Africa!

Finally enough power to get through my entire inbox and back into the blogging world. Sam and I originally thought it would be a good idea to have our 'academic blog' but it ends up being very exhausting trying to get through all emails and then onto blogs in one hours time.

so today I splurged and bought a second hour...lol.

So, how is Africa?

I can't even begin to describe all of the wonder that is Africa (well, Mwanza specifically). Being here makes me want to explore every other country just to see the cultural differences!

Sam and I are trying to be adventurous as possible by doing just about everything we can... like eating goat meat, trying every hot sauce we find, standing inches away from a caged lion, taking a boat to an island that rocks back and forth so much you almost touch the water, and camping in the middle of the serengeti...without a gun (apparently necessary).

We have gotten used to the cultural norms of the area. Hearing the Muslim 'Call to Prayer' (at about 5:30 am, noon, and in the evening), Sam staying very covered up, and being seperated (once) at dinner where I ate with the men in the living room and Sam ate outside with the women.

Not all of the society is so patriarchal, but we have definately seen some instances of it.

Sam and I are still hollered at in the streets (Pendo told us we should take 'Mzungu' as a compliment but we are still unsure if everyone's intentions are complimentary).

On the weekend while watching the news we found out that homosexuality was actually illegal here which I had never even though to look into before coming. Obviously not here for romantic reasons, but still very interesting news to recieve while watching the news at a local hotel.

I am now very comfortable with my Swahili...and my love for bartering is only growing. I can't wait until I am back trying to barter back in Canada!

Sorry this post is not very exciting, but I forgot my camera so no pics yet!

kwa heri!

and of course, the link...

So, we do have our other blog going on, and since I have yet to figure out how to put up a links column (I know, how MIT of me?) I figured I would share it with any readers here as it has pictures already up:

http://samandrobheadeast.blogspot.com

I will keep updating this as well with non-academic/'uwo' approved writings.

:)

someone ate half our goat?!

I felt the need for a full fledged update on our African adventures. Our blog via Western is wonderful, but not really set up for the social/adventurous aspects to our time here in Mwanza.

First of all, I am starting to really fall in love with all aspects of the lifestyle here. One of my previous pet peeves in life was being late, I hated it. But over here everyone who shows up late claims that they are running on 'Africa time' so scheduling rendez vous, and meetings can be hell...but I am starting to love the idea of leaving at 1 for a 1 o'clock meeting half an hour away.

I have always been adventurous in the food department, but this week Sam and I were delivered a raw de-feathered chicken in a bag (sorry vegetarians) and had to hop on the 'butcher' band wagon and give it our best. We ended up with two wonderfully cooked chicken wings, chicken soup (yes, we boiled the bones for 'stock'), and amazing chicken sandwiches.

We feasted on goat on saturday night (but the host of the party did notice the chefs who cooked it also helped themselves to half of the meat). The goat was interestingly tasty...just in case you were curious.

We spent the weekend living up the 'night life' in Mwanza. Some very interesting adventures.
Friday we had a night spent at 'all ends of the spectrum'. We started at a very local restaurant for dinner where a few drinks, and a filling meal came to about $5 Canadian. We moved onto the Talapia, the tourist-y hotel (absolutely stunning) where a dinner and drinks would run about $15 Canadian (drinks alone $2/each). We then ended up at the night club the Rock, which was an interesting adventure of pit pocketers (nothing stolen, just having hands in my pockets all night), and intense dancing.

Saturday was the goat roast and Rumourz, an interesting night of typical North American bars (it felt like I was at Molly Blooms, but with more dancing).

Sunday Sam and I decided to laze around and head out to Tunza, a 'closed' resort that is open to white people in the area, and watch the sunset...

This week has been very busy with getting in touch with all of the organizations in the area, including more visits to the Yogurt Mama's (a group of inspiring, and hilarious women) as well as another trip to the orphanage for a swimming adventure... The children there are hilarious and love trying to learn english, and are so proud to teach you Swahili (pictures to come).

Speaking of pictures, I have posted some on the Western-linked blog (linked through my 'dashboard' until I get the address of Sam) if you would like to see the apartment and our pet 'Toby'.

Tuesday night was our wildest adventure yet, fit for my blog of intersting stories from the night life. Sam and I were out celebrating Eid (a Muslim holiday I believe that is a two day holiday in Tanzania) and we headed out to the Rock.

It was packed. After paying cover and moving through the concert on the patio we made it inside. I had people pulling me aside saying 'watch your pockets, watch all your stuff, people are after the mzungu's' which is always an interesting way to start the night (mzungu= us white people). Sam and I decided to stay on top of our game by avoiding the bar, but we quickly realized that the place might be too busy for us and we should leave.

Jody, another Canadian volunteer, wanted water and to step outside so I told her I would go with her. We got near the doorway (a tunnel like hallway) and everyone started pushing and shoving (apparently the concert had just ended and everyone outside wanted in, and vice versa)...So Jodi and I were stuck in the mix, clinging to eachother while being tossed around and into others/the wall... Finally, after a little break we got our footing and stood off to the side in the main entrance. Not two seconds later someone grabbed my shirt and yelled 'MOVE' so we were back in the chaos.

I was holding onto my pockets as hands were going inside them, but also trying to wave at Sam and our friends to start moving outside as it was getting too wild. Jodi and I were launched out of the doorway and landed safely off to the side. We found some of our local friends who came to see if we were okay as we began contacting the others.

Our German friends came outside and some had their pockets slit inside and money stolen ( and by slit I mean all of their pockets cut open). We decided we should leave.

