Graham says

Hi Cammy,

Your director believes that you can only be judged on what you have learnt in the course. Anything you know outside of that (the seventh chord) doesn't count.

I never understand why women strive to be a 'Size Zero'. They are not attractive, and just look like skeletons. I know most men prefer 'real women'. You sound like a comfortable size, Cammy, and are managing to keep your weight in check.

If you tried to get drunk to see what it was like, I know you would regret it. Some look forward to it, but I don't think your body could take it.

Why did you take up cross-country skiing in the first place? It's an unusual thing to do at an early age.

As we talked about 'Chelsea Morning', I realised that there are so many on YouTube, I'd see it there. It woul;d be a shame if it were restricted through adult content, or something like that.

It does sound that you and Snow will be able to get on after all, and the few weeks that you gave to sort things out might pay off after all. The two of you can develop from unfamiliar rommates to friends.

As a school reporter, it must have been frustrating to have your stories changed and reworded. It's a pity you were not allowed more journalistic freedom, otherwise I suspect you might be doing that now.

I was unaware of the Elijah Wood story on Weathertop. It's a good anecdote. I have the three extended editions of the films on DVD. I think they were really well presented. Such a shame all DVDs are not made with such care.

Like you, I just favourite and categorise YouTube clips. Gradually they build up. One I like most is Carole King's rendition of 'The Locomotion' filmed recently. Did you know that Carole wrote the song?

The mid-terms sound like a lot of work all crammed into a short space of time. Are some who fail these asked to leave? Good luck with it.

I had a super time with my cousins yesterday. They are just as bubbly and as lively as ever, with their husbands quite friendly. Cousin Helen has a 12 year old who looks just like her and is learning Chinese at school. Quite a prodigy. She sat chatting to me like an adult.

It's sad we don't have things like Thanksgiving here. I think we need it.

Have a good week,

Best Wishes,

Graham

posted 10 hours ago. ( send a note )

Graham says

Hi Cammy,

That's ironic, your director saying that as you haven't officially learnt about a chord yet, it cannot be placed in your melody. I thought as it exists, that would be enough.

What a surprise to find your ruler right in your room after a long search! As always, these things turn up in the last place you wouls expect to find it. Fortunately you had not purchased another. That would have been terrible!

Shops tend to stock for 'average sizes', but most of us are not that. In the case of women, a lot of shops stock for very slim ones. Most females are not that, and so shops lose out by not catering for 'real women'.

Good to know that you share my dislike of alcohol, Cammy. So many people think there is something wrong with us if we don't like it and just want a soft drink. Not everybody binge drinks and is up all night. Why people find it pleasurable to be drunk, be sick afterwards and wake up with a migraine is beyond me.

Cross country skiing is certainly challenging, Cammy, and one needs to be fit to do it. As you've been doing it since you were three, you're quite healthy. The teacher was probably put out that you were so fit already.

I find that quite annoying that swimming lessons are supposed to be mandatory where you are. What business is it of theirs? I can never swim either. They should leave it at that.

It sounds like your mother's wisdom tooth removal didn't go as well as yours did. Dental techniques advance, so don't expect you'll have the same problem.

I just went on to YouTube to hear Joni Mitchell singing 'Chelsea Morning'. What a treat it was! Such a wonderful song.

I think Snow has got the message regarding room cleaning. On the whole, she sounds alright, and probably appreciates it when talked to precisely so that she understands.

Presumably when you talk about censorship when woking on the school newspaper, you meant you had to tread carefully as to not to offend those in charge at the school. With your father having been a journalist, it's easy to see why you started on the school paper. Did you ever think of a journalistic course, with a view to being a reporter on a paper?

The Macbeth play with Sean Bean was set in an east european country with military outfits. Bean spoke in his traditional north England accent. Not too convincing for the Thane of Cawdor! I would have preferred it in proper dress.

Yes, flying would be a lot, lot less cheaper than cruising. It may be best to just grin and bear it.

I don't think you complain, Cammy. We just chat about this and that.

Good luck with the concert. I'll be interested how you do with the songs next Friday. 'As Long As He Needs Me' is a favourite of mine from 'Oliver'. Though musicals aren't my style, it's one of the best. 'Cabaret' is my number one choice.

You've got SO much to do, Cammy, I'll let you get on.

What will you be doing in the mid-terms? Do they decide anything?

