Storm

 Amongst the chaos and rubble

He sat there in peace

Despite the cracks in his heart

It seemed to affect him the least

It confused those that saw him

And even more that knew

All the pain he had suffered

How could it not break through?

It’s always darkest they’d think

Just before the dawn

But never did they realise

It was only the eye of the storm.

- M. F. Keane

Drown

She spent all her time in the air

Flying above all the clouds

Always trying to avoid the earth

And drown out all the sounds

The sea was her enemy

And the tide tried to drag her away

Because hidden beneath the surface

Was all that she would keep at bay

Ignoring all her troubles

All her woes and all her fears

She flew through the rain

That would mask all her tears

But a boy fell through the storm

And dragged her down too

But their fall from grace was bliss

As they embraced in the blue

He dove down beneath her surface

Working his way around

He shined his light in all her darkness

And happily they both drowned.

- M. F. Keane

My First Look at University Exams

So I just finished my first set of University Exams on Monday. Although the 5.30 am start to get to the Royal Exhibition Center at 8.30 am for 3 out of 4 exams was a struggle (all in a row too) they weren't actually that bad.

Some advice?

• Just keep up to date throughout the year.
• Go over your lectures and notes.
• Practice questions that you were given in class.
• Go over past tests if you have any.
• Converse with your friends and peers about it.
• Any questions that they can't answer then spin your lecturer or tutor an email.

In University, although it's so different and feels wrong and weird compared to what we were taught in VCE, you only need to pass. Sure it's nice getting a H1 (high distinction) but it's not crucial. You'll find that people get into the mindset of scraping a pass pretty quickly. This doesn't mean don't study, definitely study, it just means don't stress out thinking that you won't get 100%. 

I know in my course, where the entry score was an ATAR of 85 ish, maybe higher, and you had to have Methods 25 with either Specialists 25, Physics 25, Chemistry 25 or Biology 25, most people are used to being top of the school or at least one of the smart ones. It can be scary going from 100% in every Maths test to an average of 65%, but that's what it's like when you're competing against everyone on the same level.

But basically, don't stress! It's not that bad (although the supervisors can be scary) Just do some revision before hand, make sure you practice the sort of questions that are likely to be on the exam, and get a good night sleep! Try not to memorise everything because Uni is about APPLICATION, not KNOWLEDGE. 

We're practicing for the real world, remember? 

Good luck!

- Michelle 

Making "Iron" Armour Pieces

So today I decided to start work on this for Animaga in August:


 


I've only ever made leather armour before, so working on something that had to look like metal was definitely going to be something new, and I could only use the materials I had lying around the house... These are the steps I used to make it! The pictures are of the Pauldrons.

Materials:

• Cardboard sheets (could use normal cardboard but this was easier to manipulate)
• Aluminum foil
• PVA glue (a lot of it, dries clear)
• Black acrylic paint
• Paint brushes
• Scissors

Method:

1. PLAN

You don't want to go through cutting all the cardboard and having it not fit the shape you want!

Draw a diagram or print off a photo to work off.

Cut some draft shapes out of paper and stick them together with tape. Once you're happy with the shapes, take the tape off and use these as templates.

2. CUT

Now you need to cut the shapes out of the cardboard. I used thin sheets and so had to make everything with two layers so it wasn't too weak. If you have also done two layers, glue these together with PVA.

3. SHINY

So this part was new to me. I brushed PVA all over the main surface of each piece. I didn't do the back but I suppose you could if you wanted to, it just might get messy with the foil crinkling up. 

I then took a strip of aluminum foil to approximately the size of the piece and cut it with sharp scissors. 

DO NOT rip on the serrated edge, this will crinkle the foil way too much and you could be left with a messy ripped edge.

Carefully lower this onto the glued section of the piece and working from the center outwards, smooth it down onto the glue properly. Fold over the edges, let it sit for a bit, and then tape or glue these edges down.

If you want, you could create bumps and designs with glue (preferibly hot glue) before putting the foil on. This way when you smooth the foil down you will create patterns rising out of the general surface.

4. EFFECT

So I had my brush from the glue sitting in a jar of water. I used this same water while coating the surface in a watery/thin layer of black paint to roughen up the look and make it seem more realistic. This made the surface a little more cloudy while it was drying and seemed to help the paint stick. Maybe I'm wrong and it did nothing, but that's what I did. 

