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BEST FRIEND  & EMAIL  First of all, my best friend, Gazzy.  So I was in the Multilearning Centre with Ashnita when he emailed me, so I was pretty surprised to turn on my iTouch and find his name pop up after randomly checking shortly after.  

• "Made octopus last night, a tagine. You might have actually liked it" includes me in his life
  
• The fact that he doesn't go, "Lucy, my dad's partner's daughter" makes me feel special, like I should know
  
• "So there should be a pile of ideas that’ll fly through your head" about his $3,000.  So he wants me to plan what we can do now that he has that money?
  
•  "Damn, I was keeping my fingers cross for PR- I’ve never been good at cheating the system either (just look at centrelink), it always seems so easy for everyone else though- I don’t know why. But at least your mum’ll be thrilled (‘horay!’). Exactly, I think I might gradually be getting the hang of saving up (at least temporarily), so America’s only a few steps away."  So that's his response?  I guess it's okay.
• "I reckon we should give French silk pie a go ourselves" to my response of telling him of how to make one after he mentioned what he incorrectly thinks one is
• "Or we could take the celebration to new levels and buy some pre-packed sandwiches from the supermarket, and make it a truly memorable experience! Please not McD’s! No!"  He is SO FUNNY when he wants to be.
• "A pact- Tokyo Aquarium before we die" Um, so we'll be traveling together for years to come?  Awesome, especially since I used to say this and now he is.
  
• "It’d be fun to see how you’d react to it all (they’d probably love you, but all of them together can be a little draining)."  They'd love me?  What am I, a girlfriend now?  Aw regardless!  
• Huh, like I’d pass the opportunity to have my own special chauffeur (and as if you could resist all those roundabouts, you know they’re so much fun!)."  Again, funny when he wants to be.
  
• "Hope you come up with some fun plans in the next couple of weeks, and I’ll see you then."  Again, with the planning, aw.
• "Oh and I did my first real marshmallow roasting last night with a real fire, not cheating."  He's sooo Americanized it's not even funny.  
  

UNI CLASSWORK  I had four meetings in one day, which is two more than normal for me.  I was tired, but yet if felt like I had something to do in life.

The first meeting was more casual- it was with Arthur and Stephen for our IFM assignment.  I met them in the library, and before Stephen came, it was just me and Arthur sitting like two old people watching others walk past while talking.  And how walks past?  Elaine.  We were laughing at how she was walking like as if she had a stick up her ass.

The second meeting was with Ashnita, which ran into my meeting with Arthur and Stephen.  With her it was quick, easy, and painless as she quickly showed me what she wrote for our paper, and I was surprised she did so much work (like four pages, but for her that's a lot).  We talked about how I really should go to Fiji since I can visit her, and then we talked about how Gaz and I should just get together already.  She's convinced we are in denial, but I know better to fall for him again like that. 

I went back to the library and found the boys in a group study room.  Stephen's such a knowitall that I call out nowadays.  I used to not, but now why shouldn't I?  He thinks he knows Cleveland and was arguing with me about my own fucking city, but when I called him out when a very detailed "no, you're wrong" answer, I just laughed at his face.

Break was lunch in which I went over to get a chocolate cake from Megan, who smiled knowing what I was going to ask for.  Then back over to the library before walking back over to my bungie with the boys to drop off their bags in my room.

JOB  Which lead to my third meeting.  It was with Kirsty, who is not as likeable as Amy, but very nice.  She just pauses long and I question if I'm supposed to speak or not.  My problem is the filler kind of talking, so I can't stand that.  I was proud how I wasn't nervous and we laughed and chatted, because I needed to work on that.  But I also need to work on getting to the point and not deviating as well.  She told me, just like Nash and Stephen, that "It's not what you can do, but what you want to do." So again I feel better.  I also like how professional she was: standing when I came in, standing when I went to leave, making it more informal, and knowing what she was doing over all.

And finally, my last meeting.  On the way to meeting May and company, I saw the boys in a room two doors down.  I was talking with them when Dino and May came in and I left jealously.  I found Nash alone and he's so weird nowadays.  I have to forcibly talk to him and I won't bother anymore.  Thankfully Dino and May soon followed-- she got her job!  But I must remember to, well, remember what's going on in their lives so I can ask later on.

Basically what do I remember about this meeting?  I didn't get credit for my work yet again. And David Robinson?:  "Not to complain in this email about someone you don't know, but...so it's no secret to anyone that I loathe my entrepreneurship professor, David.  I mean really, how can someone like him get $100,000+ per year to teach nothing to us at all?  And on top of that, not remember our names or give us our correct marks?  It only takes a girl to flirt with him for him to give her top marks, right?  So the other day he posted our grades on ilearn and after hearing that Nash in my group got a 7.5 for doing nothing, I was pissed at my 6.5/10 for doing every single thing for my group.  Normally I wouldn't care, but knowing that my professor gives high marks to only the people he likes since he's biased, I was pretty peeved off.  I emailed him with, "I was the first one who spoke, and I was the one who gave the longest critique with the most information.  I was chosen as the representative for my group.  I just spoke to the rest of my team members today during our meeting, and they all agreed that it seems subjective and doesn't add up when I was the one who spoke for the entire group."  The entire time I was going, "that damn wanker" over and over again while typing that.

Now I'll get to see if he acknowldeges the fact that either, a) he doesn't know my name and gave me a generic mark, or b) didn't give me a high mark since he forgets I exist since I don't flirt with him, or c), he doesn't pay attention to what happens in class and just gives us some random number when putting down marks.

I'll let you know what he gives me and what he says.  Normally I don't care, but there's just something about this womanizer that I can't stand, you know?  At least give me what I deserve even if I don't go "ooooh, Daaaviddd, you're sooooo smart!" like the other girls."

Lastly, dinner.  I saw Ying yet again.  I was glad I was smiling in a good mood and I instinctively went around without seeing her at first so that I wouldn't be too close to her.   Unlike her I was smiling from the good mood and I felt good as if a "fuck you."

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CHANGE Today was such a learning experience. I ended up being in another world, figuratively speaking of course, and the Canadian's friend ended up calling me a bitch for not realizing she was talking to me. Hmm, people are so nice here. But the reason I bring this up is because it actually didn't bother me like it would've in the past. I barely even noticed-- I think my newly acquired "don't care too much about what others think" way of thinking is paying off.