In a short while I'll be off to see my cousins.

Have a good day,

Best Wishes,

Graham

posted yesterday. ( send a note )

Graham says

Hi Cammy,

Well done on your children's music melody. The assignment certainly urges you to be creative. I think it must be essential to have that streak, particularly in a music course.

What a pity with the ruler; I doubt you will find that again; it could have slipped out of your pocket while walking on the campus grounds and was picked up by some individual who is using it for their own. The serenity prayer is a wise saying. We have to accept that which is beyond us.

My size always was a little awkward. There seemed very few slim jackets available, for example, but plenty a couple of sizes higher that 'most men' would be. I've never put on weight as I don't drink pop and certainly never touch alcohol. Two reasons for this. I don't like it and it would be bad for me if I did epilepsy-wise. Your working out will benefit you in a lot of ways. What sort of working out are you keen on?

That's good to know your dental swelling is going down. Had you gone, the dentist would have probably told you to do just what you did do, which is wait a few days.

I forgot to quote the London borough and the soccer team in it that also share the Chelsea name. It was so obvious! I can't recall how 'Chelsea Morning' goes. I'll have to find out somehow. Sadly, Joni Mitchell never seems to get played on the radio (with the exception of 'Big Yellow Taxi'.) I would like to have heard some songs from her classing albums like Blue.

That message you are proposing to say to Snow is an excellent one that seems to cover all bases without being aggressive at all. Will she be able to understand what you are trying to say, Cammy? I was surprised that others have said she understands English perfectly. Do you think she pretends not to understand at times, or only has trouble when people speak quickly? If the latter is true, speaking slowly and precisely is the answer. Anyone struggling with a different language would benefit when they hear it this way.

The things we learn. I never knew you were a high school reporter. No wonder you like Chloe, who was one before she graduated to The Daily Planet. What was it like for you, and what sort of things did you report on? I can well understand that a reporter would have to have thick skin and be a little pushy.

.I have a collection of BBC Shakespeare DVDs. I have yet to see them all. As yet I have seen two out of 37, so I have a long way to go. I did see Macbeth on the stage with Sean |Bean and Samantha Bond.

Crossing the Atlantic would not be easy for someone who got airsick in an internal flight. A cruise would be costly, and of course, you would need to go on to Italy. Keep me posted as to how things go.

Don't worry, Cammy, you can talk about your back if you wish! I don't adapt well at all to any changes, which is why I'm not fond of the desk change in my office on the 20th October. I'm always happy to keep things just as they are. New things to adapt to are a pain.

Good luck at the concert. It's true that when we are nervous, we do concentrate more, taking in all the problems, and making sure they don't occur. That was a good gesture in buying the director a new pitchpipe.

Enjoy the weekend,

Good Wishes,

Graham

posted 2 days ago. ( send a note )

Graham says

Hi Cammy,

You appear to have quite a heavy workload outside of the class/lecture hall. I expect the professors expect you to make your own way. It seems like it's their job just to give you the assignment and mark it, while you do the tough part in between!

With all your walking, cutting out junk food, eating sensibly and cutting out pop, it's no surprise that you've been losing weight. The fitness class you'll start soon will also be a great help, Cammy. Well done. I must admit, I'm not an exercise person, and don't eat too sensibly. I haven't increased weight as a result, though, and have always been quite lean. With your weight loss news, it can only inspire you to strive further.

I think your jaw might just have had an inflamation. Give it a couple of days. You should know by the end of the weekend whether to call a dentist or not. Don't leave it later than that.

It's interesting how we are influenced in our choice of names. In the 1980's many women were naming their daughters 'Kylie' after the Australian singing star Kylie Minogue, who is also famous in Britain. In the early part of this decade, some silly women were calling them 'Chardonney' after a character in a British soap opera named 'Footballer's Wives'. I think it's vital that we don't choose names that could date. Evergreen names are always best. Chelsea is a fine name. The Clintons named their daughter that after the song 'Chelsea Morning' by Joni Mitchell. An e mail friend of mine has a daughter with that name also.

You seem to be getting used to Snow's nocturnal habits. It's wise to taslk to her about cleaning. Boundaries need to be established, especially when two strangers are sharing a room.