If you etch designs into the foil and then paint over them they should stand out better too. 

Let it completely dry and don't get water on it.

5. PROTECTION

I finally did a top coat of the PVA glue to protect and strengthen the foil surface and hopefully keep it slightly waterproof. I'm sure there are better products for doing this, but PVA was all I had on me at the time. 

6. PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

Now you can put all the pieces together because the metal effect is done!

I hope this helps!

- Michelle

An Act of Murderers and Cowards

This week, the world bore witness to the worst mass shooting in America's history.

I admit, living in Australia, another world away, still I was shaken. Now that I think about it, what came to mind we're not the faces of my friends in the LGBT community and what it would be like to lose them, it was the faces of anguish and pain. 

It was the face of a mother breaking down knowing she'll never see her child again.

The face of a partner broken, forever missing their other half. 

It was the face of terror of a poor soul hiding in the bathroom, praying that they'll get to see everyone they love again. 

It was the face of friends in shock, as they realise they were shot, and one of them lies dead. 

It was the face of Death quietly collecting souls cut lifetimes short, the confusion and pain and sadness still etched upon their lifeless faces; all the futures that were meant to be, all the memories that were supposed to be made, lost forever.

This is not an act of God.

This is not an act of War.

This is not an act of Religion.

This is not an act of Belief.

This is not an act of Truth.

This is an act of a murderer, a coward, too terrified to face judgement for what it had done, too scared to face the light as anything other than a martyr to your band of terrorists, your band of cowards. Well you know what? You will not be thought of as one. 

You will become a monster.

You will become an it.

You will become an unmarked grave.

You will become a faceless name.

And then a nameless shadow.

And then you will disappear altogether.

But those that you killed will never be forgotten. They will be loved for eternity, and missed for eternity, while you rot in your cold grave. Yes, this is a crime upon the LGBT community, but it is also a crime on the world. We cannot ask why, because we will never get a good enough answer. All we can do is cherish those still here, comfort those affected, and stand strong together in love. For those affected, I cannot imagine what it must be like, but as I have said before, and I will say it again,

You are not alone.

It saddens me to think, that someone could ever commit an act such as this. An act, that would have an eighteen year old student, on her way to an exam, with so many more current things to be thinking about, wiping silent tears from her face from something she was listening to on the radio that had happened on the other side of the world.

Be at peace, you will always be loved.

- Michelle

Assassin for a Day (My First Comic Con)

OMG THAT WAS AWESOME!!

The 12th of June 2016 was my first ever Comic Con, and it was amazing! Even getting up early to get dressed and put on makeup was worth it!

As you can see I went as an assassin from Assassin's Creed. I spent months on this costume and I'm really happy with it.

I went with a few friends, but we had to catch public transport. I didn't want to get out of the car and move to the bus stop until I could see them. We received a few weird comments and a great deal of strange stares but it was worth it. I think the train was a more comfortable ride than the bus however. 

When we stopped to take photos over the Yarra River we had more stares and surprisingly a few photos and questions about where we were going as well as "Uh, what is 'Comic Con' ?"

 Comic Con is originally a comic convention, but now days it also hosts a range of geeky fandoms and game lovers. This year had a strong theme of Doctor Who (due to the guest appearance of John Barrowman) and Star Wars. People will cosplay to this event, buy lots of cool merchandise, and converse with the wide range of people present who all seem to have similar interests.

My favourite part was the costumes.

I was surprised by just how many people wanted to take a photo with me, or just of me. It was such an amazing experience displaying something you've worked so hard to create and actually having people show an interest and be amazed... in person!

I myself was surprised by the quality of everyone's costumes and by the fact that I gained so much courage (and dare I say in the end I was comfortable) to ask for their picture and have a conversation with them!
It was a really incredible way to connect with so many people

And the posing! It's funny how cool it feels to look in character. For that one day, I was no longer just a Science Uni Student, but a Cosplayer, a Geek, and an Assassin. It's an awesome feeling!

Gosh all of you were awesome! Thank you so much for taking photos with me!!

And oh my gosh, Photoshopping the photos of my friends afterwards was so much fun. I wish we got more photos with different poses and scenery that I could play with, but for now this will do.

