Hey All!
Well it is December 30th at 11pm, the last time I will go to bed in 2008. Tomorrow is the last day of the year so I am trying to think of a New Years resolution. So far I haven't come up with one. I think I would like to be healthier in 2009, but those resolutions don't seem to stick too long. In 2007 I gave up soft drinks and since I have been in Australia that has sorta "died in the ass" meaning I haven't done so well with that since I got here. I think I will try and give that up again. And since I got so much chocolate for Christmas I will NOT be giving that up. But I would like to eat more fruit and veggies and less sour cream and mayonnaise. I would like to do more yoga and not be scared to take tours with hiking for fear I will be out of breath and embarrassed. Losing weight is one thing, but being healthy is something totally different. I guess I just don't want to be lazy and eat crap foods. I have also thought that "letting go" of all my ridiculous fears would be another great resolution but I worry that it is just too big to take on at this time. If you can believe it I'm already worried about what I will do when I get home. I am sure this need to worry is just something I have in me that I will never get rid of. I also don't want to be jealous or envy people. I want to be fortunate with what I have and who I am. This is one of those things I reckon (he he) people forget daily. I am constantly jealous and envious of people and things around me. I forget that I am perfect where I am and who I am. There is no one in this world exactly like me so I don't need to change one bit. Yet that sort of contradicts the whole resolution thing. But really I don't want to change, I just want to enhance my goodness and decrease the complaining, soft drinks, and jealousy. So tomorrow is my last day in 2008, and I plan to go out with a bang! I sure do hope 2009 starts with a warm sunny day so I can forget about how my head hurts from my 2008 exit.
Happy New Years all, and make sure you read my next post to see exactly how I spent my new years.
p.s. I'll let you know what 2009 is like since I will experience it first.
Until next time in 2009,
Cindy
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
For some reason...
For some reason the date is wrong on here. I wrote that last post on December 27th. Sorry if this confuses anyone.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas in Australia
Merry Christmas Everyone!
I was awake early this morning. Unfortunately it wasn't in hopes I would catch Santa in the act. I must have been really tired since I didn't move all night. I ended up awake at 5am with a stiff neck. Nothing seems to be going my way this Christmas. I had a fight with the potato peeler yesterday. I was making a potato salad to take with us on boxing day and I slipped and cut my pinkie real well. I was panicking because it hurt so much and wouldn't stop bleeding. I knew it wasn't big enough for a stitch but it is very deep. I called Monique to help me, since I wasn't sure how to get it to stop bleeding and wanted to know how I should wrap it up. I am also missing my family so I had a little tear with Monique about missing Hailey and London and everyone else. She made me feel much better, thanks Monique! I called Helen to see if she had any peroxide and they didn't, so I had to go to the pharmacy and grab that and a few other things to bandage it up. The rest of Christmas eve wasn't so bad, but definitely not one of my best ever. We BBQ'd steak, potato's and veggies. It was just like summer at home. Then we just sat around and chit chatted all night. In the morning I decided to get up because I heard Helen get up. It is not normal for her to get up early or even first. Apparently all three of us were having trouble sleeping. We each grabbed some coffee or tea and opened our Santa sacks aka stockings. I have enough chocolate now to last me the rest of my trip. We then got showered and ready for the girls mom and partner to arrive. Once the introductions were finished we started opening presents. I was very glad that the girls enjoyed the presents I gave them and I loved what they gave me. I got a Lulu Lemon gift certificate. I guess all the talk about the clothing paid off. Once we finished with the gifts we started on Lunch. Diana and her mom did most of the cooking. I made the veggies on the BBQ. We had roast lamb, roast potato's, pumpkin and sweet potato, as well as the veggies I BBQ'd. It was not a traditional meal for me but it was yummy. After we got the dishes cleaned up we decided to go to the beach for a little bit. It was a gorgeous day outside. Not too hot not too cold, water was a little cold to go swim in. I have some great pictures of the beautiful color of the water. It seems to change every time I am there. Diana and I went into the water just past our knees. It was so cool to think it is Christmas day and I am on the beach. Once we got home from the beach Diana made the desert. We had Pavlova, which is an Australian dessert named after a Russian ballerina. It is a meringue base with whipped cream (no sugar added) and fruit on top. It was interesting but it sure doesn't beat mom's mocha mud pie, or her drumstick dessert. After dessert we played a game of "Smart Ass" Helen got it for Christmas from Diana. It was a real fun game. At 7:30pm Christmas Vacation was on TV so we watched that. I stayed up and watched another movie and then went to bed.
