Don't make me use my handbag!
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Today 4 U
The title is the title of a song from Rent (otherwise I would have written it out properly). The chorus goes: "Today for you, tomorrow for me. Today for you, tomorrow for me."
Well, it's tomorrow.
Kinda.
See, you know I love helping people (honestly, I really do...*)? Well, I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed by doing that since I've been back, so I decided to take advantage of the fact that I have nothing scheduled for today by taking a holiday. Which then turned into a me-day, because I don't want to do nothing; I just want to do stuff for me (like job-hunting). And then, when praying, I realised that a 'me-day' doesn't quite jibe with the whole Christian thing (at least, a self-proclaimed 'me-day' doesn't), so it's a little more complex than that. But at least at the moment, God seems to be liking the idea of giving me a 'me-day'. But I'm open.
* Something I've been pondering for a while - one of the main purposes as a Christian (heck, as a person) is to help others, yeah? Taken to its ideal extreme, everyone would be helping each other, and nothing would get done. Weird. Perhaps (very flawed logic here, but the conclusion is interesting) the 'helping' is the end, rather than the means...?
So, lazy day so far, and that's been awesome. Plug time: along with my daily blog reading routine (yeah, yeah, geek), I read Metafilter and AskMetafilter. The former (aka MeFi) is like a big blog where people post links and short articles (can be news, politics, weird, science/tech, or games) and is worth a look. The latter (aka AskMe) is where people post questions (e.g. "Can anyone explain how to whistle, two-finger hailing-a-cab style?" I still can't do that, though!) and answers. Very interesting.
Well, one of this morning's questions was "what do you wish you'd known when you were 21? What do you wish you'd done but didn't?" I thought this was a very interesting question (and one of the things I've often wanted to hear someone talk about). Here are some of the responses that I've taken to heart and want to record:
- "Occasionally daydream about stuff that you reckon would be quite fun (starting a band, making a film, kissing another girl, going hang-gliding)? Just do it. Really. Start immediately" - good call (er, apart from 'kissing another girl' for many reasons. Well, two.)
- "Stretch yourself. Want to do something but feel a bit scared about it? Try and do it."
- "Stay out of debt" came up a lot, as did "experiment with sex" (which I'm just noting, obviously).
- "I spent most of my twenties lugging my home on my back up the sides of mountains and sleeping in snow while my friends spent their weekends watching TV." Not so much the hiking as the adventuring of this option appeals to me...
- "Take a chance and live in another country for a few months. Even if you're broke there are plenty of programs for volunteering that will provide food and housing."
This kinda thing is definately very appealing to me right now - maybe because my sister and Steph have both stepped out to risk it... Something to think about.
- "Stay in shape - it's easier at 21. Road trips are the bomb!!"
- "Those people who say high school was "the best years of their life"? Pity them." I'm so glad someone said that!
- "Learn about the magic of compound interest. Learn about the benefits of starting young. Start now."
- "Document the things you do. Take pictures, keep a journal. You may think you'll remember everything you ever did but when you get older it'll all blend together."
- "Get to know your older relatives, including and especiialy your parents. They'll be gone before you know it, and you won't have the opportunity after."
- "Try signing up for a study abroad program. I really wish I had done that in college, as I haven't had the money or opportunity to go to Europe since."
- "I'd floss and visit the dentist/doctor while I still had good insurance and love love love my body while everything still worked properly."
- "Don't try to answer the question "what am I going to do with my life?". Just try to answer "what am I going to do with my life next?"."
- "Be less self-conscious. The older you get, the less you care what other people think of you. Might as well get a head-start."
- Basically, now is your time to fail and fail spectacularly. Not little, "Why didn't I tell her how I feel?" petty failures. The kind of failures that leave 11 dead and get you a FBI record. (Ok, that might be too big a failure.) Make as many mistakes possible, the bigger the better. If something ever seems like a "bad idea" or you can't afford it or it's just up and up impossible this is the best reason to do it. Pain is the best teacher. Live dangerously. Remember, the worst that'll happen is your parents will end up flying across the country to tell a judge that you've got a good heart. And that's not so bad, is it?" Nice. Similarly, "I wish I'd known that people respect you for failing spectacularly. Even business people do. You are more likely to get a stunning career with one or two enormous, audacious failures under your belt than with a by-the-books, up-from-the-bottom "normal" approach."
