Almost rid of 2010

I am slowly checking things off my big to-do list. Today I sorted out most of my clothes and chucked out the majority of them. I have a huge bag I need to drop off into one of those charity bins at some stage. I also started work again on my Travel Book for Vanuatu. Once I finish the photo placements I can cross one more off that huge list. Then onto the writing. That is going to take forever. I also need to keep organising things to take and to eventually take to Sydney. It's going to be a long task, especially since I don't quite know what I have off the top of my head and what I'll take with me. I'll get there.

Tonight I'm going to go to the supermarket and buy a few things for dinner. I'm going to get mum some milk and myself some of the tasty treats I like. She had a tone in her voice, especially after I said I was off mince when she asked if I wanted spaghetti bolognaise for dinner [they're going out], and basically said to go get my own food. So I shall. I'll get some yogurt and oven fries and some oven fish or nuggets, bread, biscuits, some ice cream or probably lemon sorbet. This is the last time I'll probably shop for myself here for food I like because once I'm in Sydney I'm going to be on a healthy eating regime and stick to it for at least 30 days and hopefully longer once I get hooked on healthier foods [here's hoping]. Sydney is going to be great. I can't wait to move there. I'll be devastated if I don't get into the Uni there but going to Sydney will be great even if I'm not at that particular Uni. I am always praying that I get into the University of Sydney though. Please oh please oh please.

I started watching the O.C. again. I love it! I can't wait until I find my next partner. I do hope he's my life partner but that might not be the case. I wonder what a psychic would say. I do want to go see one but where do you find a good one? I can't wait for the awkwardness before you start getting used to being together, the first few kisses, and getting to know each other. I am so excited that one day I'll get to experience all of that again. I miss the start of relationships. They are the best. It'll be even better with my future husband too. I already know he rocks. One day.

Once I'm finished playing my games I'll go and finish putting all the photos into my Vanuatu Travel Book then go grocery shopping. Then I'll watch more of the O.C. and not much else. I'm a bit boring but at least I'm not spending much money now that Christmas is over. I only did around 10 hours last week, maybe 12 or something, so that sucks. Once 2011 starts I'll head over to Centrelink and try and get the ball rolling before I move to Sydney. Smart move, O'Regan.

Christmas Day post #2

What a lovely Christmas! Once James and George and Etta arrived, J+G had a quick croissants and scrambled eggs with salmon breakfast, then once we were all in the same room we did presents! I got some lovely ones and have 2 manga's on the way [Mushishi], which I am very excited about. Just as we were on the home stretch opening the presents our extended family started arriving. It was nice. It felt weird because once again we're all older and I truly feel like one of the adults. I am determined though that next year I'll slim down and finally get fit. Next year is the year, no excuses. And Lyn and I were talking about getting ready for things before they even happen, like she does with teaching and her lessons, and I am going to make lists, again, of things that I really need to get into order before it's all upon me. I need to think about what needs to happen once I can book my flights. It'll get sorted. Mum and I and possibly dad are going to watch the Miss Potter movie on the TV tonight. Mum and I are looking forward to it. We've both never seen it. It'll be a nice relaxing night I believe.

Christmas Eve

I am so excited for Christmas tomorrow. I have finally gotten all my presents wrapped and raffle ticketed, except for the present I'm waiting for dad in the mail. That's a bit of a shame but I can't do anything about it. There are so many there. I'm glad we had a $50 limit but it's nice to see so many there. I love the unwrapping process using the ticket system. That way it lasts longer and we can all see what each other got. I love our traditions.

I'll be moving in a month! I can't remember who I was talking to about it the other day but they made me realise how soon I'll be moving! It won't be real and set until I get my acceptance letter/email [fingers are always crossed] and have booked my flights. Then I'll start getting nervous and hugely excited. I can't wait to have a date in mind. I wonder how packing will go. What will I take? I did start making lists. I won't make as much money as I hoped but I'll do alright with what I have. I won't need to spend too much in the beginning, hopefully, and I'll aim to have a job in the works before I even get there. I can do this.

