42 hours 24 minutes til freedom

This exam time has been tougher than ever before i think. Previous semesters I think somehow I have had less pressure - or perhaps I just knew more, for some reason or other, I am really having a tough run of this exam time. worse yet - its still 2 sleeps away from being over.

Software has been particularly nasty and I am so worried bout this exam its not funny. The results from our assignments are even out yet... I know for the first assignment I got 2.4/7. The second assignment I got 3.6/7. The third and fourth which are worth substancially more have not been returned.
This is enough to freak me out. To suppliment this - the lecturer is evil, pure evil, and often takes delight in making us all feel very very stupid. My notes from his lectures are making only a limited amount of sense, purely because frankly he only makes a limited amount of sense.
In close to 8 straight hours of software today - I have managed to complete successfully only 7/12 tutorials.

So in light of all of this crappy software... I have decided to embrace my nerddom and I present to you Dilbert - king of the nerds, the man whom I aspire towards for the next 42 hours.... the funniest thing that ever happened to nerds :)

Back to study... I'll tell you now - the other side of this exam time - I'll be going berko. I'm excited just thinking about it :)

current songs: "Farewell" -Avantasia (the metal opera, part 1)
"Silhouettes" -Smile Empty Soul

Dreams... I'm sorry for what they do to you...

Exam progress: 5 days, 5 hours, 42 minutes, 27 second remaining.

Has been an interesting week or so. Its completely rantworthy to say: why why why is the cricket on during exam time.... its just so cruel, and yes I did stay up and watch the England v Australia game, and most of the Australia v Bangledesh... so bad for me :(. Am currently having some serious asthma trouble, have been dosed up on some moderately serious drugs, which is seeming to be working. However - when you are dosed on that and flu tablets - frankly System analysis and design is the last thing that you would like to be focusing on.

One thing that I have noticed is that being dosed up on tablets - really affects the dreams that you tend to have both last night and the night before's. Scarily enough I do remember both dreams.

Last night's in particular was funny. I was back at school (mamre) - except it was all Uni people there! This wasn't too strange... this had popped up in a conversation the previous day. However as much as I love you all - my head did some strange things to you, and for that I apologise.

First person I met was Leanne... who was telling me about duck hunting that she had done on the weekend, and was trying to convince me to come along next weekend.. for some reason she was wearing overalls with a stripey red t-shirt. Sonia was the new canteen lady, and I was really happy about that cause you can cook. But you were really mean to me because I was a boy, and you threw my morning coffee at me (did not wake up... that was also interesting).
Sean was the school bully trying to look tough However he was wearing the "active linemarking" uniform, which consists of bright orange shirt with paint covered blue king gee pants.
Mr Pedley had grown his hair. It looked like a cross between sideshow bob and someone from dragonball Z. He tried to convince me to play soccer with him in the DT room. He was wearing the 80's sunglasses he borrowed off me, and had his headband on.
Mr Mellor was there as well. He acted as the scolding voice of reason, and told me off for doing something silly. He'd grown the mellorfro again.
ooh Iain had taken up opera singing - and was the voice of my alarm clock in the morning. He was dressed in a toga. He annoyed me for a long time because he wouldn't change songs.

Most other people made appearances. Greg, Dee, Bronni, Emma, Katie. Greg had shaved his head, and I think that Bronni and Katie were both wearing bright pink shirts. other than that - not much doing.

Well guys - it made for an intersting nights sleep, thanks for a good nights sleep all!

current songs: 12 stones - photograph; Elvenking - Dissapearing Sands

and then there was two....

EXAM DOWN!!!
WOOOOHOOOO!!! yeah!! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

no cartwheels for this one - but its goooooonnnne!
The first of my exams has been completed and all content is in the process of being put in the useless category. That being said - it went really well!!

The lecturer relased a sample exam paper - howevr only people who attend her lectures got it. I was one of the 20 odd people. Well the Final exam was so much of a rehash of that sample exam that I was absolutely sweet for all of the material!!