- "Don't waste your time watching the same movie over again. See the classics; they're classics for a reason."
- "Definitely start a retirement account now. Compound interest is your friend."
- "Marry your best friend." Well, it'll be legal soon... just kidding!
- "If you want to work in The Arts (or some other field in which it's hard to support yourself), learn a marketable skill (or skills). Learn to be a copy editor so that you can support yourself as you try for a career as an actor. Everyone believed in the romance of the "starving artist," but no one really wants to starve."
- "I bought a round of drinks for a bunch of strangers with whom I was on a tour in some pub on the Isle of Skye. I couldn't afford it, but it was worth it. Oh - you should know the three good maxims:
1. Never put a price on a good time.
2. You don't know how much is enough until you have had more than enough.
3. Nothing you do before 30 is a mistake.
- "I drank beer and had a meal in a brewery in Germany."
- "New Zealand is a must see." Heh.
- "If you buy a life insurance policy now, your annual payments will be really cheap. Eventually this could come in handy."
All in all, a lot of interesting wisdom. One of the main things it (re)inspired in me was the desire to travel, especially through Europe. I need to keep reminding myself (once I get a job) that I need to do an OE in a couple of years' time... a GOOD one. That's an exciting thought. The other thoughts that were sparked included wondering if I'd regret not trying to get into film (which I may well still try to do - but not until I've tried law. The 'failing spectacularly' idea seems do-able...) and wanting to do stuff (make films, act, be in a band) in my spare time. The financial ones were also interesting, but quite irrelevant at this stage.
Anyways, just some thoughts on this, my day off. Now that it's mid-afternoon, I might do something. Something... ooh, my BBTDL calls!
Monday, August 29, 2005
The irony of course being that my to-do list is relatively empty, because I'm too busy to fill it in!
That's a long title, that sums up what's up quite nicely. So I'll end this blog here.
Oh my gosh, I 'm such a dirty liar!
But it's true - my BBTDL currently consists of things regarding Admission to the Bar (most of which I have done today) and my going away party (which apparently clashes with Claire's 21st! Argh!). I've been so busy and stressed (not in a worried way, in a buzzy way) that when I had a free period today, I didn't know what to do. Even though I've got a lot to do.
Which is why I need a to do list. Hehe.
I'm not in a talkative mood, unfortunately, so this won't be a good/long blog. If you want one of those, go read Bec's latest post. There'll be a proper one shortly, just not now. So buh-bye.
Saturday, August 27, 2005
New Rent Trailer!!!
Seriously - when I see this trailer in the cinema, I am going to SHRIEK. In a good way.
Friday, August 26, 2005
CHANGE OF DATE FOR SAM'S FAREWELL PARTY
"What's the buzz - tell me what's a-happenin'!" I hear you say.
My farewell party has been OFFICIALLY moved from Saturday the 3rd of September to Friday 16th of September, for various reasons.
Same bat-time (7pm onwards), same bat-place (Elim Christian Center, Harrow Street), same bat-man (me. Yes, I'm batman. Had you fooled with the whole 'Bruce Wayne' thing, didn't I?). Same bat-guy-in-charge-in-case-you-wanna-do-something (David Pomeroy).
The only OTHER change is for food and drinks. Obviously it's only snacks, but if GUYS could bring drinks and GIRLS could bring snack-food, everyone should be happy.
Trans-gender people must therefore bring soup.
See you there!
Sam
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
"The Big Bad To-Do List"
That's the heading on a currently-(otherwise)blank piece of lined refill which is on my desk, on top of a DVD Jeremy rented ('The Fast Show' - series one. Comedy GOLD!), our short film script (two scenes left... must film soon... so I can get a hair cut... what kind of hair cut am I gonna get... must be good for job interviews) and two satellite photos of our flat (on quality photo paper, no less!) from the Dunedin City Council website for the short film.
