Tiller5's Journal of Life at University

A much-needed update

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:02:11 GMT

There's a good reason why I havent updated this here journal, and that is that not a lot has really gone on!
My second term at uni has been and gone in that time, which is a shame cos I love it there! Thus point shall be discussed later though. Another toenail related problem has reared its ugly head, and I am left with the necessity for the other toe (the big toe on my right foot) in need of being operated upon to remove the culprit growth. Fortunately though this can be done in the summer, as it is not in a state as to cause aggravation, which is good! It was painful before however, which caused me to miss the last few Thames Valley hockey games of the season, much to my disappointment. Fortunately though, I managed to get a game in on Saturday, the 5th, with the IOWHC. Twas a friendly with Wokingham, and although it was not a competitive game as such, I thouroughly enjoyed myself regardless as it was great to play alongside my old teammates once more.
The main event that has occurred though is of course my return to the Island for the Easter break. If I'm brutally honest, it has been mainly shite. Although I have done little to no revision for my exams in a few weeks, I have been required to do a number of tasks for my parents, including numerous accounts of industrial-scale dish-washing (by hand, of course), gardening, trips to the bank and drives around the Island to pick up my dad after delivering cars to customers. To put it shortly, Im fed up. I feel like I've gone back to a time before univ ersity, where I was a kid,bound by the whims of my parents to do as I was told. Its like being thrown in prison, to have a few hours outside, only to be chucked back in, but of course my circumstances are nowhere near as dire. I hope that this conveys the impression well enough though. Today, I came close to thinking about packing my bags and heading back to uni, but this is most likely pure overreaction. Nevertheless, those feelings remain.
One other point of concern relates to my character. University has changed me already, and I'm not refferring to my beard. I seem to have become more concerned with my own welfare, whereas before I would always consider others above myself. Although I largely still follow this, I feel that I'm becoming more arrogant in a way, not overtly but enough to concern me, as I do not like this prospect. Some say that it is better to be more concerned about myself, but I'm not so sure.
Apologies for the slightly miserable update, but that is my current mood unfortunately. opefully the next one will be more cheery eh? Signing off!

Depressed...

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:41:41 GMT

Yeah. I may not have much of an excuse to be, but I am, the reasons for which shall follow.
It al kinda began on Saturday. The hockey game I was playing in was shite, we lost 2-1, I kept having to go off due to some kind of back pain, and I left my hoodie on the astro pitch, That was kinda annoying. After this, we (David, Lisa and myself) went into Staines as David has now gotten into warhammer, so we went to have a look. Tried to buy Devil May Cry 4 for Lisa, and my card doesn't work. I try to check my balance, and it still doesn't work., I got rather worried, thinking my card wasn;t going to work, and I needed food, having nothing in and no money on my college card. Fortunately, I managed to get some cash out at Sainsbury's, but still, it was annoying once more.
Sunday. I discover a pain in my right toe, a strangely familiar pain, Yup, those of you who have been on the receving end of my injuries last year will know whats coming: another ingrowing toenail! Oh the joy...... at the time though I remained unsure as to whether it was an infection or whatever. Also today, I was suddenly hit by feelings that hadn't been around for a while: those I harbour for Melanie. Although she still remains unsure of the true extent of my feelings for her, I fear she has become so distant that she is but a mere recollection, a memory that almost has faded away. Ok, so that's a bit melodramatic, but I feel I have practicall lost perhaps the most amazing, special and wonderful girl this world has yet permitted me to meet. That doesn't make one feel especially grand.
If I'm honest, the group has truly split up, as the majority of the girls we would spend time with have gone their separate ways. It appears that only the guys have remained in regular contact (in addition to Lisa), and this does make me sad, especially as there's little that I can do about it. I used to be good at unifying groups; obviously this one wasn't meant to be, or perhaps not, I don't know anymore. Don;t get me wrong, the guys and Lisa are awesome to be around, I just feel its a shame that, as Scott so rightfully identified, the group has been split. Whether due to the two abover reasons or not, I seriously felt like having a good old cry, a rather weak and feeble reaction I know, yet one that I had no control over, for twas highly spontaneous in its randomness.
Monday wasn't overly bad really, apart from the pain the chiropodist visit gave me (that is to say it increased!), after having removed a sliver of nail from the culprit toe. Two days later and walking is not easy, having been reduced to an ungaitly limp. Alsomon Monday, feelings seemed to emerge for another person, (who shall remain unnamed, thank you very much!) which was kinda unexpected. Man, these emotions are SO damn confusing, muddled and painful, why can't they be goddamn simple?
Tuesday was much better. Will came up! Yay! He got here a bit later than planned, but twas good nonetheless. After waiting for David, Douglas, Lisa and Scott to return (and much ensuing glompage), we proceeded to getting lunch from subway (minus scott), in Staines, and from there to GW once more, where Lisa eyed up the seraphim and arwen, one can tell where her next income of monies will be spent, ehehehe. We then came back, played some games for a bit, then took will back to the station for twenty past 6. I didn't end up going to bed til half 3 in the morning, as Lisa was here playing devil may cry (in the end for over 9 hours straight!), but it has such a good storyline that it wasnt in the slightest bit boring to just sit there and watch!
And then we come to today. The aforementioned feelin gs continued to manifest themselves, again throwing me slightly. Had to go see the doctor, upon the advice of my chiropodist, where I was told I had an ingrown toenail, and given some antibiotics, If they dont work, Im gonna have to have another bloody operation, which will bugger me over well and truly for hockey and short term walking abilities. Shite. I also realised that I wouldnt be getting a job back at Morrisons over the easter break, therefore screwing me over financially. Instead, I'm gonna have to stay up here, if I get a possible job at GW in Staines, which is quite possible, as I'm going to have little money come the end of the term.
So, as I'm sure you have gathered, I'm not in the best of moods right now. I have quite a bit of work, exams, money, love, toenail problems and friend problems all on my mind right now, and it in;t a good combo. And tommo13, I don't know who the hell you are, and I don't speak German!

