My Library

Sometimes I feel like I run a library. I've no problem leading books to people, books are meant to be read and I have quite a few. Chances are I won't want to read whatever book is borrowed before they return it and even then, it's not a big deal. I can wait. Not to mention my brother and I act as if our books are interchangeable- so I have a lot of his in my room and he has a load of mine in his.

Only I never write down who has what. So if they don't return it, I'm left in the position where I'm certain I own a specific book but I can't find it and nor can I remember who the hell has it. And with my brother sometimes taking books and not telling me, it can make tracking down a certain book hard.

Right now, I'm sure two people have two Discworld books of mine- a friend at work has Raising Steam and my best friend has Guards Guards (which I don't expect to see for ages as he's a slow reader). But there's a third book missing- First Test, which is the first book in the Protector of the Small series by Tamora Pierce. I know my brother doesn't have it because he doesn't read the Tortall series, excepting those of the Beka series. Which I still have.

And recently I decided to reread the Protector of the Small series. After tearing my room apart, I couldn't find the first book and skipped it. Which annoyed the hell out of me because I love these series and I want to have the complete collection and reread in the right order. I know I own this book but I really can't find it and I'm beginning to think someone borrowed it and never returned it. So I'm getting to the stage where I'm thinking of buying a new book and if it turns up, I'll donate it or something.

I'm just pissed my memory is so poor that I can't ask whoever has it if they still have it because I can't remember who they are. I don't care if it's been lost, I just want to be certain about where it is.

I need to write things down...

Too Much Information?

Or not enough?

So on the way home from Uni yesterday, my parents and I were discussing me going overseas and what would be needed, etc. Suddenly Mum starts talking well, weirdly. Mentioning there's something else to discuss but we'll have to wait until we're home and away from Dad, who doesn't want to hear this. 

Just so you know, my family has the weirdest approach to so called 'women's issues' I've never seen. I was raised to never so much as mention 'that time of the month' in front of my brother and Dad because they'll get embarrassed and they don't wanna know. I'm learning it's ridiculous, this kind of approach but it's still hard for me to not be embarrassed at the mere thought of the stupid thing. Hell, I can barely name it without feeling icky. So. Not the best approach.

But also, apparently, off topic. I thought this was what Mum was talking about and was really confused because I wasn't aware that it would be an issue? I can deal with it as easily there as I can here? But after a few minutes of confused conversation, Dad finally snapped and told Mum to just come out with it because he's not that stupid. 

And Mum wants me to consider going on the pill. Which is...yeah, okay might be an idea. Idk what the pill does for people and if it'll be any use with the ever forgetful me but sure? I'll consider it. 

Just, there were two reasons Mum wants me to consider it. One being the benefits and the other being it would be, and I quote, "protection" for me "in case something happened". 

And it's times like this that I wish I could talk to my parents about my feelings regarding sex. I replied instantly that I had no intention of spending the night in anybody's bed to which I was told "things happen". If I could talk to them about this, they would know the exact nature of my feelings about the entire thing and that really, I'm very much not interested. But instead I can't so I have to put up with being told that what I think (and feel really) is invalid in the face of their experience.

And I managed to not use the word sex in that entire paragraph. Go me?   

More Interview Stuff

So I had my interview for exchange today.

It was very relaxed. Like, I dressed up a bit for it because interview but I really shouldn't have bothered. Though I'm sure it helped form a good opinion. But mostly it was a quick chat, held over my paperwork.

And I think I got in.

Well, more than think, at one point I noticed the way she was talking was as if I was in. So I asked if I was, in fact, accepted. And she said yes, I have been accepted to my university's exchange program because no flags in my paperwork, nothing beyond a missed signature from my faculty. Which is not a guarantee I'll go on exchange, I still have to be accepted at a host university. But it means they'll be trying to get me to one of those and they want me to go overseas.

It's a step. A big step.

If everything goes to plan, in six months or so, I could be living in England. It hasn't really sunk in.

I wonder when it will.

International Exchange

I have an interview for International Exchange.

Oh gosh, I've got an interview.

I'm going to go freak out over there, don't mind me.

Day Six

It's about halfway through the time my parents are away for and I'm not sure if I miss them or want them to stay away longer.

On the one hand, I'm really enjoying having the house to myself (practically). I can get up when I want or need to, I can do what I want without having to plan around the possibility they'll need or want me to do something. I can get things done in my own time, without worrying they'll think I'm taking too long and do it themselves while grumbling at me.

But on the other hand, it's exhausting being responsible. I don't know if I'm doing things right, or if I'm forgetting to do anything. My brother is a step away from useless, seemingly capable only of remembering to feed himself and occasionally watch the dog. I'm running the house while trying to also get myself back into the swing of uni and I've no idea if I'm letting things slide through the cracks.

I also think I'm lonely. The house is dead quiet and my brother is always in his room. The dog is only good for company half the time and there's only so much my music can do to chase away the quietness. It's nothing like my usual nights, spent sitting beside a sleeping Dad who, while asleep, is still actually there.

I'll handle it. I've not much of a choice really.

(And in other news, I get to see Benedict Cumberbatch in April and maybe (if they don't sell out) get a photograph with him!!!! So excited.)

Home Sweet Home!

My parents have finally gone on their 12 day cruise and left my brother and I to watch the house, and the dog, while they are away. For the next 12 days or so, the only yelling will be my brother and I fighting which is easily resolved by a closed door. I won't be talked at by a mother oblivious to my disinterest and I will be free to enjoy peace and quiet at nights, when my brother is in his room.

That's not to say it's going to be easy. They've left us money to live on but it's really not going to cover what we are going to need- it boils down to a few dollars a day each for all three meals. We'll have to handle household chores which is to say I'll have to handle them until I yell at my brother to do his fair share. My parents are terrified I'm going to stave the dog, which is impossible when the silly thing comes up and begs at you if he's hungry but I am worried my brother will ignore him and let him get into mischief the few days I have to be places when he doesn't.

Basically we're getting a trial run of what it means to live away from home. Last time this happened, the hot water heater blew up (no fault of ours). I'm not sure I'm ready for it. But I'll survive.

In other news, I'm one form away from completing my exchange. I just need to fill it out and locate my enrolment record and I'm sweet- with the deadline not until next Friday, I am very confident I will get this in. While I had to make a snap decision for my third choice university, I am beginning to warm to the idea of studying in Sweden and would not be disappointed if I ended up there. 

Even if it is freezing cold.