Canberraman

He's a nerd talkin' metal coated Canberraman... OK, I drove to Canberra, and I was just parodying 'Candyman.' By metal coated, I refer to braces, and nerd talkin', well, I tend to use longer words than your average person. Also, have you noticed I explain my titles in almost every post? Would this be because I'm trying to take up space? No. Is this explanation of explanations (and this being an explanation of an explanation of an explanation, ad infinitum) simply to take up space. ...Perhaps.

I got up at around 7:30, and I went to blog. I am trying to catch up, trust me (right now, this means this closing paragraph may be a little strange. Stay posted! No pun intended.). So I blogged a bit, and at about 11 (I know I'm covering a lot in a few lines, but it can all be pretty much condensed to watching TV and going on my laptop. Repetition and uneventfulness are the enemy of interesting posting, as well as longer posting. Brackets partially remedy this. For example: this.). I then went to pack for the trip to Canberra. We were going because Mum and Dad were going to a friend's fortieth birthday party, and it's not exactly like EJ and I could stay home by ourselves (well, I suppose theoretically we could, but it wouldn't be too safe, I'm guessing.). So I packed books and my 'New Scientist' magazine, among other things, into my laptop case (because, of course, I brought my laptop. It would be crazy not to.), and by about 2 or 3, we set off.

I read for about half the trip, maybe a little more. I read mostly from the book Shay lent me, but also from my magazine. For the other part, I essentially did some logic puzzles that I brought, although I got bored of them quickly. I used to love them, but now I'm sorta bored of them, and they're not really that exciting (that feeling isn't that fun. I'm sure most people know what I'm talking about here.). Anyway. When we did eventually get to Canberra, I messed around a little with the phone Dad gave me, which I've started taking a liking to because it can take pictures and video. My other phone can't do that (although it does have some good games on it. This phone doesn't. Ah well. Take some, leave some.). I then went outside and played with EJ a little, and relaxed on the rocking chair, reading. When I get my own place, I will be getting some sort of rocking chair or swing chair or something like that, and read on it frequently. They are really relaxing.

Eventually, Mum and Dad left for the party, and we were left with Uncle Nudge and Darcie (have I honestly not mentioned that yet? Guess not. Well, now you know.). Darcie was soon put to sleep (literally, not the other kind.), and EJ found the Xbox 360, and began to play Monopoly on it (he forgot to take his books and such out of Dad's car before they left. Oy vey.). He seems to enjoy it. Me, I was a bit of a back seat driver on it. Soon, we got dinner, and watched some movies that were on TV. We watched the second half of 'Robots,' (It has Robin Williams in it, which I did not know. However, watching it again, I can hear his voice.) and then 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest' came on (damn, that's a long title.). It's a fun movie, so we watched that. Meanwhile, I was trying to post, but then the dongle (the little thing that gives you wireless internet) stopped working after EJ pulled it out, so I got out a notebook and pencil and started blogging the old fashioned way (not that that's really blogging. Anyway.). I ended up getting to bed at around 11.

That was what happened on my day. There is another excuse for not getting up to date on posting, which has become more and more of a problem. It's getting quite annoying, and I want to get up to date by my 300th post, which is in about two weeks. Jees, I better get to work.

Wow, it's almost 300 posts...,
AB

A Big Barbecue Bash

Other rejected titles included 'BBBQ' (The extra B is for BYOBB. That's a typo.), and 'AB: A Barbecue' (which sucks, quite frankly). Anyway. Yes, today we had a barbecue, with Shay's family coming over, and, well, let's see how it all pans out when we get there.

I woke up at around 7:30, as I had decided to go watch the cricket game that I would be playing in if I had not given it up for hapkido. We left at around 9, and I brought my magazine and 'The Lost Symbol,' the new Dan Brown book that Oma got me yesterday afternoon (oh yeah). So when I got there, I talked to people, and I eventually found somewhere to sit, where I intermittently read my mag or book, and watched the cricket. However, at about 10-ish, Dad and I left the game (which was still going, by the way) to go see EJ bat. It lasted all of not very long, as we saw 2 overs, after which it was time to swap over. We would have spent more time at the ground waiting than watching him bat. Anyway. When we got back, our team was already kicking ass, and they ended up bowling them all out for 40 or so. That's a win of about 80 runs (in a Twenty20 match, so 120 odd is good), so it was a convincing win. We got home at about 11:30.

