Queen's Homecoming
I've just arrived home, drawing my mad weekend in Kingston to a close- and mad it was, predominantly due to the fact that Queen's students are out of their minds...But more on that to follow. Let's start at the begininng.
Ian walked me to the bus station Friday morning to catch my 10:30 bus to Kingston. The bus ride was uneventful, and I arrived on time and in good order. From there I took a cab to see my relatives. I got to have a second birthday cake with my little cousins. They are so cute, but growing older faster than my mind can really keep pace with.
From there I got a lift to the Queen's campus, and met Dave at the corner of Union and University streets. How delighted I was to see him I cannot explain. He then escorted me back to McNeill House (his residence), at which point I had to endure being introduced to all the people on his floor. Ordinarily there are 53 people on the floor, but with all the guests in the building for homecoming, it was ridiculous. All this considered, I think I did very well at remembering names. I met a great deal of wonderful people: some fun, talented, friendly, utterly insane people. Dave's roommate Alessandro is a hilarious little jackass (I mean that in the nicest possible way), and the two of them seem to get along swimmingly. I am glad to have met all those nutjobs of McNeill 2. Friday night I just partied in Rez with them, and we had a jolly good time.
Saturday morning there was a Pancake Kegger but I did not attend. I chose to sleep in a bit instead. We went for lunch (the lineups were just as crazy as the students all weekend) and then went to the Homecoming football game: the Ottawa Gee-Gees vs. the Queen's Golden Gaels. Of course the Gee-Gees won, and I wore my uOttawa sweater with all the gloating pride I could muster, despite one suggestion that I be lynched.
However, the victory was not the defining aspect of the football game. Honestly, I think any anthropologist or sociologist would have a field day attending that game. Occult madness. When the Gaels scored a touchdown, the entire stadium stood in triumphant applause and commenced the distrubing ritual they call the "oil-thigh": some strange variation of the can-can to bagpipe music and gaelic singing. Then the pipe band played and marched around and the highland dancers danced and the cheerleaders went ballistic... the whole ordeal lasted for over 5 minutes. My inquiry: "If this is what happens for a touchdown, what on Earth happens when the Gaels win?" The answer (as provided by Will, Dave's floormate): "I don't know... that doesn't happen much." Ha. Ha. Ha. And they are so proud of themselves.
The most interesting/frightening part of the game was half time. All the engineering students, who had dyed themselves purple for the occasion (the Queen's colours are red, yellow, and blue), rushed onto the field and began jumping up and down in a mad frenzy. Dave taped this ordeal. It was scary. Then they all took off their leather jackets and began beating the ground with them and shouting madly. This beating of the ground with their clothing continued for a long time, right through the marching of the pipe band through the fray... it did not change until the Alumni began their little march around the track surrounding the field. Then the engineers all lined the track and beat the ground in time with one another at the feet of the Alumni in some strange tribal gesture of respect. I basically watched the whole procedure openmouthed, not sure whether I should laugh or scream. I had a blast.
From there we left and got something to eat before returning to Rez. We chilled there and partied until we decided to go and watch the latter half of the Homecoming concert. Metric was great, though pretty much the same as they were at our Fedstock concert. Billy Talent was also really good, although they played too many new songs and not enough of their hits, in my opinion. So we had fun at the concert.
Walking back to Rez from the concert we went through the student ghetto, past the party on Aberdeen. My God, I am so glad we do not have parties of that scale here at Ottawa. That was truly frightening... and not in the same disconcerting sense as the engineering antics were. The street was a mob of drunken students. People were sitting on rooves and balconies, drinking and shouting at the people below. There was an overturned car on which people were partying in the middle of the street, which rumour says was lit on fire later that night. There were cops left right and centre, most looking helpless to do anything at all, but there were also mounted police and I'm told there were cops breaking out the teargas. I am so glad we did not stick around. As much as that makes for good bragging rights in terms of tales of huge university parties, I am so glad nothing on that scale happens here at the U of O.