19 years old!

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:47:46 GMT

The 26th of January saw me pass into the age-realm of 19, which to be perfectly honest feels little different to having been 18 for the past 365 days. However, I feel that this birthday has been the best yet, topping off a week of pure awesomeness!
Firstly, Thursday was a good day, as I had the worry of my toenail being ingrown again be lifted, so my feet now feel all good! Yay!
Most obvious as a reason for an excellent week is the fact that it was my birthday on the Saturday. This day waa fantastic! It started off with my dad arriving with my brother at half 10, where I showed him around Kingswood briefly (he'd already been before though), and presents were administered. We then proceeded to the main campus, showing them the majesty of Founders, where much photo-taking was to be had. Staines was to be the next destination, where I, in addition to Rob, were bought a copy of Burnot Paradise, which should be fun!
I had hockey again in the afternoon, against Sanderstead's 5th team (in the league below). Two weeks prior, we had been drawn against their 4th team, and had thrashed them 5-1, so we went in with thoughts of an easy victory. David, Douglas and Lisa, in addition to my dad and brother, were on hand to spectate as we brought the opposition to a scoreline of 4-1 in our favour. It wasnt a bad game, but I personally did not feel overly challeneged, hence my desire to try out new tactics (such as running, ahem). Dad and Rob left for home after the game, and we went back to Kingswood, to shower and eat before we were to go bowling in Maidenhead!
Booked for 8pm, we first had to get there. No getting lost though, which was surprising. We got there, and we had the classic girls vesus boys set up, although Phil had to act as a girl for the game. We (the boys) lost the first game, although we were playing without barriers, unlike the others. I ebed up getting a triple strike in the final frame as well (or a turkey, apparently), which I was quite proud of! In the interval, I was presented with a variety of cards, as well as a messengere kit for my 360, completely took me by surprise, and a really thoughtful gesture too. Man, these guys have thought of everything! The second game saw us win, quite comfortably as well (but we did have the barriers put up for this very purpose, hehe). We then proceeded to play on a few arcade games before we left, with me taking Douglas, Jen and Lisa back in my car, David taking Phil and Scott in his Focus, and Melanie returning home in her car. Overall, a first rate birthday, and I really, well and truly appreciated everything they did to make it special, so thank you guys!
Ive started to sell my warhammer! Yes, the day has at last come where space, time and money all club together to form a vertiable reason for it all to go, and go it shall! Ive already made fifty quid from selling one bundle, and I have £35 lined for sale within the week hopefully, so I can have some cash going spare in the bank, should I need it for anything.
Right, well I'd better be off, even though my 2pm lecture has been cancelled for tomorrow... hehe, yay! OK, bye for now!

