The atmosphere at the moment is very somber. It isn't just that it is an anti-climax [as the end of term often is] but it actually feels depressing! I had dinner with Em earlier - like really early - and she was fine. She went to go and sign the contract for her house next year and after a bit, I went out for a walk. I was feeling a bit stir crazy as I went to my 9am class but spent the rest of the day inside. The weather is good now - cold and crisp underfoot, much nicer for walking than wind and rain. I felt quite happy on my walk - just a shame I had to come back to the flat really!


It still smells foul. We know why but how can we say anything to him? How do you bring something like that up? And now, Em is in a mood. A really, really bad mood. She snapped at me when I saw her a few minutes ago and said 'hi' and then went straight into her room. She is usually a "tea and sympathy" kind of girl - she wants you to listen whilst she talks, regardless of what she is talking about. Something tells me that isn't the case tonight! I've not seen Pillow for about 3 days now and after asking about 4/5 times for the money for the Christmas meal, something tells me I won't be getting it. It annoys me in principle more than anything because it was a price we agreed on and Pillow ate twice as much as everyone else (because he had Ben's share) and it isn't a lot of money, it is probably the equivalent of one pint at the pub, and yet he won't pay up. He boasts about being able to buy everyone in the flat an iPhone and still not be in his overdraft, and yet still won't pay up. I just don't understand. I really didn't foresee him being like this. I guess I'll just have to put it down to experience. NEVER lend Pillow anything because he has no intention of returning it. Basically, with Ben forgetting about it [and thus, despite my buying the stuff for him, cooking it in quantities as if he were joining us and budgeting for his share] and Pillow dodging paying up, I have spent the same as I would have done going out to a restaurant for a meal. Annoying really!


I'm not sure why everything has turned sour. Everyone seemed to be a good mood only a few hours ago but not now. I am feeling a bit odd to be honest. I don't necessarily want to go home but I don't want to stay here. But, I think seeing my friends again will do me the world of good and we have much planned for the next few weeks, not least our trip to Germany. Plus, I love the build up to Christmas and we should be putting up decorations soon. Christmas time is always a little bit sad because my Mum hates it as it reminds her of everyone who has gone and thus are not there to enjoy it with. And, now I feel the same as my Grandad was admitted to hospital on December 19th 2004, only to suffer throughout the holidays and then leave us in early January 2005. It makes it a sad time...


Sorry, I don't mean to be so glum. This term has been okay. I've done some things I've never done before, like the CEEC Insight into Teaching course which was wonderful and I've grown in confidence with some of my courses. I've managed to get a placement back at my primary school for January, which I am very much looking forward to, and I've have had some lovely days out with friends, such as my trip to Blackpool with Emma. It hasn't been a bad term. Heck, I've even faced my first ever needle all alone! I'll be fine once I get home again. I just wish things didn't feel so awkward at the moment. It feels like limbo. My room is half packed up with the things I am taking back with me so I can't really relax yet I am not going anyway just yet. Leaving and arriving are always rather strange - I should be used it by now!

Posted by AliasLottie at 21:05 | 0 comments    

Labels: Holidays, Home, Relationships

Today, I had my last politics seminar of term. Three of us turned up. Just three! The realisation struck us and we were a bit freaked to be honest but in the end, the seminar was the best one I think I've ever had! We were all more relaxed - including Denver - and the atmosphere was good. Of course, we all had to contribute lots but that was okay as we could. We managed to discuss everything planned and chat about other things and still leave early. Afterwards, the three of us walked back together and actually chatted socially. It is the first time all term really that we've spoken. Normally, the start of my politics seminars sees us all sit in silence refusing to speak lol. The saddest thing was that Denver said it was our last seminar with him and next term we are getting the other lecturer instead. Em and I said we should start a "Denver Appreciation Society" as he is a bit of a legend. From lecturers, the other guy seems alright but whether he will be as good remains to be seen lol.

Bardsea block has been very lively thus far tonight. They have been pushing each other around in a shopping trolley [a posh trolley no less - from Booths] and then flinging the trolley away whilst the person in it screams in fear of where they will crash. Then they were doing something with a mop on the grass - goodness knows what - and throwing tennis balls at the windows of the block [until the ball went over the roof to end up goodness knows where]. Obviously, they have finished their work too lol. I have to be honest, I don't really understand the mentality but they seemed to be having fun which is good. I can't help think my wide lifestyle during college spoiled me lol - university, where people are back to playing in shopping trolleys, doesn't seem able to compete lol. Oh for college days with our parties - seems like a lifetime ago!