The first thing on my to-do list is (well, it's not actually, because as I said, it's currently blank. But if I wrote this on, then I couldn't do it. That's a Catch-22 for you!) to write a to-do list for the next four weeks I have in Dunedin. Which I'm gonna enjoy, although it'll be a bit of a mind-bender, especially dividing it up into categories (Profs/admission; WINZ; party organising; etc).
Oh yeah, did I mention that I'm back in Dunedin? For about four weeks at current guesstimate.
And for possibly the last time.
But that's cool, that's all good. I'm making the most of it; hence the list (henceforth referred to as TBBTDL - see title). I keep getting job rejections in the mail (two yesterday), but then, I keep seeing new positions advertised and applying for them, so it balances out. I keep applying for jobs that I'm absurdly unqualified for (I'm about to apply to be Police Prosecutor for Wellington). I'm not sure if that's a psychological mechanism to avoid getting a job whilst applying for millions, or if I'm following my sister's route and applying anyways. Probably a bit of both. Rest assured, you'll be hearing more on the job topic right here.
Organising. I seem to enjoy it. Whether it's making TBBTDLs, or arranging my day so I can maximise the things I do in it (stressful at times, but fun!) and the people I see, or trying to find the ideal time to do the last film shoot, I get a buzz out of constructing a tight, but incredibly efficient, schedule. I'm sure that'll come handy in most jobs!
But I realised (no, not realised, 'cos I already knew it. Um... recognised?) that the one thing I really get a kick out of (no, I get no kicks from champagne...) is helping people. More specifically, talking to them about their issues and either just listening and affirming or finding helpful ways to proceed. Counseling, I guess. Or maybe just being a friend. And I was thinking about law, and how a lot of people like it because you can help people. And yet, there's something qualitatively different between helping someone buy a house and helping someone overcome depression. But to some degree, there is overlap - perhaps I just need to find that area.
Which brings me back to a topic I discussed a while back, the role of a lawyer. I've hitherto (hitherto? HITHERTO? What a ponce. 'Formerly') thought of myself as a 'hired gun' lawyer - someone who does everything legally possible for their client, whether or not it seems like the right thing to do, trusting in a just legal system to work things out. But perhaps I should conceive of the role as being a 'lawyer as friend' (as much as possible. These various roles get discussed in the compulsory Legal Ethics course, FYI). Which is an important paradigm shift for me, because it makes the job more in-line with what I actually want to do. It also opens up a whole new can of worms with regards to 'how far can I go for this client' as a 'lawyer as friend'?
Just some thoughts. I need to find a job first, of course! It's interesting (hopefully to you too) to see how I've shifted from being adamantly anti-lawyer to being... well, more than just accepting that I'll be a lawyer, at least for now. In a way, I'm looking forward to the challenge of making it a fitting job. A lot of the initial problem was based on perception, I think that's the key (and the key to the remaining issues I have with it). I'll do some more thinking on this, because it's obviously something it would be helpful for others to know.
That is, it would be helpful.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Apparently I'm the little engine that could.
Y'know, what with 6 posts in a row. Man I'm awesome. I totally rock, I really do.
Pity nobody's around to see it. Blasted Sunday blog-traffic (or lack thereof).
I found this site advertised today: www.nzvotes.org. A non-partisan party/candidate policy comparison page. I found it very helpful. I think I know how I'm going to vote now. I think. And yet, I don't feel like sharing - maybe because it's just not 'kosher'. Especially pre-election.
Hung out with Guy last night, that was cool. Went to see 'The Woodsman' (three films in four days - and none of them with Jeremy. I must be in a different city. :-) ), which was a very good film. I didn't really review 'The Machinist', but there are a lot of similarities (not just the name or the fact that both are manual labourers, mind!). The Machinist was a pretty good thriller - it would have been excellent if it were released pre-'Fight Club'/'Sixth Sense', but it seemed so cliched in parts. I hate it when people say "oh, I so saw that twist coming!" , but it seemed to be pretty formulaic. That said, everthing else was excellent, especially the acting.
