.
Yep, I’ve now moved into the city, and am happily co-existing with my roommates, Les and Nick. Anya and Gillian to follow in the fall! The house we live in is GORGEOUS!! I loves it! It’s very close to the downtown area, only a 2 min. walk to the bus and grocery stores, and it’s just a lovely house. I’ve got my room all done up pretty, and it really feels like home. We still need a wee bit of work done, that it appears our lazy landlord is going to drag his heels about, but other than that we seem to be moving into a well-oiled machine. We have a dishwasher, washer and dryer, built in microwave, and lots of space. Yah!
Our only complaint as a household so far…WORMS!!
We are infested, as is much of downtown St.John’s, with the nastiest creatures alive—inchworms. These disgusting things start out as small, green inchy things. However, as they multiply, they eat the trees to literally nothing. Many trees look like its winter as they have only skeletal leaves. Then the worms grow…they get a bit bigger and turn brownish-black. Icky! They hang out of the trees on long, spider-like strands and wave around in the breeze. I think this is how they move from place to place. It’s the most hideous thing in the world to be walking along, minding your own business, and then suddenly have a worm—appearing to hover in midair—right in the middle of your face!! Shocking!! Now that the tree outside our house is eaten, they have descended on the house. They crawl and inch their way up, looking for food. I say they’re looking for a good ass kicking!! You can get them sprayed, but it costs a goodly penny, and there’s no way we can afford it, or our landlord will do it, so we just deal with them. Gross.
School is going really well, and I seem to be putting in one of my best semesters. I’ve been trying to not miss classes, and actually studying seems to reap some form of benefits. Who knew??
In other school news, my wunderbar of a little bro did a cool trick by getting onto the Dean’s List at UCC! He then followed up this little feat by running around during a major hail and rainstorm. I guess his mind was on loftier things than the weather! Ha!! This is a super thing though, and I have to admit that I’ve been bursting with sisterly pride and bragging about him here. He will have a mighty name on the Eastern Seaboard!
Went out with my lovely friends Ginny and Blair this weekend. They took me to a lovely spot called Fort Amherst. It overlooked the Atlantic, and we were trying (and failing) to spot whales. No whales, but I was thoroughly impressed with the water and view. It’s actually the first time I’ve ventured to any place near the water, or any touristy spot since I’ve been in house arrest in Kilbride for so long. Now I actually have more access to lots of interesting places. The Atlantic is a very different animal from the Pacific. It’s much bluer, colder, doesn’t have that same ocean-y smell. But gads, it’s beautiful!
We then went up to Signal Hill. There is a tower on the top: Cabot Tower, and the view from there is also magnificent, although it was hampered by fog. I plan to go again when it’s clear. Later on we are going to go to Cape Spear, the most easterly spot in North America (or at least Canada…), and take a few more little trips around and about. Very cool, and pictures will follow.
Right, I’m off to get more homework done. Only 3 more weeks to the semester, and then I only have 2 more semesters to go to complete my B.A. Then it’s off to Grad school to get my M.A., and I’m hoping to do a double concentration in English and Folklore to keep myself a marketable wench!
So, make sure you have my new email:chitotoro@hotmail.com
This will be in effect until I get a home email, which probably won’t be until the fall sometime. Until then, I’m stuck using the on-campus computers.
Will try to get another entry out in a week or so…V.F.—the ocean-watching beeeee—atch!
Yep, I’ve now moved into the city, and am happily co-existing with my roommates, Les and Nick. Anya and Gillian to follow in the fall! The house we live in is GORGEOUS!! I loves it! It’s very close to the downtown area, only a 2 min. walk to the bus and grocery stores, and it’s just a lovely house. I’ve got my room all done up pretty, and it really feels like home. We still need a wee bit of work done, that it appears our lazy landlord is going to drag his heels about, but other than that we seem to be moving into a well-oiled machine. We have a dishwasher, washer and dryer, built in microwave, and lots of space. Yah!
Our only complaint as a household so far…WORMS!!
