The Ring Goes South

Dear Everyone,
The Melbourne Puzzle Hunt (finally) ended last Saturday afternoon, and I have been busy with uni work till now. Saying the puzzles were 'difficult' is like saying Einstein was 'clever'. After all that cerebral gymnastics, I think I've lost the capacity to construct long sente...ooo, look at that weird bump on the wall! After the Hunt and two days of classes, I don't think I can take anything more demanding than Oprah, even if I didn't actually do very much (our team still positioned alright).

But as always, life has other plans...

I know I implied I would post regularly again after the Hunt, but I'm afraid I may not be able to do that. I will try to post as regularly, but I can't guarantee it, and even if I do, it will probably be non-original content mostly. There'll not be time for the long, wordy articles that I was prone to post in the past, even though I have plenty of ideas and issues swimming in my head that I wish I could put to paper/computer screen (mostly socio-political commentary pieces).

I'm sorry-la. This is beyond my control: very soon from now, my course will intensify so much in preparation for the July exams that I'll be expected walk, talk, eat, sleep, poop and dream law. There are really no two ways about it, unfortunately. It's trudge or trip, slog or sink, work my guts out now or suffer hara-kiri later. And no, "studying smart" does not apply here AT ALL because it really is one of the stupidest courses on earth, so you don't have to give me that golden morsel of advice.

What I would love to hear from you, however, are words of encouragement and support, because this is the time I need it the most. Really. No, I mean it, really! A few words via an email, blog comment, skype/phone call, online chat, SMS/text, facebook message or even snail-mailed letter will go a long way, and I promise I'll remember your kindness, like...forever.

'Cause I'll be honest: the task ahead is extremely daunting. In fact calling it a 'task' makes it seem like hoovering a room, and calling it 'daunting' makes it seem like a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. Anyone who knows the reality of my position as well as the, shall we say, "inherent structural qualities" of my course will know how difficult it actually is. I counted that I have about 35 textbooks, statute books and workbooks, and about one and a half to two 3" files worth of notes, handouts, circulars and other supplementary materials. I'm shitting bricks enough to rebuild the Great Wall of China, I tell you. There's just so much to fight against. I'm not kidding when I say I feel like Frodo after being tasked to destroy the One Ring...

No one answered. The noon-bell rang. Still no one spoke. Frodo glanced at all the faces, but they were not turned to him...A great dread fell on him, as if he was awaiting the pronouncement of some doom...An overwhelming longing to rest and remain at peace by Bilbo's side in Rivendell filled all his heart. At last with an effort he spoke, and wondered to hear his own words, as if some other will was using his small voice.
'I will take the Ring,' he said, 'though I do not know the way.'

Elrond raised his eyes and looked at him, and Frodo felt his heart pierced by the sudden keenness of the glance. 'If I understand aright all that I have heard,' he said, 'I think that this task is appointed for you, Frodo; and that if you do not find a way, no one will. This is the hour of the Shire-folk...
'But it is a heavy burden. So heavy that none could lay it on another. I do not lay it on you. But if you take it freely, I will say that your choice is right...'

Weeelll..about that, Elrond...acctuallyy, now that you've mentioned it, I...Oh neverbloodymind! What must be done must be done, and it is too late to back out anyway, right Gandalf?

Take care people. I hope you're all well.

Yours,
Algy
xoxo

Oh yes, a special note of thanks to Ash for helping me add a few items to my 'modest collection'. ; )