Similarly, The Woodsman was focused on one character and his mind. It had an interesting style to it - very grainy, with a few '70s-style freeze-frames (on action), and ended up getting very intense. And tense. What's the difference between intense and tense? No clue. Anyway, worth seeing, but it's quite gruelling (I'd give it 6/10 on the Passion scale of gruelliness).
Okay, I need to go. Short blog. Hmm.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
What, you thought I didn't have the stamina to maintain my daily posting routine?
Well, you're right. It's exhausting me. In the sense of 'running out of creative juices' rather than tiring. Does that mean that this post will be the last post in a while?
Doubt it.
Had a good time with Bing last night - we had planned to go roller-blading with his church friends, but it was pre-booked. So Bing and I split and, after checking out his sweet Bachelor Pad (no wonder chicks dig him so), we went to a party with his med friends. And whose house was it? None other than Sam Benison, my old primary school friend, semi-namesake and pseudo-nemesis! Good times. Didn't have a huge catch-up, but maybe one day... anyways, we left just as the party was kicking in (because we're THAT cool) and went to catch a film.
*Cough*The Wedding Crashers*cough*.
At the Embassy. I remembered the last time I went to the Embassy... it was the last day I saw Abbey (or the day before), 8 or 9 months ago. I hope I haven't ruined the memory with that film! Pretty dodgy film, with a few funny bits. Anyways, hanging out with the Bingster was the bestest bit (awww!), so, funky.
Oh yeah, and I'm pretty sure we've chosen the suit for me... good ol' Vance Vivian. Good ol' pops. Good ol' Mastercard. And I spoke with Sam, Jared L.'s friend up here. He goes to City Church (which I've checked out a few times, and liked), which sounds like it might be a goer for me... although I'll be going to Bing's tomorrow, just to check. And, of course, we talked law, which was helpful.
Oh hey, you guys have got Thingy McThingy talking at Elim tomorrow, yeah? That dude who got killed by box-jellyfish and had a Near Death Experience? I'm sad I'm missing that. I was quite shocked when it was announced, actually... I didn't think it was the kind of thing Elim was into - or me. It kinda helps that he's so sought-after world-wide, I guess because I can assume (or CAN I?) that so many faithful people have looked into this and found it... well, good, I guess.
I always used to believe in NDEs, and yet... I dunno, I'm still not sure where I stand on them. Partly because they're so experiential and impossible to empirically validate (well, the experiences, that is. The death is validatable, I presume)... and it seems like a lot of them, while not contradicting each other, seem quite different. I dunno - I'd love to read some thoughts from you lucky people who get to see this guy! Actually, Bing's seen him, I should have asked...
So, erm, my going away party. I don't think I'll change it from the 3rd, to be honest. Partly because no other day suits (9th and 10th are Design Weekend), partly because doing it later risks not having it. Maybe I can fit it an unofficial goodbye party at the end (hey, maybe on the 16th! Hehe)...
I'm finally relaxing... it's amazing how long the side-effects from a busy & stressful season can last. And yet, I'm not there yet. It's hard to relax up here, especially with non-stop remarks about "when are you getting a job?" Plus I've still got a few things to do.
And to finish, I'd like to mention (for the record) something about my spiritual walk. It's been quite minimalist lately, in a good way (perhaps 'contemplative' or 'unorthodox' are more appropriate adjectives). It's been definately hard to keep up in Wellington, and there's something in particular I'm struggling with which ain't helping. Probably the most interesting thing is that I haven't been praying FOR things/people/the future much. And that doesn't really worry me - I guess I was thrust into doing that too much too early on (1 o'clock prayer, etc). I think it's important, yes, but sometimes you need to focus on just knowing God, and trust that He's got it in control. He'll teach me more about prayer when He wills.
And that's just really... cool.
Friday, August 19, 2005
Fridays with Grannie
The title is a reference to 'Tuesdays with Morrie', which I've just finished reading. Although my Gran's not doing as bad as Morrie, it's still a little... hard. She's just been bathed; my cousin's getting married this weekend, so my parents have taken this opportunity to arrange a family meeting (of my aunts and uncles) to discuss her future. So there's a lot going on there.
