Mid-Term Mania!

I wish I could post a longer blog tonight, but I am just Blogcratinating right now (blogging as a means of procrastination).

Two Mid-terms tomorrow. One I am pretty prepared for, the other...less so. Dr. Jordan, go easy on us... please?

We had our first SAC council meeting tonight, it went well, for what was discussed. A lot of councillors are new to their positions, our bylaws and constitution, and rules of order, so I feel as though a lot of them were a bit more timid than they usually are...or will be.

The major point of discussion on the agenda this evening was our Presidential situation. A few talking points were presented as potential options. I really don't know what council is going to decide to do, all I know is I have my one vote in council, and who knows how far that will go.

It made for some interesting albeit occasionally circular discussion.

We transfered power back to Council, from the Executive- we hold power over the summer while there is no elected council, so we can get stuff done and still function as an organization- it was as simple as a motion, a 2nd, and then a vote. No more executive control. It is a bit of a relief. At the same time, kind of disappointing.

Physical Geography and Women/Gender Studies midterms tomorrow... not looking forward to the two of them, back-to-back, and a morning full of meetings just before.

I'll survive to blog again another day.

Back to the books, night!

Home Sweet Gravy

One of the perks to being home- amazing food. My mom makes the best Roast Beef, with gravy that cannot be beat.

I'm going to give this mobile blogging/blog by email thing a try. It seems a bit like Twitter...without the tweeting.

Hope you're having a great thanksgiving weekend! Off to the country tomorrow for the big family dinner, so excited! Food is involved, of course I am!

Night
P

*Monday, October 12th, 12:28 am: Dinner was amazing, we did a little family photo before hand (see above). It wasn't a large turnout this year, just about 15 of us. Can't wait for Christmas now!

Turkey Time

Thanksgiving, much like Christmas, is a time for the Forestell Family to get together, eat way too much food, see enough of each other until the next major holiday (or Saturday morning at my uncles place in the City Market), and have the perfect excuse for a nap both before and after the meal/event. It's how we roll. There is a set order to which Aunt/Uncle/Cousin hosts which event/dinner. Aunt B does Thanksgiving, at she and Uncle J's cottage. Christmas Eve is our thing, which always works out that we've got a few too many left overs... Now I'm just hungry.

I am happy to be out of Sackville for a few days, it has been getting pretty busy with school and SAC stuff. We're now on week 6 of the Presidential By-Election. We thought we were going to have a president elected by the first few days of October... we've been through 2 different presidential elections -one voided because of balloting errors, and the other the result of the voiding- and we just got the results from the 2nd election. Looks like we're out of luck again. We had enough people vote to make it a valid election, but no one candidate won by the required 50% + 1 vote. We still don't really know what is going to happen, but I'll post an update once I know what's going on. I wish the elections were over, it would make my life a bit easier.

I've got midterms through next week, and a few papers due, so I really hope that the election stuff doesn't get in the way of those. I am enjoying classes now that they are getting into more than just the intro stuff. We've done a lot of outdoor labs for Physical Geography, which has been good...and bad. The day we had our "Soil Lab" scheduled...it was pouring rain. It was honestly the most rain I've seen in Sackville since the Landsdown Field flooded and was a pond for most of campus for a day or two. Conveniently, I had a very important meeting which happened to be scheduled at the same time, inside... not in the rain... I don't think I'll ever live it down from Jess, she was not pleased that I didn't show.

I've been missing bigger cities, and the west coast a bit the past month or so. I think what I really miss is having a regular pay-cheque, ha! Anna Chujunian wrote about the reasons to miss big city life in the Argosy this week, so I'll leave it to her, and to you to read it. I do love Sackville, everyone just has a day or two every once in a while when they want to get out. I think that is commonplace, no matter where you live.

I am excited about next year, I just signed a lease or a house! It is a gorgeous house, pretty close to campus, the grocery store, all the good stuff. And I am living with some pretty wicked people, one of them being my cousin, Hannah.

Ok, pretty long post. But I guess it's been a while. I'll be back on after this weekend, I am going to turn off my computer and blackberry, disconnect for a few days. I think everyone should have a few days a month like that, techno-detox. Thank goodness for digital cable though... oh I miss even having TV in Sackville. I opt'd not to get cable but I am starting to question that decision...

