After a wonderful 5 weeks at home in Michigan, I have returned to the land of sunshine and bright colours. After arriving Sunday morning at 8am, I managed to stay awake until 9pm. I won't say I am 'over' the jetlag, but this time around it wasn't so bad. I returned to my apartment, only to realise (yet again), that I have far too much junk. Or maybe my apartment is too small? No, I don't think that is the case. While unpacking my suitcase, I began simultaneously organising/culling/putting away. I think I'm about halfway through this process. At this stage in my life, the apartment is too small to accommodate tons of stuff, so the solution is to not accumulate too much stuff. Simple. (ha)
I am in the midst of buying a car, which I am finding rather stressful. Depending on what happens with my job situation (still up in the air), I might be able to hold off buying it for a few months. That would probably make me feel a lot better. The way things are now, I need a car to get to where I am working, etc.
My scale tells me I gained 3.5 kilos while I was away in the US. This doesn't really come as a surprise, considering the reckless abandon with which I ate. Lots of large portions, junk food, greasy burgers with fries, and not enough exercise! But now that I am back, the spirit moves me to go forth and exercise! It's hard not to want to get out there and shake it when the weather is fantastic (if not a bit stifling yesterday), or feel too hot to eat much more than chilled watermelon and salad. A few weeks of that and I might lose those gained pounds!
Time for some breakfast, and a bit more organising. Dare I tackle the laundry/storage room?
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Trying Again
Lately I've discovered that I am a Blogophile. If you have a blog, I have read it. If you have pictures posted somewhere, I have probably looked at them. I have a couple of blogs that I read all the time, and when I go to try and write my own, it never comes out quite as witty as I would like. So, here we go again. I'll see if it sticks this time...
The last few months of my life have been exciting and full of wonderful changes. I've been working as a part-time teacher since April, and working with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra as well. Both have been great, presenting challenges and many great opportunities. I am currently pursuing the job at the orchestra, and teaching jobs. We will see which one ends up happening.
I've been doing group training since June, which has really changed my life. For the first time since playing organised sports in high school, I have exercise as part of my weekly routine. It has been great, and I've become much fitter for it. Check out my trainer Stu, and his Ruckus Fitness website .
I might try to keep a blog while I am in Michigan, so I can be witty and tell stories about what I'm up to.
If you've made it this far, thanks for reading!
The last few months of my life have been exciting and full of wonderful changes. I've been working as a part-time teacher since April, and working with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra as well. Both have been great, presenting challenges and many great opportunities. I am currently pursuing the job at the orchestra, and teaching jobs. We will see which one ends up happening.
I've been doing group training since June, which has really changed my life. For the first time since playing organised sports in high school, I have exercise as part of my weekly routine. It has been great, and I've become much fitter for it. Check out my trainer Stu, and his Ruckus Fitness website .
I might try to keep a blog while I am in Michigan, so I can be witty and tell stories about what I'm up to.
If you've made it this far, thanks for reading!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Picture posting practice
This post won't say much, but I am still figuring out how to place photos within my posts.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Employment!
After about a month being here, I have two nanny/babysitter positions. I had 6 interviews, and ended up getting jobs from the first interview (which I thought went horribly!) and the last. Mondays I will be caring for 3 boys, aged 1, 3 and 5--Henry, Joe and Jack. Luckily, Jack is at school until 3 each day, and they don't fall apart until about 4pm... Today was my first day, and it went pretty well. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I will be doing after-school care for two boys, aged 8 and 10--Calam and Aidan. I start Wednesday and then do a full week next week, and it should be pretty low maintenance. Life is pretty good at the moment.
Now that my "work schedule" is settled, I plan to go back to my English language tutoring for refugees and migrants. I don't think I'll go back to the museum on a regular basis, but I might see how things go after the first few weeks of work. I also need to get back into a practice routine in the next couple of weeks.
Last week, Thomas and I watched a rugby game with our friends, Jason and Lois. They all explained the rules to me, and for the most part I understand. It was rugby league, as opposed to rugby union. Somehow we got talking about snacks (we were eating some), and I realized that they don't have S'mores or Rice Krispie treats here. Hopefully I can make some, but as far as I can tell, they don't have graham crackers, either. They do have Rice Krispies, which are called Rice Bubbles here, so it is entirely possible. Along with my other plans, this will be one of my new missions.