Apparently they saw the guy who stole the money and went after him, I watched them return after being hit by locals and having sore arms now deciding it was a lost cause (only $20, not worth fighting for).

We rounded up our group and watched the craziness unfold as we headed outside: fights, people arguing, dancing to no music, really intoxicated people, etc.

Outside I was talking to our friend Mbamba and someone kept grabbing my arm, after a quick headbutt from Mbamba the guy was leaving our group (sam and I hopped in our friends car to leave) and left more craziness behind.

We were going to try another venue, but we realized this was our cue to call it a night. Normally not this crazy, but a day full of celebrating had led to a crazy night (probably better described with visuals, and hand gestures...but you can use your imagination).

Anyways, everything here is still going wondefully and we are actually hosting a surprise party for Jodi tonight! We have planned mini-Canadian nights for our time here (Halloween night, Christmas, etc).

Hope everyone is safe and warm at home :)

pinch me... I'm dreaming.

So, life in Africa?

Can't be described.

So far Sam and I have conquered the first few tasks: getting running water (just got it as we left for this cafe), getting groceries (from the scary, intense market), and getting comfortable enough with our Swahili to venture out alone.

I cannot describe the millions of differences between here and Canada. For starters, everyone's laid back attitude is wonderful. The idea that if something isn't done today, there is always tomorrow. People take long breaks (in exchange for long work days) and also walk at their own rates.

Little tasks (running to the store) often takes you more than half an hour as you stop to talk to everyone and everyone around us is checking up on how we are doing.

Pendo, our amazing house keeper, is phenomenal. Although I cannot understand her, you can follow her by her actions and her warm welcoming smile. She calls us her 'second children' and will watch us when we are away from home.

That AND she helped us survive the market, a crazy adventure on its own. The market is unlike anything I have ever seen. People pulling at your arms, people yelling at you, people looking into your bags, trying to reach into your pockets (mainly the street kids), and finally people just trying to be friendly...it is crazy, but definately an experience.

More to come, but I have to work through my inbox of insanity at present :)

I hear Africa is nice in October

So I don't really know how to begin telling this story...and it is no where near over, so I will just start from the top.

Last wednesday I woke up (uber tired) whining about my 9AM class. I toughed it out and made it to campus a little bit early to finish up my readings and awaited my two hour lecture to commence.

My prof rushes in to prepare for the lecture and asks to speak to me in the hall. I agree, we head outside, and then my adventure begins;

'I have something to ask you that I am 99.9% sure you are going to say no to.'

*long dramatic pause, like in the movies*

'I bet you are wondering what it is'
*I smile, anxiously awaiting the news*

'Would you be interested in going to Tanzania by October 15th?'
*long pause*
'let me go call my parents'

Twenty four hours later we are sitting in my prof's office awaiting a phone call to make sure all the funding is available for us to climb on board our planes. My fellow traveller/roomate/fiance (while in Africa) sat beside me as we kept looking at eachother with ear to ear smiles.

Then it all became official. Africa by mid-October.

For the next two and a half months I will be working/interning in Mwanza, Tanzania!

Although I doubt my computer access will be a lot, I promise to try my hardest to post while there.

Over the next three weeks (well, 2.5 now) I have a mini to-do list:
1) Learn Swahili
2) Vaccinate myself against everything
3) Pack and say goodbye to everyone

and then let the adventures begin....

gah! an update?!

I know. too long. but for fear of repeating any other apology ever read on any other blog, I will just some it up.

too busy (that and a hint of laziness).

before I have a chance to take a dent into the rest of my summer, the most intense week (or two weeks if training is included) of my life (aka the best weeks of my life) and the harsh reality that at the end of a summer of organization... I did have to open up my textbooks.

I would use this space to promote all things orientation week, but instead this blog is going to become a mere sample of my favorite pics (mainly the epic ones) to keep you all entertained. that and facebook has taken away all the excitement in waiting for published photos.

Not only all of this, but I haven't even begin to discuss the new media's I have come across, the new books I have started reading, and the new things all on the horizon (of which I keep calling 'the upper years') I crossed the threshold of moving from year two to year three and there is that looming feeling like those feelings you once had in grade 11...that's going to be me next year. the graduate.

okay, too far, too much thought.

I will leave you with this:
the last kiss: undeniably a great movie. be prepared for emotions to run free.
soph formal: I ripped my pants. hi, med syd formal? was this some cruel deja vu?
the song: Beyonce- irreplaceable...that's right, it's beyonce. tiring, yet astonishingly amazing.

and finally, a picture just to cure any anticipations you had about seeing o-week photos!


p.s. kelly green...that's us.

Catch me on the links.

The times they are a changing. This is my first post as a full time summer employee, and what are we at...june 10th? A little late on the job bandwagon but on it nonetheless. In preparation for my first days of being an employee I had to finish up the majority of my summer goals and wrap up my unemployed lifestyle. so why not go out with a bang?

In preparation for my summer job I have:
-partied profusely (funk music, patios, and dance floor moves are now just a weekend thing)
-shopped (end of season sales = low bank balances)
-eaten everything in sight (I will be walking a short distance to work, so I might as well start a diet then)

I bought a new book today, I have cleaned my room, and even picked up the clubs for a round of golf in the past week (which will be a post on it's own), but let the summer work begin bitches!!!

too ready for this. I watched my last reel of daytime t.v. today...sad, but true.

there is just something about 'old skool'

Before I went away to school you couldn't have paid me to go to a retro/oldschool music function without rolling my eyes. There used to be that not-cool-esque to retro styles where people would laugh at the thought of disco music.