LIFE HERE But I'll move on to Arthur for just a tiny bit, because he's still hasn't changed much. But wait! He's finally realizing that yes, Aussies are just as bad as Americans as far as acting like assholes and bitches. I mean come on, it took him a year and a half to realize that?? And how did he not know that Aussies don't pronounce the "-er" in words, but with an, "-a" sound instead? How is a guy this stupid to the culture going to stay here, but I may not?! But most of all: he blames every fucking thing on Americans. I tell him all the time, how can you hate your own people? That means you're an asshole if you're calling all Americans assholes. He just laughed, dumbass. But then if Aussies do something differently than Americans, then he calls them stupid!

LITTLE PLEASURES I ran into Mike twice, and he sought me out two other times. I read my professor's philosophical novel last night, which just happened to talk about the universe giving us what we need (even though I don't fully believe in that...only somewhat) and here it was happening for me. Serendipity I suppose.

But I'll go back a little bit to the beginning. I was in the library waiting for Arthur, because he can't be alone and he made up some lame excuse for me to be there. Fine. While looking for him I ran into Mike and we said hi as he went to his meeting with Ash and company. Meanwhile I found Arthur and we went into a group room to "study" (I was, he wasn't). Mike happened to walk past and popped in to talk, but mainly to me. It was just stuff about International Finance, etc, but it was fun because Mike always has us laughing.

There's this thing about Mike...he just does it and is confident about it, but in a loveable way. So we went back to "studying" when he popped in again and stole my financials from my group to show his. Meanwhile Ashnita hears I'm there and comes over to say hi. To we're all laughing and talking as usual, but it's stuff like this that makes my uni experience fun.

And when they go to leave, Mike cuts through my room and he stays a few extra seconds to chat and say goodbye. Ash waves and they're all off. Or so I think. I then leave Art for a little bit (I get fed up with how slow he is) and run into Mike out by the Brasserie back room/Bungies. We're talk, he lights a cigarette, and I'm not sure if he wants a long chat or not, but neither of us are really pushing the other to leave.

I just love stuff like that.

A little bit later me and Arthur saw them writing, "A <3 J" in the sky via a skywriting plane. It's always so much fun to watch that. It's the second time I've seen it on campus, and like fourth I've seen in Sydney (the first two were in Sydney with Gaz three years ago when the swans won).

CULTURE I asked mom, "how'd you go?" without even thinking about my Aussie English, ha.

To back track a little bit, I found gaz's email, bright and early (10 min after woke up)!

Mum had fun in Italy [...]. Does he talk about his mom since I know here and I'm like family in some ways? Or because he has nothing else to say?

Yep, only three weeks till the next big adventure (oysters, kidneys, livers…and hotdogs). He makes me laugh-- all disgusting things. But really, so he thinks of this trip as an adventure?! Maybe I'm so over him that I never thought of it that way. [...]. Take things step by step, get excited about finishing and not having to worry about uni, then you can start panicking about planes and stuff. What's this in reference to? Leaving Bond? Because where does the plane thing come in then? Or is it about our trip and waiting to plan it until I'm done with Bond? What matters though is that he cares enough to offer advice.

So far with centrelink I’ve been able to save up two 2 ½ grand. WHAT?! I THOUGHT YOU HAD NONE! SINCE WHEN HAVE YOU BEEN SAVING WITHOUT TELLING ME? [...]. I think my chest was 87 centre metres, and I weigh about as much as a sumo wrestler at the moment (53kg- haven’t been that light since about year 8!)- the solution, I’ve checked out what women’s clothes are uni sex and I’ll see how that goes. [...]. There's his weight thing again, always mentioning his weight and scaring me when he does it. And is he gay or not? If I’m a good boy I should be able to save up maybe around three thousand before I pick you up in Newcastle/Sydney (it’s Newcastle right? 17^th?), which means we’ll actually be able to have some fun every now and then…hmm, Hobart…Perth…Fiji…McDonald’s! This is the best part. He's saving his money so we can do something together, irregardless if it's just for his sake or not. And he actually wants to do some real traveling! I just wonder why he hasn't mentioned this earlier, when I first told him I'm coming? Is that why he wanted me to stay longer than a week?

CULTURE I told him that I don't mind people bashing my country really (only when it's Americans who think it's cool to bash now that they think Australia's completely godsent or something), but that it does bother me that Aussies are so one-sided about it. It's never what's also bad about their country, but rather it's always about mine. Nothing's wrong with good-old Australia...but every thing is wrong in the US according to so many of them. But being a true neutral thinking guy, fair all the way, he said this about my talk to my Fijian friend (Ashnita): Hmm, it wouldn’t be too hard arguing what’s wrong with Fiji either really, all of those coups and stuff all the time. I think the hard thing on you is that Fiji’s never in the news, where as every man and his dog get saturated with American news (hell, England’s barely ever in the news and it’s supposed to be a super-power, and I can’t remember actually EVER hearing about Canada in the news…your right, nothing happens there). I bet everyone’s an expert on China with all the news they’re getting now days. Yep, he remembers what I say about Canada.

[...] I think the trick could be just to leave with as many fond memories as possible, and not miss it to much. This is about me leaving Bond, my friends, and all the cultural fun. Again, it's him giving advice.

[...]

[...]

Hey, driver’s license, that’s long term thinking (if I get it now, you’ll still be driving anyway, so there). Ha, how did he know what I was getting at?? [...].

[...]

[...] I’ll let you know how it goes here. We always do that now, but it still means a lot.

See you in a little bit. And this as well, but at least this time he's talking about in a little bit.

Gareth.

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UNI CLASSWORK (IFM) Just a bunch of uni related stuff today, even though it usually is anyway. But firstly it was international finance with an early Toby and Arthur coming in just after I did. We were laughing and joking as always, because Toby just has that type of personality and Arthur loves to flirt with guys and feel cool.

Mike came in late and neither of us paid much attention even though he chose to sit directly in front of me, until the quiz came and he chatted with me. And then when he went to leave, he smiled at me with a "Oh, well..." look on his face.

(IHRM) I went to drop some stuff off in the classroom and went back to my IFM classroom to find Arthur and Stephan leaving just in time. We walked over to the library where Art and I had a chat with our IFM professor. I see how he does it: he makes a nice comment and that gets them talking. Unlike me who just says hello to professors.

Once in class Ying chose to be a baby and sat on the other side, while being ignored by Thora (which made me laugh). I didn't care really, but I wished Ashnita was there at least to keep me company. Why is she turning this into something that it's not? This is not a Franzi episode where I'm being immature! It's actually the other way around for once, ha.

