'Is this the life that you lead, or the life that's lead for you?'
Good day, all!
Man, seemingly for once in my meaningless existence, life is pretty damn good. So lend me your ears (or eyes, rather) and I will tell you why. By the way, this a mutha of a post, so if you’re not that interested in my life, or don’t have the attention span for a mega post, feel free to skip it, I won’t be offended… *tear*
So firstly, and most importantly, Cardonald Induction Day was on Thursday *stirring, orchestral music to convey much importance*. Never in my life have I been so worried. But with good reason: new people, new environment, new course, new smell… and so on. It could have went so very, very wrong. But I’ll be damned, it went DAMN FUCKING WELL!!! When the day was over, I must have let out an hour-long sigh of relief. Why was I so scared???
It didn’t get off to the greatest of starts, it was pissing rain and when I finally got to town, I waited for what seemed like an eternity for the bus to take me to Cardonald - was mortified that I’d be late on my first day, and not only that, I would enter the room looking very damp and shoddy. BUT, when I got there, no one was there haha. I was the first to arrive, and seriously, two hours into the class people were still arriving. Again, relief one could say.
The night before I asked the sage-like oracle of wisdom that is Isla for any last-minute advice. Her simple yet genius instructions were to “smile, be happy” and in general don’t be the miserable, awkward cunt that I usually am. Done so, and BAM, second person to arrive, within seconds we’re talking like old chums and realised I made a friend faster than any other time in my life. Hurrah! Ms Isla, thankooo *mega hug!*
His name is Andy, is from Paisley and completely sound as a pound. I was really surprised at how easy and comfortable I was talking to him, as you all know, I never seem to get on with other guys at all - it just doesn’t happen, but amazingly, it did here. Even more incredible, he is so not the type of person I would usually be friends with, never mind talk to, as he’s, for lack of a better phrase, a tad geezer and laddish, you know? But he was so good to talk to, and pretty funny too; he told this hilarious story about when his mate went cow-tipping - yes, as in tipping over cows for fun. Trust me, it was golden, and not at all cruel. Well, maybe a bit cruel…
More folk arrived as we waited outside the room, and it struck me how varied the people are - a true mix of people from 17 year olds like me and Andy, to young and trendy 20 year olds with faux-cool haircuts and two girls who seemingly took their fashion tips from Saskia and Lesley from Big Brother, all the way to a middle-aged bald man in a raincoat with huge glasses most likely going through some sort of mid-life crisis - journalism cures all woes, so that’s why he’s here, of course. There’s around 12 people taking the course, which is great, as I die a slow death in large classes. One weird thing though, is that apart from me and Andy, none of the other people seemed to talk to each other. I’m sure that’ll change once the class truly gets going, but still… rather peculiar. I was also slightly disappointed that there was no other, for lack of a better phrase, ’alternative’ people. They all seemed very hip, painfully trendy and ’with it’, and most likely looked at me as the token outsider weirdo who listens to all that ’shouty music’. Couldn’t care less though, as Andy is there, and I’m just thankful that I have at least one person to chat to and hang around with - ditto for him, as he said something along the lines of, “Man, thank fuck for you, I don’t see me being able to communicate with these other wanks at all.” Hahaha, thankfully, I’m not as quick to harshly dismiss them as he is, and I’m sure the awkwardness will die down as the course goes on.
And the course, is why we are all here: HNC/D Practical Journalism, and to be honest, it looks immense. But in a good way. The course leader, Martin, seems great and completely sincere about what he does, and how he’ll “guide us to glory…” or something. But yeah, top dude. The stuff we’ll be doing is just what I expected, and I can’t help but look forward to it with geeky enthusiasm. It’s so great to be finally doing something I care about, and want, rather than Higher fucking Accounts & Finance. Bah.
All in all, the Induction just had Martin explaining all the details and taking us to register and such. Oh, my Student Card, is classic! My picture is golden, as my hair seemed to part in the middle like the red sea as I took my hat off for the photo. It’s one of those so-bad-it’s-amazing things.
