University and other scary things

In less than a week I am starting my double degree in International Relations and Journalism. I can't help but feel this mixture of excitement and terror all at once. Part of me is going "yes, I get to meet new people with similar interests", and the other part of me is going "but Milly, you are terrified of social situations - what are you doing!?"

I am surprisingly ecstatic anticipating the start of university life. I like the idea of a clean slate and choosing subjects that suit me. I have the opportunity not to be the shy girl in the corner, and join social clubs and shape my life in the way I want to. This all sounds very romanticised, but apparently one week in and I'll be praying for the holidays to come sooner.

I've had a few hassles with enrolling (i.e. my SATAC application wasn't actually submitted for 2013 - oops) but it's all sorted now. I accidentally enrolled in Japanese 1A, which I just realised was designed for absolute beginners. I was almost tempted to stay in the class, but when I thought of "learning" hiragana and katakana again for a year I made the transition into 2A.

Which brings me to my subjects:
Principles of Journalism
Japanese 2A
Discovering Language, Culture and Society
Peace, War and International Politics

Never before have I been so pleased with a line-up of subjects.

I've been reading up on unilife and my mind has gone into overdrive - already I'm planning on enrolling in an Associate Language and Cultural Studies degree, signing up for the Global Experience Program and joining a small number of clubs. Maybe my laziness will fade over the next four years...?

I'm at the different campuses on Wednesday and Thursday for Gear Up (orientation music festival type thing) and my course introduction. I'm a university student. This is actually happening!

And now for the "other scary things"...

• Tigger (my dog - expect a whole blog post about him later down the track) has problems with his eyes and is getting the final (hopefully) surgery he needs for his vision to be fixed. A specialist is performing the surgery, but I always worry anyway.
• Willow (the family dog) is turning 13 this year and we're concerned that she's not going to make it through 2013. Considering the vet said she wouldn't live past 8 she's done alright for herself. She's still the greediest dog ever to have walked the planet though!
• I need to get a proper job to support myself through university. My job at the chocolate shop is only seasonal so I can only rely on work over Easter and Christmas. I don't want to have to go back to the fast food industry, I'm still mentally recovering from it (literally).
• My sister can legally drive on her own now. It's one thing that I'm on my full license, but having her on her provisionals? Wow, it's so strange not having to drive her everywhere anymore.

On a more positive note: my organ donor card came today. I was already listed as a donor on my driving license, but I just wanted to make extra sure. If I die tomorrow at least someone else may have the chance to live.

On that note, Ja mata!

Mental Illness

Not my usual post, but I feel that this is an important issue to at least touch on. I may even share some of my experiences on here later down the track (or maybe not)...

I am so glad to see advertisements regarding the awareness of mental illness. Many people don't understand how it affects people who live with it and how it impacts those around them. As someone who lives with a mental illness, I find it to be such a relief to be able to discuss my issues with people who won't label me as attention seeking, or claim that my illness is any less real because there are no obvious physical symptoms. I think that community awareness brings us one step closer to helping those who do have a mental illness, and hopefully finding a long term solution.

For information on depression visit: beyondblue.org.au

'Tis the season...

When I think of Christmas traditions I think of snowmen, roaring fires, and knitted reindeer jumpers... and then I remember I live in Australia. Christmas day will probably be a cosy 40 degrees celsius, resulting in a total fire ban; in other words absolutely no chance of a white Christmas.

I probably ought to point out that I'm not in any sense a religious person; but I've always liked the idea of Christmas traditions. However, implementing them is a completely different matter...

The Nativity. Back in England I went to a Christian primary school, where every year we'd have to perform the nativity scene in front of all our parents. Each year I'd long to be something cool, like the angel (in one instance I wanted to be the star!) but of course I'd wind up as a sheppard. It was very convincing - I wore a tea towel on my head and dragged along a toy lamb by a piece of string. My acting capability was apparent from an early age.