When I did get home, I had some lunch, and I promptly went to do a bit of my Geography assignment. Only a bit, though, because we also spent a lot of time rushing around preparing for the barbecue that came as a big surprise to me. Shay got to our place at around 6, I'd say (I know I skipped a bit. It wasn't that exciting, believe me.). So we talked for quite a while, and we (everybody except EJ and Lachlan) regaled everybody with anecdotes from our past. Dad tells the best stories, I think, though I don't want to sell a lot of people short (the tale of the broken whipper-snipper was also told, to much laughter.). Dinner was good, and after that and after cleaning up, we went into the loungeroom to watch the Cats-Magpies game. Oma is a Collingwood supporter, and pretty much everybody else in the room was not. So we watched the whole game, although Shay's family left just before the end, when Geelong were sure to win. And they did, with the final score reading 120-47. I went to bed at around 11, but sadly the night was only just beginning...

Sorry for leaving you at that cliffhanger, but the rest of the action in the night (pun not intended) happened in the early hours of Sunday morning, and this is Saturday's post. So in the next post, all shall be revealed. Also, an explanation for why this post is rather late will be given. And if you don't like it, well, neither do I. Ah well. It was also a fairly short post, mainly because it was a weekend. Sunday's post will probably be even shorter, though it's not a definite thing.

A barbecue amongst friends; summer in Australia has officially begun,
AB

Gone Clubbing

Because I went to EJ's footy club for his game and I went to a club for my great-grandmother's ninetieth. Ta-da! Titling is not that easy, OK? Although this one is one of the better ones of late. Anyway. Also a late post, but not as late as it could have been. But, yeah, still late. It is the weekend, after all.

I got up at around 8:30, and we had to rush around to get ready for footy. We got to the ground at about 9:30, and I read my New Scientist magazine for a bit. I also ended up going around selling Tigers newsletters for 50c each. Shaylee talked me into it, somehow. I sold 3 copies, and got a dollar donation. $2.50 for about 20 minutes work. $2 if you factor in how I got a lollipop for doing it. Yeah. Then, Nanny, Poppa and Aunty Fay came over, and I talked to them for a bit. EJ's game started at around 11 (I think). It was a pretty intense game, and I had to run like there was no tomorrow. At one point, courtesy of Billy, I had to run from one end of the ground to the other. Which was extremely tiring. EJ's team ended up winning by 30 or 40 points, and on his 151st game. That means he broke the club record. The only thing I have in footy now that he doesn't is a Best & Fairest (I got one when I was comparatively good. EJ keeps getting seconds and thirds. I only got anything on that year.). After the game, we (Nanny, Mum, Aunty Fay and I) rushed back home to get ready to go to a birthday.

It was my great-grandmother's, or Big Nan's, nineteth birthday, and we went up to Canley Heights Club (please note: I could be entirely wrong. I forget the actual name of the club.) for the celebration. We met up with Dad and EJ there, who had come directly from footy. I, fortunately, had brought my iPod and book, as it was mostly adults and kids under 12 there. So for most of the day, I read, and when I finished it, I took out my iPod. I also ate a lot, as I would. The whole thing went for about 2 and half hours. On the car ride back, Dad, EJ and I sang alogn to 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,' as we attached my iPod to the speakers. And so for the rest of the night, I played Battlefield Heroes, as well as trying to get MSN to work, as it was, and is, stuffing up on me. Ah well. That happens. I just wish it didn't.

And that was my day. Sorry about the shorter post, but there wasn't much to blog about. And there's no comments. But hey, that happens. I might also do a list for Sunday's post, if I'm not playing Battlefield Heroes, that is! Ah, it's a fun game. Not for everyone of course, but a lot of people might like it. Anyway.

My titles will hopefully improve,
AB

AFL, British Comedy

Or, ABC (see that's clever. Sorta. Maybe not funny though. Also uncreative. Ah well.). The AFL is self-explanatory (it's Saturday), but the British Comedy takes some explaining. I'll get to that. And yes, it's a late post, blame post procrastination. And society.

