Spacers and Shoppers

Me, I was the shopper! As well as my Mum. We also went to the orthodontist, and put spacers in. So, explanation there. I tried thinking of plays on words and other alliterative titles, but there's not a lot you can do with the word 'orthodontist' (I did consider 'or the dontist,' but it didn't work out too well.). Anyway. Let's have a look at my day, as I really try to get really back on schedule.

I woke up at around 7:15, as I wasn't going to school today and so didn't have to wake up early. It wasn't because we weren't doing anything at school and so why bother, nor was it to do with me going to the concert (the awesome concert, mind you) yesterday, but rather that I had an appointment at the orthodontist (so, the other two reasons were related, but not directly. The appointment was when it was because I would be otherwise going to school and do nothing because I wasn't going to school and do nothing because I wasn't going to camp because of the concert. Just wanted to get that out of the way.). So I got my stuff, and Mum and I soon headed over to Liverpool shops.

We first went and dropped Mum's car off for a service, and then walked to Westfields, where we wandered around the shops. We first stopped by 'Toys R Us' (and I would have made a backwards R there if I could, but I can't, at least without an inordinate amount of effort. Yes, I use the word 'inordinate.') to find stuff that we could get for various Christmas presents (I know, we've started to think about that already, and there is over a month to go. But, jees, the year goes quickly. I mean, it's already halfway through November.). We had a look at the computer games (for want of a better classification. DS games and PS3 games and such.) and looked amongst the board games, and around some other toys and games (did you know they still make Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon cards? I saw them in the shops and I was somewhat shocked.). After that, we both went to the orthodontist for my appointment.

I got in, and watched the TV for a few minutes before I was called in for the actual appointment. I laid down on the bed, awaiting whatever it was they were going to do. 30 seconds later, they said they'd finished. Blink and you would have missed it. Turns out they only put spacers in (very similar to the ones from this post, although I'm assuming they won't hurt as much, due to my jaw already being partially used to them. Hopefully.). It was very quick (that's what she said!), and I have to come back on Wednesday (not tomorrow, a week from tomorrow), I think to put elastics on. But don't quote me.

After we got out of the orthodontist's, we went back into Westfields, where we went to get my suit for the formal (buying it is apparently cheaper than hiring it, even just for one night, which makes no sense but there you go). I had some choice in the matter, in that the attendant and Mum picked various suits, shirts and ties, and I said yes or no. Probably for the best, as otherwise it wouldn't turn out too well, which it eventually did. We then went down to the bus stop, and rode the bus home, getting to home at about 12:30. And so, for essentially the rest of the day, I went on 'Fantastic Contraptions' and blogged.

And that was my day. Sorry for the late post, I am really trying to get back up, believe me. It's annoying me like hell, but I persevere. I swear I will get back up to date soon. Maybe on a weekend where I'm doing absolutely nothing.

The saga of my teeth continues,
AB

No Work But Wit

Yes, I couldn't think of a title that summed up today as not doing any work as well as a funny kind of day. I mean, really couldn't think of a title. That's the best I could come up with. These things happen. Hmm, who to blame, who to blame...

First was Role Call, in which I read, as usual. I also noticed how everyone came back. I mean, there were 13 people here yesterday, and now everyone is here. It was weird. Anyway. Period 1 was Science, which was starting the topic on genetics. We just basically watched a video about genetics and Gregor Mendel. It was a fun, bludgy period. Next was Computer Maths, which was some messing around on Geometer's Sketchpad with circles. I love Geometer's Sketchpad. I didn't get to do my spare Sketchpad project (make a person on it for some reason), Recess was the usual.

Period 3 was Ag, in which we all went out to see the goats. In I think Michelle's words, there was an 'estrogen sigh,' as all the girls simultaneously saw the baby goats. I also copied down the Ag assignment due next term (dun dun dah!), as I couldn't find the sheet. But don't tell Schippers. Anyway. The whole period was fun, if for the fact that we did no real work. I also possibly conclusively proved that goats don't like me. I couldn't even get them to eat hay. And they were eating it like no tomorrow. But not when I tried to give it to them. Bloody goats. I may like them; the feeling is not mutual.

Lunch was the usual, as well as trying to salvage my cards after a session of throwing them around again. Cards are for playing, not for throwing. Then, it was School Sport, which was soccer. And, I sucked. More than usual. The first time I went to get the ball, as it was coming toward me, I went to kick it. Instead of forward, it went behind me to the right. And it all went downhill from there. So for the rest of sport, I tried to come up with jokes. I got one. I've just created a new political system: it's gonna be in schools everywhere. Basically, it's a combination of Capitalism and Marxism. The main point behind it is that if you know your Capitals, you get good Marx. I love puns. Nobody else does. Shame.