This has totally changed.

Whether it be funk or disco, or even just old fashioned tunes (Pat Benetar incl) CTO and retro tunes totally make my night. A long weekend wouldn't make sense to be spent anywhere except for a retro dance party, and a retro dance party it was indeed. Although I haunted the floor with my 'Heartbreaker' performance, I feel as though my dates and I redeemed ourselves during 'Vogue' and 'Gimme Gimme Gimme'...

most people wouldn't admit to the key performances from their night out, but I was in a good state of mind and 'grooving' to the tunes. so now my bar nights are sun-wed, spanning all the decades prior to my own.

until a good job comes...

I have been playing the employment waiting game for the past three weeks now and it is getting a little ridiculous. I am so tired of sending off resumes, doing call backs, and attending pointless interviews (for the jobs you know you will never take). In the mean time I have been watching movies, Ellen, reading again, and enjoying the company of friends.

but as good as that is, there is little profit in hanging out with friends who like to party/head out all the time.

The other day I took the time to sit and watch the movie on the right, and I would be lying if I said I didn't find it amazing... although yes it was slow, and yes Cameron Diaz isn't my favorite person, the movie is your standard 'family forever' storyline. which, in times of a madhunt for employment during your first summer away from home, is a good feeling to have leaving a film. and I promise when the excitement in my life picks up I will fill this blog with summer hilarities, but until then you are stuck with the ramblings of a movie watcher.

And I have to welcome back ms. alex to the city! I knew she wouldn't be able to stay away for long....this means everyone's favorite terrible twosome will be on the prowl in London this summer... so I guess things are lookin' up !

let the movie reviews begin.

Okay, so I haven't made it too far on the 'cult classics', but I have started catching up on all the 'new releases' that sat on the backburner during the school year.

Derailed kicked it off, followed by Wolf Creek (don't waste your time), and of course Last Holiday! Who doesn't appreciate a good comedy with Queen Latifah?

and with a long weekend around the corner dedicated to parties, patios, and poor judgement (I went for the last one just for the alliteration), who can sit around and hunt for a job seriously.

but if anyone asks, I am...

P.S. it is supposed to be a cool 8 degrees all weekend, go Ontario!...

Up next are: Monster in Law (I'll admit it), King Kong, and Narnia. I hate living this close to a movie store.

Londonia

it's a totally different city during the summer.

The busses run at their own schedule (or maybe its just the times no longer apply).
The bars aren't lined up. Barney's only uses half of their patio.
The Ceeps is CLOSED monday to thursday!
Jobs are a rare commodity.
Randoms/sketchballs are out in full force, especially since I am not surrounded by my bubble that is school.

But alas, there is a summer crew, and the summer crew loves to party. My new found love for a good glass of wine, a nice book, or a movie are actually things I never thought I would ever come to enjoy...but two weeks as an independent in the city have turned me into a fourty year old wino with a love for sappy movies and interesting books.

ahhh...free time.

My hunt for summer employment has ran a little dry. I counted up every email in my outbox and every resume I have dropped off, and so far I am 2:24 (as in two callbacks for twenty four resumes), but I will keep you posted as to how the rest of my job searching goes.

But with all this free time I have been able to catch up on my reading, movie watching, and of course... money wasting adventures. The first favorite of the season was 'Family Stone', which I passed up when it was released over Christmas for fear it was a shitty movie and would kill my love for SJP. Needless to say the movie surpassed my expecations, unlike Match Point which proves that I cannot stand the abstract ideas that flow from Woody Allen.

and look, the first wedding of the season. In fairness to myself, this is my only wedding of the season, but as the emcee I can say I did a damn good job. So congrats to my dear friend Carmen on the happiest day of her life.
This was my party crew for the night, and party we did (minus the maid of honour to my right, she had some responsibilities to uphold...)

This was the first wedding out of my group of close friends, and this year I have seen three engagement rings fall onto other peoples fingers, so I am assuming next years wedding season will be action packed with celebrations.

But back to the summer days and nights of patios and partying. (and the countdown is on until the DaVinci Code and, as embarassing as it sounds, X Men III).

I cracked

I am staying in London for the summer and I am so excited. But of course, calls from home have been filling my voice mail with the lists of students/friends who have returned to Ingersoll and my parents haven't received a visit since Easter.

and I gave in. I started packing my stuff today to head home for a week (roughly) I will be coming into London to avoid my house (like the plague) but after this week I will be coming back into the city full time... I swear.

Although free food and board are tempting, unmonitored summer partying is by far the better option.

a little behind the times.

In the LFP last week they had a list of the top parody movies of all time, and to my surprise Scream was on the list! After talking to friends, apparently this was an obvious connection to make, considering how 'self referential' it is as a horror movie...but enough academic jargon, I remember these movies being the most suspenseful (and somewhat cheesy) slasher films.

and who doesn't love the addition of Lori Metcalfe (recent G.A.'s guest star) in the second film? but enough about scream.

The movie conversation brought about other 'Greatest Movies of All Times' and I realized that my repetoire of cult classics is actually quite sad...

this leads to my first (of many) summer goals. I want to be a movie (cult classic specific) guru. I am already a good contender in the areas of comedies, romances, and drama's...but I mean the real movies that everybody always references and I am left standing there doing the fake-Ihavenoideawhatyourtalkingabout-laugh.

So, using my trusty brainpower, I researched a list of 'cult hits' and here are the one's I have seen:
1) Rocky Horror Picture Show
2) Fight Club
3) Mulholland Drive
4) Donnie Darko

and films I gotta see:
1) Blade Runner (sci-fi I believe)
2) Full Metal Jacket
3) Freaks and Geeks
4) Reefer Madness
5) Dawn of the Dead

I figure five is a fair start to a summers worth of 'underground' entertainment. but trust me, I will post my findings.

usual crunch down.

