Category: Advice for Newcomers

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Advice for Newcomers Residence Life Uncategorized Wellness

Power Food at a Power Price: Surviving the Vanier Caf

Tip of the Post:

Learn how to conserve your meal plan early instead of at the last minute like me. For example:

Did you know that your brain consumes about 20% of your energy on a day-to-day basis? It’s a fact – I looked it up. Given that, it only makes sense to take great care of your brain during exam season and make sure it has plenty of energy at its service (after all, I’m sure studying hard consumes even more calories).

I was reading some nutrition advice in Vanier awhile ago and it told me to make sure I eat slow-burning carbohydrates (like whole grains) and a large portion of protein (preferably from lighter foods – not red meat) to fuel my studies. It also mentioned staying hydrated. At the same time, I was feeling frustrated over the quick consumption of the extra $300.00 I recently placed on my meal card.

I decided that I would try to assemble my own entré from odds and ends in the caf. If you’re low on money and need a filling, healthy, and delcious meal to sate you for an exam, try this:

Steps: buy the following ingredients (or your own variation). Assemble them sandwich style:

  • 1 bagel (whole wheat or whole grain is best)
  • 1 cream cheese (herb ‘n garlic is tasty, and you get more for your money)
  • 1 scoop scrambled eggs (Stone Hearth) or 1 fried egg (Cedar Grill)
  • 2 strips bacon (Stone Hearth)
  • A few: spinach leaves, cucumber slices, red pepper slices

I like to spread mustard on the side of the bagel touching the veggies. However, I’m mustard-obsessed. Yes, I know that’s weird. Also, I add salt and pepper to the eggs. Avocado slices (yes, you have to slice it yourself) also taste great but it’s hard to eat one alone and they’re a bit pricey in the caf.

Total price: $3.00 – $4.50

It’s incredibly filling – don’t knock it till you’ve tried it. Plus, you get way more food/taste/nutrition from one of these breakfast sandwiches than any of the ones offered for a similar price at the Stone Hearth.

As for staying hyrdated, grab a glass of water. It’s free!

Some assembly required. Happy sandwiching!

Love,

Lindsay

ps. On the website where I found that brain fact, it told me they preserved Einstein’s brain for research. Isn’t that gross?

pps. Incidentally, it was found that both his brain and cerebrum were smaller than the average male’s but the density of neurons in his brain was much higher. Hunh.

Categories
Academic Advice for Newcomers Uncategorized

A Plethora of Parables (Minus the Moral Intent)

Tip of the Post:

Stick to your commitments. As a university student, it is vital to stay on top of your work. From personal experience – first semester, anybody? – I’ve come to realize that it absolutely sucks to be buried in a pile of textbooks for two weeks whilst living on zucchini loaf and coffee from the cafeteria. But I digress. The main point is to always strive to complete what you resolve to complete. Whether studies, exercise or blog updates, follow Nike’s famous phrase: Just Do It.

It is also advisable to always practice what you preach. I will now take this moment to tug nervously at my collar and avoid all hypothetical eye contact. Ahem.

Anyways, I won’t beat around the bush on this one: it has been an inexcusable amount of time since I last told you all what I’ve been up to. If you’ve missed me, I apologize. If not… well. Don’t let me know.

SO. It’s been a busy 42 days. Since we last chatted, I have: commited Friendcest, travelled to Florida, spazzed out and received the second worst mark of my life, and landed my dream summer job. Of course, school and residence life also plays into that. Those subjects just aren’t as juicy though. Rest assured that I am doing well (enough) and am prepared to once again buckle down and demolish my exams.

Now. Prepare yourself for an onslaught of information.

1) Friendcest. You may be wondering what this means. If you chose to visit the link I provided (to a blog written by my good friend Sasha), you are now aware of this process and its complications. Essentially, Friendcest is when two individuals meet and become friends and later (or not so much later) realize they would like to be more than just friends. Urban Dictionary defines Friendcest as the following:

* “One of the great phrases to describe the f***-upity-ness of cross-boundary inter-friendship ‘relating'”

* “Dating friends, dating your friends’ friends. You already like them, your friends already like them. So why not f*** it all up?”

* “The phenomena of inter group dating and/or relating in social groupings. Especially relevant to university and post university friend bases.”