When the bell went, we went up to outside the Donut Quad, and after Victor left (because we know Ebony doesn't like to talk to anyone else while Victor is present), we all told each other jokes. I started with my favourite: 'I'd tell you the joke about the blunt pencil, but there's no point.' (Why does nobody like that? That's hilarious!) Then a Year 11 who was there told a similar joke: 'I'd tell you the joke about the butter, but I don't want you to spread it.' These are brilliant. But here's the thing: the internet doesn't know about them. Well, thanks to my blog, it does now! You're welcome, internet! After school, Ebony's 'people' weren't there, so we talked on the bus. At one point, she said something that was pretty good (I forget exactly what it was), so I tried to come up with a joke. It eventually went something like 'I like the way you think. And you, and you...' (in reference to her voices. Why aren't you laughing?) Then at home, I blogged a bit, and then it was time for hapkido.

Today marks 3 months since I officially started hapkido, which means that all that stands between me and the orange belt are signatures. Hooray! Shay didn't come again today, so I went alone. There weren't too many people in class today. Not even Grandmaster Geoff. Anyway. I decided not to get signatures today, if only for the fact that I want an extra lesson just to straighten things up. My right back rolls are also now fine. I have no idea what happened on Monday. And when I got home, I blogged. As usual.

To comments, and surprisingly I actually have one. Here we go:
*Ebony: Tuesdays are indeed good. I also have no idea how to respond to that second sentence. ...What, that's it? Only 7 words, 8 pushing it. This is sad. Really.

And that was my Wednesday. And guess what? I've caught up! Thank god! This is good news. And it only took me a week. But the point is, with a few hours of non-major procrastinating (i.e., not just doing something else), I could have caught up whenever. Meh.

Thank god these long blog breaks are finished,
AB

Bludging Bar One

All my other titles weren't snappy enough. But the point is, everything was utter bludging bar one period. All to be explained, right now. And I still need to get to that theme song. Maybe in July (wow, utter procrastination!), after everything is done. And yes, it's another late post, I'm still getting into the rhythm of things. Also I had a lot of homework.

Before school, I finished up Tuesday's post, which is starting to become a common thing for me. Let's hope it's not becoming a habit. The effects of the long weekend still linger. At school, we all waited around for the bell to go, which was late. I love late bells. (In fact, I'm betting everybody does.) In Role Call, I enjoyed some time exasperated after I discovered Ebony and Corinne do not know who Stewie Griffin from Family Guy is. And Ebony calls me socially unaware (though in all fairness, I am a much bigger nerd than her. This much is obvious. I could explain why, but we could be here for a while.). Anyway. First it was Ag, which was getting our results for the half-yearly back. I continue my tradition in Ag, which is that of getting around 70% every time. Ag is not my strong subject. I am going to be dropping it as soon as I can for Years 11 and 12. I'll drop it like I dropped Music, Art and Jap at the end of Year 8, or like Ebony drops balls (I'm sorry, I'll stop. I just felt I had to say it.). Period 2 should have been Geo/History, but we had a Science comp instead. I think I did good, but there were way too many Bs for my liking. That made me a bit nervous. But going over my answers... well, we'll see. No point stressing now.

Recess was the usual, though with John away and the weather being absolutely freezing, it took a while to get a group together and find a spot. But we ended up playing. Period 3 was Maths, which started out doing nothing, and ended up in a discussion about electives after Cavanagh came in to explain a bit more about the 'Unit System.' I now have a basic idea of what I'm going to do, after talking to Hancock. However I'm not going to write it down as I still want some flexibility. Lunch was yet more 13, and Victor played as well. In fact, we all did, as it was Sport Trials. When the bell went, our group (apart from Andy and Ebony) all went to Basketball. We didn't try out, of course, so we spent the time playing 13. Even Ms Pham joined in from time to time, as well as me, Victor, Eric and Kevin. We played that until the bell went. When it did actually go, I stuck around with Victor, Ebony and Mango, and in the end Ebony and I went up to the station. As 'her people' weren't at Holsworthy, we talked to each other on the bus.

At home, I decided to take a break from hapkido, as I wanted to spend some time on my English assessment. I don't want to leave it all until the last minute, dammit! After a long hour writing and refining, I finished up the context-transformed script. By that time it was around 8:15, and I decided that was enough for the night. I then watched the new Simpsons, and started to blog. But, unfortunately, I did not get to finish, so here I am, on Thursday morning blogging. Again.

Comments now, just the one.
*Ebony: I, too, hate when I start a sentence and can't finish it. I totally get you. And yes, your uncoordination is fun to watch. Just because it's so... never mind. I'm going to stop. Congratulations in being in the headlines (I think.).

Well, that was my day. I really have to stop posting so late, but these things happen. I get it, I shouldn't do it, but it happens.

Those paragraphs are good enough,
AB

Tuesday Bludging

Yes, my ability to think of titles has hit a wall. That's really the best I can think of for right now. Hopefully tomorrow will stick out and a title will emerge. But we'll see.