We are infested, as is much of downtown St.John’s, with the nastiest creatures alive—inchworms. These disgusting things start out as small, green inchy things. However, as they multiply, they eat the trees to literally nothing. Many trees look like its winter as they have only skeletal leaves. Then the worms grow…they get a bit bigger and turn brownish-black. Icky! They hang out of the trees on long, spider-like strands and wave around in the breeze. I think this is how they move from place to place. It’s the most hideous thing in the world to be walking along, minding your own business, and then suddenly have a worm—appearing to hover in midair—right in the middle of your face!! Shocking!! Now that the tree outside our house is eaten, they have descended on the house. They crawl and inch their way up, looking for food. I say they’re looking for a good ass kicking!! You can get them sprayed, but it costs a goodly penny, and there’s no way we can afford it, or our landlord will do it, so we just deal with them. Gross.
School is going really well, and I seem to be putting in one of my best semesters. I’ve been trying to not miss classes, and actually studying seems to reap some form of benefits. Who knew??
In other school news, my wunderbar of a little bro did a cool trick by getting onto the Dean’s List at UCC! He then followed up this little feat by running around during a major hail and rainstorm. I guess his mind was on loftier things than the weather! Ha!! This is a super thing though, and I have to admit that I’ve been bursting with sisterly pride and bragging about him here. He will have a mighty name on the Eastern Seaboard!
Went out with my lovely friends Ginny and Blair this weekend. They took me to a lovely spot called Fort Amherst. It overlooked the Atlantic, and we were trying (and failing) to spot whales. No whales, but I was thoroughly impressed with the water and view. It’s actually the first time I’ve ventured to any place near the water, or any touristy spot since I’ve been in house arrest in Kilbride for so long. Now I actually have more access to lots of interesting places. The Atlantic is a very different animal from the Pacific. It’s much bluer, colder, doesn’t have that same ocean-y smell. But gads, it’s beautiful!
We then went up to Signal Hill. There is a tower on the top: Cabot Tower, and the view from there is also magnificent, although it was hampered by fog. I plan to go again when it’s clear. Later on we are going to go to Cape Spear, the most easterly spot in North America (or at least Canada…), and take a few more little trips around and about. Very cool, and pictures will follow.
Right, I’m off to get more homework done. Only 3 more weeks to the semester, and then I only have 2 more semesters to go to complete my B.A. Then it’s off to Grad school to get my M.A., and I’m hoping to do a double concentration in English and Folklore to keep myself a marketable wench!
So, make sure you have my new email:chitotoro@hotmail.com
This will be in effect until I get a home email, which probably won’t be until the fall sometime. Until then, I’m stuck using the on-campus computers.
Will try to get another entry out in a week or so…V.F.—the ocean-watching beeeee—atch!
Sunday, 20 June 2004
Sporadic-O-Rama
Yeah, yeah, yeah. It's been a while, I know. But I am still here and alive. Just been incredibly busy: school, work and MOVING!! Woo ha. Don't you just love moving…it's so thrilling and fun…
However, it should be a good move. I still don't even know how the hell I'm going to get my crap from one place to the other, but I'll figure it out. Once it's there, everything will be copasetic. A small dispute over rooms seems to be sorted out, and all seems well. I say seems because 5 people in one house is bound to have some interesting results.
School is going well; I'm maintaining a really high GPA and feel that I'm putting more of an effort into everything. I'm actually trying to be more academic, and really get something out of my readings and classes. That's not to say I didn't before—I've always loved the whole school, academia thang. I just feel that I'm not pissing around as much, and that it's more important for some weird reason.
May be home sooner rather than later, but nothing is decided yet. I have one more year, the fall and winter semesters, and then I should be finished my bachelor's in English and Folklore. I really want to attend an exchange-type program in summer 2005 to Harlow, England, but money may be a tad tight. Now, after my lovely bachelor's I need to decide a few things. I love folklore, I love the program and my classes, and I actually really love MUN. However, I'm having that wonderful Arts panic attack that says: what the hell are you going to do with a degree in Folklore, dummy?? And why the hell didn't you learn to weld?? So, I may decide to get my M.A. in English, as opposed to the Folklore M.A. This way, I may have a bit more recourse to get work teaching, etc. And if I decide on English, I may come home to do the M.A. if I can actually get in to a program there. It's just rather confusing as I think I may have found a calling of sorts with Folklore. Then again, I've taken a couple Classic's courses and love those. And I love my English Lit., too! Gosh darn it!! I just love Arts in general! I should win the lottery and become a professional student. I could roam the world attending different universities. By the time I hit 60 I'd have a dozen different degrees! Heh heh.