Have a happy Turkey Weekend! To those traveling, safe travels! See you back in Sackville in a few days. To those in Sackville... Go Skydiving or something! I can't wait until I can afford to go again!

Mr. Currie, for you:

Urgent Update!

I forgot to mention this in my last post, but I think it is one of the most notable things to happen in Sackville over the past few months; Jean Coutu now carries Socks and Undies! They are cheap and they saved me from having to do Laundry for a few days...Suzette, you were right.

Thought you all should know.

Happy Equinox! Down with the Leaves!

It is now officially Fall, Autumn, that thing after summer and just before the snow gets here, whatever you want to call it; Summer is over.

School started a few weeks ago, and the assignments and tests are already starting to pop up. Stuff in the SAC office has been steadily busy, with the SACtivities Fair (where all the clubs and societies on campus recruit for 5 hours one sunday afternoon in the same cramped room), Homecoming (which we lost, but it was still fun to go to. I organized the Half Time Show and from what I've heard, I think it went well), and the elections coming up. If you hadn't yet heard, the SAC is holding elections this fall for House Counc. and Off Campus Counc positions on the SAC. We are also holding a Presidential By-Election due to the resignation of our former president-elect, Paul, who did end up back at Mount A this year. It has made for an interesting and somewhat stressful summer/fall. It is very weird being guided by Mike (our Interim-President), but to know at the same time that he's not going to be the one helping us along, and guiding us through the next portion of our terms in office. Mike Currie, a big thanks for all the work, help and guidance over the summer months, and just over the past few weeks I think I've come to value the leadership a lot more. So yeah, Thanks!

There are three people running for the Presidential position; Mayme Lefurgey, Ryan Robski, and Chris Durrant. We had our first round of speeches tonight, which I thought would assuage some of my concerns about several of the candidates, but in all honesty, it seemed to affirm some of them. They are all great candidates, with very different personalities and working dynamics, so it will make for an interesting year regardless of who ends up getting elected. I almost feel bad for them, having to come into an executive committee that has already been working together very closely for nearly 6 months now. It is going to be a difficult transition for both sides, but I am pretty sure the current exec is hoping to make that as easy as possible for whom ever is elected.

Aside from election stuff, not much else is going on right now. I've been back and forth to the doctor because I was an idiot and injured my knee one night just before the first day of classes, but I hope it isn't too serious.

Alrighty, well I think I am all caught up with you guys. I will post some pictures from Orientation events soon, they all went pretty well. Sex with Sue, Mudsliding, the Trews, all pretty awesome events. Shout out to everyone who helped out with Orientation! Good job everyone.

Here is a song that pretty much got everyone through Orientation weeks:

Pictures to come soon!

Cheers,

Patrick

Welcome and Welcome back!

It seems as though Sackville has gone from the sleepy picturesque place it is during the summer, to a sleepy picturesque place with about 2800 more people in it, and one more pub open now. Residences are full of frosh!

It is nice having people back in town, but what I am enjoying most is classes resuming! A regular schedule is something I missed more than I expected to.

A few weeks ago the SAC exec (All the VPs and President) went on the annual Executive Retreat. We made our way to the French River area, on PEI, where one of our exec members has a cottage. It was pretty nice there and we accomplished everything we'd hope to and had a lot of fun. The only weird thing was that there was a hurricane while we were there, and it got pretty wild right along the coast. It was amazing to see, but really loud when we were trying to sleep. The day after we got back was the beginning of International Orientation.

International Orientation and Orientation went pretty well. It was a really busy time, lots of events that the SAC coordinated and others that we were invited to. The busy time has really begun. Meetings, election stuff, and classes are all underway, so I am juggling a bit...but enjoying it.

That's a bit of a brief update, but I'll post again soon.

Patrick

P-Faux & the Amazonian Queen

So Chris Martin and I are pretty much best friends now. Allie and I saw Coldplay live last week. It was one of the most amazing concerts I have ever been to. The music was pretty amazing, but the performance is what blew me away.... They played every song we hoped they would, even the ones we weren't expecting them to perform, they ended up playing most of them! 

The music was pretty amazing, but the performance is what blew me away.... They played every song we hoped they would, even the ones we weren't expecting them to perform, they ended up playing most of them! Our seats were also pretty amazing, we were right there on the stadium floor. Oh! And to top it off they gave everyone that showed up a copy of their new album as we left the stadium, for free!! I guess that makes up for the fact that 1 beer cost me $10!!