Before school, I had to run to catch my bus, as it was 5 minutes early and I was a few minutes late. Really unlucky, that. But I didn't miss it, and I got to school on time. Period 1 was Geography, which was getting our results back, and going over the answers. I got 39.5/50, which comes to 79.5%. I would have gotten 40.5/50, but they marked a question right when it was wrong, and it was, unfortunately, changed. That was a bludge, as was the rest of the day. Period 2 was our Year Assembly, and in it I realised exactly what is due this month. All of these things are:
*June 4: Subject Selection Evening
*June 9: School Photos
*June 15: English Assessment Due
*June 16: Social
*June 17: EJ's Birthday
*June 18: Dad's Birthday and Drama Assessment Due
*June 19: Year 10 Workshop (I hate these)
*June 26: History Assessment Due
Yes, I've got a lot of things to do. Assessments, birthdays, and other important things. It's going to be a packed month. I'll start really working on my English assessment soon, and I'll take it from there after that. The Year Assembly itself (getting back to the topic) was as most of them are: a poor excuse to get out of class. It ran overtime.

Recess was the usual. Period 3 was Ag, and I'm getting used to the whole sitting backwards thing. We just did some graphing. Pretty straight-forward stuff, no thought required. Period 4 was theory PE. These lessons are becoming few and far-between, with 3 spanning 3 months. We just did some work on mental illness this lesson, and I also got some work done on my book. It wasn't much, it was just getting a last name for two characters (they're twins), and getting some bit characters. I'm doing a bit of an inside joke; the minor characters that are being controlled by Damarius are all twists of people in my group's names. I am Caleb (anagram: Alec B. It's close enough), John is Isaac (one letter off the first initial), Andy is Arthur (first initial), Kevin is Max (Macca)... you get the picture. There's 8, including Victor, who got a first name. No rhyme or reason to it, barring the fact that Victor works. No favoritism here. Anyway.

Lunch was the usual, and I got really good hands. John had a real unlucky streak, getting 3 2s twice and losing each time he got them. It was funny. Kevin kept getting third, which is also funny as our rule is that third deals. Period 5 was Maths, which was doing some basic work on interest. It was just one of those Maths lessons where you plug numbers into a calculator and write down the number that comes out. Easy stuff. Last was Drama, which was doing some work, as well as talking to my group (barring Amy who wasn't there) about our upcoming assessment. Thank god that we have to do it in class, otherwise I would have a lot more work. After school, when I got home, I started my Drama Journal (bloody Kolodziej making us do 5 pages of bloody work...), and later I talked on MSN for a while. Then around 8:30, after dinner and dessert, I started a new rule for myself: no MSN after 8:30 so that I can post enough. And here I am, blogging.

To comments; 3, all anonymous. One is less anonymous than the others, but the last two baffle me. Let's give it a shot.
*Dad: Thanks, I do think my writing has improved. I mean, I did something like 900 words in 40 minutes yesterday, and I think I'm really doing better. My book is still a long way off though, even assuming I write a page a day it'll still take a year, and I'm doing my School Certificate and I'm still working on the plot... anyway. Long way to go, but I'm enjoying the journey.
*Anonymous: I am a white belt, but assuming I get all the signatures within the next few weeks I'll be able to graduate by the first of July. That's the earliest I can graduate, with time requisites as well as the number of classes.
*Anonymous: Royals is a slightly odd game. It's simple, but it's hard to explain without actually showing people. If you are in my school, then come along and we'll show you. I'm not even sure if Royals is its real name; I just made up the name after I realised I knew the game but not the title.

Well, that was my Tuesday. Wednesday should be like all Wednesdays, a bit like a bludge, and Thursday will be that Subject Selection Evening. Friday, though, is a day off, and I'll probably spend some of the time doing assessments. Not all of the time of course, that's insane, but this English assessment needs to really get under way.

My titling leaves something to be desired,
AB

Athletics Carnival '09

I love Athletics Carnivals. And no, it's not because of the athletics. It's because you get a day off work while still talking and hanging with friends. It's the all the good parts of school with none of the bad. Anyway, to my Monday, which for a Monday went pretty well. And it's a late post, I know, it's only partially my fault.


I got to the centre around 8:20, and for a while I talked to Peter (I think that's his name. He's the Year 11 on Station 3 who talks to Cam.). Then, when one of the trains came in, I started talking to all the people on it, who was everyone in our group barring John and Andy. When they came in, we talked about Spore for a while, and then it was Role Call. When that was done, our whole group (Eric, Cam, Victor, me, John, Kevin, Andy, Ian, Shafi and Ebony now and then) went down to the place where we usually sit, which is next to the grandstand and is under cover. We played 13 for a while (my luck was not so good today, at least in cards), as well as a game of Royals (it's hard to explain, but it's a game that only really our group knows) and then we broke up a bit. Andy started playing his DS, so I decided to get mine out (yes, I brought it). I played Pokemon for a while, until John revealed he had brought his Pokemon Sapphire and GBA SP. On inspection of his game, I found he had all 3 Johto starters, and I immediately thought 'Jackpot!' I then spent the next, say, hour and a half breeding them all, naming them, and transferring them over, while trying to play some cards and talk to people. However, it all turned out for the best, as I now have something like 4 Pokemon left to get.


