djmintlaw

Fresher's Week 2009 Summary

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 00:43:54 GMT

Yeah, I know FW was a semester ago. But I noted down stuff through the week in a notepad as I didn't have internet access and I'm gonna post them. Now to decipher just exactly what I meant...

Training
A much calmer and less scary effort this year, possibly because I knew more people and I did it last year. An added benefit was there was no running in the 'get to know people' games, which last year saw me falling behind opening our supposed circle up. I should however learn to keep my mouth shut, as I'm fairly sure it got me turned into the Substitute Cabbage as she was away for a bit. But it did mean I got to show people around the Union, answer a question or two and get a little responsibility, or at least pretend to.
After training went to Pizza Hut and the movies (GI Joe I think) with the aforementioned Cabbage, Paul C and Gecko who at that point I didn't know too well. Still got both the boys phone numbers for my collection.
That night I was too excited to sleep, which really was a bit stupid of me as the first day is the most hectic.

Saturday
Moving in day, when freshers arrive, clog up the car parks and generally the helpers are very very busy. Among those moving in were Adam Polanski whose brother John I know quite well. Also moving in was Cabbage, who conscripted a few nearby helpers to help shift her stuff. As the only guy present in the bunch that makes me the first male into Cabbage's room since she moved in, all of 2 seconds before. However my lone male status did also lead to her attempting to set me up with one/any of the female helpers present! Fortunately most of them wouldn't have learned my name yet, thus they won't recall this when speaking to me now. ;)
As she went back to base aka the Union, I was left 'in charge' of those of us up at the posh halls for parking cars etc. as I was the only one present who'd done it before. This led to my first cock up, whereby I forgot that the Robert Bryson building wasn't accepting inmates yet so there was no point to station people there. (Un?)Fortunately Bottom and Cabbage drove back up to check on things so no ones time was wasted, though they did catch me at the worst time. 10 minutes later and I'd have got the hang of things sufficiently to look competent. After attempting to sort out some people who were trying to move in to Bryson (with the help of a guard with a walkie, the wardens having gone AWOL) I directed traffic all afternoon. A second problem that affecting things was my leaving my phone in the Union, leaving me unable to contact Gecko for an update on remaining spaces and having to guess if there was an opening, erring on the side of caution. Also felt slightly abashed when trying to direct the mother of a direct student to the nearby car park saying it was only a short walk and being told 'walking's a bit difficult for Dominique' but then again how was I s'posed to know, was looking at their faces. A space was found for her and all was well.
After a late lunch at around 4, replaced Peter Pick (to some relief it seemed as he'd been parking people on the grass) at the Ghetto.
I was also left in charge of the group going round bagging Leonard Horner halls earlier in the day, as again I was one of the few who'd done it before, which meant I got the keys. While some guys vanished for a while, I was ably assisted by Mat and was the first to note his usefulness to Cabbage and therefore the supervisors :) It was found that a few people had been allowed to move in before I was told they were so barged into a room or two, fortunately everyone was fully dressed.
Moving onto the evening event I was on front door duty for a while, a promotion from the back door last year? This did however lead to me being one of the two people (the other being Paul Murphy) who saw the two guys compare their penis' under the UV light at the door. Fortunately it was his hair they decided to rub their hands in afterwards!
Being a helper on early evening event duty meant I too shared in the responsibility of 'getting the party started' namely by dancing away with Ella and Andrea, and whoever else was about. The dodgy dancing would have to come out a few times over the week. My camera was also nicked by Andrea for while resulting in shots of random Freshers and a misfire one of her leg! But that night began my interactions with the new batch of Freshers, meeting and speaking to more of them on a one to one basis than I did the previous year in total! I recall meeting a fresher called Mark and his mate who were both going to do chemical engineering. Wouldn't recognise their faces now though...
The night ended for myself and Paul M with a severely late taxi or 45 minutes or so, and when one did arrive the driver sped significantly (he was late as he'd been stopped by the police for speeding!), forgot where we were going and at one point (where I was the final person left) he had me looking out for the police so he could speed some more!
The day ended with me having volunteered for 18 hours straight, been awake for 44 hours, forgetting to have tea and having less than 5 hours sleep afterwards! Due to all the running about (yes I ran) I was also left quite chafed in the inner thigh area the next day, something Grant took great delight in mocking me for.

Sunday
The next morning and afternoon I had to stay in my flat as my dad and brother were driving down with all my stuff. Apparently in the morning the Scavenger Hunt groups managed to fill a Lothian bus or two completely, much to the chagrin of the drivers! Still there was much hilarity in the evening including Mo getting a Mexican Wave going in the queue and my poor attempts to film it, Emma L turning into a Grim Shepardess/nun/Virgin Mary type figure and the return of Twammers for the hypnotist show and his subsequent almost immediate conscription by senior crew to set up Libs (where apparently Simon told him off). Also making an appearance was former helper Shin. During the Headphone Disco, Kallum (with a K) decided we should add our own third song and we all sang Happy Birthday to Alison, despite it not being her birthday! But perhaps one of the funniest incidents was the drunk guy who wandered into the girls toilets and refused to believe it wasn't the boys ones. Tasha the steward had to pretty much forcibly eject him, and I was there to capture his shame on film. Aren't I a nice helper.

Monday
Monday was one of the best days thus far, as there was plenty of people in attendance, I'd learned who many of them were and we were less hectic than on Saturday. Additionally several non helpers turned up for the Skool Disko later in the day, including Alan, Chris, Lexy, Stewie, Emily Fisher, Oyegbe, Daniel Thom, Emily Plahe and Mish. Upon seeing me later in the night Alan gave me a big ole bear hug. These was a theme for the day as much man hugging went on between loads of the helpers including myself, Bryce and Bottom. The daytime segment of the day had various games such as hook a duck -where I won a prize only to be told by Paul C. that as a helper I wasn't eligible! However various helpers, Emily and Debbie for instance got prizes so I think he played favourites. Their prizes were styrofoam animals, a giraffe and a camel respectively, which we had some fun with before sticking them to the wall. There was also much vote fixing in the helpdesk over the movie to be shown a week later, I'm thinking specifically of Emily and the Hannah Montana movie. Another daytime attraction was the sumo suits which saw a match between Mo and Pete. The evening had it's share of games as well as we decorated the union up in it's school clothes. A few I played before general admittance was Hungry Hippos on a slanty table, in my favour ;) and Guess Who where I soundly beat Bryce every time. I did notice a few games from last year had apparently become casualties of drunken students, with Scalectrix, Pop up pirate and Buckaroo all failing to return. Mo and Antonia set up the hopscotch in the foyer, apparently missing '8'. This was not fun to remove at the end of the night. Inside Zeros several 'chalkboards' where set up one proudly claiming the 8x5=47 and another showing the managers, supervisors and senior crew were put on detention. But it was not only the union that got a dressing up, many of the helpers (the non boring ones, unlike me) opting to put on some semblance of a school uniform. Mo, or Moo as his lanyard now read, was the class dunce, Kallum wore suspenders, Emma L and Stewie both tried on the blonde pigtails, Murray went all out as a disciplinarian deputy head complete with bamboo cane, Nicola D and Hannah (in her first supervisory shift) wore something resembling more a nurse's outfit or the school uniform from Neighbours in the early 90s and Cabbage got corsetted. Speaking of Cabbage and Hannah there was some serious groping of Hannah going on by the former! Antonia also gained several additions to her attire in the shape of balloons, which made her look like she could take off at any moment. Cabbage did try to get me to do my nails but I didn't. That would come later in the semester. ;)
The childish attitude permeated through everyone well before the event started, with Mo successfully encouraging everyone to thrown scrunched up balls of paper at Headmaster Simon. Simon's throne was also nicked from his office to be put on stage without his knowledge. Paul C also began his week long game of covering my face with various sticky fluids after a poorly phrase comment by me. This included hand soap, water, coke, Fanta and others. I however was more grown up, taking notes during the 6 o'clock meeting for Andrea as she was occupied elsewhere, These notes were later borrowed by Hannah so she knew what she was supposed to be doing!
The headliners of the night themselves were Bradley 'n' Jo from S Club (after their performance Chris became addicted to them for a while) and Scott from 5ive. I did poke my head in for a quick look but didn't stay long as practically every helper present was watching and the jobs were getting backed up. We also played pass the camera with the Union camera, as it went from Murray, to me, Antonia, Andrea, Emma and who knows who else. Speaking of photos Lexy was back, and hence much photoness occurred with my own camera. The dodgy dancing also returned, although not (just) to encourage freshers but also because we were having a bit of fun. Two less amusing things were the feather boas (days later I was still cleaning up bits of the damned things) and the hero who pissed on the dj box! Later a letter of apology appeared with some Hobnobs (not chocolate ones though) stating 'but you still shouldn't have imprisoned me' referring to his containment in the office while his particulars were taken down. My taxi driver that night it turned out used to live in my building! This would be the driver I had for damn near the remainder of the week and I always sat in the same seat next to him.