So we made it back to Rez by like 2 am, where we chilled for the rest of the night.
This morning, Sunday, Dave had a chemistry tutorial so I stayed in Rez and chipped away at my religion reading until his return. Then we went to lunch with a few people. After that I chilled with Rachael for a while, which was so great because we had not really spoken since before she left for Turkey this summer. We had a great deal of catching up to do.
So at 5:00 a cab arrived to whisk me away from Dave to the bus station. I arrived home just after 8pm with many a story to tell. If you wish to hear more of my weekend (yes, despite the enormity of this post, I could go on), talk to me. I doubt the majority of you have made it to this point anyways. Sorry to be excessive, but this past weekend was full of excess. I had a phenomenal time. Thanks to everyone at Queen's for having me. You all need mental help, and I love you for it.
Now I must reassume my regular existence. Thanks for reading. Thanks for being.
Chelsea out.
Beowulf
It seems that there is going to be another film adaptation of the epic poem Beowulf, this time around starring Ray Winstone as the title warrior and Crispin Glover as the monster Grendel. The film is expected to hit theatres in 2007... that gives all those out there who have yet to read the Old English epic a chance to do so... and please do. Even if you are unfamiliar with Anglo-Saxon literature, even if you do not plan on seeing the film, read Beowulf. It is one of those things that ought to be read.
I just wrapped up studying Beowulf in my English Literature before 1700 class. Now we move on to Chaucer!
Anyone interested in learning more about the upcoming film (or any other film for that matter) would be well advised to click on The Internet Movie Database, in my Links section. It's a great website for movie buffs and other film-oriented people (and they aren't even paying me to say that).
Lots to do. I leave for Kingston in the morning.
The Dresden Dolls
My older brother is going to see the Dresden Dolls at the Mod Club on October 25th. Ought to be an interesting experience. I'm so envious. This crazy gothic duo market themselves as "brechtian punk cabaret," and I'm sorry but I must say that I think the drummer, Brian, is rather attractive, especially in his bowler hat. Not my favourite band, but fun when you are in the mood.
www.dresdendolls.com
The Blogging Birthday Girl
I am now posting as an adult: legally, if not quite otherwise. Yesterday was my 18th birthday. The day began with Corn Pops, then philosophy class and more discussion of Plato's Euthyphro. Seriously interesting, however the professor has a tendency to make random remarks that I would consider idiotic if the man was not a philosophy professor, and I do not want to think you can be both a philosophy prof and an idiot simultaneously. Such thoughts offend my sensibilites, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, even if he did butcher the story of Oedipus.
After that I met my Aunt Barb and Uncle Chris and they took me out for lunch. We went to Mexicali Rosa's by Dow Lake, and it was positively delightful and much appreciated. It is very nice to know that I will be seeing more of them now that I live closer to them.
After that I did some reading, because birthday or no these things must be done.
Then Ian accompanied me down to the bus station so I could purchase the ticket that will send me to Kingston this weekend. I wil be going to Queen's University for their homecoming. The Ottawa Gee-Gees are playing the Queen's Golden Gaels, and I am looking forward to seeing the Gaels thrashed... though I ought not to count my proverbial chickens before they have hatched. It will be fun nonetheless. I am eager to see some of the legendary Queen's spirit in action, so Dave can dance and make an ass of himself while I cheer for the Gee-Gees. Good times. I leave Friday morning, will be spending the afternoon with my relatives (if all goes according to plan) and the rest of the weekend with Dave and his new friends, I suppose. I hope to see Catherine at some point as well.
After arriving home from the bus station, there was a nice little group of people waiting not-so-patiently for me so we could go out to dinner. Thanks to Cory, Andrew, Ian, Amanda, and Cassie for taking me on that little adventure! Damn, that was some good Tiramisu. Thanks for spoiling me to death in your various ways, guys. I appreciate it. Thanks to all the people who called or sent me an email or talked to me on MSN (or more than one of the three), it was so nice to hear from you. Remember, we don't need a special occasion to have a chat! I'm always here for you if you need me.
