http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/It's life, Jim, but not as we know it. en-EUhttp://backend.userland.com/rss092http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/56/d82e5477d68cecc6fff61b4e14046f_160x200.jpg <p>It's been a long summer, folks, and it's starting to be rather noticeable, especially around the stomach regions. </p> <p>Yes, weeks of really quite minimal activity (well, compared to what I do in term-time, ie 6 days involving exercise, one day off a week) is taking its toll. </p> <p>It's not just the stomach, either. It's the whole package. Bum, thighs, even calves are looking distinctly more filled-out than they were just a few short months ago. This does not please me. In fact, I'd say it does rather the opposite. </p> <p>And the most annoying thing about it is that I have (somehow) injured my foot, meaning I am super-reluctant to eg go running or anything like that before I can either a)get it looked at or b) get over it. </p> <p>I can only hope that my return to Oxford this time next week will precipitate a wave of healthy activity and eating habits. I reckon it will; the pressure of not having to eat when everyone else is eating does make a real difference, and having to walk/cycle EVERYWHERE will at least get me moving around. Oh, and free gym membership to a sports centre which is a mere stone's throw away. That always helps ..</p> <p>I read something in some newspaper the other day which said that actually, September is a better month to make resolutions of the 'New Year' variety. And given the proximity of Jewish New Year (Rosh HaShanah), perhaps I'll take this opportunity to make some. </p> <p>So. Here goes. </p> <p>1) To get fit (again)<br> 2) To work hard in order to make Mods revision easier next term<br> 3) To actually do all the things I keep telling myself I'm going to do (eg take up coxing, go to JSoc etc)<br> 4) To be nice to people, and not be petty/sulky/grumpy etc, whether I feel like I have good reason to be or not<br> 5) To not make ANOTHER mistake re. men again but to embrace singledom until someone I actually *want* to be in a relationship with comes along.</p> <p>I think that should be all for now. The more I make, the more I can break, after all.<br> <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I'll keep you updated as to how it all goes <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2009/09/13/fattie-6957163/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2009/09/13/fattie-6957163/Sun, 13 Sep 2009 21:23:30 +0200 <p>Isn't it amazing the emotions that can be evoked through the medium of celluloid?</p> <p>Or even, in this day and age, via Facebook?</p> <p>Basically, chaps, I'm talking (as you may have guessed by the title of this little post) about photographs.</p> <p>Some photos make you coo, some make you squirm, some make you want to vom. All these and more can be found via t'internet, or, if you like doing things the old fashioned way, in little paper pouches filled with excitingly glossy card.</p> <p>I like a bit of both, myself, which is why next to my laptop I have two pictures of various members of Exeter College Boat Club, a professional photo of the Hills Rd summer ball (taken at the end of LVI) and a picture from the photoshoot I received as a present for my 18th birthday of myself, Sam, Nic, Rachel and Jenny. They are nice photos. I like looking at them. </p> <p>I do not like looking at all photos. Like ones that remind me what I'm missing out on, or of people doing something they've told you they weren't going/couldn't do. This vexes me. They don't come round very often, but when they do.. grrr.</p> <p>Anyway. That is all. I'm sure you'll hear from me again soon <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2009/08/11/photographs-6703035/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2009/08/11/photographs-6703035/Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:08:17 +0200 <p>Hey chappies,</p> <p>It's 7th week here in Oxford.. in fact, as from Sunday, it'll be 8th week. This time next week, it'll be one day until term officially ends. How crazy is that? I can't believe I've been here this long... A year ago, I was doing my A levels. I didn't know anyone here (well, apart from Ruth and Tom, sort of). I certainly couldn't have guessed the sort of things I'd get up to (this term in particular <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"> ) and the stuff I'd do, and the friends I would make. I love it <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Even as I type this, my future college child is out there somewhere, just waiting for all these crazy experiences to start, with not the least idea of what they are letting themselves in for. I kind of envy them, because this has been such a fun year, but I know also that next year is going to be awesome too and I don't want to wish it away by living in some alternate reality where I'm still a first year <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>Everything is looking pretty peachy at the moment, although it's been a bit of a funny week. Somehow I seem to be doing more rowing than I even was before VIIIs.. which would be fine, if I hadn't had 3 essays in four days.. which would also have been doable if I were getting any sympathy for it! But nooo, everyone else has exams so their lives are necessarily a ZILLION times worse. Which, granted, they probably are. But still. All said essays are done and dusted now so it's ok. Only one more essay this term, yeehah!</p> <p>Also, a shout out to my cousin's band Orphans and Vandals.. today I put their name into spotify to see if their album was on it.. and it is.. and actually, it's really pretty good. I am WELL enjoying listening to it. I might even buy it (although obviously, I'd quite like to be given one for being related, and maybe get it signed too <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"> ). So yeah, listen! It's pretty damn good. I like Argyle Square and Christopher the best.. although all the songs are pretty cool. </p> <p>Right. I hope you found that illuminating. I'm off for dinner <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2009/06/12/orphans-and-vandals-6290846/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2009/06/12/orphans-and-vandals-6290846/Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:01:06 +0200 <p>Dear all/any,</p> <p>It's been a fair while since my last blog, and yes, I'm a terrible person for not keeping you all up to date on my life over the last couple of months and providing certain people with distractions from work. *cough*Adam*cough*. Anyway, here is a blog. At last. I should be reading an article about Plato, but sometimes you just have to let yourself be distracted.. <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Life at the moment is good. Really really good. In fact, I was just rereading some old blog posts (ie New Year's resolutions) and I realised how much better it is than before. Trinity term has definitely been the best so far <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Some pretty crazy things have happened, good and slightly less good, but I have to say, there is nothing about this term that I regret. So far. I don't want to get too optimistic only to have it all crash down about my ears! A lot of things got cleared up at the start of this term that I really should have resolved earlier, but as it is, here I am now in this happy place for having got them sorted out, just in time for me to enjoy myself and make the most of still living in college to get to know all those people I don't as yet really have a