We had to be up early on Boxing day because we were going for breakfast at a cousins house. We arrived at Maria and Gerry's house just after 9am. They had a beautiful place. They have horses and chickens and three dogs. The smell of horses reminded me of home. We had bacon and eggs for breakfast and then us three girls went for a swim in the pool. I was telling Maria and Gerry about wanting to go to Perth and they were showing me some pictures of places I needed to go see. They were so nice and hospitable. After breakfast we drove to their other cousin Elissia's house. She is Maria's sister. Once we were there I met Elissia, and her parents Carmell, and Jack. Jack was so delightful! He was anxious to talk with me. He must have noticed the wheat tattoo on my foot because he wanted to talk farming. I felt bad since I am not the best person to chat with about farming. He was a dairy farmer for 35 years. He moved to Australia when he was 18 from Holland. I just kept thinking dad would have had a blast talking with him. I also met their uncle Jim and aunt Kerry. For lunch we had the potato salad I made, it was actually very tasty. In the afternoon we decided to go with Elissia to feed her horse. So Helen, Diana and I jumped in the car with her to go down the road. The girls loved the horses, I did as well but I didn't get as excited since I have seen a horse or two in my day. The owner of the stables came out and invited us in for coffee and tea. His name was Ray and he was so friendly and entertaining. Inside he told us how he loved to shop and asked if he wanted anything to eat. We all said no thank you but still he brought out food. First it was a tin of Kit Kat bars, then a few different types of cookies. Then he walks out with a whole tray of chocolate bars. I almost died! His wife was then telling us about all the many things he got her for Christmas. It was shocking, and very obvious he wasn't lieing about loving to shop. We ended up there for about and hour, being thoroughly entertained by Ray. We headed back to Elissia's house and then snacked on a few more things. We then said our goodbyes and headed home. On the way home we played the game "When I go to grandma's house..." My siblings know all about this. All five us enjoyed it. Once we arrived home we played another few games of smart ass. I was exhausted after that and went to bed. I had a good sleep in too. Today Helen, Diana and I are going to the beach. Ann, their mom, and Jim, her partner, are going to the old Melbourne Goal.
I hope everyone else had a fantastic Christmas as well. I look forward to the next Christmas with snow.
Until next time,
Cindy
I was awake early this morning. Unfortunately it wasn't in hopes I would catch Santa in the act. I must have been really tired since I didn't move all night. I ended up awake at 5am with a stiff neck. Nothing seems to be going my way this Christmas. I had a fight with the potato peeler yesterday. I was making a potato salad to take with us on boxing day and I slipped and cut my pinkie real well. I was panicking because it hurt so much and wouldn't stop bleeding. I knew it wasn't big enough for a stitch but it is very deep. I called Monique to help me, since I wasn't sure how to get it to stop bleeding and wanted to know how I should wrap it up. I am also missing my family so I had a little tear with Monique about missing Hailey and London and everyone else. She made me feel much better, thanks Monique! I called Helen to see if she had any peroxide and they didn't, so I had to go to the pharmacy and grab that and a few other things to bandage it up. The rest of Christmas eve wasn't so bad, but definitely not one of my best ever. We BBQ'd steak, potato's and veggies. It was just like summer at home. Then we just sat around and chit chatted all night. In the morning I decided to get up because I heard Helen get up. It is not normal for her to get up early or even first. Apparently all three of us were having trouble sleeping. We each grabbed some coffee or tea and opened our Santa sacks aka stockings. I have enough chocolate now to last me the rest of my trip. We then got showered and ready for the girls mom and partner to arrive. Once the introductions were finished we started opening presents. I was very glad that the girls enjoyed the presents I gave them and I loved what they gave me. I got a Lulu Lemon gift certificate. I guess all the talk about the clothing paid off. Once we finished with the gifts we started on Lunch. Diana and her mom did most of the cooking. I made the veggies on the BBQ. We had roast lamb, roast potato's, pumpkin and sweet potato, as well as the veggies I BBQ'd. It was not a traditional meal for me but it was yummy. After we got the dishes cleaned up we decided to go to the beach for a little bit. It was a gorgeous day outside. Not too hot not too cold, water was a little cold to go swim in. I have some great pictures of the beautiful color of the water. It seems to change every time I am there. Diana and I went into the water just past our knees. It was so cool to think it is Christmas day and I am on the beach. Once we got home from the beach Diana made the desert. We had Pavlova, which is an Australian dessert named after a Russian ballerina. It is a meringue base with whipped cream (no sugar added) and fruit on top. It was interesting but it sure doesn't beat mom's mocha mud pie, or her drumstick dessert. After dessert we played a game of "Smart Ass" Helen got it for Christmas from Diana. It was a real fun game. At 7:30pm Christmas Vacation was on TV so we watched that. I stayed up and watched another movie and then went to bed.