My family sent me a fantastic bag of stuff with Tyler when he came to visit this past weekend. I feel so loved! Also, thanks for the cake!
To round off my birthday I had to attend a meeting of all the CASPAR (like our rez association for academic support and social stuff and all that) representatives. I represent our floor at meetings and am in charge of making everyone on the 20th floor knows what services and fun stuff is available to them.
I am also heading up Halloween activities. We are going trick-or-treating to the Prime Mininster's and the Governor General's houses. What else? We shall soon see... but I do know that now I need a good idea for a costume. Any suggestions? I'd love to hear from you!
So now I'd better get back to taking Psychology notes. I have a lot to do if I am to leave Ottawa in good standing this weekend.
Exit Chelsea, stage left.
Not-so-late-breaking News
Tyler is on his way!
He arrives tonight, we are going to go on an adventure to pick him up from the bus station. It ought to be fun.. the only problem is that now it is raining. So perhaps we will be taking a cab? I don't know. We'll see.
We also need to go to Loblaws at some point, for we need to restock our fridge. Right now it only has some fruit and a nice big chocolate cake. My family sent me a cake because my birthday is on Monday. So either tonight or tomorrow we are having a cake-eating pre-birthday party.
Today I did not put as large a dent in my list of Things To Do as I would have liked, but I was out very late last night and felt I deserved a bit of a slack day. I watched Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Having Fridays off is great.
I am considering the possibility of joining the ranks of the writers and editors of Yawp, the English department's "literary" publication. I read the first issue, and there was some good stuff in it. So I'll have to stop by the UESA (Undergraduate English Students' Association) office and investigate.
It seems that I will be going to the Queen's University Homecoming next weekend. More on this to follow.
Tomorrow we are going to Cora's for breakfast, then likely meeting up with Cassie and Mike for a fun-filled afternoon. Perhaps we will go to the football game. This weekend is going to be most enjoyable, I expect.
Well, I think I'll try to get some reading done now. Tata.
Blogging as a Break from Reading
Good Evening.
I am just taking a break from reading. I am nearly done Beowulf and am thusfar enjoying my English Literature course immensely. Good books, good times.
Today, being Wednesday, is one of my busier days: more classes than is typical and the list of 'Things To Do' seems to be filling up already. I am, nonetheless, having a grand time. I like being pleasantly busy, and in my present situation I still have time for a social life. I am feeling very organized and capable and so far only one girl on our floor has had an emotional breakdown. So we are in pretty good standing, I'd say.
Tonight was the first meeting of the uOttawa English Debating Society: the university's oldest student association (The Student Fed and all the campus publications were all derived from the EDS) and current reigning World champions for international debating. These are my people. They are eloquent and persuasive and confidant and creative and oh-so-interestingly well-informed. These are my people. The EDS meets Wednesdays and Fridays for about an hour and a half in Simard Hall, then we all go to The Royal Oak (a nearby pub) and have more heated (and more lubricated, if you happen to be legal) arguments. Hip Hip Hooray, good times are in store. I feel very cultured.
As a further point of interest, it seems I am going to be judging in the uOttawa tournament that the MDHS Debate Team nearly attended last year. So that will be entertaining.
I went to my first Workshop in Essay Writing class. Good Lord. The teacher is nice but I cannot believe I am in that class. I have a feeling it is going to be child's play, but we'll have to see. I'm sure I will learn
something: that is why I am here. However, I was dissappointed to learn that the longest essay we will be turning in this year will be a scant 3-5 pages (double spaced). Not that I necessarily
want to do more work, but I was hoping to get to turn in something of at least satisfactory substance and legnth. *sigh
I am having a cup of Genmaicha Japanese green tea. This was the first kind of tea I tried on my very first shift at the Tea Company. I think I miss work.