I'm getting my wonderful bouts of homesickness again, and that doesn't help the decision making progress. Plus, due to my seeming inability to find decent work here, I'm broke as two broke things and that also sucks. So, this all boils down to me running home, tail tucked. That's not that palatable, so I really have to do some soul-and financial/career-searching.
Trying to do a bit of writing in between a million things, and I have a story I received some good feedback on in creative writing almost edited. I think I might actually send it out and see what happens. Then I can start my scrapbook of rejection letters. The more stuff I send out, the more scrapbook volumes I will amass, and then I will just start teaching courses on “Rejection Letter Etiquette” and “How Not to Paper Cut Yourself to Death on a Particularly Harsh Rejection Letter.”
Just thinking that I will be close to lots of coffee shops and restaurants to write in, ala J.K.Rowling. Cool. More action and people in the house that are forced to read my shit! Also cheaper rent so I can actually afford to replace my printer cartridge. No more red essays.
I'm also waiting for icebergs to creep closer to the coast. (Nice alliteration!) The come in and create fog and cool weather, and you can go to places like Cape Spear to see them quite close. They get huge, and I hope to get some pics. I also want to go on a boat tour and see some puffins. I've been obsessed with puffins since I got here and realized that they weren't just the logo on a book company…they really exist!!
Anyway, that's my update for now. It's probably a bit grim sounding, but I'm tired and have so much to do.
Hope a few of you out there are still reading this…even with my sporadic updates!
Peace out homies!!
V.F.
However, it should be a good move. I still don't even know how the hell I'm going to get my crap from one place to the other, but I'll figure it out. Once it's there, everything will be copasetic. A small dispute over rooms seems to be sorted out, and all seems well. I say seems because 5 people in one house is bound to have some interesting results.
School is going well; I'm maintaining a really high GPA and feel that I'm putting more of an effort into everything. I'm actually trying to be more academic, and really get something out of my readings and classes. That's not to say I didn't before—I've always loved the whole school, academia thang. I just feel that I'm not pissing around as much, and that it's more important for some weird reason.
May be home sooner rather than later, but nothing is decided yet. I have one more year, the fall and winter semesters, and then I should be finished my bachelor's in English and Folklore. I really want to attend an exchange-type program in summer 2005 to Harlow, England, but money may be a tad tight. Now, after my lovely bachelor's I need to decide a few things. I love folklore, I love the program and my classes, and I actually really love MUN. However, I'm having that wonderful Arts panic attack that says: what the hell are you going to do with a degree in Folklore, dummy?? And why the hell didn't you learn to weld?? So, I may decide to get my M.A. in English, as opposed to the Folklore M.A. This way, I may have a bit more recourse to get work teaching, etc. And if I decide on English, I may come home to do the M.A. if I can actually get in to a program there. It's just rather confusing as I think I may have found a calling of sorts with Folklore. Then again, I've taken a couple Classic's courses and love those. And I love my English Lit., too! Gosh darn it!! I just love Arts in general! I should win the lottery and become a professional student. I could roam the world attending different universities. By the time I hit 60 I'd have a dozen different degrees! Heh heh.
I'm getting my wonderful bouts of homesickness again, and that doesn't help the decision making progress. Plus, due to my seeming inability to find decent work here, I'm broke as two broke things and that also sucks. So, this all boils down to me running home, tail tucked. That's not that palatable, so I really have to do some soul-and financial/career-searching.
Trying to do a bit of writing in between a million things, and I have a story I received some good feedback on in creative writing almost edited. I think I might actually send it out and see what happens. Then I can start my scrapbook of rejection letters. The more stuff I send out, the more scrapbook volumes I will amass, and then I will just start teaching courses on “Rejection Letter Etiquette” and “How Not to Paper Cut Yourself to Death on a Particularly Harsh Rejection Letter.”