Lois is quite upfront and pushy ( a typical reporter?) I think Jimmy came in the season before the one I've nearly finished watching, when Chloe joins The Daily Planet at the same time he does. He is now on the cast list this season. Thisc season has had a lot more fantasy in it, more to the Superman stories. Excellent.

England and Italy are two enlightening countries. I've always liked Italy myself. It would be fun to meet. Stratford is about 30 miles away, if you want to see Shakespearean places. The second largest city (Birmingham) is on my doorstep. Plans will always change, Cammy. One never knows where they will be in two to six years.

It looks like you're going to have to wait with your back as well as your teeth over the weekend. Having both pains at the same time isn't easy.

Hope you do enjoy your weekend. At lunchtime Saturday, I'll be visiting my cousins, and seeing their families.

Enjoy the day,

Best Wishes,

Graham

posted 3 days ago. ( send a note )

Graham says

Hi Cammy,

I'll amalgamate both your messages into this one.

Firstly, I like your questions as well. They are the sort to make an individual think and reflect. You are right in asking an English professor about her favourite book. It's little wonder that she was pleased at them. I think you will get points for asking the right questions.

Congrats on getting an A for your recent essay, Cammy. It must make you feel good and your effort was worth it.

Welll done also on your weight loss. Had you made a consious effort to lose some pounds or did college life hekp you?

Hopefully your jaw will ease up. It is probably a little tender and very vulnerable. I know my gums are susceptable to mouth ulcers due to the epilepsy pills I have.

No, I haven't heard of Neveah. Had you not said, I wouldn't have noticed it was 'Heaven' backwards. It is a good question, though, what names would I give to my children. I think that we do change our choices as time goes on. I don't think I'd pick names that can be shortened. Sarah, Jane, Heather for girls have always been favourites. I don't think much on boys names, but John would be good, or Jack.

The best approach with Snow is just to gently chastise her, rather than tell her off. I think she'd get the message.

You are a long way behind in the Smallville episodes, considering what is to come! Lana will get a lot darker. My father and I don't like her either. It's about time Lois Lane started noticing Clark. As for Chloe, she is everybody's favourite, I think. Jimmy Olsen in the Superman world is Superman's friend. He's a junior reporter on The Daily Planet, as he is in the tv series. He is Chloe's boyfriend.

England is divided up into counties, from which there are councils in each town. Counties are run by different people, but do not have all different laws like the US do with states.

Good luck with your back, Cammy. You need to find a proper spinal therapist who will help you, rather than a general doctor. Hope it works.

Have a great day,

Best Wishes,

Graham

posted 4 days ago. ( send a note )

Graham says

Hi Cammy,

That's a challenge for you. Thinking of three 'deep' questions to ask your English professor without being too personal. Are there certain topics you think she might not want to talk about?

You need to find an advisor who is on the same wavelength as yourself, Cammy, with whom you can talk with over all matters. It must be very awkward talking to someone whom is not exactly right.

Some celebrities here have weird names for their children. Why do they saddle them with these names? Paula Yates named hers Fifi Trixabelle, Peaches and Heavenly Hirana Tiiger Lily. Geri Halliwell picked Bluebell.

Snow should not approach your personal space, Cammy, even though it was to clean everything. I would have told her off, as I can be quite territorial!

I was unaware you like the Rocky Horror Show, although I thought you might. I did go in a doctor's white coat, just to get into the spirit of things, but as for stockings, suspenders, lipstick...that's a definate no!

The more recent Smallville episodes are a lot more exciting, with it moving more towards the Superman scenario. Lex falling out with Clark, getting more evil, Jimmy Olsen a regular character, and the arrival of cousin Kara (Supergirl). For mt, my favourite character has to be Chloe Sullivan.

No, Cammy, my cousin used to live around here, but moved to Ireland when she got married.

Prince Edward and his wife Sophie live in Surrey, which is in a fine part of England south west of London. Ascot, where I went earlier this year, is also in Surrey.

This link will tell you all you need to know about 'Scarborough Fair'. It's quite extensive.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarborough_Fair

It sounds like you need a cushion to help with your back.

Have a good day,

Best Wishes,

Graham

posted 5 days ago. ( send a note )

Graham says

Hi Cammy,

As long as your professor understands your situation, then I don't think she'll mind about the questions.

It's good if you'll be able to change your advisors. The set-up does need to be flexible, rather than rigid. The students do need to be able to move things more, as it is impossible to judge whether everything in the first semester is just right.