We had to be up early on Boxing day because we were going for breakfast at a cousins house. We arrived at Maria and Gerry's house just after 9am. They had a beautiful place. They have horses and chickens and three dogs. The smell of horses reminded me of home. We had bacon and eggs for breakfast and then us three girls went for a swim in the pool. I was telling Maria and Gerry about wanting to go to Perth and they were showing me some pictures of places I needed to go see. They were so nice and hospitable. After breakfast we drove to their other cousin Elissia's house. She is Maria's sister. Once we were there I met Elissia, and her parents Carmell, and Jack. Jack was so delightful! He was anxious to talk with me. He must have noticed the wheat tattoo on my foot because he wanted to talk farming. I felt bad since I am not the best person to chat with about farming. He was a dairy farmer for 35 years. He moved to Australia when he was 18 from Holland. I just kept thinking dad would have had a blast talking with him. I also met their uncle Jim and aunt Kerry. For lunch we had the potato salad I made, it was actually very tasty. In the afternoon we decided to go with Elissia to feed her horse. So Helen, Diana and I jumped in the car with her to go down the road. The girls loved the horses, I did as well but I didn't get as excited since I have seen a horse or two in my day. The owner of the stables came out and invited us in for coffee and tea. His name was Ray and he was so friendly and entertaining. Inside he told us how he loved to shop and asked if he wanted anything to eat. We all said no thank you but still he brought out food. First it was a tin of Kit Kat bars, then a few different types of cookies. Then he walks out with a whole tray of chocolate bars. I almost died! His wife was then telling us about all the many things he got her for Christmas. It was shocking, and very obvious he wasn't lieing about loving to shop. We ended up there for about and hour, being thoroughly entertained by Ray. We headed back to Elissia's house and then snacked on a few more things. We then said our goodbyes and headed home. On the way home we played the game "When I go to grandma's house..." My siblings know all about this. All five us enjoyed it. Once we arrived home we played another few games of smart ass. I was exhausted after that and went to bed. I had a good sleep in too. Today Helen, Diana and I are going to the beach. Ann, their mom, and Jim, her partner, are going to the old Melbourne Goal.
I hope everyone else had a fantastic Christmas as well. I look forward to the next Christmas with snow.
Until next time,
Cindy
Saturday, December 20, 2008
On the 9th day of Christmas...
Hey Everybody,
Last week I ended up working the whole week answering the phones for the company Helen works for. Thursday and Friday weren't very busy and we ended up going home early on Friday. Before I left they asked if I would still be around on the week of January 5th. They said if I am to let them know so I could come back in to work if I want. I haven't decided yet, and have not booked anything to go see the great ocean road yet. So I guess we will just see how things go. Helen was very excited to leave early on Friday since they were having their Christmas party that night. We got home and Helen and I gave the house a little tidy since the girls dad and fiancee came for the weekend. Also one of Helen's co-workers came over to get ready with Helen. After cleaning the house a bit I helped the girls. Their dad, Micheal, and his fiancee Robin arrived shortly after 6pm. Diana drove Helen and Chrissie and another co-worker John to their party. I stayed home and visited with Michael, and Robin. Once Diana got home the three of us went for a birthday supper for Diana. We went to a nice little Italian restaurant. The food was great and the servings were huge. We then came home and Micheal had a gift for each of the girls but wanted them to open them separately. So Diana opened hers that night. It was clearly a DVD from the shape of the gift, and Robin had mentioned the movie "the Grinch" several times throughout the evening. Diana laughed because she figured that was what it was. The look of surprise on her face was priceless. Michael had old film clips of the girls when they were babies up until they were two put onto DVDs for them. It was the kind of gift you only think people in the movies do. The four of us had a great time watching it and laughing. It was a great evening.
Saturday, since Helen didn't get home till late Diana and I decided we should take her dad and Robin to the shopping mall so as to not wake up Helen and have her grouchy with us. We caught the bus so that we wouldn't have to worry about a parking spot. We all went for brunch at the pancake parlour. It was delicious. Diana even said it smelt like America, I just laughed at that comment. After that we wondered around the mall and eventually came home about 2pm. Helen was awake and thanked us for leaving so she could sleep well. We then watched Helen open her gift and also watched it with her. I wasn't feeling very well at this point ( I had a sinus headache and getting a sore throat), so I went to lie down. The rest of them looked at old pictures and worked on supper. We had BBQ, of course. I had a nice nap and felt a bit better after it. Supper was delicious. After supper they exchanged their Christmas gifts. The girls also gave me a gift since they wanted me to open something too. I got a Hamish and Andy CD. They are some Aussie comedians who are so so funny. Check them out on youtube if you want a good laugh. We then decided to play a game of chocolate trivial pursuit that Diana had. Basically if you answered three questions correctly that were written on the chocolate you got to eat it. We didn't do so well and ended up playing for like 2 hours. We had a bit of a chocolate high once we were done. We didn't even eat all the chocolate. After that we decided to watch a movie and then we went to bed.