Just thinking that I will be close to lots of coffee shops and restaurants to write in, ala J.K.Rowling. Cool. More action and people in the house that are forced to read my shit! Also cheaper rent so I can actually afford to replace my printer cartridge. No more red essays.
I'm also waiting for icebergs to creep closer to the coast. (Nice alliteration!) The come in and create fog and cool weather, and you can go to places like Cape Spear to see them quite close. They get huge, and I hope to get some pics. I also want to go on a boat tour and see some puffins. I've been obsessed with puffins since I got here and realized that they weren't just the logo on a book company…they really exist!!
Anyway, that's my update for now. It's probably a bit grim sounding, but I'm tired and have so much to do.
Hope a few of you out there are still reading this…even with my sporadic updates!
Peace out homies!!
V.F.
Saturday, 22 May 2004
S'not exactly like home...
Wow, just getting over a major flu. And I mean major! Snot flying, phlegm gurgling, head aching, muscles screaming, fever at…well…fever pitch. I think the weather here is just something that I will never get used to. Bleh.
Well, now that I've cleared the many piles of tissue and tea mugs out of my way, I can concentrate on school. The summer semester has started very well indeed. I have 4 courses, and all seem to be interesting. The only course I have that looks like major trouble is an English grammar course that involves a lot of linguistic garbage that just trips me up and makes me cry. It's like the bully course on the playground. Maybe if I give it my lunch money I'll get an ok grade.
Besides the above necessity course, my other English this term is Shakespeare Romance and Tragedy. Egads and little fishes I love English! I miss it, and the crazy prof's that seem to be part and parcel of the whole department. My prof. for the Shakespeare course fits the profile. He says interesting things like “the sound of a toilet flushing is one of the best sounds in the world” or “Hamlet's suicide soliloquy is interesting as he's worried about the afterlife. I mean maybe he'll follow in the family business and become a tortured ghost like his dad.” Too brilliant. But then he also says things like “ignorance does not bother me, but choosing to stay in ignorance sickens me.”
My 2 folklore courses are very interesting and great as always, and I've been talking to some of the sessional instructors about grad school, and courses, etc. and receiving some fantastic advice. Such good advise that I may even be able to finish grad school a tad sooner than planned if I can follow through on a few grand schemes. We'll see what happens. But I do so love scheming. And plotting. And capers. Not the little peppery things, but actual escapades.
Currently looking for a house for July 1 st . I'll give notice in a week, and so will Leslie and Nick, and the three of us will find a place and set up house. Then, in August/September, Gillian and Anya, our fourth and fifth, will come back and we will be a happy (though probably dysfunctional) little family. I think it will be good times, and I know it will save money.
Alright, that is all. I know this is a little lame, but that's what happens when you're not used to freezing temperatures one day, and muggy tropics the next, with the wind as the only constant. Illness has sapped much of the life out of me. Bleh.
Now, hopefully by the end of the month I will get pictures posted. They should have been posted a while ago, but I'm lazy and my brother is a busy man.
Viva la Vancouver!! How I miss thee, Lotus Land!
Your still sniffling, yet ever battling, Venus. VF
Well, now that I've cleared the many piles of tissue and tea mugs out of my way, I can concentrate on school. The summer semester has started very well indeed. I have 4 courses, and all seem to be interesting. The only course I have that looks like major trouble is an English grammar course that involves a lot of linguistic garbage that just trips me up and makes me cry. It's like the bully course on the playground. Maybe if I give it my lunch money I'll get an ok grade.
Besides the above necessity course, my other English this term is Shakespeare Romance and Tragedy. Egads and little fishes I love English! I miss it, and the crazy prof's that seem to be part and parcel of the whole department. My prof. for the Shakespeare course fits the profile. He says interesting things like “the sound of a toilet flushing is one of the best sounds in the world” or “Hamlet's suicide soliloquy is interesting as he's worried about the afterlife. I mean maybe he'll follow in the family business and become a tortured ghost like his dad.” Too brilliant. But then he also says things like “ignorance does not bother me, but choosing to stay in ignorance sickens me.”