A long-awaited and needed update

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:27:59 GMT

Yeah, all right, so I haven't updated for over a month, meh!
To be quite honest, not that much has gone on since Christmas. Blatantly, I'm back at uni, which is good, as I honestly can't see myself anywhere else at this very moment. Two hockey games have thus far been played, the first of which we won against Sanderstead IV, 5-1!! A spectacular win, you'll agree? However, this game also saw me get headbutted by another player as I cleared the ball away, which resulted in a mild spell (that is to say up until about Thursday) of concussion, that was fun.........
This week's game did not continue our winning ways, unfortunately, as we came up against the league leaders, we lost 1-0 to Leatherhead. Once more, I sustained an injury (see a pattern emerging here?), receiving a powered shot of a hockey ball to the left kneecap, or rather just below it. Typical Sod's Law, that bit that the shinpad doesnt quite reach.... Worst of all, David and Douglas were photographing the game, so no doubt there are some nice shots of me cringing and getting slightly irritated....
One other event that has taken the fore in my life these past two weeks has been the subject of acquiring accomodation for next year. Originally, the plan was to have David, Douglas, Melanie, Scott and myself find ourselves a place to stay. However, due to a concotion of tension, awkwardness and indecision, this is no longer the case, as Melanie has decided not to share a house with us. Unfortunately, I didn't take the news too well, and my emotions got the better of me (damn emotions, never stay in that box when I want em to), and I overreacted just a tad. Instead, she has been replaced with one Mister Philip Beech, a fellow Classicist, so some order should be brought to the house as of now! However, I am intent on putting my name down for a place in halls, just in case I feel that it would be in my (and the others') best interests to do so, but we shall see once the time comes. Besides, this all happened yesterday, so I imagine that, in a few weeks time, I shall look over this and, with the benefit of hinsight, laugh upon the words written here. Mwhahahahaha. But not now.
Currently, I feel better over the situation, as I realise now it was utterly stupid of me to react in such a way, as I appear to have been completely ignorant of the stress and angst Melanie has been going through. On another note however, I am beginning to worry over the severe lack of work that appears to be not happening in my two subjects. I get the distinct impression that a torrent of essays are about to hit, so I guess I'd better go do some work! One final note before the close of this entry, its my birthday in 6 days! Yay! If you have been inspired by my thoughts and ramblings (ahem *unlikely* ahem), and you don't already, please do feel free to add me as a contact on MSN, my address being joindboh@hotmail.com but please, don't ask me what it means, cos I really don't know! OK, thanks, for reading! Poor souls...... nothing better to do eh?

Home again

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 00:05:29 GMT

As of the 15th of Deember, I have returned to the Island! *waits for cheers* *carries on regardless*
Although I have no doubt mentioned many a time, it feels strange to have come home. Is it from the displacement of a degree of autonomy? Is it because I'm missing all my mates at uni? Is it because there's nobody around here at the moment cos they're all working or at school> All of em, methinks!
Im starting to have all sorts of troubles at the moment as well, such as girl trouble (dont we all?), foot trouble, money trouble and other emotional trouble (no, I'm NOT going emo, dammit!), in addition to the issue of having little to do. Ah well, I guess itll be all good if I can get my 360 online........
Well, unfortunately I'm unable to share my plans for the week with you, as there are none. Well, tomorrow I need to get my car looked at, cos it aint nice when it makes nasty sounds when it goes over certain speed bumps *glares at Founder's*, and I also need to get my A Level certificates, just so I can prove that I have had some education! Otherwise, I'm not doing a lot this week, apart from seeing my step grandparents this weekend. I went to Newport today, for lunch with Rachel, which was fun. We also came across a few random people, including one legendary Jake Moore! I also went out and bought Call of Duty 4 for my lovely 360, still need to try it out actually...........
It really does feel weird to besleeping in my room again, my bed actually has some give to it, rather than the pallet we have back at Kingswood (although, it appears to have its own form of comfort, which ive grown used to nonetheless). Indeed, being within the confines of a small building inhabited by just 3 people and a cat feels rather alien to me at the moment, seeing as im used to being in a large building with loads of people. And its so quiet, it doesnt feel right at all!!!!!
Ah well, Ive still gt plenty to do. I need to see all my mates again, organise some kind of Fence Crew (tm) reunion (which could be hard, seeing as most of them havent really spoken to one another since Peter, Rachel ad I buggerred off to uni), as well as go round the Island and take some phtos, when I get a digital camera, for the geologists back at uni to look at, as well as anyone else who wants to see em. Indeed, I am also in need of purchasing some Isle of Wight related goods for my mates back at Kingswood, so itll be off to the tourist information for me!
Right, thats enough of me ranting methinks, until next time then!