But then we had a debate, something I have never been good at. (DISCOVERED) I discovered though that I need to take more initiate. That I need to plan even more. That I need to start thinking more quickly and clearly. And that a good leader explains well and checks on others to see if they're okay. Somehow, thankfully, I lucked out and got the easiest part. Thank you for the forces for doing that.

(YING) It was hilarious watching Ying thinking she was cool because she was with the Germans and yet having our two Chinese students breaking her down. ("She really pisses people off," even Stephan said!).

Afterwards, Art told me to come find him, but instead I ran into Stephan first. Not bad, but that lead to yet another half amusing and yet half frustrating talk at Bond Cafe since Stephan thinks he knows all. It's hard to get word in edgewise and Art has no mind of his own, but instead listens to everyone like everyone is right (except me. I'm never right to him). But why do I mention this? Just because it's odd for me to have two friends who are 45 and 32ish. And yet I'm no longer embarrassed because it's fun. They get me and help me. I feel like I can go to them when I'm upset.

But then I had a group meeting. Me, Nash, Dino, and May. We were practicing and it was odd that I clammed up in front of them. And yet even though Nash sucked, I didn't like him criticizing me even though know one criticized him. May was incredibly sweet though. I just felt like I should've done better even though I practiced so much, truly. Oh, well.

This is why I always feel inferior, and yet I'm told that I'm not (ADVICE).

BEST FRIEND

"Hmm, have to find the proper marshmallows (test all the ones available- I think the Mr.Mallow ones look about right). You’ll have this stupid godiva chocolate bar sitting here waiting to (if dad sneaks in and eats it, I’ll have to kill him, seeing I’m trying to protect it)."

Awwww! My bestie can always make me feel lovely when he wants to. First he mentions it again out of no where, and then he's extremely defensive of it to make sure I get it! It's so Gareth to go "stupid" since I think he does that when he's trying to hide his romantic side or try not to lose face.

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UNI CLASSWORK  Our entrepreneurship lecturer is just...creepy.  And I'm not just saying that because he refuses to remember my name (seriously, eight weeks and you still can't get it even though I repeatedly tell you??).  May and I walked into his room because May is lovely and thought to have him re-check our work since somehow she knew he was full of himself (he didn't even check it correctly the first time).  And what I've learned is that he likes to stare at our chests. He's not a real professor.  And he smells bad with his greasy hair, fake men's vogue clothing, and terrible cologne.  But more importantly, I learned from May how to say, "This is per our email" and how to small talk to someone you're being introduced to.  Little business etiquette techniques.

DISCOVERED  I need to treat May like she's special, since she does it for me, and ask her repeatedly how she is and put my life aside while I talk to her.  

UNI RESIDENTS & LIFE HERE  After the meeting I received a call from Arthur, freaking out thinking something bad happened since he rarely calls.  But when I finally found him, we sat talking for almost an hour before Stephan came to join us- as strange as it is for me, I feel comfortable with those two older guys.  But the reason Art called is that there's a new possibility for me to stay on if I can convince my mom to let me do it.  Bond has teamed up with immigration and is offering a free program for us to get the two year requirement.  And Art found this out by chatting up several people- so talking always helps!

ADVICE  Life is about getting people to do what you want, and then you can get anything.  Give them something first.  Make them happy first, and then they will return the gesture.  

HOLIDAYS  "Jenn!  Jennnn!  Say hi!  Happy 4th of July!"  Said Toby after I caught him pissing on a parked car.  I had no idea it was him after first, but I felt cool shouting, "Happy Independence Day!"

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"So the reason I had such a long nap is that I had my first presentation of the semester this morning. I woke up at 8am for my International Finance class, only for her to cancel ten minutes prior to the start (but a group of us were unaware, and waiting for her for ten minutes). That gave me two hours to practice my presentation, but meanwhile I was talking to the older Aussie who had my crying (I rarely cry in front of people I don't feel so comfy seeing that side of me, so that was kind of weird). I had my hair down, which I do maybe half the time, and he asked why I don't do it all the time....which for some reason means to him that I think I'm ugly and that I don't want to attract attention from men? Which I denied, and then started crying out of frustration.

My actual presentation was fine, although I'm out of practice, and that was my day before crashing and going to sleep for five hours."

ADVICE That was written to Gaz, but to get into more detail: yes, Stephen made me cry. He said I need to start wearing my hair down and showing cleavage to get guys, that I'm not doing so subconsciously. And I did start crying because he wouldn't stop and for some reason it just got to me. Not to forget, this was all before my first presentation of the semester.

UNI CLASSWORK The presentation itself was fine like I told Gaz and I was laughing and joking at the beginning. But for some reason my nerves got to me a few minutes in, but regardless, overall, it was fine I think. I hope I wasn't too nervous and didn't look down too much.

Naturally afterwards I felt so free because it was finally over with.

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YING I can't stand her, I just can't. And I may regret this down the road, but really does it matter? It's like Liz. I miss her like fucking crazy, and it was partially my fault, but really how often would I see her since she has a kid and lives in fucking Australia? Same for Ying- who will be in China. And like Liz, is she really a good friend? Yes, and no. It's just that she's constantly doing what only she wants. I have to constantly remind her of the important things (or does her English comprehension just suck?). She's cultures away from mine. And she's no fun to be with (she seriously thinks sitting on her ass is fun?).

As a result, when she came storming in like she does when she's pissed, with that ugly sour face of hers, I just went "meh" to it. I waved and was iffy as she was iffy as well. I didn't care and she was being asinine, so that's that.

(ADVICE) In fact, I took Stephen's advice to good use and stood up for myself. I turned down each of Miss Only-Think-Of-Myself's suggestions of sorts. She said I looked bad (her Chinese messed up way of saying what could be said in a more polite way of, "What's wrong?") and I told her that yes, I'm stressed as I have a lot of work to do. "That's why I asked you weeks ago to start this paper." And I repeated that a few more times to get it in her head that she fucked up and I don't appreciate it.

Then she said we should move, and I told her no. She wanted to go out of the couches, and I told her no. Then she wanted to go to her room and I said, "We always go to your room," I told her. She never comes to mine, so why should I go to her room any more?

Basically, even though I sent her the powerpoint on Tuesday, she didn't work on her part until last night and wasn't prepared for our meeting. So I told her we'll meet tomorrow as my part has been finished.