Are those REAL Chinese names, Cammy, or ones they have adopted for college use. Apples is not that unusual. The actress Gwyneth Paltrow has a young daughter by the name of Apple.

I hope you suceed in your communications exercise with Snow. It might be beneficial for you both.

The weirdest musical I ever went to was the Rocky Horror Show. Have you seen the stage version? It's a real audience participation show. Many of the male audience come in outrageous women's outfits (I didn't!). The audience gets to perform the 'Time Warp' dance in the aisles as well.

It might be a bit of fun with the SOM songs. Love to see the result, Cammy!

Glad you enjoyed your time with Tami. You mentioned Smallville. I'm a big fan of that show. Right now, we might be a year behing the US. The season finale is this week where Lex will visit the Fortress.

My cousin Helen lives in Ireland, but is visiting her sister Gaynor. I'll be seeing them both.

Have a good week,

Best Wishes,

Graham

posted 6 days ago. ( send a note )

Graham says

Hi Cammy,

I guess it must be tough getting friendly with your professor, asking about her family. It certainly cuts down barriers and shows she is quite approachable. What a pity she isn't your official advisor. Still, she can be very helpful.

If Snow (good name) relents a little, perhaps the two of you will become more compatible and you'll be able to enjoy college life more. Such a shame one individual is a problem.

Yes, Rachel is human like the rest of us, but it's the attitude certain people adopt to those who are disabled that can be disturbing. An epileptic can have people panic-stricken, as if it's leprosy.

Yes, the 'Hairspray' tradition is strange, but for fans of the musical, it couldn't be any other way.

I look at YouTube often if it were posted on there, it would be super, Cammy! You don't have to do all the SOM songs, just a few of your favourites.

Have a good time with Tami. You look like you've got a lot of fun lined up.

Two cousins I haven't seen for some years (they are sisters) have invited my father and I for lunch this Saturday. It sounds great. I've wanted to see Gaynor and Helen again.

Have a good week,

Best Wishes,

Graham

posted 7 days ago. ( send a note )

Graham says

Hi Cammy,

I guess you had to be careful what you said if you were paired with that professor in your Composition class. How interesting that you have a lot in common. She might be quite helpful for you.

It's not being racist to want a roommate of your own nationality. Your Chinese roomie would as well. Both of you would be only too happy to swap if you could. However, as you have settled in. it seems you'll get used to her.

Is there a computer that will translate English into Chinese? That might help with a lot of language problems. Type all the difficulties and ask her to use a Chinese/English one. She should understand that you're only trying to communicate.

That's no problem, Cammy. I'll look forward to the pictures whenever you can Enjoy the weekend with your friend and father.

The 'does he take sugar' line is something a person might say to another when referring to a disabled person who is actually in the room. Instead of having the courtesy to ask the disabled person directly, they talk as if they are not there. It is highly insulting, although the speaker does not realise it.

No, the ACTOR in the original Hairspray movie was a transvestite, not the character. Devine was the female name the actor gave himself. Afterwards, it has been a tradition with Hairspray.

It would be fun to hear you singing those TSOM songs. Not that I like the songs, but because it's you.

That's great they you stay close to your high school best friend, especially as she doesn't have too many friends. Good for you, Cammy!

Have a good day,

Best Wishes,

Graham

posted 8 days ago. ( send a note )

Graham says

Hi Cammy,

That's fine. I never think people should try to rewrite history in infer certain things never happened. History is how we arrived where we are, and it's misleading trying to change the path.

You have a pretty good college life, Cammy, and from what you say, you are enjoying it, apart from the one major blot. It's a shame if your life at college were blighted because of the actions of a roommate who would be incompatible with anyone.

It seems like you've decided to stick it out, at least for the time being and make the best of it. I hope it works for you.

One would have thought the Chinese students would have acclimatised to the proper hours by now. I was unaware that there were a lot of them. Your roommate would have been happier with another with whom she could chat in her own language and enjoy the same hours.

You're like me, Cammy. I get stressed when overtired, and it doesn't do me any good,

Enjoy your weekend at home, Cammy. It will give you a chance to unwind. Hope you find some nice pictures. I laughed at your comment about being the 'mailman's daughter'!

Some people with disabilities are subjected to the 'does he take sugar?' people. I know; I've faced that when young. It can be frustrating. I'm sorry to hear how your mother is. Denial is a major hurdle that needs to be cleared.

