Crippled & Stressed.

The last few days I have been a mess.

Physically mostly, but also mentally.

I had my first ever Crossfit class on Monday.
Push ups, pull-ups, squats and lifts seem to be their main raisons d'êtres, and they're pretty well known for being all-in-all hardcore.
I decided I need to get my ass back in gear, so I signed up.
Pricey little program, this one aha, thank goodness for my fitness benefit at work =P.
Anyways, in saying that, I went on Monday and got my ass handed to me.


(Skip through to 30seconds in)

My quads were crying right up until Thursday and my triceps are still aching but I'm crazy excited to see what I'll be able to do in another month or so.
Torture, yes, but oh so worth it.
Monday is my next class.

Now I said I was a mess, and that was part of my explanation.
I also happen to have a weak neck that makes a scene every time I change up my routine.
Crossfit was a bit of a shock to the system (though also a way to help strengthen the neck issue) and 2 days later, after what I'm assuming was an uncomfortable sleep, I woke up with a crick.
A bad crick.
It's only gotten worse since.
I look like I'm wearing a neckbrace without actually putting one on aha.
Can't turn my head more than an inch or two in any direction.

I feel ya, Sitch

Muscle relaxants are wonderful things.
So are massage therapists.
I'm thinking (and hoping beyond hope) that I'll be good to go for tomorrow, I've been stretching all day.

STRESSED TO THE MAX
Why is tomorrow so important?
I get to face the very real, very official torture I've been dreading all month.
Tomorrow is the University of Toronto's French proficiency test.
I get to spend $90 on this test, that decides whether I even get a shot at acceptance.
They've broken it down into four components:

1. Oral
2. Written
3. Comprehension
4. Listening

If it was an average mark overall I'm sure I'd be fine, but I'm required to get 75% in each category and my writing has me freaking the eff out. 
So tonight I study.
And study.
And cry a little.
And then probably study some more.

Think of me tomorrow?
Off to the books I go!

Motto of the night.

One foot in front of the other...

Diane here.
Forcing myself to realize that my blogging spark has been snuffed out and I'm left to trying to rekindle, pitifully.

But today I bring you larger developments than just 'employed!'.
Who knew I was able to come up with more than a paragraph about more than one subject?!

Work is fine, I don't love it and I don't hate it.
What I do, is make sure to take full advantage of the large-scale company I work for.
I've officially been licensed to sell a specific insurance, meaning I can legally sell.
In saying that, my title will stay customer service, but merely because we're short on sales managers.
My employment objectives have changed however, and I'm taking a day-long course on sales next week, too.
If we exclude the month of training I went through before I was allowed on the floor, I've really only worked for the company for 2 months, so I'm pleased with my progress.
They're working on licensing me in other provinces as well =]

Now I have not read my own blog in a fair while, but I'm sure at some point or another I mentioned I was working downtown (Toronto) and that the commute was long, but bearable.
My opinion has changed.
As much as the train-ride itself is bearable, the schedule is extremely inconvenient.
I leave my house at 7am and don't arrive home until 12 hours later.
My daily productivity is all but cancelled out by public transit systems...
 (I still have time to do my laundry if necessary)

I'm making a stand for the sake of my social life, and sanity.
The plan is to move downtown for January 2012.
I already found a place, and a roommate, and now its all administrative, and money-oriented.
Thank God for paycheques. 

Future homee

Aside from the Big, Bad Job and the Big, Bad Move there is one more Big, Bad Life-Change in sight.
I've decided - as much as it may make Courtney cringe - to apply to teachers colleges.
I'm a little late to the game, so my applications are being tackled hard & fast, but here are the key facts that helped to make up my mind after so many years of deliberating*

• I speak French, so there is a job market for me as a teacher.
• I love kids
• I love teaching kids
• I love French
• I want other people to love French
• I love travel
• I want to travel forever and ever. 
• I know this is impractical, but I've decided a few months vacation should do the trick.

I think these are reasons I can always fall back on and be happy with.

Future Life

Now for the where: I've applied to Ottawa U, U of Toronto & Nipissing.
Ottawa is my top choice. It also happens to be this girl's top choice.
We've got all of our fingers and toes crossed in hopes that Ottawa is smart enough to take both of us together. If you wanna be a good sport you could totally do the same!

One day at a time.
One application question today, one licensing test tomorrow.
One lease to sign, and one french proficiency test to pass.
One foot in front of the other, until it all comes together.
I can totally pretend that I'm not overwhelmed....
At least I don't have to pretend that I'm not excited =P
x

*I've always said teaching was an option. I just didn't want to close any other doors first. I've tried other doors, and they're not for me. Teaching is right.

School's out!!!