But I don't want to talk about that here. I just needed to record it.
I'm going suit-shopping today, which will be great - if I get a suit. I hate shopping for something and returning with nothing. Ah well, at the very least I get to spend some time with Pops. I'm also having lunch with that random law-guy that I mentioned last time. And I've gotta buy some shoes. And a high-e string for my Dad's guitar (whoops!).
Saw a job on Seek today - well, not actually a job. But a big talent agency is reopening their books. I know I'll regret it if I don't apply - although it'd be very hard to do anything like that with a law job. I've always wanted to be in a talent agency, but they don't really have them down south - it's one of the reasons I wanted to come back here. Still, it ain't free, and it doesn't seem likely... eek. I also saw my sister's old acting course advertised (it doesn't start until May). That would be cool too, but a big commitment. And there are auditions for "Beauty and the Beast" some time next month...
Flip, all these big things happening here. This is why I need to settle down in Wellington, and not have a divided heart/home. And trust in the Lord, as everyone says.
I am wondering if it'd be wise to have my going away party on the 16th instead of the 3rd - because at least with the 3rd, there's not really any risk that I'd miss it because of a job. But Abbey does make a good point... argh, too much to think about.
I can't believe it's finally coming to an end.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Zhe zhen shi ge kuai le de jingzhang
Tuesday at 4:15pm. That's when I arrive back in Dunedin. Anyone wanna pick me up? G'waaaan...
WINZ was a little more helpful this morning, but also more confusing. They are having difficulty coping with my city-hopping. Making a Tuesday return quite handy. They may be unwilling to assist in paying my Dunedin rent when I'm living in Wellington, though... but we'll see. I should advertise it some more. And I've booked my next meeting with WINZ for September 19th - 2 days after the Oscars. I can easily postpone it, I suppose.
Conflicting emotions at the moment - chatting to Carmi, Jane and Paul on Monday before I left made me realise that I would actually be missed when I left... something I've been told plenty of times, but I never actually believed it. Good ol' self-esteem. And I've also been considering (on a probably altogether too-related note) staying in Dunedin until I actually get a job in Wellington, however long that takes.
But I'm also realising the importance and value of not doing that. Firstly, practically, I would be much more motivated to get work if I were up here looking for it, and I'd be obviously better placed to actually do so. But I'm also realising the need to sever my ties with Dunedin (the city) relatively soon. Emotionally/psychologically I have a need to identify one of those two cities as my home. And because I actually feel called* to be a lawyer in Wellington, I feel I finally have the authority/power to let go of Dunedin.
*Called - yes and no. I've never heard or felt any specific calling on this issue, but given the lack of other calling and the presence of other factors such as the advice of those who know me (which, yes, could count as a 'calling', in theory), I'm assuming a calling. Which is an assumption I'm not too uncomfortable with making. At least, not today.
Even so, saying Goodbye to Dunedin is going to be much harder than I thought. Which is why I want my going away party to be special... it's not so much the people that I'll miss (because that's obvious - and I can keep in touch), nor the place (I'm sick of it in some ways, to be honest), but the lifestyle. The ability to hang out with the girls upstairs and laugh ourselves silly(er). Having a fooseball table to kick everyone's butts at. After-church lunches. My own schedule. And I know too well that I shouldn't try and recreate that lifestyle up here, but start a new one that is more suitable.
Wow. Suddenly I have a new respect for those who left before me. Although I suppose leaving is inevitable for most Otago students, which helps.
And I suppose I'm listening to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, which doesn't help. :-)
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Dong ma?
As promised, ANOTHER post. Wowee, you owe me. You owe me a lot. Speaking of owing me a lot, look what I came across! All seven seasons, only US$140! Why, if you find 14 people that love me, that's only US$10 each! What a great going away gift! :-)
Speaking of being shameless, check out Nam's blog (well, at least her photoblog). Some great photos of the ball up there - maybe I'm just saying that because I'm in 33% of them... hehe. Although I might add that I'm still very stoked that I got to sing at the ball... that was really special.