It was then Recess, in which I played some cards, and talked to people. Then Ebony came over and we all talked for a while, while I played DS on and off and watched John and Kevin own the Battle Tower with John's Swampert, Blissey and Salamence (note to self: get Level 100 Blissey.). Until Lunch around 1, I mostly spent the time talking to Victor and Ebony, watching John and Kevin, and several other assorted things. These assorted things being: chasing Johnny (not John) around to get Andy's bag, twice, then finding out that he took it because Andy took some bottle, and getting him; being pissed at Shafi after I got my shoe trapped in one of the rock cages, then him putting my shoe on the other side of the fence repeatedly (it was very annoying, thanks to Ian for the save); and evolving a few of my Pokemon. At Lunch, I played cards, and I also took two salad rolls from the boarders' lunches. Let me set the record straight here though: it was offered to us. There were extras, so I took a salad roll. Then I went to the canteen, but the prices were outrageous ($4.50 for a cup of hot chips is not fair), so I took another salad roll. I then played some 13, and went to watch the races; on and off (I also played some DS). Then around 2:30, we all got our names marked off and we went down to Leumeah train station.

On the train ride to Holsworthy, I talked to Andy, until he got off at his stop. When I got to Holsworthy, I talked to Ebony for a bit, and when the bus came, I continued to talk to her, as 'her people' were not there. When EJ got on the bus, Ebony also started talking to him, which freaked my brother out no end. When she got off, I played my DS, and when we got home, I watched TV, went on my laptop, and I also did some work on my English assessment. That's due on the 15th, so I still have some work to do. But I'm going to leave it all to the last minute like usual. Anyway. Around 6:45, it was time to go to hapkido.

Today I got signatures, and the trainers were Tina and Geoff. They make a really good combo, and it was a great session. I did one good back-roll (I also did 5 horrible ones, but I'm getting there), my front snap kicks are improving, and belt promotion is in sight. I mean, I still have a month to go before I'm even eligible, and my turning kicks need a lot of work, but I've got a good feeling. The signatures I did were just the stances, but they're better than none. Then, when I got home, I got on my laptop, but I couldn't blog fast enough. So here I am, around 7:30, blogging.

Well, again, I have no comments. But I'm fine with that. I went through all of this last post. So this'll be my closing paragraph. I cannot wait for the next Athletics Carnival, but nearer to today, Friday looks pretty good. It's a 4-day weekend, which I love. It's good to get a break from school every now and then. To everyone, I welcome (and prefer) comments, but don't need (or expect) them.

I love school days without work,
AB

Spacers Hurt

If you don't know what spacers are, I refer you to exhibit A: yesterday's post. And, goddamn, did they hurt in the morning. Seriously, aching pain. I'll get to all of this right now.

Before school, I took some Febridol, and for breakfast, because I could not eat Special K without really hurting my teeth, a banana, which took 15 minutes to eat. Goddamn. At school, I started chewing my gum, which was really painful. Every chew was agony. But, the orthodontist told me to, so I did. Victor wasn't here, but for some reason his case was. Period 1 was Geo, which was doing more revision work on those graphs with rainfall and temperature on the one thing. I also asked Johnson if I could chew my gum in class, which I could. I learnt that when trying to deal with pain, Tan Jun breathing (from hapkido) helps a fair bit. It helps me focus past the pain. I didn't do it in class, obviously, but I did do it beforehand. In class, however, there was pain. A lot of it. More than once, I hit the table with my hand, and for the whole thing pretty much, my hand was in a closed fist. Next was Science, in which we had a sub (who I think may have been a Uni student, or at least she'd not long left Uni.). We did some work, and the pain was starting to reside; the chewing helps. However, by this time I've been chewing the same bit of gum for something like 2 hours, so it was basically rubber. But, it helped a lot. Recess was 13, which was also me trying to eat Recess with just my front teeth. It worked, but the only problem was when I tried to eat one of John's macadamias with my front teeth, I failed. Miserably. I love macadamias. Ah well.

Period 3 was Ag, which was a bludge, watching videos on goats, as well as trying to think of stuff for my book (I have now caved to pressure, and the new name is Viktor Gray. No, I'm not changing it, unless I think of something better.). That was an hour, and then it was time for PE, also an hour. Remember those Redskins from Monday? I didn't get them today, but even if I did get them, I couldn't eat them, because of my spacers. So yeah. The worst possible timing. If I had've got them, I probably would have just given them to people. I couldn't eat them myself. That period was talking about mental illnesses, with one part coming up with mental illnesses (one response was 'obesity,' from Tiana, of course. I mean, she explained it sorta understandably, but in the end you're left with the fact that obesity is not a mental illness. At all.), and another part filling sheets in about a selected mental illness outside. That was also attempting to fight the wind for my book and sheets.