Now that my "work schedule" is settled, I plan to go back to my English language tutoring for refugees and migrants. I don't think I'll go back to the museum on a regular basis, but I might see how things go after the first few weeks of work. I also need to get back into a practice routine in the next couple of weeks.
Last week, Thomas and I watched a rugby game with our friends, Jason and Lois. They all explained the rules to me, and for the most part I understand. It was rugby league, as opposed to rugby union. Somehow we got talking about snacks (we were eating some), and I realized that they don't have S'mores or Rice Krispie treats here. Hopefully I can make some, but as far as I can tell, they don't have graham crackers, either. They do have Rice Krispies, which are called Rice Bubbles here, so it is entirely possible. Along with my other plans, this will be one of my new missions.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Another busy week!
I've been here just over two weeks, and a lot has been happening. We have our TV now, and that makes the mornings a bit nicer. They have a couple of morning shows that I usually watch. Our landlord bought us a new couch, which is really nice. Very comfy.
Since I last posted, I have had three nanny interviews. I don't think I got the one I interviewed for on Monday. I haven't heard anything from them... maybe a blessing anyway. Thursday I interviewed with a very nice family with two boys. I think the family liked me, but it's a matter of other people possibly being more qualified. Yesterday I interviewed with a family who has one 5 month old baby, and a 2 and a half year old. They interviewed a lot of other people, so I'm guessing they'll find someone with more baby-specific experience. And today is my fourth interview. I am just going to keep looking and trying until I find something. Everyone I have met so far, I've offered babysitting services if they choose someone else. So we'll see.
My new book club was great. It had the potential for disaster, but turned out great. There were two gals (early to mid 30s) who started the club, a few other regulars, and two other new people. Everyone was very nice, and we also chatted about the book (which I guess is the point). We're meeting again in a couple of weeks. So far a couple have offered to get together for a movie, or coffee, so that is really good.
This week I might try to get my driver's licence, and also get a driving lesson. Most of the families looking for nannies wnat someone who can drive (even if not in their own car). We're also bike shopping. Thomas wants to get a bike to ride to work also, and we both want to enjoy the many bike paths in the area (I sound like a commercial for Brisbane...haha). We need to do a bit more comparison shopping, but we found a store in the city that can give us everything we need for a good price (and discount for buying two bikes, etc.). The challenge would be the many many hills here in Brisbane.
Hopefully more updates soon!
Since I last posted, I have had three nanny interviews. I don't think I got the one I interviewed for on Monday. I haven't heard anything from them... maybe a blessing anyway. Thursday I interviewed with a very nice family with two boys. I think the family liked me, but it's a matter of other people possibly being more qualified. Yesterday I interviewed with a family who has one 5 month old baby, and a 2 and a half year old. They interviewed a lot of other people, so I'm guessing they'll find someone with more baby-specific experience. And today is my fourth interview. I am just going to keep looking and trying until I find something. Everyone I have met so far, I've offered babysitting services if they choose someone else. So we'll see.
My new book club was great. It had the potential for disaster, but turned out great. There were two gals (early to mid 30s) who started the club, a few other regulars, and two other new people. Everyone was very nice, and we also chatted about the book (which I guess is the point). We're meeting again in a couple of weeks. So far a couple have offered to get together for a movie, or coffee, so that is really good.
This week I might try to get my driver's licence, and also get a driving lesson. Most of the families looking for nannies wnat someone who can drive (even if not in their own car). We're also bike shopping. Thomas wants to get a bike to ride to work also, and we both want to enjoy the many bike paths in the area (I sound like a commercial for Brisbane...haha). We need to do a bit more comparison shopping, but we found a store in the city that can give us everything we need for a good price (and discount for buying two bikes, etc.). The challenge would be the many many hills here in Brisbane.