In the new year I'm going to have to get organised with my major essay for Fronting MONA. I already have so many things in mind, like describing the two museums I'll use for my private-public comparison and showing how from the outside these museums differ. I am very excited about seeing it take shape. I'll ask for lots of help from Sara at work. She's brilliant with essays.

I don't know what to wear for Christmas tomorrow. I'm sure Sarah and I will be showing each other our options and changing a million times and I think that will be a fun filler between presents and lunch. I have two dress options I want to try out but one is a little dirty/stained from the staff party. Oops. I should have washed it. It'll get done.

"New" [to me] bands I'm listening to --

+ The Shins

+ The Broken Bells

+ Closure in Moscow

I desperately need my mp3 player back. In fact I need a new one because I doubt I'll find my old one. I remember taking it on a walk then putting it in my pocket because it wasn't working and from there I'm not sure. The car? No idea really. One day once I'm settled in Sydney and have money I can part with for frivolous things I'll buy a new one. It'll suck not having music until then but I have my laptop. It'll have to to.

Off to bed soon. Sarah is coming from work, it's pretty late but I'll hang in the main house until she arrives. Then to bed! Christmas is so exciting. If only Jan and Fra were here to join us as planned. Silly Europe snow!

One stressful day

I am so tired. It's been a long, stressful day at work and I am so glad I'm home. It took a bit of effort but I got my car back from Sarah's so I am independent once more. Super glad about that. Unfortunately James and the Hayley Cooper Band including Hayley herself are practicing over in the shed, aka my room, so I'm over in the big house bumming on the computer. I might finally watch some True Blood 3. I haven't watched it in ages but I may as well now.

Listening to this right now --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G96e3o4wFIg

I can't wait for Christmas. I love Christmas at home. We always do the croissants with scrambled eggs and smoked salmon and other yummy things, then presents and the usual raffle, then the extended family gathering. I have loved organising presents this year. I just want to get a few more plants for mum and I think I'm set. Otherwise I might get her some earrings from the same place Sarah got her a nice wooden bowl with a lid. I can finally wrap George's present. I'm sad dad's didn't come in the mail today though. Hopefully it'll come tomorrow, otherwise it'll have to be a late Christmas present like mum said mine will be. Never mind.

Sarah and I went shopping in town yesterday and when we were at the bank, Yorick's mum turned up and we had a nice chat. I told her about my plans and she told me about Felix and his driving and licence messes. Nothing about Yorick, which I'm glad about. I said to her to say hi to everyone for me as I saw his aunt Di in the street a few weeks back. Then when I was driving through North Hobart I'm sure I saw him waiting at the lights next to the Republic. He is in serious need of a haircut. It looks terrible. I'm glad I'm not with him anymore but it was a shock to see him. We're not right for each other and that makes it easier to deal with, to know that I don't need to be sad because something a million times better is out there waiting for me. I still find it weird that I used to know him so well but that we don't hang out anymore. We were together for 4 years and now it's gone. I don't really miss it, which makes it obvious that it wasn't right, but it's strange that that kind of thing can happen. Things change so fast.

I locked my keys in my car again today. It was in the Big W car park in Kingston and I saw Jessi and Rachel Elliot while I was there. We both had a chat, separately, but it was nice to have some entertainment while sitting on my bonnet waiting for my RAC man to arrive. Silly me. It reminds me of the first time I did it. Luckily that was at home so I walked 20m to get the spare keys and get inside. If only.

I can't think of anything else to write so good night!

Stream of consciousness?