Posted by AliasLottie at 00:38 | 0 comments    

Labels: Accommodation, Seminars

You can tell it is nearly the end of term as everyone seems to be in their rooms working away to hit their deadlines. It is quieter than it has been all term! And, on the socials side, there isn't much going on. Mostly Christmas meals costing £30 a head. It is a bit of an anti-climax to be honest [as most things seem to be] as here I am, completely finished and ready to chill and there is no one to celebrate with. Instead, I am spending time in the kitchen talking to flatmates [as usual] and the rest of the time alone. It is rather depressing! On the upside, I did manage to watch Sherrybaby. I bought it months ago and have wanted to see it for ages. It didn't disappoint - I love films that make you think, and it sure does. :)

Whilst some are working hard in their rooms, others are either doing so at the expense of their non-compulsory work or have given up and are relaxing for Christmas already. In my Islamic lecture yesterday, there was roughly 1/3 of the class there - the lecturer was very annoyed about it understandably. He was going on about having a contact with the university and how, by not attending, they were breaking their contract. Today in Politics, only 15 turned up [including myself]. So few that I actually counted lol. The most ridiculous thing was that we had a large lecture theatre for the first time in weeks [normally we are crammed into quite a small one] so you could really tell that loads were missing. The lecturer didn't comment but he would have been a fool not to notice. My friends have said the same is happening in their classes with only a few handfuls turning up. I know people have to prioritise but skipping lectures is stupid. Especially when many probably won't catch up on the topics covered and the subject matter is just as likely to be on the exam as any other. It is their choice of course but I do worry a little about my Friday 9am. It normally has limited numbers - about half compared to the Tuesday lecture - so I bet hardly anyone will turn up. I will, all being well, as it seems silly not to when I am here and have nothing else to do. I just hope a few others do too lol!


Our block was treated to a fire alarm tonight. I went outside and it was absolutely freezing - even with my coat on. It probably didn't help that I was wearing a skirt but, in my defence, I hadn't planned on sitting out in the cold. Turned out it was a girl a few flours up and she was given "tips" by the firemen on how to avoid it happening again. Another girl was issued with a fine for remaining in the building so she could get dressed for the Christmas Ball. She argued that she knew it wasn't real so was perfectly safe but the porter was having none of it. Rightly so I suppose - not least because the rest of us were outside for around 25 minutes freezing! A few people said they had been surprised we hadn't had one yet so I guess they tempted fate. Trying to be positive, I guess at least we know it works lol!

Posted by AliasLottie at 01:07 | 0 comments    

Labels: Accommodation, Essays, Lectures

This afternoon, I submitted my three History essays. I was in two minds with my Underclass essay as I wasn't 100% happy with it, but I decided to go for it. I don't have the books anymore and have always 'tweaked' it two or three times. I know you can go into overkill mode and ruin a reasonable essay by going over it too much. So, instead, I have left it as it is. None of them are masterpieces or anything but fingers crossed they should get me 2.1 grades. That is my hope anyway.


Did some seminar preparation this afternoon [after lunch with a friend and before my 5pm class tonight] and just have one more to prepare for before Christmas. Planning on doing that in the next hour or so and then I can really relax. Even if it is only going to be for a few days peace at the end of term, I am going to make sure I make the most of it! [I know I get to go home and have 4 weeks of relaxation but I realised this weekend how different things are at home in terms of me doing exactly what I want, when I want. My parents don't stop me doing things and are really understanding but there is an unwritten expectation to do things together - too much togetherness causes tensions so enjoying a bit of chill time with friends and alone is good for the balance. :)]

Anyway, woo!

Posted by AliasLottie at 18:12 | 0 comments    

Labels: Essays, Seminars

A phone call to United Utilities revealed that they were trying to fix the burst pipe, which has knocked off power to Galgate as well as campus. They have had no luck in fixing it despite trying since 4pm. That isn't good!

As a temporary measure, they have sent a truck to fill up the water tanks on campus. It is desperately needed in this flat [and probably many others] as, disgusting a thought as it is, the lads have been going to the loo rather a lot over the past 6 hours and the toilet is horrendous. So, now we have some sort of water. Unfortunately it is brown. The picture below demonstrates - to the left is orange squash, to the right lemonade and in the middle the tap water. Eww!


We are a little concerned that it won't last especially as people don't know it is a temporary measure [and that, hence, the problem remains]. It means people will just use the water like normal and no doubt, when people start showering and flushing the loos etc the tanks will empty rather quickly. That said, when the water is that colour, it doesn't instill confidence in drinking it! Hopefully they will fix it sooner rather than later...

