I honestly thought that this day would never come. During exam period, my concept of time just seems to go into flux. The repetitive cycle of exams every week just makes me think that it will never end. But, at the same time, I just keep on scrabbling away for more and more time to revise, and I was never able to find it. Frustrating. Personally I want a Tardis.
Oh well, the hell of exams is over! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping away, and I'm about to have ice cream and watch Season 1-7 of How I Met Your Mother- simply because I can.
Summer starts now.
I guess that means I'm basically a third year student.
Eek.
Like I said, time seems to flux; one minute you're a naive first year student, the next minute you seem to be about to embark on your final year at university.
But anyway, here's to summer 2012; it's going to be brilliant. Possibly because of all the sun and fun, but mainly because I can actually read books that I want to read. :)
P.S. Lots of love and prayers to anyone with exams still!
1) You start analysing adverts/films/tv programmes.
Semiotics has ruined my life. I can't look at an advert without trying to work out the hidden message behind every advert. It happens all the time.
2) You start quoting Shakespeare in normal conversations, and the person you're talking to just has this expression like, "What are you doing? Are you having a fit right now?" Also, when you find jokes in Shakespeare funny.
3) You walk into the library, notice old books, and spend ages just staring at them with your friend whilst you both comment on how old you think they are and how old books smell good.
This makes me sound crazy. I'm not crazy. I think...
4) You spend your entire lunch break discussing romantic heroes in books. Your friends say Mr Darcy, you think they're crazy. (I mean why would you say Mr Darcy?! He complains, he ignores Elizabeth Bennet, he's proud, he's waaaay to picky about his women, he's condescending, and yes, ok, so he helps the Bennet family out in the end and has some good reasons for his arrogant behaviour, but come on, let's face it, if you had to choose, it's Mr Tilney all the way!)
5) You begin to realise that you HATE reading what you've been told to read; reading becomes your all time least favourite thing to do. Everything is more exciting than reading a play where NOTHING happens. (People studying Samuel Beckett will appreciate this)
6) You start questioning your own existence... This stage is usually the result of seminar discussions where questions are asked "Who is the author?" I am the author okay. I AM!
7) You realise Sparknotes is probably the best internet site ever. Lecture notes, who needs them?
8) You realise that you can get away with not reading a text for your seminar, and can afford to blag it, but then it gets to exam time and you want to kick your stupid, naive, former self for deciding not to read it, because now you HAVE to read it in less than 3 days and you have NO IDEA what it is talking about!
9) You realise you spend more time in the library than outside. There should be beds in there for nap time. I'm just saying
10) You can relate to the following video in excruciating detail, AND find the English jokes both hilarious and yet oh-so-true:
(The following video does contain swearing. Just in case you don't like that kind of thing. It is minimal though!)
So, I had one of those inspiring moments today. You know that feeling where you feel really awake, energetic, and genuinely motivated? Yeah, I had that. Then I realised that staying in bed was a lot more appealing. Sleep will always win in a fight against revising Renaissance playwrights, and after having two solid days of exams, I figured that I am entitled to a day off from all things intellectual. But at least I made a list of things I had to do today. That's productive.
What I was supposed to do today:
- Be ready by 9 o'clock
- 9- 11 am: Make notes on The Spanish Tragedy
- 11- 1 pm: Make notes on criticism about The Spanish Tragedy
- 1- 1.30 pm: Lunch break
- 1.30- 3.30 pm: Read Confessions of a Justified Sinner ... and that's as far as my list got.
But, what I actually did today was:
- 9- 11 am: Watch last night's episode of Glee (because although it's really annoying, it's also addictive to watch)
- 11- 4pm: Procrastinate on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and send a few relevant emails, whilst also watching a dvd.
- I literally can't remember what happened from 4 pm onwards. I think I watched Made in Chelsea during that time (and yes, although I'm ashamed to admit I watch it, it's so addictive and I don't know why...)
So I procrastinated again. It sounds like I had a relapse or something. Maybe there should be some kind of support group.
The internet is a dangerous place. There's so many things to distract you. If it's not watching things online, it's Tumblr or internet shopping, and internet shopping is dangerous, because they have that page that says "Recommended for You", and you know from the moment you click on that link that you are going to be spending a lot of money on things you just don't really need. Well, I say "need". I think everyone "needs" an anthology of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's works... (yes, I am an English geek!) and the dvds of Sherlock that are discounted if you purchase all three items together. Oh, and then there's that bracelet I forgot about on my Wish List. Oh, and I totally forgot about that folder I wanted to buy. And look, that folder comes discounted if you buy that bag! Bargain.
And then if you are anything like me, you look at your "Basket", and you look at how much you've just spent, and if you are a student, you inwardly cry at your shrinking bank balance; although an outward expression of woe is perfectly acceptable. But it was worth it right? Because all those items are going to be a lot cheaper than if you had bought them in the shop! So really you are saving money! Moneyexpert.com, who needs them?! I mean, everything you bought was essential to you right? Therefore, you spent your time wisely! :) Like I said, the internet is dangerous! :)
But I've become increasingly aware that recently I seem to be spending more money on things I don't particularly need, rather than sharing what I already have with other people. It's great to have things, and I am personally thankful to God for everything I have got! I have so much already, do I really need to buy that new *insert item here*? Or can I maybe spend my money wisely...? Like I said, there is absolutely nothing wrong with having money and enjoying spending it and being thankful that we have things! And I'm sure I will continue to buy things I like! I'm only concerned with the attitude of selfishness that could follow with me becoming too self absorbed in what I want.
This video really affected me. It really challenged me about being so absorbed in the "need-want-have" culture. These guys don't have the choice or the "luxury" of being in the "need-want-have" culture. They're perpetually stuck in the "need food and water and health care to survive but can't afford it" culture.
End of exams. Yes!