I woke up around 8, and until we left for my brother's footy game, we watched more 'Seinfeld.' Very funny episodes ensued. We'll watch more later. We left at about 9:30, and on the way there I read my New Scientist magazine. At around 10, the game started, and it ended up that the wind was facing my direction, which meant more throw-ins for me. A lot more throw-ins. I counted at least 5 in the first quarter, and I lost track soon after. The actual game ended up in EJ's team kicking ass, by about 60 points by the end. They started really taking control in the last quarter. Nathan (I think that's his name) also got hurt, but I'm not sure how badly: He was on the mark as one of the opposition was kicking, and the guy miskicked. Directly into Nathan's head. The power was unchanged. In other words: ow. I couldn't do anything, as I was boundary running, but as soon as a goal was kicked, I rushed over to help. He didn't look too injured, but he very well could have been.

After the game, we all went to Macarthur Square, so that we could do some shopping. EJ picked up a Harry Potter game, and I found a Monty Python (The British comedy strikes) CD for $9 (It's $17 on iTunes. Hooray for bargains!). It's called Monty Python Sings, and it has several hilarious songs on it, including 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,' 'The Lumberjack Song' and 'Bruces' Philosophers Song.' All songs that I highly recommend from the CD, to name just 3. After we'd got that, I got a Boost Juice (which wasn't bad. Which is something I can't say about EJ's. It had melon it. Eurgh.). We got home around 2:30, and I promptly blogged and listened to all the songs. There are really good ones on there. Funny, catchy... Monty Python in a nutshell really. Once that was done, I talked on MSN, as well as watching a bit more of 'Seinfeld.' We also watched the end of the Swans-Saints game (I reckon the Saints were lucky to get away with a 1 point win). I went to bed around 10-ish.

And as there are no comments (again!), this'll be the last paragraph. Sorry about the late post and the very short post, not much happened today. Well, not much I could blog about in detail. Ah well, stuff happens, hey? Expect another short post on Sunday, even less happened. Although hopefully I'll be able to remember more details and make it a bit longer than it would be if I hadn't. I shall end with a quote, as I haven't done that in a while. A Monty Python quote, of course.

Half a bee, philosophically, must, ipso facto, half not be,
AB

AFL and BFH

Meaning Australian Football League and Battlefield Heroes. Because that's what happened today. OK, so it's not the best title. Anyway. This post was also subject to post procrastination, so it's very late. The actual procrastination came as a result of playing endless BFH. It's an epic game. Anyway. To my Saturday.

I woke up around 7:30-ish, and at about 8:45, we left for EJ's game. Before the game, however, I read my magazine, and talked to Shay. The game started not long after. It was against the other South-West side, and EJ's team, of course, won. But they did it the hard way, not like some of the other games. They worked for their win. But the main point of the sporting day was not on the field. Like last game, there was a big incident. Long story short, the opposition coach said something about punching someone (I'm not too clear on the details), as well as yelling at the umpires (the umpiring was a bit iffy on some occasions, but that's hardly an excuse. So after the game, Dad, as the President, had a word with him. Which quickly turned into an argument. Which turned into a long argument. We should have been home by about 11:45, give or take 15 minutes. Something like that. Instead, we got home around 1, after the argument was finished and nothing had come of it. Of course.

When I got home, I blogged a bit, and then watch the Blues-Tigers game. We won, thankfully. Let's face it: if we hadn't, we'd be in deep trouble. Fevola ended up kicking 9 goals, earning him a career record as well as propelling him to number one on the Coleman Medal list. After that, dinner and blogging, I decided to follow up on John's advice, and give Battlefield Heroes a crack. And it is amazing! Coming from the nerdiest guy you'll ever meet, enjoying a bloody war game (no pun intended): play it. I recommend it. Only downside is the net requirement. Mine stuffed up a bit, but that happens. I played until 11, when it was time for bed.

To comments now, 3 from 3 people.
*Shafi: Sorry, I thought it was by you. And it's post-procrastination: get used to it.
*Anon: Yes.
*Ebony: Lol to the pink dot: it is now the symbol of rejoicing! Yes, I do mean The Force (because everything looks cooler in capitals). I did go there because you did, and McCord had no idea what to make of it. That was funny.

And that was my Saturday. Sorry, everyone, about the late post: but that's probably going to keep happening. Ah well. Holidays aren't made for rushing (though these assignments are calling me. Shut up already!).

BFH FTW,
AB

Meetings and Relaxings

Yes, I know 'relaxing' is not a noun. Whatever. Anyway, to my Sunday, which mostly involved chilling and basically not doing much at all.