However, I would like to fill you in on the often overlooked, positive parts of Friendcest. Like participating in it. I’ve managed to meet and snag a really wonderful boy through our group of mutual friends. His name is David. You would like him – I certainly do. In any case, I’ve definitely looked down on Friendcest before. But I realize now that as long as you at least try to be considerate of your other friends, it can work out. Afterall, sharing friends and being friends with your special someone is a great thing – it irons out awkward ‘getting to know eachother’ issues and gives some security as to whether or not your personalities are compatible.

Friendcest: it’s not as bad as you think.

2) Florida. How I adore thee. Shuffleboard, bocce ball, mini-golf, alternate elderly activities… the fun never ends! And I’m not even being sarcastic. Every Spring Break, my family visits my Papa at his home in the beautiful Sunshine State. This year was a bit different though… since it was reading break, I actually attempted work and reading while I was there. It became a slight damper on the festivities but I was grateful for the time to catch up in my work. I even got to see a banjo concert. In one song, the main lyrics were: “A rinky-dink rink, a kink, a rinky-dink…”.

Okay, I’ll admit. That wasn’t my favorite part of the trip… but my Papa loved it. And I love him. So it made me happy.

As a random aside, my Papa’s name is Vladimir. But everyone calls him Val. Isn’t that weird? When I was really little, I thought his full name was Valentine because of that. He’s pretty lovable though – a really fantastic man who has lived an admirable life and continues to do so. Not to get all mushy on you or anything, but ‘Valentine’ is fairly apt.

At least that’s how I’ll defend my childhood misnomer.

3) I’ve complained about Chemistry before. Remember the poem? But apparently that explosion of frustration wasn’t enough to remove me from my slump in the subject. After reading break and its hours of mindnumbingyetstillfairlyproductive chemistry study, I managed to pull a complete blank on the midterm. I mentioned earlier that this particular occasion earned my second worst mark. My worst mark ever was also this year: calculus, with a smashing 49.5%. Yup. The class ran up a 22% average, though. I guess that makes me feel a little better.

You now know that I at least managed to pass with my second worst mark ever. And, as far as I’m concerned, that’s all you need to know. Sadly, the rest of my peers completely showed me up on this one with an average of 81%.

Sigh.

4) I realized I lied when I said this coming summer offers my dream job. Working at the Deeley Research Centre easily tops it. However, I’m still quite excited. I managed to snag a job working as a camp counsellor with Science Venture – a UVic-based, non-profit day camp for youth – for the entire summer. I’ll be working with the younger age groups between grades 1 and 4.

Kids + Science + Good Pay. I’m totally stoked.

Incidentally, if you’re in high school right now and live in (or around) Victoria, I would suggest volunteering for their Junior Counsellor program. It’s tons of fun and gives you the volunteer experience you need to graduate as well as a better chance of securing a paid job with them in later years. Thought I would throw that out there.

Anyways, that’s about all I’ve got for now. The housing situation is still entirely up in the air, but it’s looking like chances are pretty big for a shared house with my close friends next year. We shall see!

Sorry again for my laziness. I’ll try harder from now on to follow my own advice and stick to my resolutions.

Love!

Lindsay

PS. I have some pretty interesting postings that I never quite finished saved in my drafts folder… I’ll spruce those up soon for you and finally get them up.

Categories
Advice for Newcomers Commuting Residence Life

Residence Lottery Blues.

Tip of the Post:

Accept the fact that it’s extremely unlikely you will recieve housing on UBC campus. It’s easier that way.

Well here I am, number 1910 on UBC Housing and Conferences’ waiting list. Seeing as I recently received an email advising those students who are above 451 on the waiting list that “… it would be prudent to begin to investigate options for alternate housing for September 2009”, my high hopes of living in Marine Drive (or even Vanier) next year have been dashed.

Although I know the lottery system is the fairest way to divide housing between hopeful applicants, I’m pretty pissed off that I had to pay a $50.00 fee just to apply. I discussed this with my friend Kayla who also brought up the fact that there is at least 5000 students on the waiting list for next year. That is a quarter of a million dollars siphoned from students who won’t even see the benefits of their application. Quite a profit.

I want a bloody refund. This is ridiculous.

Lindsay



		


	


	

		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
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					Advice for Newcomers Involvement/Leadership Recreation Uncategorized Wellness				

			


			
The Shaolin Shockers = Athletic Rockers.