Posted by AliasLottie at 21:00 | 0 comments    

Labels: Accommodation

This afternoon, whilst helping to make buns for Em's rainbows, the water went off in the kitchen. We tried the other rooms in the flat and they were all off too. Turns out, a water main has burst nearby and it has knocked the water off for campus in its entirity!

Dear residents

I have just been informed that a water main in Bailrigg Lane has been damaged and
this has knocked out the water supply right across campus.  Every effort is being
made to get the supply back.  As soon as further information is received I will
contact you again.

Best Wishes

Louise Calvert
Furness CRO

It means we have no water at all - not even in the kettle as we only put in what we need usually - and nor can we flush the toilet. Only one of the lads hadn't realised and has left something big and nasty in there, which is far from pleasant lol! It has been off for around 3 hours now, which is getting a bit silly. I know it cannot be helped and was no one's fault but not having a toilet or any access to water isn't good. Especially as it is campus-wide... [One of the other lads has gone into the loo now - I really hope the water comes back on soon!]

Posted by AliasLottie at 18:09 | 0 comments    

Labels: Accommodation

This weekend has been quite good, even if I have ended up with a badly bruised nose!

On Friday night, I managed - somehow - to produce an essay for my Islamic course. I need to read over it, change lots of bits etc today but I think it will be done completely before bed. Amazing considering the fact that on Friday afternoon, I was still stuck as to what to do and was engaging in endless amounts of fruitless research. I dread to think how bad it is but also don't really care - I just want to get it finished and submitted tomorrow and then the last few days of term can be relaxed. :)

I went home on Saturday morning, although that wasn't my wisest idea. On my way out of the block, I found a £10 note. Being completely honest, I was going to keep it as it wasn't in a wallet or anything. But, I felt too guilty as I know I would be so annoyed if I lost £10 and imagine others might be in the same rubbish financial situation as I am. So, I went to the porter's lodge and handed it in saying where I found it - Dave [the porter] looked more than a little surprised to be honest and I doubt the person who lost it will try to find it, but if they do, it is there. I suspect it was one of the very noisy drunk people piling in during the early hours so they probably just thought they had spent it [given it was only 8am when I went out]. Anyway, the train was even worse than the Friday one with people physically unable to get on as the carriages were so jam packed. I was very lucky to jump on just inside the doors. I was talking to this lad who said every week that train is the same; I think it is because of day trippers as a lot of people around us were talking about going shopping in Manchester. I think it is really silly that they don't put more carriages on it - there is never any more than 3 on that route whilst Virgin and other companies put loads of carriages on trains using the same lines. I got on though and for that I guess I should be grateful.

Once back in Manchester, I went with my Dad to get his present for Mum before going home. He is really taking the lead with the Christmas present thing - some years he does, others he doesn't bother at all and I end up getting stuff for people using his credit card. He has also ordered something for Andy and I, which will be a complete surprise as I haven't asked for anything other than a few books and DVDs. Will make Christmas morning interesting! We just did some shopping in the afternoon and then visited my Gran - all very normal [or normal in terms of how it always is at home]. :)


Sunday was my Dad's birthday but he refused to let us do anything special as he didn't want 'any fuss'. He didn't even have a cake but if that is what he wanted, then fair enough. He liked the few presents we got him and enjoyed a tea of garlic olives [which I got on Saturday morning whilst the man on the stall was still setting up - bless him] and whiskey, so he was happy enough. We had Sunday lunch with family as always and then I got my own way and we went to an event put on by the Gorton 100 Committee. It is 100 years since Gorton first joined Manchester so there have been events on throughout the year. Last night was the final flourish which involved fire dancers, lots of spectacles like things paganesque carved cylinders which were alit with fire and fireworks. It was a really nice event and made a change; plus, it gave Dad a chance to play with the camcorder for the first time in a while. :)


It has been a good weekend, and now I am back in the rainy bubble that is Lancaster. Looking forward to having some free time before I go home, if all goes to plan, and I can look forward to my holiday again. Emily is going to book onto the Belgium one instead of the German one. Yay! I love her to pieces and she is a good friend [most of the time] but I think it would have spoilt it if she had been there - it is something I am going to enjoy with Chiggins and Abi [and is pretty much the only time I get to spend with Abi] whereas I spend all term with Em. And, I think she will enjoy the Belgium one. I am even kind of jealous - I would love to go to Bruges again! :D

Posted by AliasLottie at 14:00 | 0 comments    

Labels: Essays, Holidays, Home