I am currently employed. Hooray! I am a telemarketing operator, to quote my full and complete title. What I do is I call people - "Good morning, Henry Sparker, please." - and then guide them through re-registering for the magazine I'm working for on that particular day. If Henry's not there, not a problem. Either it's "That's okay, can you help me update his details on his behalf?" or, if he's actually left properly, "Okay, I need to speak to your *insert high level job person*" and then get them to do a full registration.
From the first day of my job, I had the idea that I might be quite good at it. Not the best in the world, but I immediately took to the work, found my rhythm and within a day or so, I was already at the level of the girls who started last week.
We get targets set by the hour. At the moment, my target is 10 successful registrations an hour, occasionally 11. A successful registration can be a short re-registration, or a longer full registration with someone new.
(Interestingly, if I am registering the same person but the postal address of their organisation changes, that means I have to do the full registration process, even if the company is the same and their job role hasn't changed.)
Since being set 10 an hour, I've only had a few hours where I've not reached it. Usually, I exceed my target of 10, or hit it right on the nail in the final minutes of the hour. Once, I managed to get 15. I'm not sure how, but people just kept saying "yes, I can help".
Now, the interesting part of what I do happens when Henry himself is not available to do a registration; all you need is a secretary, or a PA, or a colleague of a lower job rank. To get higher numbers per hour, you need to learn how to deal with people who aren't the direct subscriber. Sometimes they don't feel entirely sure they can answer the questions. Sometimes they are busy. Sometimes they've already received five calls already and they're tired of questions. In all cases, my job is to lead them through the questions, as quickly as I can, occasionally feeding answers for some of the questions that can be problematic.
The question that often trips up a registration is called "Digital or print registration?" on my data entry form. What I interpret that as is, "Henry's currently receiving the digital version of the magazine, shall we stick with that format?" You don't give them a choice (paper is expensive, we'd prefer them to take email), or hint too much that this is indeed a registration for the magazine, because for some reason, PAs get very nervous when they sign up their boss for free things. I can understand why, but it is my job to convince them that it's okay, because it's entirely free of charge and this miracle magazine material has useful stuff for any level of management in any size organisation. Plus, you'll help me reach target and get an extra 5 minutes of break.
Occasionally, by the time I get to the last question, which is an auditing question (to prove I'm not just making up subscriptions), the on-their-behalf subscriber sounds very quiet, and a little nervous. I hang up, and for about five seconds, while filling out the call conclusion form, writing S for Short in my time form, and starting a new call, I think about the little girl, Miss Susie Haynes, or whatever, in her office, not entirely sure of what's happened, or what she's done.
Don't worry, Susie.
The challenge of my job is dealing with Katies. Let me explain: I call for Henry Sparker, and instead, Katie picks up the phone. Either Katie's company has a no-name policy, or Katie's on a switchboard and she's incredibly busy and just can't talk, or she can't give details over the phone, or they do all their registrations by email. With these, it's not really Katie's fault, so I let it slide. I have to.
Sometimes Katie knows all the details and is the PA/secretary to Henry (i.e. perfect to do the registration), but refuses to give her full name and/or title. The last Katie scenario is the worst. She can give me that delightful little S on my time sheet, but she refuses to because of some misplaced idea of what security is. You tell strangers your name and job title all the time at parties, Katie, I'm sure; you just don't want to tell me these things because I'm not some anonymous hot bloke in a suit that you can physically see in front of you. As for Miss/Ms/Mrs, well, you'd tell Hot Bloke all that too, but with your low-cut top or your buttoned up "don't talk to me, Johnny" manner.
I know, I'm being harsh here. Katie's not being a twat for no reason. But, I guess people are afraid to be linked to doing anything. Especially when they're not sure they should be doing it.
So, this post is incredibly long so...
TL;DR - I have a job. It's going well, but I need to improve on working with Katies who can help but won't because they're afraid of security. And, in general, I need to continue to work on adapting my approach more to each phone call, developing a flexibility for each situation. I would apologise for being that person who calls on behalf of X Magazine, but, it's my job. I have to do it. So, I won't apologise. So there. :p
I'm surprised at how much I've learnt here, actually. What seemed like a simple, and mind-numbingly boring job has actually become very interesting.
Showing posts with label win. Show all posts
Showing posts with label win. Show all posts
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Friday, July 02, 2010
Questions of science, science and progress.
I got my third year results yesterday. 74 to the nearest whole, that's a First. It was what I had hoped for, and I think it's what I deserved, given how hard I worked, and how much I had to put aside and overcome to get there.
One more step to ascend. One more year, then I'll have done it. I'll have a Masters degree. Master of Maths. Sounds kinda awesome. (Not quite as good as Master of Physics, which is what my boyfriend now is. YES!)
I got an email out of the blue, from a familiar source. I used to be a part of Great Writing, a website where I would put all my scribbles and musings in poem-shaped parcels, and let the internet decide if they liked it.
I got a comment today, from one of the last poems I wrote. I wrote it right at the beginning of first year. I went along to the writing society's gathering, and they told us to write a poem, and I wrote something that wasn't what they were expecting. I wasn't sure if it was any good, so I put it up, and I got some good comments.
And today, I got another one. Same vein as the others, liking the same stuff.
I ended up looking through the whole back catalogue of work I've done.
It's good. Objectively, I just think it's quite good.
I need to start writing again. For my music, for my poetry, even my prose. It's not something I'd want to make a career of; I'd hate taking something creative I love and making it my paid work, and the fear of writer's block is enough to make me want to pick something I can consistently deliver, you know?
I love how when I'm just going about my life and then all the sudden a phrase pops into my head, followed in quick succession by a whole stanza, then nearly a whole poem. It's how I write; it's as if I'd been thinking about it, letting the poem gestate for weeks, and then I give birth, and there it is. Pretty much ready. Except you don't get really fat-looking if you're working on a poem subconsciously. (At least, I don't think you do.)
So, what's the summary?
I am a good mathematician, objectively. I was a good poet, objectively. I think I can be a good writer again. (It'll probably be easier to pick up chicks with good writing than with good maths, anyway.)
One more step to ascend. One more year, then I'll have done it. I'll have a Masters degree. Master of Maths. Sounds kinda awesome. (Not quite as good as Master of Physics, which is what my boyfriend now is. YES!)
I got an email out of the blue, from a familiar source. I used to be a part of Great Writing, a website where I would put all my scribbles and musings in poem-shaped parcels, and let the internet decide if they liked it.
I got a comment today, from one of the last poems I wrote. I wrote it right at the beginning of first year. I went along to the writing society's gathering, and they told us to write a poem, and I wrote something that wasn't what they were expecting. I wasn't sure if it was any good, so I put it up, and I got some good comments.
And today, I got another one. Same vein as the others, liking the same stuff.
I ended up looking through the whole back catalogue of work I've done.
It's good. Objectively, I just think it's quite good.
I need to start writing again. For my music, for my poetry, even my prose. It's not something I'd want to make a career of; I'd hate taking something creative I love and making it my paid work, and the fear of writer's block is enough to make me want to pick something I can consistently deliver, you know?
I love how when I'm just going about my life and then all the sudden a phrase pops into my head, followed in quick succession by a whole stanza, then nearly a whole poem. It's how I write; it's as if I'd been thinking about it, letting the poem gestate for weeks, and then I give birth, and there it is. Pretty much ready. Except you don't get really fat-looking if you're working on a poem subconsciously. (At least, I don't think you do.)
So, what's the summary?
I am a good mathematician, objectively. I was a good poet, objectively. I think I can be a good writer again. (It'll probably be easier to pick up chicks with good writing than with good maths, anyway.)
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Hold your hats, folks!
At some point, I made a calendar of the last three weeks of term. I had planned for a couple people to come visit, as well as the Pride-y, debate-y things I'd hoped to do. Attend all the socials, read and gym in the gaps between.