Though I'm still pretty apprehensive about writing this, I've been given a push this morning and so, with fingers crossed, I can say that I've completed my degree in French Studies... !!!
As some of you may know,  I've been holding back on my celebrations, since writing my final exam on Monday, because I've been terrified that my grades will come back to haunt me and that I'll be required to take another semester - thereby turning my celebrations into some sad, drunken mess of 'Whyyyy meeee????'s .

I'm still slightly concerned about one of my marks, but after a call into the school, I've decided to let my hair down a little and accept that I'm a university graduate. I am tentatively saying 'IT'S OVERRRR!!!!!.... I hope' (seriously... waiting for the cruel joke here...).

I'm not usually a pessimist.
I'm more of a realist, with an optimistic habit.
Taking 6 courses this semester, however, means that the realist in me is shouting 'NO WAY did you pass all those! Get your head out of the clouds.'
This is probably because in first year, I took a semester of only 4 courses, and managed to fail one. Leaving me to make up for 2 missed marks - explaining the 6 courses of the semester in question - and telling me that I'm really not  the student who can tackle a buttload of courses at once.
So yes, there's a reason I'm so hung up on my grades.
And I'm throwing it to the wind!
Let me believe, at least until I see that transcript, that I'm successful in my efforts, because my god did I ever kill myself this semester in text books (and study snacks).
I'm telling myself that it was all worth it.

SOOO worth the crazy. 

No more school? For how long? Will my BA be enough? Will I want to pursue grad school? Teacher's college?
I can see myself on the cover of a pamphlet in a guidance counsellor's office, 'Graduating? What now?' it says, with my head tilted and pensive - as if the clouds had the answers.
I'm just such an indecisive person, and at such a turning point in my life, I'm driving myself a little crazy.

But then I take a step back.
I'm 21. Who says these choices have to be made right now?
The only choices that matter to me today are how to make money to see the world. So by following my own question, I know exactly what I'll be doing for the next year or two.
I'm gonna find a job, whether it pays well or not, I just need an income.
I'm gonna work until I've got a happy looking bank account again.
I'm subsequently going to rip that account open, and pour it into plane tickets, accommodations and maybe a fancy camera.

I could take this on a point-n-shoot, right?

Because who cares about grad school right now? Who cares about what I'll be doing for the next 40 years of my life? That can wait until I'm ready.
Right now,  I get some me-time.
And it's telling me that spanish isn't learned in a classroom, it's learned in Spain or South America or Mexico. And teaching english abroad doesn't happen with your Master's, it happens with an online course I can take over the summer.

One thing at a time folks, I'll figure myself out.
But until then...
I'M DONE WITH SCHOOL!!!!

**apologies for the existential-crisis-y post.
***you should watch this now.

Things Thursday

So I've decided that this'll be a weekly thing.

I made a similar post 2 weeks ago and called it a friday run-down. This is just things - however many I want - and will be recurring every thursday.  Much less pressure.

1. I changed my blog name. It seems I've veered very far of my original movie/tv/social media topic choice. This one says more about me. personal? perhaps. But I'm happy with it.

2.  King's Speech is finally out and I still haven't seen it. My parents aren't happy with me. They're both speech pathologists, aha their whole office saw it like the day it came out. Anyways I've only heard good reviews and obviously the Oscar's made their opinion clear...
I'm a litte ashamed that I haven't gotten to it yet, but I have it now and plan to watch it tonight!

3. On that note, I've had a sick obsession with popcorn lately and will definitely need to make a stop at the grocery store prior to enjoying Colin Firth's stammering. Running low in the kernel department!

4.Aha so speaking of food (oh this post has awesome segues!!!), I will admit to my love for kitchen appliances. Small ones. Stovetops are nice and all, but what about food processors or  toaster ovens. Oh I love just talking about them. Aha anyways, I have a blender but it really hasn't been doing the trick lately. Just not enough kick in the kitchen!
The current items on my wish list?
There are three....

George Foreman Grill

Juicer

Food Processor

G'uhhh those are good looking machines.
Is that weird?
aha, I need opinions people! I might end up caving by the end of the month... yes, yes, terrible self-control. Which ones are the most useful? favourite meals to make?? Help?

5. I've written 5 exams in the last 9 days, one to go. German on Monday, cannot come soon enough!

6. TV is back after a few weeks off. Cougar Town, House, Gossip Girl and Glee have been watched. Still on the fence about all of them. I'll give them all a general rating of 'meh'.

I'm holding out for Criminal Minds. 

7. I bought a curling iron last week. I don't know if anybody does that anymore... aha I'm that annoying girl with the pin-straight hair... Anyways, I've been abusing it. Love it, though curly hair does tend to make me look like a 5 year old, and I've already got the babyface ... bartenders will not be pleased with me.

What, I need ID?