Love at first fight

The Black Bladed Assassin

(I had to add in parts of the background because I didn't get a shot of me alone)

Kylo Ren

"Assassins"

(A more realistic feel to this one)

Anywayy, thank you to all for the awesome experience and you'll be sure to see me next year! Oh I wonder what I'll dress as this time... the possibilities are endless!

 - Michelle
Sword In Shadows Artwork 

Messages of Hate (and Love)

Friday morning, when I got to Melbourne University the day seemed the same as ever. It was cold, it was early, and there wasn't too many people around. But as I began to look down, it was then that I saw it. The words. Chalked all around the campus of Parkville. The Messages of Hate.

"Freedom of Speech"

"Stop the Mosques"

I was mortified.

I thought that here, of all places, would be free from this discrimination. With around 27.1% of the Universities population sourced from international students (2014, source), most likely an increasing number, it's strange to think that we hate our classmates and friends.

The truth is, we don't. 

Not in the slightest.

The graffiti was quickly removed.

I told my friends to take other routes, to spare them the view.

The entire school was discussing it.

Some people were quite distressed, and rightly so.

Because in this place, where all are welcome, and all are loved, suddenly they were not.

But as always with these sort of occurrences, something amazing seems to happen.

We rise up against it.

And on this Monday morning, I did not walk in to find messages of hate, but rather messages of love.

"All Are Welcome"

"We Are One"

- Michelle

The University of Melbourne will be holding a "Chalk For Diversity" Day on Tuesday 11th of April 2016 to combat the events of Friday. You can find this event on their Student Union Facebook Page here.

Assassin's Creed III (DM Original) 2016 Edition Jumper

SHIPPING

So I bought this with my boyfriend on the 8th of March and have only received it today. (I got the black/grey one and he got the blue one) I know shipping times are always an issue when you live on a continent in the middle of no where, but still, I was a little worried. Thankfully to end my worries this item came with a tracking number for China Post, although the descriptions of where it was were quite vague... (leaving parcel center, leaving airport going to next airport/seaport) but it still arrived! Nice for an Australian used to giant shipping prices, this had free shipping.

"We have 100% free Worldwide ShippingAll orders are dispatched within 24 business hours. Deliveries take 7-15 business days and in rare cases 30+ business days. 

Tracking Number NotificationWithin a week of your order being fulfilled (shipped), you will receive notification of your tracking number.If you do not receive your tracking number within 10 days, please contact hello@geekhoodies.com

Shipping TimesUS orders ship by e-packet, which is a US postal service product.  US orders usually take between 7 and 14 days to arrive at their destination, but can take longer from time to time.Worldwide orders ship by EMS. International orders most often take between 7 and 30 days to arrive at their destination, but sometimes take up to 45 days depending on where you are in the World. Occasionally, depending on various factors like customs, Worldwide orders can take in excess of 45 days to arrive. We recommend that you keep an eye on your tracking."

         

PRICE

Anyone unfamiliar with US to AUD conversions, it was (still is, but only for a few more hours) on sale for $29.95 US on Geek Hoodies website, and you can find it here!

SIZES

Another little hiccup, we ordered sizes S and M but received M and L. Now I'm not too fussed about this because mine still fits so perhaps they changed their sizing chart over the month. My boyfriend hasn't tried his yet but I'll let you know how he goes with it. Although tall, he does have a small frame, so it might end up looking ridiculous on him... hopefully not... it takes too long to ship.... 

To put sizes into perspective I usually wear a size 8 or 10 top, and usually a 10 jumper. The medium has the right length all around, but is still roomy. Still looks badass, but its not skin tight on me, although it is really comfy.

MATERIALS

For the price, this is quite a nice jumper. Sometimes here you expect to pay around $50 for a decent one, but although mass produced and all, this is actually quite decent. 

• Material - some sort of  fleecy thing on the inside, and cotton based everywhere else. UPDATE: the material everywhere is the same, it's just in some areas it's got two layers and others it does not
• Zips - really sturdy, big plastic/metal things. I'll update you if I have any trouble with them
• Sewing - they have literally over locked everything on the inside, so at least it won't fray.
• Fasteners - massive snap fasteners. They seem to rattle slightly but otherwise seem pretty heavy duty.