What actually happened is some Tristan time, and lots of other random things creeping in. LGBT Midlands Coalition meetings, WSAF gigs, meetings with David Preiss (DAVID PREISS!), and so on.
In particular, the last five days have been particularly challenging. I suppose I didn't realise quite how challenging until last night, when, in a delirious haze of exhaustion and headpain, I made a cake and then fell asleep almost instantly.
So. This is what I have done recently.
Thursday: Meeting with David Preiss about 4th year project. To get ready for this, I'd had to read a 12-page document, and then read as much as I could about integration in general. On top of this, my brother had given me a piece of work to do too (writing some text for a website), due for Friday. So, already, the week had been quite full of writing and reading. The meeting went really well, then as soon as it was over, Tristan and I drove madly down the motorway to get to my brother's prize giving. After mingling and wine and dinner and "look this is the family house", we drove all the way back.
Friday: At some point in the early morning, say 3:30, we fell asleep. (I don't have a great deal to say about that bit apart from that it was both fun and amazing.) Woke up, eventually, got my brother's work done and emailed to him by the deadline, then rushed into the shower to see my housemate's band play their final ever gig, at WSAF. Came home, made food, went back out, Crash time. Oh, Crash. Drunken, dance-fuelled madness. Nick, Richard, Zal, Mash, Buzz, Engineering Matt, faces and crowds and wonderful things.
Saturday: Entirely unwonderful things, to start. Including lots of chundering. (I did party extremely hard). Hangover started to subside at about 4 or 5, just in time to rush into the shower AGAIN and get to campus in time for dinner in the Duck and watching more bands play at WSAF including the very fun Lilac Joke, and the ever-awesome Hot Magenta. Then, onto Last Exit. More bands, more dancing, and GUITAR HERO which was really good. I chose to play King Crimson. Seven minutes of guitar noodling at an almost impossible pace. Then, Matt and Buzz played Rush, "The Spirit Of Radio". LOL. That was hilariously awful. But, impossible to play. In the end, it turned out that Matt and Buzz had been looking at each other's corners, so they were playing the wrong stuff :P (Matt still won though). After a while, Tash and I crashed out, so Mash and I went home.
Sunday: A relatively relaxing day. Bus trips around the Canley area to pick up icing pens, since my local supermarket doesn't sell them big enough, and it was too hot to walk around, hence the bus. Finally got home, made some chocolate cake, watched England get thrashed. Iced the cake, decorated the cake, went to campus and back to give Katie a disc for the last acronym film social. Early bed time in time for the day ahead.
Monday: 6:45am start, for a 7:45am taxi onto campus, arriving minutes to 8, to await my lift. Why this horrifically real-person start? To teach debating at a school in the Banbury area! A full day with a group of Year 12s. I had a crib sheet, and it worked pretty well. I was nervous at first, but I grew to feed off their enthusiasm and really enjoyed watching the quieter girls grow in confidence over the course of the day. Lunch was 25 minutes, break was 10, the whole day finished at about 5 or so. Got to campus again at about 6 ish. Went to see Tristan. Began to feel kinda tired. Realised I had a cake to make for him. Took a taxi home, collapsed a bit. After resting for a while, I dragged myself outside to get Chinese takeout and then came home and ate it. I felt a bit better, so made the cake bases. By now, it was approaching 10. I realised I didn't have enough icing sugar. Left the house again to get it. Called home; a family member had died. I'm borrowing some of Mom's black clothes to wear for the funeral. (My first ever funeral, occurring the day before we go on holiday.) Mom'd also been to A&E, for some really bad allergic reaction she had. Got home eventually, icing sugar in tow, fell asleep for about 30 minutes. I couldn't help it, I was just so tired and hurty. All the lights and sounds of the house were just throbbing in my head and my eyes. However, I got myself up, took some Norah Jones downstairs on Audrey and dimmed the lights in the kitchen and iced the cake. After this epic set of manly endeavours, I went to bed and passed out.
I'm not sure exactly what possessed me to ignore everything my body was telling me, so I could finish that cake. It's like I found a strength somewhere. I'm glad I did it though. Not sure I'd have forgiven myself if I hadn't. Cake is SRS BSNS.
I guess people do crazy things when they're in... summertime. Yes, when they are in summertime. (That is clearly the word I want to use.)
What actually happened is some Tristan time, and lots of other random things creeping in. LGBT Midlands Coalition meetings, WSAF gigs, meetings with David Preiss (DAVID PREISS!), and so on.
In particular, the last five days have been particularly challenging. I suppose I didn't realise quite how challenging until last night, when, in a delirious haze of exhaustion and headpain, I made a cake and then fell asleep almost instantly.
So. This is what I have done recently.
Thursday: Meeting with David Preiss about 4th year project. To get ready for this, I'd had to read a 12-page document, and then read as much as I could about integration in general. On top of this, my brother had given me a piece of work to do too (writing some text for a website), due for Friday. So, already, the week had been quite full of writing and reading. The meeting went really well, then as soon as it was over, Tristan and I drove madly down the motorway to get to my brother's prize giving. After mingling and wine and dinner and "look this is the family house", we drove all the way back.
Friday: At some point in the early morning, say 3:30, we fell asleep. (I don't have a great deal to say about that bit apart from that it was both fun and amazing.) Woke up, eventually, got my brother's work done and emailed to him by the deadline, then rushed into the shower to see my housemate's band play their final ever gig, at WSAF. Came home, made food, went back out, Crash time. Oh, Crash. Drunken, dance-fuelled madness. Nick, Richard, Zal, Mash, Buzz, Engineering Matt, faces and crowds and wonderful things.
Saturday: Entirely unwonderful things, to start. Including lots of chundering. (I did party extremely hard). Hangover started to subside at about 4 or 5, just in time to rush into the shower AGAIN and get to campus in time for dinner in the Duck and watching more bands play at WSAF including the very fun Lilac Joke, and the ever-awesome Hot Magenta. Then, onto Last Exit. More bands, more dancing, and GUITAR HERO which was really good. I chose to play King Crimson. Seven minutes of guitar noodling at an almost impossible pace. Then, Matt and Buzz played Rush, "The Spirit Of Radio". LOL. That was hilariously awful. But, impossible to play. In the end, it turned out that Matt and Buzz had been looking at each other's corners, so they were playing the wrong stuff :P (Matt still won though). After a while, Tash and I crashed out, so Mash and I went home.
Sunday: A relatively relaxing day. Bus trips around the Canley area to pick up icing pens, since my local supermarket doesn't sell them big enough, and it was too hot to walk around, hence the bus. Finally got home, made some chocolate cake, watched England get thrashed. Iced the cake, decorated the cake, went to campus and back to give Katie a disc for the last acronym film social. Early bed time in time for the day ahead.
Monday: 6:45am start, for a 7:45am taxi onto campus, arriving minutes to 8, to await my lift. Why this horrifically real-person start? To teach debating at a school in the Banbury area! A full day with a group of Year 12s. I had a crib sheet, and it worked pretty well. I was nervous at first, but I grew to feed off their enthusiasm and really enjoyed watching the quieter girls grow in confidence over the course of the day. Lunch was 25 minutes, break was 10, the whole day finished at about 5 or so. Got to campus again at about 6 ish. Went to see Tristan. Began to feel kinda tired. Realised I had a cake to make for him. Took a taxi home, collapsed a bit. After resting for a while, I dragged myself outside to get Chinese takeout and then came home and ate it. I felt a bit better, so made the cake bases. By now, it was approaching 10. I realised I didn't have enough icing sugar. Left the house again to get it. Called home; a family member had died. I'm borrowing some of Mom's black clothes to wear for the funeral. (My first ever funeral, occurring the day before we go on holiday.) Mom'd also been to A&E, for some really bad allergic reaction she had. Got home eventually, icing sugar in tow, fell asleep for about 30 minutes. I couldn't help it, I was just so tired and hurty. All the lights and sounds of the house were just throbbing in my head and my eyes. However, I got myself up, took some Norah Jones downstairs on Audrey and dimmed the lights in the kitchen and iced the cake. After this epic set of manly endeavours, I went to bed and passed out.
