This week has been another one of those exciting Berkeley weeks that just make me really happy.

Firstly I had another massive assignment due which I put off due to other things – but I got it done again. I did a lot of hanging out with my friends, which may not be really exciting to read about, and it may not help me do my assignments, but I do it anyway.
I watched a very boring movie for ‘Russia to the 1700s’ called ‘Aundri Rublov’. It was really depressing, but it was banned by Stalin for years and years so it was worth watching just to spite ‘em. It was about a famous Russian painter, and his angst over the violence and bleakness of the country in which he lives.

Tuesday was interesting – I did another Army Training day thingy, but without all the water this time. It was land-nav, and I think they’ve finally figured out that I don’t need to do it, because they stuck me with the Cadet (who used to be a Sergeant in Iraq) who didn’t need to do the land Nav test. We taught another guy (who had joined that morning) how to read a map. It was mildly entertaining. Another thing that was mildly entertaining was an American Officer Cadet who was trying to show off his skills by claiming that he had perfectly calculated his position with only two resection angles. This wasn’t just on the map you understand – he was trying to tell me that he did this feat in the field. For those of you who don’t know, this is obviously ridiculous. It’s like claiming that you’ve shot down a helicopter using a rock.

Wednesday I was supposed to have a supply appointment with a Mr Perry. Mr Perry was sick that day, but it was cool because I got out of Army class early. This army class was being taken by another officer cadet who had, as they say, gone mad with power. He said things like ‘You listen to me when I take this class!!’ and ‘Popdoski – give me twenty for insolence!’ I just sat there and smiled at him. Yes, ok, I basically dared him to do it – I hate bullies. He didn’t though – he obviously has some small sense of self-preservation left. Maybe next time...

I tried to have the supply appointment today, but it didn’t happen. Mr Perry was confused as to what he should give me (obviously they don’t want to give me the new expensive equipment) and so it was decided that they were going to bring out some old stuff so I still look very different from the rest of the Officer Cadets. The Lt Col is also going to introduce me to a Brig, and I will be perfect and salute a lot and put on a good show. That’s what I’m here for. Maybe I can weasel an invitation to visit Westpoint out of it, which is the next goal. The entire plan is to not disgrace my uniform in front of the brass though – so that’s the focus. I’ll use up the last of my boot-polish on Monday just before I go in. I want to go to Westpoint and Annapolis eventually though, and take some notes for when I write a paper on comparative training institutions.

Also yesterday I had a study group. I got invited to join these girls randomly as I was walking around campus. It turns out my accent is very distinctive and so these girls realised I was in their class right away, even though they had never met me and I had never seen them before. It’s pretty gold – I’m not that great at this particular class, and so I am pleased that they asked. A burned shared is a burden halved, as they say.
Today was another class, that supply appointment with Mr Perry, and this house dinner. I ate WAY to much, cleaned up a lot and had a great time. The people here is this house are amazing.

More random friends then: Sitting next to me right now is Noa, a girl is who is just so nice that it is hard to credit it. She has brown hair so dark and shiny that it is almost black, is about 5’7” and has really great taste in clothes. Noa can suggest things to do so successfully you generally end up thinking it was your own idea in the first place, and if you do realise that is wasn’t your idea, it’s generally such a great idea (and she’s such a nice person) that you don’t mind doing it for her. And she’s really funny. She also has a sweet last name, which I’m not going to tell you, because then you’d be able to find her, which isn’t cool. Just trust me that it’s wicked, and spelt in a really funky way.

Anita is the youngster in our house – only 17. She’s Indian, is quite tall and is just a really calm person to be around. She has dark blue/black hair as well, and when she smiles you really can’t help but smile back, even if you’ve had a rubbish day. You know those people who are just really nice to sit and talk too? Trust me, sometimes after the weirdness that is our house, calm is so nice! She’s really proud to be at Berkeley, which I think is the best way to be. Some people here don’t realise how lucky they are. It’s the Promised Land, I’m sure of it.

Tonight I have a sweet game of soccer at 10pm (early tonight!) but I am not looking forward to it because I ate way to much, and running may be a problem. On the other hand I am looking forward to another chance to get a goal. I’m going to get a goal if it kills me!

Edited Note: We drew our football game! YAY! I didn't get a goal though, I did get close a couple of times.

I know tonight’s post wasn’t very funny, but I’m not in a funny mood. I’m full, calm and pretty much content. I’ve been invited to about six things tonight, so I feel very included, and I’m just typing away surrounded by people who I admire. It’s gold.
Tomorrow I shall finish off my EAP lunch speech (I am talking to a group about EAP and how important it is. I shall tell you how that goes.) and on Sunday I have that sweet study group thing. I shall tell you how that goes as well.

Again, sorry for how boringly unfunny this post was. I shall try harder next time. Until then I still,
Wish you were here

Margie

written by  Crosswood on October 11, 2007 from Berkeley, United States
from the travel blog: New Zealand Student, American University.
Send a Compliment

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So you'll be back spherical? Should we send you boot polish? Do i expect you to answer these questions?

written by  Rebecca Harris on October 12, 2007

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I'm going to be pretty darn round when I get back bexy - the food here is great. I have a sweet tooth, and everything here is catered for that.

written by  Crosswood on October 12, 2007

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