My 2 folklore courses are very interesting and great as always, and I've been talking to some of the sessional instructors about grad school, and courses, etc. and receiving some fantastic advice. Such good advise that I may even be able to finish grad school a tad sooner than planned if I can follow through on a few grand schemes. We'll see what happens. But I do so love scheming. And plotting. And capers. Not the little peppery things, but actual escapades.
Currently looking for a house for July 1 st . I'll give notice in a week, and so will Leslie and Nick, and the three of us will find a place and set up house. Then, in August/September, Gillian and Anya, our fourth and fifth, will come back and we will be a happy (though probably dysfunctional) little family. I think it will be good times, and I know it will save money.
Alright, that is all. I know this is a little lame, but that's what happens when you're not used to freezing temperatures one day, and muggy tropics the next, with the wind as the only constant. Illness has sapped much of the life out of me. Bleh.
Now, hopefully by the end of the month I will get pictures posted. They should have been posted a while ago, but I'm lazy and my brother is a busy man.
Viva la Vancouver!! How I miss thee, Lotus Land!
Your still sniffling, yet ever battling, Venus. VF
Sunday, 9 May 2004
Zephir...
“When certain kinds of winds begin to blow throughout the world, hospital admissions, suicides, and crime rates skyrocket. One country-Switzerland- even accepts the blowing of the ‘Foehn' during the commission of a crime as mitigating evidence in court. And the Mistral in the area of Provence is said to cause madness at certain times of year.
These ‘notorious' desert and sea winds are also linked to minor illnesses and malaise epidemics. Victims' claims range from sleeplessness, irritability, tension, migraines, nausea, palpitations and hot flashes with sweating to chills to tremor, vertigo, swelling, breathing difficulty, and frequent intestinal movement. In addition, elderly persons are affected with depression, apathy, and fatigue…”
A quote from a source on ions in the air. Why would this possibly be included in an entry here? Why, Newfoundland apparently should include “wind” as admissible in court as well.
NO SLEEP!
The wind has been howling around like a bat out of hell, and there were snow flurries last night. Everyone says that on the Victoria Day weekend (here called May two four weekend) that there is traditionally a snowstorm. August is literally the only month you can count on for no snow, and yet it's still windy as a politician at election time! I actually plugged my ears with toilet paper to no avail. I could still hear the wind! The wind! ( I suppose it could have been the dull roaring of my ever dying brain cells…) I could buy proper earplugs, but then I'd never hear my alarm or get up for school and work. As Spooky ghost used to say: Coises!
I really feel quite mad. It's 6:30 in the am, and I have been up for, oh, let's say…FOREVER! I'm sure I must have slept a bit last night, but the wind actually keeps a lot of people up. There's also a lot of freaks here who actually like the wind. And who like snow, and who like to snowmobile, and who like barren wastelands. Although, the wind does freak some people out as there are a lot of wooden structures that for some ungodly reason are connected to each other. So, in case of fire…might as well sweep an entire city block instead of one building at a time. Newfoundlanders are efficient that way.
Went for blood tests on Friday--the vampire/nurse took 5 vials!! What the hell do they need 5 vials of blood for…a snack?? Am now thinking that I'm dying of some horrible blood cancer and no one is telling me… Anyways, one of the ladies in my building, Diane, went with me (Yes, I'm a huge wimp and she had to hold my hand and I had a tear or two…so what!) and we walked through Bowring Park to get to the lab. On the way back home, the wind was really whipping around, and I was looking at the trees and general area. A lot of places here are really nice and full of trees, etc. But the wind takes its toll in a lot of areas. There is no topsoil to speak of, so growing things is difficult here, and many of the trees are stunted and twisted. Plus, no trees grow very tall or thick, as there is an extremely shortened growing season. So, I walked home in silence and suddenly understood, with perfect, absolute clarity, why Heathcliff was so bloody crazy! I felt like yelling “Catherine!!” and then charging off a cliff. I could actually see hauling off and punching someone out when the wind gets howling. I wonder if any non-Newfoundlanders have blamed the wind for violence? Let me set the bar.