So happy it's the weekend, off to a dinner date with long-lost friends!
I think the majority of you are finished your exams now, so congratulations, and happy celebrations/move-outs/home-town-reunions!
Wish me luck for German!
and your two cents on appliances would be greatly appreciated!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Short & Sweet.

Let's define it, shall we?

mis·er·a·ble/ˈmiz(ə)rəbəl/Adjective

1. (of a person) Wretchedly unhappy or uncomfortable.

2. (of a situation or environment) Causing someone to feel wretchedly unhappy or uncomfortable: "horribly wet and miserable conditions".
3. (of this here blogger) Sitting in the library at 12:30am, while all others party. May also involve 6 days left of same routine. "She was miserable, having 3 exams left to write, while missing her friend's birthday and going slightly loco."

I'm so attractive.

Studying for a Spanish exam. See what I did there?
haaaa.

Political updates from Guelph

Lets just summarize a few of the main points, or at least the ones that seem most pertinent for the youth vote. 


It seems that Rick's words really hit home, for all of us students.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm proud of my school and the actions that have been taken to turn his rant into a demand, from coast-to-coast.

Guelph first held the flash mob to raise awareness & encourage voting nation-wide.
We then held a vote mob, for Stephen Harper's arrival, to inform all parties of our intent to vote and our interest in what they had to say (so maybe they could direct some of it our way).
Both of these traveled to a huge number of other campuses and have made a pretty big splash in the news.
More on those here (Congrats, Rick Mercer)

Guelph then held a special ballot, for students to vote on campus prior to the official May 2nd polls. This has been done for several elections and is put together by Elections Canada for the purpose of encouraging voting in demographics that are known for less participation. Ie. It's legit.
All the while we've had our University President, Alastair Summerlee, backing us up and applauding us (via Twitter no less).
He agreed to vote, in face paint - as an avatar, if 1500 UoG students pledged to vote, whether it be at the special ballot, or May 2nd.



And so he voted, along with hundreds of others in our University Centre.
But with all the hype and pride that's been echoing throughout campus, there obviously had to be opposition. Who knew it would come in the form of a conservative lawyer,  former-student of UoG, telling us that our special ballot was a violation and that none of the votes were to be counted.
He tried to take away the ballot box.
Curious? Confused? So were we.

Special Ballots have since been cancelled.
And though I see this as a scar on our democratic rights, at least we now know that UoG votes, already made, will be included in the vote count.
I'm really just making this to spread the word, Gracen said it best I think, this won't stop us from voting, "So far, the movement has run on pure excitement and determination for my part, but after the special ballot fiasco I feel twinge of something else that I can only liken to defiance."Please read her post here.

I'm really just having a hard time finding the logic.
I hope everyone is staying informed & keeping their pledge.
Don't let them steal our thunder.

On a completely separate note, this has been written instead of studying for spanish...

Politics are just much more interesting these days...

Friday run-down.

A few of the things going on/in my head.
I might keep this up once a week... I might just be avoiding getting out of bed.
The clock says it's 2:15...I say it's too much effort.

1. Exams start in 4days. Studying starts in 4hours. I won't be updating as often for the next 4 weeks.

2. I'm finally getting into Madmen. It took me a long while, but then Harry Crane (Rich Sommer) won my heart. I'm also hugely in love with the idea of being a housewife. It will never happen, I'm too stubborn for that. If only my job was to look glamourous though, I might actually put in some effort...

3. Job search, not going so well. It would be, if I were looking for anything longterm! I've had a few offers of year-long contracts. But I'm not ready to settle down yet. There are countries to tackle & cultures to infiltrate.

Machu Picchu, you're next.

4.  The idea of moving is making me sad. Boxes to pack, and goodbyes to say. But it's the first time that I'm not coming back in the fall, and that has not yet clicked. Visits must be planned!

5. I've had jewellery issues lately.  Issue being, it feels so very necessary. Lovely-looking earrings and rings. Sad-looking wallet. 

6.  I seriously need a car. This year I'm spending the summer home alone for the most part. Bike's are not good for work-wear or work-hair.  Car is currently number one. Begging will soon start for claim over my mother's minivan. You might hear more on this subject later in the month.

On a separate but similar note, Sean is off to Vail to snowboard tomorrow. I get his car for the week. This makes him bitter, and makes me happy as a  clam  lamb.

7. Yes, I enjoy being cheesy. Yes, you can judge me for it, if that's your prerogative. No more questions.

8. I'm handing in my letter of resignation this weekend. Is it weird that I really don't want to?

9.  My friend Mike is moving back from BC to Ontario this summer.  Mike is good with cameras. Mike is good with Starbucks. Mike is good for yelling at ranting to. Haven't seen the boy since France. I am psyched. (And you should be honoured, Mr. V).