connection with. I've turned into a bit of a gossip queen as I seem to 'know people who know people' and that sort of thing, which has its upsides (I know an awful lot about people) and its downsides (when a story about me comes along, the WHOLE of college knows, because everyone knows someone that knows me). But considering the fun I'm having this term, I wouldn't have it any other way <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Anyway, I really must get some Plato done before dinner. Maybe I'll even blog again before the end of term <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2009/05/18/update-because-it-s-been-a-while-and-adam-is-starting-to-get-stressy-6136225/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2009/05/18/update-because-it-s-been-a-while-and-adam-is-starting-to-get-stressy-6136225/Mon, 18 May 2009 17:00:21 +0200 <p>In this day and age, it seems it is increasingly difficult to get published. It's not the romanticised ideal movies and books make it out to be. There's such a lot of drivel out there, it does make one wonder who it actually is making these decisions, and what they were taking when they did so. </p> <p>Perhaps this is why a blog is a wonderful thing.</p> <p>I can tell many, many people, many of whom (or indeed, most of whom) I will never meet, about anything I choose. Me, my family and friends, my life - or I can do something a little different, from time to time. Include a short story, or a poem. I came across a notebook which I had filled with poetry not long ago - there were things in there that I didn't even remember writing, and reading them again, I was so pleased I'd found them. I'm still not quite at the stage where I'm ready to show them to the world yet - I know they need work, and one day I'll go back and sort them out. But just knowing I've got a cache of writings hidden away makes me feel a little reassured. Like if everything were to go to pot, if the worst were to happen, or whatever, I would have left something that was entirely me, my own, not influenced by anyone else. </p> <p>This all seems very deep, you may be thinking. Well, I guess I'm feeling pretty deep at the moment as I just watched the BBC's adaptation of the diary of Anne Frank. I cried at the end. Who wouldn't? But the point is that she was real, she was normal, she was like me in a lot of ways. Obviously we differ on some key points. But she is such a point of identification; her diary has become so important to Western culture and to the understanding of the lives of those who were persecuted. It's a snapshot, not only of war, but of childhood and adolescence. It's a testament to the power of the written word. </p> <p>Part of what makes it so remarkable is her constant self-criticism and doubt. No author could have planned more dramatic irony. It verges on the sickening in its cheery underestimation of its potential. Readers drawn into the story are always surprised at the end when it suddenly stops; when there is no obvious conclusion. Some would say that is what lends it its power. But I like to think that Anne's writing would have been special even had she survived. And I think that also makes the fact that she didn't more poignant.</p> <p>If I leave half such a testament behind, I'll be happy. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2009/01/09/on-diaries-5351124/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2009/01/09/on-diaries-5351124/Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:27:00 +0100 <p>You didn't really expect me to write between Christmas and New Year, did you? More fool you if you did. Honestly. </p> <p>It's getting to that stage in the holiday where being at home is now dull. I know I would be working harder, being more productive, and generally moping less if I were in Oxford right now. But I am not. I am in the Other Place (as Andrew refers to it) and, while interesting things are occurring, I am desperate to return. Exercise, both mental and physical, is sorely lacking. My brain yearns for stimulating conversation over late-night cups of tea, followed by inordinate amounts of Greek, followed by the culmination of an essay crisis into a readable work on some great Classical piece of literature. I want to be on the river; I want to be eating in hall; I want to gossip and discuss matters of theology with Dan and Andrew. </p> <p>I'm very needy, it seems. But I don't think I'm asking that much.. am I? </p> <p>You may be interested in how I spent my New Year. I shall say merely that it was the most fun I have ever had at New Year, with the most people my own age and the most freedom to do what we liked, when we wanted to. It was pretty damn awesome, in short. </p> <p>Some New Years resolutions:</p> <p>1) to get over thinking about what I can't have<br> 2) to not begrudge others the right to relationships, just because I am so rubbish at them</p> <p>and one that I think I'll actually achieve, so that when I look back on this blog I won't think 2009 will have been a total failure:<br> 3) to get better at rowing</p> <p>Happy New Year, all <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2009/01/05/2009-5328986/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2009/01/05/2009-5328986/Mon, 05 Jan 2009 22:57:45 +0100 <p>Dear all,</p> <p>It's been a while since I last posted and I'm sure you're all wondering just what I've been doing. Sadly, I can't actually remember when I last posted, so I have no clue where to start. You'll just have to take as read that some cool stuff happened, some lame stuff happened, and some ambivalent stuff happened. Sorry. </p> <p>More recently, however, many good times have occurred, including DINNER WITH MICHAEL PARKINSON (I kid you not) at the Union, a joyous season of marriage proposals (I'm engaged to my dearest darling Andrew - good times) and some other stuff, a selection of which is laid out below for your delectation and delight:</p> <p>1) Christchurch Regatta was not lost by us! (We didn't win either.. but we got to the Saturday. So that's not bad. Woop!)</p> <p>2) Boat club dinner, and festive drunkenness, occurred. Good times. </p> <p>3) Secret Santa ( + one lovingly decorated pot plant named Nigel) occurred. Very good times. </p> <p>4) Carol concert, Christmas dinner, and end-of-term bop occurred. Good times. </p> <p>5) The end of term. Sad times. Lift home with Tom; good times. </p> <p>6) Major lurgy. Still recovering from its effects 2 weeks later. Bad times. </p> <p>7) Festive meet -up of the awesome trio that is myself, Nic and Jen. Boozy times <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>8) The V&A, Oxford Street, and man-hunting with Andrew and Eddy. Fahbulous times</p> <p>9) A trip to Norwich and my lovely Kate. Joyous times.</p> <p>10) A visit from Lou, and a surprise visit from Tom. Mince-pie-filled times. </p> <p>11) Festive gathering chez Victoria for Strictly final. Social times.