Tuesday
Tuesday began my and Murray's efforts to find the new president of the chem eng society. It turned out one hadn't been elected yet but I didn't find that out until weeks later. Despite the rain the two tours of the day were well attended. The day was filled with lots of carrying to the old green room and to the locked lockup -'Jamie where's the key?'. Heaven and hell seems to have been a theme in general setup with my a picture of Angel Swinton and Ruth putting a pentagram on the floor. Twammers was supposed to attend the Comedy but bailed, much like he did with his job interview the next day. The latter half of the evening was UV night, which saw several helpers take the night off to party. The daily meeting also saw me recounting the UV penis incident of opening night, leading Keith to ponder about 'glowing liquid stains' that may have been visible! I spent most of the night itself on the front door, though I did duck out to scoop up some broken glass at one point, which could count as flouting one of the H&S rules. Not that I've not done it before. That night I was scheduled to leave before the end but after midnight. I learned upon reading the taxi list that I was getting a taxi to myself, a fact that if I'd known I'd have changed. As it transpired I wound up staying until nearly the next taxi call anyway as my driver (not the one from the night before) had gone to reception and picked up 4 drunk students who enthusiastically claimed they were Derek and so got a free ride. That driver isn't allowed to go to HW again. But it did mean I got to hang out with Sam in the bar managers office while waiting, somewhere I'd never been.

Wednesday
By now all the late nights, early mornings, skipping meals (and when I did eat they weren't exactly healthy) and hectic days finally caught up with me and I was quite ill in the morning. This led to me breaking my word to Cabbage to help her out setting up the Freshers Fayre. I made it in just before it opened (after my bus driver stopping off on route to take a shit, inconsiderate bastard) and was told it was fine, they'd managed just fine. When it came time to clear up after the fayre, Ruth told me that Cabbage had placed me in charge of it while she eat something. The level of trust made me feel quite chuffed. The only ones that appeared to be aware of this of the helpers were Ruth, who I would never dream of ordering around and me however. I successfully managed to get Bryce and Cheryl to listen to me but that was about it. Many of those around were experienced crewers who again I'd never dream of ordering around, I'd expect derisive laughter if I tried lol.
The Fayre itself was busting with familiar faces, including Twammers and Teresa at the Red Cross stall, kobolds, Gordon, Luke and a glomping Megan for Anime Soc, Polanski at sci-fi, former president Ruth for NUS, Lauren & Anthony, the Spaniard, James Burchell, Eppie, Gareth and Roshi. Midway through Ella and I went over to helpdesk 2, which was a nice change and where I saw Jemma, Dr. White & Dr. Goodwin. It was while here that some arrogant sod from the CU kept coming over chatting and stealing my Ginger Snaps even offering them to passers by! Ella couldn't quite believe his cheek. She annoyed me a little that day too, poaching those I was helping but telling me to keep quiet when I pointed out a mistake she'd made in giving directions to someone.
One of those supposed to be at the fayre was Alan at the RAG stall, he was hungover. My RAG t-shirt was put on display at the stall (apparently I wasn't needed) and it is very faded compared to Andrea's one. The only freebies I got that day were fruit! At one point I was standing with Gecko at the poker society stall in Committee Room One and smelt burning. He didn't know what it was so I went to check. I bumped into Murray at the door and mentioned it to him and he told me it would be the BBQ just outside! Utter Muppet I was! Fortunately I got some alleviation when Ruth Bush wondered the same thing not long after.
Coming back from closing helpdesk two we spotted some flyer-ers that Cheryl told us she'd already told off, so after chasing them off I proceded to stalk them (mentioning this to Emma L with some glee upon passing her) all the way from the bridge over the loch to main reception, snapping a few photos of them and some accomplices. My retelling of this in the daily meeting caused everyone present to descend into laughter. I've no idea why... They also wondered why I was carrying around some lipstick which I'd found earlier and the day. Truth be told, I didn't really have one, except I thought it might be funny to produce it later. I think Andrea took it later on as Debbie or Antonia may have been able to put it to some use.
The evening event that day was the Freshers Factor, a karaoke night replacing the Ceillidh. The event came with its own special t-shirt allowing us a break from the usual Helper ones. In attendance we had Michelle Mcmanus, who I touched at one point *Cue squealing fangirls -or not* in order to get her attention as Alison wanted a photo taken with her. I was sought by one of the stewards to get the union camera to take a picture of the guy in a wheelchair with her (woo recognised photographer!) and it went from there. I was initially standing in the foyer to take photos of people with numbered stickers ala X Factor, but due to shorthandedness found myself on front door duty again, this time with Kallum but not steward, hence I was in charge. I did however manage to ask one of them to stand in for me temporarily to sneak inside and get some photos of Andrea, Antonia and Karen singing on stage. I wanted a video too, but my camera battery died on me :( They were disappointed there was no Journey, and plumped for Skater Boi instead. I did however get a video showing 'Andy from behind the bar' singing Tom Jones. At one point I had a fresher, aided by Alison, attempting to get me to sing a song from Grease on stage with her to which I eventually conceded to but fortunately to those with ears she didn't come back.
Doing front door duty that night was hectic however, with it descending into utter madness! The amount of people attempting to get in without wristbands (even though there were some left for sale) was larger than I'd ever seen it. They must have sensed the stewards were elsewhere, that Kallum was more interested in flirting and that I was useless. I allowed a girl to peep inside Zeros to look for her friend at one point but not to get out of my sight, and was ambushed by a large group of freshers. Trying to keep her in sight, them all at bay while also checking wristbands to keep the line of people moving was challenging and resulted in many of us being forced back into the small entryway. Kallum at this point was no help whatsoever instead laughing at my rising panic as I tried to make sure no one got past me unauthorised. I had to tell the doorway girl to get back as I couldn't really maintain a watch. She whined and one of the guys responded I was no good under pressure. Two girls attempted to get the best of me by hiding in the girls toilets at which point I gave in and called for steward assistance. After removing them Tasha remained on the door with me, switching out with other stewards for the rest of the night. I however remained on door for the remainder. This resulted in me meeting quite a few people, including Neil's former flatmate James, who hung about me like a bad smell. Not like I could escape. The friends he'd come with had gotten drunk, with one girl called Shauna (who I'd met once before) getting really drunk and angry and wound up throwing a drink over some random girl for no reason. She got paid back in kind later in the night, but I had the stewards keep an eye on her all night. I also met a guy who should have been abstaining for Ramadan thus refused a photo. He should have stayed off the booze, later that night he attempted to forcibly take a girl back to his room with him by carrying her. I'd been told earlier he'd been hanging round her so upon leaving Zeros he was quickly stopped by Tasha and Hana was saved. I later saw him with a more willing girl, but I don't think that was the same night as I'm fairly sure he was thrown out after the attempted kidnapping. Hana introduced me to her group of friends, including a guy called Drew. That was also the day I talked several times with Jordan a big drunken bear of a man who allegedly snogged Michelle Mcmanus, impressing Calverto and getting a t-shirt in the process. I'm fairly sure if he'd harassed the star then he woulda been thrown out. I also met the world's oldest fresher that day, though during the day, he looked like an aging hippie and was definitely around retirement age. There was taxi problems again that night. I also have a note about doing drapes, but can't recall exactly what significance that holds. The current tally at that point was 219 photos and 16 videos.

