My Very First End

I just went curling! Hurrah for Queen's intramural sports!

Of course, I didn't hit any stones, I usually threw underweight, and if I did remember to curl the stone, I curled it too much. But still, I learned a lot(including that you can drink beer while curling -- not that I did this time, since I figured I had enough of a handicap anyway). Matt, an engineering friend-of-a-friend who used to curl competively (he's curled agains Brad Gushue and his team!) taught me the basics, and was very nice about complimenting me on the few things I did do right.

All in all, a good evening. I think I shall do it again sometime...

Reasons Why I Don't Like The End of Reading Week

1. I have a thesis to hand in soon (as well as three other major essays).
2. I had to leave the people I like spending time with just as I was getting used to spending time with them.
3. I think I may have to pay rent on my apartment over the summer.
4. My computer is making scary "I may be dying" noises.
5. The Olympics are over, so I can no longer distract myself with them.
6. I have no idea what I'll be doing next year, or even how to make the right decision.
7. Or, to sum up all this in one point: STRESS!

Olympic-sized sexism

It angers me that on a day when seven women won medals for Canada (although, admittedly, four of them were in a team event) all the media seems to be able to focus on is how a bunch of hockey millionaires can't seem to play on a team that had its first practice last week.

Meanwhile, Cindy Klassen (who I just found out is a Mennonite -- Rena and Zen should be proud!) has won four medals this Olympics, which is more than any Canadian man or woman has EVER done at ANY Olympics.

While I'm not one for the gratuitous swearing, I can't resist quoting the Tragically Hip on this one: "You said you didn't give a fuck about hockey -- and I never saw someone say that before."

I'll take cross-country skiing or speed skating or curling over padded, overpaid men smashing each other on ice any day.

Literary Goodness

These past few months, I've rediscovered the wonderful powers of both reading and of public libraries. Rather than lugging books back and forth from my parent's house, I've discovered a wonderful thing called the Kingston public library, where they let me (get this) borrow books for three weeks! I can read them, and then give them back -- all at no charge! It's an amazing thing.

In a similar vein, I've realized that while tv may distract me, it's like junk food. Good at first, but it leaves me feeling unsatisfied and lethargic. Whereas a book is like really good, homemade bread -- it takes more effort, but it's delicious and filling and good for me in the end.

Some good books I've read lately:

The Dark is Rising Series by Susan Cooper
These are children's books, but wonderful nonetheless, filled with magic and danger and pretty dogs and Arthurian legends. I had an uber-enthusiastic MSN conversation with Sarah for at least half an hour on our favourite quotes/parts/plots/characters of the series. ("Welsh babies must dribble a lot.") It's always nice to have a good book-chat.

The Hours by Michael Cunningham
This book had all the hallmarks of a book I wouldn't like: it was modern, it was very popular, it referenced Virginia Woolf, and so on. But surprisingly, I liked "Mrs. Dalloway" when I read it over the Christmas break, and I liked this book even more. Even the multi-person viewpoint (which I normally don't like because I end up finding one character tiresome) was refreshing and interesting. And it had a really good ending.

Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
A memoir about a female literature professor who lived in Tehran during the Iranian Revolution of the late 70's. The literary references are a bit hard to wrap your head around if you haven't been studying english recently (I knew my degree was good for something!), but the memories about Iran's rapidly changing politics (the initial heady wave of revolution followed by a slow encroachment of fundamentalism) are fascinating.

And, of course, my beloved graphic novels, Maus, Blankets, and One! Hundred! Demons! . It's a testament to their awesomeness that I've managed to write 9000 words on them and I still like them. And now I'm on Reading Week, so besides getting to visit with all the people I like best but can't see on a regular basis, I also have the time to have long, guilt-free sessions of reading. Yum.

"You look prettier than you usually do today."

I have decided that my thesis supervisor is the master of the ambiguous compliment. Not exactly a backhanded compliment, the things he tends to say are good, but in that confusing way that also suggests I might be on the wrong track.

The best example so far:
"I have read and am ready to discuss your thesis draft. I think it's a strong basis to work from."

A 'strong basis to work from'?? Does that mean "good, now let's clean up some minor problems" or "good ideas, but you'll have to entirely rewrite it"? I just don't know, there's no way to tell. At least, not until Wednesday, when I meet with him to "discuss my thesis draft". Whatever that means.

In other news, I'll be very happy when Tuesday is over and I don't have to hand anything in/lead any studies/write any tests until after Reading Week. Although getting through Tuesday might be hard since I seem incapable of avoiding CBC Olympic coverage for more than an hour at a time. Somehow watching Ron McLean discuss the intricacies of skeleton runner technology seems much more interesting than normal things like eating or sleeping or reading Alistair McLeod. (even though I really do like all those things, and think skeleton is a sport for people with WAY too much adreniline and not enough sense).

A Momentous Event

It is indeed a truly great day. Let the bells be rung, let the keg (or coffee pot) of triumph be broached, let all the people rejoice. For lo, the Pig has updated her blog.

Also, we made the greatest couch fort EVER.

Magic Eye

I realized something kind of odd today. When I have friends visiting during school time, my perspective shifts entirely. Not that that's odd, but what is strange is how my brain sees time entirely differently with people around.

For instance, Brier and Laurena are visiting now (a lovely treat -- I wish it weren't under such unfortunate circumstances). Now, normally, I plan my day around the classes I have. I could cook, or relax, or read, or do homework, but come hell or high water I will go to class at 11:30. However, with them here, it's all backwards. The 3D part of my day (classes) recede into the background as what is normally my "time off" pops out in full relief. Suddenly, classes are the necessary (and easily skipped) evil which punctuates a day filled with visiting friends.

I kind of like it, actually. Not only for the fact that classes become, for once, unimportant, but also because it's such an easy transition. I worry sometimes that I focus too much on my work, but as long as I can blink and see things from another perspective (one where people, rather than marks, are of utmost importance), then I think I'll be alright.