Wiggy wiggy wiggy... no, I probably can't wear my lawyer's wig at my farewell, Bibs. They're very expensive and BORROWED. But there's bound to be photos. And Abbey, yes, I'm afraid it's only my sister who's got the awesome jetsetter ISV-recruitment job, although there's always next year... in other exciting news, my family is promising that we will get to visit her in New York during her 3-month (or more?) acting stint there, in April or July. So I expect you to clear your diary for those months, Miss Abt!
And for those with a long memory, Kate's (my sister) blog is about to be resurrected - I think I'll be allowed to share the address. She's a good writer, so it'll be well worth investimagating.
I should be back on the Unemployment Benefit soon. Funnily enough, the WINZ office is one of the few places where I feel uncomfortable being the Best Dressed Guy. Jokes, of course.
There was a big article in the Employment section (every Wednesday) of today's Dominion Post (Wellington's newspaper) about a guy who just did a Psyc/Law double degree, then Profs, and is now a solicitor in Wellington (although he didn't really want to at first) - he's holding an electric guitar because he's in a rock band as well. So that was encouraging. I'm meeting up for lunch with a guy called Sam that Jared L. knew from Dunedin who's also just started law up here too, he went to Dunedin Apostolic church. And I spoke to my cousin's wife last night, who's head of HR in a big firm here, and she's keeping her eyes out. So things are going well there.
With regards to the more immediate, I'll probably return to Dunners on Tuesday, earlier than I expected, but I need to get some stuff sorted down there. And I'm definately considering staying for the Oscars, which is... a month from today, actually. So there.
Which would mean my going away party is at least two weeks before I go. Perhaps I could put it forward. Then those who can't make it might be able to go... but maybe others wouldn't. The only available date appears to be 16 September, the night before the Oscars (and the election... who am I gonna vote for???) - thoughts? It's unlikely to change, but just in case...
Went out with the family last night to Il Casino - lovely Italian restaurant. Had a great time. Said goodbye to Kate this morning... probably off to see 'The Machinist' this afternoon. Because it finishes in two days.
I'm feeling a bit sick at the moment. I don't think it was the lovely Italian wine last night (because there wasn't too much, and I was feeling sick yesterday too), which leaves three possible options - I'm still sick from weeks ago; I've caught that nasty thing my sister's got; this is an abnormally bad allergic reaction to our cats. Or a combination.
Actually, it could just be being here. This place always physically (and psychically , I suppose you could say) drains me. It's probably some sort of conditioning, intensified by the usually stress of coming back to your parents' house (oh, like you don't know what I'm talking about!), especially with a sick granny around. Ooh, and I can probably also blame it on my mind not wanting to look for a job, so it's calling in sick.
Good heavens, I just wrote two paragraphs on that? I think that's a sign that I oughta click 'Publish'... til next time!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
"You're the only interesting friend I have. When you leave, I'll only have dull friends."
(Carmi 2005, conversation with the author.)
What was the other shocker she came up with? Carms, help me out, babe (EDIT: "who needs a boyfriend if you've got a running crew?"). There were some great ones the night before too, mostly about trying to get Alice and Gus to continue the Royal Terrace legacy by getting together and 'reproducing'... sigh. Good times.
EDIT 2: Carmi has supplied her relevant quotes:
(Pointing at Jo and Gus) "YOU TWO...DO IT!"
"SOMEONE GET A BABY IN HERE!"
"Jo, you look so pretty...take off your top"
Anyways, I'm in Wellington. I've been aching to say it for ages, but I had to keep it secret (keep it safe!) from my sister. And boy, was she surprised. She squealed - or was it a shriek? - when she walked in on me in the garage. Hehehe, perfect. She leaves on Wednesday morning to go to the US of A via the sunny shores of Oz. And me? Not quite sure when I'm leaving yet - could well be as soon as next Tuesday. There's not a heap for me to do here.
Aside from sis-shocking, I'm taking advantage of this time to RELAX. Most of you will know that I have now officially finished my Professionals Course (perhaps my last goodbye to the education system?) and am unemployed. In 22 days I will be officially admitted to Bar in the High Court of New Zealand in Dunedin.