Lunch was 13, with John, Kevin, Andy, Eric, Ian, Shafi and me. The way of getting in was very haphazard, but it was still fun. I also invite you to ask yourself: how do I lose to Shafi with an 8 to Ace in my hand. That's a seven card straight. How do I lose? To Shafi, of all people (of which it took five minutes to explain what a double was, and the same person who asked if he could beat a three card straight with a triple. Or a two. Or a two-card straight. He sorta got the hang of it, but the strategy leaves something to be desired.). Ah well. That's my luck for you. Period 5 was Maths, which was doing some work on ratios, as well as balancing rulers on pencils and pushing them off with our hands without touching them, by slamming them down and so forcing the air down (it was a very slow period.). Mango started it. Then it was Drama, which was talking about a worksheet in our groups. It didn't really make sense, and Kolodziej seemed a bit annoyed today. Must be one of those days, it certainly was for me.

When I got home (by catching the bus to the shop, then being driven the rest of the way), it took me half an hour to eat a bowl of Burger Rings (mmm, Burger Rings... Ow, spacers...). Then around 4:15, Jo picked me up, to go to Whitlam Centre to get our passes for the disco tomorrow. The people who came with me (or, better phrased, I went with them) were Jo (of course; someone had to be driving), Shay, Jessica, and Chiara, from the concert, pronounced Kee-ara. I am number 11, or sodium, on my pass. Chiara is fluorine, Shay is neon, and Jessica is magnesium. I wanted to be magnesium. Ah well (nerdy, remember.). I was dropped home at 5:30, where I finished my Geo assessment, finally, and then went on MSN. That is a load off my back, to say the least. I went on my computer until dinner, which was a quiche and salad (I couldn't eat some of my salad. Goddamn!). And after dinner, I went on my computer, and here I am, blogging.

To comments, which is one, from one person of course. It's also a short comment, so I'll try to reply to it in full.
*Victor: 'Ebony and Victor,' 'Victor and Ebony,' the fact is I've started to refer to you as a couple. I don't care which way around it goes. Victor will say Ebony first, Ebony will say Victor first, so I will do the tiebreaker and say it's whatever I feel like. I love to rant.'

That was my Thursday, my painful and eventful Thursday. Tomorrow will be even more eventful, as well as awesome (disco disco disco!). It's a shame Ebony and Victor (see which way round it went? Who cares?) can't go. Ah well. It also goes from 7 to 10:30, so expect a late post. It might be really late, it might be the next day. The point is that it won't be the usual time (9-ish.). Ah well. I'll probably do it in the morning on Saturday, but we'll see.

Tomorrow will be the awesomest day in ages,
AB

Not a Total Catastrophe

Because today was, indeed, somewhat of a disaster, but not a total catastrophe. I will get to exactly how. Other possible titles included 'Rugby and Retards,' which involved me playing rugby and sucking as well as other retarded things I did; and '13: A Curse,' a play on words involving 13 being unlucky as well as the card game 13, and for which I scrapped an entire opening paragraph for.

I woke up early to do yesterday's blog today, and then spent some time surfing the net. I got to school, and the bell time was extended for some bizarre but appreciated quirk of fate (I realise: it may be impossible for me to talk without using words like bizarre and appreciated.). After Roll Call was Science, in which we did some work that seemed more like Maths: it was basically just messing around with the calculator. Next came, coincidentally, Maths, which didn't involve calculators so much as computers. Another day, another bludge. Recess was dancing again, in Room 6, which is coming along much better than I would have thought, but it still needs some work. Period 3 was Ag, in which we went down to the farm and watched some visting guy artificially inseminate a cow, which, yes, is as disgusting as it sounds. I spent the last 15 minutes playing Solitaire on my iPod, which plays a big part in things to come. Lunch was spent playing 13, and, for some bizarre (there it is again) reason, getting people to try and guess my name. People who I've never met even knew me as AB (people seem to do that. Basically anyone in my grade in my local area, and even people who went to school with my brother seem to know me. It gets really annoying.). In 13, I won a few games and lost most of them. Sport today was rugby (don't ask league or union, I don't know the difference), and in which I sucked. It was not a total catastophe in that after people started realising that it was not a good idea to give me a rugby ball (I'm surprised it took them as long as it did), I went and played defense, which in rugby basically means stand near the edge of the backline and tag people if they come close. One of the teachers made us run to get water. That is one of the most retarded things I've ever heard (although I do something stupider later). I was umpire for a brief (very brief) stage, in which the players told me what to say. Very successful. Once it was over (thank god), I did the usual: went to the station, read, waited for the train, got on my iPod, got on the bus, my brother gets on, etc.

But here something very retarded happened, which I shall call The Big Screw-Up (yes, capital letters): I look up on the bus, at around 3:45, from being distracted from playing Solitaire on my iPod (which shall not happen again): only to discover we've missed our stop and are about 30 seconds from going across a busy highway onto Westfields. After a brief panic, we get out at an arbitrary place and start crossing roads to get to our house. Words cannot express the feeling of retardedness I felt. It took a minute to screw up and 20 to get back to our house. You never realise how little people walk and how slow you do compared to cars until you are actually walking across roads. When we got to our street, the late bus was there. So it would have been a bit less of a hassle if I had just skipped the bus that came first and waited. *sigh*. After that, the day passed fairly smoothly: I checked webcomics, surfed the net, watched TV.