Family. Having no extended family living anywhere near us means that a family Christmas is just the four of us. To be honest, I'm not sure if I like it or not. We went and visited the family we have in Tasmania a few years back, but it just didn't seem like we belonged there. Occasionally we'll get some family or friends who'll come over just to see us. I will admit: if there is just one person who can get me hyped up for Christmas it is Grandma Jeanette. Unfortunately for us, she lives in America. 

The Tree. We're not a very festive bunch, really. The tree doesn't get put up until the week before Christmas. Then we just throw the decorations at the tree in an attempt to get the stupid thing done. Then Eden shouts at me for being rubbish and fixes it. Epileptic fit inducing lights are a big no-no. And last year, Fudgie hid behind the tree for the two weeks it was up and we couldn't find him half the time.

The Food. We do buy a ridiculous amount of food. Every year. No exceptions. We usually have a Christmas turkey luncheon, but last year we established that none of us actually even liked turkey that much, so there's that tradition out the window.

The Presents. I try and get all my shopping done early: not necessarily because I'm really looking forward to the Christmas, but because I dislike everyone. Especially people in shopping centres. And queues. In all seriousness - I like giving presents, and I like getting presents. I just can't stand Christmas shoppers.

The Christmas Carols. Never got into them. They make my stomach churn. And then people assume you know the words and invite you to sing along. No, I don't like it. Sing something catchy like "Yellow Submarine".

Actually, now I've established I'm a bit of a grinch. I'd like to think that a Winter wonderland type surrounding would open my heart a bit more to the Christmas spirit, but really, who knows? For this festive season, I think I'll don my black "BAH HUMBUG" Santa hat in the hopes that it'll keep the carolers at bay.

Twitter Funtimes

Stumbled across a website the other day that makes a new Twitter post from your previous tweets. I got such a kick out of it, so here are a few of my favourites:

• This is utterly dull. Unemployment does not taking a dalek. If there's one thing I've been!
• Tigger's first time in Brisbane at the structure of cats. That feeling like I've been telling me want to!
• You don't write a book you still be touring Alice Springs? I like summer holidays - yay or Brisbane at!
• This is purring or will you read for the deliciousness that I don't write a book you acknowledge that.
• Morning!? It's dinner time for a greatly anticipated film for exaggeration.
• There were only 151 Pokemon. Is my life so much more interesting than changing your mother suggests that.
• Eagerly anticipating performing in the light of Pride and blisters I like a stalker.
• One hand is incredible. New blog updates. Also, orange colour scheme - I've learned from my inevitable.
• Can't tell if you're thinking of realization when you're not to see any young people who drive with eyes?
• Send me how many people who drive with hundreds of sideplates from my inevitable future as an emotional?
• Three requests for the first time in the cage.
• I strange? Probably. Sort of Being a greatly anticipated film for the range of people who drive with eyes!
• Never underestimate the Internet. What is there? Interview at all? Doctor Who S4E13 - if cat is becoming!
• It's 3 am and lychee icecream. Omnomnomnom In 12 hours I'll be a sigh of cats.
• Belly bling! Yes, I finally got a giftshop in a more interesting person...

It's blatantly obvious that grammar isn't its strong point.

In other news: I have two jobs now. I'm living every teenagers dream - I work at a chocolate shop AND in a music store. Any product related research I'll be doing involves eating chocolate, listening to music and watching films!

That can be my next tweet: http://yes.thatcan.be/my/next/tweet/

My Twitter account: https://twitter.com/MillyPink1

I got bored and answered some questions...

Full name

Amelia Jayne Pink. Characteristically British, I know.

Zodiac sign

Aquarius

3 Fears

Snakes, getting lost, being alone

3 things I love

Sleep, cuddles, Tigger

4 turn ons

Intelligence, sense of humour, manners, charisma

4 turns off

Only one. If you're rude.

My best friend

I don't know how to answer this question anymore.

What time was I born

7:11a.m. Yes, 7-Eleven jokes happen a bit.

Favourite colour

Blue/purple

Favourite place

McLeod Ganj <3

Eye colour

Much debate on this. It's blue/green with orange flecks around the pupil. Or you can be one of those annoying people and say Hazel.

