The End is Near :-(

Alas, the time has come. Today is the final submission date for our blog entries. I have to say I was very sceptical at the beginning of this journey. I complained I had nothing to talk about(as if that was ever a real problem,its getting me to stop thats tricky I was thinking, who in God's name would want to ramble needlessly online about anything they wanted. But, it was fun! Regardless of whether anyone reads them or not, it was nice to just talk about anything you wanted. I'm not saying this to suck up, as I'm sure it wouldn't work either, but it was the most fun assignment I've ever done. No real rules, freedom of expression and all for 30%? Can't complain about that.

What I wonder now is, will I keep it up? Will I still write to my blog if it doesn't count for anything? Only time will tell, but I'd like to think I would. Or maybe I'll just start using my blog on Bebo a bit more, which at the moment is a bit bare.

Have a look and leave a comment, all welcome!!

http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MyProfile=Y

Stress

Apparently if you're not stressed, you should see two dolphins in this photo. At this point of the year, I think I'm seeing two cows. Its just gotten to that crappy(excuse my non-professional language Colin!) time of year where everything is happening at once. God knows we shouldn't be complaining because we have a month off after this to save for rag week (us poor students). Its not that I mind exams or anything, I actually don't, they've never bothered me that much (which is probably why I'm not studying Psychology like I'd always planned). But that said, I actually like this course, so I shall proceed to take out the proverbial finger and get cracking.

My point is, two weeks of mind-numbing stress could be avoided if things were spaced out. I know the minute you get back to college in September, the lecturers are yapping on about revision revision revision, but how many students do you know that actually do that. Things are inevitably left until the last minute. And not just on our part. I was starting to think I was on the easiest course in the world. Up until the end of October our lecturers were telling us how great we were doing, that we we were all fantastic, when we hadn't actually done anything. Then when we got back after the mid-term, EVERYTHING happened at once. We had C.A's to hand in, tests I didn't know we had to do and it was just madness. That said, I work better under pressure, but still I think if things were a bit more spread out, it would make things a lot easier. But at least its the last week of term now, a stressful week, and then holidays for a month, and a trip abroad! Who says life isn't good?

But for those of you who feel they may need help to un-wind and relax, have a look at http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Top-10-Steps-to-DeStress&id=6506 and see if it helps.

Over and out.

Oxegen 2008

I am so excited about Oxegen this year. Its a four day event for the first time ever, and I really can't wait. Seeing as I'm up to my eyeballs in debt, it may be the only holiday I get this year. And plus, its the perfect opportunity to bond with my friends, and whatever randomers we happen to stumble upon. I would like to be the kind of person that goes to Oxegen for the music, and someone who consequently puts up with the camping conditions, but I'm not. I love the camping, every bit of it! I have to say that if I heard Daniel O' Donnell or Joe Dolan were headlining at it, I'd still be there like a shot. Of course I've seen some great bands the past 3 years, but they're not really what I remember. When I think of Oxegen I think:carrying back breaking amounts of drink,setting up tents in the wind and rain, talking to complete randomers(convinced you'll be friends for life), mudfights,getting soaked at the water pumps, waiting for the toilets for ages and then not wanting to go when you get there, dancing like a crazy person, smuggling drink into the concert arena, eating because you think you should after two days, calling every steward at the concert Stewart because its funnier, singing round an illegal campfire, waking up to strangers in your tent, coming up with slogans that last until the next year, going on the carnival rides coming off even dodgier than you felt before getting on, honestly, the list could go on and on. I know that maybe for someone who has never been to a festival before, all of this sounds terrible, but how often would you do this in your everyday life. Its one weekend out of the year where you don't care what you look like, because everyone is in the same situation. My older sisters swore they would never go, until they gave in last year and now the two 25 years olds said they can't wait to go back.
There are of course the downsides, security is limited and unfortunately you leave your belongings in your tent at your own risk. Another downfall is that you can't seem to go anywhere these days without encountering drugs, and Oxegen is no exception. They are everywhere, and you learn to recognise the people and groups that are taking them. That is why I think that the legal age for it should be increased from 17 to 18. As much of a hypocrite as it makes me, I don't think that its any place for kids that age, and I'm saying this after three years experience. My younger brother and sister are 17 at Christmas and have their tickets already. I don't want them to go, not that I don't trust their judgement, I just don't trust those around them. Of course I would be the most hated in my family if I told my mother and father that. I just don't think they're mature enough to handle some of the situations they may come across. I know I'm going to spend the weekend worrying about them, and especially my little brother and his temper, but I suppose every silver lining has a cloud not too far away. (and no I didn't mix that up by accident!)

Christmas with a Difference

My mother, god love her, is possibly the most enthusiastic person I've ever met when it comes to Christmas. Her excitement is childlike, and her preparation bordering on a little psychotic. That is why I was more surprised than anyone when she agreed to a different type of Christmas this year. The original plan was to go to New York in November and do a bit of Christmas retail therapy. But I couldn't go then, being so dedicated to my studies!!! After much discussion, I cancelled a skiing trip and my whole family, for the first time in four years, planned to go away together 2 days after Christmas for a week. Much to my Dad's dismay, as he would love nothing more than to escape the madness altogether, but sadly, Mam's the boss. He knows better than to argue!

We booked the flights, the hotel and have been making plans ever since. We have tickets to Phantom of the Opera on Broadway the night after we arrive, we have dinner planned with relatives, sight seeing, watching the ball drop on New Year's Eve in Times square, and of course some serious serious shopping. I can't wait!! More importantly, we have decided not to buy each other presents for Christmas, which absolutely delights me. 1. Because it saves me about 300 euro 2. I get to spend MY money on ME, as selfish as it sounds I love to spend money on myself, not other people, its my money so why shouldn't i enjoy it.

I've been formulating a plan since this law is being enforced about the amount of goods you can bring home with you "restricts" my purchases to $130 or something like that. I'm bringing an empty suitcase, going to wear the clothes I buy while over there, and if possible wear about 3 pairs of trousers, 4 jumpers, dresses and t-shirts getting on the plane in an attempt to convince them I'm perhaps carrying a little extra Christmas weight. There's no way I'm going to restrict my Christmas budget because of some stupid tax law those selfish Americans are enforcing, that George Bush fella needs a good kicking!It's my Christmas and I can't wait.