This morning was looking good since it is a beautiful day outside. We decided to go down to the beach and check things out. Once we got there we got some fish and chips from one of the shops and ate on the grass. It was really nice. We then walked around checking out the pier and beach. It was such a perfect day to be out there. There were kids playing in the water and teenagers jumping off the docks. I enjoyed myself. On the way home we stopped for ice cream. This made me miss DQ since it was just a crappy ice cream bar from the store. Oh well, I don't need DQ anyway. Now here I am updating my blog after my ice cream. I was hoping to have a nice tan after spending the afternoon in the sun but doesn't look like it. I am feeling a bit tired since I still am having some sinus issues and haven't been sleeping well at nights. Since I don't have to work at all this week I can sleep in a bit everyday. I am planning on making some perogies for Christmas and also a potato salad for Boxing day. I will also spend the week keeping the house tidy since the girls mom and partner are coming for Christmas day. I also want to do some research and book my great ocean road trip and a place to stay in Adelaide.
I hope everyone is having a great Christmas season and will be blessed with a happy new year.
Until next time,
Cindy
Last week I ended up working the whole week answering the phones for the company Helen works for. Thursday and Friday weren't very busy and we ended up going home early on Friday. Before I left they asked if I would still be around on the week of January 5th. They said if I am to let them know so I could come back in to work if I want. I haven't decided yet, and have not booked anything to go see the great ocean road yet. So I guess we will just see how things go. Helen was very excited to leave early on Friday since they were having their Christmas party that night. We got home and Helen and I gave the house a little tidy since the girls dad and fiancee came for the weekend. Also one of Helen's co-workers came over to get ready with Helen. After cleaning the house a bit I helped the girls. Their dad, Micheal, and his fiancee Robin arrived shortly after 6pm. Diana drove Helen and Chrissie and another co-worker John to their party. I stayed home and visited with Michael, and Robin. Once Diana got home the three of us went for a birthday supper for Diana. We went to a nice little Italian restaurant. The food was great and the servings were huge. We then came home and Micheal had a gift for each of the girls but wanted them to open them separately. So Diana opened hers that night. It was clearly a DVD from the shape of the gift, and Robin had mentioned the movie "the Grinch" several times throughout the evening. Diana laughed because she figured that was what it was. The look of surprise on her face was priceless. Michael had old film clips of the girls when they were babies up until they were two put onto DVDs for them. It was the kind of gift you only think people in the movies do. The four of us had a great time watching it and laughing. It was a great evening.
Saturday, since Helen didn't get home till late Diana and I decided we should take her dad and Robin to the shopping mall so as to not wake up Helen and have her grouchy with us. We caught the bus so that we wouldn't have to worry about a parking spot. We all went for brunch at the pancake parlour. It was delicious. Diana even said it smelt like America, I just laughed at that comment. After that we wondered around the mall and eventually came home about 2pm. Helen was awake and thanked us for leaving so she could sleep well. We then watched Helen open her gift and also watched it with her. I wasn't feeling very well at this point ( I had a sinus headache and getting a sore throat), so I went to lie down. The rest of them looked at old pictures and worked on supper. We had BBQ, of course. I had a nice nap and felt a bit better after it. Supper was delicious. After supper they exchanged their Christmas gifts. The girls also gave me a gift since they wanted me to open something too. I got a Hamish and Andy CD. They are some Aussie comedians who are so so funny. Check them out on youtube if you want a good laugh. We then decided to play a game of chocolate trivial pursuit that Diana had. Basically if you answered three questions correctly that were written on the chocolate you got to eat it. We didn't do so well and ended up playing for like 2 hours. We had a bit of a chocolate high once we were done. We didn't even eat all the chocolate. After that we decided to watch a movie and then we went to bed.
This morning was looking good since it is a beautiful day outside. We decided to go down to the beach and check things out. Once we got there we got some fish and chips from one of the shops and ate on the grass. It was really nice. We then walked around checking out the pier and beach. It was such a perfect day to be out there. There were kids playing in the water and teenagers jumping off the docks. I enjoyed myself. On the way home we stopped for ice cream. This made me miss DQ since it was just a crappy ice cream bar from the store. Oh well, I don't need DQ anyway. Now here I am updating my blog after my ice cream. I was hoping to have a nice tan after spending the afternoon in the sun but doesn't look like it. I am feeling a bit tired since I still am having some sinus issues and haven't been sleeping well at nights. Since I don't have to work at all this week I can sleep in a bit everyday. I am planning on making some perogies for Christmas and also a potato salad for Boxing day. I will also spend the week keeping the house tidy since the girls mom and partner are coming for Christmas day. I also want to do some research and book my great ocean road trip and a place to stay in Adelaide.