Thursday
Thursday morning I took off for no real reason and came in late afternoon. I spent the entirety of the evening event on the front doors again (third day running) and due to this a great many of the freshers knew my face. The only thing I really remember about that night was the great chat I had with a great number of the freshers, including Conor, Rhainnon and Jordan, who did actually learn my name and repeatedly told people that I was a big man. He also hit on Tasha and told me to tell Alison, the LGBT officer that she had a nice arse, which I did. I can't recall if these were all on Thursday but I think not. I have seen him over the semester and gotten a nod of recognition. Indeed I've seen and been seen by several freshers and some actually remember me this year, unlike last year which I like.

Friday
Friday started out as a really bad day, I couldn't get onto campus as I had to wait for the internet to arrive, and then committed mail fraud by pretending to be Matt and signing for it. I couldn't get it hooked up which was disappointing. After getting in however the day improved immensely. By now the freshers had mostly founds friends and knew enough to get by, so times in the helpdesk were slowly allowing for hijinks. Emma blew up a big balloon, which Paul C just had to beat with his own. He also set himself the task of beating Louise at Hangman, an impossible task. There was also some lighthearted 'partner swapping' between myself, Grant, Steve and Paul C although it was Bryce who later 'mounted' me! There was also some gossip amongst Andrea's flat as they began teasing Debbie about Cameron who she'd met at the school disco. At the time he'd been so drunk he hadn't noticed she was a helper and assumed she was a fresher! The banter in the main office was fun and varied, with Mike Barron/young offenders in a Womble suit, high visibility, broken ticket machine malfunctions and the couple of guys smoking weed just outside the open window! all being topics of discussion.
Along with the usual chocolate fountain, which was swamped with helpers before opened there was also the videoke and amazing pictures which we took advantage of. I foolishly let some of the female helpers choose what picture to get, resulting in my joining a Chippendale troupe. This photo caused much giggling and outright laughter amongst helpers, with Ailsa being uncontrollable for several minutes in a fit of hysterics and Jamie snorting with laughter declaring it vengeance. I took a picture of him eating shortly after :) I'd shortly finished eating myself at the insistence of Andrea, who was supervising, and who mothered and badgered and nagged me until I did. Maybe my half dozen unused meal tickets made her make sure I ate, so I wouldn't pass out during her shift.
The headline act was Girls Can't Catch, who I was on stage with. The Freshers this year seemed more mellow or less enthusiastic over the week than last years lot. Last year I recall being forced onto the stage during the Freshers Party due to the crush of people, whereas this year Andrew Donoghue in his newspaper wedding dress was able to keep it intact while at the front of the crowd. Andrew is now the fresher who I know best that I also remember from Freshers Week, and who remembers me. this is due to his joining of crew, but it's nice to know someone remembers what I did during their first week of university for them. Along with all the many freshers who I could now recognise, I also got my favourite cab driver once more that night.

Saturday Two
Honestly not much doing that day. Not many helpers in, no tasks to be done really and no freshers needing help. Spent a while in the Helpdesk with Bryce and Ulysse playing with balloons that had been customised, bouncy balls and whatever else was lying around. Totally chilled and lax day. The evening event was the midnight movie and musical bingo. That was the day I first put up the small stage drape all by myself. There were soft sofa seats dragged out for the movie showing and reserved for crew. I stayed until the end watching Dark Knight which won. At least we think it did after discounting false votes, rechoosing film selections twice and generally just making it up as we go. Like usual.

Sunday Two
The day we were freed. Managed to get to the flat after the meeting, change & shower and make it back before the quiz started. Proceeded to get utterly wankered, again. Didn't break my promise and hug Jamie like last year though. Apparently I was running about with outstretched arms pretending to be a plane. I blame the freshers who plied me with shots as a thank you for the week gone by, not cheap shots either but whisky. Chatted to Rhiannon a while. Despite Jamie and others best efforts to get someone to take me home, including Emma while we were in the taxi, I successfully managed to go with them and got into not one but two clubs! In drunkenly texting Cabbage I woke her up after she'd fallen asleep in the shower so good even came of that. So got into GHQ, walked with Paul M to Shanghai and stayed until the end before heading to Nicola M's flat for a while, after a visit to the all night bakery on Morrison Street.

All in all a fantastic week and I don't for a second regret not doing it. Am disappointed I won't get to do it again though. This post reminds me to chase up Murray and see how many hours I did this year.

Bad Day

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 01:13:20 GMT

So first he has his arm chopped off, and then his opposite leg. Then some guy shoots him three times in the upper chest. Next he falls down some stairs, then gets beaten up before falling down more stairs. Now some woman is poking him in the eye.

That's a bad day for anyone.

In other news I think I may have caught some sun, as my nose is peeling.

Reputations

Sat, 04 Apr 2009 14:11:50 GMT

It's come to my attention that I have several rather strange reputations.

First off I was told recently that I was considered a drunken alcoholic. Indeed Kobolds told me that he first met me while I was out of it (I recall the night in question, and yes I was. But there was dancing, with the touching of other people!) and Cabbage introduced me 'This is Derek, he's always drunk' or words to that effect. Then I heard that Ruth Woodrow shared the same opinion of my regular incapacitated-ness. How widespread is this?! Though Cabbage says I'm not as bad as I used to be. Which I suppose is reassuring, but makes me wonder just what I was like before cos I never went out in first year.

Secondly, I have a rep. amongst the RAG group as a person who will eat or drink anything. Which isn't completely unjustified. Stale, month-old, mysterious, dry homebakes I found in the Volunteers Room several weeks running have been consumed during meetings. Entire deep fried Mars Bars, out of date sweets, things that have been on the floor, Freshers week biscuits and lollipops, the water used to clean the face-painting brush and other stuff have all been eaten/drunk during RAG events.
But this last week I was given all the leftovers automatically at the RAG night out, despite my own 3 course meal. I also had Katy last night almost forcibly part me from a Sprite bottle I found abandoned and went to put in the bin for fear I drank some, which I did threaten to do. Perhaps this has gotten out of control...
Though saying that, I am munching on a carrot right now

Then there is my classmates perception of me as someone who never makes it on time for class. Which is also true. It became a running joke for a while, indeed they started taking bets over just how late I would be. But it's not just class, I'm late for everything.

There is also the opinion that I'm good for hugs, which I all too happy to have continue.

More intriguing are all the people over the last few weeks who somehow know me. Be they bar staff, Beer Soc members, random chem eng 1st and 2nd year, postgrads, complete unknowns or other, the amount of people has been a bit surprising. How do they know what I look like for starters?

I'm sure I had a list of more, but I've forgotten. If I remember I'll edit the post.

Bad week?

Sat, 28 Mar 2009 20:06:47 GMT

This week should have been a good one. Coursework all finished, 2 cinema trips, night out on Wednesday and Beer Festival on Friday. But by Thursday night it was seeming to be rather sucky.

First problem was money. Upon trying my card in a cash machine on route to the cinema it told me my card was damaged and I would need to go to my nearest branch to arrange a new one. Bugger. Only had a fiver on me at the time too. Fortunately when I tried a different machine it worked, so I damn near emptied my account so I could have cash. But only a temporary solution and I've still not dealt with it yet.

Second problem was money. Yep money money money. Or lack thereof. After Wednesday night I had spent more of the money than I'd intended considering the Beer Fest, the RAG night out/meal & the End of Semester Fiesta were all coming up. Found an extra 20 quid in my room and a gift from Roshi helped me get through the Beer Fest spending only £5 on drink total!

