4th year

I'll admit it. This blog has been forgotten about for quite sometime (but after a summer of 70 hour weeks, and a jump right into the school year I really had no choice but to opt out of posting).

But you found me. I'm back. and of course, I've got stuff to talk about.

I finally took the time this year to sit down and watch some of my favorite musicals (or new favorites) as I have only ever heard about their greatness...My only recommendation is FUNNY GIRL. This musical changed my life, and my impression of Babs herself.

After watching some original movies on Jane Fonda, I noticed that celebs might have been more interesting in "their day" (long before they are offered roles in the most recent J-Lo flick). This led me to hunt down a copy of funny girl and take the time out of my life to enjoy an older musical.

and enjoy I did.

get it. watch it. love it.

for you non musical people, I'm sorry...you are missin' out

ridiculous? just a little bit.

I will start by admitting bias before continuing on my rant about Rosie O'donnell. I am a Rosie fan. I have been since I first saw her show back in public school, and remember dreaming of the day when I would get the opportunity to go sit in the audience and dodge shooting koosh balls.

Yes, the show has been cancelled, but I knew she would make it back into the television realm...and she has. Her being on the View is old news, however my recent discoveries online are what lead me to write a post addressing my thoughts on such a Liberal viewpoint on that show.

To reiterate briefly, I am biased... She supports gay rights, is against the Bush administration, and is very critical on government and media actions (and the messages being carried out into the public sphere). All of these things incorporate her views into my studies, as well as my personal view points. Regardless, I find it funny that so many people are quick to criticize her (even Canadians sharing similar viewpoints) when they should make sense of her arguments, before joining the 'Rosie's a loudmouth' bandwagon.

For starters, I encourage someone to read her blog posts. Although at times abstract, and written in a non-academic format, the opinions expressed are always filled with examples and relevant to current events. I also love it when people are openly critical with no fears of the negative impacts of their opinion (MIT 4 life), but this is why I support her being on the View (and that she challenges little Elizabeth's conservative, pro-Bush mentality).

I do encourage all to stop by her website just to view her REAL opinion... and shortly after, you must stop by this website and see the great thought process behind American critical opinion. Is this actually a website that has a petition where they 'believe she is a danger to the morale of this country and emboldens those who seek to destroy us'?...and am I the only person who finds the joke in a site opposing a more extreme viewpoint, on the VIEW!!

My anger towards such a website, as well as criticism of someones viewpoint, I find ridiculous. and that is what drove me to write about it today.

I attempted to sign the petition under an insulting alias, but after being removed I felt a blog post would have to suffice.

blink, and you miss it.

and that's how I choose to conclude a year that has been one of both epic and odd proportions.

Yes, kicking off the year with a flight to Africa was something a little different. Actually, it was the best idea I think I have ever taken advantage of. Luckily for me, I came back to the most theory, work driven semester of my life.

For most students that would cause you to buckle down and settle into school like you were planning on doing September first of last year, but for yours truly, the option of "living life to its fullest" was just too tempting.

Luckily, with some small portion of good luck, I was able to pull myself together in time for final exams. Finally bringing myself back to the student I once was. It's amazing how after three years of university, you come to the realization that while you are paying for this, you might as well enjoy it.

and that is what I intend to do.

So, with the help of others, I made a list of things I want to do before I graduate (in this list, I included courses I wanted to take) and I am posting them on here to hold myself to them. I am going to refrain from my classic 'no more procrastination' promises, and actually break down how my next year will go. I have until August 1st (a one month ahead of the game start time) to finish/touch up this list of promises in hopes of making them all happen.