I hope everyone is having a great Christmas season and will be blessed with a happy new year.
Until next time,
Cindy
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Jobs
I have been doing some temp work at the company Helen works for. I was there last week for three days and am working this whole week as well. I do not know if they will need me for the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday of next week. I get paid really well to answer the phone and transfer calls. I occasionally get funny or angry and even dirty callers. It all makes me laugh. I even had one lady ask if I could transfer her to Australia. She assumed I was in North America and was just a telemarketer working for this company. I just laughed and transferred her to someone else, I guess she was struggling to understand my accent. I was supposed to be working at a kids store in a nearby mall. I got a phone call from them last week saying that my first shift is on December 23rd from 9pm till midnight. What kind of Christmas casual starts 2 days before Christmas? I have decided they can kiss it. I feel like I've jumped threw hoops and waiting for nothing. I was so ticked off that I went online and searched for a job. I ended up applying for a salon job. I told them I would only be here until January then I was moving on. They asked me to come in on Saturday for an interview and I ended up working the whole day. I was exhausted when I got home. It is a really busy salon. I also felt very frustrated. Things are just a bit different in the salon compared to home, so I am unsure of myself. I spent most of Sunday fretting about it. On Monday I went into work with Helen and expressed my concerns about the salon. First off they blow dry every client using a round brush which hurts my wrists terribly, and secondly, the salon was so big and open I struggled to hear. I have known I have trouble hearing but this really put it into perspective. I mean I can hear but I really struggle when there is back ground noise and when I am in an echoing environment. I have realized I read lips and have a hard time doing that with the different accents here. I always knew my hearing was bad but anytime I asked doctors about my ears they have said nothing is wrong, although I have never had a hearing test. So when I was working on Saturday I felt really stressed about the whole thing. It has made me realize, I don't want to do hair, at least not anymore on this trip. That was one of the reasons I came to Australia. So Helen and I decided I should just see what happens and go from there. Well today the place I am temping for asked me to work the whole week. I will not know about next week until Friday but either way I will be busy since if I am at home I can get the house looking nice and clean for Christmas. The girls mother and partner are coming for Christmas. So I called the salon right after work and told them I would not be taking the job. What a relief! I feel confident working at there and it is easy and I get paid well. Although, I don't' get paid until January it will be more than I would make at the salon, and yay! no stress! (just laughs from the dirty callers lol). I have decided I will move on right after Christmas. I plan to go take a tour to see the great ocean road and stay in Adelaide for a few days then go to Perth. It will be a ridiculously long (like 40 hour) train ride, but it will be cool to see some country after being in a city so long. I have already started scoping out jobs online. For Christmas we are hopefully going to go to the beach for a picnic since it is something I can't do in Canada. On boxing day we are going to their cousins house for breakfast. The girls have made me feel very welcome. I have gotten them each a gift and some stocking stuffers (they call it a Santa sack). I think they are worried since I told them I would get them things that I normally get in my stocking and bought everything at a grocery store. They are getting oven mitts, since they don't have any, and socks, and a can of smoked oysters and a few other nicknack's. I was unable to find them a Christmas orange but will keep looking. I also want to pick them up a lottery ticket each. I hope they enjoy it. I am also excited to see what they give me.
Today is Diana's birthday. It is easy to remember since it is the same day as my moms. So Happy Birthday mom! We sang happy birthday to her over the phone this morning since she was already gone by the time we both got up. For supper Helen made her mustard chicken, her favorite meal. I didn't like it since I hate mustard but I didn't complain. Diana received 2 bouquets of flowers and a BBQ as well as a few small things. I gave her a BBQ tool set. She is putting the BBQ together right now. Helen is making her a desert that she loves, some kind of dumplings. So tomorrow and the rest of the week will be filled with working. I will probably go to the mall after work tomorrow since I need to get some more credit for my phone. I will also look for some oranges and lotto tickets.
So things have worked out the way God intended them to. I figure the lesson here was that I need to do what I want and not what is expected of me. Also I need to not be so nervous about confronting people for fear I will disappoint them.
Merry Christmas everyone and hope your enjoying nuts and bolts since I am missing them. Actually I miss all the goodies people brought to the salon over Christmas. Oh and I miss the people too lol.