Fake Pocket

ACCESSORIES

• Hood - it is not massive like the typical Assassin's Creed ones, but it is still an alright size. Think Dark Brotherhood or Thieves Guild Hoods on Skyrim
• Pockets - there are two around the stomach area, will fit your hand snugly, but nothing bigger.
• Zip on Chest - that is literally just for decoration, it's not a pocket.

Note: Pockets are not hindered in size by zip.

Also these pictures will not line up! Urgh...

SURPRISE

I was a little surprised to see that the label says "Designed in Australia"... Whether or not this is true I don't know, but I had assumed it was an American company. On closer inspection the website announced that it was a "global based company". As with all things, this product is made in China.

OVERALL

This is a really nice comfy jacket. It's not some stylish leather thing you'd wear to a fancy restaurant, but you will still look nice around the street and out and about with it. It feels quite warm, and will be a nice alternative to that raddedly old hoodie you have lying around. 

For the price? Yeah maybe I would prefer to spend $30 AUD on it rather than close to $40 AUD, but no big deal. In fairness it's probably more of a $40 jumper anyway. 

Mix up with the sizes? Annoying, yes, but hopefully they both will fit anyway.

Shipping? A bit too long for my liking, and tracking was too vague, but it got here.

PROS

• comfy
• nice looking
• quite warm
• nice range of options and colours
• free shipping!

CONS

Messy Threads for Label

• shipping is long
• wrong sizes received (hopefully okay, testing tomorrow)
• fake pocket on chest....
• rattling fasteners
• double layer of material might have been nice all around, rather than just the hood
• label is sewn through the material and messy threads can be seen from the back

So my rating? I'll give it a 7/10 for now and update you if it changes tomorrow when I wear it for a day!

UPDATE: 

This thing is soooooooooooooooo comfy!

So sorry I didn't update this sooner, I've been waiting for my boyfriend to try his on so I can rate the sizing and customer service further, but he's taking too long because he put it in the wash before he tried it... 

Anywayy, this jumper is really nice to snuggle up to. It may not be really, really warm, but it does the job for a basic jumper. It's also not too big, so you can layer it with other jackets and such.

I'm therefore changing the rating to: 

8/10
With the main issues being the ridiculously different sizes received (that fit...?), shipping, and a few little things that make it seem slightly cheaply made (not layered on the inside, label sewn on badly, fake pocket)

UPDATE 2:
It fits my boyfriend perfectly, he's finallyyyyy worn it. So yeah, probably some size change thingy. Overall still 8/10. I've found a few loose threads now and then but nothing major.

- Michelle

Brussels: You are not alone

The news of the Brussel's attack has shocked the world.
Just when everything seems quiet and safe, we are rocked off our feet once again.

Now we are again in fear. France and Germany are on alert, awaiting another attack that may never come. Police in major cities are afraid that this new attack could convince others of Islamic State to make their move. We are withdrawn from strangers in the streets, imagining them as the next bomber to strike.

But we are not isolated.

Images of Solidarity: http://ktla.com/2016/03/22/images-of-solidarity-support-for-brussels-flood-social-media/

It is in times of fear that the world unites. This image of the Eiffel Tower, the symbol of France, lit up in the colours of Belgium is one such example.

ISIS wants us to be separated, isolated, alone, because alone we are weaker. We must keep in mind that this is the act of terrorism, and not religion.

I say this, because just a few weeks ago I discovered that a friend of mine was Muslim. I believe he expected some sort of major reaction of surprise or fear from me. Instead I asked what it was like, to be a part of a community that so many have labelled evil because of the actions of a few people. He told me that people are faster broadcasters of the news than the media. When I asked him to elaborate he said that he always gets bad looks after something has happened, "My mother and sister get it worse, they wear the headscarf."

Simply,
this is wrong.
And exactly what ISIS wants.

So pray for Brussels, pray for peace, but also pray that we stay united, and do not make enemies of ourselves.

Or else the terrorists have already won.

They act only to cloud us in terror. Well lets fight them with strength. Lets fight them with sheer united numbers. Lets stand against them, as one people, fighting against tragedy, loss, fear and discrimination.

Lets stand against them as the human race.