For my fourth year as an undergraduate student, I would like to:
1) Go away for spring break. London, I love you, but god help me if I am going to suffer through another seven days here knowing how many students are away in some sort of drunken fabulousness.
2) Get involved in two of three of the following organizations:
a) a band of some sort (the tenor sax in my closet is not gaining value there)
b) help out with a charitable group on campus (and/or help out with an event that aids it (charity ball aside...)
c) actually take charge in stepping up to the media plate (get involved in alternative media, magazines, etc. the information that I have fallen in love with but have been to afraid to write/work with)
3) see at least four plays, and audition for 2 (this ex-community theatre guru needs to get back on the theatre bandwagon)
4) 4 concerts, two of which cannot be bands that I know of (or paid more than $25/ticket)
5) Not max out any form of student debt offered to myself in my last year (although tempting, I think I should just rack up the hours at the old part time job)
6) Take Killer Culture
7) Take Genocide
8) Pay off credit card (not overwhelmingly large, but definately something on the 'to do' list)
9) Buy a suit (this one is a long time coming, but necessary)
10) Five weekends of the year are to be (mandatorily) spent in Toronto
11) (overly ambitious) New Years with the roomate at her house in Dublin

That is my list, and yes, subject to change or add (likewise to add criticism from those who suggest other courses, or the 'must have' profs before graduating). The new leaf has been turned, now I am just working on keeping it turned over.

and with a new season, comes new ideas

I might be a little late on the 'spring has sprung' bandwagon, but I do need to write about how I cannot believe another year has almost passed. Every year the 'March Blues' hit you, and for a split second you forget that around the corner is a month with three large tests, three essays, one project,and only 9 full days of class (not to mention a visit from a large rabbit, and a day devoted to mary jane mid-month)...

I have been keeping on top of my readings and school work, yet found myself content analyzing in a lab until 4 am last night. perhaps my 'not procrastinating' scale needs to be revisited, but that is a point on its own, and a subject discussed in many posts before...

At the end of the month I will be taking up new surroundings closer to the downtown core, as well as switching up my summer job, and possibly taking a summer course (I know, who is this man writing here). But this year has been full of drastic changes, I mean...four months in Africa is something that ought to change a person....no, I haven't been watching video's of a certain secret, thank you alex, but all in all spring brings about an end to the dull,wet, grayness that is winter... and I have never been happier to see the sun.

And think, in just three weeks I will be priveledged to stand back on Barney's patio (London local, yes)... and now I can enjoy all the new facebook groups that involve 'London Summer Crew', isn't that what life is all about?

But, until the end, I shall continue to youtube my life away, and even do my occasional 'makemyplaylist' just to make sure not all 100% of my time is school geared.

a fresh new look

In an attempt to not procrastinate today, I decided to totally update. Hopefully this will draw me to writing, posting, and describing all of my adventures to the general public.

I have to post some YouTube clips that cannot be missed (I apologize in advance for the randomness of these videos, all tagged as my favorites!).

1) RV Salesman - took me by surprise, but I love it
2) Hairspray - one of my favorites
3) Listen - that's right...it's Beyonce
4) Will and Grace - got to love the blooper real

Sadly, Youtube was my life over reading week...

reel of pics one

Boats in Zanzibar...a view from the Freddy Mercury Restaurant.

The scariest boat ride ever to the wildlife reserve.

I had a tour of the hospital and this is where they hang dry their laundry. (the hospital is also the place that we got the best views for pictures as it is on top of the city)

Sam's going away party at Tunza (Danny and Jodie on the right)

Paulo, Michael, and I at Fonelisco orphanage hanging out.

Mount Kilimanjaro

it's been a long time.

Even though that was sadly stolen from Timbaland's voice, it directly applies to this lovely blog o' mine.

For the last two months I have continuously said that I would return here and start writing, posting, and rambling on this blog...as per most of my procrastination tactics, I found a way to put this off.

After two months, I don't even know where to begin. I HAVE to start with the internship (which has disappeared from active conversation and has become two word files and a folder of pictures on my computer that I flip through almost nightly), then onto everything else in my life that has seemed to unravel post-Christmas-returning-to-north-america.

But pictures will come next, perhaps today (as I ignore a professor attempting to teach great research methods), I will begin my catch up on life, love, and popular culture (the key third aspect to my life).

badaye.

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.