Wednesday was probably the biggest downer in that there were two incidents that made me more morose than usual. First was an incident in anime soc. Those that go know about Ben the Frenchman. Basically he's a bit of a bully and I've been one of his targets. Better me than one of the first years I thought. The meeting itself went great, much hilarity. Afterwards I was going out so wanted to make sure I got the bus. Bad time for him to steal my hat. (Why I put on a hat that day I'm not too sure) Not wanting to try to wrest it from him for fear of damage, and annoyed as I told him I needed to catch the bus, I smacked him. Not hard, just a cuff but enough for him to proclaim 'no hitting'. So theft, taunting, bullying, manhandling, arm locks and other moves to prevent the other person from moving are fine then? Fuck off.
Left a bad feeling with me as I darted off from the members afterward. And I missed the bus anyway. I've been told since by two other members that they didn't really care so hopefully I've not alienated them all. I'll email an apology while also telling him he was out of line probably tomorrow.

Second on Wednesday was the night out itself. Basically I wasn't much fun. I spent more time and effort drinking trying to get into a place where I felt I would be fun than socialising and having fun. Spent too much too. It ended with me leaving a bad impression on the 3 first year women that I was out with, which I may never recover from. That they are tee-totallers made the behaviour seem worse. I'm not used to people like that, usually my 'drink loads to impress people' tactic in clubs is less bad form as they are drinking too. I'll not deny I was probably also trying to both impress them and keep up with Alan and his friends who were out too. Damn macho bullshit affects even me I spose. So all in all it's left me despondant and hoping the friendships can be salvaged (no pun intended :P -for those that don't know that's Alan's surname). We shall see come Monday/Thursday when I go out with them again. Thursday could be a problem as Chris has vowed to get me wasted again.
PS. I do realise I'm a binge drinker. I've accepted it but have no clue what to do about it.
PPS. Recently I seemed to have a problem with spreading excess saliva when drunk & talking. This greatly concerns me.
PPPS. I was also only the third most drunken twonk on Weds, so hopefully that'll help reduce people's bad recollections

Then on Thursday was the expected disappointment. Not truely expecting to win due to doing practically nothing, there's always that wee voice going 'what if'. Realised about 4.15pm that I should have sent a poster to Margaret with the manifesto to get signed and ready on Monday. Ah well. I've also decided that Bottom is a bit of a twat.
Still that the result was so close was extremely unexpected but in a good way. Also seeing that 'someone' (I'm not naming names nor publically endorsing it) had graffitied some of Murrays posters in my favour did make me feel rather chuffed. So yeah, all in all I'm pleased I gave it a go, no harm in it. Guess this means I won't get to be a Freshers Helper next year though.

So after all that the week was looking poor. Until Friday. Until the Beer Festival.
Awe-some.
Downing my first (12.5%- I told the server, 'give me something lethal!') half pint allowed for a humourous degree of drunken banter and fun. But was quite coherent all day. Best of both worlds. Chatted to many new people, acquaintances old and new and finally did some reasonably unrestrained dancing (1 of the women from Wednesday was there for a while, and while I presented myself as 'more fun' unfortunately when saying 'Pete' I may have sprayed her slightly. Was mortified.) More surprising was the amount of people who seemed to know me whereas I had no clue who they were. I was addressed by name and told that 'some girl' (it was Karen Cunniffe) had been looking for me about a coat and bag (which I'd put in the office for her). Now that means this mystery girl not only knew me by name but also by appearance. And was it coincidence that Karen had found one of the Brewing Soc to ask who actually knew me? Or have I met her before on a night out and drunkenly forgotten?
Also learned the names of several more bar & catering staff, which is always a good thing.
There was also the Volunteers Room incident, which I find hilarious, though Keith Easton would disagree.
Plus on a similar vein there's the sequel to Karen & Paul. And the PR staff getting it on.
Then there was Roshi spewing over himself after the Yard of Ale and chasing after me to give me a hug. Was not impressed with Roshi chip remains on my brand new Beer Fest t-shirt. He gave me £9 worth of beer tokens though.
Iain Seller got wasted and looked really shaky, Amy got drunk and chatty with two of Budge's workmates while Budge pulled another one, Sarah asked if I was actually gay which she'd assumed for the last few months (I did kinda wonder, she kept inviting me to gay themed nights out, which I'd never managed to attend) due to me being in the LGBT Facebook group.
I got an awesome pie from Geordies too. The hot dog was cold though.
Didn't take my camera so no photos from me, though many have popped up from others already.
Hopefully I didn't offend anyone with any of my antics over the day. Don't think I did. But can't be sure.

Oh yeah, I also missed most of my classes, despite vowing I'd go and many being cancelled. So em yeah, bad.

Now off to Beer Fest Day 2. Actually maybe not.

One thing ends as another fails to get started

Sat, 21 Mar 2009 17:51:08 GMT

No more course work! No more course work!

On the other hand I have already fallen behind with election stuff...

Obligatory

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 01:37:04 GMT

I suppose I should write an entry about why/what possessed me to run for VP(E&W).

But I have far too much coursework this week.

Continued

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 06:17:47 GMT

Right it's 4/5 hours later and I'm back.
Still procrastinating but at least I've started, got a solid page of discussion with at least another in me before I start to struggle.

Anime & Manga Soc has picked up this semester, still got a decent sized core of regulars, but had 2 emails inquiring about us only this week. Good going. Am functioning behind the scenes quite well, replying to emails and keeping track of stuff (need to get .hack//sign back) but aren't faring as well during the meetings. Am unable to keep their attention long enough to say what I wanna say, which is mostly summarising what's been brought in. Though today was a bit of a shambles as everyone brought in something because Technolyze last week was so naff. Nicky was being a bit annoying (what's new!) but I think he meant well. We need to establish the separation between member and exec a bit more I think, just so they'll listen. Gordon's doing well, think he'd be able to hold a position next year if he chooses to try for one again. Only problems have been a certain delay after he's been asked to do something and when it gets done, and a lack of communication sometimes over some things which may be not readily apparent, my own fault really, asked him to do something and didn't think to check how familiar he was with gmail. Maybe I'm being too much of a mother hen, I really shouldn't involve myself in areas outwith my purview. Matt's been unable to get online recently I think due to a broken laptop or something and Fi's not turned up since she was elected. I ducked out today for the first time since gaining some responsibility, which I feel bad for especially considering it was Megan's first meeting and I was the one she'd talked to. But I need this report done and I've seen Advent Children like 4 times since joining the soc.
But here's hoping it continues to grow. Which reminds me, I've been meaning to ask Matt about an event outwith our regular meeting... I'll ask next time, maybe.

Procrastination

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:12:24 GMT

I feel compelled to write another entry. Why? Because I have a large piece of coursework pending and need to procrastinate.
Thus after getting Calum to create a Facebook account, tagging him through the archives, watching some prepubescent girly anime, becoming addicted to Mousehunt, replying to statuses, being more active on forums than I have in ages, showing my face at anime soc, playing online and computerised games and listening to music I 'acquired' in first year (oh the theme tunes!) I return to make a livejournal entry. I think I've summarised the last 5-6 hours quite well. Except I ate something.

Oh I'm broke. I paid my remaining 6 months rent all at once so I wouldn't have to see my landlords again. This I could have coped with if I hadn't also paid for three months on my bus card cos they put up the prices, and bought a new laptop. Oh and had to pay for my brother, mother and fathers Xmas shopping, just because I'm the only one with a credit card.

What else can I whine about....

Axis Powers Hetalia was cancelled due to some silly complaining Koreans, despite them not being in it. Still it'll be released online so I'm OK.

Oh apparently Iain suspected I may have found a partner or been in love or something, he was a tad disappointed when I said I was quoting from a TV show I'd seen. Amused me, though perhaps not as much when he said Keith's bit of the group design was total bollocks. That really should worry me really, but I'm past caring.

Ah Twammers theme just came on- Wonderwoman!

Ooh I should make a few more videos for youtube, got plenty material still. Stephen Lynch live perhaps?

Pleased to hear Afterstrife Vol. 2 is on it's way.

Looking to the future, it appears travel is a major part of next month, first heading to Newcastle for the Epic Frank Morton (best turnout so far I think), then to London for a Barnardos charity thingmy, and no doubt a trip home sometime as well. Though maybe I'll leave it off until Twammers takes over Longside in March.

60's Batman!! Then Dr. Pepper commercials!