</p> <p>12) Night out at the Regal. EVERYONE was there. Fantabulous times, when I wasn't looking after coats. </p> <p>It's now the eve of Christmas Eve; festivities for most of the country are pretty well underway. Hanukah has already started - I got a camera, courtesy of Jenny's Kodak discount. I was gearing myself up to be disappointed present-wise this year; all the indications so far have been that it's going to be a frugal Christmas. It still will be, but more people have come out and said they'll give me money etc, so I feel a bit bad now for being such a gloomy cynic :S </p> <p>And then, of course, there's all this work I've got to do. And the feeling that I'm not doing anything, and that all the mince pies and home cooking are building up, does not fill me with joy. </p> <p>A curious mix. </p> <p>Next time I update, I'll probably be able to tell you how New Year's Eve went. I hope I can look back on this and smile and agree when I predict it's going to be a good one <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/12/23/festivities-at-home-5266651/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/12/23/festivities-at-home-5266651/Tue, 23 Dec 2008 23:47:43 +0100 <p>I'm supposed to be writing an essay on women in the Iliad right now, but I'm feeling in need of a little distracting, and doing this means<br> a) I'm not eating random things (my favourite method of procrastination)<br> b) I haven't actually left my computer, ergo I could start working again at ANY point. Which means it isn't really procrastinating at all, just a mild distraction ...</p> <p>Ahem. So. Here we all are then. Working hard, at Oxford, and all that. This is my last essay for this term, yesss! That may sound a little outrageous as term doesn't finish until the 6th December, but to be honest, it's not like I won't have any other work to do. I am constantly made to feel guilty about how little work I have in comparison to other people, but hey. I heard from someone (who I'm sure was a reliable source..) that Classics is the hardest degree to actually do well in at Oxford. So there. Besides, no matter how hard or not I work this year, I will be absolutely swamped in work next year in preparation for Mods. So stop abusing me, people!</p> <p>Ok, that's my little rant over. I can talk about something else now. I would talk about rowing, but I'm afraid that I'll be accused of only ever talking about it.. which may or may not be an unfounded accusation. I'll just briefly state that<br> a) the women's novice As should TOTALLY have beaten Balliol if the boat hadn't broken and<br> b) the men's novice As are AWESOME.</p> <p>Rowing news over. Lets discuss something else. Quick, quick or I'll have to start writing my essay again.. er... the weather! Why oh why does it always snow wherever I am not? Cambridge had snow at the weekend. Did Oxford? No! It was bloody cold, but there was no snow. How is that fair? It isn't, is the answer you are looking for. So that's rather infuriating. I bet when I go home for christmas, it snows in Oxford. That would just be typical. On the subject of snow, and Christmas, there is a definite festive spirit beginning to make itself known round college. Kate has a christmas tree in her room. It's rather awesome. I also have 2 secret santas - a uni one and a home one. I would tell you who they are, and you could suggest gifts, but I can't incase they read it. Suffice to say I have some ideas for one and none whatsoever for the other. Hmmm. </p> <p>Anyway, I really must stop procrastinating now. I hope you enjoyed this little interlude, but now, I'm afraid, the joys of Helen and Andromache call. </p> <p>A bientot, mes petits xxx </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/11/24/procrastination-for-the-nation-as-it-were-5098523/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/11/24/procrastination-for-the-nation-as-it-were-5098523/Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:28:31 +0100 <p>Have you ever considered the amazing effect of hugs?</p> <p>I'm not just talking about immediate consequences, you understand. I'm talking about the fact that one good hug, at the right time, can set you up for the next week or so.</p> <p>I had a hug like that yesterday <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>As a result, I went to bed happy, I woke up happy and I've been happy all morning, even through an explanation of the aorist passive and a lecture on philosophy in Virgil's Aeneid. </p> <p>Some might say this is not entirely attributable to one hug. I might agree. But the point is, that life is pretty groovy at the moment. </p> <p>Lots of exciting and groovy things are going on over the course of the next week. I'll give you a rundown:</p> <p>today - rehearsal. Floreat Exon! Also today - no training - YES!<br> tomorrow - Friday. Need I say more?<br> Saturday - My sister's birthday. Race on the Isis. Rather exciting stuff.<br> Sunday - mum, brother and sister paying me a birthday visit, bringing lots of edible goodies and other such delights. Don't have to go to Wallingford. Win!<br> Monday - tech rehearsal. Eep! Also, ballroom dancing. Good stuff.<br> Tuesday - subject family dinner. Posh tea with all my favourite classicists <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> (and some English students too, but they don't count <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"> )<br> Wednesday - first ever Crew Date! Woop! at Magdalen. Maybe it'll be deer on the menu ..<br> Thursday - What a combination. We get our hoodies for rowing - YAY - and we also have our ACTUAL PERFORMANCE of Brief Brief Encounter. It's going to be amazing. Promise. </p> <p>Basically, things are pretty awesome at the moment. Or so they seem. </p> <p>I wonder how long this burst of optimism will last? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/11/13/hugs-5029329/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/11/13/hugs-5029329/Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:39:59 +0100 <p>I take up my pen (as it were) once again at the exhortations of a fellow-student who misses reading my blog. I feel so loved <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>As it's a little while since I last wrote, I can't remember where I left off.. so apologies if there are huge gaps/numerous repeats in events as I narrate them. </p> <p>Jenny came to stay over the weekend - which was UBER groovy to the max. Even though it rained, and I had to go rowing at Wallingford. But hey ho, you can't have everything and all that jazz, it was still pretty damn awesome. I very nearly bought a quite ridiculously priced (but mega funky) hat. It had earphone attachments. It cost £25. I was so tempted. But I couldn't *quite* justify it to myself so I didn't, which is probably for the best. But if anyone feels like buying it for me, well, I wouldn't say no, ok? <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Monday was a stressful day as I tried desperately to write the essay due in for Tuesday that I had thus far neglected. In the end, I left it til Tuesday morning to sort out. A risky strategy, you might think; and yet actually, by the time it came for me to read my essay out in the tute at 5, it was much better than I had left it on Monday. So there, all you people who think essays cannot be written last minute! (of which, I have to admit, I am usually one!)</p> <p>Of course, now that's out of the way, it's time to celebrate just a little bit, because I don't have an essay in for 5th week! YESSSS! And I have decided to be a a little bit crazy and take my essay off in 6th week. So now I have 2 weeks sans essay! How awesome is that? Very awesome, that's how. </p> <p>I haven't been slacking, mind. I stayed up to watch some of the American presidential elections; I've been rowing and erging and all sorts, I've still had Greek and Latin to do (yippee..) and I've been to G and Ds - twice! So you see, I've been very busy. I'm also trying to direct a play - come and see it! Thursday 20th November, some time in the early afternoon. It's going to be good, guys - and you better believe it!</p> <p>Right. That's all for now as lunch calls - but I promise to write again soon. Honest! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/11/07/this-one-s-for-you-4999168/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/11/07/this-one-s-for-you-4999168/Fri, 07 Nov 2008 14:09:02 +0100 <p>That was my essay topic for this week, guys.. the beginning and ending of the Iliad. It was a toughie. Not so much researching it, you understand - just getting the words written down. Fitting in everything that needs to be said. Making some sort of sense. Not sounding like a pretentious twat. All these issues needed to be circumnavigated, and it was a tough job doing so. </p> <p>So tough, in fact, that this weekend, I seriously struggled. In fact, it's Monday now, and I only finished my essay this afternoon. 'Well', you may say, 'that's still 24 hours before the deadline tomorrow!' 'Indeed', I shall reply, 'but that's not the point'. Having an essay hanging over you is such a horrible feeling, and it's been making me moody all weekend. Even the joys of going rowing twice (and I mean that in the most ironic fashion possible) could not lift me from the depths of my gloom. Happily, though, the rest of this week looks set to be good. My dad is coming to visit tomorrow, bringing with him lots of lovely stuff that I foolishly did not anticipate needing. Jenny is coming this weekend - YAY!- and there's a bop on Friday too, and no rowing session, so it's going to be pretty chilled. It's James' birthday on Wednesday, so we can get him drunk and mock him for his Englishness, and, even though I do have an essay to write, I DON'T have one in 5th week! How awesome is that?! Beyond awesome, that's how. Dan is not impressed. But hey ho. I maintain that I still do loads of work; the week I am essay-less I shall be revising all my Greek to a slightly better standard than it is at present. I won't just be bumming around! </p> <p>Finally, I'd just like to end on the note that Sam Hitchings = awesome. What a college dad. I couldn't have hoped to be given a more lovely parent. Thanks Sam!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/10/27/beginnings-and-endings-4941216/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/10/27/beginnings-and-endings-4941216/Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:55:05 +0100 <p>Dear all,<br> This has been a pretty amazing 24 hours. The only bad thing I can think of that has happened is my getting honey on my keyboard - but that's only just occurred, and it's all gone now. Just about. So that's fine.</p> <p>About this time yesterday I finished my essay which is not due in until Tuesday - that's right, 2 whole days early. How cool is that? Pretty damn, that's how cool.</p> <p>THEN we went to go have dinner and it looked so unappetising we decided to go to the noodlebar instead! We had a proper meal in the noodle bar and it was good fun <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> Then we came back and went to the bar, then to someone's room where drunken Guitar Hero was in evidence, and then we extricated ourselves from there to go and watch a movie in Dan's room - although we were waylaid by the lure of the chapel piano on the way past, so we had to have a go. Dan is amazing. I could have cried it sounded so pretty.</p> <p>Anyhoos, then we watched shrek 3 all snuggled up on Dan's bed, which was good fun, and then Krisztina and Katherine headed off to bed and Dan and I just talked for ages and it was so lovely <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>This morning I had a really lazy start and then went to Sainsbury's with Dan, and then got free coffee with Dan and Andrew before heading down to the boathouse (with the boys still in tow) for our first rowing session on the water! We didn't start off too brilliantly but things were definitely picking up. Walked back merrily and now I'm just soaking up the vibes of an Oxford weekend. It's good, guys, it's good <img src="/img/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>Anyway. More from me later. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/10/19/24-4895908/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/10/19/24-4895908/Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:42:39 +0200 <p>I just wrote you guys a MASSIVE long post that was really cool and meaningful and deep and then I hit the wrong button and ITS ALL DISAPPEARED D:</p> <p>I hate technology.</p> <p>But I do love noodlebars. This is what a large part of my blog was about, you see. How futile is the life of a noodle. No, that's not what I wrote. I wrote about the groovy noodlebar off George Street, and about the immense workout that circuit training for rowing is, and how the two of these combined meant I spent yesterday evening in the MCR eating noodles out of a box. But now you can't read any of what I wrote, beautiful flowing prose that it was, because there are TOO MANY DAMN BUTTONS on computers! RAAArgh!</p> <p>I also wrote about the amazingly productive and busy day I've had today. About the Greek lesson at 10, the Homer lecture at 11, and the Art and Archaeology lecture at 12 on the other side of town. You were going to hear/read about all these things and INSTEAD you just have to imagine them, because computers are stupid. *sigh*.</p> <p>Tonight, I'm going out for ice cream, I reckon. Tomorrow is matriculation, so that will be an experience. The biggest experience, however, will be Matriculash - the massive drinking session after we have become members of the university and they can't chuck us out so easily. So there's something to look forward to. And on that note, I shall bid you (not thee- that's just for addressing one person you know <img src="/img/smilies/icon_wink.gif" alt=";)" class="middle" border="0"> ) good night. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/10/17/noooooooo-4887662/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/10/17/noooooooo-4887662/Fri, 17 Oct 2008 19:32:06 +0200 <p>I urge you to try it - it's not disappointing!<br> simply add hot water to lime squash, and about half a teaspoon of honey. Stir until dissolved. Then drink! Miraculous cold remedy. Seriously. I had a sore throat this morning and now it's gone. Amazing.</p> <p>In other news... don't let anyone ever tell you that all an Oxford student does is bum around and write the occasional essay. THIS IS A LIE. Work is intense and it's not going to get any easier. I have an essay a week, for which MUCH background reading is required, and Greek lessons every morning, for which I get set MUCH homework, and Latin lessons once a week. And 2 lectures a week which are mandatory and many more that aren't.<br> And that's even before I start having a life. On top of this, I'm also rowing potentially 3 or maybe 4 times a week (although this is rather exciting, so I'm not too upset about that). Then I have to make sure I talk to people, so all the friends I made in freshers' week don't forget who I am. And I also have to find time for eating and sleeping. </p> <p>It is not an easy life. It may only come in 8 week bursts, but I don't think I could sustain it for much longer in any case.</p> <p>So - now you know how I'm set up for the next couple of months - sounds like fun, huh? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/10/15/homemade-lemsip-4877493/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/10/15/homemade-lemsip-4877493/Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:37:38 +0200 <p>Dear all,<br> It's been many a moon since I last wrote anything on this blog, which I know you've all been anxiously checking and cursing me for my inactivity. Well, now I'm back. How often I'll be able to keep this up is debatable, but you'll just have to live with that I'm afraid. </p> <p>So. It really was a long time ago that I last posted. In fact, I believe it was before I even took any exams... all those months ago! Many things have occurred since then, like Greek Camp (don't laugh), results day, a two week holiday in Italy, and my arrival here in the city of dreaming spires, Oxford itself. </p> <p>This doesn't really need that much expansion upon. Rest assured, dear readers, that there have been ups and downs, fun bits and less than fun bits, and that Greek Camp was bloody amazing. </p> <p>Now, as I sit here desperately avoiding the commencement of an essay on Homer's Iliad (sub - topic 'The Gods') I can't help but reflect how smoothly things seem to have gone. </p> <p>Surely there will be retribution for this at some point? </p> <p>Surely there can be too much of a good thing?</p> <p>Surely, if I continue to be optimistic in my belief that all will go smoothly, I am displaying hubris?</p> <p>Surely or unsurely, all this research about gods and justice is going to my brain. Perhaps Zeus won't strike me down with a thunderbolt after all. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/10/10/oxford-4850576/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/10/10/oxford-4850576/Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:30:24 +0200 <p>I am a housewife. </p> <p>Its a thought that's been going round my head for a while, but I think it's now official. </p> <p>I cook, clean, wash, work... I even organise the rest of my family into action and give them a sore ear when help is not forthcoming. </p> <p>Odd behaviour for a seventeen year old, you might think.</p> <p>As do I.</p> <p>Surely, as a (supposedly) hormonal and (definitely) taking A-levels teenager, I deserve to lie around, doing very little to help and shut myself away in my room from time to time?</p> <p>Surely?</p> <p>But no, it appears not. </p> <p>I'm not complaining. It's just the way I have been brought up - to organise things. </p> <p>Ironic really, as I'm such a horrendous decision - maker. </p> <p>If I lived in the 50s, someone would probably tell me I'd make an excellent wife one day.</p> <p>But if my love life in the 50s were to be anything like it is at the present time, I doubt I'd ever find out if that's true.</p> <p>So I'll just have to be a career woman I suppose. Sigh. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/06/17/housewife-4329195/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/06/17/housewife-4329195/Tue, 17 Jun 2008 21:56:46 +0200 <p>Tomorrow is the day when exams REALLY begin.</p> <p>Alright, so I've already had two. But really, they are small fry compared to the joy (!) that starts tomorrow.</p> <p>It's History - source paper on Edward VI and Mary I - my favourite - and then Latin - unseen translations of Caesar and Ovid's Metamorphoses. Woop.</p> <p>And what makes it all the more fun is that they are actually scheduled to be at the same time, which means I am in a clash group and I'm not allowed to speak to anyone not also in that clash group. Great. </p> <p>But despite all this seemingly horrific jazz, I still feel lucky, and even a bit guilty for not having MORE exams tomorrow. Which isn't possible really, but anyway. Because everyone who does Maths, or Biology, or History, or even General studies, has exams tomorrow as well (at least, as I understand it). So that's just HORRIBLE. And lots of people are getting very stressed and it seems to be getting to people a bit. </p> <p>In addition, I have arrived at the ridiculous quandary of worrying that I'm not worrying enough. </p> <p>This time tomorrow, 4 of my 11 exams will be over. Come this time Monday, only 3 will remain. All of which require SERIOUS revision. </p> <p>Next Tuesday is already looking like it's going to be *rather* stressful. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/06/11/the-big-day-dawns-4303699/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/06/11/the-big-day-dawns-4303699/Wed, 11 Jun 2008 21:47:42 +0200 <p>It's been a while since I last told you, dear readers, all about my life - but I don't think you've missed me, so I won't bother to go into all the heart-wrenching emotional detail about why.</p> <p>What I will say is 2 exams down, a mere 9 to go. Should be a breeze. God smite me down if I should lie. </p> <p>*thunderbolt*</p> <p>Who'd have thought that the internet existed in heaven? It really is everywhere. Amazing.</p> <p>Ahem.</p> <p>Now that exams are actually happening, it feels as though I can see the end of them. Which means all sorts of nice things (and one or two not nice things) are on the horizon, steaming along and hopefully turning up soon. Like my birthday party extravaganza, and birthday itself.. and Hamlet (squeeee!) and summer school and family holiday. Not to mention my driving test and Results Day. (I told you not to mention that). Sorry. </p> <p>So, roll on summer, is what I say. And also, may all your exams go well and your life be generally groovy.</p> <p>And go and see Black Sheep productions, 'I, Lear'. It's hysterical, even if the clothing is a little too sparse for comfort/decency at times. </p> <p>Thank you and goodnight. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/06/08/exams-and-lear-4290352/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/06/08/exams-and-lear-4290352/Sun, 08 Jun 2008 22:14:24 +0200 <p>Continuing the alphabetical alliteration theme to at least some extent, I begin my blog.</p> <p>Broccoli. Yes. It's aubergine all over again, only on a slightly less epic scale. We had to go hunting for one on the way home from Daniella's riding lesson so that we could make tea tonight, which required said vegetable. Honestly. No matter how hard my mother tries, there is always something she forgets, or doesn't buy enough of, or absent mindedly uses for another purpose. I could mention mushrooms here.. but that would only be relevant to people living in my house over the last week, and they probably didn't notice that my mother was eating her way through a 500g box of mushrooms that were meant to be used for a family meal in any case.</p> <p>But anyway. I digress. Onwards - to boredom.</p> <p>This is the inevitable outcome of a day spent revising History. I know, I know - I seem to do nothing else. Actually, I do a lot of different things for revision - for instance, on Saturday, work was really quiet, so I translated a few chapters of Caesar's Gallic Wars, AND I did a translation of Cicero, AND I did a translation from Ovid, AND I started one from Livy. But for some reason, you guys only ever seem to hear about the riveting historical topics I study. Sorry. </p> <p>And finally, departing from my theme a little here but never mind, because it deserves a mention, silly Americans.</p> <p>Yesterday, Eric posted a site on my Facebook wall - he said check this out, its really ludicrous. So I did, and it was. *This* was a 'correct pronunciation guide'. Written in 1998. HOW, I ask, can people hold such prescriptivist, ANAL views about peoples language usage? It's actually insane.</p> <p>I was so incensed by his lunacy that I wrote the author of the page an email telling him (in what I thought were icily polite terms) why he was so mad.</p> <p>He sent something rather snotty back to me this morning, to which I replied (in a more friendly manner, I might add), to which he also replied. I haven't bothered replying to this one, because it's mostly just a plug of his *amazing* spelling system, called fanetik, or some such thing. For all that he writes with great authority, he sounds like a bit of an amateur manipulating the facts to suit his theories and his opinions are a bit too 18th century for my taste. </p> <p>But it has shown me what a wonderful thing the internet is - I could never have told an author how indignant I was about his work, nor had such a swift reply, nor be telling you guys about it like this, without it! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/06/02/broccoli-and-boredom-and-silly-americans-4260621/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/06/02/broccoli-and-boredom-and-silly-americans-4260621/Mon, 02 Jun 2008 22:38:06 +0200 <p>I guess I'm feeling a little lovelorn at the moment.</p> <p>Maybe its the book I just read, maybe its the films I just watched, maybe it's the weather. Or maybe it's just one of those things.</p> <p>The book I just read - well, the book I just read was AMAZING. Not in a 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' way - it wasn't a dark story about the brightness of hope, or anything like that. It was a romance novel. Set in the 1950s. But it was SO good. And the main character was just like Rachel - absurdly tall, and lacking confidence with it, but actually, the one who won in the end. She got the guy. </p> <p>The films I just watched - hmmm. I had a Truffaut marathon with Peppy and Tom, as 'revision' for our French lit. exam next Thursday (so soon! gah!). So we watched 'Jules et Jim', which is all about love and unhappy couples and has a really sad ending, and then we watched 'Le Dernier Metro' which is also about love and couples and has a quite happy ending. But there's a lot of loving going on, is the point I'm making. </p> <p>The weather - yes. Well. The weather. I am in England, I guess. I shouldn't expect *too* much of the weather when we are not even into June yet. But really, raining ALL afternoon? Frankly, it just isn't on. I call it ridiculous. But its the sort of weather that makes you sit inside and stare out the window and wonder a little bit on all the things you are missing out on. </p> <p>Maybe it *is* just one of those things. And though I may feel a little lovelorn, its only a very general feeling, because I haven't got anyone to attach it to. Except most of my friends, who I haven't seen or properly talked to for nearly a week and I miss <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> </p> <p>I'm afraid of losing them like I seem to have lost my friends from Perse Girls. Why am I so rubbish at holding on to people? Why am I so rubbish at communicating? </p> <p>Why am I so whiney tonight?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/29/mon-non-amant-de-saint-jean-4244729/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/29/mon-non-amant-de-saint-jean-4244729/Thu, 29 May 2008 22:41:19 +0200 <p>So.</p> <p>Henry VII. </p> <p>Let me tell you, he was pretty good at finance.</p> <p>But - and here's the crucial thing - he was NOT original in his methods. </p> <p>Not in the slightest.</p> <p>You want some serious financial and administrative reforms? Check out Edward IV, or even that much maligned monarch (alliteration is a wonderful thing), Richard III.</p> <p>Henry VII was not an innovator.</p> <p>So WHY WHY AND THRICE WHY do I have to be able to argue that he was? Why? Why hasn't the exam board realised that actually, Henry VII was LAME?!</p> <p>Ok, so now I am beginning to exaggerate slightly. Henry VII was not entirely lame. He was pretty good at controlling the nobility, after all. But, you know, there's only so much of him you can take, and I did spend quite a lot of last year learning about him too. </p> <p>But anyway.</p> <p>Enough about Henry VII.</p> <p>I read something today that made me very sad, and made me also realise two important truths: </p> <p>1) you won't get a boyfriend if you can't wear heels<br> 2) you can't wear heels if you haven't got someone to hold you up in them, ie a boyfriend.</p> <p>This vicious circle seems to me to be unbelievably cruel, pointless, and totally relevant to real life. It is also probably the reason I can neither wear heels nor get a boyfriend.</p> <p>I sometimes wonder if there is more to life than moping about being single, feeling chubby, and worrying about work/studying.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/27/title-4230542/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/27/title-4230542/Tue, 27 May 2008 21:45:12 +0200 <p>So basically, the 'Mid -Tudor Crisis' was a term dreamed up by some historian who thought that there needed to be an interesting sounding something or other in between the two glorious English monarchs, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.</p> <p>Unfortunately for me, lots of other historians took him seriously (it can only have been a him; a woman would never have labelled Mary I as a weak or 'sterile' ruler) and started debating just whether there was a crisis, and analysing lots of things in minute detail.</p> <p>Even more unfortunately, this is what 40% of my History exam rests upon this summer. A ludicrous idea, all the evidence for which points the other way, but which must still be argued in a balanced fashion.</p> <p>RAAAAAAARGH.</p> <p>Thankfully, I finished my revision notes on this topic today. Sadly, this means I now have to turn to making revision notes on the other history exam I am sitting this summer, the one about the WHOLE BLOODY TUDOR PERIOD. All 118 years of it. Great.</p> <p>In other news.. it struck me today as I was out in the garden helping my parents fill in a flowerbed on a break from the rebellions of the reign of Edward VI just how extraordinarily normal and without incident my life seems to be at the moment in comparison to my friends. </p> <p>This made me feel a bit sad for them.</p> <p>Actually, scrap that, it made me feel very sad for them. And also led me to question my ability (or rather, inability) to sympathise in an effective/helpful way.</p> <p>I really am crap at the whole 'sympathy' thing. </p> <p>That is, I feel sympathy, I appreciate difficult situations, but I just don't have a clue how to deal with them. </p> <p>Is that a British, stiff upper lip thing?</p> <p>Answers on a postc - oh never mind. You know the drill. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/26/the-mid-tudor-crisis-4226114/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/26/the-mid-tudor-crisis-4226114/Mon, 26 May 2008 22:11:22 +0200 <p>Where do I even begin?</p> <p>We had our last Friday p1 free at Cafe Diem.</p> <p>We played Classical Monopoly in Latin, and ate cakes and the like. </p> <p>We ate a lot in English (Mr B was trying to make us cultured and had randomly brought a tin of stuffed vine leaves.. I am going to miss that man) and we played the post-it note game (where someone has a post it note stuck to their head with something written on it, and they have to guess what it is by asking questions). We reminded him of all the silly things he has said or done in the last 2 years. He asked us what we were all going on to do next.. said I should be a spy <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"> One day, Mr B, one day. </p> <p>Then I had to clear all my junk from the locker. </p> <p>Even as I type I am looking at my bulging pannier, still stuffed with (mostly classical) books. I'll unpack it later. Honest. </p> <p>Then myself, Jo, Jen and Nic powered back to mine on our bicyclettes (as Jen would say) before making the last push to Sophie's. </p> <p>There, we barbequed, sat in hammocks (I scared 3 people by leaping out of it suddenly.. good times <img src="/img/smilies/graylaugh.gif" alt=":))" class="middle" border="0"> and played on Sam's Wii. A jolly good time was had by all. </p> <p>One thing that struck me was how .. well, how unconnected I seem to be to the group. Particularly in comparison with the other non-Sawstonians, ie Shahreena and Rach. </p> <p>I found myself floating between where Jenny was and .. well... not much, really. Which made me a bit sad. I am definitely the spare part. </p> <p>Then I cycled home at about 5:30ish and immediately my mum made me drive to Stapleford to pick up my little sister from her school trip. Except the coach was delayed, so we were hanging around for AGES. But when it finally did turn up, it was cute to see her again. I still can't believe how big she is and how unconsciously funky she seems to be. Sigh. </p> <p>And then this evening I've just been stressing and the like. My first exam is in 13 days. </p> <p>I'm not ready to take them, but I'm ready for them to just be over. It's not looking good folks. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/23/the-actual-last-day-actually-4214015/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/23/the-actual-last-day-actually-4214015/Fri, 23 May 2008 22:30:40 +0200 <p>As far as I'm aware, I didn't blog yesterday.. or maybe I did, and I have amnesia (that starts with A, after all)</p> <p>But I did think up a really witty title for it - about aubergines and the A14. Because they were the two principle aspects of my day. </p> <p>And also shouting YIPPEE LAST HISTORY LESSON TODAY just as my history teacher was walking past ...</p> <p>But anyhoo. Today is a new day and all that. </p> <p>I had my last french lesson EVER <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>I will miss old Riggers. I will especially miss Richard. Rigoni went round the class and said what we were all going to be and do and how amazing we were and the like. When she got to Joe, she went - 'Et Joe, Joe est..' and Richard just said 'a gentle lover' with a perfectly straight face. </p> <p>We laughed so much that Ms Bolster came in from next door to ask us to be quiet because there were listening exams going on. </p> <p>It was HYSTERICAL.</p> <p>French was also good because Riggers brought in Madeleines (just for Richard) and sugared them in time to the absurdly dramatic music Richard was playing on his Ipod. And then she brought out a masterpiece of profiteroles covered in chocolate sauce and with a chocolate creamy centre... they were so good...</p> <p>But it was quite sad. I mean, its the end of an era really. I've known Mme Rigoni for AGES. I did, after all, used to do gymnastics with 2 of her 3 sons. </p> <p>Then I dashed off to go help interview English teachers. I was late. Naturally. But it was all cool, we asked some good questions and actually in between candidates we had some pretty amusing chats. </p> <p>At lunch, Sam mentioned something about a giant cookie Sarah had brought in for the Class Civ class and the Latin class. Naturally I was moderately outraged, as I hadn't heard anything about it. So I dashed off to see if I could find her. I found instead Mrs Contrino, but she gave me a hefty chunk of what was left and said if I wanted to see Sarah, she might be around at the end of lunch. Which she was. But it's very weird to think I'm leaving her behind.. I don't think I'd be doing Classics next year if not for her. </p> <p>Then I went into town with Nic, where it was ludicrously hot and I bought some more Fatface stuff. I think I may have a problem <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"></p> <p>And then we had a BBQ this evening. Yay!</p> <p>Also, Daniella comes home from her school trip tomorrow. Its weird just how quiet the house has been without her. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/22/aubergines-the-a14-and-other-stuff-start-4209451/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/22/aubergines-the-a14-and-other-stuff-start-4209451/Thu, 22 May 2008 22:09:51 +0200 <p>It's my last week at Hills Road this week.</p> <p>(Well, it's my last week of lessons. Clearly, I will be coming back to take exams and collect results and so forth. Open your minds people.)</p> <p>This means a number of things.</p> <p>1. Exams are approaching really rather speedily now</p> <p>2. Leavers Hoodie! I got mine today and, despite it perhaps being a leetle on the large side and also inclined to leave fluff all over my clothes, I love it muchly</p> <p>3. We are having last lessons with all of our teachers. Naturally, many of our teachers want to celebrate/mourn our leaving, so people are bringing in cakes/biscuits/chocolate and the like. </p> <p>4. All my good work trying to reduce the old stomach flab will be put to the test this week</p> <p>I didn't bother with lunch today because I had so much to eat in Tutor in p3 (our last ever tutor! <img src="/img/smilies/icon_sad.gif" alt=":(" class="middle" border="0"> ), and also because Miss Smith thought it would be a great idea if we had a replacement History lesson at lunchtime. Then I had a French lesson, where we ate more delectable goodies (on a French theme this time, naturally) and then ANOTHER history lesson. I was definitely ready to shoot myself by the end. But I restrained myself a) because I didn't have a gun and b) because tomorrow is my last History lesson EVER.</p> <p>Yes folks, its been a long while in the coming, but HISTORY IS NEARLY AT AN END.</p> <p>Thank the Lord. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/20/last-week-and-the-things-it-entails-4200244/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/20/last-week-and-the-things-it-entails-4200244/Tue, 20 May 2008 22:20:17 +0200 <p>I woke up this morning to 'Black and Gold' on Q103 on my radio alarm.. and I haven't been able to stop humming it ALL day. In fact, I am listening to it as I type.</p> <p>Why, you may ask, did my alarm go off this morning when I had a day off?<br> The answer, dear reader, would be that I was getting up to see my little sister off on her first residential school trip, the famous Ye Olde Isle of Wight trip, completed in Yr 6. </p> <p>It was also my brother's first day of work experience, so he's actually out of the house for a reasonable amount of time, instead of returning at the ludicrously early time of 3:35 on most days. </p> <p>So, in an empty house, I sat down with Sam Sparro and my revision and just worked, pretty much solidly. </p> <p>I wrote a blow-by-blow account of the events of 'Le Gone du Chaaba'.<br> I wrote a list of all the characters in that very same book.<br> I watched the end of 'Jules et Jim'</p> <p>by this time, my stomach was complaining. After a swift lunch, I returned to my work. But this time, I was on a mission.. to do history.</p> <p>So I revised the religious changes under Edward and Mary Tudor.</p> <p>Which may not sound like a lot.. but given that one of them went radically protestant and the other returned to medieval Catholicism, there's actually quite a significant amount to learn. So that was quite a hefty task. But I did it, and was able to tick it off in the front of my diary as a job well done. </p> <p>Of course, there is only so much one can do in a day. My mum was in an absurdly good mood on returning home, so in a frenzy of organisedness we cleaned out both fridges in readiness for the Tesco delivery, and we also gave in to our craving for fish and chips but in a healthy, home-made way. And then we all went for a walk in the Beechwoods, and I drove (yes, folks, *drove*) back through Fulbourn.</p> <p>All in all, it's been rather spiffing. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/19/black-and-gold-4195827/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/19/black-and-gold-4195827/Mon, 19 May 2008 22:23:46 +0200 <p>Not two things you would expect to find together. Yet here they are. </p> <p>Yesterday, Jenny slowed RIGHT down on the way home after (or rather, during, as we got bored and left early) Lucy's party, because something ran out into the road.