Aside from Coldplay, I was able to take in a few other shows while I was in Toronto. My friend Leah organized a show with some of her fellow Masters students at U of T, and they put on an amazing show. She conducted the Wind pieces, and performed a bit.  There was a good 10 minutes worth of 12-Tone pieces that I think everyone just accepted that we had to sit through... but overall it was pretty good. Oh! And they gave everyone that showed up a copy of their new album as we left the stadium, for free!! 

My twin brother goes to a Performing Arts/Musical Theatre school in the city, so I was able to stop by and see his school for the first time. I went by on my last night there, and they were having their graduation performance. I think the show they were putting on was called SMILE, something about a Beauty Pageant. It was really odd how many people from home, and from Mount A I ran into at that show! There were at least 10 people I knew, at this tiny little theatre off Bathurst, it goes to show you that the world is pretty small. 

I would love to live in a big city. If for nothing else, for the food! I love being able to walk down a street and see 15 different types of restaurants. My favorite place is off Yonge and Bay, Indochine. It was amazing. And CHEAP (ish)! I nagged my brother to go there with me for the entire time I was in the city, but he ended up wanting to go elsewhere with friends the night I decided to go for dinner there. So, I went by myself, and I honestly, could not have been more content. I usually find it a bit awkward to go out to a restaurant by myself, but I was enjoying the food enough that I really didn't care. They've also go really good homemade Iced Tea. 

I had the chance to go out to lunch with a few friends who're spending their summers in Toronto, who are working, or rehearsing, or doing summer research. I am a bit envious of their summers simply for geographic reasons. I enjoyed catching up with them, and I really am excited for the Fall, once most of my friends start coming back to town. Sarah is flying back from Bangkok tonight! She's staying in Toronto until just before our SAC executive retreat, so I will get to see her around the 25th. Very excited to see her pictures from her summer in Thailand.  

The summer is winding down now. Less than a month until new students move in! I am really excited to start the academic year, and to get SAC stuff up and running. It is going to be a busy year, but I think I can handle it. 

Well, I think that is enough for one post. Lots more to talk about, but I guess I will save it for another time. This is the most ridiculous thing I have seen since being back in Sackville. I can hear Suzette laughing in her office already,  just check it out (shout-out to Sacha and Rach for showing me this during non-work hours, of course): 

The Reunion and the Return!

The Amazonian Queen has landed safely in Saint John, New Brunswick. Back from her research in Peru, she can't stop talking about the people and the things she did there, and when she does take a break...it is to talk about Coldplay!!! Which is pretty exciting, because we're off in a few days (Wednesday!!!) to see them play in Toronto!! I've probably ranted enough about that over the past few weeks. 

I just got back from the annual Forestell Family Reunion. It is always a good time. Though this year, it felt very much like a continuation of my sister Katie's Wedding. KT & POD Get Hitched Part II; The New Brunswick/Nouveau-Brunswick Edition. 

We've bounced around from a few different spots since we sold our old cottage, but it always seems to work out. It was foggy and wet, but we still had lots of fun, the kids seemed to enjoy it, and there was plenty of good food! 

On my way back to Sackville, with my parents, we stopped into a few different artisan galleries along the coastal drive between Fundy National and Moncton. There are some pretty amazing artists that have taken up residence in Albert County. I wonder what people do for work out there. I can't imagine trying to make my way into Moncton during the winter, on those back roads. 

Well, I'm off for the night! 

P

Shiny Times

This weekend has been more eventful than others spent in Sackville.

Friday was such a nice day in Sackville that it seemed like everyone's boss said they could have the afternoon off...

If I'd had the afternoon off, I would have spent it sitting on my front porch, with a summer-themed drink in hand, and a good book. My friend Maggie probably would have driven through town and stopped off at my place with her mom. I probably would have shown them my place, and Maggie would have jumped at the chance to see anything that I bought while in Toronto. After that, a few friends would show up, we'd have some cold beer on the front porch, and just enjoy the afternoon sun while it lasted. That is what my Friday afternoon would have looked like if I'd had the time off...

