Hello, my lovely lady lumps.
I sit at my kitchen table. It is flippin' cold. Sure, it's no comparison to the icy Arctic, but this unexpected cold is really biting at this midnightly hour. Melbourne today was glorious. Not a cloud dans le sky, and it was warmer outside than in the house.
On the table are fresh flowers, and lots of wine. Kathleen celebrated her 21st on friday night which included many merry-making and fun times. It's nice meeting all of these people as most of them I have heard so much about (to their detriment, no doubt) yet have never seen. College gossip tends to hang around years after its creation.
Some of my Dong friends have been down for the past couple of nights which has been swell. It's very different playing host to more than one when I've not played host for quite some time. Back up at home was easy to play host, but here it is harder- mainly, there are not many people who I'm able to play host to.
I have started doing some volunteering at La Mama. I called up one day, hoping for the best but expecting the worst, and I got invited in the next day. I'm mainly doing ticketing, which is dandy, and is keeping me occupied. I have so much respect for the place and the people here and all of the writers/ directors/ actors/ sound technicians come into the office and be cool, and they just exude amazingness and history and importance. I'm trying to soak it up, but I still feel on the outside- the nice volunteer who brings in the coffee. Maybe with time it'll make sense who everyone is and I can find out more about them. All I know is that they are quite mystifying.
I also had an afternoon batch of employment today at the football. It was very nice. Easy work, happy clients, you know the dealio.
Tonight I've been looking at the documents I need to do in order to get me overseas. Visas, travel insurance, TESOL courses, more. It's all new to me so I guess I'll be learning pretty quick smart. I'm filling out a police check as we speak and it is very particular. Grug.
It's probably my bedtime now.
I endeavoured to play music and read my book tonight, except jobhunting took a good long time. Then researching my travels. And then lappy being demandingly slow. Meh, tomorrow.
I think I have saggy eyes now.
Bonne nuit.
xo thoia.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
argh
oh resume-handing-out-ering.
i went down lygon today, and in an italian restaurant the manager made the chef came out to check whether he liked the look of me.
terrible.
i went down lygon today, and in an italian restaurant the manager made the chef came out to check whether he liked the look of me.
terrible.
brick
Yo.
11am, tuesday morning. It's weird trying to settle back into this 'non holiday' life, where the kiddies are at school, and no one is around. This week is all about me finding a job- as though all the others weren't. But basically I have printed a helluva lot of rezyumes off, stapled a helluva lotta sheets of paper together, and I think I'm ready to hit the town.
I was doing so yesterday, and on my third dropoff, was asked then and there to do a trial. It went mmkay, just at a cafe. I'm going back there again today too. I'm not sure how often I'll be working here, but for the meantime it's enough for me (and evidently, Bobby McGhee).
I'm not sure what else I can say, at this point in time. I cleaned up my shed. I'm going hiking this weekend with some peeps from the country. This will be fun times.
Until then, aka now, I will hit up some mi goreng (we've been parted for far too long), take merida down park street, right onto nicholson, park her outside the Railway Hotel, and grin and bear washing dishes for the moment.
Hm.
G.
11am, tuesday morning. It's weird trying to settle back into this 'non holiday' life, where the kiddies are at school, and no one is around. This week is all about me finding a job- as though all the others weren't. But basically I have printed a helluva lot of rezyumes off, stapled a helluva lotta sheets of paper together, and I think I'm ready to hit the town.
I was doing so yesterday, and on my third dropoff, was asked then and there to do a trial. It went mmkay, just at a cafe. I'm going back there again today too. I'm not sure how often I'll be working here, but for the meantime it's enough for me (and evidently, Bobby McGhee).
I'm not sure what else I can say, at this point in time. I cleaned up my shed. I'm going hiking this weekend with some peeps from the country. This will be fun times.
Until then, aka now, I will hit up some mi goreng (we've been parted for far too long), take merida down park street, right onto nicholson, park her outside the Railway Hotel, and grin and bear washing dishes for the moment.
Hm.
G.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
welcome back.
Hi, youse.
I have just finished off the last of my persian fairy floss which mum purchased for a cracker of an easter. I left it in my shed, for a trusty 2 hours, and lo and behold, the ants attacked it. But I prevailed, due to my nifty tap-work, and now, the whole saga is but a distant memory. Mmm.