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
Tip of the Post: 


Intermurals are fun. Try signing up for a team.


I had my first futsal (indoor soccer) game last night. It was a complete gongshow and the score probably was – as Tyler described – very close to 27/0. Against, of course.


Personally, I think it was because the other team had a kickass name: “Multiple Score-gasms”. Really. Who could take that on? Coupled with the fact that they had intimidating black uniforms and were a seemingly cohesive group, their name gave them even more superpowers and allowed them to drive us into the ground.


So. Formerly a member of the tentatively dubbed “Team Sea Slug”, I brainstormed some slightly more inspiring team names like: “The Farting Ferrets” and “The E-lemon-ators” and “The Bad Intentions”. But there was only one team name that really felt right:


“The Shaolin Shockers”.


If you don’t understand that right away, it’s a play on the film entitled Shaolin Soccer. If you haven’t seen it, you should watch this clip. Then you’ll understand how outstanding my team is going to be.


It’s all in the name, people.


Love,


Lindsay


		


	


	

		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
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					Advice for Newcomers Uncategorized Wellness				

			


			
Manners.

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
Tip of the Post:


Visit Harambe Ethiopian Cuisine on Commercial Drive! For those of you who live on campus, just grab the 99 B-Line from the bus loop and take it all the way to the last stop. It’s a SkyTrain station – easy enough to recognize. Harambe is about one block up the street and across the road from where you get off the bus. You’ll get a unique group dining experience (who doesn’t love to eat with their hands?) and a lot of deliciously spiced lentils, beef, lamb, and vegetables. If you’re like me and sick of carbo-loading at the caf, then this restaurant provides you with plentiful, all natural protein at a low cost of approximately $10.00 per person.


I was ecstatic when I found out we were going to Harambe for our floor dinner last night. I had already been quite a few times and was getting sick of coating all of my meals in black pepper – doesn’t taste great and my friends bother me for it.


On the bus home, while Kayla and I were grooving to some Kanye West and Timbaland (I don’t know what came over me… I may need to be institutionalized), I happened to be looking around at all the ads on the bus. Incidentally, I find it hilarious that ELSA (English Language Service for Adults) advertises their “Learn English now! Don’t you want to understand your grandchildren?!” campaign in English.


Suddenly, I was startled by a slam against the back of my seat. I jumped and was greeted with the “Oh, sorry” typical of Canadians who are apologetic for everything.


Now, if you’re a close friend of mine, you’re familiar with the following rant:


“I just don’t get it! Why do we apologize for everything? It’s so stupid! Whenever I open the door to walk into a washroom while somebody else is exiting, we do this awkward stutter-step and apologize profusely for getting in each others way! If I bump someone’s hand while reaching for the feta in the salad bar, they repent! Yesterday, I was on the bus and somebody stepped on my foot and I said sorry! Like, “Oh my God, I can’t believe my foot just got in the way of your foot! Please forgive me!”. Except I wasn’t even being sarcastic! Do you know how weird this is?”


Last night, however, I saw the flip-side. Post apology, I mumbled something about him not having to worry about it, that I was just looking around etc… when he shocked me with a:


“Actually, you know what? I’m really not sorry”


in this uber-grouch voice.


Of the top-ten things I least expected to happen in that moment, that was number three. And it only missed out on a higher spot because I really didn’t forsee the ancient Chinese woman four seats up leaping out of her seat and performing a strip tease using the articulated section of the bus as her stage. I also didn’t expect the planet to explode, sending a trillion pieces of Lindsay careening into the cosmos.


So you can imagine my surprise at this retraction of the most basic Canadian instinct.


And now that I’ve experienced the awkward, gross feeling of it all, I can promise I will never be a critic of apologies again.


In conclusion, I would like to say sorry, désolée, perdon, scusa, izvini, gomen, afedersin, aasfa, patawad… to any and all that I have criticized for apologizing. I know we’re all just trying to be polite.


Love,


Lindsay




















		


	


	

		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
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					Advice for Newcomers Recreation Spirituality Wellness				

			


			
To TKD or not to TKD.

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
Tip of the Post:


Take part in Shopping Week for UBC Rec. You get a week to visit as many conveniently slotted instructional classes as you want throughout the week in order to decide if you want to pay up and participate for the rest of the term/school year. Check out the Rec programs by clicking here.


