I remember when I was at school, if I didn’t go out on a Saturday, I’d be in a bad mood. Saturday was the only day I could go out without worrying about what work I had to do – and without being knackered from the week. No after-school commitments to worry about. I can’t quite believe I forced myself into having just one day a week to see my friends/do some shopping/get out of my repetitive environment, to cram relaxation into a pre-set free time period. Wow. Intense.
But what about now? Sure, I’m not old, and I don’t hate going out. That’d be absurd! Don’t jump to conclusions, now.
I think I’ve realised that I’m now glad of the time to relax at the weekend. I’ve just woken up. In the afternoon. And it feels great. I’m not worried: when time is stretched out, when you’ve got control of your own [more often than not: expansively free, 21st century student] timetable it all seems so much more manageable. But you know what? I’ve got some of those same commitments.
Yes, I take on responsibilities and obligations that I don’t have to. Sure, people might think I spread myself a bit too thin. Yes, I hardly live the party-hard student lifestyle and yes, I don’t have a real job (yet). But my course, my SURHUL stuff…it all adds up, and my calendar tends to get pretty busy pretty quick.
I don’t think I’m explaining it very well. Pop psychology? Go on, then. Nicholas enjoys the weekend because it allows him to regain a small amount of control (feeding his egomania) that he hypocritically enjoys losing during the week (so as to allow excuses for his underperformance). His adaptation to university lifestyle results in him noticing and musing on changes in his behaviour and reflections on the world, especially when he feels that his head might explode due to exponentially-increasing stress. Honey, life ain’t easy: that’s lesson one.
When things get on top of you, it’s nice to know there are still those two days in a week that you can do what you want with.
I think I need to reboot, restart and
This Saturday, I’m going to have to write my assessed essays, prepare for my seminars, freak out about my exams, plan for editing the SU publication next year (including revamps to administration, marketing and publishing the thing), plan the radio show, take my photo for the day and maybe get some more sleep not going to change out of my pyjamas. I’m going to catch up on TV programmes from my Slingbox. I’m going to eat ready meals and chocolate. Not necessarily in that order. And I won’t be in a bad mood come Sunday. I promise.