New Yrrrrr

Me in my old job as a student. Graphic design nerds will notice that the sign behind us has a widow. l-r Kelly Clarkson (no, seriously), hardworking student, glorious leader (this is our tutor Heather, she rocks), Maiko, Jason and Katalena Falalalalalalalalatule

Hello bloggies

The opening of my results and the return of my portfolio, which is currently winding its way around Auckland in the boot of someone's car, occurred yesterday to much caffeine and hugging. While it was nice to know I have officially passed it was disappointing to learn that I had dropped a grade in my bloody portfolio from the mid-year assessment (B+ and top of the class to a boringly average B) and that I narrowly missed out on an award. I would be wracked with self-doubt but I just can't be arsed, though I am very curious as to what went wrong between the two assessments. It was wonderful to learn that three of my classmates got awards (there was one in particular which was not expected by work's current chauffeur and I am so pleased for her) and that our portfolios were generally considered to be of a high standard.

I've mostly been sitting about on my arse since the course finished, which will all change tomorrow with the last minute shopathon. On Sunday it is Christmas with Soofoo and on Tuesday I head off for the vipassina meditation. Idleness of the body has prompted hyperactivity of the brain and a couple of hours ago I had decided I wasn't going. After all, there's only a month left in this country and so much sun and scenery to enjoy why shut myself away for a third of it? But looking at the website I'm going to go after all. I've wanted to do something like this for a long time and I don't know when I will next have the time or the motivation. Unlike Maharaji's knowledge it does not require that I spend months of preparation watching videos, unlike trying to revive my TM it will be conducted in an environment where I will have no distractions or excuses to cop out. If it's a load of old bollocks there'll still be plenty of time to observe sheep and sunbathe on the way home.

I'm really proud of this picture. It was for the front cover of my bowlie mix but due to my unforgivable lack of organisation I missed out on getting it printed in school so the poor recipient will have to wait until I get back to receive the outer part of his parcel. It was also the front cover for my bastard portfolio (this is the last time I shall bitch about my portfolio before bitterness ages me prematurely) and was apparently well received. Go on, click on it and look at it all big. Thanks.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE and see you next year xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

(edit 26.12, sorry I can't get the comments to show at the moment, not sure what i've done wrong but do keep commenting, it'll be a nice surprise and in the meantime you can select the text to see what people have said)

2005

Unaccustomed as I am to blogging while drunk (and for very good reason) I feel I ought to state that I have finished the course that I came here to do. I am sad to leave it behind but glad that I got through it. I am no longer a student or a receptionist. I am something new and exciting and I shall choose what that is in the new year. Many many many thanks to those that have brought this about and helped me through it.

No tinsel

Here's the blighter.

Tomorrow is my last day of school. I've finished all my work. I can't even begin to think about that right now.

It seems the job I went for last week never existed. I suspect the guy at the record shop may have just been chatting me up due to my fantabulous taste in music. So I'll be looking for work for the next 4 weeks but unless I head out of town for some fruit picking my chances are pretty slim.

With this in mind I have confirmed my participation in a ten day vipassana http://www.dhamma.org/ meditation course over new years. It's cheap, it's fulfilling (apparently) and it may get me off the ciggies. I haven't meditated properly since my early teens (mum and dad sent me to transcendental meditation classes when I was 11 - see DK I told you they were hippies) so I'm not entirely convinced I can focus my mind to that degree any more. But seeing as there's no talking, smoking, drinking or telly at this place I doubt I'll have much choice. No talking for ten days! And no reading or writing shit down either. My head will probably explode.

What with that and the eight day NLP practitioner course in february (two days after I get back to blighty) I expect to become a) a well rounded individual, b) one of those boring wankers you see in ashrams and festivals with their heads jammed firmly up their arses or c) bonkers. Or I may continue dipping in to all three and plod along.

Things that have surprised and annoyed me this week include Arnold Schwarzeneggar and classmates who claim to have no money to enjoy a last day together but seem to conduct the rest of their lives spending like mad.

Yeah, they don't have tinsel here. I love the smell of tinsel. Can someone send me a bit?

The words on this are the lyrics to 'across the universe'. It's very cheesy, I know, but I need something for the first page of my portfolio.

The course is taking over my life once again, and with only a week to go I guess it has every right. I am really nervous about it. Really scared of fucking up and failing I suppose. I'm trying not to be scared and I don't care what grade I get, but having taken a year, broken up with someone and spent more money than I may ever have again to achieve this I know that failing would be really rather upsetting.

Oh how I am looking forward to seeing you all again. The summer is lovely and I can't wait for January and the things I have planned but sitting in a pub in London or Cornwall with a bunch of my mates has been playing in my mind for a couple of days now.

Self Portrait

Q: What's vainer than Trish when she's only got her new software and her photo collection to play with?
A: Very sodding little

This weekend has been rather strange because everyone's getting ready for Christmas by sunbathing on the beach. It's so good to see some colour on these pasty arms. There is a massive terrifying papier-mache style Father Christmas on Whitcoulls (WH Smiths) in town which has a motor in it which winks one of its eyes and bends its pointing index finger. It looks like it should be saying 'Milky Milky'.

Just so you all know now - nobody's getting anything for Christmas. Sorry folks, but I'm a scabby student these days. Those of you who want goodies from NZ can wait until February. It's also pointless for anyone to send me anything as I'll be shipping everything back to England 2 days after the big day. Santa is bypassing my gaff this year and thank goodness, he looks like a bloody great pervert.