Kill Jill’s Awesome Thing Of The Week: The Tudors

I’ve been a fan of Tudor history for years. When I heard that Showtime was producing a historical drama about Henry VIII and his relationships, beginning in the mid 1520s, I was nervous and hesitant. I’m a fan of several Showtime series’ and I’m fully aware of what the producers like to include in their shows: whatever curse words they choose and at least one or two sex scenes. But Showtime proved me wrong.

I’m not saying that there’s no cursing (because there is) or sex scenes (because- oh my!- there is) but this show really has impressed me. There’s four episodes left to air of season 2. Sir Thomas More was just executed and Anne Boleyn can now only assume that her time as queen could be running out. The acting of Natalie Dormer (”Anne Boleyn”) has really impressed me this season, especially more recently, and I think Jonathan Rhys-Meyers (”Henry VIII”) is doing well too- but Dormer outshines him every episode.

I consider myself a history snob when it comes to the Tudor dynasty, but I try to ignore and forgive all historical inaccuracies in The Tudors. I know (most of) these changes are made to enhance the story… and I guess that’s okay.

Kids, Kill Jill is getting revamped.

College Countdown: 115 days

While watching The Colbert Report this afternoon (the Comedy Network replays the episode from the night before a few times the next day, so it works for me), I felt inspired. I’ve been neglecting this blog and I feel ashamed. This blog had so much potential in the beginning.

But you know what? I’m not giving up. *shakes head* Nuh-uh. I will persevere. In fact, I’m going to revamp this blog. Add some new categories. Put up a new theme. Include more fun things that aren’t really college related but something that a college student might be interested in, etc.

So, look out kiddies. Kill Jill will be back shortly.

14 Tips For Choosing A College

My newest article at the myUsearch Blog has been posted. Go check it out: 14 TIPS FOR CHOOSING A COLLEGE.

Personalize a Trash Can For Your Dorm

Even something as simple as a waste basket can be personalized to suit your personal style.

You will need:

• a small white trash can
• tole paint in colors of your choice
• 1 paint brush
• 1 sponge brush
• old newspaper
• Sharpie pens in colors of your choice (optional)

Notes:

• When choosing a trash can for your dorm, try to find a small one, as dorm rooms are never, ever huge. It does not have to be anything special- i.e. a cover or cover-opening pedal at the bottom will not be needed. As for price, I got mine at Wal-Mart for $8.
• I went for 2 bottles of red paint and 1 bottle of black for my trash can. I bought all three of these bottles of paint for a dollar each at Dollarama. I got a whole package of brushes at the same store for $1 as well.
• To avoid getting anything sticky or gunky inside of your trash can, keep a grocery bag inside of it and put trash in there instead of directly in the can.

Instructions:

1. First plan what you want your trash can to look like. For mine, I chose to go with red and black because my room is going to be done in those colors. If you’re the artistic type, consider painting an image on each side. (Keep in mind that it’s probable that one side will be facing the wall, so don’t work too hard on a design on each side when one side isn’t even going to be seen.) For mine, I chose my favorite lines from various songs by one of my favorite bands, Garbage. (Get it? ‘Cause it’s a garbage can?)
2. Lay newspaper on the table, floor or area that you will be working on. Make sure nobody wants to read that particular newspaper before you use it.
3. Start painting. Paint the base color first, on the outside and inside of the trash can.
4. Wait until the base coat is dry before starting your design.
5. Painting with a sponge brush is best when painting a larger area, as you are less likely to make streaks in the paint. Use a paint brush for painting handles (if your trash can even has them) or designs.
6. Let the paint dry completely.
7. Use a Sharpie to add smaller details or text.

Voila! A one of a kind trash can. (Below are some photos of my own trash can. Click on an image to bring up the larger version.)

Would you prefer a passenger pigeon?

Listening To: Jefferson Airplane - White Rabbit / College Countdown: 130 days

I filled out an entrance bursary for College X this afternoon. I won’t get to mail it out tomorrow because I’ve got my third shift at the store, but hopefully it’ll be sent out on Thursday. I hate to fill out a budget outline and write a letter including my past work experience and community involvement.

And then, at the bottom of the instructions, it says “No envelopes please.”

Uhh… okay. Would you prefer I send the application to you via passenger pigeon? Because I’m sure I could work something out.