So we're here. The normal Post-April 1st crunch of school time. I have disappeared from the internet world to finish off essays, classes, and student involvement activities for the year.Not done, but this year I have no rush to draw them to a close.

I hate that with the end of another great year comes the rush into the business world for four months of your life. (is it sad that I miss those grade school summers of tree climbing and bike riding?)

I have 'fibbed' to my work and told them that I won't be able to start until May 15th so that I can have some 'downtime' after exams. This weeks will serve as a segway into four months of long hours and money saving schemes.

But with the end of another year, leaves a goodbye and a good luck to all my graduating friends. I have been priviledged to hang out with them since first year and this year I have to do my first round of graduate goodbyes. They are the ones who are making me excited about my post graduation plans in hearing their tales of grad school, travel, and life in the 'real world'. I know, for a fact, that they will be back visiting soon enough...and if they don't, I will hunt them down. over facebook.

But back into the cave of the library I go, my hunt for procrastination tactics has stalled in fear that it might actually lead to bad marks...

and this summer, I'm doin' it in dunnville again. be ready.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5-cfeyia69A&search=saved%20by%20the%20bell

While researching my essay I found this video clip.

Okay, not reasearching, but taking a glimpse at a favourite t.v. clip of mine.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=5-cfeyia69A&search=saved%20by%20the%20bell

I need to get off of these video sites.

my good luck floated away.

on a cup of coffee...

I don't even know where to begin this story because frankly, it fits the tale of an upcoming Lindsay Lohan film...but I shall continue it anyways.

So there I was standing in line awaiting my step up for java (or my java order rather) and my prof (who will remain nameless) came up behind me and started small talk. for this I thank her because we both 'know' eachother, but conversation could have been tremendously awkward. (ie...' so, it's ugh...sunny out' you know, that crap).

I digress through examples and brackets, but I will continue.

The topic of the 'roll up the rim to win' comes up and we began to discuss eachothers odds. They were as follows:
Rob 7 wins 7 losses (six coffees, one muffin)
Prof 0 wins 20attempts (her estimate)

I reluctantly gave her my tips of sticking to a standard size (usually extra large) as those cups sell the least (really, no increased odds, but this is how my non-mathematical mind works), and finally told her that it might just be me being lucky.

Needless to say, that day my coffee was a loser (and her's won)

And I have been losing ever since...

Might this be a lesson for me not to spread my competitive spirit by comparing odds? or really having the 'horseshoe-up-my-ass' finally pass?

I guess I will never know, but the story needed to be shared before it was known as Lindsay Lohan's new movie.

laughter is the best medicine.

you know when you find everything/anything funny? perhaps it has been because I have been locked in a room in the upper floor of the ucc for the past four days that have made the following things 'pants wetting' material... and enough to make you smile and enjoy the little things along the way.

to destressing!

hilarity

impressive

so predictable...yet still enjoyable

and finally!

here's to yet another round of final's procrastination!

dancing is good for the soul.

I don't feel the need to comment on the above picture, but I would assume that the colour and the recent date that has passed will do the justice of my level of intoxification and my behaviour.

I have been caught in this warp speed of time over the last two weeks. I mean, just a few seconds ago (or so it feels like) it was reading week...now I am 6 weeks away from the end of my second year, and man I cannot believe how fast everything is going! But I am loving every second of it.

When most would be stressed, I am doing the thing where I am trying not to let it get to me. This is my new tactic in life, to let it all roll of my back, or as Jay-Z would put it 'brush your shoulders off' (mariah carey would just shake it off, you can decide what works best).

I was discussing with a friend about 'truths' and the admittance of facts that you will/will not reveal to others...so as per my blogging style, I composed three things that I never share (but are truths that are on my mind regularly):
1) I think (constantly) about what is going to happen to all my friends (past/present) and how long I will remain close with all of them.
2) I hate having others hate me/dislike me. I say I am okay with it, but deep down it drives me up the wall.
3) I always sing when I am alone. and have been caught many times doing it...how embarassing.

As we dive into essays and final assignments I know that it is the goal of every blog reader to procrastinate a little bit longer, and party just a little bit harder!

check your inhibitions at the door.

so here I sit in the library studying...correction, I am in the pride library blogging and I just had to write about the hilarity and the love I already have for this library.

for starters, I see the same crowd (of about 20 people) in this library all the time, perhaps we all have the hopes of meeting mr. (or mrs...depending on how you swing) right in an academic setting, rather than drunk at a bar.

secondly, there is a large glass window seperating the library from the back of first floor weldon, and as people flow past it's as if they wish to tap on the window of our fishbowl and say 'man, that's what gay people look like studying' (this I say in complete sarcasm).

thirdly, I have friends who won't come into this library for fear of scrutiny on their heterosexuality... this is the funniest thing I have ever heard. and it is a nice welcome to 2006 lol ( a fear of being straight in a public place).

and lastly, this library is ten times more colourful than any other one on campus...

although I say this all with a sarcastic undertone, I do have a secretly love for studying here. Not only is it quiet and fairly traffic-free, it also serves as a nice setting for discussions when there is the right crowd in here.

but that is enough procrastinating for one 'homework' session, I hope everyone is enjoying the two full day countdown to the best partying day university has to offer!

to be fair.

To be fair, is it wrong to complain about an education i am getting, if I am paying for it, choosing the courses, and enjoying it (major assignments aside).