Hair colour

Chocolate brown (currently….)

Favourite style of clothing

Anything I can wear with my leather jacket.

Favourite holiday

India was amazing. I want to see Europe and Japan at some stage.

Tattoos and piercing I have/want

Ears, belly button. I don't want a tattoo. Ever. I'm done for now.

Do I ever get “good morning” or “good night ” texts?

No. I rarely get text messages.

Am I excited for anything?

University can't come soon enough.

How often do I wear a fake smile?

More often than I care to admit.

If I could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?

Dylan Moran, or one of those gorgeous British Youtubers ;)

What do I think about most?

The past. Bad habit, I know.

What’s my strangest talent?

Not having a talent.

Do I have any strange phobias?

I don't like people touching my neck.

What was the last lie I told?

"I'm fine"

Do I prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?

Phone. Because you can be completely naked while talking to someone without them even knowing. Plus there's that extra level of intimacy seeing someone face-to-face. So if I video chat to you, you know you're special.

Do I believe in ghosts? How about aliens?

If they're out there, I don’t expect them to exist in the form that we humans so often portray them.

Is there anything pink in 10 feets from me?

I am Milly PINK. I don't even need to look around.

What do I think is Satan’s last name is?

I think Satan is more a stage name. He probably has a really average name, like John Smith.

What’s a song that always makes me happy when I hear it?

Coca Cola by Little Red

What is my favourite word?

My favourite words are predominantly expletives. I also like putting people off by meowing at them.

I accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what’s even cooler is that they endow me with the super-power of my choice! What is that power?

Invisibility. Every time.

Failed a class?

Nearly failed Japanese in year 12.

Played on a sports team?

Netball and croquet in primary school. I was actually captain of the croquet team. Never again.

Been to a wedding?

Western AND Hindi. The Hindi wedding was incredible, and we got to wear our new saris.

Been outside my home country?

I moved to freaking Australia. Also on the list: Hong Kong, Fiji, South Korea, India, Canada.

Been to a professional sports game?

I went to a cricket match once. Left before halfway through the game with Mum. We went shopping. Sorry, avid sports fans.

Been to prom?

Formal. On the upside, it was the one day of my life I felt pretty. On the downside I was abandoned by my date. I cried.

Been in airplane?

No, I swam to all those places I mentioned above.

Learned another language?

Japanese.

Dyed my hair?

Hahahaha.

Met someone famous?

Bill Bailey. So charismatic.

Stalked someone on a social network?

What else is facebook for?

Peed outside?

I went camping with the scouts. What do you think?

Helped with charity?

Just a bit ;) I volunteered at an animal shelter, was a youth ambassador for the Cora Barclay Centre, and went to India to teach English for four months. Not that I like to brag or anything...

Play any musical instrument?

Flute, for about 5 years. I'm thinking of taking it up again. Maybe.

What my greatest achievements are

I went to India and taught English. I guess that's pretty special.

The meanest thing somebody has ever said to me

"You are the reason I tried to kill myself"

What I'd do if I won in a lottery

Buy a house, travel, give some money to my family, donate to charity. Tell no-one else, but keep surprising people with nice things.

The Clubbing Fiasco

When nightclubbing was first suggested to me I threw a dirty look in the direction from which it came. I've never been a party girl, I honestly prefer curling up and reading to the thought of getting drunk in a strange environment around people I don't know at early hours of the morning. For Julie's birthday (this was in July, my blog is not linear, my bad) she requested that a group of us go clubbing to celebrate. As an incentive she said I should invite some of my friends to get me into the spirit. So naturally I invited the people who hated clubbing with a passion. Hugh and Lachlan.

Hugh got very drunk on Julie and Mum's alcohol stash, and bragged about not buying his own drinks all night. We got rejected from The London, since he was out of it by the time we got there, and he stood someone up. 
The hotel receptionist must have thought I was a hooker, since I kept going up to the hotel room we were staying at with these two men (neither of them were guests of the hotel). Hugh tried to stay at the hotel, insisting that the room was paid for and that he didn't need to pay any money. Lynne and Amy came and picked the boys up and took them back home. Hating the experience so far, I put my pajamas on and watched some 80's music program on TV (needless to say, it was rubbish). At about 3 a.m. I received a call from Mum and Julie who insisted on coming back to the hotel to get me and bring me back out. The Woolshed was crowded, but the City nightclub I liked. Yes, I liked it. Don't give me that look.