Here is a list of other ways I could send the entrance bursary to the college. Enjoy.

• passenger pigeon
• message in a bottle
• in a small box
• in a big box
• in a medium-sized box
• paper airplane
• personal delivery (like when people “get served”, sort of thing)
• sled dogs
• baked in a pie
• Morse Code (or Braille, even)
• mp3 format

Anyhow. I’ll be calling the phone number they give on the paper in the morning and asking them which method of delivery they would prefer.

Bad News For Students Looking For Loans

College Countdown: 132 Days

My most recent myUsearch blog article (”Bad News For Students Looking For Loans”) has been published. You can check it out by clicking here.

Credit Cards: A Brief Discussion

Listening To: Noisettes - Cannot Even (Break Free)
College Countdown: 139 days

First of all, I’d like to announce that my first article on the myUsearch Blog has been published! You can go and check it out here: College Sites: To Trust or Not To Trust.

In my last entry, I mentioned putting instructions on how to make a very cool garbage can for your dorm room. And then this afternoon, I put my very cool waste basket into storage before I took any photos of it. Stupid me. So, that how-to article will have to be postponed for a bit.

Okay, onto the credit stuff.

If having a good credit rating wasn’t so important, I don’t think I would even have a credit card. But because I am a big fan of being prepared for things, I’m going to apply for a credit very shortly.

I got a “Congratulations, you lucky thing! You’ve been pre-approved for a credit card! You go on with your bad self!” letter yesterday. I’ve gotten a couple in the past but I’ve never opened any of them until yesterday. I’m guessing they have particular letters they send out to the younger set. My introductory letter mentions “the latest mp3 player”, which made me laugh. I love when tradition-ish businesses and companies and honestly out-of-touch people try to appear “hip” and in tune with the youngin’s.

I know the risks of getting a credit card, but others might not. The main risk is over-spending. I’m planning to get a credit card and use it for emergencies only. Because you just never know. Something I made sure of when I was considering this particular credit was whether or not they charge an annual fee. They do not. That’s good. I’m hoping I don’t have to use it at all and having to pay even a few bucks for something I don’t use seems like a shame. And the lower the interest rate, the better.

I found this helpful article at WikiHow: How To Choose Your First Credit Card.

I also found this article at Bankrate.com about why it’s helpful for students to have a credit card.

My “Garbage” Can: Done!

Listening To: Morrissey - Irish Blood, English Heart

Finished making what is, in my mind, the world’s most awesome waste basket. (Never thought a waste basket could be considered “awesome”? Think again!) I made it to match my chosen dorm colors for next year. I’m quite proud of it, now that it’s finished.

I’m going away for a few days but when I get back on Monday, I’ll be sure to write an article for those who want to make their own cool waste basket for their dorm room. I’ll include some photos of mine too.

Stay tuned!

The Baby With Two Faces

Listening To: Modest Mouse - The View

Interesting article on MSN.ca today: a baby was born with two faces recently in India and is now being worshiped as a goddess. That’s pretty damn cool, in my book. Read whole article here.

I wrote my first article for the myUsearch blog this morning. Not my best work, but I think it was okay. I’ll post the link on here when it’s published.

I’m off to work a shift at a local convenience store in about an hour. As pathetic as it is, I’ve never really had a real job before. I live in a very small community so opportunities for employment are not in abundance or anything.

So, this afternoon should be interesting.

Well, that sucks. Big-time.

Ixnay on the previous entry. Amanda just messaged me: she’s not going to College X with me. She’s going to the other place. It’s closer so she won’t have to live in a residence or get an apartment- she can just live at home. It offers the ambulance driving course that College X does not.

There are several not-very-nice words in my head that generally describe my feelings right now. She was just so excited about going to College X and being there with me. She was more excited when she got her acceptance letter to College X than I was about getting mine. One of the things that annoys me even more is, just, why act so frickin’ excited if you’re not even sure that that’s what you’re doing.

Can’t say I’m too pleased with her right now. On the other hand, I do understand where she’s coming from. But still. I just wish she hadn’t got me all excited for nothing.

Besides being angry, I’m just super disappointed. Moving away from home, away from my family and going to City X is going to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my entire life. Knowing Amanda would be there too made it easier and a lot less scary. Even enjoyable.

But now? Now it’s just back to being scary.