</p> <p>'A child?' I hear you ask, or a dog, or something?</p> <p>Actually, it was a hedgehog.</p> <p>It looked a little startled by the high beam lights.. but it scuttled back to where it had come from.</p> <p>Much hilarity ensued. </p> <p>Jenny commented on how her old instructor would have crucified her for doing something like that.</p> <p>So it's a good job Mandy wasn't with us. </p> <p>As for the productivity.. well, I did ALL my homework today. And still had time to watch Doctor Who.</p> <p>Which means that tomorrow, I can revise all day. Woopee. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/18/productivity-and-wild-beasts-4191580/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/18/productivity-and-wild-beasts-4191580/Sun, 18 May 2008 22:27:39 +0200 <p>On Wednesday, I booked my driving test. The lady at the centre who answered said she would send me an invoice and a date for it in the post. </p> <p>They arrived today. </p> <p>It was on 16th July 2008.</p> <p>My 18th birthday.</p> <p>As I was opening the envelope, I had a feeling it was going to be.. but it was actually beyond belief to see that out of all of the dates they could have picked, they chose that one. I mean, why? Surely they have my birthdate on record, anyway. They should really check these things. </p> <p>So I rang them (straight away, for once) and told them that was my birthday. They did not have a problem with me changing it. Which is a bloody good job really. </p> <p>So yes. That was BSM. Twits. </p> <p>As for the government.. well, I'm thinking of a specific area of government. Namely the one related to education, and indeed, the one pushing the Extended Project forward. </p> <p>This project was a pilot scheme a few people at my college got involved in about this time last year. Basically, we did LOADS of research on a topic of our choice over the summer, then wrote a 5000 word essay on it and gave it in in November. And did a presentation on it as well. </p> <p>Basically, someone 'evaluating' the Extended Project came into Hills Rd. today to talk to us about it. As I said to Eric, he would be beardy, suit-wearing and probably bespectacled, and he would have a red tie. Well, I got it half right - he was beardy and suited. But his tie was green, and rather shockingly tied at that. But hey ho, you can't win them all. </p> <p>So he just talked to us about that for a bit. Wasn't that fun. Basically, we told him that it was good but it shouldn't go the same way as other government initiatives on education - ie down the pan. I think he may have listened to us. So that's good, at least.</p> <p>And in other news - interesting things that have happened today<br> 1. English, always good for a laugh<br> 2. Extreme snap at lunch<br> 3. bay parking in the village, having never been taught to do so (oh yes! get in!)<br> 4. David Tennant on the Derren Brown program, time travelling and 'mind reading' and such the like <img src="/img/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="middle" border="0"> (and also in a wetsuit - mmm)</p> <p>And despite feeling a bit chubby, today has been a rather more positive kind of day than the last few. Not sure why though..</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/16/government-bsm-and-why-they-are-fools-4183866/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/16/government-bsm-and-why-they-are-fools-4183866/Fri, 16 May 2008 22:40:30 +0200 <p>Today, it rained. </p> <p>Quite a lot, as it happens. Almost all day, in fact. But not *proper* rain.. just spittings and smatterings (or spitterings and smattings, if you prefer..), enough to make the ground (and the bottoms of trousers) wet and the sky grey and the inside muggy and a bit whiffy.</p> <p>It was also my dad's birthday, and the birthday of my friend Lucy, who is now 18. A thought which is not a little alarming, given just how long I have known her (for as long as I can remember, and then some).</p> <p>But apart from the presents and the card giving and such like (and the hilarity over the pornographic playing cards she was given at lunch, which I sort of missed because I was on a mission to finish the Monopoly cards in Classics Society), not much happened apart from the rain. </p> <p>And then the usual deal ensued, whereby I get home and immediately (or there abouts) get drawn into making tea etc and don't get to actually do anything I need to do, or indeed, even go upstairs, until the process is all sorted. </p> <p>I watched 15 minutes of Jules et Jim before having to serve tea, my brother and father being their usual highly unhelpful selves. </p> <p>Then I went back to Jules et Jim, along with some ironing so I didn't feel like I wasn't doing anything.</p> <p>I didn't finish the film, though, because once I finished the ironing I felt like I was stealing the lounge away from my mum.</p> <p>Which is ridiculous, because it's not like I am watching the film for fun.. I am watching it because in three weeks, I have to be able to write an essay on it. In French. But I still felt guilty. </p> <p>So I went upstairs to revise Cicero. </p> <p>Panic followed when I couldn't find my carefully printed-out sheets of the whole text which I had been annotating as I translated so that I can learn the bits I don't know better. </p> <p>Sadly, there is no happy ending to this tale as I still haven't found the bastards. </p> <p>I don't know whats been up the past few days. I just haven't felt like I've been doing any worthwhile work, that I'm going to fail my exams even. It feels like this term has been all wrong and that I haven't done nearly enough revision, nor am I going to get it done now. </p> <p>Basically, I feel like I am going to fail the most important exams of my life. </p> <p>And saying that does not fill me with joy. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/15/rain-and-cicero-4179424/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/15/rain-and-cicero-4179424/Thu, 15 May 2008 22:21:13 +0200 <p>Today was a day of banality and uninteresting things.</p> <p>Which, to be fair, is what happens on quite a lot of Wednesdays, and even, to some extent, my whole life.</p> <p>(Does that work? Can you have something to some extent in your whole life? Hmmm. The History exam board seem to think so, judging from the questions they ask us.)</p> <p>Stuff happened. Like lessons periods 1 and 3, a free period 2 (I thought I would run by themes rather than go chronologically.. I have History on the brain tonight), then home for lunch and then a driving lesson. And this evening we went to the Wok n Grill, because it's my dad's birthday tomorrow.</p> <p>So there were high points, sure. But the point I am making here is that life is nowhere near as interesting as books and stuff make it sound. </p> <p>If my life were a musical, I would be able to sing, for a start - and I'd probably have met the man of my dreams by now. Same goes for a romantic novel, although you don't have to sing to be in one of those <img src="/img/smilies/graybigrazz.gif" alt=":P" class="middle" border="0"> . Even in a comedy, I probably would have a boyfriend. Or *something*</p> <p>And I wouldn't feel out of place amongst my own friends, and I wouldn't feel silly no matter what I was wearing, and I might actually do some revision and thus end up with a worthwhile career. </p> <p>Merh. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/14/general-merh-4175234/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://natashaSPQR.blog.co.uk/2008/05/14/general-merh-4175234/Wed, 14 May 2008 22:36:12 +0200