It's weird being back in Melbourne. Of course a part of me loves it, of course. The mightier part. But after being so comfortable and happy and slovenly for the past 4 days, it takes a higher operating pace to come back down and hack it. Probably the first poor thing that happened today was awaking with a megaly crook neck. I have a tight back but it has generally been under control/ not painful, but I woke up feeling like a muscle had snapped in half or something. I can't really turn to my right hand-side at all, it's a bit of a worry. Tomorrow I hope to hit up some shiatsu, see if that will relieve me. I feel old. I'm gonna plunge in the bath- always my favourite way to relax- after this email and finish off my book and try to soak away my worries.
Maybe another bad part of today is my book. It's not poorly written, but it's about a dude who returned from Vietnam and tried to cope with being 'home' whilst feeling in complete isolation. Well done, those men. It's an autobiography. He felt tired all of the time and just unable to face the world. Everything had changed- his relationships and how he dealt with those closest to him upon touching back down in Oz. In a weird way I feel empathetic towards what he went through. It feels a little bit similiar, but on a miniscule scale. Adjusting to something which is so familiar to you, but your position in it has shifted dramatically. Interesting.
Thirdly, there was a bogan woman on the tram accusing me of standing in the way with my wheelie bag whilst there were 'plenty a seats around'. No, everything was taken. I felt like taking a piece of her, but couldn't muster the strength. A man got off and I grumbled something to her and took up his position at the back of the tram.
And probably fourthly, I return home to a letter from Centrelink. I won't go into the details as they'll probably hunt me down and kick my arse but rest assured they make me feel pretty damned hopeless. So that was that.
I wanted to take the goddamn night off and mope and bathe and eat and sleep, but instead I attended an Amnesty meeting in Carlton, which was uber close. I was welcomed into a nice warm house, given tea and hummus and bread, Merida also got to come inside, cheeky. A group of us, maybe 15 or so, sat in a circle in a member- Barbara-'s home and discussed the agenda for Cartlon Amnesty's next few months.
Always, this higher purpose doo makes me feel a lot better about everything. Also, no doubt, the community of engaging people trying to help out people lesser off than them is also a reciprocally positive project. It felt good, and I, for 2 hours, forgot about my neck and the day.
Kathleen is home this week, whilst the two others are up at home. It looks to be a bit of a scattered week, though I don't really mind. It will be good being home again this weekend to do some more socialising.
I have an interview tomorrow. Fingers crossed, like last time.
Hasta luego.g.g.
I have just finished off the last of my persian fairy floss which mum purchased for a cracker of an easter. I left it in my shed, for a trusty 2 hours, and lo and behold, the ants attacked it. But I prevailed, due to my nifty tap-work, and now, the whole saga is but a distant memory. Mmm.
It's weird being back in Melbourne. Of course a part of me loves it, of course. The mightier part. But after being so comfortable and happy and slovenly for the past 4 days, it takes a higher operating pace to come back down and hack it. Probably the first poor thing that happened today was awaking with a megaly crook neck. I have a tight back but it has generally been under control/ not painful, but I woke up feeling like a muscle had snapped in half or something. I can't really turn to my right hand-side at all, it's a bit of a worry. Tomorrow I hope to hit up some shiatsu, see if that will relieve me. I feel old. I'm gonna plunge in the bath- always my favourite way to relax- after this email and finish off my book and try to soak away my worries.
Maybe another bad part of today is my book. It's not poorly written, but it's about a dude who returned from Vietnam and tried to cope with being 'home' whilst feeling in complete isolation. Well done, those men. It's an autobiography. He felt tired all of the time and just unable to face the world. Everything had changed- his relationships and how he dealt with those closest to him upon touching back down in Oz. In a weird way I feel empathetic towards what he went through. It feels a little bit similiar, but on a miniscule scale. Adjusting to something which is so familiar to you, but your position in it has shifted dramatically. Interesting.
Thirdly, there was a bogan woman on the tram accusing me of standing in the way with my wheelie bag whilst there were 'plenty a seats around'. No, everything was taken. I felt like taking a piece of her, but couldn't muster the strength. A man got off and I grumbled something to her and took up his position at the back of the tram.
And probably fourthly, I return home to a letter from Centrelink. I won't go into the details as they'll probably hunt me down and kick my arse but rest assured they make me feel pretty damned hopeless. So that was that.