I'm not sure exactly what possessed me to ignore everything my body was telling me, so I could finish that cake. It's like I found a strength somewhere. I'm glad I did it though. Not sure I'd have forgiven myself if I hadn't. Cake is SRS BSNS.
I guess people do crazy things when they're in... summertime. Yes, when they are in summertime. (That is clearly the word I want to use.)
Friday, April 30, 2010
Mail!
I get really excited about mail. I'll sit in my room just waiting for noon-ish to arrive, and then sooner or later, I'll hear the gentle yet noticeable *thud* downstairs and I'll run as fast as I can down the stairs and jump around, all hyped about the mail.
I even get excited if it's not for me.
Today is Friday. I usually get the Weekly Letter from my father. It's a short note from him with £20 taped to it. So, Friday mail is even more exciting than any other.
This Friday, there were two pieces of mail. Ex's postal vote, and a Big Letter from home.
Inside the Big Letter, was the Weekly Letter, complete with £20, and a letter from Student Loans, to get my money sorted AND AND AND AND Transatlantic tickets! Prog times are soon to be mine!
Best mail I've had in a while, really. :D
I even get excited if it's not for me.
Today is Friday. I usually get the Weekly Letter from my father. It's a short note from him with £20 taped to it. So, Friday mail is even more exciting than any other.
This Friday, there were two pieces of mail. Ex's postal vote, and a Big Letter from home.
Inside the Big Letter, was the Weekly Letter, complete with £20, and a letter from Student Loans, to get my money sorted AND AND AND AND Transatlantic tickets! Prog times are soon to be mine!
Best mail I've had in a while, really. :D
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
What A Catch, Donnie.
I've got troubled thoughts, and the self-esteem to match. What a catch...When I first heard Fall Out Boy were going on indefinite hiatus, this song just seemed like the perfect farewell. At the end, a bunch of people (Elvis Costello, Brendan Urie, etc) came and sang a couple lines from some Fall Out Boy songs while the chorus is looped over by Patrick, and it's really cool.
I always thought that quote summed me up to a T. Troubled thoughts, minimal self-esteem. I know that's it's not true. My life's only a mess when I do stuff I haven't thought through properly. When I actually think, my thoughts are pretty clear, and pretty sound. I am a smart person, I just don't use my smartness for some reason. I want to.
I was talking to a friend last night, and he asked me what kind of person I wanted to be. I thought about it for a bit, and I realised I wanted to be brave, kind and smart. It's totally doable. I think I am quite brave, especially when it comes to just approaching new people, not being nervous, and just talking to them. I am kind, when I remember that there's more to life that just what I'm doing. I can be smart, when I actually think about what I'm doing.
I do have self-esteem. I'm not the best person in the world - I'd be mad to think that - but I have definite positive features about my personality.
When I was younger, after I'd broken up with my first ever non-playground boyfriend (after treating him like crap and eventually calling it quits), I thought that somebody like me never really deserved to be with anyone genuinely good, someone who was kind and generous and loving, because I didn't know how to treat them properly. If I deserved anything, it would be someone who treated me badly and made me feel sad, in the way I made other people sad sometimes. I know that's not true. Everyone deserves a bit of happiness, I think.
I am a single person! Thus, another chapter of my life begins. Hopefully it'll be distinctly different from the ones I had before. I want something different this time round, I think. Sex is good, movies are too, but I think I want something more than just that.
...
There's so much I want to say. But, it's not the right time for it. I don't know if there will ever be a right time for it. Of course, you can spend your whole life not saying things that might change everything, because it's "not quite the right time", and then nothing ever really happens to you. Fortune favours the brave; history is made by those who show up; if you don't ask, you can't ever get an answer. I just have to try to be smart, and work out when the best time is, and be brave, and just say it.
It's like the end of When Harry Met Sally, when Sally's at a New Year's party dateless, and once Harry realises he's in love with her, he plucks up the courage to run to the party from his apartment to tell her. She says to him that he can't just show up and tell her he loves her and that'll fix everything, because it doesn't work that way. Before she can walk away, Harry grabs her and tells her various things that he loves about her (including the fact that he loves that it takes her an hour and half to order a sandwich.) He then finishes by saying:
I came here tonight because when you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.Hopefully I'll be brave enough to tell them how I feel before someone else finds out how amazing they are. Another perfect quote from this (totally amazing!) movie:
All I'm saying is that somewhere out there is the man you are supposed to marry. And if you don't get him first, somebody else will, and you'll have to spend the rest of your life knowing that somebody else is married to your husband.
Friday, April 09, 2010
Disloyal Order of Water Buffaloes
This title is... insane! The actual song has nothing to do with disloyalty, ordering, water OR buffaloes. But, you know, let's see where we go from here:
Disloyal...
I've been practising being single. Sort of. It's more practising "not having a person around all who does the cooking and the cleaning". Which is entirely different, now that I think about it.
What I have with New Guy is very different to what I had before. It's friends with benefits, but with exclusivity. Sounds a lot like a Relationship, except he's given it a fairly firm expiry date, which... you know, a Relationship doesn't have one of those. Of course, if it turns out he actually sticks around, I'll be pretty thrilled and it'll be interesting to see how it works out. But, I'm not holding out for it. I'd be a fool to.
Order!
Being in the house alone has been quite a nice thing, actually. I play Fall Out Boy as loudly as I like, I always know how much milk I have at all times, I don't have to worry about setting the alarm on anyone, I don't have to be home for anyone. I've been steadily cleaning the house. Bathroom was last night, kitchen was this morning. Over the weekend, I plan to find to vacuum. So, the house will be all shiny and clean and pretty for everyone to come back to.
I'm actually enjoying looking after myself. I got so lazy before, I really did. I am totally capable of buying my own milk and beef, and carrying it home myself, and cooking for myself, and cleaning up after myself, and other things. I don't need anyone to do those things for me, and I really should do them myself.
Water.
My appetite's been a bit off lately. I only managed to eat half of my pasta bol last night, I had to tupperware the rest away. I ate one carrot stick and half a pitta bread dipped in hummous before giving up (I just wasn't hungry). At least I finished dinner today. I don't think I'm sick or anything, it's just a bit weird. I've been going into campus to work 11-3 the past few days. Maybe a bit more walking, and I'll feel okay... :)
Buffaloes!
"Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo." That is all.
Disloyal...
I've been practising being single. Sort of. It's more practising "not having a person around all who does the cooking and the cleaning". Which is entirely different, now that I think about it.
What I have with New Guy is very different to what I had before. It's friends with benefits, but with exclusivity. Sounds a lot like a Relationship, except he's given it a fairly firm expiry date, which... you know, a Relationship doesn't have one of those. Of course, if it turns out he actually sticks around, I'll be pretty thrilled and it'll be interesting to see how it works out. But, I'm not holding out for it. I'd be a fool to.
Order!
Being in the house alone has been quite a nice thing, actually. I play Fall Out Boy as loudly as I like, I always know how much milk I have at all times, I don't have to worry about setting the alarm on anyone, I don't have to be home for anyone. I've been steadily cleaning the house. Bathroom was last night, kitchen was this morning. Over the weekend, I plan to find to vacuum. So, the house will be all shiny and clean and pretty for everyone to come back to.
I'm actually enjoying looking after myself. I got so lazy before, I really did. I am totally capable of buying my own milk and beef, and carrying it home myself, and cooking for myself, and cleaning up after myself, and other things. I don't need anyone to do those things for me, and I really should do them myself.