Saturday was pretty fun, a group of us ended up going to the Beach after the Shinerama bottle drive. We'd planned to make our way to Shediac, but ended up at Silver Lake instead. It was a chill afternoon. Sarah and I took off to Moncton that evening to see Brüno. It was ridiculous, hilarious, and the best laugh I've had in a while. Beware though, it is pretty...interesting. If you're not a very open-minded person...stay away hahaha. It is rated the way it is for a reason.

Saturday night, 6 of us on the Shinerama team headed out for a Bar blitz. We went to the O2, a bar in Moncton, and we were fundraising from midnight until the bar closed. The bar-blitzing is a pretty itneresting way to raise money, we had buckets of candies and condoms, and we asked for a small donation, and people could take what they wanted. We raised over $450.00 in 2 hours. Shinerama is a fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis research. CF is the most common, fatal genetic disease affecting young Canadians today. For every year of fundraising that has happened, a year has been added to life expectancy of those who suffer from CF. It is a pretty shitty disease, that affects multiple organ groups in the body, mostly the lungs and digestive systems. Our school's goal is to raise $20, 000 this year, and the national goal is to raise over $1, 000, 000.

Mayme is our Shinerama chair, and has been doing a pretty amazing job so far organizing hte events on and around campus all summer, and planning for the fall Shine Day. I think we are well on our way to meeting the $20, 000 goal.

Today was just a day to recover from being out until 4am, I lounged in bed (my new bed!) and I got a fair amount of reading done. I don't know what I am going to do once I'm done this book, I don't think there is a 3rd to the series, at least not yet. Any suggestions?

Until next time,

Patrick

PS, this is the song I had to keep asking Sacha about, it was one of the last songs played at the 02 last night, we all had it stuck in our heads:

Back in the Sack

There is nothing quite like Family reunions, or Family Weddings. I always come away from them wishing I had another week to recover from them. This time, it was my sister's wedding. 

Most of our family flew up to Toronto, then drove to Haliburton, to see my sister marry her then fiancé-now husband (still getting used to that!)- Patrick. Yes, his name is Patrick. A bit confusing when you're around both his family and ours.

She married into a family that is almost the mirror image of our family in New Brunswick;

there are too many to count, keep track of names, and you're always being introduced to Aunts, Uncles and cousins you never knew you had. If you had to give it a title, I think everyone would have agreed on "My Big Fat Irish Catholic Wedding"

It was nice to get out of Sackville for a week, get some much needed shopping done (there isn't anywhere in Sackville to buy socks!), and see my siblings. My twin brother (kevin)  and sister (Katie) live in Toronto, and I get to see them a few times a year. Between family reunions, trips to Toronto, and holidays. I was also able to pencil in some friends while I was up in the city. Laura is working up there for the summer for MSF (Doctors without Borders) and we went shopping for my wedding outfit together, and finished off the outfit by running around the Eaton Centre frantically with 5 minutes before all the stores closed, to find the right tie. 

I got an email from my friend Allie's parents the other day, they forwarded along the email she sent out from the Amazon, she seems to be having a great time, and I am looking forward to hearing all of the interesting  stories and of course, like I've been saying for the past few weeks, to see Coldplay! 

We've been getting the housing assignment letters ready for the past few days in Isobel's office, and I have had this one song stuck in my head, and I just cannot seem to remember what it is called, so I have to keep asking Sacha. Nothing too interesting, just a good upbeat to keep us motivated while we're stuffing the close to 800 Residence letters... which will go out this week! I still can't remember what it is, so this one is going out to Keleigh 

Well, that's all for today. I am off to lunch, the café has a BBQ on today which Sarah and I usually go to, but since she's enroute to Thailand/in TO for the time being, I am going to have a 2nd burger for her. 

Until next time! 

Late nights, early mornings

Summer time in Sackville, though quieter, is not lacking things to do. I am spending lots of time in the SAC office (student union) getting ready and organizing my year as Vice President Campus Life. I am really excited about it, but at the same time I am nervous about it. I've got a lot of different ideas, a great campus life committee, and I hope that the Byelection we're holding in the fall, to elect a new president goes well.

I've started the planning for our meal exchange events on campus come the fall. I hope to have a few new events this year. We're also in the stages of booking some of the concerts and shows for the fall, which is pretty exciting. Orientation is going to be a pretty awesome event come September.