I got up at 8:35 (yes, I'm gradually improving), and went to watch TV. I also went on my laptop, and started to blog for Saturday, though I didn't do much for a while. Over the next 7 hours, until 3, I watched TV, blogged more, played DS, went on MSN, and every now and then I was called upon to do some chores like washing or folding. But barring that, it was a pretty soothing while. But at 3, we all had to go to a footy meeting, so I decided to bring my New Scientist magazine and my DS. When I got there, I finished my mag (this issue had string theory in it. Hooray for string theory!), and then went out to watch my brother and some of his mates from footy do stuff like kick balls around, get balls stuck on roofs, kick balls at each other... well, you get the picture. After 15 minutes of watching the mayhem, I decided to just go inside and play DS. I played Pokemon Sapphire (yes, I play Pokemon. Also, I don't really care about the apostrophe above the e.), and tried to get Latias. I had real trouble doing it, and gave it up and started on Pearl. I'm trying to get a few Pokemon. (OK, paragraph. Happy?)

After a while there, I went outside, and played some DS there. Later, one of the kids there, Mitchell, got his DS, and I tried to help him out. He's gonna need some time though. When it got cold (and it got cold quickly), we went inside, and I did more work on Pearl. Then, around 6:30-ish, it was time for dinner. I had pizza and garlic bread. I love garlic bread. Hell, I love garlic in general. I'd never make it as a vampire. Anyway. After that, I played more DS, and then I was set upon by the assault of the small kids. I figured it was no use going all high and mighty and just decided to muck around with them. I mean, it gets boring being 'I don't do that, I'm too old. So there!' So I listened to their (mostly childish) jokes, and somehow ended up singing 'Lobachevsky' to 3 of them. No idea how that happened. We also did a round of 'Jingle Bombs' by Achmed the Dead Terrorist. He is hilarious. Anyway.

Later the parents kicked us all out of the meeting room, so the kids all played Bullrush in a hall while I played more DS. Around 7:30, we left Club Italia (which is where we were), and went home. At home, I played more DS, watched some TV, which specifically was Masterchef (mmm, Masterchef foods...), and I also went on my laptop a bit. I also had a Paddle Pop, and here I am, blogging so it doesn't look ridiculous if I post three times in a row late with little excuse.

More lists! I mean, they're easy to write, and a space filler. Also, I didn't get any comments. But I actually don't mind. I mean, my blog is just that, MY blog. Not commenters. Hmm. Maybe I should do a list on my blog. Reasons why my blog exists, in no particular order:
*Memory extension: This is one of the big ones. I have a really bad memory, but now with my blog I can go to any day from February the 10th 2009 and see exactly what I did. Most people I know don't blog about their days, they rant, but I haven't had much to rant about in a while. And there is no 'right' or 'wrong' in your own blog, it's your domain.
*Writing: I am trying to write a book, and this blog has really improved my writing style. I think clearer, remember better, and I write much better. I can write fiction (like in the English exam) for longer, and there is no real filler in the story. I really like how my blog turned out like that.
*So people can know me: Let's face it, to many people I am just that nerd over there. But I am much more than a nerd, and to me it's you who are over there (I'm also a bad comedian. Just one of my many talents.). This blog is also so people can see me, get to know me when they read it, and so I can get to know others. It really works.

Well, I'll finish up. I can't wait for tomorrow, it'll be 13 for a long day. I might get some of my book done... It'll be a great day. I love the Athletics Carnival, for the sheer reason that it's a day of utter bludge. I love it.

It's shaping up to be a great week,
AB

Post the Hundredth

Yes, I'm breaking the rule I set out yesterday (the title should be Half-Yearlies '09: Drama and Commerce). But... it's the hundredth post! Party party party! As I did with the 50th post, I'll talk about my day (and it was a long one), then I'll do the 100th post celebrations, and then I'll add comment replies in. So expect a majorly long post; like at least 1000 words, and maybe over 1500. We'll see.

Before school, I spent my time cramming for Drama, which turned out to be fairly necessary. Period 1 was English, which was more cramming for Drama, as usual. I also did some Commerce studying with Andrew and Barahona, and that helped out too. Next was Maths, which was some more studying, one of those crosswords with no clues, and Hangman with Mango, Chris and Justin. Ultimate word: fig. just three letters, all of them fairly rare. Works like a charm. I'd say more, but I love Hangman and I don't want to give up my trade secrets. So I won't. Recess was talking, as well as doing a minor amount of studying (no pun intended). Then, when the bell went, it was down to the hall, to do the hardest exams this year bar Ag: Drama and Commerce. (These paragraphs good enough for you, Ebony?)