Then she looked over at the Canadian, and I rolled my eyes with her about him, seeing as neither of us can stand his arrogant ways. That lightened her up and she wanted to gossip, but I told her that I'm living a semester of doing what I want and not getting involved. Point being, her pissy mood changed but I could really care less.

BEST FRIEND/TEXT I took a nap and when I woke up I found a text from Gaz! It's been months since I've received one, and I haven't heard from him since Sunday, so I was extremely happy naturally. But after I text a reply to his HILARIOUS and CUTE text, I strangely didn't get a reply just like I haven't heard a reply from my email either. I don't get it? That's unlike him. But obviously him texting me after not reply to my email means he actually thought of me! He's thinking of me when he saw the game advertise on TV!

UNI RESIDENTS While I was texting him outside, waiting for the Bra to open, Elaine went by and she was happy to see me. Which means we went for dinner together and ate together, but it was actually a lot of fun. In fact, it was even more lively when Arthur came and he was laughing and joking with us. Elaine asked us about our accents and I teased Arthur about his "Canadian" one and he teased me about Ohio being hillbilly. Then we had fun teaching Elaine about not only accents, but also about the US and where it's best to live.

"My professor said, 'Holy Shit' like you and I thought, 'That's Jen's accent!'" made me laugh coming from Ying. In fact she's picking up my mannerisms. She's saying, "Jesus" to every thing like I do. Ha.

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DREAMS Last night I kept dreaming random things about Mike, and how I've finally got attached, which is not good considering I've leaving in two months. Part of me wants to chase after him and the rest of me is scared still. Why couldn't this happen earlier? But at least it happened!

UNI CLASSWORK Not much today in comparison to Tuesday except for a meeting for IFM, which Mike seemingly "forgot" about. Which meant that Stephen dropped into the Bungies to get me, and of course we couldn't find Arthur because he's slow and doesn't think to text people with where he is when he's supposed to be somewhere else. I had to endure Stephen for an hour with us trying to keep conversation going because when we're alone and there's nothing to talk about, we struggle. And when Art showed up, it's like someone poked us and we came to life.

Meanwhile Elaine walked by twice to which I ignored her and she ignored me, so it kind of made me feel empowering to not care. Because really, I do care in a way, but when it comes down to it, all I care about is having one less friend. Not her per se.

The great thing about Stephen is though, that he does teach us what we didn't learn in class and I actually listen and ask questions since it's just the three of us. It makes studying much easier and better for me.

CULTURE I took a break for lunch and ran down there only to be greeted by massive amounts of muslims girls. It was awkward only because I'm rarely around them and yet here they are in massive amounts this semester. Although it's great because that means I'm finally in contact with that culture. At the dessert counter there was Megan who said, "I prepared this earlier just for you" because she makes me laugh. Not bad for someone who I thought was a bitch last semester. A cultural lesson I learned long ago (that it takes a while for Aussie women to warm up to American girls) is still true.

ADVICE Stephen is always full of it. About how I should stand up from the start to prevent people walking over me (and then when I do stand up for myself they think I'm suddenly a bitch). And how "You're only worth what you think you're worth." And how I can do anything I want. And how I need confidence to just go in there and do it (if you act like you belong, they will believe it). JOB He told me that, yes, we learn on the job. Uni does not prepare you except for a foundation and discipline. And that I'm detailed oriented, so I need details before I start something or else I worry.

Talking with people these days, especially to Stephen, makes me realize that life experiences and reading the news does help so much when it comes to conversations. I feel smarter and I can talk about so much more now.

YING & LITTLE PLEASURES Finally at lunch I ran into Ying, unfortunately, and we were both surprisingly nice. She asked if I'd get take-away and of course I said yes, knowing she wanted me to invite her to eat with me, but I refused. Naturally she went off on her own despite me making small talk and stalked like a little kid when I stayed to talk to Mike about class. We talked for twenty minutes until he really had to go back to work (group work, exams, studying, Arthur's weirdness), during which he went out of his way to give me his number again (even though it's only for his personal use to have me call about when Stephen's "teaching" us again). Despite that, it still made me feel good for him to treat me so nicely. I'm not being used, as we're already friends, so it's okay. And turning out of instinct to see Ying staring as she ate her soup before she left was just pure gold. She's so jealous that it's easy to piss her off. Before I left he joked some more with me and then I was off to eat.

Entry TWO-HUNDRED-FORTY-NINE

11am; I found myself in daggy clothes in a nice, upper-scale bar. My first bar without Gaz in over two years. And there I was studying with a 40-something Aussie as he didn't care that we used it for three hours without buying any alcohol. I was afraid they'd kick us out, but he didn't care.

Why were we there? Studying for our Stats. Stephen managed, again, to harass the tutors and a teacher (I think?) to get the answers for the exam. ADVICE "It's all about resources," he always says.

2pm; Megan actually smiled at me. Jesse ignored me, but now that I know he only is nice to hot girls, who cares (but sometimes he's nice to me?!).

We were at the Bra when Mike found us and he joined. He luckily, thankfully, gave me the sheet the undergrads were given by the tutor since Neil didn't want to give us a revision this time. Now this would seem nice, but I think he only did it because I have him the mock exam answers last night and mentioned how I'm sick of people using me. But otherwise it wasn't rosy and fun with him. That made me a little sad, but really, does it matter? No. He'll never go for me.

Entry TWO-HUNDRED-FORTY-ONE

LIFE HERE Lunch with Stephen and Arthur meant I was asking for "for here" just as Jesse went to grab take-away and Megan and him both stopped and looked at me. Megan was teasing me and Jesse was surprised. This is what it's like to live on campus.

UNI RESIDENTS So it was me, Arthur, and Stephen eating together until Shivang passed and sat down. I didn't want him to. I don't like him. I just got stuck with him for group work and don't want to bother with him otherwise. He used us basically, and do I really want him to use us? No.

Life is fun with Stephen because he does what he wants and when he wants. The mediacentre was still in development, but he walked right in as the businessmen stared because it seemed to be their private opening. Even though it's OUR campus. They coaxed me in and when I was finally in, I felt naughty. We were hanging out looking at the insides which is something very few students have experienced yet.

UNI CLASSWORK & LIFE HERE I kept running into Neil, my IT professor, and that's what it's like on campus. You see people and they know you, and you feel like you're in a community. And when I went to find Neil's office, I ran into Shravan who remembered me and Kauldeep who thought I wanted to see him. It's all helpful and nice.

