Let the Seventy-fourth Hunger Games begin!

First off, let me just emphasise how goddamn terrifying it is to hand in your résumé to stores. I was so awkward. I didn't want any customers to overhear what I was saying, so I waited til there was no one else left in the shop (which made me look like a bloody shoplifter or something), and then I sort of.. sidled over to the shop assistant and half-asked, half-whispered if they were hiring at the moment. Oh god. I walked out of each shop wanting to punch myself in the face for being such a tool.
Thank god I got that over with. On the bus ride back home, a weight lifted off my chest and I breathed a (tiny) sigh of relief. Now I'll probably end up dying waiting for my phone to ring.

Anyway, this week is a non-teaching week at uni (I think it's actually called a "study week", but who am I kidding? as if any studying is going to occur), so I'm pretty pleased, although I do have an essay due on Friday,  but as you know, that will be a Thursday night job. Sigh. You'd think that knowing I will procrastinate, I would make myself start it earlier. But in fact, because I know that's what I'm going to do, it's almost like that's my timetable/organisation already laid out and I can relax (what kind of a stupid thinking pattern is that?). But basically, none of this uni stuff matters because THE HUNGER GAMES IS COMING OUT IN 3 DAYS. 3 days. 2 sleeps. I'm practically hyperventilating. Cameron and I STILL haven't figured out how we're getting there (MIDNIGHT PREMIERE) or anything like that, but we don't give a shit. We're not even thinking clearly, hahahaha. It's just going to be so exciting. I don't think Cameron realises though, that I'll probably be crying throughout the whole movie. I wish that was an exaggeration but it's not. Plus, the cinema attendants will probably have to drag me by my ankles out of the cinema because I refuse to leave. After it finishes, I'm going to be a mess. And I will probably go and see it again in cinemas at least another half a dozen times. Ahem. Who said that?...

These are going to be my supplies in my bag for the midnight premiere:

• Tissues (maybe 2 boxes.. or 3.. can't decide)
• Camera (so I can take 10 photos of each cardboard cut out then cry over the photos later)
• Phone (to call Chloe whilst weeping hysterically afterwards)
• iPod (to listen to "Safe and Sound" whilst crying in the car on the way there)
• Valium (to calm myself down and prevent myself from screaming in anticipation)
• An apology letter to Cameron (for whimpering next to him and getting snot on his shirt)

I'll think of more later. Maybe I should take 4 boxes of tissues... just in case. If you have any other suggestions, let me know! I need to be equipped with everything before I go in to the most anticipated event of 2012. Okay, maybe that's not exactly correct, but just roll with it. Remember: only 3 days to go!

-ellen

food for thought.

Do you ever just stop and realise how lucky you are? I do. All the time. I'll go to the bathroom (I'll spare you the details), go to the sink, wash my hands and realise how simple those actions are, but how few people in the world can do them. I just walked from my flushing toilet (which uses more water in one flush than most third world citizens get in one day to drink), through my safe, spacious house, to my bathroom, where I can turn a tap and have running water whenever I want.

Now, it's exhausting to think like this constantly (believe me), but every once in a while; stop. Wherever you are, just stop what you're doing and think about how lucky you are. Studies have shown it can boost your wellbeing just by occasionally thinking about how fortunate you are and how many good things you have in your life.  The next time you feel ripped off 'cos your friends all got iPhones for their birthdays and your mum only gave you $100; stop. Your priorities are out of whack, and you need to remember: if you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of the world. 

Bedlam and booze

Greetings!

The past couple of weeks have been a blur (how can it be the 1st of March already?); I can basically sum them up in two words: bedlam and booze. Am proud to say I have already survived two weeks back at uni. My second year.. didn't get off to the best start (and am already choosing not to do homework, oops), but I am getting by despite my revolting early morning starts and high-blood pressure in peek hour traffic (how do people do it every day?!).

My first day back at uni got off to an awful start: I missed one of my buses, I had to go and buy  two more books after the unit co-ordinators added more last minute material, and one of my tutes wasn't on (because it was the first week), so I had a huge break with nothing to do. Blah. However, my solution to these mishaps was simple: the tav! Of course. I met Tanya there during lunch break (and happy hour, thank you very much) and I was reminded that uni wasn't that horrible after all. It really only takes a jug of beer to realise this.