First came Drama, which was probably the hardest one today. We did work on 'Laban's Theory of Movement,' as well as a few other things and an extended response on our last Drama performance (link). Most of the exam was in 'go' mode, with the last 15 minutes being 'zoom.' And 'zoom' was required, as it was a long exam; I missed out on a few questions (but they were 1 mark questions, so it doesn't really matter. Like History yearly last year, but not a whole section. That was a nightmare.). When we finished that, and the bell rang, all the IPT people (damn you, Ebony, Cameron, Ian... you get the picture!) left for their lesson, and I was left to do the Commerce exam (well not left, there were over 100 people still in the hall. But you know what I mean.). That was, actually, a very straight-forward exam, which I probably should have seen coming; it was like that last year as well. I did about half in 'ready', and half in 'go,' and I finished with something like 10 minutes to go. That's the first exam where I had a significant amount of time left. I spent the remaining time going over my answers and playing around on my calculator. I love calculator boredom. Then, finally, thankfully, it was time for Lunch.

Lunch was playing 13 with John, Andy, Kevin and Eric. I played OK, and my luck wasn't nearly as horrific as it was yesterday. But it still wasn't, say, John-good (who got rid of 9 cards in 1 go in a game today). I'm getting there though. When I came back after paying some school fees, everyone was leaving for the table, apparently leaving because of (and, no matter how much I wish I was making this up, I'm not kidding) a caterpillar. A small caterpillar, which was on a step doing nothing. It was very retarded. For the rest of lunch, we talked about star signs (I don't know how we got into that), and Eric and Victor started calling me 'water-goat,' because I am a Capricorn, and that is what Capricorns are. Oy vey. Period 5 and 6 were prac PE, which was Oztag. I would like to say I sucked, but I wasn't too bad, though AFL was still trying to get its way in (old habits die hard). Only a few things clearly stick out: Ebony giving Mr Wilson a Redskin, me taking the Redskin off Mr Wilson, and then giving it to Ebony because I can't eat them anymore. Everything works out well. Another was me making a miracle try (call the Pope, don't say it Ebony), running past Jordan and Rhys, only just dodging both, and then putting the ball down on the ground as I saw other people do. That, however, was the limit of my rugby 'skills,' with me at one point running backwards and passing forwards. Yeah. When the bell went, and after I got home, I studied, read my magazine (which finally came in), and went on my laptop. I talked on MSN to Victor and Ebony mostly, with one epic typing fail by me standing out. I meant to say 'hello, is this david,' but with my usual 'style,' it came out like this: 'hellp, os thjaos dabso.' Nothing more needs to be said, it was a royal typing spasm. And now, here I am, blogging.

Now to the celebration of posts past and future, to days upon weeks upon months of blogging time accumulated. In 99 posts, I have written 72,153 words, which comes to a total of over 40,000 in 49 posts. That's an average of around 800 words per day, which is pretty amazing. With me trying to write a book as well, there is going to be a lot of writing in my future. We've seen, over these past 7 weeks, school holidays and a trip to Canberra, the necessity of me needing braces (I'll be getting them on Thursday), hapkido, storms, AFL, spacers, comments, laughs, and blog blog blog. Here's looking forward to the next 100 (I'll now be celebrating every 100), which will hopefully bring comments, good news, and a lot of fun. To you, readers, I say thanks for all the reading, thanks for all the commenting, and thanks for all the laughs. Peace Out to you all!

To comments now, 4 from the same two people. You two are the awesomeness, that's all that needs to be said. Right on, EV (not you Eric, Ebony and Victor), or VE (not Victory in Europe Day... oh forget it.). How about I just say Ebony and Victor. Or Victor and Ebony. Whatever.
*Victor: Your rhyming is inspiring (that almost rhymed. Almost. Ah well.). And my mechanical pencil is awesome, stop bagging it.
*Victor: Your spelling is almost as bad as mine. Almost.
*Victor: Wow, that comment was more pointless than this one. I know it's second, I know it's third. Stop doing that.
*Ebony: Two minds, both of them: stop making my brain hurt. And I won't rant, I'm over that. And someone actually knows what I'm talking about: Hooray, call the Pope! (Why? It's a miracle!). And you don't mind me there? Awesome. Also... wait. Reading in class makes me a worse nerd than you? Wha? You make no sense. And goddamn, that was paragraphing; you're never satisfied.