UNI RESIDENTS & CLASSWORK the not so nice thing was finding out that Ashnita copied me word for word without me knowing. So I got a warning thank god, and Arthur and May made me feel better. May and I kept emailing back and forth, so I find that her loveliness is so Liz like and comforting. But like Liz, I don't know how to pay her back. Ugh! I wish I could.

ADVICE Arthur came to visit me that night. I need to STOP acting like I'm better than him because I've lived here twice as long. I need to stop putting his excitement of living here down. Now.

Entry TWO-HUNDRED-SEVENTEEN

BEST FRIEND I was upset by his boring email, and questioning if he wanted to travel with me even though he brought it up himself at the start. Because even though I know him, and know he won't say it right out, I know question it ever since Sam entered and stirred it up. Knowing he's in love with her pissed me off, hurt me, and know I could care less- but he still values her way too much.

I stirred most of the night about it, even writing semi-snarky stuff. But when I woke up I was calm and collected and checked his email account. I read the email Sam wrote him and it was about her being pissed he said he would visit her and then he never did, three months on. So he even does it to a girl he's in love with. That made me feel better. What sort of pissed me off was reading his response: "When would you like me to come?" Not excited, and yet he said he would come directly. But with me, he didn't say that. He just said that he will during break and so forth. So which is better? Who knows. Who cares.

I give up on him. My love is so small, so remote, that not much can hurt me any more when it comes to him.

UNI RESIDENTS I went to find Arthur to ask him about registration, listening to my music and loving the sun. I find comfort in knowing where to find him. And when I did Stephen was there, who pulled a chair close, and made me sit next to him as he gave me my astrology profile. Most of the things were dead on. About how I'm not happy if I don't get exactly what I picture. About how I always look at the bad and bring it out on people. It was pretty much scary.

I went to see Helen, since I failed the midterm, and she belittled me. She mocked me. She made me so upset that I went home and wanted nothing but Gareth or Mom. She's a British prude who cuts people with her words. And what can I do? I can't piss off someone in control of my marks. But that's a lesson: Brit women are worse than Aussie women. Wow. Thankfully my entire class agrees as well.

After that I had another meeting with my marketing group, and Shivang was actually hilarious and funny and enjoyable to talk to. Why have I not seen this before? Now I get his humour maybe. Now I realize that he just likes to poke at you and be blunt.

UNI CLASSWORK I had my presentation and I wasn't nervous and I don't think it showed either, so I felt great about that. What I didn't feel great about was the actual material and if it at least semi=pleased Brit Prude Helen.

Then the Aussie got up to present and I just felt this immense pride that I have one of those of my own. And when I got home I eamield him even thoguth I wanted to put it off for a few days because he's just frustrating and has too much of a hold on me. But knowing I have an Aussie after three years, someone who loves me, just made my heart swell.

AdVICE {This is taken from someone else who wrote in on a livejournal friend's page}
Sometimes people just grow apart, and become people that we don't need in our lives.

Good riddance, if he's going to belittle you like that. The only people who deserve to be in your life are the people who love you and support you unconditionally, who love the shit out of you, because that's what you deserve.

It sucks so much to lose someone you love and who was so important to you once upon a time, but he dug himself into this grave, and you are so much more and better than he will ever, ever know.

Entry TWO-HUNDRED-FOURTEEN

ADVICE May's advice is working. I'm acting like a leader now, taking it upon myself to take charge and send update emails. I even sent them the survey I MADE and told them they are to question seven people this week. We'll see if they do it. If not I'll be firm then. This is going to be the real world, isn't it?

YING During our group meeting I was happier towards her than usual, until she started her usual shit. She called over a friend, after Shivang left, to chat in Chinese and of course I blew her off after that. Not in the mean way, but then she was cold after I didn't talk to her (in a busy way, not mean way). She asked for me to help her with stats, but I told her no since I had to go help Arthur and that I was already half way through. It felt WONDERFUL to blow her off, as always. I'm nice to her but I refuse to be close to her anymore.

Otherwise I spent the afternoon and some of the night with Arthur working on stats. It actually makes me feel more sociable joining him in the librayr. It beats being in my room alone.


UNI RESIDENTS So what is the advantage of just talking to people? You can rely and network later on. I mentioned to Adriana that I had a survey to do and she was all game! It was great, but I need to learn to know my stuff. To be able to "sell" what I'm doing.

CHANGE I moved my bed 180 degrees and what a difference a major change makes. I feel so new and free now.

Entry TWO-HUNDRED-FIVE

After our tutorial, in which I saw Ying look at me out of the corner of my eye as I left without acknowledging her, Arthur asked me to go to the postgrad drinks. So time comes around, Stephen calls, and I'm walking over with him so we can wait for Arthur to finish his exam. We stood there talking easily for almost forty minutes about this and that, etc, and how I should apply for a visa here since it will do be good down the road to have two citizenships.

Arthur finished, we walked over, and it was only twenty minutes left until postgrad drinks was over. Me being scared, as always, didn't want to bother but those two acted like they belonged and it was their right and got in without paying. In fact, I stood back until they coaxed me.

The German, the cute one I have a silly crush on, was outside and Stephen went right to him to talk. He has amazing skills like that. Barely knows him and can just talk and keep it going without any awkward pauses. And so when he did I stood near and eventually they moved closer while the German kept including me.

Eventually we were inside and Stephen was sitting right there, keeping in mind that he's married and like a father to me, but he still acts like a 25 year old boy. He kept hugging and joking, being really loud. I felt semi-intelligent being able to talk about visas and booming economies and the election. Usually I'm not that news worthy intelligent.

Kept hugging and so close.

On the way back I said "footpath" and Stephen said, "Footpath? You've been here too long!"

And once in the bungie Stephen was talking about Gaz for about thirty minutes. He said I love conflict, and that Gaz takes it, which is why I nitpick and fight and we never part. He said that I have to keep my eyes open meanwhile. And that Gaz is just needy and wants it, which is why he doesn't come but wants me to come.

The best part? We were loud enough that Jillian heard and knew I wasn't a loser. It made me feel good to have friends there and to talk about my personal life so she knew.

Entry HUNDRED-EIGHTY-THREE

UNI RESIDENTS I was sitting there with my PDA with a hunch that the creepy Norwegian that tried twice to ask me out had just arrived when Stephen and Arthur could be heard approaching. And when they did I stood up but they continued talking, which thankfully Rosa came to talk to me meanwhile. Stephen was talking Arthur's ear off as I entered and we went to our usual spot. Stephen was being pissy, so I have to start leaving him alone. Bad day? Me? Who cares. Thankfully Mike arrived and smiled and Ashnita joined as always. Throughout class Ash and I made jokes and talked and smirked and tried to help each other out. At the end Ash purposely waited for me and we talked as we went along, me leaving behind Ying who was holding back. Meh.