TBC

Semester go bye bye

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:48:34 GMT

I did originally plan to come on here with a proper entry, but got distracted by Cabbage's game.
So without further adieu, em here it is. Now I don't know what to write...

...a quick game of Hearts later and I'm back.

Right, so as anyone reading this will know I've handed in all my coursework and have no exams, so effectively I'm done until the 12th January. Though I'm expected to do project work over that time. Yeah Right.
I'm not going to go into detail over the projects, as the less said about my groups meltdown the better.
The time is fast approaching when I'm gonna have to go into the big ole world and seek gainful employment. And I'm dreading it. It means there will be lots of decisions, decisions, decisions, which I'm useless at. So yeah, bricking it.

I do like to use commas don't I?

So the next week will be spent online (which I've almost exhausted over the last week while avoiding my research project), watching anime (of which I now have a ton in my room, courtesy of the Anime & Manga soc.) and getting all the little jobs done that I never got around to during term time, like getting a mp3 player, a replacement toastie maker (and charging it to my flatmates for breaking my last one) and getting all the lecture notes. Oops

The beard is coming in nicely.

Was rather ill a few weeks back, got all feverishly delusional and everything, which was fun. I won't bother going into detail about any of them, cos well I can't be arsed and it's half 5 in the morning. There was one however where Jamie Nutter was experimenting on me. Wonder what that means my subconscious is telling me. Don't take any more suspicious drugs from Keith probably.

I still need to write up all my Xmas cards, guess that's a job for tomorrow.

Big surprises this week as I found out not one but two of my friends are engaged (not including Alan, that was a pisstake- I think). First was Stewie, who according to Keith is not surprising but then Keith's an idiot. Went out on Friday night to celebrate the big occasion, hung about for quite a while until everyone I knew had left. Only talked to his betrothed 3 times, once where he proclaimed she was engaged and showed me the ring and twice where she asked who I was. Ah obscurity. Secondly was Dave Bakermault, who I only found out about over Facebook. Not seen Dave in ages. Will have to congratulate him in person later. Assuming it's not another pisstake.

Think that's all for now. Will update next time I'm stalling for time

Cabbages birthday thingmy

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 05:03:49 GMT

Task:

1) Go to Wikipedia.

2) In the search box, type your birth month and day but not the year.

3) List three events that happened on your birthday.

4) List two important birthdays and one death.

5) One holiday or observance (if any).

I've cheated slightly and written anything I found interesting.

April 27 is the 117th day of the year (118th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 248 days remaining until the end of the year.

Events (there's a ton more too)
1124 - David I becomes King of Scotland.
1296 - Battle of Dunbar: The Scots are defeated by Edward I of England.
1650 - The Battle of Carbisdale: A Royalist army invades mainland Scotland from Orkney Island but is defeated by a Covenanter army.
1941 - World War II: German troops enter Athens.
1945 - World War II: Last German troops are expelled from Finnish Lapland (the last day of World War II going on in Finland).
1960 - Togo gains independence from French-administered UN trusteeship.
1961 - Sierra Leone is granted its independence from the United Kingdom, with Milton Margai as the first Prime Minister.
1981 - Xerox PARC introduces the computer mouse.
1994 - South African general election, 1994: The first democratic general election in South Africa, in which black citizens could vote.

Births
1495 - Suleiman the Magnificent, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (d. 1566)
1791 - Samuel F. B. Morse, American inventor (d. 1872)
1822 - Ulysses S. Grant, Civil War general and 18th President of the United States (d. 1885)
1848 - King Otto I of Bavaria (d. 1916)
1944 - Cuba Gooding, Sr., American musician (The Main Ingredient)
1959 - Sheena Easton, Scottish singer
1963 - Russell T Davies, Welsh television writer and executive producer of Doctor Who
1967 - Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands
1967 - Tommy Smith, Scottish jazz musician
1971 - Tess Daly, British television presenter
1987 - Derek Jamieson, Scottish student bum with a penchant for growing beards

Deaths
630 - King Ardashir III of Persia
1521 - Ferdinand Magellan, Portuguese explorer (b. 1480)
1605 - Pope Leo XI (b. 1535)
1996 - William Colby, American director of the Central Intelligence Agency (b. 1920)

Holidays and observances
Pascha (Easter): Eastern Orthodox Church
Catalonia: Montserrat's Day.
Finland: National Veterans' Day.
World graphic design day.
Sierra Leone: Republic Day.
Slovenia: Day of Uprising Against Occupation.
South Africa: Freedom day.
Saint Zita (patron saint of Maids and domestic servants!!)

Damn that Kobolds

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:17:06 GMT

Dear Santa...

Dear Santa,

This year I've been busy!

In November I punched schwarzes_engel in the arm (-10 points). In August I helped decarabas421 see the light (8 points). In February I pulled kobolds's hair (-5 points). In June I set x_karen_x's puppy on fire (-66 points). Last Thursday I gave scottishcabbage a wet willie, then I took it back (-5 points).

Overall, I've been naughty (-78 points). For Christmas I deserve a spanking!

Sincerely,
djmintlaw

Last updated 9 weeks ago

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 04:50:13 GMT

It's quarter to 5 and I've got an early class tomorrow, so it MUST be time to write to my livejournal.
It has been decided that I attract mice. I went round to Engel/Glitch/Rochelle/JR's place on Monday for the second time ever, and for the second time a mouse appeared in their flat. Add all the mice that visit my flat(though I blame my flatmates for never doing their dishes) and the theory is, well still ludicrous but...meh I suppose it's better than attracting guys, which also seems to happen. Frequently. Like last Friday. Twice. In Zeros. While I was collecting money for Children in Need. Wearing Pudsey ears. Surrounded by people in togas.
Try and picture that if you will.

I have more to say, but next time.

Summertime

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:29:40 GMT

Now that I've got a spare minute AND access to the internet I thought I'd write up a little something concerning my summer.
When people have asked the last day or so I've responded with a 'nothing much' or a 'nice and relaxing' 'quiet' etc etc etc.
But when I thought about it (during Pekdemirs class this morning, my first of the semester) I've actually got a reasonable list.
1) Was in a parade
2) Saw some comedians at the Edinburgh Festival
3) Found out one of my flatmates has nipple rings :P
4) Got flashed by not one, not two but three GUYS, making for a current tally of 8.
5) Got onstage with Same Difference
6) Got onstage with The Saturdays and followed them backstage
7) Worked an 86.5 hour week -but got no monetary payment for it.
8) Made more friends than I have altogether in a long long time.
9) Passed my first ever resit
10) Was a Freshers Helper
11) Went to a World movie premiere with Dylan Moran
12) Put on a stone in weight
13) Broke my laptop screen
14) Was given the Union camera and the managers personal camcorder for some Evening Events
15) Got gang molested/felt up/abused by several Freshers, several times. All Guys
16) Dressed up as Michael Moore
17) Won a drunken game of gay chicken
18) Tried Mexican Beer
19) Got down to the final four (from 25ish) in a contest of SPEED!
20) Got my own stalker (female at least)
21) Directed traffic
22) Started wearing my new shoes (been 5-6 years since I could last say that!)
23) Picked not one but two glasses out of the urinal in the Union

All in all a very active summer, especially for me, and while most of the activities I'd recommend, a few are not experiences I'd care to repeat.

Bits 'n bobs

Mon, 26 May 2008 22:10:03 GMT

I'm not sure what I want to write about, but it's been a while so I feel like writing something.

I think I'm developing a shopping addiction, damn you Amazon! DAMN YOU!

On the subject of money, next month is going to be fun as my debit card runs out at the end of May and the replacement is back in Mintlaw. So I've been stockpiling cash for the long month ahead. But I won't tell you where.

I went to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull at the weekend. While perhaps it shouldn't have been made, and there was a few niggles, I still found it highly enjoyable and will pick up the DVD when it comes out.

On the subject of the cinema, I've been neglecting my cinematic duties of late, having only been to see two films in the last term, the other being Iron Man. Which was also good.

I also think I may go to some of the films being shown at the Edinburgh film festival, which occurs the week after exams finish. I may also get my brother and cousin down for a few days that week too, before I head back home with a pair of helpers for all my stuff.