OK, I'll sum up now. One hundred posts is a lot of work, and again, I'd like to thank everybody. Let's see how many comments my 100th post racks up (but no spamming, Victor.). My guess is two people, but we'll see.

May the next 100 be as awesome as the last 100,
AB

Footy, Footy, Footy

AFL, of course. Because, today was basically centred around AFL. We didn't go to a game (well, not professional), but my brother had his game, and later my dad, my brother and I all watched the Carlton-Bulldogs game. Also I couldn't think of a better title. Ah, well.

I was woken up at 7 (I have had enough of being woken up. Yesterday was 4. I want to sleep tomorrow.), to get ready for EJ's game. After tired stumbling around the house, we left around 8, with me bringing my New Scientist magazine and my iPod. Once we got there, I played a bit of footy, before Shay's family and Maddie arrived (Lachlan plays in EJ's team). I read my magazine, until my Mum said that I had to go on flags, which I've done once before. Shay and Maddie also came, with Shay doing the scorecard and Maddie listening to music and talking to us. We also did movie quotes. My favourite was when I got a flag, held it like a sword, and said 'My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die!' which I thought was pretty funny (I got it off an Abridged episode. I don't actually know what it's from. And speaking of Abridged, Episode 39 is out. Sweet). Anyway. At half-time, we switched, with me doing the scorecard and Shay on the flags. In the end, they won by a goal, after coming back in the fourth quarter.

Then, after the game, around 11, Mum and I went home, and EJ and Dad went with my brother's coach. When we got home (after going to Wattle Grove Shops for lunch), I went on my laptop (MSN, specifically), and watched TV. Then, it was time for the Carlton-Bulldogs game. I didn't go to the match, so I won't go into detail, but suffice to say that I wasn't hopeful, but the Blues demolished the Dogs by 43 points, and jumped to third on percentage, behind the Saints and the Cats (game report here). After all that, it was dinner, and here I am, blogging, on MSN, and watching TV.

To comments: 3, again from 2 people. And I can't help but mention here: where is Victor? But, my blog is my own, and I don't need comments (though don't not comment. I mean, I still like them. But, I digress.).
*Karen: Long time, no comment. And first as well! Lol.
*Karen: 4 am, I know. But once you wake up (I mean really wake up, as in fully aware), everything's fine. And I'm probably spending my last days of freedom doing work. *sigh* It's like I'm back already. Ah well.
*Shafi: No problem, man.

I'll wrap it all up now. Tomorrow will be spent on work and hapkido, so expect a short-ish post (and I don't like short posts. But you probably worked that one out already.). Then, it will be school. Hopefully we won't have much work on the first few days back. Hopefully.

The holidays have gone by so quickly,
AB

Post the Fiftieth

Celebrate good times, come on! That's right, it's post number 50! If it wasn't the 50th, the post would probably have been something like 'Rants and Revelations.' But it is. I'm blogging early, first because I'm going to be writing a lot, and second because I have hapkido today, and that's going to start around 8-ish. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow. OK, so today is going to be split into 2 parts, the day itself, and the celebration.

