Mad's Space

And so I return. Apologies for the absence, I've been absorbed in the return to my other home. While it's great to be back, there's a great deal more to do - coursework for one thing, now that my exams count I'll have to read the 30 extra hours per week that I'm supposed to *hollow laugh* Of course, that would require me to have all the books, many of which are still missing from the campus bookstore. I'm loathe to order them, as I'm convinced they add an extra €10 on the price anytime someone so much as glances at a a specific title. I don't think I can afford to show actual interest in purchasing anything.

 

Anyway, we shall move swiftly on, since I have undoubtedly delighted you repeatedly with rants on the ridiculous cost of law books (€115 for Land Law! But we were lucky our lecturer was so understanding about student budgets, the other book was "a bit expensive"...), and turn to happier topics - accommodation. I have moved all the way down the hall (...an epic journey, I endured blistering heats and agonizing cold...) to a lovely 3 bedroom apartment, which I share with Linda and Erica. You may remeber these lovely ladies from previous adventures, as they are both a) in my course and b) fellow debaters. This arrangement has proved to be very pleasant indeed. We have two plants, called Basil and Parsley, for obvious reasons. They are thriving in their happy home. We share a fascination with those TV caller game shows. They tend to stay up later than I do, but that is ok because I tend to get up earlier than they do.  Lack of initial shopping co-ordination means we shan't need to purchase bleach or oil for a while. However, other important items that were absentmindedly forgotten were possed by at least one of the others, which was handy. Life's better when everyone works together. Down the hall, in my old apartment and the apartment next door to that, live another four girls who are also Law and Euro/Deb U people. There are another three debaters living in Block 4, and another 5 or so Law and Euro students scattered around the place. Those who emerge at the end of the year with minor injuries may consider themselves lucky.

 

As for coursework, I am very pleased with all my subjects this semester. In German (all my knowledge of the language seems to have disappeared over the summer *sighs* time to get out the grammar books) we've started a novel,  Agnes by Peter Stamm, which is very good. Sociology (my new lecturer has a quiff) has shot up in my estimation. From a pointless, boring subject (given by quiffless lecturers), it has become not only useful but interesting. We're concentrating on Sociology of the Media this semester, and my lecturer has a quiff and is both entertaining and informative. He's shown us a clip of the Royle Family, part of a U2 concert and quoted to us from the Simpsons. He also has a quiff. He's wonderful... My law subjects are Torts (excellent), Land Law (surprisingly fascinating. Do you know what chattels are? I do) and Law of European Institutions (given by Patsy, a lady who bangs dusters with vicious intent and reminds one of that terrifying primary school teacher. You know, the old one that looked like she ate children even though they disagreed with her. She does, however, wear wonderfully bright coloured tights (purple, blue, yellow...) and makes a somewhat boring subject interesting).

 

In other news, I have been discovering just how much work being Secretary of the UL Debating Union is going to be. A lot, in case you're wondering *sighs* I'm not complaining, since I signed up for it myself and anyway I'm mostly enjoying it, but it is going to take much dedication and time. I also have to leave my phone on, and on General, and make an effort to answer it sometimes. It makes me jump, to the amusement of certain people who admittedly found it difficult to contact me in the past. On the other hand, my name and number are now on a List of Important People somewhere in the Students' Union, which is pleasant. We had our first debate the other night (TTH would bring a bottle of water on a plane. We ask you *points*, do terrorists drink water?). It went very well, and we seem to have a lots of enthusiastic new members. I was speaking, and didn't make an idiot of myself, although I do have a vague recollection of encouraging people to throw stones at birds. I'm sure it made sense at the time. I joined a few other Clubs and Socs (Archery, Drama, Law, Music) and didn't make it to one of them. I'll have to do better this week. I should point out that I almost did get to Archery, but it was 'cancelled' because of 'the rain' - a clever ploy by certain friends (I don't know which is worse, the fact that this was offered as an excuse when Archery takes place indoors, or the fact that I accepted it) to ensure my presence at a very surprising Surprise Party. Both the Surprise and the Party were magnificently done, and highlights included the food (impressive), the singing (even more so), playing Mafia (yay for assassinations and lynch mobs!) and presents (a bracelet, Queen's greatest hits sheetmusic and scratchcards - I won €8! Who can doubt the greatness of scratchcards?)

 

Oh, and I signed up to become an An Focal (university paper) reporter, and got my own little notebook and pen *joy!*. There was more, but that's enough for the moment. Toodle-pip!

 

Niamh Mad

Ahoy there, mateys! Seein' as it be almost over, I'll smartly say a few word on t' wondrous institution that be Talk Like a Pirate Day. Me third fav'rit day in t' whole calendar (comin' just after Christmas and me birthday - it does come after me birthday, actually, the day after, har har *groans form the general populace*), I finally got t' chance to celly-brate in style, as can be observed by me profile picture. Arrr! Havin' begged, bribed 'n' bullied me shipmates (Beloved Family) in ter dressin' up, I obtained fo-ter-grafic evWey-dence fer future blackmail - true to the piratic spirit, methinks, me beauties 'n' bilgerats. We'll be bildin' on this next year, o' course, and TLAP DAy '07 will be bigger 'n' better 'n ever! Watch out, ye lug-eared lubbers - arrr! Hoist anchor!

 

Dirty Mary Cash, the pirate formerly known as Niamh Mad.

Time, now, for another episode in the life and times of Niamh. I have just returned from a fun-filled mushroom-hunting family expedition. I walked into an electric fence. It was painful, though apparently I twitched in a way that was very amusing to the casual observer. If you are ever seized with a sudden urge to pet an electric fence, I strongly advise against it. I don't like mushrooms. I find them vaguely creepy.

 

In other news...well, there's rather a lack of it. I have visited the beach near our new house that the Parents bought while I was away (much to my surprise: "Dear Niamh, how are you? Everyone here is fine. The weather hasn't been great. Nana and Grandad are getting their bathroom refitted, though it's taking a long time, and recent tiling has not been flush with the wall. We are buying a house in ------. Sadhbh is losing another tooth..."). Otherwise, I've been establishing an intimate and meaningful relationship with my laptop and numerous DVDs. Though I dislike using the word, I have been very bored. I need more intellectual stimulation than even the Times crosswords and Sudoku can provide.

 

Finally, on Monday I turn twenty. I feel old. However, it does mean I get presents and celebrate, which is pleasant. Accordingly, tomorrow night I go out to dinner, which sounds sophisticated and mature. I am both of those, since I am soon to be twenty. Toodle-pip!

 

Niamh Mad