In other, non-wind related news (as if there is any other kind at the moment…) I start my summer semester on Monday! Woo hoo, back to school. I'm actually really looking forward to it. I have 2 Folklore and 2 English courses, both my majors, so it should be a fairly stimulating semester. Plus, Nick and Leslie and I are going to give our notice at the end of this month, and look for our house for July 1 st . Should be nice, and will definitely save cash.
Have actually cleaned about 50-60% of my apartment. Considering that I have so little stuff here, it seems astounding that my place could get so pig-sty-ified, and yet it does. I should just open the windows and let the wind blow all my shit out the doorway. Had a wonderful time on my hands and knees scrubbing the tub with bleach…hmmm, the taste of bleach! If only Crystle were here, she would scrub my tub and probably (though weirdly) enjoy it. Although, I did get to sort papers, and I love that. So I guess I'm just as weird. Today, when it's a little more day-ish, I'm going to finish my dishes and tidying, change my sheets and flip my mattress, and vacuum and scrub floors. Yep, you're tuning in to read my cleaning list. That's what the Newfoundland Mistral does to you.
Ok, and I watched some of ‘Hannibal' last night and it kind of freaked me out. But I also watched ‘Shakespeare in Love' which made me cry. And some SNL which made me laugh. I think I need mood-stabilizers…or less TV.
I also need to say:
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!!!
Yep, it's that time of year again. Ah, that wonderful time of year where, due to my procrastination and thinned down wallet, I show my mum how ungrateful I am by sending her nothing! I will call her however, and probably talk about the wind…
Actually, I tried to float the idea that my mum should really be getting something for my bro and I—as without her children, she wouldn't even be a mother. I mean, it makes sense to me, but I don't think that brainstorm will take off at the Hallmark company. So, to all the mom's out there…uh…well...high five!
Anyhow, the wind sounds like it's died down for 45 seconds (almost precisely) so I'm going to try and get a wee bit more sleep, and then get up and clean. Boo yeah! My life is so thrilling here; it almost makes me wonder why I don't think of relocating here permanently. Oh yeah, BECAUSE IT'S FREAKING NEWFOUNDLAND!!
*sob, whimper, sniffle* If any of you were here right now, you'd hear the creak and crack of my poor, tired, stiff body as it slowly and painfully curls up into the foetal position, and the sounds of my whimpering as I hold my ears and stare-wide eyed-at the wall rocking back and forth…back and forth.
Alright…the wind is back, but I'm still going to bed for a while. I'll think of the sweet thoughts of Vancouver rain, and the smell of the Pacific, and the hope that a small outbreak of Scarlet Fever that causes sporadic loss of hearing. Of course it would never crap out during class, or vampire movie marathons, so it would be aaaaall good!
The wind…the wind. (spoken like Marlon Brando in ‘Apocalypse Now')
V.F.
These ‘notorious' desert and sea winds are also linked to minor illnesses and malaise epidemics. Victims' claims range from sleeplessness, irritability, tension, migraines, nausea, palpitations and hot flashes with sweating to chills to tremor, vertigo, swelling, breathing difficulty, and frequent intestinal movement. In addition, elderly persons are affected with depression, apathy, and fatigue…”
A quote from a source on ions in the air. Why would this possibly be included in an entry here? Why, Newfoundland apparently should include “wind” as admissible in court as well.
NO SLEEP!
The wind has been howling around like a bat out of hell, and there were snow flurries last night. Everyone says that on the Victoria Day weekend (here called May two four weekend) that there is traditionally a snowstorm. August is literally the only month you can count on for no snow, and yet it's still windy as a politician at election time! I actually plugged my ears with toilet paper to no avail. I could still hear the wind! The wind! ( I suppose it could have been the dull roaring of my ever dying brain cells…) I could buy proper earplugs, but then I'd never hear my alarm or get up for school and work. As Spooky ghost used to say: Coises!