I got up, did everything, and watched 'Rove,' which is what I do every Monday, as we tape it from Sunday. When I got to school, not many people were there. I later found out there was this big IPT thing. Luckily I do Commerce. Part of my watch also broke (a strap-holder, nothing important), Period 1 was English, with Arnault again, which was doing a brief amount of work on a story which was utterly pointless. Eh. Period 2 was Maths, which was doing work on something like completing the square to solve quadratic equations (and yes, I am reading from the textbook). It was just that type of work that made you want to hit your head with a large wooden plank until you lose consciousness (possibly while chanting 'Pie Jesu Domine, Dona Eis Requiem.' Please tell me someone has seen 'Holy Grail.'). Recess involved playing handball with Eric, John, Shafi and Andy. With Eric, as usual, kicking everybody's ass. Period 3 was Drama, which was watching more Drama assessments. We get our marks back on Wednesday. *sigh* Of course. When everyone finished, I put my iPod in and started listening to Queen (which, almost inevitably, I started singing along to. Hopefully nobody noticed. Well, nobody was clutching their ears and shrieking.). Next was Commerce, which was mindless, repetitive tasks. Of course. Lunch was spent playing a brief amount of handball, as well as talking to Patrick, Justin, Hunaiza (I hope I spelt that right) and Rhoda, since most of the group was doing IPT. The last two periods were PE, although before we started, I said hello to Mrs. Young who was walking past, who replied 'Hi Ben.' *hits head* Maybe I should just change my name legally to Ben, that would save a lot of time. We played netball (not ballroom dancing as I heard was going to happen.). I actually did pretty well, surprising everyone, not least myself. I guess I just have l33t n3tb4ll 5k1ll5 (note to self: never do that again.). After it finished, but before the bell went, I was talking to Rhys about my 50th blog post, and Tiana overheard, and responded with a 'We read your blog at camp!' What? Long story short, there was a Year 7 camp about 2 weeks ago, and the Year 10 'Creating Connections' people were there, and the girls found my blog apparently. Those girls are included, but not limited to: Tiana, Ebony, Corinne and Lauren. Which widens my search for AC from about 10 to god knows who many. But, the upside is that I got another commenter on my blog, Ebony, which I hope keep commenting as I love hearing what people think of my blog (Tiana says it was funny. Just saying.). So I got home, after the train was delayed, but not enough so I missed my bus (I almost mistyped 'missed my bus' as 'kissed my bus.' I had to say that, that was hilarious.). And here I am. I'm also starting hapkido today, which is a Korean martial art and which I am bragging about to everybody (that means you, whoever is reading this.). I also got my New Scientist, and on the front cover it says 'Quantum Fractals.' I held the mag to my chest and said 'Two of my favourite words!' Yes, I am a nerd, and yes, I love it.

Now I start celebrating. It's been a long 50 posts: Over 31,000 words typed in only 7 weeks. My number of readers has skyrocketed, from 1 or 2 in the first few weeks to I'm not sure how many (see Creating Connections thing a few lines up). Comments have also gone up too, with about 2 in the first month to 9 in the last 3 days. Now I'll talk about my readers. Well, a few in particular.
* Victor: First commenter, and one of the first readers. I know that you don't like blogging (you have had two blogs, both deleted, so far.), but thanks for reading.
* John: You actually have a blog (which is awesome, by the way), and you also read my blog a lot. You and Victor (and now maybe Shafi) are the only people in our group who actually read my blog frequently, and I thank you for it.
* My Dad: Didn't expect that? Well, Dad, thanks for reading, it's nice to know my blog is useful, considering you work in Canberra, and you don't usually know about my day in that much detail.
* AC: Whoever you are, you add a bit of mystery into my blog, and that's awesome. My theory is that you are me from a parallel universe (eg: you like Queen, you correct my grammar, and you end your comments like me.).
* Indra, from this blog: I happy to have you read my blog too, and I happy with you too. Thank you for one-time visiting my blog. I will look you up if I ever go to Palembang, Indonesian Countries. (When Babelfish Fails.)
* And to all my newest readers (or, new as in that I just heard about today): I hope you enjoyed my blog. I sure do.

Well, I'm going to sum up now. To everyone, thanks for reading, and please comment, if only to see how many I get (lol).

I can't wait for the next 50,
AB

Finishing and Just Beginning

What that means is that things are seem to be finishing up, as well as other things that seem to be the tip of the iceberg. I'll explain how.

I got to school and Shafi was trying to get my book. Maybe when I'm finished. Period 1 was English, which was work that was a lot and so we had an excuse not to do much. I half-love work like that. It was work about poems, or something like that. Next was Maths, in which Faulds continued his campaign on calling me Ben. And it was intentional. Partly. We also did some algebra, and Mango got my textbook out of his locker (Why it was in his locker is a very good question.). [Everything after this point was done on Saturday. I'll try not to do this again. No promises though.] After Maths came Assembly, in which somebody from SHEAP (Save Hurlstone's Educational Agricultural Property) came along and talked about their efforts to save our school. It seemed very odd for a guest speaker to be talking about our school. Several jokes were also made, including 'Standing Order 52' (Execute Order 52. Star Wars III reference.), and how you had to get a note from the office to go to Sick Bay ('I'm having a heart attack!' 'Go to the office.'). Next was Recess, which was just talking, the usual. Period 3 was Drama, in which Cam and I spent the time attempting to write songs, with mixed success. We got some lines done, but nothing finished. Hmm. Next was Commerce, in which we had Mr Hunt since Kearney was still on camp. He gave us 3 questions (which took surprisingly long), and then I read the entire remainder of the period. Lunch, both halves, were finishing off our dance. It's supposed to be on an issue affecting people. I end up dying after drink-driving. Suits my dancing ability very well. Periods 5 and 6 were PE, and so Dance. Yes, again. We practised and practised, and I think we're going to do OK. I don't really think anyone's going to be amazing, but don't quote me.