My media unit (I'm doing 2 politics units and 1 media unit) is going to be extremely full-on, I noticed about 3 minutes into the lecture, and my politics units are going to require a lot of reading (this was already obvious when I went to buy all 7 books..). However, with the second week coming to an end, things have calmed down a bit and I am recovering from my original stroke from first day nerves. Of course, it hasn't all been about uni...

Chloe's letter came last week and I almost fainted. Why yes, I do anticipate her beautiful letters, why do you ask? My stepdad came in holding the letter and asked "Is this your thing from eBay you're waiting for?".
"NO IT'S A BILLION TIMES BETTER AND I THINK I MIGHT FAINT IF I TOUCH IT JESUS CHRIST". Okay, I didn't actually say that; I just said "Nope, but I was still expecting it, thanks" and ran- erm I mean, walked normally to my room. After I read it, I just wanted to sell all of my belongings and buy a one-way ticket to New Zealand. Alas, I fought this urge and simply settled for re-reading the letter. Jesus Christ, she is amazing.

Okay, moving on, before I start to get too "rom-com" on you. I also went to a "Women in Media" event I'd been looking forward to for weeks. It was at the Telethon Institute, and the amazing Stella Young (media commentator/journalist/comedian/everything) was being interviewed onstage by Geraldine Mellet (ABC journalist/broadcaster), specifically about disabilities and media coverage about disability. I'd been invited, and was very looking forward to it, and after painful incidents with public transport and having to ask 3 different people for directions, I managed to get there and had a great time. I "mingled" (you know, tried not to be my awkward self) with journalists/people from media & disability organisations etc. Plus.. free wine and food! How would that not add up to a brilliant night? Of course, because I am me, I drank too much wine and probably talked too much (and text messages may have been involved, but I refuse to go into that).

Now, seeing as it's March the 1st, this means only 22 days until The Hunger Games. THE FREAKING HUNGER GAMES. Am trying not to wish for time to go faster, only because I have an essay due around the 30th of March that I know in my heart I will not be prepared for in the slightest. Cameron & I are going to the midnight premiere, of course, and I am so damn excited. So. Damn. Excited. We don't even know how we're getting there and back, or what to do afterwards (seeing as we have uni the next day haha), but we're both too excited to care.

Yes, my past two weeks have been filled with too much to do and too much alcohol. Never thought I'd admit that there was such thing, especially regarding the latter, but there you go. Eager (and weary) to find out what March will bring me. Currently watching Dirty Dancing (or "Half-naked Patrick Dempsey/Jennifer Grey's torso") whilst sipping tea. Hope your night is as classy as mine, dear reader.  I must go, other activities beckon (ice cream and my Take 5 magazine).

-ellen

February.

Well, it's only halfway through the month, but boy what a month it's been already. I've accomplished so much! Okay, well, not really. But it's been pretty full-on. Seems everything is happening at once.

Firstly, I must confess that I haven't done any more pre-reading for university. And before you tell me off (I don't know how you'd do that, but I'm sure you'd find a way), I know I'm only screwing myself over by not doing them. I procrastinate so often that I procrastinate while I'm procrastinating. It's terrible. So I fully accept that I will want to kick my own ass in about 6 weeks. In the meantime, I will continue to watch 30 Rock and Glee with my word puzzles and tea because I am just that cool. Moving on.

Secondly, I finally sent Gail's package. I've been meaning to send my last host mum (from rotary exchange) a package I'd put together full of Australian stuff, homemade stuff my mum made, bits & bobs, but I never got round to it. I meant to send it LAST MARCH. Yes, it's taken me 11 months to get off my ass and send it. Like I said, I procrastinate from my procrastination. So I went to the post office and sent it. It cost me $60 to send. 60. The lady behind the counter looked at the sending address and said "Um, just to let you know, the United States actually has an additional fee for any packages over 500 grams, okay?". I just laughed. Sometimes I can't stand America. I just replied "Of course they do" and paid the fucking fee. Bastards. As long as you're safe from terrorists, right guys? Pfht.

Thirdly, I called Vicki! Vicki is the mum of one of my friends from rotary exchange (gorgeous Liz), and she works in journalism/media, and I'd been meaning to get in touch with her about exploring my opportunities, that sort of thing, but I had lost her contact card. Anyway, long story short, I finally called her and I'm attending a "Women in Media" event on the 29th, where I'll see her face-to-face as well. YAY! Very nervous though. As a  girl, my first thought was, of course, "oh shit, what do I wear?". I have yet to find something. Somehow I don't think my jeans and Led Zeppelin shirt will be welcome. But that's just the impression I'm getting.