Anyhow, I’m having a lot of trouble deciding what I want to do next term. Tae Kwon Do has been a huge part of my life since grade six (that would be… almost seven years now) and is my one spiritual outlet. Plus it keeps me in good shape. However, the class I’m taking on campus just doesn’t cut it:


1) It’s a recreational class. That means that uniforms aren’t required and most of the people participating are beginners.


2) Two out of the three instructors are at the same level as me and I often don’t feel comfortable accepting their criticisms on techniques that I learned to do a slightly different (but effective) way in my old school. Especially stretches. At times, I feel like they just want to prove that I’m the student and they’re the instructor even if it’s over a stupid, trivial thing (like how I grab my ankle when doing a forward-stretch).


3) It’s a late class that runs from 8:00 – 9:30 at night.


On the other hand, the head instructor has his fifth degree and is quite friendly and explains things in ways much different from my old teacher. Not to say that either way is better, but it definitely helps to hear things in two unique ways. And I really love the sport. I feel like I belong to Tae Kwon Do. I know the little nuances of foot placement and hip rotation. I know nine forms and am working on the tenth. The Rec class is cheap too (just $50 per month) and is my only real option in a city full of studios that charge upwards of $150 per month, not including the special studio uniforms and gear one is often required to buy. Plus it’s on campus, which makes for a convenient commute.


I’ve been considering trying a Yoga class to improve my flexibility and core strength, and to start from square one with a new activity where I’m at the appropriate level for the class.


I just don’t know if I can give up TKD… Any thoughts?


Lindsay


		


	


	

		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
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					Advice for Newcomers Commuting Wellness				

			


			
3 Things.

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
Wow. I went home (to good ol’ Victoria) this weekend for a visit/ortho appointment. I made three important observations while I was there, the first of which was kind of sad: my old room doesn’t feel like home to me anymore… I felt a little bit out of place in the house I’ve lived in for 6 years. And I’m not used to residence yet either. Don’t get me wrong – I love it here, and I’m having the time of my life meeting people and getting to know different cultures and ideas. But I feel in between homes – I can’t give either place that title at the moment.


The second observation was more useful. And it just so happens to be -drumroll–


The Tip of the Post!


Unless you have incredible luck with BC Transportation Services (like me), an uncanny ability to get all shiny-eyed at ticket booth operators (like me), and a mother who is willing to drive like a bat out of hell just because she loves you (like me), don’t expect to make the 9:00 am ferry if you leave downtown Victoria at 8:15 am. It’s just not gonna work out for ya. That aside, if you’re ever lost in Vancouver and need to get back to UBC, look for a 98 B-Line. They come ALL the time and will likely get you to a stop that comes straight here.


The last observation was one of those discoveries you make after three hours of traveling in solitude, when you start thinking about the human condition and all that fluffy stuff.


Anyways. It all started when I was waiting for a bus…


I had been standing up for about 45 minutes so far, all the while having being angrily jostled from side to side by people who hated the size of my backpack (hey, I had calc to do on the weekend). I was relieved to finally get off the bus and have a chance to sit down. I noticed a couple of empty seats next to an elderly lady, so I took one, smiling at her as I sat down. And guess what? She just stared right back at me and immediately stood and, grabbing all her groceries, marched over to the nearest lamppost.


She stood there for 10 minutes until the next bus came. Instead of sitting next to me.


I’d be lying if I said that it didn’t hurt my feelings. But then I realized I almost acted the same way.


When I was on the ferry, I decided to sit outside and listen to music for awhile. I love ocean air. Anyways, a scruffy-looking guy with a lot of gray hair came and sat next to me.


“I can’t let you have this bench ALL to yourself, you know,” he said. “Is that your natural hair color? It’s lovely.”


I was creeped out. I’ll admit it.


“Hey you know if I’m bugging you, you can just tell me to shut up.”


“Oh… you’re not. I’m just tired.” And I was, but it wasn’t really the whole story.


“Yeah. That’s what the last person said.”


And then it hit me. This poor guy had already been rejected based only on his appearance (because since when do you shaft someone just for saying hello?). And I was about to do the same, even though just a couple hours earlier I had felt so hurt that someone had done it to me. It was broad daylight, with tons of people on deck. I could get up and leave if he turned out to be creepy.