The kids that have been through our camps this week have been pretty good, there are always a few difficult ones, but we've handled things really well the past few weeks. We've got a few more days of school groups, then we start the planning process for our Go Global Camps, if they end up happening. If you know anyone interested in a summer camp and a bit of exposure to what university life is like check out: www.mta.ca/summer Most of the camps are open to 11-17 year olds, with a few exceptions. Check out the site if you think you're interested.

My friend Allie and I are off to Toronto in just over a month to see Coldplay, and we're getting pretty excited. We've been bickering about what their set list is going to be, which song is the best one haha, stupid stuff that is just getting us more and more excited to see them live.

Allie is off to the Amazon this week, which is pretty exciting. This one is for her:

Shinerama events have been starting up, the summer Semi-Formal raised a good chunk of money, a great start to the $20, 000 goal for this year. A few more events are going to be happening on and around campus, when I know more details I'll post them. Mayme is our Shine Co-Ordinator this year, and has some great ideas for events this summer/fall.

Ok, time for me to head home. The internet at my apartment sucks, so I've been stopping into the SAC office to use my computer here more and more lately.

Till next time.

Where does the time go?

Wow. I looked at my calendar today and realized it was the middle of June. My summer break is half-way over... or only just beginning? 

On the go over the next few weeks/month, I've got to work. I am still working for Summer Camps Mount A, I really enjoy working with the students. Most of them are really engaged and get into the activities we do. 

I am set to go to my sister's wedding the first week of July, flying in the 1st, and staying until the 6th. I am also heading up to Toronto to see Coldplay on the 30th of July, and meeting up with a few friends while I am there. Allie Mayberry, a close friend got the tickets, and we're meeting up in Toronto. It is sort of a mid-summer reunion, because she is traveling back from the Amazon, in Peru, where she'll be doing her summer research. I am pretty excited to catch-up with her, and see one of our favorite bands. 

Sackville is slower than I expected, but I am still enjoying it. There is a great crowd of people here, and my travel plans get me out of town enough that I won't go crazy. 

I am at work, need to get back to the kids. 

Post soon. 

Patrick

Con Weekend

Hey Guys,

This past weekend was an interesting one. Sleepy summer time Sackville woke up to the return of the, now, graduates, parents, alumni and friends of Mount A. It was like cramming the past years worth of parties and events into one long-weekend. I know it wasn't a long week-end, but Sackville sure seemed shut down on Monday with the exception of Convocation and its receptions. It may have just been that fact that I was inside Convocation Hall from 7am until just before dinner. I was ushering for the day, which was pretty great because I got to see a lot of my friends graduate, and get paid! 

Speaking of getting paid...I should get back to work. Our first campers showed up today, which is pretty exciting. We were pretty nervous and running around covering our last-minute details this morning, but it has been fun so far. 

I am off to do a geography session with some kids from Deer Island, here's hoping it goes well. 

I'll post some more deets about con-weekend later today, it was pretty interesting, and there sure is lots to tell haha. 

Ciao

P

Done, gone home and came back.

Well, the year is over. I'm pretty much done my 2nd year here at Mount A, and could not be happier that the summer has come at last, even if it still isn't as warm as I wish it was. That being said, I am still wearing short and flip flops around every day. 

I've started working, I should be working right now, but I thought I'd take a minute to give you guys an update. I am working for Mount A's summer camps, Go Global, Go Global Canada, and the Explore camps offered through Mount A. I get to work with kids from grades 3-12, from Canada, Saudi Arabia, India and Japan. This week and next we are programming for the activities and stuff we're going to have them do, and the weekend excursions for the International students. I am also in charge of teaching them the Geography/Environmental Science Seminars and organizing the Athletics portion of their camps. I am excited about it. 

I've moved into my apartment and it is nice. I have no furniture, aside from 2 chairs, a table and a Lamp. My bed isn't even in my apartment haha, I am sleeping in my room mate's room until I move it from my friends house. I would love to get a couch at some point too, it is just a matter of moving everything. I don't have a car or a truck, so it makes things tricky... anyway, it will get figured out. 

Since I don't have cable yet, I have been reading a lot lately. I am reading the Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follet. It is pretty interesting so far, I love having time to read for pleasure again. I never have any time during the school year to read things outside of required readings/class texts. 