ADVICE do not prejudge. do not let your emotions get in the way. Yes, Ines didn't show up, but her reason was real and you shoudn't be pissy.

Turns out she was nicer and apologized for not being there during the presentation. She is nice I guess, unless this is an act.

Ying had dinner with me as always, which for some reason lead to her taking me to her place to just sit and talk. Mind you again she was arguing about Gaz, how that it will be okay even though I know that. She pushes. Just like when we were in class and she told me I need sleep and that I need to do something about it even though I repeatedly told her my mom's a nurse and she said medication is not good. That I know my body, not her. She means well but comes across as bitchy and pushy. She's always right, not me.

And why does she always undress in front of me?

Best part of the day was going back to the bungie and running into Jill who said Hi first and wanted to talk even though she had friends there. She was being really nice.
"How are ya?"
"Great actually"
"Great?"
"Yeah, five hours of class finally over!"
Then she brought her friends into and it and kept talking but I had to say see ya and she said bye. I wanted to be social but I don't want to push it with her. As if she might not necessarily mean it. But also that I'm afraid.

AMERICAN HOME Mom called; Jess is actually excited I'm coming home and it turns out she's grown up finally. Her angsty teen days are apparently over. That really surprises me and weirdly excites me. I guess she wants to travel with me. But also: Mike wants me to talk to Dani about college and Dr. Urban wants me to talk to her son about international business. It makes me feel important. And here's Mike who gave me advice and now he wants me to pass it on for him.

Entry HUNDRED-EIGHTY-TWO

WELL BEING I watched the Dead Poets Society and then Endless Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, making me think about life. In one they push themselves to do what used to scare them or what they deeply love, and in the other she makes the most of life by acting immature and not thinking. She just does it. She doesn't care what others think.

YING arrived late. Yes I get pissy with her. Yes she bothers me and her mood swings mess with me as well. I can't explain what happens, but when she's late and she's on the phone with someone, it pisses me off. When she's just her, it pisses me off. And while I was in line she saw Toby (is he ALWAYS there?) and did the May thing, "Oh, Toby!" and acting all giggly and smiley at him.

I must've looked sad, because I know I felt that mixed sad-upset-shakey, and Toby asked how I was. Instead of assuming I was being a bitch (which I partly was), he stuck with it to make sure I was okay. In line, waiting, Ying trying to get my attention even though I was busy getting my food because she starves for it. And after we went to the picnic bench outside the uni centre

ADVICE "It's not the scar that you make. It's the Memory you leave with it"

GROWN UP Looking at facebook I wonder, what am I doing? No boyfriend. Lost my high school friends. Lost my LEC friends. Same old story, right? But then I think about how I have the most amazing best friend: Gaz. But then I worry, what about when I'm home in the U.S.? I'm grown up now. No more playtime. Jess is gone, and I have to work for a living now.

Entry HUNDRED-SEVENTY-EIGHT

CULTURE & YING  I wished Ying a 新年快乐 ("Happy New Year"), making me feel culturally more aware and culturally sensitive at the same time. Then I sacrifised my salad and gave it to her since she didn't want to pay for dinner. 

LIFE HERE stephen keeps asking if I've found a loophole for a visa and he wants me to stay here. He's telling me there's a way around it and that I just have to stay for a semester and pay for that one class. He told me to ask Jade, that she would help. And that to come back to him. At least someone cares! 

"i don't want to admit to myself that others influence my emotions as much as they do. i wish i could be someone who's completely self-reliant, someone who doesn't freak out (inside) if a friend is distant or a boyfriend doesn't call or an acquaintance doesn't acknowledge me. i wish i could teach myself to be less anxious and more go-with-the-flow. i can be very level-headed when dealing with others' conflict, but if it's just about me or just in my head, i can't stop obsessing. i revel in routine, but dream of the courage to flit about. i can't even make it a few hours without making a to-do list and planning out exactly the order that i'll accomplish errands and tasks. i feel like i'm in a rut, but honestly, i would feel even more out of control if i let it all go."

Entry HUNDRED-SIXTY-EIGHT

DISCOVERED Today I discovered that the IT and library Labs do indeed burn CDs.  And so I used this function to finally burn gaz photos of Canberra, Newcastle, and even Byron Bay. I also discovered that I am the new featured user on listography.com.

YING she loved my hair down and from there we were laughing and having fun.  We talked for over an hour and a half during which I finally urged us to get going.  Not because I didn't enjoy it, but I don't like sitting too long and talking with her...just because.  And on the way back to my bungie we ran into Jillian who said hi first and then "Ivette" who smiled big at me.  So I pretty much felt like I belonged.  

BEST FRIEND & EMAIL  Three hours after I emailed him, his response came back. And it was a pretty good one, too.  

"(like you said, each time you see me it feels like I've changed a bit. I don't think it's that I've changed, I'm still the same person like always, it's just a few more bricks have been knocked out)."

 
"You know It's the first black beetle I've ever seen, miniture or full sized, that's new! Oooh, it's wind-up!"
 
"Ooh, books and stuff."

"How long has the couse work taken so far?"
 
"Anyway, see ya, hope you do get some calls"

ADVICE “Life is too short to not take a moment and try fun things like this. We’re doing it."

Entry HUNDRED-SIXTY-SEVEN

UNI RESIDENTS  Arthur met me at 8am to do the homework...only he already did it all with Stephen without calling me to let me know.  I kept my cool even though I was frustrated with how he just wanted to socialize and not even try to help me.  I kept my cool when he didn't even put forth any effort.  I really do think he has a learning and social disorder.  His mind works so slow.  So I understand, even though I was upset.

YING & TRAVEL  Ying was actually a few minutes early, since she must finally realize that I take people being late very difficult.  After telling her how I'm always on time and I don't like when people are late, she finally got it.  I wasn't overly friendly since the last time I saw her she wasn't either, but I was nice enough.  Just a bit cold.  She's only nice when she wants to be, so why should I always be nice and friendly?  And instead of asking me directly if I could bring my camera, she asked around the bush.  Instead of just brushing it off as I always do, I told her that I don't get it because westerners are blunt.  Yes, I'm tired of her always doing her way and not adjusting.