I was laughing at myself last night as I was going on about some issue with how many projects/essays I have due in the week of April 1-7 and how they always seem to cake on work all at once...and then I realized that I chose the courses, and paid the tab. So my grounds for complaining = none.

So, I am over it. I will 'turn that frown upside down' and get back on the school train and live it up for the next two months... as third year isn't that far away.

buck and doe's, stag and doe's, jack and jill's.

I am not sure who invented the stag and doe, but they deserve an award.

Last night I was able to attend a stag and doe for a close friend of mine and as per usual, I was not let down. A mad predrink led to us running into the dance hall ready to party. Now a dance that includes party favours, games, midnight buffets, and cheap drinks could never be thought of as a bad idea. For those who disagree, I am sorry your life is so boring.

The best part about this 'buck and doe' is that it was in our classic small town setting. I knew everyone there, and it was almost a two year reunion from highschool... some people I never thought I would see again showed up, and it was nice not having awkwardness (c/o the intoxicants I had consumed)... even teachers came out for the party!

Just when I think I can take my small town history anymore, they go and throw a night like this!

In sum, it ended up with me and three girlfriends getting dragged out of a local bar because our after party turned into them hitting and punching three hockey players. I moved away in fear, but the three lippy girls continued the trash talk...which got us an escort right into our cab home... which we hopped out of and ran away! and went back into the bar in the other door.

shortly after we were told we were never allowed back...almost embarassing. then we called it a night.

go buck and doe's!

you know I love a good parody.

Instead of working on the two essays due monday, I have spent my productive saturday surfing the net.

So, here is (in my opinion) the ultimate broadway lovers site... Forbidden Broadway!

Here is the link so that you can check it out, you want the second video clip (for the video's of the songs).

Happy procrastinating!

the wandering mind goes south.

I never give my family enough credit. Normally while at home we do all act stupid together, make jokes, and constantly pick eachother apart...which over a seven day vacation, most people would terribly annoyed.

But this is where my family is different. This is the first family vacation where we have gone 7 days laughing right until we got off the plane back in Ontario. I have never seen my family as 'friends' but, this trip we acted like a group of friends teasing everyone whenever they slipped up on their words, or whenever they embarassed themselves in front of a group. I would write some of the major slip ups, but I feel as though they were only funny in the moment, or perhaps in a descriptive story told aloud. But overall, probably my best reading week yet. (last years was spent back at school early because I decided to work during the whole break...)

Let me just sum up the trip in total.
First of all, leading up to the trip I had mon/tues/wed midterms, and headed home at 11pm on the wednesday night....For which I had a total of 16 hours of sleep over the two days... and so it begins.
Thurs
- we watch Rent (on video) before heading to the airport at 4a.m.
-board the plane at 7:30 and are enroute for Varedeiro, Cuba
-arrive at 11:00 am, head to hotel...In total, I have been up for 28 hours.
-start drinking/laying on beach
-4:30pm wake up on beach, realizing I have passed out, in the sun, for the last three hours
-party all night with newfoundlanders until 6am.

For the rest of the days, the formula works out as:
Rise-Eat-Beach-Eat-Beach-Nap-Dinner-Cards/Drink-Disco-After Party!
(* 'drink' can accompany any of the above options)

Finally, I did learn three things while in Cuba:
1) Ontarians, as hard as we try, cannot keep up with East Coast drinkers. my hat goes off to them.
2) It is a small, small world...(my second cousins showed up at the same resort half way through the week)
3) I will never be able to spend another reading week in cold S.W.O.
and a 4th bonus: never defer work until after the break...

hola amigo's/amiga's!

Okay, so I do have some midterm thoughts.

Amidst the chaos of three midterms and two papers I still manage to find time to blog...strange.

Regardless, I have just had millions of non-school related thoughts fill my mind that I now need to express.

For starters, I was in the spoke this afternoon and there was a Canadian Men's hockey game on, circa 2:30 and it was PACKED...like ridiculously packed. And I have already expressed my thoughts on the olympics but it was almost surreal to see 200 (plus) university students taking a break from studying, sitting in almost silence, watching their nation play hockey... just seemed epic to me (perhaps it was the two coffee's and four hours of sleep).

Thought two:
The silence of the libraries upper floors is uncomparible to anything else in life... a sniffle of the nose warrants death by guillotine... and I love studying there.

Thought three:
I have become one of 'those' students that you see trecking around campus, only discusses how crappy his midterm schedule is, and can be seen in any library/computer lab at any given time... I apologize in advance for my new found nerdiness... let's hope I grow out of this.

Thought four:
I have mastered my coffee order at tim hortons so that I can taste the perfection when I drink it. java rules my life...

hoping that everyone else is surviving assignment/midterm hell through indepth thoughts like me. once again, happy spring breaking :)

p.s. thanks for this visit from a dear friend

a week indeed...

so let's recap...
4 days
3 midterms
2 papers
packing
random collection of stuff
cuba...

if you don't see me this week, this is why :)

happy reading week to all.

as the day of love falls upon us.

Valentine's day, since childhood, has taken on a whole new meaning. No, I am not going to sit here and rant about my hate (or love) for this holiday...instead I am going to take one second to think about how much fun it was when I was little.

My favorite part of Valentine's day was picking out the valentine's day cards (normally 90's themed (see previous post for examples)) and addressing them to the kids in my classes. I would be lying if I said I didn't miss this 'cheesy' aspect to this day, and I hate that so many people have turned their back on this holiday.