I give my sincere condolences to all those affected by this tragedy. I cannot begin to imagine what it must be like. I cannot begin to fathom the despair, anger, hopelessness and all other emotions spawning from this heartache and fear.

But know this, in perhaps your darkest hour...

Know that

You are not alone.

- Michelle

Halo Infinity Courier Messenger Bag

First things first... This thing is MASSIVE!

I bought this from ThinkGeek  for $79.99 US (more than I would usually spend but I needed a good bag for uni) and received it in about a week, which considering I live in Australia and this was shipped from America, is record time. I was expecting about a month. Shipping was also free at the time instead of the usual $50 (I bought other items but can't review them because they are gifts) because of a discount they were having. I would recommend signing up for their emails if you're into geeky sort of things.

The company is 10/10, seriously, even if the shipping is a bit much for Australia.

So, what do you get?

• Well there's a zipped pocket about the size of my hand in the front

                            

LEFT TO RIGHT IN NEXT PICTURE:

• 3 x single pen slots
• 2 x slots that can hold around 5 pens each
• 1 x slot big enough for a calculator or phone (below the key chain hanger)
• A key chain hanger thingy that you can detach
• A zipper pocket that can fit 2.5 phones side by side, joined by the long side (where that aqua purse is)

                                     

• A MASSIVE compartment section that is currently holding my French textbook, a folder full of 4 exercise books, 3 diary sized books and my DS and calculator and anything else I manage to throw in. Sorry that the picture doesn't really show the size, its bigger than what it looks like in it. The actual dimensions are on the Think Geek site by the way.

                                                       

• A velcro pocket inside the MASSIVE compartment that can fit a laptop
• A metal label that says INFINITY

                                      

• A pretty UNSC logo

                                                     

• A seat belt material like strap
                           
  
  It's worn on your back with one strap over your shoulder and across under your other arm, like a backpack sort of thing
• And overall a really cool looking bag

But be warned, its massive, which can be a good and a bag thing.

Good because I have a lot of stuff I need to carry around with it.

Bad because I'll look like a marine carrying a Spartan or an Elite weapon.

Ever seen a marine holding an energy sword? It looks ridiculous... 

But at least I'll be happy!

PROS

• Lots of space
• Very nice to look at
• Materials all seem pretty tough and heavy duty
• Lightweight (when empty)
• Heavy duty clasps
• Halo!

CONS

• Pens are a tight fit in those single slots
• Bit bulky when completely filled but that's to be expected
• Expensive but probably due to the materials and because its from Halo
• Wish it had an option to be worn on one shoulder and on the side like a handbag or normal messenger bag rather than always on your back, but it's too big for that I think. UPDATE: I don't mind this now too much after using it, it's made to act like a backpack thingy

Overall, I'd give it 9/10 and update you tomorrow on how it feels after a day of carrying it!

UPDATE:

So far so good, this bag may be a little awkward to get over your shoulder, but its not too horrible to carry once its there. It's actually quite comfortable and sits nicely. Even better if its slightly less on your collarbone than where you would put most bags. The lighter it is the better it will feel of course, but I don't mind carrying around the load like this. You also get to look really cool and tough carrying around a massive bag without breaking a sweat because its comfortable to carry. I'd liken it to carrying a mixture between a Duffel or sport training bag and a backpack. Perhaps it's better to say it's like an instrument case bag.
UPDATE: You can wear this on one shoulder, but I wouldn't recommend doing it for agessss.

My stuff is nice and easy to find in this thing, and it doesn't all fall out when I open it up like what would happen with my backpack.

I wouldn't recommend running with it or jumping, but you can, it just bounces around slightly on your back, shoulder, or butt. Or maybe that's just me.....

It's also quite stylish and seems to match most outfits.

So far I'm actually thinking of changing my rating to 10/10, so therefore I give it...

9.5/10

With my main issue being the price, but most bags are pretty expensive these days anyway.

-Michelle

The First Week of Uni

........That was the most fun I've had learning in my entire life... my spare time is used for doing homework because its fun.... what is going on??

Okay so for me, Uni is awesome. That opinion might change during exams and all but for now I am really excited to get up every day at 5.45 am and get home around 8 pm. I'm currently studying at Melbourne Uni (A.K.A. Hogwarts) and I've finally worked my way out around the school and now only becoming lost very rarely. It helps that they have a Google Map sort of app for the campus.