Afterwards Andy and I hung out for a while, parted ways and then I went back to town. I had some time to kill so I went to see Crash, which I’ve been itching to catch for quite a while. A DOWNRIGHT ASTOUNDING MOVIE. Trust me, it’s every bit as incredible and powerful as the critics say it is. It’s peerlessly acted and written, and it stayed with me all day after watching it, and actually, I still stop just to think about it today. Truly outstanding movie. Basically, it’s five or six inter-woven story lines viewing racial tension and prejudice in America today and pretty much every scene leaves you gripped. It’s very close to the bone at times, and I can imagine certain people of ethnic minorities could find it hard to watch, and I don’t blame them. It’s an unflinching and brave film without question. You all MUST see it. Two scenes in-particular left me speechless, they were actual works of art - I know that makes me sound pretentious as fuck, but it’s only how I can describe them. I won’t ruin them for you by giving away the details, but the first involves Matt Dillon’s character and a car crash (no, he isn’t in one, don’t worry, I haven’t ruined it for you - you‘ll understand when you see it) and the second involves the Hispanic character and his daughter near the end. Both are maybe the most breathtaking scenes I have ever seen in ANY film. I was numb while watching them: true heart-in-the mouth, jaw-dropping stuff. And no I am not exaggerating here, this is not hyperbole. I couldn’t be more sincere or honest right now. See this movie. Now.
Well, that was my induction day. So relieved that it went well. You have NO IDEA.
And things are just gonna get better in the life of Paddy: The Dresden Dolls gig next Thursday at the ABC; I’m (finally!) meeting Shiona on Tuesday; I get a huge bursary for college; and Gratitude at the Barfly a week on Tuesday! And get this: Jonah and co. will be supported by… Bedouin Soundclash!!!!!!!!!
FUCK YEAH!
Awwwwwwwww, I hit a happiness and excitement overload when Ally told me that, I love this band (only heard one song so far, but it was of such beautiful brilliance I know every other will be just as fantastic) and seriously, right now, Gratitude couldn’t have picked a better support band. Soundclash and Gratitude with Kay, and Shiona and Ally will be there too - this could really be the greatest gig ever. EVER I TELL THEE! :P
Speaking of Kay, we hung out in town at the start of the week and I’ll post all the pictures soon - she got a digi cam for her birthday, and being the shameless camera whore that I am, I took huge advantage and went nuts with it. Yee-ha!
Well, if you haven’t fell asleep face-first on your keyboard yet and you’re still reading, much thanks. Paddy loves you. And that is all from me today. Later, children! x
Man, seemingly for once in my meaningless existence, life is pretty damn good. So lend me your ears (or eyes, rather) and I will tell you why. By the way, this a mutha of a post, so if you’re not that interested in my life, or don’t have the attention span for a mega post, feel free to skip it, I won’t be offended… *tear*
So firstly, and most importantly, Cardonald Induction Day was on Thursday *stirring, orchestral music to convey much importance*. Never in my life have I been so worried. But with good reason: new people, new environment, new course, new smell… and so on. It could have went so very, very wrong. But I’ll be damned, it went DAMN FUCKING WELL!!! When the day was over, I must have let out an hour-long sigh of relief. Why was I so scared???
It didn’t get off to the greatest of starts, it was pissing rain and when I finally got to town, I waited for what seemed like an eternity for the bus to take me to Cardonald - was mortified that I’d be late on my first day, and not only that, I would enter the room looking very damp and shoddy. BUT, when I got there, no one was there haha. I was the first to arrive, and seriously, two hours into the class people were still arriving. Again, relief one could say.