Nicole does a wonderous job of outlining my like for this holiday, because yes...it would be a lie for all of us to say that you don't want someone to shop for you, pamper you, or even surprise you on a snowy day in the middle of february.

On that note, I will leave you to ponder your own thoughts on this day and after really reviewing the fact that it is 24 hours dedicated to love and emotion, and you still hate it....comment away.(unless you got card as crappy as this, then I truly understand your hate for this day. lol)

happy valentines day.

Product of the nineties?

Don't you just love mass emails? for once, I got one I enjoyed...

so I figured I would share it with the world (and hopefully other 'products of the nineties')

You know you're a 90's kid if...

You can sing the rap to "The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air".
You've worn leggings and felt stylish.
You yearned to be part of the Baby-Sitters club.
You use to love playing with your MY Little Pet Shop.
You remember when it was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons. You wore a ponytail on the side of your head and had scrunchies.
You remember reading "Goosebumps".
You know the profound meaning of "Wax on, wax off".
You have pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
You took plastic cartoon lunch boxes to school.
You remember the craze and then the banning of yo-yo's.
You still get the urge to say "NOT" after (almost)every sentence...Not.
You knew that Kimberly, the pink ranger, and Tommy, the green Ranger were meant to be together.
You collected pokemon cards.
You wore socks over leggings scrunched down.
You knew what it meant to say "Care Bear Stare".
You knew all the characters names and their life stories on "Saved By The Bell".
You played and or collected "Pogs".
You used to pretend to be a MIGHTY MORPHIN Power Ranger.
You had at least one GigaPet or Nano and brought it everywhere.
You watched the ORIGINAL Care Bears, My Little Pony, and Ninja Turtles.
Yikes pencils and rubbers were the best.
You remember when the new Beanie Babies were always sold out.
You used to wear those stick on earings, not only on your ears, but at the corners of your eyes. You've gotten creeped out by "Are You Afraid of the Dark?".
You thought it would be so cool to be Alex Mack.
You know the Macarena by heart.
"Talk to the hand" ... enough said.
You thought Brain from 'Pinkey and the Brain' would finally take over the world.
You were made to wear a pair of leggings with the straps on the bottom. Bum Bags, or Fanny Pax whatever you called them.
I'LL BE BACK... 2 words ... SPICE GIRLS...

Some things this email didn't address:
-TGIF? don't act like you weren't at home watching it...every friday.
-New Kids on the Block?
- and although the macarena was mentioned, what about when Much Dance were at their best?

how many did you relate to? for me, it was almost embarassing...

how will I know?

There is something weird that comes along with the olympics (an addiction of mine, yes). I am the most unathletic person around, but for some reason while the olympics are on I just cannot get enough.

I was a little bitter at the fact that Roots was not in charge of olympic garb this year (and apparently won't be again until 2010!) and we were subject to the horrid olympic ensembles in the bay. I am 'that guy' who goes out and buys that hat, sweatshirt, and track pants (and they all match, of course).

Clothing aside, the olympics have some weird draw for me. For once in my life I feel very patriotic (not saying I am not proud to be canadian, I just rarely express any of that emotion) and I love seeing 'us' win. (grabbed a gold tonight in skiing!).

So yes, I will keep a medal count on this blog as well as pics of the wonderous athletes. and this will also give me a much needed break (lol) from my midterms coming up at the end of these 10 glorious days...

So far, we have one gold (as Norway is kicking some olympic ass), we are in third overall. Go Canada!

hate her or love her.

I hope if your reading this, you saw the Grammy awards tonight. Otherwise, you might want to go hunt down a clip of the performance and then revert back here.

Yes, I bought her new c.d. and yes, I found tonight's Grammy performance the ultimate proof that Madonna is the ultimate artist. I know: the reinvention queen, standard music, whatever. The new c.d. is proof that she can look back to where she started, in a non-'Jenny-fromtheblock' way and can release another hit c.d. reflecting those roots.

Tonights performance, with the Gorillaz, was enough to convince me that Madonna isn't done yet. As critics tear her to shreds, and non-pop music fans tear up her reputation, I think, will your 'Nickleback' crap ever reach this many records and sales...and on the basis of one person? I think not.

After Evita, I was sold on her superstardom(and real talent)...so come on, get on the bandwagon...or else in fifty years you are going to look like the 'dud' who didn't listen.

my broadway addiction.

Yes, my undying love for broadway/cabaret shows has been expressed many times before in this blog. and here it comes again.

Last night I took four lovely ladies (and met three more there might I add) to Don't Tell Mama the university's cabaret show. and, after last years Love on the Rocks, I was excited to see the show come together, and came together it did.

They picked the perfect numbers, from the perfect shows. I loved 'cell block tango', 'the wizard and i', and 'a song like this' were all done magnificently. Special props to these songs for coming from my favorite musicals and me loving them just as much on the small stage.

And of course the wonderful Dallas, who I have seen many times (as a CR groupie) and again, wowed me with her talent.

So over the next few weeks, as per usual post-musical syndrom, I will hum the tunes, download different versions of songs, and binge on musical theatre... much love for the big stage!

that time of year...

I love the leeway time in between Christmas and spring break. It's like anything you could (and probably should start) can wait until after the break, because starting it now with a holiday in the middle is just upsurd.

This year I am taking advantage of my free no-school week in February and am travelling to the wonderful beaches of Cuba to binge drink and laze in the sun... I would be lying if I said that binge drinking will not be present at an all inclusive resort.