A thankful end to a weird and witless (OK, I just used an online thesaurus) Wednesday. Tomorrow I have 3 periods off: Period 2, which I think is some workshop, and I miss out on Periods 5 and 6 because I have to go to the orthodontist (they fit braces) to get some X-rays. This'll be fun (sarcasm alert). Hopefully Thursday will be smarterer (sic) and bludgier.

Hope you were smarter than me today (read: very easy),
AB

Cooking, Dance and Chocolate

I would come up with a more creative title, but it's 9:15 on Tuesday night. (Please note: everything written after this point was written on Wednesday. Like this post, just pretend it was written on Tuesday. I was at my friend's place. I wasn't on MSN either.) But, here it is. And, yes, today was all about cooking, dance and chocolate (as well as a few other things.).)

I took the bus to school, after celebrating my Mum's birthday, and Victor was back. Seemed OK. Hmm. Period 1 was Geography, in which we did little work (I love to bludge). Next should have been Science, but instead it was the Glenfield Schools Reading Program (or something like that). What it is, essentially, is that a group of people take a bus to the local public school, and get some kids from Kindy to Year 2 to read to us. I ended up getting a Year 1 class, and this little girl walked out with a book, and we sat on the silver seats. And she did not want to read, I'll say that. Just to get her to finish one page was one of the Labours of Hercules, and finishing the book was a nightmare. At one point, she wanted to skip a page, and I tried to tell her: 'No, you have to read the whole page.' So, she crossed her arms and said 'I'm going to get very cranky if you don't let me not read those lines.' I decided there and then that I'd never make it as a teacher. She read the book through another 15 minutes of my life that I'll never get back, and I got another girl, who was unlike the other girl in that she was quiet, but like her in that she didn't exactly read with enthusiasm. On one page, she read through the word 'caterpillar' with ease, but stopped at the word 'at.' This is one reason I am an atheist: if there was a just god, this wouldn't happen. Atlas moment. She finally finished it, and then I got a boy to read to me. That went surprisingly easily, and then it was time to go. Recess was over by the time we got back to Hurlstone. On the plus side, I'm not doing it next week. On the minus side (I know that's not an expression. It should be.), it's because I'm doing an exam. On the 24th of March. Of course.

Period 3 was Ag, where we went down to the farm and talked about pregnancies in cows. Next was PE, theory, in which we had Jones, and where after 15 minutes of work and 20 minutes of reading, Tan and I played 13 until the bell went. The 1st half of Lunch was spent finding a room to dance in, and the 2nd half was spent dancing. We're actually going better than I expected: it's all starting to come together. Something else that happened in Lunch: Cam sent Victor and Kevin to go get me because he was writing songs, or something like that. After about 15 minutes, I went over to the table, although after about a minute, Oishi came and said we found a room. Cam's expression was priceless. Period 5 was Maths, in which we did some stuff about absolute values. Then it was Drama, where Kolodziej opened the door, but Arnault teached us. Ah, the insanity of the world. That was a pretty fun period, even though we had theory. After school came some more dance, and we were doing fairly well, if I do say so myself. When that ended, we went home (my New Scientist magazine finally came), and got ready for a party/celebration for my Mum's birthday. One of the best things: we were having homemade lasagne (lasagna? I don't know.), homemade garlic bread, homemade cannaloni, basically an Italian feast. That was also one of the worst things: I was having a hand in making it. Shaylee, her dad Mick, and I were all making dinner. I learnt what cannaloni is (though I doubt if I know how to spell it), how to pronounce gnocchi (nocky), and that when I move out I'll be living on two-minute noodles, tacos and spaghetti (I'm making myself hungry now.). The dinner was actually pretty good, except the garlic bread was just way too... I don't know how to describe it except it was a horrible tang. Eurgh. After that we watched TV, computer and Shay gave me some rock CDs, including Green Day, Powderfinger and Pink Floyd. (Here's something for you: why do all those bands have retarded names? I mean, they sound cool, but just think about it: Powder-finger? Pink Floyd? What is a floyd and why is it pink?) For dessert, we had this delicious multi-layered chocolate cake, with white chocolate on top: One of the most delicious things I've ever had, it was. Then, it was time to go.

And that was my Tuesday. Sorry I wasn't on MSN. I brought my laptop, but I forgot to bring my charger, and my laptop's battery is pretty much on life support. I'll have to get a new one.

Still dreaming about that cake,
AB

The Randomness Striketh

That's right, no more song titles! But, because everything sounds better when you make it sound old-timey and slightly retarded (proof. That took ages to find. Then I found out there was a search function on the website.), I made it 'striketh.' (Oh, I've also added a small thing at the side of my page: a word count of my blog.)