Water.
My appetite's been a bit off lately. I only managed to eat half of my pasta bol last night, I had to tupperware the rest away. I ate one carrot stick and half a pitta bread dipped in hummous before giving up (I just wasn't hungry). At least I finished dinner today. I don't think I'm sick or anything, it's just a bit weird. I've been going into campus to work 11-3 the past few days. Maybe a bit more walking, and I'll feel okay... :)
Buffaloes!
"Buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo buffalo buffalo Buffalo buffalo." That is all.
Saturday, April 03, 2010
Truffles!
I did making truffles with mommy today! We measured and melted chocolate, added cream, let it set in the fridge, scooped and shaped it into balls, coated the balls in different things, and then put the balls into little cake cases. There are four varieties, each with a different colour cake case:
It took out a whole day of studying, but it was pretty fun doing that...
- Red: Milk chocolate truffles, flavoured with rum and vanilla, coated in ground pistachios.
- Green: Milk chocolate truffles, flavoured with ground almonds and vanilla, coated in ground almonds.
- Gold: White chocolate truffles, with milk chocolate swirls inside, coated in chocolate powder.
- Silver: Milk chocolate truffles, coated in chocolate powder.
It took out a whole day of studying, but it was pretty fun doing that...
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A small victory against the forces that do oppress us daily.
Once again, teaching a fresher how to debate. It gets a little old after a while.
Motion: THW allow surrogate mothers to be paid.
1st opp, with a fresher.
Two finalist debaters in the room, the kid that came to Cambridge with me, and a curiously attractive 7 foot tall philosopher judging the room.
No material in my speech since I gave it all to my fresh partner. Blank pages, speaking second after Z iron manned from first prop, five minutes to fill.
Result: SECOND PLACE.
Pretty ace, really.
Motion: THW allow surrogate mothers to be paid.
1st opp, with a fresher.
Two finalist debaters in the room, the kid that came to Cambridge with me, and a curiously attractive 7 foot tall philosopher judging the room.
No material in my speech since I gave it all to my fresh partner. Blank pages, speaking second after Z iron manned from first prop, five minutes to fill.
Result: SECOND PLACE.
Pretty ace, really.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
Fall forward, spring back.
Sometimes, you fuck it up. *shrug* It happens. Pretty often when it comes to me, in fact.
Then you find something wonderful, inside all the mess and entanglements.
I found... a soulmate, I think. We went to dinner last night, Tristan and I, and we talked honestly and we came out the other side. We were both scared, I think, that we'd have just landed on two different opinions that were fundamentally incompatible. But, we didn't.
Of course, everyone at debating jokes that we're this clear obvious why-are-they-not-dating couple, and yet we both agreed we'd be a terrible partnership. But, as friends, it's perfect. We need each other, and we give each other what the other need.
He's my favourite person in the world right now. I can see myself being just as close to him after graduation, and beyond. I will miss him so much when he leaves.
There's still a lot of cleaning up to do, and things that need time to heal, but I am pretty pleased to find that life can throw up something immensely awesome even when you fuck up.
Then you find something wonderful, inside all the mess and entanglements.
I found... a soulmate, I think. We went to dinner last night, Tristan and I, and we talked honestly and we came out the other side. We were both scared, I think, that we'd have just landed on two different opinions that were fundamentally incompatible. But, we didn't.
Of course, everyone at debating jokes that we're this clear obvious why-are-they-not-dating couple, and yet we both agreed we'd be a terrible partnership. But, as friends, it's perfect. We need each other, and we give each other what the other need.
He's my favourite person in the world right now. I can see myself being just as close to him after graduation, and beyond. I will miss him so much when he leaves.
There's still a lot of cleaning up to do, and things that need time to heal, but I am pretty pleased to find that life can throw up something immensely awesome even when you fuck up.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Weekend of...?
This weekend, after lectures, I'm going home, then going to London.
My parents are renewing their vows.
One of the best speakers in debating asked me if I'd like to compete with him in Leeds, and I had to turn him down. Of course, something this important to my family is more important than a competition, but still, it'd have been really great to speak with him that much.
I hope it won't be too awkward. I have lots of new paperbacks now, of varying sizes, so I can slip a couple thin ones into my bag and it might not be so bad.
VERY busy week to look forward to though. Pride Q&A panel stuff, movies, Hornblower, more movies, meetings, socials, lectures, all that jazz.
On top of that, it seems like I should get started with revision in earnest quite soon. Four weeks of term left, five weeks of holiday before the exam slaughter begins. I've been reading through notes, revisiting notation, relearning definitions. My plan is to start to seriously look at example sheets and move onto exam papers, and looking at important exam-condition-provable results from the course.
So, there's lots and lots going on. So far, I'm just running around madly between everything I'm doing and getting tired but still enjoying everything. It's a good thing I'm an optimist with a seemingly endless Supply of Emergency Joy to call upon.
In other news, swimming has made my arms look sexier. SCORE!
My parents are renewing their vows.
One of the best speakers in debating asked me if I'd like to compete with him in Leeds, and I had to turn him down. Of course, something this important to my family is more important than a competition, but still, it'd have been really great to speak with him that much.
I hope it won't be too awkward. I have lots of new paperbacks now, of varying sizes, so I can slip a couple thin ones into my bag and it might not be so bad.
VERY busy week to look forward to though. Pride Q&A panel stuff, movies, Hornblower, more movies, meetings, socials, lectures, all that jazz.
On top of that, it seems like I should get started with revision in earnest quite soon. Four weeks of term left, five weeks of holiday before the exam slaughter begins. I've been reading through notes, revisiting notation, relearning definitions. My plan is to start to seriously look at example sheets and move onto exam papers, and looking at important exam-condition-provable results from the course.
So, there's lots and lots going on. So far, I'm just running around madly between everything I'm doing and getting tired but still enjoying everything. It's a good thing I'm an optimist with a seemingly endless Supply of Emergency Joy to call upon.
In other news, swimming has made my arms look sexier. SCORE!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Catch up!
Two debating competitions: the IV for university students, the school tournament for school kids. Predominantly reasonably cute sixth-form grammar school girls in the schools tournament. That was nice.
Junk food week of DOOM. Tuesday, Ben and Jerry's fest. Wednesday, Pizza Hut with Dave. Thursday, Curry Night. Friday, chinese takeout with Tristan. Saturday, chicken and chips. There's plans to eat at Varsity on Monday. My poor fat-clogged arteries must be begging for mercy now.
Glitterball was a big worry until it happened and nothing went wrong at all. I was quietly organisational, people noticed, I kissed my lovely boyfriend, everyone got home safe, the food was great, my dress fitted me.
Battle of the Bands. My housemate and his band came THIRD (travesty!) despite the crowd feeling they'd at least come second. Such is life. Again, cue the lovely boyfriend. Sometimes you forget how nice it is to just kiss for ages and ages and cuddle a little bit.
Debating confidence wiggles. The IV kinda kicked it out of me a bit (one of the DCA's didn't exactly take a shine to me), but Schools made me feel good about myself again. I called it right, I chaired a room, I gave warm and sunny feedback to ALL the children.
Sleep. The plan was: stay at Tristan's, eat junk food, watch a movie, go to bed fairly early and get to Schools on time. We ended up going to bed quite late and not actually sleeping until 3 or 4. Waking up at 7 wasn't very fun. But, going to sleep on Saturday night, after Tristan coming over to eat junk food and watch Clueless with me while drinking Strongbow and gin, was bliss.
The sky is perfectly blue. There's a little bit of a breeze. I'm listening to Lady Gaga and Robbie Williams. I have spent the past few weeks trying to make various people feel good about themselves in various ways (myself, debaters, Priders, Tristan, schoolkids). Sheraz gave me a cuddle and told me I wasn't awful at all, and in fact quite alright.