Fourthly, we made it Facebook official! Aha. Won't go into details because those reading this (Lol, anyone?) probably know me from Facebook or tumblr, so you know what the deal is. Basically, I am extremely happy with an amazing person. The Peeta to my Katniss! Although I am not as bloody emotionally oblivious as Katniss.

Fifthly (heading into weird sounding words now), I finished a few more books: The Moral Landscape, 1984, and Inside Wikileaks. Am now reading The Reader, although I've already read most of it years ago, and recently saw the film, so I know what it's about. Still, it's nice to read it again. This sentiment also has nothing to do with the fact that Kate Winslet is naked on the cover. God bless the movie.

Sixthly, I've basically ran out of things, but really wanted to say "sixthly". I have a going away party to attend this weekend for a friend who's moving to Melbourne (like everyone from Perth does, sigh). It's a theme party, which should be fun (I have yet to think of a costume), but I'm going to be pretty sad because I'm really going to miss him. Then university starts on Monday. 6am starts and 4pm finishes. This high that I am currently riding on seems to be evaporating fairly quickly as I type (melancholy laugh). Shall keep you informed of my shenanigans as the days progress!
Ciao.

-ellen

"I believe life is for the living."

Hello all. Recently I've been a tad... down in the dumps, shall we say, and I'm a bit tired of reflecting on the negatives of my life (lack of money, no job, inability to travel anywh- Oh god I'm doing it now! arggghhh!), so I've decided to create a post about the most amazing things I have done in my life to make myself feel better. So here we go. Also, keep in mind that most of this is recollection and I have the memory of goldfish, so this list may not be 100% complete.

1. Travelled to two third world countries (Mozambique in 2003 and Papua New Guinea in 2011).
2. Met a Holocaust survivor.
3. Did the polar bear dip in Canada (jumping into an ice lake when it's freezing outside).
4. Worked at a radio station as an intern.
5. Went quad biking/four wheeling in mountains in Idaho.
6. Met my three favourite comedians (Adam Hills, Frank Woodley, Arj Barker).
7. Went on rotary exchange for a year in 2010.
8. Been to New York City.
9. Stood outside the White House.
10. Went kayaking/canoeing with my best friend for 6 hours in the ocean.
11. Spontaneously went swimming at the beach wearing all my clothes (with the same best friend).
12. Laid down in a meadow all night with one of my best friends from the rotary tour (it doesn't sound that great, but it means so much to me).
13. Went skiing four times (three times in America, once in Australia).
14. Acquired a piece of the Berlin wall, and touched the ruins of the twin towers.
15. Was a half-time act at a concert (comedy act with one of my friends).
16. Attended 3 all-weekend festivals in total.
17. Been to Singapore over 8 times.
18. Had an article I wrote published in a music magazine.
19. Fell in love.

This is what leaps to mind at the moment. Some things may not be very significant to you, dear reader, but all of these things holds something special for me.

-ellen


UPDATE: 
-Had lunch with 4 MPs at Government House
-Been on a road trip four times across/around Australia with my family
-Stood 2 metres away from the Queen (and she waved at me and my mum!!)
-Driven(?) a speed boat
-Been up the Empire State Building and the Space Needle
-Done some things in Nelson, British Columbia with rotary student that involve African tequila and herbs

This bitch..

Today I went to my local shopping centre (which is about a 15 min bus ride away) to take back a backpack I had bought for uni. I really liked it initially, but I sort of tried it out a few times, and realised it was quite uncomfortable, and today was the last day I could take it back to the store for a refund, so I went in.