I wanted to take the goddamn night off and mope and bathe and eat and sleep, but instead I attended an Amnesty meeting in Carlton, which was uber close. I was welcomed into a nice warm house, given tea and hummus and bread, Merida also got to come inside, cheeky. A group of us, maybe 15 or so, sat in a circle in a member- Barbara-'s home and discussed the agenda for Cartlon Amnesty's next few months.
Always, this higher purpose doo makes me feel a lot better about everything. Also, no doubt, the community of engaging people trying to help out people lesser off than them is also a reciprocally positive project. It felt good, and I, for 2 hours, forgot about my neck and the day.
Kathleen is home this week, whilst the two others are up at home. It looks to be a bit of a scattered week, though I don't really mind. It will be good being home again this weekend to do some more socialising.
I have an interview tomorrow. Fingers crossed, like last time.
Hasta luego.g.g.
Monday, March 30, 2009
on the couch.
Yes, well it certainly has been a while. Presently I sit on the couch in our luxurious living room. I have spanish learning paraphenalia surrounding me, as well as old newspapers, magazines and used coffee cups. The house is abuzz today- uni has been neglected by the housemates, instead undertaking last minute assignments. There is also excitement as there are two tradesmen on the roof of next door dismantling an old shed. I awoke to their hankering, and the three of us were contemplating whether we should go and sunbake in our bikinis in front of them, or offer 'light refreshments'. Bit of a laugh, really.
After working every day last week, I now currently find myself unemployed (again). I happily bade the most recent of workplaces adieu, we weren't too compatible. Yesterday I spent doing glorious things, which require time, and freedom. Parents have generously donated some fun times money, including getting a haircut and buying a 'trashy mag'. It also included getting Merida all fixed up, and I now feel safe going down hills, instead of feeling like riding a billycart.
Today is much the same- this whole week I have no plans, really, so I intend to get my life further back into order. Sort out centrelink, restock my fridge basket with goodies from the Queen Vic markets, catch up with some friends, buy some underwear, you know the deal. Yesterday I also vacuumed the shed which made it a helluva lot nicer, actually making me WANT to be there. Good times!
I may have landed a job doing business at the Birrarung Marr, except no plans have been arranged as of yet. That would be mad fun though. I'm also inquiring into volunteering with the Fitzroy Learning Network as a headstart to Argentina, and also checking out the local Amnesty group. I have way more energy for doing things like this when I'm not working 10-6.30. I also feel a lot more happier when the sun is shining. Funny, that.
At the end of all this, I know I am going overseas quite soon, to have fun times with fun people. Subsequently it is difficult to get too depressed about much. The only catch is the money. Huzzah!!! I'll devise a scheme....
Take care, babies.
xox g
After working every day last week, I now currently find myself unemployed (again). I happily bade the most recent of workplaces adieu, we weren't too compatible. Yesterday I spent doing glorious things, which require time, and freedom. Parents have generously donated some fun times money, including getting a haircut and buying a 'trashy mag'. It also included getting Merida all fixed up, and I now feel safe going down hills, instead of feeling like riding a billycart.
Today is much the same- this whole week I have no plans, really, so I intend to get my life further back into order. Sort out centrelink, restock my fridge basket with goodies from the Queen Vic markets, catch up with some friends, buy some underwear, you know the deal. Yesterday I also vacuumed the shed which made it a helluva lot nicer, actually making me WANT to be there. Good times!
I may have landed a job doing business at the Birrarung Marr, except no plans have been arranged as of yet. That would be mad fun though. I'm also inquiring into volunteering with the Fitzroy Learning Network as a headstart to Argentina, and also checking out the local Amnesty group. I have way more energy for doing things like this when I'm not working 10-6.30. I also feel a lot more happier when the sun is shining. Funny, that.
At the end of all this, I know I am going overseas quite soon, to have fun times with fun people. Subsequently it is difficult to get too depressed about much. The only catch is the money. Huzzah!!! I'll devise a scheme....
Take care, babies.
xox g
Connex fun
March 20
I'm currently feeling the full brunt of Connex’s shitness. IT has been a distant news item for me for quite sometime- meaningless headlines emanating from The Age. But now, at 8.37am, sitting on the bitchumen on Merri station, platform 1, it has now become a devastating reality. Rush hour, right. I have just missed two trains because they have been SO chockers full of poor souls. Hands and various body parts were smooshed against the windows, scared faces peering out. It reminded me a little bit of the Thai trains, which were always full of faces staring out at you.