I got to school, the usual. Period 1 was English, which was copying stuff out of the booklet (Joy.). Next came Maths, which involved Mango coming out with 4 consecutive numbers multiplied together, plus 1, equals a square number. That square number, square-rooted, is the product of the first and fourth consecutive numbers, plus 1. Proving that took up a good part of the period (In A1, we do that. It's called boredom. Why we do maths is probably why we're in A1. At least that's my guess.), but it works all the time. Proof here. Recess involved talking about the band and what we think is the best song we've ever written. Eric thought 'State of Mind,' Cam thought 'Now She's Gone.' I'm leaning towards 'Where Have You Gone,' just for the sheer catchiness factor. Speaking of music, the song stuck in my head is a parody Abridged song called 'Villain' (link). Period 3 was Drama, which was doing some mime stuff. It's harder than it looks (sorta). Next was Commerce, which was ultra-random, as we split into groups of 5 and pretended we were all in 11th century English villages to talk about common law. Or something like that. Fun, but incredibly random at the same time. But the pinnacle of the randomness of the day was Lunch, in which we (me, Cam, John, Eric, Mango, Victor) went to Room 7 to look at Matt dancing, as well as watching 2 giant chess games, getting a magazine off Ian, and making $2 for more random things involving Room 7 and the magazine (separately). Eric also listened to Hamish and Andy on my iPod. Periods 5 and 6 were PE, dance specifically. We did some work, and we talked about meeting times and exactly how I was getting the steps wrong and what details I could do to fix them. School then ended, but the randomness still didn't stop, as the bus driver somehow manages to miss a turn with little traffic, extending the bus trip by about 10 minutes, and then when I go to ask him about it when he's stopped, he's on his phone saying 'I've missed the turn!' Give the man a medal, he's a genius. Luckily the rest of the journey went fairly smoothly, and I did no homework (as I had none), and went on MSN, the net and TV. Basic night really.

Such sums up a day of randomness, links and localised craziness (hmm, that doesn't sound too bad, localised craziness. Good name for a song?). I end with a quick quote of my own creation, which also happens to be my MSN screen name (another good idea for a song name came last night, in MSN: 'Human, But Otherwise Alright'. Crossed messages, but they work really well together I think). Comment if you can!

Blogging: A sane way of talking to yourself,
AB

Excursion For The Win-dang

I had 3 titles yesterday, and today I can barely think of one. Hmm. Today was... well, not bludgy, because there was nothing to bludge in. It was an excursion. 10MERI went to this place called Windang (here's another Wikipedia link. I really like this article, because of the 'Suburbs around Windang.'). I'll get into my day.

I got driven to school, and everyone was waiting just outside the gate, in mufti of course. We got into the buses around 8:45, and started off to Windang. Which took about 2 hours. I brought two books, the same two I had yesterday. I ended up finishing the first book, and went on to the second book. I also played 13 with Tan, Osmond and Alex Tieu (I think), as well as listening to my iPod. We got handed name tag stickers and a texta in the bus.

If I can make a short aside: must every girl who make those things have to have hearts and stars (Oh, and Jayson). Luckily, I learnt long ago that there are some things in life man is not meant to understand. And I'm not being sexist when I say man, because I really mean man. Not understand women.

We got to the place at around 11, and split into 3 groups. I ended up being with basically the whole group: Cameron, Eric, John, Kevin, Mango and Victor. We went to the beach, and this guide told us about sand dunes and something called bitou bush. (Riveting, I know.) Then it was time for Recess, where some people found humour in feeding/scaring/imitating the seagulls. Then it was time for the only real work we actually did, which ended up being split into 3 parts: sketching, sketching, and reading a map, in which I sucked, sucked, and bored me respectively. This took another 2 hours. Fun. Then it was Lunch, which lasted all of 15 minutes, and in which I forgot to take my lunch out of the bus. So when we left, I just ate my lunch in the bus. On the trip back, I got out my iPod and finished my book while having an hour long Queen marathon (Queen: thy rock gods. I dare you to listen to 'We Will Rock You,' 'Another One Bites the Dust,' 'Killer Queen,' hell, everything they've ever written, and not like it. I dare you.) on my iPod. When that album ran out, I started listening to such songs as 'White Noise,' 'Disturbia,' etc. Oh, while we're on the subject, the song stuck in my head right now is 'Love Story' by Taylor Swift. I got home around quarter to 4.

Well, I guess that sums up today. Tomorrow will hopefully be bludgy, since 10NO will be on the excursion, and so teachers may not do much. Hopefully.

Excursion's a beach,
AB

A Very Different Tuesday

Hello, people! Welcome to all readers of my blog, which to my knowledge is me, Victor, and sometime readers Cam, Vitale and Shay. There could be others. But not that I'm aware of. Anyway, after that completely random opening part (and I've said before I suck at these things), let's see how my day went.

