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Merry Christmas 2004! 

Why haven’t I blogged for the past two weeks? This is why.

But there have been plenty of highs and lows, stress and relaxation over the past couple of weeks. The best high was realising that I have no more University classes to attend and that I shall have two degrees in my hands come June of 2005. Yup - I’ve passed all of my subjects (including a high distinction for my documentary work, topping the class ;D ) although it won’t be officially over till late January. One of my lecturers wouldn’t accept a group project of ours. He expects us to do better so he’s given us until later January to boost the marks towards distinction levels rather than the 51/100 we’re on now. Either way, we’ll pass but I don’t like handing things in half-arsed, which he realises, hence the extension. But this time I didn’t really care because I just wanted to be done with everything. So I went to see him and I said “Seriously. Just give me the 51 because I just want it to be over” and he’s like “nope. Hand it in in January and fix it up to get yourselves a better mark”. The stress came from the fact that group work for four ended up being completed by two of us and we didn’t want to have to face this subject again. So we worked our asses off and prayed we’d done enough to pass. So when the lecturer told us “Don’t worry about re-enrolling in the subject next semester because you guys have done enough to pass” we immediately hit the town for a huge celebration. My shoulders relaxed, my head didn’t hurt anymore and my smile brought itself back into the limelight. A truly great feeling. I also finished some freelance work which got a great reception by the clients and it felt great getting such a positive rap. It’s given me more confidence on whatever comes next, while still keeping my feet firmly on the ground.

This was all last week and just as I was about to bring out the hammock and relax, news came that I have to work more hours at my shit kicker job to help pay for bills and expenses over the summer. And at the same time, the amount of backstabbing and bullshit has hit an all-time high too, with people you once thought were your friends, being completely self-obsessed and arrogant. I dunno, maybe Melbourne’s heatwave has got to a few of them but I’m over it and can’t be bothered wasting my time with any of it.

I did find time however to relax in-between, catching up with a few mates I hadn’t seen for a while, seeing some movies and chilling out with the extended edition of Return of the King. I got through all the documentaries and extras too and got incredibly envious of the cast and crew. You just wish every film project you work on could be like that, a totally self-less, satisfying experience. Something tells me the nature of the New Zealand people had a lot to do with it too. If you’re a fan of the films, filmmaking or just want a really great DVD, then this is a must-own. Best DVD of the year hands down. I couldn’t wait getting it for Christmas either!

Speaking of Christmas, I’ve been revving up ideas this year and getting into the spirit. Even though I’m not religious, I’m a sucker for Christmas and all the cheesiness that comes along with it. This will be the first year my sister won’t be home which sucks but I’ve set up a video conference as the next best thing. The best part is that she can’t strangle me for getting her a crappy gift ;) It’s also a family tradition that we all watch British comedy this time of year, so I’ve lined up all the funniest Christmas episodes I could get my hands on on DVD including Blackadder’s ‘Christmas Carol’, Men Behaving Badly ‘Jingle Balls’, Bottom ‘Holy’, ‘Merry Christmas Mr Bean’, The Office ‘Christmas Specials’ plus a few others. Attentions spans are short for my family during this time of year, hence the line-up of TV instead of films and the majority my family coming along have British roots so it seems appropriate. I’m sure the pints of Guinness will also assist in digesting the material. DVD Answers have posted some quality Christmas viewing as well, just in case you want to add some films into the mix. My motto is keep things relatively light but thrown in the occasional dark moments here and there. Although I wouldn’t go so far as to suggest Bad Santa for family viewing. A good film but my Uncle might not approve, letting his eleven year old daughter watch something definitely not for kids (read my review here).

Still stuck for gift ideas? News.com.au has some good suggestions on their website for every personality type. Need Christmas music, with a slightly alternate edge? Jason Zada is offering some interesting, rare Christmas tunes over at his blog. Be sure to download them all. I swear ‘White Christmas’ will never be the same when you hear it sung by Axel Rose. One of my favourite alternate tunes not on his list is Everything But the Girl’s ‘25th December’. I also like ‘Fairytale of New York’ by The Pogues featuring Kirsty McColl.

Anyway, if I don’t post before Christmas, I hope you all have a great one and do whatever it is that makes you happy. Peace out :)