So that exam went fantastically. as always in Mick stories, there are some quirks.

the exam supervisors were hilarious. Both were in their 60- early 70's. Instead of doing the regular standard introduction - the guy told us stories about stupid people in exams. He then realised he had rambled for 5 minutes, and quickly rushe dthrough everything else... was quite funny :)
Even FUNNIER, was the fact that both of them were dozing off in the middle of the exam!! I finished early, and raised my hand - only to see them both with their eyes closed having a nap :) I waited for about 2 minutes... and then got up and tapped the fellow on the shoulder and gave him my exam wih a smile and left :)

2 hours exam... completed in 1 hour 30. What do people think about leaving exams early? a no-no, or if you've finished enjoy those moments of freedom?

Song of the moment: Incubus - I miss you.

life without a hat

Well - in the space of 15 hours, the fundraiser has well and truely taken off. $400 was raised in that space of time. So both my hat, and Tim's sideburns have their days, hours and minutes numbered. Currently things ahve reached a staggering $730!

It's aweird sensation really. As most of you know, I have a passionate connection with my hat, a deep dependancy if you will, and this is it. It.. it.. it's like loosing a best friend really.

It's a strange mix of overwhelming joy (at such contributions to support Andrew in his cause), and utter distress at the thought of losing my hat :(

Suggestions as to the hair style to give Tim? He has more to work with than I, but I can come up with some absolutely dirty things to do with shorter hair. I reckon he'd look good with a nice french braid... time to think about it, we are merely $270 away from that wonderful fate.

Today I also slaughtered a few small deciduous forests, as I printed off over 300 pages in total of study notes. At 8:30 in the morning - I had full control over all 6 printers in the computer science labs, and was queuing all of them to their maximum - was great fun!

the handsome italian staffworker

Update on the fundraiser for Andrew.

the website for this fundraiser has been raised at:
www.thehandsomeitalianstaffworker.info

also fundraising has reached $320.
updates will be made regularly at the website on the thermometre.

enjoy!
*note: $80 more and my hat is in trouble

A new quest

Stuvac, Stuvac, Stuvac.... It is really all about how good you are at convincing yourself that you can be doing other things other than study. Had a good day of study yesterday - did around 5 or so hours worth of work solidly, but today is a different day altogether - different things to consider and think about - no motivation for working.

I have made a new quest for myself - and that is to get back up to the level of fitness that I used to have. So far - 3 days in, and I am feeling a whole lot better. I never thought that fitness would make such an impact on me, but it has. I just feel like I have more energy, and I'm finding things are a whole lot more clear having had a good hour workout session.
Have been working both long distance and sprint training. I'm doing a 2. 5 km jog, and then doing sprints training afterwards (mainly acceleration work). Will probably step up the intensity in a couple of days... that will be the real test of my fitness, to see whether I can handle a full workout. Either way, I'm feeling pretty energised, and am really happy about that.

Personally, God has been teaching me new things about him daily. I have been absolutely wrapped in Proverbs of late (if you haven't read it... DO IT...). God's wisdom, as spoken through Solomon has really opened up some insights into how I should be thinking about God. About how I fail to be giving him the respect that I should, and about How I often am not entrusting things to him in the way I should. It has really been an eyeopener, and has I guess been pushing me to be reliant on God - even in the bits of me that I want to control. I won't say I've got it yet, any of you whom know me well know that I have a long looonng way to go :), and I'm guessing I will for the rest of my life.

Current Song/s: (im a cheat, I am choosing two)
Lost Prophets - We are Godzilla, you are Japan...
Klaus Badelt - He's a pirate (theme song from Pirates of the Caribbean)

note: fundraising is up to $320 sofar... my hat is in jeopardy.

Feasts, Golf, and a story that must be told.

The past few days deserve a big sticker for effort.

Golf this morning was fantastic. Tim V and I had the whole course to ourselves. The manager let us have unlimited holes! So we played 2 rounds of golf... was great fun. There is nothing more fun and relaxing than walking around a giant, kangaroo laidened field chasing a little white ball around and smacking it really hard.
For all golf enthusiasts, I scored a 9 over (40) on the second round of the 9 hole course. Possibly the best game of golf I have played in years. Was a great day out truely!

Speaking of nights out - what can be said for the Food extravaganza put on by Senor Mellor! More food that ever deserves to be eaten by the 14 attendees, and all so incredibly delicious! It was a great night out - just catching up with the party trainers (+ associates... questionable associated of the party train - the vibe was feeling very shaky :-P).

It's a great blessing of God to have friends such as these. It truely is.