All in all, it was a very... unorthodox day, in that everything just seemed to completely differently. Today was also mufti, in which I wore my 'Stop Animal Testing' shirt. That's also a humorous shirt. I guess it's more a visual thing. I caught the bus to school, and listened to the Abridged movie on the way on my iPod. Took me over half an hour. Yeah. Anyway, periods 1 and 2 were both down at the hall, in which these guys from Invisible Children (rest assured before I knew what it was, several jokes were made.) came and talked to us about their mission: to end child soldiery in Uganda (Apparently that's a word. Huh.). And me bringing the books for those periods. *hits head* They were very good, I'll say that. That video was... brutal, really. That was not afraid to tell it as it is. Yeah. Next was Recess, which was just chatting again. We talked about yesterday's post, and people just seemed to think Cam was 4. No, he isn't. Period 3 was Maths, which was also really out there. The teacher did not show up for half the lesson. Instead, a sub was called in, who was there for about half the rest of the lesson. Eh, gave me a chance to read. (Speaking of reading, my book's falling apart. And it's only new. I hate that.) After that was Science, again with a sub. Really, there's gotta be something going on. We did a prac instead, and I was with Tan, Hewie and Alan again. Luckily, nothing happened. It was a pretty uninteresting period really. Lunch was also talking with the group, and Cam (finally) had a look at the song I wrote last year (called 'For You.'). Apparently it's really good. With any luck we can actually write music to it, as I've been campaigning for for a long time. I also found out that there's no school on Friday. W00t!

Next was Period 5: Commerce with Kearney. Seating plans were put into play. Why? Who knows. We also did some work. Not much. Following that was English. I love English, it's the best period. That and Drama. Half the lesson was taken up with jokes and the whole other side of the class, mostly Ebony, Lana and Courtney, just erupted into conversation at least twice. Yeah. When I got home, I found out two things: 1. Victor deleted his blog (so the link I gave yesterday is completely useless) for some reason. *sigh* and 2. Victor appears to have given up on his problem. Ah, the world is insane.

Well, that's about it for today. Interesting in some ways, but nothing you can really write in the greatest of details about.

Looking forward to Friday,
AB

PULSE@Parkes

Hello, people, and welcome to the second post of AB: A Blog! Today was a day of highs and lows, and, because I'm not in the mood for any original thought, I'm going to use a tired quote: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. (I was really struggling there not to replace worst with blurst.) Allow me to start with the worst of times, because that was how the morning started.

Nature continued her goal this morning to make sure luck doesn't go my way today (and it's not even Friday the 13th yet). Wake up at 6:00, to get to school at 7:30 am, which was when the excursion started. Or so I thought. I'll give you the compressed version. On Monday, there is a meeting about the excursion. Partway through it, I get called over the intercom to the office. I find out it's a false alarm, and go back. Today: I get to school. Nobody is there. The note for the excursion said be there by 7:30. What I found out about half an hour later is that in the meeting, when I was gone, Mr Pitt said: be there 15 minutes before the bell. When I found that out, I felt like a massive idiot. Stupidity turned to frustration. Frustration turned to anger. I felt like I could punch somebody out. As I said this morning, this is the sort of bad luck they burnt witches over. And that was just up to 9 am. Luckily, it got a whole lot better from there...

The bus ride there was subdued. There was chatter, so I got out Les Miserables and read. (On a side note, that book goes on for 40 pages about the battle of Waterloo. They thought it was relevant because a minor character was briefly involved. Maybe it's a major plot point, I haven't got that far yet.) When we got there, it was about 10:15. We were greeted by Rob Hollows, who took us for a brief tour, and we got straight into it. First, our group did some calculations on some software using measurements previously taken about the pulsars (basically, how far away they are.). Next, we watched some groups get the data virtually in real time from the telescope (we remotely controlled it.) Then, it was our turn: we had a look at two pulsars, or rather, their radio beams (after the computer ended up crashing. Twice). One, which had never been seen 'on' before, which we saw on, and one which was part of a binary system. It was amazing. Next was the bus ride to Hurlstone. Several phrases come to mind: indescribable, amazing, 'had to be there,' funny. It was great. We went to Hungry Jack's, and made very good jokes, one which went something like this: (you have to know that there, they said pulsar astronomers were the weirdest astronomers, and and Mr. Pitt just went to McDonalds.)

"Imagine if Mr. Pitt somehow got breath-tested."
"And it turned out positive!"
"Yeah, he's like: *acts drunk*!"
"He hasn't had beer, that's what he's like when he drinks Coke!"
"No, *imitates policeman*: Sir, it came up negative. Are you a pulsar astronomer?"

At which point, we said we couldn't say anymore, as that was not going to be topped. Near the end, we decided that the 'epic' bus trip needed a name. The Name: "Magic School Bus: Epic Trip." Comedy Gold.

So, yeah. Longwinded, I suppose, but it was a great day. Photos to come soon (maybe), but for now, see this link to see what the PULSE@Parkes project is all about. Hopefully, there are pictures there of me.

Listen to the radio (waves),
AB