I hate it when I don't write for a day or so and forget what I've written about. It's not like talking to a partner, Yorick for instance, who I would almost always remember sharing things with. It's different somehow. So Sunday was the staff party! We never got around to doing the staff meeting part of the gathering, which was meant to happen before we started partying, but I don't think anyone minded. I had nice chats to Grace 2 and new Sarah and Josh. I had a few drinks too, at least 5, maybe 6, and I was glad I partied because I am always too responsible. I got home at around 330am and I'm very proud of myself for that. Getting up in the morning for class was a struggle and for the whole day I was really tired but it was worth it. I hung out with Andi after the lecture [also being before the tute] and after the tute. We had chats and went to Mures for a late lunch. We are planning to have a park picnic date possibly on Boxing Day so I can see Ivy. I miss that little girl. I handed in my first assignment. I had to keep printing parts out because I noticed small errors but I hope it's okay. The lecture was pretty dry but it's all still fun and where I want to be. I had my regular Tuesday volunteering at the Maritime today. I listed some donated maps and finished off checking some artefact boxes along side the computer listings. I also helped a little with the new exhibition going up to do with the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Tomorrow I am doing the last of my Christmas shopping. I have work on Thursday and Friday so I won't be making much money from now on in but I also won't need to spend as much so I'll limit my personal purchases to a minimum and just write a list of the things I want to get myself and be content with what I have. That will be hard but it'll have to be done if I want to get sorted for next year in Sydney. I can do it. I've just watched new episodes of One Tree Hill season 8 and The Vampire Diaries season 2 that I got off my sister's portable hard drive so I'm quite tired. I haven't had enough sleep over the last week but I'm getting back to it. It's way better than being bored. I should try and make a start on my essay once Christmas has passed. In sad news, Jan and Fra have been delayed in the UK due to all the snow. Barely any flights are getting out so I think they have rescheduled until the 12th of January till around the 5th of February so I'll get to see them for a bit. It would have been wonderful to have them for Christmas. They were meant to arrive on Thursday and be here for Christmas but alas, no luck. At least they're coming. I was worried when they weren't coming it meant that they weren't coming at all, but it's just that the dates are changed. Sarah said she could tell dad was sad. He hides things so well, I couldn't tell. I love that we're slowly getting closer, talking more. We're both quiet but it's not an awkward thing. I hope I get to see Etta often. I want to get back from Sydney every 2 months or so. I'll have a "flights fund" and if I can put $25 away each week I'll be able to manage it. That's not too hard. I don't want to miss Etta growing up and I definitely don't want her to forget me. I see her about every 2 weeks now, roughly. I'm very tired now so I'm going to play my last Facebook game [Country Story] then get a drink of cordial, go to bed and watch some Gilmore Girls, eat my last doughnut then brush my teeth and sleep. I am so bad with brushing my teeth.

Maritime + presents success

The Maritime was good today. I'm looking forward to going back each week and learning something new. Being able to add a new "task" to my resume. I love updating my resume. I've now, as of a brainwave last night while trying to sleep, divided my work history into State sections. I've worked in Queensland, the rest are in Tasmania, but as of next year there will be a new State to write under. I'm a bit of a resume nerd!

Tonight I ordered the 2 posters for George and the same 2 for me. I saved 5% and all up is was around $80 including postage. Not too bad. Roughly $20 each, which is the most I'd expect to pay, and they are great little posters. Not too little. I'll probably get G one of the books as well. And some for me too.

I spent part of the evening helping my sister with her application to Dotti. Some of the questions were a bit hard but we got it done. Detailed application process! Dinner was good. I like it when we all eat together, which is rare because Sarah doesn't live here anymore. It feels like childhood and like we're connecting.

I'm glad I didn't have to work tonight. Sarah and I got some Magners Irish Cider for our pre-dinner drinks. It's not a habit we're in but I felt like it and so did she. It was nice. Got a little tipsy.

The lists for those working on Christmas Eve and/or New Years Eve came out at work recently. I'm rostered on for Christmas Eve so I'll get to go to Emma's New Years Eve party! I think that will be fun. I'm hoping Emma will come with me to my sister's party, or Andi if not Emma, so I'll have someone to hang with. I know some of Sarah's friends but not enough to feel comfortable hanging with them for the whole night ...