... I've decided this story is too big. besides it really needs to be told. But in short. a 20 year old girl tried to pick up one of my youth group boys at maccas. She even tonguepashed the girl next to her to get the attention of our table (I find it gross). at that point she sat down and tried to chat up one of the guys who gave some remote attention.
After 4 minutes of attempting "pick up" conversation... she asked if he had a car. he said "No, Mick drove me. I added "yeah - it would have been interesting for you to have driven"... when she asked why - he turned to her and said " Because I turn 14 on tuesday!! :)"

I have never seen anyone flush quite that shade of red before.
anyways - ciao for now!

The fundraiser...

A friend of mine, Andrew Mellor, is currently preparing to do staff working with the Student Life group of Sydney University next semester.

This is a huge opportunity, as many of you may already know and appreciate, to be sharing God's word to the campus of Sydney University. Andrew is an awesome man, and will be really good as a staff worker. So because I, and many of you are poor University students - I have decided to come up with a fund raiser to help support him however I can, and it would be excellent if you also would be able to contribute towards this.

If we are able to raise $400. Then I am willing to do what many people have been waiting many years to see... and I will burn my hat (in tears!!!), and will not wear a hat for a further 2 months.
If we are able to raise $500. Then Tim Pedley will shave of his side burns... not to be replaced for 2 months.
If we raise $1000. Then Tim Pedley and Myself will both make our hair styles, "open canvas". I.e you can choose exactly what we will have for a hair style - which will last for the week of ANCON.
There will be a night organized soon, in which all actions which need to be performed will be done. But more information about that will be coming soon.

Its a wonderful cause, and one that I will happily do these things to assist in funding Andrew with his endeavors of staff working next year at Sydney Uni.

you all would ahve got an email about it by now :)
Feel free to pass it on to anyone else whom would think this a noble goal (either to fund andrew or to make us do stupid stuff).

On a completely random note:
current song: The Llama song. http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/llama.php

End of Semester....

and what a day it was!!!

I had a tutorial discussion on Justice and Christianity - and there are 3-4 people who want to chat more about it with me over email. God is an amazing God, and I pray he uses these discussions and that people come to know him.

The rest of the day was possibly the cruisiest thing ever. Nothing to do but play cards and shoot holes in "Mick's theory of Men tm." I found it very interesting that most guys tend to agree with MOST of Mick theory of men tm. There is 100% agreement that when a guy is keen - or thinking of being keen - he spends substancially more time with that girl. I have also found that there has not been many women who are happy with Mick's theory of men tm, several of whom have told me that I am wrong :-)

The issues have arisen with intentional and circumstancial time, and what do you make of time spent with girls when you are NOT keen. More importantly - I don't have all the answers, I never claimed to, but I reckon this is quite possibly a one of the better indicators that you can get. Here are some of the objections brought forth about Mick's theory of men tm... Mostly raised by the prestigious Tim Pedley :)

Question: Can't you make intentional time look like circumstancial time?
Answer: Yes. Fact is guys are pretty good at this. Me personally, I try and make it as bleedingly obvious as possible... I'm not trying to hide the fact that I have interest, heck to some extent I am more worried that you haven't noticed. if you are a guy - blunt works better than subtle + you suck at subtle... it leads only to confused.

Question: wouldn't people who are not keen but are good friends also spend intentional time with each other?
Answer: Yes. And it is at this point that one of the underlying things about intentional time comes into play. I agree that people can have a completely normal friendship - and can see each other intentionally. Sure! I do it regularly myself. However this intentional time is completely fitting within the context of the relationship. With a close friend perhaps it is once a week. Heck - Greg is one of my closest friends - and I see him intentionally once a week.... it is timetabled in!
What I am talking about is intentional time spent - where the hours spent exceeds the (perceived) stage of the friendship.

A positive outlook..

Today was possibly one of the wierdest days ever. It was the last day of this semesters EU bible study group *sniff*. I think whilst preparing for the grup this morning, I was truely struck by how much I have really appreciated this group - and how much I have grown as a result of it. It really highlighted for me that a leader doesn't teach a group... but rather leads it. It is God whom teaches, it is God whom does the work through his word... and so as a leader I learnt heaps! I pray for each of the small groupies that they too have been struck by God through this group.