It’s a beautiful morning, I’m heading home. The walk here was glorious and the sun is spreading its golden glory out yonder. But it has been tainted. The PA just announced that the next train was delayed, much to the audible dismay of the other platform go-ers.
I'm currently feeling the full brunt of Connex’s shitness. IT has been a distant news item for me for quite sometime- meaningless headlines emanating from The Age. But now, at 8.37am, sitting on the bitchumen on Merri station, platform 1, it has now become a devastating reality. Rush hour, right. I have just missed two trains because they have been SO chockers full of poor souls. Hands and various body parts were smooshed against the windows, scared faces peering out. It reminded me a little bit of the Thai trains, which were always full of faces staring out at you.
It’s a beautiful morning, I’m heading home. The walk here was glorious and the sun is spreading its golden glory out yonder. But it has been tainted. The PA just announced that the next train was delayed, much to the audible dismay of the other platform go-ers.
Monday, March 9, 2009
oranges in the sun
1/4 to 9pm and I'm just munging into the last of my pasta sauce, along with 79c spaghetti. My cheese, which has lasted me a good 3 weeks, has finally come to the end of its tether, its final hurrah being melted between the noo-noos and the saucy- waucy.
Luckily, I have just been home, and upon return to Melbourne, have been able to provide for my housemates. Going home- as for all four of us here, means a total cleanising of our digestive tracts. Home means long, big lunches, endless supplies to bake with, and friviolous guzzling, regardless of prices. It's quite the privilage. I have bought home a plastic bag full of freshly plucked corn heads, some nashi apples from Shakira's nashi tree, and the remaining half of a carrot cake I created at home on Saturday afternoon. I left four oranges on our back decking over the weekend. They were slightly green. The Californian ones were bright, beautifully orange, whilst the Australian ones were not as ripe. None the less, they are Aussies, and have feelings too. They are better- both environmentally and economically- for me.
It's 1/4 to 9pm and I'm still decked out in my waitressing blacks. Although I got home two hours ago, I have not gotten changed. These clothes - to quote Eliza, my 'uniform' -become indeed 'my second skin'. I don't mind, as it too means money. Oh, shall I say 'I'm only doing it for the money' (Thanks for plotting this one out first for me Pies). It's not certain for how many weeks/ months I'll be wearing me blacks but rest assured I appreciate spending time with them now.
So things have improved since my last post, yes indeed. Though it did feel strange leaving my Indigo Valley home for my Fitzroy North home so soon, once back here, it feels the same again. My shed, with its same endearing, musty smell, some unwashed clothes on the floor, and the oranges I left out, which are now wholesomely their colour. It's not so foreign anymore. Although it is still a challenge. Everyday something new, a new responsibility or phonecall, or meeting, pops up, but it falls well within my ability to deal with it.
All is good, methinks.
Until next time.
G
Luckily, I have just been home, and upon return to Melbourne, have been able to provide for my housemates. Going home- as for all four of us here, means a total cleanising of our digestive tracts. Home means long, big lunches, endless supplies to bake with, and friviolous guzzling, regardless of prices. It's quite the privilage. I have bought home a plastic bag full of freshly plucked corn heads, some nashi apples from Shakira's nashi tree, and the remaining half of a carrot cake I created at home on Saturday afternoon. I left four oranges on our back decking over the weekend. They were slightly green. The Californian ones were bright, beautifully orange, whilst the Australian ones were not as ripe. None the less, they are Aussies, and have feelings too. They are better- both environmentally and economically- for me.
It's 1/4 to 9pm and I'm still decked out in my waitressing blacks. Although I got home two hours ago, I have not gotten changed. These clothes - to quote Eliza, my 'uniform' -become indeed 'my second skin'. I don't mind, as it too means money. Oh, shall I say 'I'm only doing it for the money' (Thanks for plotting this one out first for me Pies). It's not certain for how many weeks/ months I'll be wearing me blacks but rest assured I appreciate spending time with them now.
So things have improved since my last post, yes indeed. Though it did feel strange leaving my Indigo Valley home for my Fitzroy North home so soon, once back here, it feels the same again. My shed, with its same endearing, musty smell, some unwashed clothes on the floor, and the oranges I left out, which are now wholesomely their colour. It's not so foreign anymore. Although it is still a challenge. Everyday something new, a new responsibility or phonecall, or meeting, pops up, but it falls well within my ability to deal with it.
All is good, methinks.
Until next time.
G
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