TIPS AND TRICKS:

Make friends!

My god I cannot stress this enough. If you make a friend or two in all your classes (French tuts I have trois!) it will be all the more enjoyable, and make it easier to get back on track when you're having trouble with an assignment. It also makes those hours of waiting for your next class to be more enjoyable.

Join Clubs!

Okay, okay... I joined four, which seems like a lot... but even if you don't continue with them then at least you have an opportunity to. I've got one that I won't being doing anything with until next year because they prefer people with at least one year experience with their course. Another one is a social thing, so every other week (making more friends!), one is helping out the community and another is keeping my French Horn playing up to scratch in an orchestra. Clubs are a great way to make friends, extend your boundaries, and just have some chill out time! 

Know the Layout of the Land!

You're going to get lost, a lot. Keep up that Google Maps app, take photos of every map you see, plan out a series of directions for you to follow and ask for directions! There's no shame in that, everyone has the same problem. Give it maybe a week or so and you'll know your way around fine.

Keep up to Date!

So yeah, it's easy the first week, but after that the homework and assignments is going to start piling up. Get on top of it while you can. With my Foundations of Computing subject I'm already a week or so ahead, mainly because I enjoy it so much haha. That leaves time to do the essay thingy for Engineering, the couple of half finished questions for maths, and that journal I have to keep writing for French. You might have plenty of time in between classes, I know I do, so use that as relaxation and study, or both, depending on how much you like the topics.

READ ALL YOUR EMAILS ALL OF THE TIME! It's honestly the only way anyone will ever contact you, and they do it all of the time... 

Gear!

Grab a bag, either some cool looking big messenger bag or a backpack, you'll need it to carry the days worth of stuff you have a log around. 

Bring an exercise book per class at least, mainly for writing notes. You're more likely to look at the lexicon of notes you made in a book rather than a laptop. 

If you have a laptop, bring it. Everything is online these days, and lecturers and tutors will expect you to have access. It's extremely hard to grab a computer in the libararies, trust me on that one. Even if its some slow laptop or iPad your high school gave you as part of that education scheme, bring it! Even a phone will do but a laptop is better.

Or a sandwich grill......

And use some common sense: a computer subject will need a computer, a folio sort of subject will need a folio. 

Textbooks you may as well hold off for the first week, just to make sure the lecturer actually wants to use them rather than have them buried away and never used. My maths lecturer had all these books filled with notes for us to buy. Turns out they're his slides for his presentations, and you can get them online for free through the Uni's student portal. 

Unless you're rich, bring some food with you, and leave your spare change for that much needed coffee or hot chocolate. You will go through a great deal of money if you buy your lunch everyday. Pack a water bottle as well, but most places will have a drink tap if you need it.

Bring money, you don't want to be stuck somewhere with no cash, especially if your myki money runs out in the city.

Running late?

Some classes, mainly lectures, do not care if you don't turn up. Sometimes the lectures are recorded so you can go check them out in your own time, but don't rely on them because sometimes the quality is terrible, especially if your math teacher thinks he knows everything about computers and then uses the one projector out of two that doesn't record footage.

Other classes, e.g. tuts and workshops, will require you to be there to pass. French for example is only tuts, and you need an attendance of 75%, or 17 out of 24 classes. Some like engineering workshops will not give you a mark for the session if you are over 15 mins late, because it is all teamwork and you can not be carried by your team. It's best to be on time and show up for everything, because you don't want to fall behind. But if you reallyyyy want to miss a class, pick one you know you can skip and still gather all the information for later. 

Other:

Watch your stuff. There's so many people on campus that it's just naive to think they're all honest. Just always keep everything on you, especially if you're in a city. Hate to say it but yeah, it needs to be said. You're not just in a safe school environment anymore, you're in real life! Out in the big real world! (As scary as that is...)

-----------------------

That's it for my tips gathered from my first week! Stay calm, enjoy yourself and it'll be the best 3 to 7 years of your life...maybe... I think it will be for me haha

BECAUSE YOU GET TO LEARN STUFF YOU ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT!

And my Computer programming worksheets mention Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones and cool stuff like that in it hehe

Well I hope everyone enjoyed their first week at Uni! 

- Michelle