I think I'll leave it there for now, except to say that I'm being stalked by penguins. Everywhere I go there is a mention of them. It's getting rather creepy. I partially blame Gareth.

My head is broken

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 14:16:01 GMT

So it turns out I do dream after all cos over Easter I sorta half remembered not one but two!

The first one is the most vague, all I remember is I was in some bar I've never seen before with a bunch of folk from my course and that Cabbage and Becky were playing pool over the other side of the room. My course mates and I went into a side room for ages just blethering I think then somehow I was then back in the main room at the bar. But I was refused service for being too drunk despite only wanting a coffee and cream for Becky. I did however get served my 600ml bottle of Ribena. It also came in sizes 450ml and 800ml. When she found out I didn't get her drink, Becky glared at me and got it herself. That's all I recall.
I have a theory about what this all means (concerning my appearance to others on nights out- with a specific significance to the two named people, which has nothing to do with them but rather those they are connected to and/or represent) but it can't be good that the thing I remember most about this is the Ribena.

The second one is far more interesting and full in my mind. I get off a boat onto an island which is covered in trees, roots everywhere, right down to shore. My boat mates and I (no one I know this time) walk a short distance into the jungle to a small wooden slightly raised platform. I don't remember what we do there but as we come off again to leave I notice that there are now dining tables all around the 'clearing' (I say clearing as there is a reasonably sized space with no trees but with roots etc still all around) with candles and diners etc. I move to walk around them and suddenly notice the ground is covered with loads of snakes that I'd have to step around. I then change course to travel through the diners. I forget what then happens but I'm sure I did make it back to the boat. Also I'm not sure when in the dream I noticed but I was barefoot and had a 6th toe on my left foot- a small shriveled looking one nestled between two of my centre toes.
This dream is a complete mystery- no clue at all the significance or relevance of anything.
Any ideas?

Obligation

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:03:11 GMT

I suck at keeping a diary, or a blog, or a journal, or an appointment or even a deadline. This is now well established and long running. I found an old diary where pretty much the only entry was my ranting about a teacher who wouldn't let me go and collect a jumper I'd left in the changing rooms after PE. Why I think you ought to know this I have no clue.

Anyways Easter, well it was a total laze-fest, and I loved it! Did nothing except read, watch DVDs and TV, play games and sleep 'n eat. Sometime simultaneously. I did go into Aberdeen twice, (excluding the journey to Edin and back) once for shopping and once for a mates 21st. Which was fun. I also went for a walk round my hometown- very nostalgic but none of you have ever been so I won't go into specifics. For once.

I kept getting folk asking what I wanted for my 21st as they wanted to get me something rather than just money. Unfortunately I don't really have much special that I want atm, just more entertainment type stuff. I got some money for a new mp3 as I thought my old one had gotten broke in Leeds but it's working again now. Probably will still get one though. Not touching an ipod though. While the machines themselves are fine I can't stand itunes.

That reminds me I never did regale you both with tales from Frank Morton. Ach well it's by with now.

I've only been back 7 hours and already I've broken my word and just about done the same to my back cos of bad posture.

Keith tells me that our wireless network has changed from the '3 amigos' to the '3 geeks'. More accurate at least. Turns out Matt is sticking around next year so will be in the same flat with the same folk next year. Saves on moving and we seem to work quite well. Plus my room is huuuge!

As you can see I have nothing to say, but felt like posting something to distract me from the giraffe racing I'm in the middle of doing. I'll get those turtle shells eventually!

Ciao

PS Anyone watching the new Dr Who series?

Hometime and lunchboxes

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 03:06:14 GMT

Righty-ho it's time to head on home, so I'll see folksies later. Just a quite note/announcement/query regarding my birthday.
I know it's ridiculously early but this year I want to know when is best for folk so can get the max number possible. After all more= merrier!
So which is best for everybody -my actual birthday sunday the 27th of April or the 26th which is a saturday and therefore more suited to a drinkathon? It will be decided by the feedback I get from you guys both in person and on here/elsewhere on net. Notes on where we'll go closer to the time.
You've got plenty of time to decide btw as I won't be online to much until mid April. Had a great turnout last year so hope to get the same or better this year! Bring your mates all welcome.

Lots of little

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 02:28:27 GMT

I've decided I really should post to this lots of times with small entries, but I doubt it's gonna happen. Won't stop me from trying...this week.

Anyway onto something (more) interesting.

*Checks calendar*

Ah ok so this week it's going to be tales from ...Twammers' birthday, Fi's birthday, my last ever labs(fingers crossed that I don't repeat the year), the Pancake Party and 2 future trips I'm about to take. Somehow I think this will be reasonably long.

Chronologically the pancake party was first so I shall begin there. Basically it was a big gang of folk (95% of whom I knew) all round at Cabbage, Becky and Holly's for Pancake Day. Fortunately Cabbage was nowhere need the food and was in charge of entertaining us which she did spectacularly as per. :D Twas a fun night and the pancakes were gooood! Pictures up now at the usual place.

Twammers birthday however was a much quieter affair. This was not due to a plan to keep it for his nearest and dearest however but rather due to his lack of organization and telling anybody. So the grand turnout was 7, one of which was him and 3 more folk he lived with. The remaining members were me (first to arrive at our destination! Go me!) and Chris, who hosted the party round his place. As Cici was in hospital earlier that day there were fears of cancellation but not only was she thankfully ok, but she even made it to the party!
I got a grand total of 3 photos, hmm. I also sported a soul patch and some killer Yorkshire sideburns for the occasion too, though those quickly disappeared before class on Monday! ;) So yeah the night was good, just relaxing playing games and stuff, until some bright spark decided to go to The Big F. That totally blew, truly did.

A much better birthday celebration was the one Fi had only last night. Much better turnout for starters and I actually knew what was happening more than 2 hours before! Heard lots of folk sing (Elliot is surprisingly good), met several new folks and became better acquainted with a few I didn't know so well. Got a bit drunk though, may have said some stupid things. Everyone buggered off and left us at the end though, not very nice :P But some of the best banter did occur on the way to the bus stop, and the subsequent wait, with Twammers, Yoda, Ruth and her sister and mum. Certain highlights include Twammers wandering off without telling anyone and Yoda's attempts to phone him. He did come back but didn't notice when his phone rang and missed calls even while he was standing there watching Yoda call him. Idiot. We then left a rather humourous (as far as I can remember) group voice mail for him. I also got a phone call (and I answered too) from them after they boarded the bus and realised I was walking and so wanted to say cheerio! Finally I wandered back and forth all over my street from Haymarket to Gorgie looking for a fast food place that was still open at 2.10am. There was none and I was not impressed. Musta broken a fair few traffic laws too!

This directly leads me onto today and my last ever labs! Which I was late for. I had a good reason though- I couldn't walk. Literally. And not due to drunkenness but due to my right leg being in no small amount of pain. My calf muscle just *ragh* hurt, even when just rolling over. I'm still feeling the residual affects now. Eventually hobbled into labs and larked about a bit. Got accosted by the lab tech for 'forgetting' to sign in when I arrived. Oops ;)

In future news I'm going home tomorrow for the weekend and am expecting a great load of parcels from Amazon, including a much larger memory card for my camera :D
And then on Tuesday I'll be in Leeds for the epic Frank Morton! I guess a recount of that will be my next post. I wonder if I should stop using this as a diary and start getting philosophical or something? Or at least mildly interesting..

In addendum

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 02:20:01 GMT

This is being written purely because I don't want to do my lab report, despite it already being late. And being mostly finished. Bleh, meh, pah, gah.
I suffer from procrastination- get used to it. It's true, I found it on Wikipedia. I even found which type of procrastinator I am, I just can't remember it.

Anyway I'm just going to clear up the few loose ends and danglers I left last time. Namely the hygiene incident and Twammers having no wallet.