I got the calls right in rooms! I justified my decision and actually agreed with myself!
I have lots of plans, short term and long term. I might even have time to read some maths, or perhaps just read for pleasure. Although maths seems more sensible.
Honestly, I don't think things have been this busy and THIS GOOD for such a long time.
The best part is something that kinda made me feel sad this morning. I woke up alone, and it felt very strange. It didn't feel right. The more I think about how my life's going, it's all become possible because of him. He's the lynchpin of my confidence and success... I don't think I could do all this stuff without him. I'm pretty excited to see him again tonight :)
Junk food week of DOOM. Tuesday, Ben and Jerry's fest. Wednesday, Pizza Hut with Dave. Thursday, Curry Night. Friday, chinese takeout with Tristan. Saturday, chicken and chips. There's plans to eat at Varsity on Monday. My poor fat-clogged arteries must be begging for mercy now.
Glitterball was a big worry until it happened and nothing went wrong at all. I was quietly organisational, people noticed, I kissed my lovely boyfriend, everyone got home safe, the food was great, my dress fitted me.
Battle of the Bands. My housemate and his band came THIRD (travesty!) despite the crowd feeling they'd at least come second. Such is life. Again, cue the lovely boyfriend. Sometimes you forget how nice it is to just kiss for ages and ages and cuddle a little bit.
Debating confidence wiggles. The IV kinda kicked it out of me a bit (one of the DCA's didn't exactly take a shine to me), but Schools made me feel good about myself again. I called it right, I chaired a room, I gave warm and sunny feedback to ALL the children.
Sleep. The plan was: stay at Tristan's, eat junk food, watch a movie, go to bed fairly early and get to Schools on time. We ended up going to bed quite late and not actually sleeping until 3 or 4. Waking up at 7 wasn't very fun. But, going to sleep on Saturday night, after Tristan coming over to eat junk food and watch Clueless with me while drinking Strongbow and gin, was bliss.
The sky is perfectly blue. There's a little bit of a breeze. I'm listening to Lady Gaga and Robbie Williams. I have spent the past few weeks trying to make various people feel good about themselves in various ways (myself, debaters, Priders, Tristan, schoolkids). Sheraz gave me a cuddle and told me I wasn't awful at all, and in fact quite alright.
I got the calls right in rooms! I justified my decision and actually agreed with myself!
I have lots of plans, short term and long term. I might even have time to read some maths, or perhaps just read for pleasure. Although maths seems more sensible.
Honestly, I don't think things have been this busy and THIS GOOD for such a long time.
The best part is something that kinda made me feel sad this morning. I woke up alone, and it felt very strange. It didn't feel right. The more I think about how my life's going, it's all become possible because of him. He's the lynchpin of my confidence and success... I don't think I could do all this stuff without him. I'm pretty excited to see him again tonight :)
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Nine stars!
During the summer holidays, I started going to the gym in between my days of working in Sporting Hell Inc. I started to enjoy it, and in my yearly budget for the academic year, I set aside £130 for a membership to the university's sport centre and gym, with a little extra for sports clothing.
One term went by; I went twice. Equivalent to paying £65 per workout. Ouch.
Last term, I made a lot of excuses:
This term's timetable was much nicer. Most days ending at 2, with only one 9am lecture and one 5pm end. There were some 2 hour gaps, and I felt incredibly annoyed at the idea of so much money going to waste. So, I bit the bullet, and tried to fit in the workout in two hours.
Turns out that a round trip (Maths dep't to gym then back to Maths) takes two hours if you really dawdle. Usually, I arrive about 10-15 early for the lecture after a gym trip and collapse in a soft chair somewhere.
So, my schedule became gym between lectures on Monday morning, and gym in between Pride and debating socials on a Wednesday. I am on campus for reasons other than the gym on those days, so I will definitely be on campus
My ideal gym pattern is Mon-Wed-Fri. Problem is, the only gap is the two hours between lectures and debating, 2-4. Due to the layout of the lectures beforehand, this really should be lunchtime. I couldn't fit a gym workout and lunch. Problem. Then Rachel came! She goes swimming at 3 when it's Ladies Only swim, and relatively quiet. So, I go with her.
Once I established an easy-to-maintain pattern, I got a reward chart. One red star for every gym session, one blue star for every swimming session. The chart gives you space to put rewards after an amount of stars of your choosing. I chose:
It's Week 3. I've been to the gym six times, and I've been swimming three times. That is nine stars.
I've started measuring myself on Sundays, and it seems encouraging, although I'm just enjoying having the time to exert myself physically and not think about anything.
Now I can order the Gilmore Girls boxset I've worked hard for! :)
One term went by; I went twice. Equivalent to paying £65 per workout. Ouch.
Last term, I made a lot of excuses:
- It's too hard to fit a workout in two hour gaps!
- I'm too tired at the end of the day to work out after lectures.
- You can't work out before a 9am lecture. That's absurd!
- I'll just not schedule working out for the weekend. That's a trip to campus just to come back.
This term's timetable was much nicer. Most days ending at 2, with only one 9am lecture and one 5pm end. There were some 2 hour gaps, and I felt incredibly annoyed at the idea of so much money going to waste. So, I bit the bullet, and tried to fit in the workout in two hours.
Turns out that a round trip (Maths dep't to gym then back to Maths) takes two hours if you really dawdle. Usually, I arrive about 10-15 early for the lecture after a gym trip and collapse in a soft chair somewhere.
So, my schedule became gym between lectures on Monday morning, and gym in between Pride and debating socials on a Wednesday. I am on campus for reasons other than the gym on those days, so I will definitely be on campus
My ideal gym pattern is Mon-Wed-Fri. Problem is, the only gap is the two hours between lectures and debating, 2-4. Due to the layout of the lectures beforehand, this really should be lunchtime. I couldn't fit a gym workout and lunch. Problem. Then Rachel came! She goes swimming at 3 when it's Ladies Only swim, and relatively quiet. So, I go with her.
Once I established an easy-to-maintain pattern, I got a reward chart. One red star for every gym session, one blue star for every swimming session. The chart gives you space to put rewards after an amount of stars of your choosing. I chose:
- Gilmore Girls: Season 3 after 9 stars
- A nice date with Lovely Boyfriend after 18 stars
- Making my favourite cake after 27 stars
It's Week 3. I've been to the gym six times, and I've been swimming three times. That is nine stars.
I've started measuring myself on Sundays, and it seems encouraging, although I'm just enjoying having the time to exert myself physically and not think about anything.
Now I can order the Gilmore Girls boxset I've worked hard for! :)
Monday, January 25, 2010
I wasn't really expecting that.
One summer, long ago, a friend of mine and I were left home alone. Being 16 years old, we raided the liquor cupboard. We ended up making out on my bed for quite a long time, with her alternating between pushing me away and pulling me closer. Finally, she shoved me away and slept on the floor.
The following morning we had a conversation that was essentially this:
"We're never doing that again."
"Okay."
"It was totally a mistake. It's not like we're gay or anything."
"Well... I'm not exactly straight."
*stony silence*
This silence lasted for damn near five years, punctuated with the odd hateful interjection. Since all our friends were shared, I lost everyone, since she seemed to win that particular battle (I didn't even realise I had to fight it).
I even heard from a close mutual friend of ours that she thought that I was in love with her. This was as far from the truth as you could get without coming back.
I just missed my friend.
We had been growing apart anyway; she lost her virginity in a tent with a stranger at a music festival, and the girl I had known wouldn't have done that. She left for university in London, and that was it.
It was her 21st birthday a few days ago. I sent her a Facebook message, "Happy birthday!" I have no idea why. I just felt like it was such a stupid thing we fell out over, and given the masses of posts she already had for her birthday, it's not like she'd have noticed my name in the notifications...
I was wrong.