10. Did I mention my bike? Because the whether has been beautiful and I'm thinking today's the day. It needs a tune-up, I biked through a storm or two back in October, and I left it out in the snow a few times. But walking to work yesterday with the sun & the breeze (ACKKK i can't wait till summer!) made me crave a bike ride.
I've also decided I need to buy myself a cute little basket. And move to the coast. 

Dream ride!

10 of the things in my life.
Now you know.

I'm gonna go grab some greek yogurt w/ honey and think about cracking open some textbooks.

Study face. 

You can do whatever it is you wanna, but let's be honest, you should probably do the same. 

Much love,
(and luck,)
x
Diane.

Oh, the exciting life of a soon-to-be grad...

So what does submitting your last essay of your university career feel like?
For me, it followed a very quick sequence events....

1)like you can do anything and every thing!
2)you should pour a shot, throw on some heels and go dancing...?!
4)you should call all your friends and see who wants to see a movie..
3)YOU.SHOULD.SHOP.
4)....shop online?
5)maybe the laundry thats been piling up and the books and binders all over your bed
      can finally be put away...
6)you could veg out on tv and let your brain numb for weeks....
7)think about all of the above and 10 minutes later, pass out for 15hours straight...
(I had been running off of adrenaline and caffeine, 40hours sans-sleep)

I must say it was all very lacklustre... but it has a silver lining.
Today was awesome. I couldn't stop smiling. No more due dates! ok thats a lie but a quiz and an online contribution separate me from the end of my assignments and they seem so small compared to the midterms & essays I've been wearing myself down for.
I'm stress-free.
best. feeling.
sure, this will only last like 3 days, because my exams start in 6...
but the fact that I've lasted through the semester? taking six courses and actually surviving them? I feel like graduation is actually possible, which was being seriously debated a few months ago.
I'm basking in it now.
but that doesn't stop me from thinking about visiting my profs after grad....

When I graduate, I will sneak into all my teachers' bedrooms and do this:

UoG reminds Stephen Harper that we have a say.

I am not proud to admit that I missed this lovely display.
I was unfortunately at work while the 500+ students made their way from campus to the Delta hotel to tell Harper what's up.
I love my school.
I'm sure this will be the first of many 'surprise parties' to come, so watch on facebook and twitter for vote mobs near you!

For more information ...
The catalyst Rick Mercer's rant to students & youth voters
The flash mob to raise awareness 
Global news
Guelph Mercury
and on twitter #surpriseHarper, or visit @gracenjohnson

She called it 'senioritis'

Have you noticed the pattern yet?
Procrastination, distractions, summer day-dreams etc.
and if you know me personally, my whining isn't any less obnoxious face-to-face.
My friend Liia laid it out bluntly for me.
"It's senioritis. I've got it too. I am actively doing nothing" 

Last week I got my grad pictures taken.
(Those will be fun - headcold/sinus infection - I'll be lucky if I recognize myself after the photoshop...)
I think that, in wearing that gown and holding those flowers, my brain skipped through to June convocation.

I began my bachelor's degree 43 months ago and about 42.5 months in, my brain checked out. Aha, could explain the creation of this here blog...
Put me to work, put me to bed, put me in a cave if you want, but don't think about putting me back to the books.

So here's my game plan. I am going to finish these assignments to the best of my ability. I've got 2. They can be tackled before the weekend's up. But tonight, to reward myself for 42.5months of being a student (and 2 weeks of total lethargic screen-staring), I am celebrating à la Cougar Town. 

WANT: Big Joe, he can hold an entire bottle of wine.

I'm going to dose myself with high levels of Resveratrol to lower my blood sugar and increase my lifespan.
But more specifically, chug it down so that I can say:
 Tonight, not a single fuck was given.

In the spirit of tackling my workload

I thought I'd reveal my secret weapon for productivity.
During the first week of exams in December last year, a friend of mine showed me a site (that had first been passed down to her by her sister who I'm sure had heard it from a friend of a friend of a friend...) that pretty much saved my transcript from total exam annihilation.

And now I pass it on to you.
aha definitely not to be used only for studying, this music site could be considered much like a last.fm radio or a pandora-type playlist. I know some hypemachine die-hards too...
But I will always stick by Stereomood. Basically you find your mood and it plays you music that would probably suit you at any given time.
It ranges from Just woke up to Optimistic. From Reading to Gangsta.From It's Raining to Busy as a Bee. 
I've found tonnes of new artists through the site & lots that I'd forgotten about as well.
So while I chug back a few lattes & hussel through these assignments, I will obviously be using my trusted Study playlist =]

Check it out, and switch it up -tell me when you've found your perfect soundtrack! Optimistic is a personal favourite of mine, but I'm willing to keep an open mind if you think you've found one to top it.
x
happy listening!