Yes, I get to wear a wig.
And then the world is my oyster. Which is fitting, because I can't stand the taste of oysters. Hehe. No, I'm fine with it all now. Friday afternoon forwards was the time period I've been freaking out about for about, oh, two years? And while it hasn't fully kicked in yet (and to be honest, it probably won't until I leave Dunedin for good or get a proper job), I'm feeling quite at peace. Which is nice. I got another rejection e-mail yesterday...
But like I said, I'm relaxing, and catching up on all the things that fell by the wayside (does that saying derive from the parable of the sower? I think it probably does) during the last two intense weeks. Including e-mails and affidavits. And blogging. But I might keep this a bit shorter than usual so that people don't just scan it, and post a bit more tomorrow or the next day. Or both.
Because, let's face it, what else am I going to do in Wellington?
Thursday, August 11, 2005
"Livin' on a thin line... tell me now, what are we supposed to do?"
That's a Kinks song, that is. It doesn't really relate, except in the sense that I'm kinda feeling like I'm living on the edge at the moment. Not the edge of my tether, nor the edge of my seat, nor the edge of... I dunno, sanity. But I'm feeling very stretched. As you do when you've been busy for a very long time, and the end is still far off.
I'm handling it well, though.
Come to think of it, August last year was when everything started to get really busy too. And that didn't stop until November (if you can call working from 7-5 doing manual labour 'not busy'!). I wondered then if the busyness was God's way of taking away my brooding time so I'd stop worrying about what was going to happen this year. Which means this busyness... hmm. At least I got over my sickness pretty fast - faster than some, at least!
One day of Profs to go; one exam to go. One night of filming to go; one day of filming to go.
One day until I'm unemployed.
I'm not looking forward to looking for work, I'll say that now. Maybe that's why I'm okay with being busy. I'm still waiting to hear back from four (?) jobs, which I thought I would have heard from by now. But apart from that, I haven't been able to start yet. I suppose there's no sense in getting straight into work on like, Monday, but I don't want to laze about either.
And related to *that* issue is the question of when exactly I'm leaving Dunedin. The weekend after admission is the Design Weekend camp, I'd like to stay for that. The weekend after that is the Oscars, which would be cool to stay for... but then I'd be here for a very long time. That's over a month away. Then again, I can do almost all my applying-for-job work down here, so that's not a biggy.
Actually, none of that's a biggy. I just haven't had a chance to think about it, and with everything else going on, it gets blown out of proportion. Heck, I've hardly even been praying about all that.
It's been great having Bing here (although I wish I had more time to spend with him!). We went out to dinner last night, Bing, J and I. Went to an asian restaurant to farewell Ben (our flatmate before Royal Terrace). Nick and Tim (whom I know through J) were there too. It was a great meal. I'm cooking tonight and then filming. Friday night I'll probably be eating out with my Profs class; Saturday night's the ball; Sunday night's a joint meal between our flat and the girls upstairs...
Flip, Wellington is going to be DIFFERENT.
Monday, August 08, 2005
Sam's farewell to Dunedin
Yes, I'm leaving Dunedin. The date is not set, although it'll be a little over a month. Which is sad, but exciting.
But...
I'm having a party.
Saturday 3rd of September, from 7pm, at the Elim Christian Center Conference Room.
This is the last weekend of Uni holidays. I've tried to time it so everyone can make it, but there's always some problems. Let me know if it clashes with something big. Usual rules - bring food and drink, no dress code. If I can think of something to say, I'll say it at some stage throughout the night, otherwise that's all I've got planned.
I've heard whispers that some people want to do something to surprise me. Seeing as I like (nice) surprises, I've appointed Dave Pom as my go-between - that is, if you want to do something for me (or say something, or anything out of the ordinary), let him know and he'll work it in. He's at hotpomREMOVETHESEFOURWORDS@yahoo.co.nz, I think (take out the words in caps, obviously).
So yeah, that's that. I want this to be a big thing for me, because all you people and this place are so important to me, so I'll probably also get someone to go around with my video camera... I'll try and organise some music too, unless someone would like to.