The following day, I saw she'd left me a message in my inbox. She thanked me for the message, and hoped I was well.
It was nice of her to do that. It's funny how a few years erases things that seemed so major at the time, but really are nothing.
The following morning we had a conversation that was essentially this:
"We're never doing that again."
"Okay."
"It was totally a mistake. It's not like we're gay or anything."
"Well... I'm not exactly straight."
*stony silence*
This silence lasted for damn near five years, punctuated with the odd hateful interjection. Since all our friends were shared, I lost everyone, since she seemed to win that particular battle (I didn't even realise I had to fight it).
I even heard from a close mutual friend of ours that she thought that I was in love with her. This was as far from the truth as you could get without coming back.
I just missed my friend.
We had been growing apart anyway; she lost her virginity in a tent with a stranger at a music festival, and the girl I had known wouldn't have done that. She left for university in London, and that was it.
It was her 21st birthday a few days ago. I sent her a Facebook message, "Happy birthday!" I have no idea why. I just felt like it was such a stupid thing we fell out over, and given the masses of posts she already had for her birthday, it's not like she'd have noticed my name in the notifications...
I was wrong.
The following day, I saw she'd left me a message in my inbox. She thanked me for the message, and hoped I was well.
It was nice of her to do that. It's funny how a few years erases things that seemed so major at the time, but really are nothing.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Interesting, Dr Watson.
First post of the year!
I had a great birthday. Apart from nearly getting a parking ticket and my brother bursting into tears at the table, it was everything I'd hoped for and more. I got over £300 in total from birthday and Christmas money and I bought loads and loads of things and stuff. I have headphones, t-shirts, boy tops, kitchen electricals and I still had nearly £300 to deposit. Thank god for January sales.
I found a pleasant surprise. I'd forgotten that last summer, I went mental and cleared out some of my drawers in my room. So, I stumbled upon what is now the Diary Drawer. All my scrawlings from the age of 13 right up to the American summer before exam results. It's weird. I was dating Ashley. I forgot that that was happening right up to university. I was still not over Matt in the biggest way possible. I hadn't forgotten that bit...
I'm still watching Gilmore Girls. I got some awesome yarn from Lovely Boyfriend's parents, so I am knitting with that.
Onwards, Christian soldiers!
I had a great birthday. Apart from nearly getting a parking ticket and my brother bursting into tears at the table, it was everything I'd hoped for and more. I got over £300 in total from birthday and Christmas money and I bought loads and loads of things and stuff. I have headphones, t-shirts, boy tops, kitchen electricals and I still had nearly £300 to deposit. Thank god for January sales.
I found a pleasant surprise. I'd forgotten that last summer, I went mental and cleared out some of my drawers in my room. So, I stumbled upon what is now the Diary Drawer. All my scrawlings from the age of 13 right up to the American summer before exam results. It's weird. I was dating Ashley. I forgot that that was happening right up to university. I was still not over Matt in the biggest way possible. I hadn't forgotten that bit...
I'm still watching Gilmore Girls. I got some awesome yarn from Lovely Boyfriend's parents, so I am knitting with that.
Onwards, Christian soldiers!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
... until my eyes bleed.
When I went to Leeds one time, to visit Lovely Boyfriend Type Thing, I ended up in a shop of knitting materials with his mother. I left with my purse considerably lighter, and I had impulse-bought a Very Large ball of jade yarn, and a pattern for a ladies sweater.
I attempted the sweater pattern shortly after, and then gave up. I'm used to doing scarves and hats - you see progress much quicker with those. Each row took too long to knit, and the shaping was a bit confusing for me. In hindsight, it was a little too much for me to take on, given my attention span at all. However, I have retained the pattern (somewhere!) and I will dig it out one day.
Many moons after the Pattern Fail, I found a much simpler unisex pattern for a sweater vest on the blagoblag. Much less shaping, no sleeves and very little assembly afterwards. It looked good. I begun it.
Five weeks later, the end of term arrived. I'd done the back of the sweater vest. By this point, I'd realised that I could make this for my little brother, so I asked my mom for some measurements, which she gave me after two weeks of waiting.
Term ended less than a week ago. In those few days, I have achieved what it took nearly four weeks to do. I am eight inches, a neckline and some stitching away from pure and utter victory against this 400g behemoth ball of yarn.
However, as with all worthy challenges, there are obstacles. I'm going away on Friday until Sunday; I'll be in London. I'm also away next Monday until Wednesday; I'll be with Lovely Boyfriend. Chrimble Day is next Friday. So, there's not a great deal of time left.
I've been knitting for a very long time. It feels like a bit of a marathon. I've got so far though, it seems a shame to give up, which is why I cannot give up, and must keep going. I must keep knitting...
... until my eyes bleed.
(Well, maybe not that far.)
I attempted the sweater pattern shortly after, and then gave up. I'm used to doing scarves and hats - you see progress much quicker with those. Each row took too long to knit, and the shaping was a bit confusing for me. In hindsight, it was a little too much for me to take on, given my attention span at all. However, I have retained the pattern (somewhere!) and I will dig it out one day.
Many moons after the Pattern Fail, I found a much simpler unisex pattern for a sweater vest on the blagoblag. Much less shaping, no sleeves and very little assembly afterwards. It looked good. I begun it.
Five weeks later, the end of term arrived. I'd done the back of the sweater vest. By this point, I'd realised that I could make this for my little brother, so I asked my mom for some measurements, which she gave me after two weeks of waiting.
Term ended less than a week ago. In those few days, I have achieved what it took nearly four weeks to do. I am eight inches, a neckline and some stitching away from pure and utter victory against this 400g behemoth ball of yarn.
However, as with all worthy challenges, there are obstacles. I'm going away on Friday until Sunday; I'll be in London. I'm also away next Monday until Wednesday; I'll be with Lovely Boyfriend. Chrimble Day is next Friday. So, there's not a great deal of time left.
I've been knitting for a very long time. It feels like a bit of a marathon. I've got so far though, it seems a shame to give up, which is why I cannot give up, and must keep going. I must keep knitting...
... until my eyes bleed.
(Well, maybe not that far.)
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Tales of Cambridge
So, the plan was that I'd go to Cambridge, judge, and then gain brownie points in order to speak somewhere I'd like (perhaps Cardiff, or even Euros next year). I waited at the arranged spot, and a fresher turns up, who I will call N. I've not seen N before, although he managed to get a chairing spot his very first time judging (it doesn't matter that it was a bin room).
You see, he wasn't supposed to be coming. It was supposed to be G and C, two experienced debaters, but C had to do work on Friday night, and G overwhelmed himself with coursework. So, N stepped in, and good little lady L would be joining us at Cambridge (she was in London, for some reason, and would make her own way there).
I told him the plan: he and L would speak, I would judge, all would be well. T comes to pick us up in his stylish automobile, we pick Z up from the train station, and away we go.
About five minutes before rounds are due to start, L has not arrived. After much frantic calling and texting, she eventually says she'll be late, arriving at about seven, which is too late to speak, but okay for judging.
So. I am not judging. I am speaking at Cambridge. A prestigious event. Universities sending their best teams from around the world. Speaking with a fresher partner I didn't get to know beforehand. Nervous, much?
I resign myself to it. I figure I should just treat this as a session. Even if we get to the bins, we're bound to win at least one room, or come second or something.
Round One: THW reduce welfare payments to parents whose children break the law.
Position: 2nd Opp
Result: 4th
The SOAS team who eventually broke to the final were 1st Opp. They stole all the material and left us with nothing to work with. I thought we might have at least scraped the 3rd, but oh well. The team that did come 3rd didn't do anything but 4th the rest of the competition, so we really ought to have beaten them in that room. But, it happens sometimes.
Here, we ate a quick dinner. Chicken and stuffing panini. N's face was a little long, but I took it on the chin (as always).