I took advantage to a week of free time last week, and realized that this cannot happen again if I wish to remain at school. But, as the true media student that I am, I couldn't help but notice the advertisement on Canadian Television made during yesterday's superbowl...
'If you would like to check out the great American commercials of the superbowl, the (insert name of pointless specialty network) will be airing a one hour special of the top advertisements'

That's right, in case you missed a three hour sports game jam packed with ads of all kinds, you can voluntarily subject yourself to an hour long show of commercials!!

Sorry, it just blew my mind and I had to blog about it.

In other news, on Rent is on video february 20th!

old friends, new acquaintances.

I am not sure if I have mentioned this before, but I have a very competetive personality. For some reason this includes all aspects of my life... I cannot sit down to a friendly game of cards without feeling the need to drive to win (even if it is against my 8 year old cousin). I have been known to read the rule book before continuing play in hopes that I will find the loophole to make me the winner.... a bad quality, I know.

Regardless...tonight I had the opportunity to dine with an old friend of mine, one who I hadn't seen (or have seen sporadically since) highschool. So we picked our favorite restaurant (mongolian grill) and gourged ourselves into buffet heaven. Of course, for two pop culture junkies like ourselves, the night wouldn't have been complete without a quick round of 'Scene it: Pop Culture II'...

Some questions that threw me:
'From 1998-2003, the most popular name for baby boys in Texas was?'
AND
'This rock group was underfire after pyrotechnic difficulties at a Rhode Island show lead to the deaths of nearly 100'

G'ahead...try...

Regardless, this is what cost me the game, but in my eyes, I am still the winner.
Funny Quotes from the night:
-' I took a summer course in mistification... yes, I now mist female dancers before they hit the stage...'- 'what else do you do there' - ' I tassle nipples, this that and the other...'
- 'don't they understand, you can just become funny overnight...'
-'go mongo, yes, we're catching it on'

busy times...

My blog, for a brief moment in time, has had to sit on the back burner of life. For some reason I have been racing to keep up with school, work, friends, etc...

that and I was without computer for three weeks (nearly killed me).

Anyways, a more formal post about thoughts, etc will follow but for now I have to get over this cold...

the ultimate sign that I need some R&R.

dance, dance

I cannot tell you enough about how much fun I had last night, well, actually over the past week since I have returned to educational splendour. I know, enough chat about the school switch, that part of my life is now complete. But the last week has also been spent in the first week back from christmas festivities with friends...

and party we did. listing all of the events would be pointless (a funk night, two movie nights, and one gay bar dance a thon) but, I have to write about the feelings you get out of nights like these. Not only are they normally filled with intoxicants, there is something deeper, some more of a comforting factor in feeling that you are with the right people at the right time.

The last year of my life has helped put into perspective how important friends are, and this has never been more true for me. Last night after stumbling in drunk I headed right towards my roomate's room for 'post bar chat'. I finished the night with my normal drunk dials to ms. tori and messages on msn ran freely from my finger tips.... when most would be annoyed, these people all called back, responded, and let me vent about my massive hangover.

after all, what friends could you drag to a gay bar for a night of dancing and craziness? there isn't one of my friends who wouldn't come along...

I hate to be the optimist but, bad luck will shift, the stars will realign... and after all of this winter 'blah', the summer awaits us with goodtimes.

and if I am right, we have a soph pub on the horizon... deep thoughts for a sunday, the hangover or intellectual side of rob? one will never know.

back.

I hate describing a situation where it all works out perfectly...but it has. And of course, partying chaos has ensued.

Last year dis-oweek was filled with medicines as I battled a cold (and in the end, dropped the meds to celebrate the 19th birthday). This year, my how the tables have turned.

Coming into the week after my 19th birthday with a cold slowed me down, but only for a brief moment. Wednesday at CTO (a wonderful funk night for none other than ms. paige's birthday), thursday night at Jack's, Pheonix, and Jim Bob's (yes, we went wandering) was equally amazing and my first sampling of abscinthe; and friday was another viewing of Rent with the girls from the box.

I love it when school and social life can balance, instead of conflict constantly (last semester). This semester I finally have the option of picking classes I like, enjoying the work I am doing, and seeing all my friends from school that I missed last semester...

and damn, it feels good...

college invasion

Tonight, my roomate and close friend did something a little different. Our original plans included a boring trip downtown for cheap martini's and good times. low and behold, the downtown core was ridiculously packed so we returned home.

Once here, we joked about the stories of college invasion coming to Western, and then we all admitted that none of us had viewed the film.

This is now a lie.

Yes, the three of us sat around a labtop as we watched the video online and I have to say...it was a little bit of a let down.

From a porno standpoint it was fine, but from a face recognizing-able-to-laugh-at-people-you-know kind of live film, we were let down.

Now, I will be the first to admit that porn is often joked about at parties, or the subject of many humorous stories from highschool, sex and the city episodes, etc...but rarely have three sober people sat around and watched a porno and attempted a critique of it.

Random, I know. but I was just giving a heads up to others who think they might recognize people in the film. Probably not true, but feel free to experiment.

you can't deny the t.v.

I think we would all be lying some of us were to say...this isn't the best show on t.v. right now. I know, many shows are mentioned in this blog but come on, we live in a world where television (and all popular culture dominate our lives) so yes, I feel the need to comment on the recent events of desperate housewives.

I might add that normally I see through the charade of a crappy show (like the o.c. for example) but some shows just draw me right in...and I love it.

Desperate housewives has just become a sassy show that I love watching (it's like a soap opera on at night), and the facet that it is followed by grey's anatomy makes sunday night television that much sweeter.

With all this great television, I am amazed that I have time for my studies...who am I kidding, a media student studies with the t.v. on...

am I right?

science kids hate me.