The night before I asked the sage-like oracle of wisdom that is Isla for any last-minute advice. Her simple yet genius instructions were to “smile, be happy” and in general don’t be the miserable, awkward cunt that I usually am. Done so, and BAM, second person to arrive, within seconds we’re talking like old chums and realised I made a friend faster than any other time in my life. Hurrah! Ms Isla, thankooo *mega hug!*
His name is Andy, is from Paisley and completely sound as a pound. I was really surprised at how easy and comfortable I was talking to him, as you all know, I never seem to get on with other guys at all - it just doesn’t happen, but amazingly, it did here. Even more incredible, he is so not the type of person I would usually be friends with, never mind talk to, as he’s, for lack of a better phrase, a tad geezer and laddish, you know? But he was so good to talk to, and pretty funny too; he told this hilarious story about when his mate went cow-tipping - yes, as in tipping over cows for fun. Trust me, it was golden, and not at all cruel. Well, maybe a bit cruel…
More folk arrived as we waited outside the room, and it struck me how varied the people are - a true mix of people from 17 year olds like me and Andy, to young and trendy 20 year olds with faux-cool haircuts and two girls who seemingly took their fashion tips from Saskia and Lesley from Big Brother, all the way to a middle-aged bald man in a raincoat with huge glasses most likely going through some sort of mid-life crisis - journalism cures all woes, so that’s why he’s here, of course. There’s around 12 people taking the course, which is great, as I die a slow death in large classes. One weird thing though, is that apart from me and Andy, none of the other people seemed to talk to each other. I’m sure that’ll change once the class truly gets going, but still… rather peculiar. I was also slightly disappointed that there was no other, for lack of a better phrase, ’alternative’ people. They all seemed very hip, painfully trendy and ’with it’, and most likely looked at me as the token outsider weirdo who listens to all that ’shouty music’. Couldn’t care less though, as Andy is there, and I’m just thankful that I have at least one person to chat to and hang around with - ditto for him, as he said something along the lines of, “Man, thank fuck for you, I don’t see me being able to communicate with these other wanks at all.” Hahaha, thankfully, I’m not as quick to harshly dismiss them as he is, and I’m sure the awkwardness will die down as the course goes on.
And the course, is why we are all here: HNC/D Practical Journalism, and to be honest, it looks immense. But in a good way. The course leader, Martin, seems great and completely sincere about what he does, and how he’ll “guide us to glory…” or something. But yeah, top dude. The stuff we’ll be doing is just what I expected, and I can’t help but look forward to it with geeky enthusiasm. It’s so great to be finally doing something I care about, and want, rather than Higher fucking Accounts & Finance. Bah.
All in all, the Induction just had Martin explaining all the details and taking us to register and such. Oh, my Student Card, is classic! My picture is golden, as my hair seemed to part in the middle like the red sea as I took my hat off for the photo. It’s one of those so-bad-it’s-amazing things.
Afterwards Andy and I hung out for a while, parted ways and then I went back to town. I had some time to kill so I went to see Crash, which I’ve been itching to catch for quite a while. A DOWNRIGHT ASTOUNDING MOVIE. Trust me, it’s every bit as incredible and powerful as the critics say it is. It’s peerlessly acted and written, and it stayed with me all day after watching it, and actually, I still stop just to think about it today. Truly outstanding movie. Basically, it’s five or six inter-woven story lines viewing racial tension and prejudice in America today and pretty much every scene leaves you gripped. It’s very close to the bone at times, and I can imagine certain people of ethnic minorities could find it hard to watch, and I don’t blame them. It’s an unflinching and brave film without question. You all MUST see it. Two scenes in-particular left me speechless, they were actual works of art - I know that makes me sound pretentious as fuck, but it’s only how I can describe them. I won’t ruin them for you by giving away the details, but the first involves Matt Dillon’s character and a car crash (no, he isn’t in one, don’t worry, I haven’t ruined it for you - you‘ll understand when you see it) and the second involves the Hispanic character and his daughter near the end. Both are maybe the most breathtaking scenes I have ever seen in ANY film. I was numb while watching them: true heart-in-the mouth, jaw-dropping stuff. And no I am not exaggerating here, this is not hyperbole. I couldn’t be more sincere or honest right now. See this movie. Now.
Well, that was my induction day. So relieved that it went well. You have NO IDEA.
And things are just gonna get better in the life of Paddy: The Dresden Dolls gig next Thursday at the ABC; I’m (finally!) meeting Shiona on Tuesday; I get a huge bursary for college; and Gratitude at the Barfly a week on Tuesday! And get this: Jonah and co. will be supported by… Bedouin Soundclash!!!!!!!!!
FUCK YEAH!
Awwwwwwwww, I hit a happiness and excitement overload when Ally told me that, I love this band (only heard one song so far, but it was of such beautiful brilliance I know every other will be just as fantastic) and seriously, right now, Gratitude couldn’t have picked a better support band. Soundclash and Gratitude with Kay, and Shiona and Ally will be there too - this could really be the greatest gig ever. EVER I TELL THEE! :P
Speaking of Kay, we hung out in town at the start of the week and I’ll post all the pictures soon - she got a digi cam for her birthday, and being the shameless camera whore that I am, I took huge advantage and went nuts with it. Yee-ha!
Well, if you haven’t fell asleep face-first on your keyboard yet and you’re still reading, much thanks. Paddy loves you. And that is all from me today. Later, children! x