Round Two: THB that it should be illegal to incite others to boycott an election.
Position: 2nd Prop
Result: 2nd
Success! 1st Prop talked a lot about boycotting, which isn't really the key here. It's incitement. That's the world. So, we talked about that. The three judge panel were split on my summary. Two of them thought it was massively kick-ass, but one (the chair!) thought it was less so. So, we could have got the first, but I was still pleased that we'd recovered from the previous room.
Then it was chilling out time, and then onto our crash to sleep.
Bright and early the next morning, we wandered through Cambridge, getting pretty lost and eventually arriving at the Union, where muffins and croissants were the breakfast options (like!)
Round Three: THW replay international sporting events if an extreme umpiring error affects the result.
Position: 1st Prop
Result: 4th
It's a motion that's easily countered by "What about live video replays?" so we had not a lot of hope to begin with. Through some stroke of fortune, one of the Euros finalists had managed to get a 4th and 2nd coming into the third round too, so we ended up meeting in this room. He tore N's speech apart, then when I did mine, I got his name wrong... He was partnering someone who could have easily been his (more excitable) twin, so, of course, having a 50/50 chance, I got the name wrong. How embarrassing.
Up to this point, we were told where we'd come in the debate. To create tension for the potential breaking teams, the judges would not tell us in the rooms anything - not even personal feedback. However, due to the glory of The Tab (results sheet), I was able to find out afterwards.
Round Four: THBT the USA should pay war reparations to Vietnam.
Position: 1st Opp
Result: 1st
When a motion says "This House Believes That", it's supposed to be arguing on principals. Are the USA responsible for Vietnam? Will war reparations help Vietnam? As Opp, you're generally supposed to counter those principles with other principles, or just take theirs to pieces. What we decided to do was talk about practicalities of paying the money. Which I thought was a dumb idea, except it worked. It's a little like saying that everyone should give to charity, but if you're so poor that giving to charity would cause a greater harm than the one you'd solve with the money, then you shouldn't give to charity. I also talked about "money not fixing culture" and "punishing the young for crimes of the old". They seemed to like it anyway.
So, convinced we'd lost the last room in a blazing flame of glorious awfulness, I was just hoping for a motion I could just bash around the room. And then it arrived. It's as if all the debating god just shone their love upon me.
Round Five: THW allow children over the age of 13 to obtain gender-reassignment surgery without parental consent.
Position: 2nd Prop
Result: 1st
This was a topic about which I knew both facts and heard experiences. I knew the challenge would be transferring all of this into a debate-analysis speech, and I did this. I shot down the transphobes at 1st Opp, I spoke beautifully analysed truths, and I just felt damned glorious giving that speech. I came out of that room knowing it'd gone well, knowing I'd won. I was just beaming.
So, getting the tab back, I was expecting to have won the last room. I was stunned to find we'd won the fourth too, and we ended up 50th on tab, out of 108 teams.
Best of all, I was the highest speaker on tab for our institution! Glory and fame was mine (for the next four days or so), but still. It shows how far I've come since that day when Ed destroyed me in the prostitution room in fresher year and I just cried for hours.
Life was as good as it possibly could be.
You see, he wasn't supposed to be coming. It was supposed to be G and C, two experienced debaters, but C had to do work on Friday night, and G overwhelmed himself with coursework. So, N stepped in, and good little lady L would be joining us at Cambridge (she was in London, for some reason, and would make her own way there).
I told him the plan: he and L would speak, I would judge, all would be well. T comes to pick us up in his stylish automobile, we pick Z up from the train station, and away we go.
About five minutes before rounds are due to start, L has not arrived. After much frantic calling and texting, she eventually says she'll be late, arriving at about seven, which is too late to speak, but okay for judging.
So. I am not judging. I am speaking at Cambridge. A prestigious event. Universities sending their best teams from around the world. Speaking with a fresher partner I didn't get to know beforehand. Nervous, much?
I resign myself to it. I figure I should just treat this as a session. Even if we get to the bins, we're bound to win at least one room, or come second or something.
Round One: THW reduce welfare payments to parents whose children break the law.
Position: 2nd Opp
Result: 4th
The SOAS team who eventually broke to the final were 1st Opp. They stole all the material and left us with nothing to work with. I thought we might have at least scraped the 3rd, but oh well. The team that did come 3rd didn't do anything but 4th the rest of the competition, so we really ought to have beaten them in that room. But, it happens sometimes.
Here, we ate a quick dinner. Chicken and stuffing panini. N's face was a little long, but I took it on the chin (as always).
Round Two: THB that it should be illegal to incite others to boycott an election.
Position: 2nd Prop
Result: 2nd
Success! 1st Prop talked a lot about boycotting, which isn't really the key here. It's incitement. That's the world. So, we talked about that. The three judge panel were split on my summary. Two of them thought it was massively kick-ass, but one (the chair!) thought it was less so. So, we could have got the first, but I was still pleased that we'd recovered from the previous room.
Then it was chilling out time, and then onto our crash to sleep.
Bright and early the next morning, we wandered through Cambridge, getting pretty lost and eventually arriving at the Union, where muffins and croissants were the breakfast options (like!)
Round Three: THW replay international sporting events if an extreme umpiring error affects the result.
Position: 1st Prop
Result: 4th
It's a motion that's easily countered by "What about live video replays?" so we had not a lot of hope to begin with. Through some stroke of fortune, one of the Euros finalists had managed to get a 4th and 2nd coming into the third round too, so we ended up meeting in this room. He tore N's speech apart, then when I did mine, I got his name wrong... He was partnering someone who could have easily been his (more excitable) twin, so, of course, having a 50/50 chance, I got the name wrong. How embarrassing.
Up to this point, we were told where we'd come in the debate. To create tension for the potential breaking teams, the judges would not tell us in the rooms anything - not even personal feedback. However, due to the glory of The Tab (results sheet), I was able to find out afterwards.
Round Four: THBT the USA should pay war reparations to Vietnam.
Position: 1st Opp
Result: 1st
When a motion says "This House Believes That", it's supposed to be arguing on principals. Are the USA responsible for Vietnam? Will war reparations help Vietnam? As Opp, you're generally supposed to counter those principles with other principles, or just take theirs to pieces. What we decided to do was talk about practicalities of paying the money. Which I thought was a dumb idea, except it worked. It's a little like saying that everyone should give to charity, but if you're so poor that giving to charity would cause a greater harm than the one you'd solve with the money, then you shouldn't give to charity. I also talked about "money not fixing culture" and "punishing the young for crimes of the old". They seemed to like it anyway.
So, convinced we'd lost the last room in a blazing flame of glorious awfulness, I was just hoping for a motion I could just bash around the room. And then it arrived. It's as if all the debating god just shone their love upon me.
Round Five: THW allow children over the age of 13 to obtain gender-reassignment surgery without parental consent.
Position: 2nd Prop
Result: 1st
This was a topic about which I knew both facts and heard experiences. I knew the challenge would be transferring all of this into a debate-analysis speech, and I did this. I shot down the transphobes at 1st Opp, I spoke beautifully analysed truths, and I just felt damned glorious giving that speech. I came out of that room knowing it'd gone well, knowing I'd won. I was just beaming.
So, getting the tab back, I was expecting to have won the last room. I was stunned to find we'd won the fourth too, and we ended up 50th on tab, out of 108 teams.
Best of all, I was the highest speaker on tab for our institution! Glory and fame was mine (for the next four days or so), but still. It shows how far I've come since that day when Ed destroyed me in the prostitution room in fresher year and I just cried for hours.
Life was as good as it possibly could be.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Oh, the things people say about you...
So, there was some Exec Drama. Resignations potentially flying, communication breakdown until ours ears bled, lack of cohesion. So, one emergency exec meeting later, and some of the air has been cleared.