It's resolution time.

yes, 2006, welcome.

but with a new year comes the time to fill blogs with resolutions that you must try to attain. and so my theory is to list them here that way I will feel guilty in december when I delete this post pretending like I never made it (or edit my resolutions to make it look like I am very driven).

I have reached all of my christmas goals (reading two books, seeing three movies, and seeing all friends with the trip to Toronto). But my goals for the year I have put more thought into.

So here are the resolutions:
1- stop taking so much crap (is there a word for this other than pushover?)- but this year I am going to speak up when I am not having a good time, say 'no' when something bothers me, and not do stuff for the sake of making everyone happy... this has gotten me into trouble in the past
2- after losing 25 pounds (you know it) since I left residence in the spring, this year is devoted to actually toning my body up. I know, this is the most generic resolution in history, but if I am going to sit on a beach for a week I want to look damn good.
3- achieve my 80 average that I so didn't strive for last year. This year I can do this, and I am going to...
4- save more money for school during the summer (and not just throw it away like last summer)
5- go see more concerts (at least 2, and more bands that I would never usually go see)
6- tell my parents...it's time.
7- try and be more forward (relating to number one) but I want my ability to be outspoken to not only occur while I am intoxicated.
8- new job.

it is two thousand and fuckin six. and I am twenty years old now (today actually). so let's see what I can do with these two generations behind me.

adventure of a lifetime.

'is your dad a dealer? cause your dope to me'

random start to this post, but I am hoping to include everything I can about the last three days of my life (which were amazing, epic, and surreal...yes, big words to describe such a phenomenal time)

On tuesday morning I was lucky enough to scam a free ride (avec mon pere) to Northern Toronto to begin my adventure in the big city. I arrived at the Vaughn GO station at 7:45am and the journey began. I have to brag about how I easily figured out what to do, where to stand, and how the train/subway system worked and I was in the downtown within half an hour (yes, 8:15). The visitee was shocked at the harsh reality of my early morning adventure, but greeted me with open arms when I finally made it on the proper bus down good ol' Pape street (which can be referred to as Pepe, papie, pope or any other variation as my mind could not figure out the simplicity of the name.

The adventure to Jenn's sisters aside, I was settled in by 9am and we were catching up on our christmas breaks thus far (that and beginning to make plans for our three day adventure). After calling ms. spadafo and discussing how we would meet up with her at her new place (p.s. it was gorgeous, but that will follow) I got my first real taste of Toronto life.

I was so blessed to be in the downtown of this major city, and with friends that I love...and this trip helped me to realize all of this. Jenn (and her sister) I owe a huge thank you to for opening up my eyes to a life outside the closet, and that in non-conservative, open cities you can live freely and be who you want to be. this was the most amazing part of my experience.

The village: was eye opening. I had been before but just to one bar for dancing and nothing special, but I was given the chance to parouse the stores in the village, and take in a bit of the life that I dream of in conservative London. For the first time in my life I was able to ask a ton of questions, which most would find annoying, but luckily they answered them with amazing responses helping to clarify any of my fears of fully coming out... and again, I thank them.

Bloor St.: window shopping in Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and FCUK was stunning, as they were all in a one block radius.

Anni's apartment: was phenomenal. She is living the 'university life' that me, being at Western, has never experienced. Being in a big city, with such diversity, and such culture allows her to truly be herself... I would almost dub her ms. Toronto.

Katie: too cute to describe. So nice to see you, you help keep me grounded and real. You and Anni are stern reminders of how JN2 will never disappear from my mind, and your ongoing friendship is amazing.

Jenn: proved as my saviour this trip. I don't give her enough thanks (to her face) for making me be the real me, and not a phoney person. She pushes me to be exactly who I want to be, and although on this trip I felt I might have annoyed her, she constantly helped me develop resolutions and decide on my future. Thanks again, photoshoots and all, I had an amazing time.

I mean, it's two thousand and fucking six.

Finally, to Eano and Paige (and the rest of the Toronto peoples who I got to meet up with during my visit) thank you for letting me experience that wild life for three days. I envy the fact that when you guys head home you head to Toronto, instead of some country bumpkin town where plaid is still fashionable.

and as I return home to turn another year older (it's happened, I am now 20) I think about how the last year of my life has been the wildest year yet. Here's to raising the bar and trying to make this year ten times that.

p.s. the bus ride home was cute, it was nice to see you.
p.p.s. tomorrow I will hopefully post pictures, my resolutions, and exact stories... but I wanted to clarify how thankful I am...

and welcome...2006...

it seems like so much has passed over the last five days, when really I have been doing the same old thing with a night of mad partying dividing the last week.

New years eve was intense, and yes...we only went to Jim Bob's for the night, but it was the perfect crowd with all my friends from Ingersoll accompanying me along to the bar. Obviously drinks and crazy dancing ensued. but pictures of that shall follow.

The best part of the last week was the quality time with friends and family...and television...and food...

but this all comes to an end as trip countdowns begin (circa 45 days until Cuba) which means I am back to the healthy eating aspect of my life... and an exciting voyage to Toronto commences tomorrow in which I am going to try and see everyone I can!

photo 1 of me and lindsay didn't turn out, but it turned out cool...weird? I think yes
next photo, don't act like pajamas are going out of style!

in other news:
my parents hate the fact that I won't let them watch CNN 24/7 and think that perhaps I might have to change my major if it is going to effect their t.v. watching habits... screw that.

and I am onto book number 3 of the holidays, I am reading 'Tuesday's with Morrie'... i'll keep you posted.

bon voyage!