Until Next time,
Cindy
Today is Diana's birthday. It is easy to remember since it is the same day as my moms. So Happy Birthday mom! We sang happy birthday to her over the phone this morning since she was already gone by the time we both got up. For supper Helen made her mustard chicken, her favorite meal. I didn't like it since I hate mustard but I didn't complain. Diana received 2 bouquets of flowers and a BBQ as well as a few small things. I gave her a BBQ tool set. She is putting the BBQ together right now. Helen is making her a desert that she loves, some kind of dumplings. So tomorrow and the rest of the week will be filled with working. I will probably go to the mall after work tomorrow since I need to get some more credit for my phone. I will also look for some oranges and lotto tickets.
So things have worked out the way God intended them to. I figure the lesson here was that I need to do what I want and not what is expected of me. Also I need to not be so nervous about confronting people for fear I will disappoint them.
Merry Christmas everyone and hope your enjoying nuts and bolts since I am missing them. Actually I miss all the goodies people brought to the salon over Christmas. Oh and I miss the people too lol.
Until Next time,
Cindy
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Figure it out!?
Life has been full of ups and downs this week. Monday I had a normal day. Just went to the store to get a few things. It was basically just some exercises. Tuesday Helen came home from work with news that the company she works for needed someone for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. She had volunteered my name and said she would bring me into work with her. I was excited to have some work since it seems to be taking forever for the kids store to get back to me. Also, on Tuesday I went to a movie in the afternoon. I was really wanting to see the movie "Australia", so I went. It was fantastic, I would recommend it to anyone. I will always remember that I saw it while in Australia. On Wednesday Helen didn't go to work since she has a bad cold and was loosing her voice. She dropped me off anyway and told me where to go. I went in and met her co-worker who explained what I would be doing. I get to sit at a desk and answer the phone. Once I have asked the client a few questions I then transfer them to someone else to help them. Sometimes this is hard because people jump right into their questions and I have no answers at all! Normally when someone calls this company they are greeted by a recording and have to push buttons to get to the consultant. They decided to do this experiment because they seem to be loosing people along the way. They didn't know if it was wrong numbers or just no patients on the customers behave. Once I transfer the client I then have to mark down where I transferred them to. It is really a simple job, but since there are two of us doing it, it doesn't seem like there is enough for both of us to do. Most of the days I am just sitting watching the happenings around the office. Today I asked if there was anything else I could do. I was lucky enough to be assigned another job. I got to fold some letters and stuff envelopes. It only took me about 30 minutes before I was outta work again. I am hoping tomorrow they have some more odd jobs for me to do while I wait for phone calls. Yesterday I called into the kids store on my lunch break. At the training we were told to call or stop by the store between the 5th and the 10th of December. I went into the store and was told she would call me because she didn't have the schedule yet. I was so worried that I would not know when my first shift was so I called the store again on my lunch break. The manager is a young girl who just sounded annoyed with me calling. I explained that we were instructed to call in and that I was worried I would miss my first shift. She then said she would call me later that day to let me know when it was. She did call last night to tell me that my first shift would be on December 23rd at 9pm until midnight. I was so pissed off!! I have been waiting in Melbourne for this job and feel like it was a complete waste of time. Since I was too excited for this job, too enthusiastic to work, I have been punished with one shift. I am supposed to be on a three week contract with this store. A Christmas casual as they call it. Well what kind of Christmas casual starts two days before Christmas? I was so frustrated and angry about it I cried most of the night. I feel stupid for waiting for this job. I got mad and went online to check out some job search website. I took down some numbers and also applied for one job at a salon near by explaining I would be leaving at the beginning of January and just wanted to help out over Christmas. I went to bed feeling defeated. I felt like such a failure because I have never had this much trouble getting a job or even finding a path in my life. I never realized how much I depended on having a schedule. My body is rebelling against me because it doesn't know what is happening. I am not used to doing whatever I want. To not having a schedule or appointments. To not knowing what is ahead. This must be the lesson I am to learn on this trip. Let go! I will be fine not knowing. I am okay without a purpose. I am right where I am supposed to be, because things happen for a reason. This morning I awoke with swollen eyes and a sad feeling. I slept well because I hadn't the last few nights before. Helen dropped me off at work and I told myself to smile because people even on the phone can hear if your smiling. About 10:30am I realized I had a message on my phone. I took a bathroom break and listened to it. If you can believe it was a call from the salon I applied at last night. I called them back on my lunch break. I have an interview on Saturday. I explained that I would only be available until January. He said he understood and asked a few questions. It felt really honest and really good. I have a real good feeling about it. Helen and I drove by the salon on the way home from work. It is not far from where I am living. I google mapped it out and know I could walk there. I also checked out the bus route and I would have to take a bus then train then bus to get there. It would take over an hour. It should take me no more than thirty minutes to walk. Diana has offered to take me on Saturday, since we have a few other things we want to do afterwards. I am very grateful that she is so willing to help me out. I am in such a better mood tonight. I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Even if I don't get this job I will be fine. I am fine just doing whatever happens. I just need to remember the sun is shining (most days) and I am trying to have the experience of a life time, even if most days it doesn't feel like it. Everyday I miss home and family and friends, but then remember that there are so many people that have never left North America, or Canada, or Manitoba, or their own city or town. I am grateful but know I worked very hard to be here.