Hopefully more updates soon!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Settling In
This week I accomplished a lot of goals. Wednesday was when it began. The classifieds here are best on Wednesdays and Saturdays (as Thomas told me), so Wednesday I decided to look for nanny/babysitting jobs posted in the paper. I only found one, but I gave them a call. So far I haven't heard back from this family, which is ok because it got me rolling. I put together a resume appropriate for this situation, and tried to google the "going rate" for babysitting/nannying around here. While googling, I came upon a fantastic website (gumtree.com.au), with everything from TVs for sale, to friendship and dating ads. From there I stumbled on one great opportunity after another. I found a TV that is being sold by a couple moving overseas (imagine that!). It comes with a DVD player and TV stand, and we're picking it up today. I also found a book club, Literature Loving Ladies (nerdy I know, but I really want to find a book club!). So far, I have emailed them, and plan to join the group on Thursday. The book is 'The Book Thief,' by Markus Zusak, an Australian author, but the book is published in the UK and US. It is incredible, and I haven't even finished yet. Hopefully it's a fun group, and if not, I found out about this extraordinary book in the meantime.
I've also organized one interview for a nanny position--Monday evening. They are right up the road, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will work out. It will be great to have some income, and something to do. Not to mention, who knows who I might meet from there. I've been emailing with another family, and I might interview with them, but it's not for sure yet.
Otherwise, I do need to get out there again musically, which involves practicing! I've taken a bit of time off from that, so we'll see if we can't amend that situation. I'll keep my ear to the ground for potential low brass students, but I am trying to be patient.
Monday I go back to my volunteer job at the museum, so it will be nice to see everyone there.
Thomas is doing very well. He is enjoying having me back, and we've settled easily into a routine, though it's changing all the time. In early September he will be auditioning for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, so soon he will be working even harder toward that.
That's all for now. I might wander down to the store for a paper (it's about a 2-minute walk from here).
I've also organized one interview for a nanny position--Monday evening. They are right up the road, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will work out. It will be great to have some income, and something to do. Not to mention, who knows who I might meet from there. I've been emailing with another family, and I might interview with them, but it's not for sure yet.
Otherwise, I do need to get out there again musically, which involves practicing! I've taken a bit of time off from that, so we'll see if we can't amend that situation. I'll keep my ear to the ground for potential low brass students, but I am trying to be patient.
Monday I go back to my volunteer job at the museum, so it will be nice to see everyone there.
Thomas is doing very well. He is enjoying having me back, and we've settled easily into a routine, though it's changing all the time. In early September he will be auditioning for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, so soon he will be working even harder toward that.
That's all for now. I might wander down to the store for a paper (it's about a 2-minute walk from here).
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Day 7 Update
It gets dark here at about 5:00pm. This is very confusing for me, considering that it is summer at home, and it gets dark around 9:30pm there. So by 6 o'clock, I am thinking, "Wow, it must be closing in on bedtime!" Wrong! It's very weird.
Otherwise, I am trying to adjust to life again as an unemployed foreigner. I'm trying to fit in and make friends, and feel comfortable. I guess this is to be expected when you move to a new place (let alone, country). I'm planning on starting my volunteer job at the museum on Monday (my usual day there), and tomorrow I will begin my search for a possible nanny job (the best days for classifieds are Wednesday and Saturday apparently).
So far, winter here is very pleasant. I use the term, "winter," very loosely though. It does get chilly at night, and I am usually curled up tightly under the blanket in bed. But today on my walk into West End (about 30 minutes), I was glad to have put sunscreen on my face. The sun was very bright! I am slowly adjusting to walking everywhere I go. I definitely need to do more walking for exercise, which will make walking for transportation easier.
That's all for now. Hopefully next week I will have more exciting things to share!
Otherwise, I am trying to adjust to life again as an unemployed foreigner. I'm trying to fit in and make friends, and feel comfortable. I guess this is to be expected when you move to a new place (let alone, country). I'm planning on starting my volunteer job at the museum on Monday (my usual day there), and tomorrow I will begin my search for a possible nanny job (the best days for classifieds are Wednesday and Saturday apparently).
So far, winter here is very pleasant. I use the term, "winter," very loosely though. It does get chilly at night, and I am usually curled up tightly under the blanket in bed. But today on my walk into West End (about 30 minutes), I was glad to have put sunscreen on my face. The sun was very bright! I am slowly adjusting to walking everywhere I go. I definitely need to do more walking for exercise, which will make walking for transportation easier.
That's all for now. Hopefully next week I will have more exciting things to share!
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