Now I must go: busy busy busy!
Religion, Culture and Identity in Canada
Last night I whined about how much reading I had to do for my religion class. I take it back. If all the classes are as interesting as the one I attended today, I will gladly plow through the assigned articles. Today and next class we are honoured to be joined by Mr. Allen Deleary, who is speaking to us about aboriginal religions in Canada and their place in society, both historically and in the present day. It is delightfully interesting. I have to remind myself to write something down occasionally, not just sit listening with my mouth hanging open.
At least I don't need to worry about paying attention in that class!
Off to read Beowulf for English.
No horses for Chelsea
I was all excited when I found out about the U of O Equestrian Team... Then I found out how damned expensive it was to join. Considering I'd only compete in two shows per semester, the cost is positively ridiculous.
I will attend the information session tomorrow as I had planned, but my primary concern is no longer whether I will make the team. My primary concern is now that the cost is entirely disproportionate to the amount of horse-time I'll be getting in. I really don't think I can afford it.
So I suppose I'll attend this meeting and see what they have to say for themselves, then I may well have to call home and tell Mom that she doesn't have to send up my riding gear with Tyler after all.
Bother!
I have reading to do. Talk to you all soon.
Choose fixed interest mortgage repayments.
I got my Trainspotting Poster!
Second Day of Classes
It's Monday, and my second day of classes (I have Fridays off). I just got back from Philosophy. The class is huge but I think I'm really going to like my prof. I know several people in the class and it ought to be entertaining. Prof. Hunter is a little quirky but at least he has a sense of humour.
Valid argument: All dogs are animals. Fido is a dog. Therefore, Fido is an animal.
Invalid argument: All dogs are animals. Fido is a dog. Therefore, Fido is made of Zinc.
The man also wears socks and sandals.
The past weekend was great fun... apart from having to spend obscene amounts of money on books. However, the Norton Anthology of English Literature was worth every penny. It's huge and full of brilliance. I also got my course pack for my Religion and Culture course. The amount of reading I already have to do for that class is ridiculous!
Saturday night there was a party that went until 2am. Then another party started at 5am, for the 101 guides to celebrate getting off duty. Needless to say I was pretty exhausted when I dragged myself back to my dorm room for 9:30 ish. I am glad it is only annual... I don't think I would go to such a thing more than once a year. Anyways, I won't talk much more about that party.
Josh from down the hall just skateboarded past my room.
I have to go to my first psychology class soon, so I will go grab something to eat now. Lots of work to do!
Exit Chelsea, Stage Left.
First day of Classes
Classes began today, and it is raining- hard. It was raining so hard at one point that it even forced to Engineers to stop breaking small appliances with baseball bats in the courtyard. I had Religion, Culture, and Identity in Canada this morning at 8:30. I'm still a little confused as to why such a course is given in the basement of the Engineering complex. Ought to be an interesting class nonetheless.
I have English Literature Before 1700 today at 2:30 pm, NOT in the Engineering Complex. Then later tonight I will be going to Rock n' Bowl (like Disco Bowling I guess) with the rest of the English 101 kids.
I've investigated the Debate Team, the Ultimate Team, and the Equestrian Team... but I'm not yet sure which I'll actually be getting involved in. My prospects for making the Equestrian Team aren't that great seeing as I haven't been in the saddle in a year, but I'd try out just for the opportunity to ride again. So we'll see how that goes I suppose. Tyler is coming up next weekend and will be bringing my gear, if all goes according to plan.
I went on an adventure the other day with a new friend of mine. We went on a 3 hour walk across half the damn city and I know the city fairly well now as a result. That day was a bit ridiculous but at least now I know my way around.
People have now dropped into my room to hang out for a bit, so I'm going to finish this post here. Hope to talk to you all soon.
Frosh continues...