But eventually things cooled down as we got to Surfers and it was her "first" time even though she's been there with me before.  She keeps forgetting that, yes, Melbas was in Surfers.  And I was even overly nice, compromising, and taking the initiative in what we should do.  I didn't want a donut, but I took the clue and asked her if she wanted lunch.

CULTURE  Again, the happiness soon died.  Her friends called and instead of staying with me, she wanted us to go with them.  I said yes even though I didn't want to, knowing she wanted to.  I was afraid at first they were "traditional" but in fact they were pretty western from living here so long and that made me at ease.  He even had a sense of humor, just like Chinese-Nick from Bathurst. Always knowing what to say and making it all a joke.  They were so nice in the car, but then Ying and the other Chinese girl started talking Cantonese in front of me, even though I was standing with Ying first, and I sulked off.  Ying didn't get it.

But eventually I talked more with the guy and Ying came around and paid more attention to me, so it was okay.

After they dropped me off (how high school it felt, being in a car with more than one person and laughing and driving), Ying emailed.  She wanted to meet for a walk.  And during that walk I told her how left out I felt.  She didn't get it ("She wanted to talk Cantonese because she's always speaking English"), but she did apologize.  I'm usually not so forward, but I'm tired of it. And at the end of the walk, she invited me to dinner for tomorrow.    

ADVICE  (Stephen Colbert, Commencement address):  "This seems like a very nice place. They have a lovely Web site. Besides, have you seen the world outside lately? They are playing for KEEPS out there, folks. My God, I couldn't wait to get here today just so I could take a breather from the real world. I don't know if they told you what's happened while you've matriculated here for the past four years. The world is waiting for you people with a club. Unprecedented changes happening in the last four years. Like globalization. We now live in a hyperconnected, global economic, outsourced society. Now there are positives and minuses here. And a positive is that globalization helps us understand and learn from otherwise foreign cultures. For example, I now know how to ask for a Happy Meal in five different languages. In Paris, I'd like a "Repas Heureux" In Madrid a "Comida Feliz" In Calcutta, a "Kushkana, hold the beef." In Tokyo, a "Happi- Shokuji " And in Berlin, I can order what is perhaps the least happy-sounding Happy Meal, a "Glückselig Mahlzeit."

Also globalization, e-mail, cell phones interconnect our nations like never before. It is possible for even the most insulated American to have friends from all over the world. For instance, I recently received an e-mail asking me to help a deposed Nigerian prince who is looking for a business partner to recuperate his fortune. Thanks to the flexibility of global banking, a Swiss bank account is ready and waiting for my share of his money. I know, because I just e-mailed him my Social Security number.

Unfortunately for you job seekers, corporations searching for a better bottom line have moved many of their operations overseas, whether it's a customer service operator, a power factory foreman, or an American flag manufacturer. They're just as likely to be found in Shanghai as Omaha. In fact, outsourcing is so easy that I had this speech today written by a young man named Panjeeb from Bangalore.

If you don't like the jokes, I assure you they were much funnier in Urdu...

And when you enter the workforce, you will find competition from those crossing our all-too-porous borders. Now I know you're all going to say, "Stephen, Stephen, immigrants built America." Yes, but here's the thing—it's built now. I think it was finished in the mid-70s sometime. At this point it's a touch-up and repair job. But thankfully Congress is acting and soon English will be the official language of America. Because if we surrender the national anthem to Spanish, the next thing you know, they'll be translating the Bible. God wrote it in English for a reason! So it could be taught in our public schools.

So we must build walls. A wall obviously across the entire southern border. That's the answer. That may not be enough—maybe a moat in front of it, or a fire-pit. Maybe a flaming moat, filled with fire-proof crocodiles. And we should probably wall off the northern border as well. Keep those Canadians with their socialized medicine and their skunky beer out. And because immigrants can swim, we'll probably want to wall off the coasts as well. And while we're at it, we need to put up a dome, in case they have catapults. And we'll punch some holes in it so we can breathe. Breathe free. It's time for illegal immigrants to go—right after they finish building those walls. Yes, yes, I agree with me."

Entry HUNDRED-TWENTY-THREE

NEWCASTLE & EMAIL & BEST FRIEND I was giggling so much. I couldn't stop smiling.

Yeah, that's the guy I think. The sort who sounds all big and tough...until you do it back, then runs away with his tail between his legs (I tried being nice all the time at first but realised that that doesn't really work with him...makes him think he's the boss or something). I don't know what we say instead...the city maybe, "into town", the suburb's name? Hmm...I'm sure we say downtown sometimes...don't we? Well, I'll be in Newcastle when you get there then. I guess the bus stops at the train station (hopefully it's a decent day...it really does look like it's going to be a wet summer this year, it's een raining for the last few days, and it's still overcast today). Yeah, I know, I was always goig to be there on Saturday, just needed to work out when to get there, or whether I should come to the airport, however you wanted everything to go, that's all. Eh, I think the only thing that worries my mum is whether you're getting bored or not, rather than having someone extra to deal with, and like I said, it's going to be a little christmas this year...oh and remember, a trip to Newcastle isn't really that far (it's actually pretty small when you think about it, kind of like you going to Cleveland...now if it was Woolongong, that'd be slightly longish, but still not a big deal really). To be honest, I think it'd be easy to stay for the entire time, whether it's just a day or lots of days, it's not going to bother anyone (I think it'd bother more if you had to stay in newcastle all that time)...I thought I could spent a few days (a week or something) in the Newcastle hostel, but then I doubt there's any accomodation available right? Anyway when your here it's easier to steel mum's car to get around. Escape anywhere, I think the key to escape (or else the fun kind) is just to get away, and then work out what the hell's going on from there. But baby octopus salad is so nice...or maybe that's when it's made in good restaurants? I think I might just cook whatever, and not tell you what it all is until you've chewed and swallowed it (might need a bucket handy). I had a flip through a few things to cook this morning...so far thinking -blackberry and treacle pudding -fruit salad -mince pie (that's the fruit kind) ice-cream -oysters (that's probably only for me though) -mixed tomato salad -canellini bean tabouhli -hommus -bloody marys (never tried one, though I should) -swordfish and tuna steaks (the fish version of chicken) -mixed chocolates and cheeses -beer and bubbley wine It's all subject to change. To be honest I'd be happy with the oysters, chocolate, and beer. Yeah, I've heard about the Where the Wild Things Are movie...it'll be kind of strange, I think Wes Anderson's making it (the guy who did Life Aquatic). Hmm, I have the feeling astro boy'll turn out to be like the new version of transformers or something...I'll have to get the dvd series some day. Noozles?...I remember there was a cartoon about a bunch of weird underwater things once, could that be the Noozles? Oh pfft, a Koala! no, Never. Oh yeah, I'm thinking of the Snorks. The same goes for pears I think, at least for the next six months maybe. Anyway, that's my day etc pretty much, decided to leave my exercise stuff (at least the first session- usually do two thirty minute sessions two days out of three) until after lunch today, might just sit down and read the paper for a while. So see you really soon Bye Gareth. I might just buy the film anyway, it'll make me bee a bit more careful seeing I have to pay for it.