I got to the counter and the two shop assistants were talking and giggling to each other ("bloody teenagers", says the 19 year old), so I sort of cleared my throat awkwardly (and at that moment realised I still had bed hair. Oops). Anyway, one of the girls comes to the counter to serve me, and I explain to her that I want to get a refund, I just didn't really like the bag, etc. I handed her the receipt and sort of looked around in what I can only describe as a shop that would always be too trendy and too expensive for me. She sort of examined the receipt, and scrutinised the bag closely and ran her fingers over it. I tried not to look at her too weirdly as she did that. Then finally she turns to me and says (in this "I'm-not-really-sorry-but-my-job-requires-me-to-sound-like-I-give-a-shit" voice), "Yeah, look, I'm really sorry about this, but we can't actually take this bag back and sell it; there's a run on the material at the top here (and she gestures to what appears to be a non-existent mark), so we can't give you a cash refund on it unfortunately." I sort of went "URGH" and sighed, perhaps a little too dramatically, and said, bloody irritated "So I can't get a refund or anything?". She said the best she could give me was store credit. Fuck. I grudgingly accepted and sulked off with my fucking store credit.

So now I have store credit for this stupid bloody hip store and no bag. I could've kept the bag, but I really didn't need it (or want it anymore), and felt that maybe I could get something I actually need in the future at the store (the store credit lasts for 6 months). I was just so irritated about that bitch's authority though. She looked about my age too. It's like, clearly this is the most power she can exercise over someone, so she's going to take full advantage of my dazed expression and haphazard hairdo. I suppose it could be worse, I could get nothing back. I was just extremely annoyed at how the whole situation played out. I felt like strangling her. I didn't even see a bloody run/mark on the bag. And naturally, the minute I start to walk away, I think of all the witty things I should've said. Alas.

This entry basically had no point whatsoever. I just felt the need to share my first-world woes with you. Continue about your day.

-ellen

The girl on fire.

I have no soul. I have no heart. It's been broken a billion times and shattered in front of my eyes.
"But how, Ellen?" I hear you ask (you're probably not asking, but I don't care). Because I finally read The Hunger Games trilogy. What pain! What anguish! I downloaded the books as .pdf files and spent Saturday and Sunday completely engrossed (which is difficult when you're looking at a computer screen for that long, with such deep concentration). Basically, I ate two meals over the stretch of the two days, and had about 5 bathroom breaks. It consumed me. I'm probably making it more intense than it sounds, but it was truly engaging. Now I just have to wait for March 23rd. Sigh.

Now, apart from losing my soul, not a lot has been happening. University starts in two weeks. As lazy as this sounds, I don't want to go back so soon (I've been on holidays since early December, but shut up). Time really has flown by. I've gotten so used to reading all day, taking my dog for a walk whenever I want... alas, my leisure time will soon vanish. I want to do the right thing and pre-read some stuff before I go back, and I have gotten a third of a way through one of my Security books. The only problem being I have 7 books (at least 600 pages each). Fuck. Not to mention the material is as dry as a bone. I have to read the same sentence about nine times before I actually understand it. I am dreading actually having to do the readings by myself. I almost need a translator.

I went into my mum's work on Friday to help her out with some admin stuff, because she has a big accreditation coming up, which is very serious (& she's the manager). So I worked as the secretary at the front desk, letting people in the front door (buzzing them in), stapling papers, sorting out forms, answering the phone etc. It was quite fun until I realised people kept spotting me spinning around in my chair and humming to myself. They probably think I'm mad. Rightfully so. It was quite busy though. I kept trying to find spots under the desk to take a nap without anyone noticing.

I'm also on this new.. health-kick thing. Which is code word for 'diet' or 'detox', but I refuse to acknowledge that. Basically I'm having smaller meal portions, having no alcohol, processed fats or sugars, and drinking lots of water and green tea. Now, as you can imagine, it's not the smaller meal portions that are killing me (although I would kill for a Nando's chicken burger right now), and it's not the sugar and fat ban. And I love green tea. And water, I suppose. It's the bloody alcohol ban that's crippling me. More than The Hunger Games (which is something I never thought I'd say). I just want a beer. Or a gin and tonic. Or a margarita. Or a cocktail. Or a scotch and coke. Anything. If I snap and kill somebody at the hairdressers or something, you'll know why.Wish me luck.

I also bought a backpack for university. I quite like it, I'm a bit unsure about it though. But I think it'll work. Apart from the above, nothing much has been happening. Same ridiculously hot weather (while the other side of the country is practically underwater). Same routines. Or lack thereof. I think I'll spend my two weeks of freedom desperately trying to pre-read all of my books (or most). Did I mention I'm also trying to read other books too? I'm still reading Sam Harris' "The Moral Landscape". And I have so many unread books on my bookshelf that I want to read. And I have fourteen days. Gulp. Should get a move on.

Ciao for now.

-ellen