Until next time,
Cindy
Until next time,
Cindy
Sunday, December 7, 2008
My Weekend.
Friday was a rough day for me. I went to the Chadstone shopping centre to talk to the manager of the store I will be working at. At the training they told us we could go into the stores and meet them or just call in for our schedule. So I decided to go in a let them know I was willing to start early if they needed me. The manager told me that she would call me and that she wouldn't need me before the 18th. She said they hired 35 people for that store alone. The contract is only a 3 week contract so now I'm worried. Am I only gonna get like five shifts? I am now wishing I hadn't even taken the job. I should have just moved on. I have been waiting around here for this job thinking I would be working everyday and starting earlier than that. I have also committed that I would be here over Christmas with my roommates. I even bought a ticket for a New Years party, so I can't just up and leave. Once my roommates got home from work I expressed my concern with them. They felt bad but didn't know what I should do either. I know I should just stick it out and it will get better. So what if it isn't worth it, I have lots of time. Earlier in the week we decided we would go out on Friday night. All of us felt pretty tired, but still wanted to go. So we went to this little club that they had been before. It was such a strange mix of people. I saw some of the cutest outfits and some that should never be worn in public. The music was very loud and the band was interesting. They looked like a punk band, yet they would play stuff like Miley Cyrus. All in all it was an interesting night.
On Saturday Diana decorated the Christmas tree. It is very pretty but much different than a nice big real one. Plus it was like 26 on Saturday so that is weird. In the afternoon, Lynne called me. She is the girl from Winnipeg that I met in Tasmania. She wanted to know if I wanted to get together that night. So we decided to meet at Federation Square at 6:30. Diana drove me to the train and I went into the city. We then decided to catch a tram to Lygon street. Lygon street is a famous street in Melbourne for having great Italian restaurants. We found one we liked and had some great pasta. It was better than the last time I ate on Lygon street. The last time I went with Diana and her coworker and I felt jipped. They all got a big meal and mine was tiny. I was still hungry when I left. Well not this time, it was awesome! I had a fettuccine alfredo with mushrooms and shrimp and garlic bread. Yum! Once we stuffed ourselves we headed back towards Federation Square. We then walked across the Yarra river bridge and walked along the river. We wanted to go check out the casino. Lynne heard there was a Christmas display that went off every 30 minutes. But first we went into the casino and tried our luck at the slots. Lynne didn't bring her passport and so she was having trouble getting in. The man didn't see the hologram on her drivers licence so he thought it was fake. I brought my passport as I always do. Once that was cleared up and we were in we were amazed to see how big and beautiful the casino was. I have only been to two casinos in my life. The bear claw casino in Carlyle and Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax. This one was much nicer and busier than both of those. I spent a whole $5 on $0.02 slots. I didn't win a thing. I was willing to try some roulette but Lynne wasn't brave. I didn't bother since I didn't have a lot of money to spend anyway. We spent about an hour wondering around in there. We then went to watch the Christmas display. It was very beautiful and kinda cool. After that we walked back along the river and listened to some cool music people were playing along the way. There is some amazing talent sitting on park benches collecting money. We then went across the bridge to watch this tower. It sort of does a light show. It was only 10pm so we decided to go for a Starbucks. I wasn't worried about time since the last train was at midnight. Coffee ended up taking longer than I thought and I was feeling bad by the time I got on the 11pm train. It takes about 20 minutes to get back to Carnegie from Flinders station. Diana told me to call for a ride because she didn't want me walking by myself that late at night. I felt bad because she had just started to worry about me when I called. Thank goodness she wasn't waiting up, they had just started a movie.
Yesterday, Diana and I went to Chadstone and did a bit of Christmas shopping. I just have to get a few things for the girls stockings and I'm done. Oh and I have to get a stocking for myself. I am leaning towards a ninja turtle one I saw in Toys R US. So the weekend was sort of eventful. I was glad to see Lynne again. I don't know when I will see her again since she is going on a kontiki tour in a week and a half. She won't be back in Melbourne until after the new year so I might be gone when she gets back. She invited me to go to the musical "Wicked" with her and Ariel, but tickets are more than I want to spend. If it was something I really wanted to see I would defiantly go. I'll think about it yet.
