I saw in the news that the hot weather we are currently experiencing is an official heatwave. I really am not suprised, its so good to be out in the sun and to have some good weather, but it is VERY hot. I was in my room last night, right next to a wide open window and just couldn’t seem to cool down. Its was still in the 20 degree range and in the middle of the night too. Earlier in the day I consumed a whole bottle of water just walking from Clarence Dock to Hyde Park simply because walking in the heat made me so thirsty. Long may the weather continue though, after all, we were due a spell of great weather after all the rubbish we have been having. Dehydration and sunburn are all risks of this weather though; water and suncream companies must be raking it in.

Yesterday saw the ultimate in geeky behaviour; C in the park. Yes, we really did do it, although it seems the estimated quantity of code was slightly too high. I had visions of half the project being completed, when in fact a basic couple of functions were about the sum-total of results for the effort. Worth a try though, and it was rather cool having a bunch of computing students out in the park with laptops making a half hearted attempt at doing some work

After draining Matt’s massive power pack just trying to keep up Chris’ laptop for a megre hour, drinking a fair bit, having another BBQ, lounging in the sun and discussing a variety of things including a rather odd debate about what was the lesser of two evils; necrophilia or bestiality, we headed off to our favorite haunt, the quilted llama. A comfy leather sofa, air conditioning and a drink or two is just what you need after a hot day in the park.

Michelle offered to cook food so not wanting to turn down free food when it was already half nine, Chris, Sophie and myself headed back to Michelles in Lupton. I’d never been to Lupton before, but in many ways it was not dissimilar to Clarence dock, only that little bit closer to uni. We caught the bus, but it was easily within walking distance. Apparently I’m being “turned over to the dark side” as that was the second bus I have caught since arrving in Leeds Because it was so hot we decided to eat outside and chat. It was kinda cool tripping over random bits of conversation and we were out there till gone midnight, before finally going in and continueing inside. I always enjoy conversation that just seems to naturally flow and never get boring. It transpired and both Sophie’s and Michelle’s family have boats, so it was kind of cool to find out all about that. Michelle eventually wanted to go to bed (can’t blame her it was close to 1am!) and Sophie had an early start at work the next morning so we left.

Walking Sophie back to Hyde Park (we both needed to head in that direction) we started talking about the employability of graduates and how she has been struggling to get her career off the ground due to a demand from employers to have large amounts of experience and because they seemingly misinterpret the true nature and complexity of her degree. Seems harsh really to be left in a sort of limbo after graduation; really wanting to get started on the career ladder but being unable to because of lack of experience, almost a catch 22 situation. It just shows you that there is far from certainty of a good job at the other end of a degree and as many students have problems and those who have success, if not more, and yet you only seem to hear about the successes. It certainly gave me some food for thought; I really need to get myself out there at an early stage and continue to build on my experience. I hope Sophie finds the kind of job she is after soon too