So I took out my headphones and just talked to him. I found out that he works in marine construction and that he was heading to Pender Island to help his daughter build a house. I told him about my dog, Caly, who I was really excited to see. Then we talked about Australian Shepards, the ocean, biology, and trades vs university degrees. And you know what?


It was nice. He wasn’t creepy at all. I’m really glad that I broke out of the whole “beware-of-everyone” thing that plagues North America. I think we should all take more time to consider the situation when someone we’ve never met approaches us. If you’re in a safe place, give them a chance: you never know what you might learn. Think about how it feels when someone judges you unfairly. Lame, right?


That is all,


Lindsay


		


	


	

		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
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					Advice for Newcomers Residence Life Uncategorized				

			


			
Hey, you know what’s NOT funny?

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
Tip of the Post:


For those of you worrying about university being a place where you have to mature and learn how to manage adulthood: don’t. Apparently, it’s still an incredibly funny and widely accepted action to pull the fire alarm at 2:00 in the morning.


To the person who helped me and the rest of KU realize this, thanks. The lesson was well worth the loss of two hours of sleep. 😀


– Lindsay


		


	


	

		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
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					Advice for Newcomers Residence Life				

			


			
Wow. I need a cold shower (not).

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
Tip of the Post:


I took my first shower today (on campus, I mean). I’m pretty sure I was the first to do so this morning because it was COLD! And not just for five seconds or anything. The water takes about 10 minutes to heat up! Anyways, I found a way of speeding things up a bit: turn the tap to cold and then hot repeatedly. You get these bursts of hot water that last a split second longer each time. If you just leave it on hot, it stays cold. Weird, eh?


So much for being freaked about university! I love it here! I’m looking out my window right now (which, incidentally, is on Korea-UBC’s third floor) and I have this pretty view of two Doug Firs and some rhododendrons. It reminds me of the forest back home. And my room is finally finished – perhaps a little over decorated, but comforting all the same. And I love the sense of community here! If you keep your door propped open, someone will always come by for a chat. It’s really nice, especially since I’m used to living out in the boonies and never, ever, EVER seeing my friends.


It’s Imagine Day tomorrow, and then classes start on the 3rd. It’ll be weird to actually have to apply myself again… I feel like I’m at summer camp.


That is all.


– Linds


		


	


	

		
	


	






	



	


		
			

				
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					Advice for Newcomers				

			


			
My advice could probably use a disclaimer… Oh! Hi!

		


			

		


		
	





	


		


			
Tip of the Week (and by week I mean current post):


When you cleanse your room of all the debris of your childhood, don’t listen to your parents; you should definitely procrastinate until the last week before you leave. Unless of course you’re like me and haven’t cleaned up in seven months. Then you should probably get ‘er done. I mean, I don’t want any of you to be crying, thigh deep in old finger paintings and mismatched socks, the night before your plane/train/ferry leaves. But it’s really depressing to decide what is coming with you and what is taking a short trip to the dumpster (or the local Sally Ann). In the corner of my room, I’ve got a small pile of stuff that I’m bringing over to Van including – but not limited to – all my Harry Potter novels, a wall hanging from Spain, a cuckoo clock, and a crumpled “Give Peace a Chance” poster.


 So let your summer be a break for you. Don’t worry about leaving until The Day is close. Here’s  some of what I did:


1. Killer road trip with my friends up the Island. I don’t get away from my parents much because I live in the boonies, so it was an excellent chance to practice a bit of independence and hang out with my besties for a final farewell. Thanks Kelsey, Alistair, Ken, Rye Bread, and Asha (who’s coming to UBC too – you should all be excited) for planning and executing our adventure. Best of luck for all of you (not that you need it).


2. Volunteered at Science Venture. Kids + Science = great fun.


3. Practiced driving for 60 hours. I really want my N.


4. Went to SkaFest and saw Current Swell again. AMAZING BAND.


And now that my relaxing summer is coming to an end, I’m getting excited for the next phase of my life. I’m soon to be an active member of the KU Tigers, the Blog Squad, and UBC’s Faculty of Science. Sweet.


Can’t wait to meet you people.


Lindsay


PS. If you’re nervous, don’t feel alone. It hasn’t hit me yet, but a severe stomach cramping, palm moistening, tears inducing case of the butterflies is in the mail as we speak.


		


	


	

		
	


	



	




	


		


			
			
				

			
		


	


	
			

		

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