I'm here in my room with Amanda and Ian instead of going to the Icebreakers session. The huge cottage party I went to last night didn't get out until 2 am, then they expect me to get up and go to Icebreakers at 10am? Not happening, said I. So I will be going to the Opening Ceremonies and Fedstock concert at 2:30 instead. We will be seeing Metric, The Stills, and two French bands: Les Cowboys Fringantes (whom I am familiar with) and some other band. So it ought to be entertaining.
The party last night was insane; close to a a thousand people, I would say. Dance inside and live bands outside: The Cheap Suits and The Constantines and a few other bands. I met loads of people and had a grand old time.
Well I'd better go. I shall post on the Fedstock concert sometime in the future!
Go Ottawa!
Thompson 2014
Welcome to the Penthouse Suite of Thompson Residence! Amanda and I are living on the very top floor of the tallest building on campus... floor 20. The view is great although waiting for elevators is not fun. I took the stairs twice today because I got impatient. Yes, all 20 flights of them. If I keep this up I'll never have to worry about my butt again.
My room, apart from being rather warm, is nice. The place is bigger than I had thought it would be, blessedly. I now have a lovely Frosh T-shirt with ENGLISH spraypainted on the back... this is my passport to all the coming Week's acitivites, which I will summarize in some future post for those of you that care. However, I will note with displeasure that there are a few of the Frosh activities in which I cannot participate because I am not 18 until September 19th. BOTHER.
Chris, Dave, Kaelan, and Lowe just left us. They came to visit and it was the last time I'll be seeing Dave and Chris before Thanksgiving. That was a kind of hard. Lowe and Kaelan are both at Carleton, so I would not be at all surprised if we got together from time to time. In any case, Amanda and I have made many an acquaintance and are settling in very nicely.
Tomorrow is the Tailgate Party and the Football game: Ottawa vs. Guelph. Then off from the football game to some crazy cottage party. Ought to be entertaining.
So I will try to get some pictures of the room up at some point, though not tonight. I'm going to get into my pj's and gaze at the beautiful view of downtown Ottawa.
Exit Chelsea, Stage Left.
My Last Night in Markham
I am leaving tommorrow (or rather today, it is morning now) for Ottawa.
But that is not what I am going to speak of this evening. Tonight I will be telling the tale of my last night in town, which I spent at a concert. The Mars Volta and System of a Down performed at the Air Canada Centre and I was there (in addition to my two brothers and Dave and a few other people I knew).
At approximately 7:20 the opening band came on. They were enthusiastic. They were also a terrible waste of biological material, to be frank. No further mention shall be made of this band in my account.
The Mars Volta was excellent. If System of a Down had not come to the stage at all and The Mars Volta's 45 minute performance had been the whole show, I still would have considered the night worth the cost of the ticket. They played wonderfully, then they got warmed up and played fantastically. The group was, this evening, comprised of eight guys. I was impressed when one of the auxilliary percussionists pulled out a tenor sax and began wailing on it... I was more impressed when he began playing a bass clarinet... and I was thrilled to stupification when he pulled out a flute and gave a performance that was almost (almost!) worthy of Jethro Tull. Blessedly extravagant in attire and energetic in manner, The Mars Volta played many a quality song. Three Cheers for The Mars Volta: Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray! Hip Hip Hooray!
Now here I feel a touch guilty: System of a Down was the headliner band and I'm afraid I won't have as much to say about them as I did for The Mars Volta... though in my defense The Mars Volta
was the reason I went at all. System of a Down was very tight- they were rhythmically complex and upbeat. If you like System of a Down you will love them live, because they perform their songs with gusto and brash enthusiasm. Harmony work: excellent. Tempo changes: flawless. My biggest problem with System of a Down was that they just carried on too long. I would have been happier with a set that was, say, at least 30 minutes shorter. All the pounding just gets monotonous... and things that are an aggressive assault on your auditory and visual perception should never be taken in such an excess as to make it monotonous.
All in all, the evening was worth both the money and the marginal hearing loss. Thanks for coming with me, Dave. I had a blast.