No, I'm afraid 'The Sound of Music' and I were incompatable. It always was, and as a result, have never seen the film all the way through since the mid-1960's.

It's one of those things with 'Hairspray'. As the original film with Ricki Lake had the transvestite actor Devine playing her mother, it's become a kind of tradition. It would be unheard of for a woman to play the part. I haven't seen the Travolta version, but I adore the original Ricki Lake/Devine one.

Enjoy your weekend,

Best Wishes,

Graham

posted 9 days ago. ( send a note )

Graham says

Hi Cammy,

Perhaps 'Savages' does sound a little aggressive nowadays. That said, it would be a shame if the name was erased from history as if it had never existed.

The mid-terms are a good deadline to reach concerning your roommate. Your dad doesn't want you to give up, I can understand, but it's only the roomie that's the problem. If she were compabable and you got along well, I know you would have a great time there. Sad that one issue can be the cause of the difficulties.

Going back home could just be on a temporary basis, until you find a roomie more suitable. I think that's what you need to tell your father.

I certainly think you can't teach her the piano until she learns her English. It could also be a condition of you teaching that she adopts more to your social hours. What do you think?

Perhaps there is more of a sisterly resemblance than you think. Does your father think you look alike?

That's bad that your mother doesn't include your sister in things more. It's as if she has less value, which is terrible.

Sorry, Cammy, but 'The Sound of Music' has been one of my pet hates. When I was very young, and it first came out, my mother took me to see it. I disliked it intensely, and later on she took me again, although I pleaded not to go. I think it was punishment for something!

I know that Michael Ball is in 'Hairspray', playing Tracey Turnblad's mother. He has done really well in it and has just signed for the period covering when we see it.

Hope you have a good day,

Best Wishes,

Graham

posted 10 days ago. ( send a note )

Graham says

Hi Cammy,

Wht should the Savages offend? That's typical of a lot of groups. They are terrified of offending people, especially minorities, even if they end up offending the majority. That said, the Blue Hawks is a good name.

It's only your incompatable roommate that's the problem, Cammy. It's not as if you are having touble adapting to college life. Until you find alternative quarters, staying at home looks like being best for sleeping. As you're all day at college it wouldn't be too different. You're fortunate to be so near.

I think she needs to have a better use of English before you can teach her the piano; besides that, your schedule is far to hard before you can use it to help others.

Please e mail a pic of your sister if you can. One would think as you were twins there might be a resemblance.

I'm sorry you and your mother don't get on. It must be very difficult to try and do so with that rift you have.

I'm not fond of Oklahoma either. As it happens, I don't like any Rodgers & Hammerstein musicals, particularly The Sound of Music!

As it's October, those two musicals are getting nearer to see. Looking forward to them.

Have a good day,

Best Wishes,

Graham

posted 11 days ago. ( send a note )

Graham says

Hi Cammy,

I'll use this one message to answer the two you sent.

What a weird name for your opponents. Whoever had the task of choosing the name must have had an off day when thinking of something.

As stress is not for me, due to the epilepsy, I could never accomplish anything like college. It would be far too arduous. Even students without a problem have uphill tasks, so I know I wouldn't make it. By starting work right after school, it gave me a good financial base.

Good for you in not goofing off, Cammy. Those that do have to pay the price in trying to keep up, or by essentially failing.

As you live only a mile away, it would seem practical to be a 'day visitor' rather than a boarder. You would be able to do your work better and have sound sleeps at night. I understand college stunts like the thrill of 'going it alone' and leaving the family home, but right now it doesn't seem a good idea. Perhaps temporarrily going back home until you find a compatable roomie is the right course?

Your sister sounds like a remarkable young woman. She hasn't let her disabilities dishearten her, and has struggled through to become a sharp individual. Good for her.

The Rent film is not like watching from the audience, so I can understand your confusion. I suppose one has to get used to it. The only similar one I saw was a film of the stage show 'Oklahoma' that was going on in London about 10 years ago. It starred Hugh Jackman, who is in the X Men movies. Imagine Wolverine singing 'Oh, What A Beautiful Morning.!

Lastly, quotes do bring memories. What a coincidence that of all quotes, you saw the one by Dorothy Parker. Naturally, Cammy, Rent will alway