Have I missed anything? Oh yeah - I'll send this out by e-mail too, but please pass it on. If you know me, I want you to come.
In other news, we now have a minor infestation of Bing. We expect fumigation will be effective by Sunday night.
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Gadzooks!
I wanted to have a title that I'd never had before while not restricting my future posts from using a good title for fear of repetition. I think that works.
Interesting responses for my last blog, thank you. I'm glad I got that out there, even thought I did mess it up pre-edit! And since I've received one question on this, others of you are probably thinking it, but no - Celia and I never went out. We were just really good friends. But then, even back then people were asking if we were going out... hehe.
I'm sick. Shocker of a cold, it's going around at the moment. But that's okay, I'm soldiering on (I mean, actually soldiering on. I'm taking Codral, so it's a given). I've been sleeping bad enough lately, but with the cold... man, the last two nights have sucked, painfully. I'd better get some sleep in before my latest 6-hour exam tomorrow.
And you know what else? Money. Money money money. Where's it all gone? Going going gone. This past week or so I have spent so much money... and only about half of that has been avoidable. :-) Had to get the car fixed for my WOF, that wasn't fun. Ball tickets, coffee and lunch every second day...
Okay, I did that on purpose. I made those last two paragraphs whiney and complainey and negative. I didn't really want to, because it doesn't really flow like that, but I made a decision to. For no reason, really. But now that's out of the way, I can focus on the positive...
Our short film is well underway (see Jeremy's blog for details). And it's going very well, better than I thought it would. And it looks like we'll get it all done pretty soon. Whaddya know. And my life group is joining with Lydia's to make an Oscar movie on Saturday... And speaking of films, it's the last week of the film festival. I'm seeing 'Birth' tonight, 'Godzilla: Final War' tomorrow (along with '36, quai de Ofres' and 'Me and You and Everyone we know' if I finish my exam in time), 'Thumbsucker' on Friday, 'Life is A Miracle' on Saturday (perhaps), and 'Broken Flowers' on Sunday to finish it. And at the regular movies, there're some good ones I've still to see... 'The Machinist', 'Melinda and Melinda', "Millions'... 'Land of the Dead' is out tomorrow (yay! Might have to have a pre-screening of the first three movies!), 'Sin City' next week... so I'm keeping busy in that.
Coursewise, well, it's going pretty well. 7 sessions left, 2 1/2 of which are exams. And I've left before lunch most days recently. I'm getting things done (which is very satisfying!) with my applications for Admission, which is full on but the end is in sight. No news so far regarding any of my job applications (although I think I've only done 4, plus the rejected one from June).
I've got the Ball coming up in 10 days, Bing coming down in 5, lots of stuff to do. And something else too in September, which I'll mention in one of my next blogs, soon (and in an e-mail for some of you)...
It's an interesting grab-bag of things going on, which is (hopefully) nicely contrasting to my last blog - an external look at the present/future following an internal look at the past.
THIS JUST IN - A new press release states that the new version of ""Seasons of Love," the first single from the Warner Bros. Records soundtrack to Revolution Studios' upcoming film Rent, will be available for purchase exclusively on the iTunes Music Store..."
AND
"In addition, users will be invited to watch exclusive footage from the film set to the song. " Check it out right here! Woo Woo!
ONE LAST POINT - The Elim Ball is soon. If you are in Dunedin, you need to come. It's one of the most fun events of the year (and although it's a 'ball', it's not one of those spooky ones where everyone dances hand-in-hand, cheek-to-cheek and you feel dumb because you don't know any moves and besides you don't feel like asking anyone to dance because what if they say no or something like that that would suck and you'd just DIE!), so BE THERE. And it's really important that you buy your tickets ASAP, because if you (yes, you) leave it until the last minute, you're just stressing people out. So don't.
Every person who comments and says that they're coming and have bought their ticket or will buy it on or before Sunday, well, I promise you that I'll dance with you. Every person who isn't going, you have to comment and say why so that I get a chance to convince you otherwise. So you can't lose!
Please go to the Ball. I'm asking nicely.