UNI CLASSWORK and RESIDENTS The rest of the day? I couldn't find Stephen, but luckily I went back and I ran into Arthur and asked him if he'd seen Stephen. He called and there was Stephen and I studying on the third floor of the library. Stephen went to ask Sudhir about the exam but instead found the grad student who offered to help instead. With his pushinesss and almighty attitude, he was able to get her to reveal too much information and so now we should be set with the exam. God, I hope so. Stephen said I'm set for Analysis next semester since he, Aurthur, and I will have a study group. That makes me feel really good.

GROWN UP I didn't feel grown up asking my mom to call to cancel my YHA stay.

ADVICE Stephen told me today I have to feel confident to get things done. But I also have to show an interest in someone or their work to get them to do what I want.

EMAIL Arthur sent this cute email:
Hello Jen,

Hope you are doing well and not stressing out too much during exam time.

Just wondering if you have the Marketing Fundamentals book, and if so hoping I can use it next semester.

Let me know. :0)

your friend,

King Arthur

YING It's odd not having Ying around for so long, but feels so good.

Entry NINETY-SIX

DEEP SADNESS My stomach's so upset that I feel like I'm going to puke...constantly. In line I heard a song sing "It's not over" over and over again and it made me feel better. I just don't get it. I hope the delay is the fact he's moving this weekend. If not, I guess I'll call Monday and ask, "So, what do you want to do?"

BEST FRIEND I laughed so hard that I snorted. Why, I'm not sure, considering it wasn't meant to be funny. Just that he had to re-iterate it again. Even after he said that thing about abruptly ending and then still going on.

Before I forget though, I went to sleep thinking it was past and he wouldn't email, but I woke up at 4pm (ten minutes after he sent it) to a surprise.

"Hey, if I though it would be opposing on my mother I wouldn't have suggested it (same goes for the idea of you coming down...um, haven't we sledge-hammered all of this into each other's skulls already?).

Eh, it's okay, when each email's only a few lines long, it can't really get annoying (plus when I can finally get some sort of access to the internet for any length of time, it's like and exciting little present when I find them seeing as your the only friend I appear to have right now, well the only one I've spoken to/emailed in a long while anyway). But then I guess I can understand, I get the feeling I'm annoying someone when I email two days in a row.

Oh, and buy the way- reason I didn't respond to the call- I got to the phone on it's last ring like always, and we yet again have no land line at the house...at least not until I leave anyway.

Basic- I want you to come to Newcastle at least for a little bit if you think you can manage it (or else I wouldn't have offered), the reason for not contacting you was because I could (whether you choose to believe it or not is up to you). I think your called a friend right?

And now I have to go, I could only get half an hour because everything else is booked out.

Bye Bye.

I know it's an abrupt ending, but I'm over my time limit

Gareth,

PS I do want you to come, and it wouldn't be putting my mum out."

UNI RESIDENTS Andrew says hi to me despite me not (first time I've seen him since last semester: "Hi, Jen" with a big smile) and yet bitch Gillian doesn't bother to say hi to me even though I smiled and said, "Hey" first.


ADVICE: Oprah- "Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down."

Entry FORTY-FIVE

AMERICAN HOME We were never that close at work, with him only paying me attention towards the end when he had something to say or he wanted to tease me like he did Doris. In fact, at first I didn't like him much because he would come over when Doris was training me and not even look at me. And so it was slow, and therefore I was amazed and confused when he asked for my email address before I left. Was it because I was going to Australia? Came down here and it was awkward at first with the emails, but now he emails almost instantly the next day. I should be flattered, I know. And when/if it stops, I will miss it.

Opening my email in the morning I found two from Kenny (normal), one from Lisa, and none from Bear. I was disappointed in the Bear reaction, but then again I know he will on Monday, his day off. Just love knowing he loves me. He is my source of comfort, communication, sanity, and love. Now I have Elaine and I'm not so dependent on communicating with him since I actually have a friend here, but she could never replace him.

Lisa cried when I told her Geauga Lake as we know it no longer exists. I was surprised by her reaction- crying? I understand we spent almost all our lives there, but crying?

Christina also emailed me (hotmail account, as usual, just like Liz). It is going great, hope you are doing good, drop me an email sometime about your travels and what you have been up to. Is that sincere? She didn't have to reply or even send the original email, so I guess. I hope it is because I do miss her friendship and hope to see her when I get back. In fact, I should tell her that.

DISCOVERED I realized as I was drifting off to sleep the other night how Liz has impacted me. I treat Elaine with girl-love because Liz taught me how. She taught me how to maintain female friendships. Too bad ours didn't work.

READING It was such a beautiful, and yet chilly, day that I went to my secluded spot outside the Business building to read since I was too afraid of the lake steps. I tried, I really did, but there were too many people walking around for once. For shame, being afraid as being seen as a "dork". I finished Memoirs of a Geisha, although it was disappointing towards the end and I just wanted it over with about about pages to.

INVITES Kenny has invited me and Melissa to a Tribe game next year, and it made me so happy I was dancing around. Knowing that I will have friends when I get back is very important to me.

(Where is Jess? She hasn't replied to my email lately.)

Around 5:45pm I had to wait for Jillian to leave, only to find out how wonderful it was that it happened. I came across a waving, smiling Ashnita who stopped me on the way to the IGA. She asked what I was up to, I asked her if she moved (yes!), we talked about regional study, and she invited me to a housewarming party! I really want to get closer to her. She'd be a great and fun friend.

Then walking the boardwalk I ran into Anna from communication. It took both of us a second to realize who each other was and she was so happy, smiling, talking. She told me it was "good for you" that I was walking with my groceries (extra weight) and we said, "see ya."

ADVICE It pays off to even say hello and sit next to people in class.