My sister has just been “pooled” in her application to Cambridge univeristy after waiting a very long time after the interview for a response. When you wait this amount of time I personally feel you expect a definitive answer, and after having spoken to my sister on the phone, she really does feel she is in an unfair and unecesary limbo. To quote her own words: “Surely they could have used the last 6 odd weeks to pass my application round to other colleges and see if they could offer me a place or not? Why can’t they get their act together?”

The question I have been asking myself over the last half an hour or so since that converstation is why do they think they can get away with treating people like this. Some people don’t take waiting for ages very well, especially when they thought they were going to know sooner. Now although it messes up the holidays, I guess bar the frustration it doesn’t matter all that much keeping you waiting over Christmas and new year for an answer. What about when you are back in school trying to study though? Surely this can’t be fair - after all, Cambridge is supposedly the hub of academic acheivement! It’s just harsh really, and for all those having to wait like this while they return to school, I feel for you.

My response to my sister, and in fact all those who have either been pooled or rejected from Cambridge or Oxford universities this morning is this:-

1. Don’t worry; they don’t know you like you know yourself - you have other choices, you can do well without them!
2. You are likely to start to get offers through from other institutions now; after all you got your own application off early for Oxbridge so other places haven’t had as long to consider yours.
3. Almost all universities, with the right amount of study and commitment from yourself, can offer an outstanding degree to you at the end of the day which is sure to make you employable.
4. Be positive. In the end you *still* have your whole life before you and there is really no limit to what you can do with that……

Well, I’ve arrived… been here some time in fact, but my room is a real mess! Moving from one side of it to another is a challenge! Main things are sorted though; I have a place to sleep, know where my books and papers are, and my computer is online. Back to my old faithful fedora Linux too ah bliss

Music is currently being provided by my laptop speakers (quality = yuk), but if I can find some space for my hi-fi I will be able to slot it in somewhere and play some quality sounding music!

Laura is going to be in York in a few days time, so I may well pop up and see her at somepoint before the start of term causes us both too be too busy once again.

Well, only a few hours to go till I start my trip back North to Leeds. Looking forward to the new term, but it’s going to be very hard work, especially initially due to exams.

Got to get my room sorted when I arrive though, and get used to living in the flat; its always the home cooking that you miss isn’t it…. Still, I got a good haul of jazz CDs this Christmas so I’ll certainly have plenty of listening material.

To all back home, see you soon and stay in touch!

It’s funny how a year in which so much happens can go by so quickly. It hardly seems like 5 minutes since I was seeing in the new year last time around, and yet here I am considering my new years resolutions and realising that I should probably have the same ones as last year as they fell by the way-side a long time ago…. trouble is I can’t remember what they are!

I guess it’s mainly a case of looking forward, working hard, staying positive and taking what life throws at you. After all, if you presumed anything else you might miss out on something great when you are busy trying to achieve those elusive resolutions…

On from looking into the future then and back-tracking to last night; well, Red Lion, you have 10/10 for a quality venue - no entrance fee, free buffet, great real ale, a great crowd of people and open till the last punter goes home. One of the best new years I have ever spent - thanks guys!

Happy new year everyone