Likewise I am utterly grateful to God for having his hand in my life, for guiding conversations; for providing clarity with some things, and for providing great friends with whom you can share your highs and lows with. On that - Iain thanks for the time we were able to spend chatting! It honestly made my day.

I have decided to leave a verse of scripture which I think sums me up at the moment. Proverbs 2: 3-11

...and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and
understanding will guard you.

Song of the moment: Sparta - While Oceana Sleeps

Men - we are so simple! How can that be misunderstood

A friend called this afternoon as she had man problems and wanted to talk to a guy about it (while I'm probably not the best target given the week past, am always happy to listen to a friend).

Anyways, again I am absolutely astounded by the fact that women just do not understand the simplicity of guys!!! She read so far into his actions, that she thought he was keen - and has just been let down with him going out with someone she knows well.

So I bring you - Men: A really simple guideline to not misreading things!

Firstly understand the process. A guy will tend not to move straight into "I'm keen" frame of mind. Guys tend to follow a fairly simple process. They start by making friends. Wouldn't date a girl I don't know well... is that simple. Anyways, having spent some time with a girl - its here that they actually get keen. I dunno about other guys - but its here where thoughts of "gee, I really enjoyed spending time with her" just randomly appear- and don't disapear real quick :). so you continue to be friends... but perhaps step up the number of times that you run into them if possible. At this point, you also tend to be rolling things around in your head quite a bit, and you tend to be praying quite hard about things. As you develop to become really good friends - you get to crunch time. You most of the time have no clue what the girl is really thinking - and so after many painful hours of rolling it aorund in your head - you go and ask her best friend whether she is keen (this is also because fear of rejection is huge!). if that check point comes away positively - you ask X out.

Its a process which is entirely different to that which girls seem to have... I don't understand how girls work - so i'll stop here. But seriously - if you are trying to work out whether a guy is keen, look for the really obvious signs (the one that Cleo tends to ignore)

1. The best thing to test whether he is keen is to simply look at how much time he spends with you. Frankly, if a guy is keen, he will make copious amounts of time available in which you and he happen to be in the same location. Very simple first test!
*Note: If you are going to be methodical about this work out intentional time and circumstancial time. Circumstancial being that he turns up to the same lecture as you, or turns up to hang with you and a group of friends, or that you happen to have the same hour off at uni. Intentional is when you see them at times which are odd for thir timetable. For example, they turn up to uni early on Wednesdays to catch up with you in a particular free, they go out of their way to make sure that they end at the same time as you - as to be able to get the bus or train home - or simply to walk to the station with you. If you start seeing a trend of intentional time - then its pretty likely that they are at least in the process of thinking about things.

2. Do't over read body language and the like. Body language is a great indicator, but remember that its only an expression of how they are feeling at that point. Understand though - that that you are looking - not for good body signals... some guys are pretty good at using body language to simply express interest in the person in regular conversation. You are looking for body language which is beyond the ordinary. there is a difference.

I've written enough. time to do some work :) - hope that makes sense Kat.

the bad reflective kind...

Has been an eventful past few days to say the least.

Thursday and Friday have answered questions... not in ways that I wanted, but rather in exactly the opposite fashion. Its kinda frustrating - its very frustrating! But those are the bricks that life throws. I'm not 100% on what to do. It's left me with a whole bunch of questions about what I am like... none of which I really have answers for, some of which i'm not sure that I do want answer sfor. It's also left me in a particularly awkward situation with a person I consider to be a good friend... and quite frankly from the past few days - it looks like both of us really have no idea how we should be reacting to each other.

When things get awkward - I tend to be a bull by the horns man. sit down talk it out very calmly and patiently - plan exactly what you want to say and say it! Trust the other person implicitly, that they, like you want nothing more than to fix whatevers in the way. that they don't want to do you any harm whatsoever. That being said - it's a scary thing to do... I'm not sure whether to simply let it blow over - and act all wierd - but I'm just not good at not fixing things... my entire natural response is to fix anything that needs fixing.

is this a wrong thing? is this just bravado male coming through? Am I just stupid and confusing?

The Lord is my rock and salvation. In him I stand firm.

Why not create a blog.

This looks like a fun experiment.
So here marks the beginning of blogging. shall see how long it lasts.

song of the moment: Fingers Eleven - One Thing