Until next time,
Cindy
On Saturday Diana decorated the Christmas tree. It is very pretty but much different than a nice big real one. Plus it was like 26 on Saturday so that is weird. In the afternoon, Lynne called me. She is the girl from Winnipeg that I met in Tasmania. She wanted to know if I wanted to get together that night. So we decided to meet at Federation Square at 6:30. Diana drove me to the train and I went into the city. We then decided to catch a tram to Lygon street. Lygon street is a famous street in Melbourne for having great Italian restaurants. We found one we liked and had some great pasta. It was better than the last time I ate on Lygon street. The last time I went with Diana and her coworker and I felt jipped. They all got a big meal and mine was tiny. I was still hungry when I left. Well not this time, it was awesome! I had a fettuccine alfredo with mushrooms and shrimp and garlic bread. Yum! Once we stuffed ourselves we headed back towards Federation Square. We then walked across the Yarra river bridge and walked along the river. We wanted to go check out the casino. Lynne heard there was a Christmas display that went off every 30 minutes. But first we went into the casino and tried our luck at the slots. Lynne didn't bring her passport and so she was having trouble getting in. The man didn't see the hologram on her drivers licence so he thought it was fake. I brought my passport as I always do. Once that was cleared up and we were in we were amazed to see how big and beautiful the casino was. I have only been to two casinos in my life. The bear claw casino in Carlyle and Casino Nova Scotia in Halifax. This one was much nicer and busier than both of those. I spent a whole $5 on $0.02 slots. I didn't win a thing. I was willing to try some roulette but Lynne wasn't brave. I didn't bother since I didn't have a lot of money to spend anyway. We spent about an hour wondering around in there. We then went to watch the Christmas display. It was very beautiful and kinda cool. After that we walked back along the river and listened to some cool music people were playing along the way. There is some amazing talent sitting on park benches collecting money. We then went across the bridge to watch this tower. It sort of does a light show. It was only 10pm so we decided to go for a Starbucks. I wasn't worried about time since the last train was at midnight. Coffee ended up taking longer than I thought and I was feeling bad by the time I got on the 11pm train. It takes about 20 minutes to get back to Carnegie from Flinders station. Diana told me to call for a ride because she didn't want me walking by myself that late at night. I felt bad because she had just started to worry about me when I called. Thank goodness she wasn't waiting up, they had just started a movie.
Yesterday, Diana and I went to Chadstone and did a bit of Christmas shopping. I just have to get a few things for the girls stockings and I'm done. Oh and I have to get a stocking for myself. I am leaning towards a ninja turtle one I saw in Toys R US. So the weekend was sort of eventful. I was glad to see Lynne again. I don't know when I will see her again since she is going on a kontiki tour in a week and a half. She won't be back in Melbourne until after the new year so I might be gone when she gets back. She invited me to go to the musical "Wicked" with her and Ariel, but tickets are more than I want to spend. If it was something I really wanted to see I would defiantly go. I'll think about it yet.
Until next time,
Cindy
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Nothing new...
Hey Everyone,
I don't have much to report these days. I am waiting for my job to start. I am going to Chadstone today to find out my schedule. The actual contract date says I will start on December 18th, but I might get called earlier if they need me. I would really love to start earlier, since I am a bit bored. I have been spending my days going for walks and grabbing random groceries from the store. I go to Chadstone and also look for Christmas gifts for the girls. I have also been watching the series "Underbelly". It is the true story of gangs in Melbourne. It is pretty cool to recognize things in the show like street names. It is not available to buy in the state of Victoria because some of the people are still on trial, but it isn't hard to get a hold of it in any other state.
Sounds like tonight the girls and I are gonna go out on the town. I am not sure exactly what we will be doing but I am hoping it will be fun.
Well that is my short and sweet update. Hopefully I have more exciting stuff next time.
Until then,
Cindy
I don't have much to report these days. I am waiting for my job to start. I am going to Chadstone today to find out my schedule. The actual contract date says I will start on December 18th, but I might get called earlier if they need me. I would really love to start earlier, since I am a bit bored. I have been spending my days going for walks and grabbing random groceries from the store. I go to Chadstone and also look for Christmas gifts for the girls. I have also been watching the series "Underbelly". It is the true story of gangs in Melbourne. It is pretty cool to recognize things in the show like street names. It is not available to buy in the state of Victoria because some of the people are still on trial, but it isn't hard to get a hold of it in any other state.
Sounds like tonight the girls and I are gonna go out on the town. I am not sure exactly what we will be doing but I am hoping it will be fun.
Well that is my short and sweet update. Hopefully I have more exciting stuff next time.
Until then,
Cindy
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