Oh, That Dreaded Day, Tuesday the 24th, has had a rearrangement. It was originally this:
* Period 2: Geography Assessment, Glenfield Schools Program
Period 5: Drama Assessment, PE Assessment
Period 6: PE Assessment
And then after (unlikely) much deliberation, this was worked out:
* Period 1: PE Assessment
Period 2: PE Assessment, Geography Assessment
Wednesday: Drama Assessment.
So as you can see, PE was moved as well as Drama, even though only one would suffice, and PE has been rescheduled to now intersect with Geography. So really, you can see how noone talks to each other.

We spent the time in PE synchronising ourselves with the music, as well as working out some points to write up an essay on what we are doing and why we did it. It's supposed to be one page, so that's good. School finished, and I got picked up, went to the shops, got afternoon tea, etc. When we got home, I read a bit of my New Scientist (which actually came today [Friday]), and got on MSN. After dinner we packed to go to Shay's, since it was Jo's birthday. On the weekend we're going to the city, for 2 days of celebration, to just relax before That Dreaded Day (and yes, I'm using caps, and yes, that's the second time I've said that.). At Shay's we talked, went on my laptop, just hung out basically. Then it was time to go.

Such was Friday, a time of finishing and just beginning. An end to the week, our dance. A start to the weekend, and That Dreaded Day (3 times). I'll end with a summary of what I have to do:

May you have less work than me and more time to do it,
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

A Very Bludgy Day

OK, I've had enough of thinking of an opening paragraph. It's taken me 15 minutes to write. So I'm just going to get into my post.

Before school, I did not go on my laptop (It's a sign of the apocalypse!), because I was finishing my New Scientist magazine (I got a subscription for my birthday). Skip to school, and I find out it's Shafi's birthday tomorrow. I'll have to make a note of that. Period 1 was Maths, in which we had Faulds. That was pretty dull and bludgy. Next was Drama, in which 12 people were here out of something like 28. Cam and I basically spent that period writing song names. Oh, and Cam informed me that it's 03/03/09 (3 squared = 9). Some of the best were: 'Truth in Lies' (by me), 'When Sunset Calls' (by me), and 'Cut me Deep' (by Cam, and no, it's not an emo reference.) I reckon the worst was 'Finger on the Road' (not by me). Apparently it's meant to be a literal thing, sort of. I rejected it because a) it was awful; and b) The 'M' factor. If it seems like it was written by someone whose name starts with M (someone in particular. You know the one.), then I want no part on it. Recess was spent chatting about nothing, as is it all. Period 3 was Commerce, which involved such labour as sticking in sheets and writing down 2 sentences in my book. Next was Science, and we did an experiment with fire ,lit a candle, placed a gas jar over it, and then proceeded to light some ethanol. Which, as you can imagine, just burnt like hell (that joke was unintentional, but it works). We put a match in it, and it quickly turned red-hot, bent as if in its death throes, and shrivelled into a black shadow (check out that imagery!).

If I may be permitted to make a brief aside, I hate Overtype. You know, that thing where you try to got back and change something, and when it types, it types over letters you already wrote. I hate that. And for some reason this blog seems to love it. So it randomly turns on all the time. Grr.

Next, we had Lunch, in which we reminisced about the times of Years 7 and 8, and remarked on the idiocy of Kearney's constitution. I'll give 3 examples. 1. It says 'we agree to unite.' We never did that, it was forced upon us. 2. He must have copied and pasted, because we apparently can't do work that's not related to Legal Studies. Well, that rules out Commerce work. 3. The stupidest of all, in my opinion, the numbering system goes 1-2-1-3-4. Genius, really. Period 5 was English, in which we did basically no work (we got our stories back. I got an A, by the way). Period 6 was History (and this time it really was History), which was watching a video and taking notes. So, yeah, another excuse to do nothing

So, overall, a pretty bludgy day. Work done was minimal, and I spent the intervening time mostly reading (and being told off for doing so by two separate teachers: Faulds, and Hancock.) I wrap up my day with another Latin quote: because I can't think of anything else. The link to the translation is here.

Scientia non habet inimicum nisp ignorantem,
AB