A long awaited update!

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 20:22:19 GMT

Before I start, I must apologise sincerely. I have been busy to the extreme, due to untold legions of essays, in addition to hour upon hour spent getting to know my new-found circle of best friends, so apologies once again to those few who read this here log with anticipation (you poor souls!).
Firstly, I appeare to have become exceedingly lazy when it comes to shaving, resulting in my having grown a form of beard. However, this shall most likely disappear by the time I return home. Ah yes, this signals the second point, that is to say that my return to the glorious Island of Wight shall take place upon the 15th day of the month of December, and I'll be leaving roughly three weeks later, which gives me ample time to relax from a term of busy-ness and excitement!
To be perfectly honest, the past term has flown by so quickly that I have little recollection of the numerous events and such that have occurred, tis quite worrying to be frank! It must be highlighted, however, that the end of term is a double-edged sword, in that I am glad to be going home to see my old friends and my family, yet I am going to miss the new-found liberty life here at Kingswood has given me, yet more importantly I shall miss my new-found mates quite a lot, but then I guess its all good that Ive met people that induce this effect.....
Thats about all I can add for now, I cant really think of much else, plus Im watching The Two Towers, so there! One thing though, last hockey game of 2007 yesterday, against Old Reigatioans, and we won 2-1! Hooray!

Twang!!!!!

Thu, 08 Nov 2007 23:42:55 GMT

Hullo!
Apologies for the delay in updateage, I have neglected this log for too long, so time to type some more!
The title gives a clue as to one of the events having taken place recently, and that is my involvement with the setting up of an Archery society here at Royal Holloway. We have a group on Facebook, and are hoping to get it off the ground very soon!
Also this week, I bought an Xbox 360. Woo! What an investment that was! A great deal too, £269.99 for the Pro console, Forza 2, Medal of Honor Airborne and an extra wireless controller! Nice!
On Saturday 3 November, TVHC 2's played Epsom V's, us being at home, and we managed to win 2-1! Man, that was a good game, even if we did get a little slopy towards the end. Finally, we have a win under our belts!
I have been invited to take part in an Apocalypse battle over Christmas back home on the Island, and I am very much looking forward to this prospect!
GW also got back to me, saying that they were very impressed with the interview, and that they would be circulating my name once a vacancy crops up in the local area.
As some of you know, I went home on Thursday (1.11.07), and had a good time seeing some people, unfortunately I wont be back till xmas though.
Thats all for now, Ill try to update next week sometime!

Another week goes by

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 22:18:57 GMT

Hi! Yes, its me again! Nearly 4 weeks have passed here at Royal Holloway, and to be quite honest it has felt like I've been here since the world's been turning!
Onto the news. On Saturday last, I went to Camberley to see my brother karting, meeting up with Mum, Dad, Jon and Zara whilst there too. It was good to see the family again, even though it has only been 3 weeks! I left at half 12 with me dad to go get some lunch, then go off to hockey.
Yes, hockey. We lost, again. But, we broke the 2-1 deadlock, resulting in a 3-1 loss this time around. I got a bit angry, especially after some tard hit me round the elbow with his stick. Idiot. Ah well, at least I'm playing hockey!
Sunday was awesome! Will came up for the day! Yay! An awesome day was had, I showed him the main campus wonderful as it is, then we went to Staines, where he proceeded to buy a Wii, two games, a spare controller, a wristband, and some warhammer. Somehow, I feel the visit was merely an excuse to spend money..... *(oke! I know you didnt want to spend any money at all Will!)
The rest of the week has otherwise been filled with essays being handed to me to do, and me typing some. I had a job interview at Games Workshop today though, but I was told that there wasnt a vacancy at the local store. However, my name is to be circulated around to the managers of al the stores in the local area, so I think I impressed, but we shall see.
Thats all that I can think of for now, thats another entry entered! Bye for now!