So delving right in (or not as I've warbled quite a while), I was in Zero's for the Robo-Scifi movie night when Cabbage said she'd done something (I forget what but it was supposed to make me slightly shocked- it had something to do with my hot dog at any rate) and I yelled that that didn't matter to me as hygiene meant nothing to me. This is obviously not true- it just means little to me :P The story behind the statement was of the time I was walked up to the shops from secondary school with Calum, Liam, Darrel, Sean et al with my lunch stashed in my pockets like I usually did. I had a Penguin bar that day and it fell out of my pocket. I didn't notice until later that it had gone though. OK no big deal but I was walking back up again a few days later and I found it. I then preceeded to pick it up and eat it. It had rained between times and it had been trodden on, fortunately the impact had mostly been cushioned by the mud it was in. But the wrapper seal hadn't broken so I knew it was fine. Everyone else was grossed out slightly though. So that's the story behind that.

The second dangler was Twammers losing his wallet. This he did on a bus as we were headed back from campus (after helping set up for the Big F) to our respective flats before we went to go see a film- Sweeney Todd to be exact. He got off at his stop and unbeknownst to him, his wallet had slipped out of his jeans as he was messing with his lanyard. When he got off I gave up our seats to an elderly foreign guy and his female companion, like you do when you're in the front seats. I never noticed his wallet. No one did until the old guy's friend went to get off and then the old guy noticed it. He asked his friend if it was hers and she replied negatively. I then wondered if it was Twammers' as he'd been sitting there but decided he wasn't that stupid- and it's not like I've seen his wallet much before. I still checked my own pockets though to double check my own :P. The old guy then went forward to what I assumed was to give the wallet to the driver, as his companion had refused it and he came back and sat down again. I couldn't see exactly what he did though as the bus was packed. It wasn't until we got to the cinema and Twammers said he thought he'd left his wallet in Chris' car (why he hadn't checked it before now I dunno) that I mentioned it. Thus he's now going around telling folks I gave his wallet to a hobo. In truth he's just a twit, and I perhaps should be more nosy.

Let's see, should I say anything else...
I watched the first episode of the Death Note dub. Surprisingly it wasn't horrific. It was very disconcerting though, like when your mate's voice has just broken and he doesn't sound quite the same but you know it's still the same guy. Ryuk just seems to have lost a certain something, can't quite put my finger on what though. I've yet to hear some of the voices yet though so it may all go horribly wrong.

I think that's enough for now. May post again soon, I've got a big workload, but whether that prevents or contributes to my frequency of posting I do not know. I'll try to shorten these a bit too.

Big Chem Eng Night Out! Detailed summary and recap

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 04:49:47 GMT

History

Frankly THE best night out so far this year, indeed it even could rival Frank Morton for best Chem Eng event. What is this I hear you not care? Put simply it was 27 3rd year chemical engineers (and some friends) on a bender. We'd just handed in a big annoying piece of coursework that day (Wed 30th) and had the thursday off, so a little field trip was organized.
Now that the history is out of the way it's time for a recap.

Before

Strap yourselves in, this may take a while.
Right so first off I had a prior engagement that night, namely the Robo-Scifi societies joint movie showing night. So I went along to that to start with, played about on the door with Glitch and his computer, shouted to a roomful of people that hygiene means nothing to me and left early at 8.30ish. In retrospect the middle thing was rather stupid- but there was an explanation which I'll explain next time, possibly.

Getting there

Anyways all this served to make me rather later than most of my compatriots, at least once I'd stopped off at my flat, had a shit, shower and well not a shave cos it's me. Then I missed my planned bus and walked to Princes street. This is rather tedious reading I know but it has a point and it's thus. Once I arrived at the pre-arranged meeting place, no one was there. I walked round the Tron (and with it's ultra confusing layout this took a while) then decided to get a drink while I waited for a reply text from one of the 4 people I sent one to. 45 minutes passed. I was getting hot from the extremely crowded place, ignored at the bar and by my friends and my night out looked rather shoddy. Just as I was giving my order I got a text directing me to a place I'd never heard of, followed by a phone call I couldn't hear. I hung around drinking my overpriced drink then left. Following my new directions I wound up on Niddry Street. Which was the wrong place to be. But eventually I got to Rush after some poking about :D No bouncer so ID-less Twammers could even have gotten in (again I'll explain next time- partially my fault, mostly his)

Rush

Once there I received a chorus of welcomes and where-have-you-beens. Being me I launched into a self-pitying retelling of my almost hour alone in the Tron, then went to get a drink. But first came Keith's greeting. It was the first sign that many of the members of group were, shall we say, 'steamin'. He came up, shouted my name, gave me a hug, said things like 'awesome' a lot and dragged me over to Shabnam and her friend who he had been talking to until he'd spotted me, where he began telling them how awesome I was and that he lived with me. Now Shabnam is in my design group and thus I've talked to her a whole lot more than he has, so she at least knew I was, if not that I was awesome :P This greeting immediately cheered me up somewhat though, and taking Glen's advice I got a pitcher of 'Pink Banana' and a VK to down.
Turns out 2 folk had already gone, but there was plenty to make up the shortfall and the people that asked were puzzled why I hadn't been notified of the change in venue, which occurred due to one of the French Direct Entrants not having a valid ID. I was quite surprised, pleasantly I will add, to see not only the sheer number of familiar faces but also the attendance of several DE's and a few folks not known as party goers.

Dress Code

One of the first things that people said to me was 'Whoa! You're dressed up, you've got a shirt on and everything!' This was in fact that shirts premier wearing, having been a Xmas gift. I decided that as this was a time to give a good impression to those I'd not spent much time with out of class, and was the entire reason I brought it down with me in the first place. I was told the day after that this was one of the pieces of news related to non-attendees who were hungry for gossip. Expect to see it again.

Fun Frolics

Chris took my camera early on to get some pictures and videos of the downright dirty, drunken dancing that was going on between various arms, legs and torsos that was Deborah, Karen, Dan, Steph and who knows who else. I'll tell you now that the videos were later deleted to make some space for newer even more blackmail material, I mean photos. Even so, I did miss some events such as Abigail beating the punching bag thingy and Chris lifting 2-4 people simultaneously!
I managed to make Chris jealous by revealing to him that a very drunk Debs had rewarded my sharing of my pitcher with 4 thank you kisses. Those were not the only ones that I'd get that night either :P
So determined not to be the only sober guy at the party I finished off my pitcher and had a further 5 drinks in under an hour, which I'm told is pretty good going. Sufficed to say it did the trick. Indeed I was fishing ice out of my drinks and leaving it on the tables. Then it was time to leave.

Onwards

As usual I was at the tail end of the group along with Keith, Anais (who I was told to call Ana as I didn't want to butcher her name through mispronouncing it) and Valentin, who was very very drunk. As we meandered along, chatting away, towards city I got chatting to the pair of French DE's who I'd never talked to before (though I know one is in Keith's lab group and another in Twammers') and sharing a Tennants can with Valentin that he had produced from somewhere. Which is odd as I'm not a beer/lager fan. We passed Chris and David going back the way we came as Chris, brainchild that he is, left his driving licence behind at Tron. But unlike Twammers he got his ID back.
We joined the queue for City (another place I'd never been) and re-encountered more members of our party, namely Karen, Lauren, Graeme and Amy, who I mistook as someone/thing else that elicited a laugh from David. We were treated to a rousing speech or two from the bouncer saying that guys found with sharp things or drugs would be severely beaten and left to die with the cops being called if they were lucky, and any obviously blotto female leaving alone with a guy would be questioned on the way out and the couple separated if she got the answers wrong. I'm paraphrasing but that's the general gist my alcohol soaked brain got. But that didn't stop me from rubbing Karen's and Lauren's heads. I'm not quite sure why, only that it was cos they are 'uber-geniuses'. Graeme then gave me one of those horrible nipple cripple twisting napalm attacks that I've not felt in years. That stopped me doing anything but whine. So in the end we got in, only losing the two French guys who were either ID-less, wasted or both.