I'm off to lunch! It is sunny in Sackville today, but it won't last. It has been raining for pretty much the entire week, less Saturday. I'll try and post again this week. Hope everyone's summers are going well!

My new best friend...

Ralph P. Bell and I have become better friends over the past few days. He is full of information, though his connection to the internet isn't always reliable, he always provides me with a nice little place to try and study. R. P. Bell, is the library, and usually I don't like to study in the library, but as it has been an essay heavy exam period, I have been spending a lot more time here. 

My term papers have been in the process of being researched for a few weeks now, but they are really just coming to fruition in the last few days (or hours in some cases hahaha). I should be working on my Cultural Geography paper right now, it is rough-going. I am drawing on a lot of info for it, I think I am being a bit too research oriented for it, but you never know with Dr. Huff. 

I wrote my first exam yesterday, Geography of the Developing World, for Dr. Reiffenstein. I think it went really well, I was happy to have it over with. He gave us several essay topics to prep with, and the ones that I had hoped to be on the exam were, though the multiple choice were a bit tricky and very detail oriented. 

I have 2 exams and 2 papers left to do. I am writing the first of the two essay right now, due at midnight, and the next paper due tomorrow at some point. I've then got to find time to study for my psychology exam on Saturday. This is such a fun week!! hahaha. I did get an email from my great Aunt, Sister Barb (yes, she's a nun) and she said I was in her prayers. I'll take any help at this point!! 

Alright, back to my studies. I'll post more later this weekend, or after Tuesday, when I am DONE! 

-P 

Last class...

I am sitting in my last class of the term right now. Yes, I should be paying attention to Sacha's presentation, but it is too nice out, and I am just not that interested right now... I will wait till Prof. Burnett starts talking about the final. This may be my last class, but I've still got 2 1/2 papers to go, and my exams start on the 15th, with my most difficult one first. 

I'll update you a bit later this weekend, post-last-class-bash. Have a good one! 

P

All you've got to do is ask...

Hey! 

I mentioned last time that I was waiting for Sara-Beth Harrison to get a myspace page to post some of her stuff on here. Well, she did! Check her out. Pretty freakin' amazing. 

http://www.myspace.com/harrisonsarabeth

Ah, it's summer time.

Sometimes I really dislike living in Atlantic Canada, like when it snows during the last week of March. It was so close to being spring!!! So close. From Birkenstocks and long sleeve t's  to Long johns and hats that mess up your hair. Great start to a week. 

Hopefully the rain forecasted for the weekend will help spring along, and take the snow with it. 

Mountie Music Shout-Out

I forgot to mention the other great performances from the ASCARs in my last post, so I thought I would give you guys the links to Kellen Barrett, Corey Isenor and Pat LePoidevin won the Best Solo Artist or Band of the year award jointly, as three solo artists. Individually, they are pretty amazing and talented musicians and songwriters. If you're broke, and need a birthday gift for someone, Corey's song, "Birthday" is perfect. Saves on postage stamps too :) Also, the way Pat performs, with the looping, is pretty amazing, especially to see live. 

I wish Sarah-Beth had her myspace page set up, but alas she doesn't, I accosted her about it today. 

So here is a sample of what each of the guys has to offer, enjoy! 

George the Polar Bear

End of Term Busyness!

Things are winding down for the term, the weather is starting to get nicer (we've got lows in the Positives more now than Negatives!) and of course the stress is starting to pile up. Exams start in a few weeks, my are all between the 15th and the 21st of April. I have several papers and drafts due this week and next, and a lot of reading to try and get through before the end of term. 

This weekend was also pretty busy, with the ASCAR Awards on friday night, where I was the Voice-Over with my friend, and soon-to-be graduate Claire Kelly. There was an After Party, and the After After Party, which made for an interesting night/morning. It was pretty fun night all around, especially the performances. Sarah-Beth Harrison was one that shocked me, I mean I've heard her perform before, but it has always been in the pub or a noisy venue. I was really happy that she got to perform in Con Hall, and everyone could actually  hear her, and hear how amazing she is! I wish she had a myspace, or some of her solo performances on Youtube. Instead, I've decided to leave you with the Decemberist's The Crane Wife, pt. III, by recommendation of a friend. Enjoy and I hope you have a great start to the week!