Jobs, homework and hockey..... what a mix!

Sat, 06 Oct 2007 16:58:02 GMT

Yes, hello, it's that time again! Weekly update is go!
Well, it's been relatively busy, what with me having started my lectures. Turns out I essentially have fridays free (with the exception of a single lecture at 11am), and most days have either a late start or an early finish, so its not all that bad!
Hockey has been relatively lacking this week, as due to the fatigue I experienced from doing three days in a row of hockey, I decided it would be for the better to relax until today's game. It was a good'un today, it must be said, even though we lost 2-1, again! We all showed some great skills, and we were winning the game righ up until the last 10 mins, when Old ReigatIans managed to socre two very lucky goals. Although the game took up most of the day (til about 5pm), I still had fun, cos I love hockey!
On the Friday of this week, Alice and I went fo a recruitment day at Thorpe Park. It was an interesting experience, due to the fact that it was a rather unconventional method of recruitment. A large group (around 20-25) of us were ushered into a room with tables, and we all had to produce an object and explain what characteristics it portrays of our personality. Alice was unaware of this (and, by extension, neither was I), so we had to improvise. After this escapade, we were put into groups, and we were tasked with the constructiojn of the tallest possible building from a series of wooden blocks within a certain time frame (that is to say, we had 10 mins planning time, then 4 mins building time). My group came second, with a height of 65cm. Then, we were required to discuss a list of 10 groups of people/animals, and decide which of them worked together the best as a unit, such as a pack of wolves, the human family, a gang of criminals and The Cabinet. The following task was for us all to complete a simple numeracy test, easy stuff! We were then interviewed individually, and as of now, I am yet to learn whether I am to be offered a place or not. Alice has been already, but then she was told she'd hear this weekend, whereas I was told in the next 7 days........ We'll see. If I don't get it, I'l go for one at Games Workshop, perhaps.
That's about all I have to offer in the way of news I'm afraid, so I shall add to this log if I deem it necessary, or if I can think of anything else to say, whichever comes first!

Time to learn, again......

Tue, 02 Oct 2007 12:32:28 GMT

Yes, at last the time has come to begin the lectures, and they don't actually seem too bad! Although I have only had two so far, I now know that the French oral assessment will be an analysis (out loud) of a TV commercial, a bit different! I also had a lecture to begin the Greek History course, basically an hour of hearing about stuff I was already mostly aware (but I didnt know that Corinth was an enemy of Sparta in the 4th Century...... hmmmm). All in all, not too bad!
In other news, my third day of hokcey on the trot turned out to be eeeeeeevil, apparently South African coaches tend to focus on running a heck of a lot more than on the hockey side of things (cf IOWHC training), and I did not feel my best at the end of the 1h45 session! Right, well I got my third lecture in half an hour, so I had better dash! Bye for now!
P.S, the_sidewinder, I'm not a closet-emo, dammit! I'm perfectly happy, and bear no scars or injuries whatsoever, apart from a bruised jaw......... and you can't insult my music! Considering you actually borrowed my iPod in Greece!

One week on!