I really feel quite mad. It's 6:30 in the am, and I have been up for, oh, let's say…FOREVER! I'm sure I must have slept a bit last night, but the wind actually keeps a lot of people up. There's also a lot of freaks here who actually like the wind. And who like snow, and who like to snowmobile, and who like barren wastelands. Although, the wind does freak some people out as there are a lot of wooden structures that for some ungodly reason are connected to each other. So, in case of fire…might as well sweep an entire city block instead of one building at a time. Newfoundlanders are efficient that way.
Went for blood tests on Friday--the vampire/nurse took 5 vials!! What the hell do they need 5 vials of blood for…a snack?? Am now thinking that I'm dying of some horrible blood cancer and no one is telling me… Anyways, one of the ladies in my building, Diane, went with me (Yes, I'm a huge wimp and she had to hold my hand and I had a tear or two…so what!) and we walked through Bowring Park to get to the lab. On the way back home, the wind was really whipping around, and I was looking at the trees and general area. A lot of places here are really nice and full of trees, etc. But the wind takes its toll in a lot of areas. There is no topsoil to speak of, so growing things is difficult here, and many of the trees are stunted and twisted. Plus, no trees grow very tall or thick, as there is an extremely shortened growing season. So, I walked home in silence and suddenly understood, with perfect, absolute clarity, why Heathcliff was so bloody crazy! I felt like yelling “Catherine!!” and then charging off a cliff. I could actually see hauling off and punching someone out when the wind gets howling. I wonder if any non-Newfoundlanders have blamed the wind for violence? Let me set the bar.
In other, non-wind related news (as if there is any other kind at the moment…) I start my summer semester on Monday! Woo hoo, back to school. I'm actually really looking forward to it. I have 2 Folklore and 2 English courses, both my majors, so it should be a fairly stimulating semester. Plus, Nick and Leslie and I are going to give our notice at the end of this month, and look for our house for July 1 st . Should be nice, and will definitely save cash.
Have actually cleaned about 50-60% of my apartment. Considering that I have so little stuff here, it seems astounding that my place could get so pig-sty-ified, and yet it does. I should just open the windows and let the wind blow all my shit out the doorway. Had a wonderful time on my hands and knees scrubbing the tub with bleach…hmmm, the taste of bleach! If only Crystle were here, she would scrub my tub and probably (though weirdly) enjoy it. Although, I did get to sort papers, and I love that. So I guess I'm just as weird. Today, when it's a little more day-ish, I'm going to finish my dishes and tidying, change my sheets and flip my mattress, and vacuum and scrub floors. Yep, you're tuning in to read my cleaning list. That's what the Newfoundland Mistral does to you.
Ok, and I watched some of ‘Hannibal' last night and it kind of freaked me out. But I also watched ‘Shakespeare in Love' which made me cry. And some SNL which made me laugh. I think I need mood-stabilizers…or less TV.
I also need to say:
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!!!
Yep, it's that time of year again. Ah, that wonderful time of year where, due to my procrastination and thinned down wallet, I show my mum how ungrateful I am by sending her nothing! I will call her however, and probably talk about the wind…
Actually, I tried to float the idea that my mum should really be getting something for my bro and I—as without her children, she wouldn't even be a mother. I mean, it makes sense to me, but I don't think that brainstorm will take off at the Hallmark company. So, to all the mom's out there…uh…well...high five!
Anyhow, the wind sounds like it's died down for 45 seconds (almost precisely) so I'm going to try and get a wee bit more sleep, and then get up and clean. Boo yeah! My life is so thrilling here; it almost makes me wonder why I don't think of relocating here permanently. Oh yeah, BECAUSE IT'S FREAKING NEWFOUNDLAND!!
*sob, whimper, sniffle* If any of you were here right now, you'd hear the creak and crack of my poor, tired, stiff body as it slowly and painfully curls up into the foetal position, and the sounds of my whimpering as I hold my ears and stare-wide eyed-at the wall rocking back and forth…back and forth.
Alright…the wind is back, but I'm still going to bed for a while. I'll think of the sweet thoughts of Vancouver rain, and the smell of the Pacific, and the hope that a small outbreak of Scarlet Fever that causes sporadic loss of hearing. Of course it would never crap out during class, or vampire movie marathons, so it would be aaaaall good!