Ents are resigning (again). It's a shared position between two guys, and constitutionally, if one half resigns, they both resign, since we elected them on the basis they'd both be there. So, one half resigned, the other followed. They'll work until a replacement is found, sort out a handover, and then that'll be it.
Anyway, part of the meeting was a Snap Cup. I've never done this before! We wrote anoymously about everyone in the exec, what we liked about them, and what they can improve on.
I thought I'd share what people said about me with you. I found it really interesting, because I feel like I've grown as a person over the past couple of years, and it's nice to know what's working.
Here's the good stuff!
I know that I'm not the same as the majority of students right now. I'm not clubbing anymore, I'm drinking much less, and I'm getting very sensible sleep right now (not just sensible amounts, but sensible times too!), so that does make my list of "Stuff I Like To Do" quite different from others. I would never say "No clubbing because I don't like it" because I'm not the whole society. But, I'd like to think that there were a few people a bit more like me, just wanting some chilled out activity fun sober socials.
To sum up, I have a quote from one of my favourite lecturers, Jose...
Life is as good as it can be.
Ents are resigning (again). It's a shared position between two guys, and constitutionally, if one half resigns, they both resign, since we elected them on the basis they'd both be there. So, one half resigned, the other followed. They'll work until a replacement is found, sort out a handover, and then that'll be it.
Anyway, part of the meeting was a Snap Cup. I've never done this before! We wrote anoymously about everyone in the exec, what we liked about them, and what they can improve on.
I thought I'd share what people said about me with you. I found it really interesting, because I feel like I've grown as a person over the past couple of years, and it's nice to know what's working.
Here's the good stuff!
- Showing commitment by organising socials
- Pushing the sober socials ideas
- Saying good stuff in meetings.
- Contributing to the society
- Being nice to everyone
- My unique (and refreshing!) perspective on life
- Being affable and charismatic (I had to ask what affable meant!)
- Being generally amusing
- Being "blunt, honest, fair, women-focused". (I liked this one the best)
- Adhering to rules and regulations without thinking about the effects my remarks have
- Speaking up in exec meetings
- Not being present enough (I guess this would be socials)
- Accepting that everyone's in the society for different reasons
- Letting others help me.
I know that I'm not the same as the majority of students right now. I'm not clubbing anymore, I'm drinking much less, and I'm getting very sensible sleep right now (not just sensible amounts, but sensible times too!), so that does make my list of "Stuff I Like To Do" quite different from others. I would never say "No clubbing because I don't like it" because I'm not the whole society. But, I'd like to think that there were a few people a bit more like me, just wanting some chilled out activity fun sober socials.
To sum up, I have a quote from one of my favourite lecturers, Jose...
Life is as good as it can be.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Thank you, Professor Jones.
He was my favourite lecturer in second year (combination of actually being interested in what he taught, and just liking him). In the lectures he would do, he'd write quite swiftly, and as a result, often misplace the bars of t's. So, we spent a good deal of time studying "integralion". Which I enjoyed immensely, since lions are one of my favourite types of catcat.
Every now and again, we'd be looking at "partilions". I actually drew pictures of a partilion in the margins of my notes. They'd often look like this:
You can tell he is a partilion because of his long brightly coloured hair, and dancing shoes.
Sometimes, we'd be seeing quite a lot of funclions.
The step funclion is going for an 80's vibe here. You can't really do a step class without legwarmers. And, the regulated funclion just looks groovy and cool.
There are many more lions in maths than the university prospectuses would like you to think.
Every now and again, we'd be looking at "partilions". I actually drew pictures of a partilion in the margins of my notes. They'd often look like this:
You can tell he is a partilion because of his long brightly coloured hair, and dancing shoes.
Sometimes, we'd be seeing quite a lot of funclions.
The step funclion is going for an 80's vibe here. You can't really do a step class without legwarmers. And, the regulated funclion just looks groovy and cool.
There are many more lions in maths than the university prospectuses would like you to think.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Hmm.
I get to see the best person in the world on Wednesday.
I have discovered Spotify. It's like all the freeness of Youtube or torrenting music, with the warm fuzzy feeling of not breaking the law.
I think I suck at ring theory. This isn't a massive problem. Set theory intrigues me though. Sometimes, you have to ask yourself if you can ask yourself a question, and then you get into a recursive loop of logic and wtf.
I obtained ice-cream today. I think I might eat it while watching skinny, toned people try to become "supermodels".
I got fat. Well, I was never skinny, but sometime over the past two years, I'm way closer to fitting into size 16 clothes than I thought I ever would. I should lose a stone, but I can't be bothered.
It's getting darker in the breakfast room.
I can't afford books right now. Not *really*.
I am being taxed wrongly.
I am in love. I am so much in love that sometimes I walk down the street with a stupid grin on my face that I can't get rid of, and everyone stares, and I just look to my feet, then the sky, then the walls of buildings I past, and I just smile. I smile so hard because it feels so good.
It's just life, right?
I have discovered Spotify. It's like all the freeness of Youtube or torrenting music, with the warm fuzzy feeling of not breaking the law.
I think I suck at ring theory. This isn't a massive problem. Set theory intrigues me though. Sometimes, you have to ask yourself if you can ask yourself a question, and then you get into a recursive loop of logic and wtf.
I obtained ice-cream today. I think I might eat it while watching skinny, toned people try to become "supermodels".
I got fat. Well, I was never skinny, but sometime over the past two years, I'm way closer to fitting into size 16 clothes than I thought I ever would. I should lose a stone, but I can't be bothered.
It's getting darker in the breakfast room.
I can't afford books right now. Not *really*.
I am being taxed wrongly.
I am in love. I am so much in love that sometimes I walk down the street with a stupid grin on my face that I can't get rid of, and everyone stares, and I just look to my feet, then the sky, then the walls of buildings I past, and I just smile. I smile so hard because it feels so good.
It's just life, right?
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Euros 2009!
Well, wasn't that fun! 7 rounds of judging, quarter- and semi-finals for the main competition and the ESL teams, and two finals in the most gorgeous building in Newcastle.
I should thank a few people and things for making this Euros the awesome thing it was. Thanks to:
I should thank a few people and things for making this Euros the awesome thing it was. Thanks to:
- Russell and Oskar for spending their time, money and sanity on us debaters.
- That guy in the room debating using the placebo effect who claimed that he could be a Vietnam marytr. I didn't get it then, I don't get it now.
- Joe, for being older, wiser and always willing to talk to me.
- James, for having breakfast with me on the first morning.
- Lewis, for being sexy (!) and good at judging.
- Ben, for being fun, Swedish-Israeli and giving me good feedback so I didn't have to judge bins anymore.
- Elena, for being beautiful and uncomplicated.
- Cal, Neil, David and Michael, for being themselves.
- Chris from York, who is still alive, but probably very ill...
- Dom, who wore a three-piece suit, Converses and Tardis cufflinks to the end of tournament Black Tie event.
- Sarah, who had a fit of hysterics at the most inappropriate joke I've ever told.
- The Turkish contingent, for the most enthusiastic cheering of Galatasaray A.
- The three Oxford teams in the final who had to accept that they were not loved as much as Tel Aviv A were for breaking to finals.
- Tel Aviv A, for wearing Stewie and Homer ties during their final speeches, and enduring TWELVE rounds of debates, since they broke to ESL semis and the main final.
- Oxford A, for winning. JLM, for best speaker.
- Dan for being best speaker for our institution. Woot!
- Mashall, for looking drop dead gorgeous on the final night.
- Nati, for the killer wink and general friendliness.
- Emile, for getting me home while I stumbled around drunk, being James Bond and making a gun shape with my fingers.
- Chris, for helping me realise how important love really is.
- Zal, for helping me realise that I can do whatever I want to.
- Caylee, for explaining Kosher to me.
- The guy with the Blind Guardian bag who never talked to anyone and just read and listened to music.
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