It was still pretty awkward, because I was out nightclubbing with my mum and her friends, but after a few Smirnoff Black Ices (with raspberry; I still have a child's taste palette) it didn't matter anyway. I even got on the Mechanical Bull at the Woolshed (I lasted maybe 10 seconds, but who cares anyway, right?)
The only problem was driving to the airport in the morning to pick up Dad, with minimal sleep, no food and probably still some alcohol in my system. 

Next time I go out clubbing I think I'll plan on going with people my own age. As much as I love you Mum, you party way harder than I do. I don't think I'll ever be able to keep up xx

Reminiscing: Queensland

I'm not very consistent at this blogging thing - I completely forgot to mention my trip to Queensland back in September. I think I need a prompt sheet or something.

My awesome second cousin Andrew paid for my flights to Brisbane as a late birthday present (7 months late, it's no big deal ;D). Actually, I think it's better that they were late because otherwise I wouldn't have met my baby cousin Xander (and what a little cutie he is).

Andrew got me onto Rekorderlig Pear Cider (which is amazing, try it if you haven't), and there were many failed attempts at finding an alcoholic beverage suited to me. Turns out elder flower liqueur and muscato are hits, being the massive sweet tooth that I am...

I spent several days in the pool and the spa. I watched my first episode of Star Wars (IV and V, if you were wondering) and the Family Guy spoofs. We made mango/lychee ice cream, visited the markets and I was an occasional baby sitter. Life was good. Then something incredible happened.

Audrey, my childhood best friend, who I hadn't seen since I was six years old was in Brisbane. Incredible, for once in my life timing was on my side. It's a shame that the locals weren't. I agreed to meet Audrey at South Bank. Not knowing the area, I asked one of the locals to point me in the right direction. They pointed me in the right direction all right. What was potentially a five minute walk turned into a two hour walk under the blazing sun. When I finally met up with Audrey, she had been waiting for me an hour and a half, I turned up bright red with sunburn, and limping from blisters caused by my ballet flats. People passing us literally thought I had some sort of disability (I still cringe at that thought). But after 12 years, Audrey didn't mind waiting that extra hour and a half. She felt sorry for me, the sore, red being that I was and even bought me lunch (I'll settle the score when I visit England, eventually). I can't believe how well we actually got on. You'd think that after that long we'd be completely different, but we managed to giggle together like we were little girls again, it was incredible, even if she is a vegetarian (I joke, I joke. I love you, Audrey).

My Facebook input for the day was:

She thought I was just going on holiday to Australia. Twelve years later we're reunited for the first time since we were six. It's incredible to think that after all this time we were able to laugh like we were within seconds of seeing each other. Only difference is that now it's a bit awkward sharing a bath!

In case you hadn't figured it out, I think I'm much wittier than I actually am, so I take joy in posting the statuses I put on Facebook on my blog.

That was the last day in Queensland, as Andrew, Sonya, Xander and I were about to drive from Brisbane to Adelaide: 2,000 km in two days. Well, Andrew drove. I wasn't much help, I kept falling asleep in the back seat next to Xander. We stopped overnight in Cobar, where part of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert was filmed, which I couldn't help but find amusing.

Back in Adelaide, we relaxed, but Xander was reluctant to get in the car after spending all that time in there! Mum gave me the ultimate surprise. She'd adopted Tigger from the Animal Shelter, and now he's legally mine. We took a tour around Haigh's Chocolate factory ("research" for my interview), which Andrew ruined by making an innuendo about "polished nuts". Luckily the kids on the tour didn't realise what he was actually referring to...

Anyhow, it's 1:20am and I can't sleep. Now that I've said that I'll probably fall asleep instantly. Nighty night.