City

Inside City I started doing shots, by myself, so my memories from here get even shakier, and my observation skills took a nosedive. Such as apparently there was a pain in the ass annoying guy and a stage in there, neither of which I knew about until Keith mentioned them the day after. Of course he was sobering up, having stopped drinking around the time of my arrival, whereas I was just the opposite.
So after a few drinks I found a seat (how unlike me!) and along with David took turns guarding Abigail's drink, my jacket and whatever else was around. It was also here that I 'broke the seal'. Before too long everyone had taken to the dancefloor and I set off to find them. I found Darion, Mike and a few others not far on some better seats but carried on pretty quickly to the dancefloor so I could take some good photos, which I did with some help from Jemma who disappeared with it for a while and came back with some absolute stonkers. Brilliant- I've found an apprentice/partner-in-crime. I also got a few pictures, at Chris' behest, of the biggest story of the night. The unexpected hook-up of Lauren and Graeme. Though looking back through my memories- and more usefully my photos it really shouldn't have been a shocker. I also at one point either grabbed or pinched a passing girls ass on the dancefloor, simply because I felt like it in that instant. I've no idea who it was or what they looked like, they just had the misfortune to be passing at the time. I received a serious but not numbing punch in return. This caused some hilarity when the memory suddenly returned in the library the next day and I was forced to recount my sin. Apologies to you random stranger, it won't happen again, promise. I also took it into my head to hug everyone I knew, which I did to several poor unsuspecting classmates, but not to all, or even most thankfully. Unless I've forgotten doing it. The rest of the time was spent drinking, dancing and snapping until my camera was full. I didn't notice as members began to disappear and drift off home until at closing time only myself and Anais were left. So we picked up her coat and headed outside to try and find any remaining group stragglers and managed to find Amy and Chris. After escourting the trio to their bus I walked off home, in the rain.

Aftermath

My first sign it was a good night was that when I woke up in the morning I noticed I'd fallen asleep with the light on, and then noticed I'd fallen asleep in only my socks and underwear! That I recall having the presence of mind to remove my wet clothes and hang them up to dry but then didn't finish the job and put on pj's baffles me slightly!
A look through my photos proved humourous, and again there are those I don't recall taking, plus those taken by Jemma. I managed to capture everyone present aside from Stephen, who turned up later than I did, one of the French guys (I still dunno which one of the remaining two was present!) and Mowri and Scott the two folk who left before I arrived. These are quite eagerly anticipated by some, as I received at least 3 inquiries as to whether I brought it in with me, a plea to send some over messenger and another for them to be put up online. I've got a big empty album on Facebook just waiting.
As usual there was some controversy and grumbling, and gossip too. There was quite a bit of chatter amongst some about the sleaziness of another DE who I shall not name.
Everybody also seemed somewhat worse for wear, all nursing headaches, numb feet, hangovers and/or bizarre marks on their shoulders from no one remembers what. Except me of course, once again I am pain free, after minimal sleep and no drinking of water to rehydrate myself. God Bless my resilient body. Though later we decided that I may still have been a bit drunk based on my speech patterns and behaviour. I'm alright now though and still pain free. And Twammers was extremely regretful that he'd missed it, so that also pleased me. I'm mean like that, but I have no sympathy for those that don't bother with social stuff like this. Not bothering with work stuff is another matter though.

Summary

In conclusion the night was fantastic. No short rambling stories this time either, but a bumper batch next time. Thanks to any of you who read through all of this crap and raspberries to those that just skipped to the end. This really will function as a memory for me later should I want to recall the night in more detail than my failing memory might allow. I will also mention anyone present who I've not already done so, just so they don't feel left out. This includes Paul, Iain, William, Olaolu and friends Fraser, Jenn and Scott. We definitely need to do this again! Just so you know, this took me an hour and a half to write and another half hour to edit!

Apparently all my daydreams are a good thing

Sun, 13 Jan 2008 16:07:14 GMT

Your Brain is Purple

Of all the brain types, yours is the most idealistic.
You tend to think wild, amazing thoughts. Your dreams and fantasies are intense.
Your thoughts are creative, inventive, and without boundaries.

You tend to spend a lot of time thinking of fictional people and places - or a very different life for yourself.

What Color Is Your Brain?

A found this and thought it interesting enough to post. Partially as I have practically nothing else here so it's something to distract for a few seconds.

In other news I 'saw' a drunk fly down the bus stairs and knock himself out yesterday. I say saw but I really mean heard as I was fiddling with my camera at the time. So we had to wait for everybody and their mother to turn up and check he wasn't dead or sueing the bus company or anything. He just wanted his bed btw. So that was my excitement last night. Well at least until I got reasonably tipsy at HWAMSoc's Pirates vs. Ninjas 2 anyway. And then to finish off the night I got off the bus a stop late, walked back 2 stops to get a pizza then walked forward one stop to my flat. Twonk

I have recently developed a taste for legal fiction. Don't ask why cos I dunno.

Also just noticed that in Japanese that Nekomimi means cat ears (mimi=ears)- soramimi means I can't believe my ears. Quite a lot for 4 little letters to mean! I may be slightly obsessed as I've just gotten my own set of custom made cat ears! And a tail!

Ending my entries with short pointless statements of little interest to anyone who isn't me may become a habit here. But it's my space to waste. Yay for assertiveness. Now it will disappear until 2009 as that's my years quota used already.

Getting started

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 22:02:03 GMT

Well it's the first (and quite posibly only) entry. I've no real plan atm so lets just see what comes spilling out.

Well big news of the day- classes are back. So what do I go and do- sleep in and miss the very first one. And was then late for the next 2. Bleh
On the subject of academia comes my last lotta results. I didn't want to go bug Westacott again but I was made too. Fortunately he knows Ocone scares me so he doesn't seem to mind. Still don't like putting him out though. Nice fella but really busy. Anyway 2 C's, a D and a 'borderline fail' were sent my way. No surprise that's my worst set of results yet as I no longer have maths to prop up my average. Fortunately only one 'counts' as the other 3 are synoptic, and that one (chemistry) was one of the C's. It's my own fault really, I did absolutely no revision. Well not a lot anyway.
But one thing I wasn't quite expecting was Westacott giving me his version of the 'I'm not angry, just disappointed' speech. Shook me a bit that. Guess I'll have to start doing as flat-Matt does and work a little on the weekends.

And we've got 2 days to decide what our group is doing for our project thingmy this term. Not good seeing as how we have a full timetable Mon and Tues, no one is around tonight and I'm busy tomorrow. Frick.

Right onto happier news.....em....hang on I'll get some.....

Heh the holidays were good, saw loads of folk including heaps I've not seen in ages. Photos to appear you know where. I also edited together 4 videos of various things, which shall appear whenever I can be arsed. Started gathering clips for my 2007 montage vid too.

Speaking of seeing folk, today was a welcome return to my second home. Before I'd even got to class I'd seen Dobbs and Sober guy, Engel, Glitch, Emma, Adele, Louise, Rochelle and I think Rachel too! Then of course there was everyone from class, including Keith who hadn't seen me yet despite being in the same flat as me for hours yesterday! Then later on there was even more folksies (Steve, Alan, Sam, Siri, Gareth, Ashley, Toni, Gail, Fi, Neil, Ian, Ruth, another Ian and the irrepressable Cabbage to name those I can remember. Yes I'm just name dropping now.

As it's the new year ya gotta make a resolution or two and so I did. To try as many new things that present themselves. Laudable goal, and not too specific so that I can't really fail it. Indeed I've already (sorta) started, unfortunately it's not a good thing. I tried smoking (since last time probably doesn't count as my voice hadn't broken and it was provided by my dad). I didn't stop at one either. I'm stopping at 2, well 1 and a half.
Today's Experiment....Failed

Was invited (as was the rest of the world) to the cinema on Wed after classes by Cabbage to go see Alvin 'n the Chipmunks. Hope the group doesn't want to have a meeting after Bell's class, cos I ain't gonna be there.

What else... oh yeah I bought a pear- woo for the healthiness. Though I did have 2 pizza's today which probably counteracts it a bit.
Oh and my fingers gone a bit pus-sy, but lets not dwell on that icky-ness.

Can't think of anything else right now (obviously after that last paragraph) so I think it's best I sign off now.

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