Sat, 29 Sep 2007 20:18:33 GMT

Well, I have now been at Royal Holloway, University of London for a week, and boy, what a week it has been! Apologies for not having updated sooner, but I have been so busy, half the time I didn't even know I was doing something until a second before!
Firstly, I shall discuss the impression I have of the place. Well, it's an amazing campus, an interesting mix of contemporary and modern buildings, which makes for an unusual but appealing setting. My hall is 15 mins walk away from the main campus, so there are around 300 of us that are effectively cut off from the rest of the first years, but I like it here, as we have our own little community, its nice!
As those of you who know me can attest to, I'm a friendly kinda guy, easy-going, like to have a laugh, and that has been the case here. I feel my aforementioned attitude to life allows me to make friends quite easily, and again this week has continued along this path. The sheer volume of people I have met is overwhelming, and the number of mates I have has increased dramatically. Such people include Luke, Adam, Phil, David, Thaksala, Laura, Myuki (unsure on spelling), Alice, Sebastien, Dean, Josh, Sam, Jennifer, Fateha, Priyanka, Johnnie, Emma, Nadia, Amy, another Amy, Douglas, Will, Rob, Alex, and most likely a load of others too! I feel really good to have had the privilege of being in this situation, to be meeting new people on a daily basis, and coming into contact with people from around the globe, its a very eye-opening experience, particularly for one who has spent their entire life on the Isle of Wight (or Isle of White, when examining the distinct lack of multi-culturalism there). In all, a great load of people here, and not a single chav in sight! Now there's something!
By way of actual activities I have partaken in, the list is short, but I have not failed to take advantage of opportunities to meet people and do unique things. One example of this is that on Wednesday (the 26th September), the day had been allocated as World Culture Day, and it just so happened that I (in the company of Phil, Amy, Laura, Thaksala and Myuki) was in the loaction that was hosting the event, namely the Medicine bar. We were given the chance to buy sweet items from a Chinese market stall, as well as see some interesting dances, such as the Brazilian street dance (unsure of name, the one where they look like they're fighting and stuff!). I've also spent time getting to know some people, so its not like I've been anti-social or anything! Just because I don't drink..... etc.
Hockey has not been neglected whilst I have been up here either, as I have joined the local club, namely Thames Valley, having attended a rather tiresome training session on Wednesday, and then having played in a full game today against Camberley for the 2nd XI. A great game, even though we lost 2-1, I feel I managed to impress my teammates, although that may have been so because they may have had lower expectations of what I was able to do, I don't know! What matters is that I have got a team to play for, and that's what matters most to me. After all, where would I be without my hockey, eh? I've also got trials tomorrow for the University hockey team, so we shall see how that pans out.
So yes, an amazing week in the life of Benjamin James Duquenoy-Tiller, the first of many no doubt! I feel kindas guilty in saying this, but with the influx of new people and the forging of new friendships, I regret to say that I'm not missing my friends back home perhaps as much as I should be. Perhaps it will all catch up with me, perhaps not. We shall see! Right, time for me to stop, too much typing makes the fingers go numb! If I haven't been in contact with people from the Island, may I extend my most sincere apologies, let me know, and I will endeavour to see how you're getting on! Otherwise, until the next time I can get my backside into gear and boot this website up, bye!

Entry Number One!

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 22:16:44 GMT

Hi, yes, this is my very first entry to this here LiveJournal of mine! I shall start it off with what has happened in the past two days of me being here, at Royal Holloway, University of London.
I arrived at the hall of residence (Kingswood Hall 1) at around 2 pm on Saturday (22nd), got all my stuff sorted out, found my room, and then got it all packed away and sorted. I remained in my room to begin with, trying to sort out my laptop, yet to no avail. Then, I left to go meet some people (which wasn't too hard, to be frank, as they were everywhere!)., such as Luke, Kieran, Adam, James, Tom, and others. The guy opposite me arrived at around half 4, Sebastien Jarlot, whom I had already made contact with via Facebook. Met some other people, then went for a meeting with the Warden at 7:15, then got some food afterwards, then came nback to my room at about 10, went to bed at 11.
Today, got up at 10 (but I'd set the alarm for 8, so needed to switch that off first of all) and thought about breakfast, but then found out that there was no such thing available on a Sunday, so went without. A walk down to the main campus left at 11am, so I went on that, met a guy called Jamie, and spent half an hour ambling along whislt chatting. Finally we got there, and I chose to get my College Card, so do that I did. Whilst waiting to be called up to get my card, I met a guy called Sean (spelled in that way, just like my buddy Sean Rogers!), then a girl called Sabrina, who happened to be French in origin (incidentally, she was rather surprised to learn that I spoke French!). After this, I went to the Security Office to sort out my parking permit, but that didnt happen, so I need to go back tomorrow. Then I went back home, stopping off on the way to get some food, sorted out my laptop, and spent the afternoon on the net, barbecue at 6, met an Italian couple, nice people! Came nack here around 9, then sorted some things out!
Of course, the real fun begins tomorrow, as I truly begin my time here: Fresher's Week! But now, I need some sleep, so night for now!