The wind…the wind. (spoken like Marlon Brando in ‘Apocalypse Now')
V.F.
Sunday, 25 April 2004
Da Rock...
So, my second semester is over, and I'm heading into my third. Haven't received my marks yet, but they should be out next week. I'm sure I did alright, although I can see why so many people have problems with the Germans—Curse them and their grammar-ridden language!
So, I'm now double majoring in both Folklore and English. This is a wonderful revelation as I loves me English! Plus, I only needed 2 more courses, and they fit in nicely in my already ongoing program anyway. Wunderbar! Only one more year and I have my degree. That is, if I can survive it here.
You all notice the date? Yes, that's right April 25 th . Only a week away from May. Yep, it's snowing. Started sometime last night, and now there's snow all over the ground. I just can't take it. What the hell is wrong with this province?? And what the hell is wrong with BC that they can't offer a Folklore Studies program anyway? Sheesh.
Summer semester should be ok. I have 2 Folklore and 2 English courses, so I'm taking all the things that I love. Woo hoo. I think I'll be moving this summer as well. Some peeps from the Folklore Department and I are planning on getting a house together in the fall. Gillian, Anya, Leslie and Leslie's boyfriend Nick and I will all kip together for the sake of saving money and good times. (Nick is not in the department, but he's welcome as hell!) Gillian and Anya have gone home for the summer, but Les, Nick and I think we'll find the house this summer. Then things will be nice and neat for the fall. Plus, then the three of us will rule the house, and the girls can be our slaves!!! Bwah ha ha!
I'm watching “Escape from Alcatraz” and it suddenly seems to mean so much more to me. Escaping from the cold and inclement rock…hmmm. Maybe I should make a dummy of myself, leave it in the Folklore Department and come home on a raft made of rubber boots and beer bottles. Anyone interested in putting up a fugitive from the rock?
Well, still trying to get some stuff ready for sending out to the publishers. My Procrastination and Laziness keep getting in the way. I tried to lock them in a closet, but they jumped me, and not only messed me up enough to not write, but they stole my watch and laundry change too.
Bastards.
Anyhow, I need caffeine and a shower. Or a shower of caffeine?
Folk U!
V.F.
So, I'm now double majoring in both Folklore and English. This is a wonderful revelation as I loves me English! Plus, I only needed 2 more courses, and they fit in nicely in my already ongoing program anyway. Wunderbar! Only one more year and I have my degree. That is, if I can survive it here.
You all notice the date? Yes, that's right April 25 th . Only a week away from May. Yep, it's snowing. Started sometime last night, and now there's snow all over the ground. I just can't take it. What the hell is wrong with this province?? And what the hell is wrong with BC that they can't offer a Folklore Studies program anyway? Sheesh.
Summer semester should be ok. I have 2 Folklore and 2 English courses, so I'm taking all the things that I love. Woo hoo. I think I'll be moving this summer as well. Some peeps from the Folklore Department and I are planning on getting a house together in the fall. Gillian, Anya, Leslie and Leslie's boyfriend Nick and I will all kip together for the sake of saving money and good times. (Nick is not in the department, but he's welcome as hell!) Gillian and Anya have gone home for the summer, but Les, Nick and I think we'll find the house this summer. Then things will be nice and neat for the fall. Plus, then the three of us will rule the house, and the girls can be our slaves!!! Bwah ha ha!
I'm watching “Escape from Alcatraz” and it suddenly seems to mean so much more to me. Escaping from the cold and inclement rock…hmmm. Maybe I should make a dummy of myself, leave it in the Folklore Department and come home on a raft made of rubber boots and beer bottles. Anyone interested in putting up a fugitive from the rock?
Well, still trying to get some stuff ready for sending out to the publishers. My Procrastination and Laziness keep getting in the way. I tried to lock them in a closet, but they jumped me, and not only messed me up enough to not write, but they stole my watch and laundry change too.
Bastards.
Anyhow, I need caffeine and a shower. Or a shower of caffeine?
Folk U!
V.F.
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