I didn't sleep much last night. I'm feeling tired now. Being up late doesn't help for a huge working day now does it!

I have lots of presents to get from Habitat. It has everything! Getting them now seems sensible to me. I've never been this organised with presents! I'm so proud of myself. I'm not going to go broke this year. I'm sad I'm dipping into my wonderful savings though. I'll top it up on Wednesday. It'll look much prettier then.

I should finish up on here and get some sleep! Up at 930am to get ready for work. I hope I sleep better tonight.

Christmas presents

This year I'm starting early for Christmas presents. Last year I started too late and spent all my savings and by the New Year I was broke and sad. I'm not going to make that mistake again!

I have just found Georgie's Christmas and birthday presents on-line. The SARK posters were hard to track down in the beginning but today I just did a Google search and there they were. I'm getting 2 for George, and 2 for me. Her birthday is in early December so I'll give her one then and one for Christmas. She got me a SARK book for my birthday or for Christmas one year and they are fabulous. She has one poster but I think she, and I, need more. They are a great find and have wonderful messages. I'm going to get some more of her books too. I was thinking of getting G a book as well as the poster but it all depends on the price range. $50 is the limit this year for Christmas presents so I'll stick to that. I don't want to be poor.

I know what I'm getting my brother. I know what I'm getting my sister for her birthday but not for Christmas. Mum will want some books and I might get dad a vegetable garden book from the ABC shop. He usually puts up good lists for us to go off.

Anyway, I'm off to volunteer at the Maritime again. Then hopefully it's just straight home for a Margate dinner, unless I'm needed at work. Dom cut his hand badly last night so it depends on him. So yes, heading out the door now!

Down, down, down

So I hung out with Andi last night. We had a bit chat about relationships and she is sure I'll meet my future husband. I love that she used the same terms I used. "Future husband." That's how I always think of him. Lately I've been sad because I hate my life right now and can't wait for 2011 when it will all be better. I want to know everything will turn out as I hope it will, although some things don't happen for a reason. I just miss being in a relationship, despite knowing it's for the best, and want my future now. I want a preview of my future family and life but I know that's impossible. I'm just sad because I don't have much going on right now and it's hard being alone, especially living at my parents and waiting to hear where I get accepted to. It's just hard.

I do love that I'm volunteering for the Maritime though. It's special and getting me to where I need to go. I'm looking forward to my session there on Monday. Tuesday will be busy with the Melbourne Cup races on at Elwick, and I might even have to work that night [possibly both], and I am hoping for more work at thebeach to get me money and keep me occupied. It's too late to find another job with only 3 months to go [I wanted to apply for the job at Video City. It closes on the 2nd of November so I still have time ... but is it pointless? Maybe I should anyway and mention in the cover letter that I'm moving and hoping for a transfer, if they have Video City in Sydney or Melbourne. I know they have Blockbuster] so I'll have to get enough work at thebeach and the occasional day at Relish. I've saved $1200 already, will hopefully get some from my car, and put away $100 a week at least, hopefully more like at least $150 and closer to $200. It all depends on how much work I get. Sigh.

I am really hating feeling so down. It's been like this for the last few months, after I was done healing after the break up, when I was ready to get back out there and work, work, work. Unfortunately that didn't stick and I'm ready to be active but don't have the opportunity in the places I want to be. I'm sad and I don't like it. Once December comes and Jan and Fra arrive I think things will be better. I always enjoy Christmas and family time. I'll be working a lot more around then I think because thebeach will get busy. I'm not too fussed about New Year celebrations as I'll probably be working. I wouldn't mind a drink though. Hopefully December will give me the best news of the year. Then it will be January. Great weather, and I can finally start making some concrete plans concerning Uni. I can't wait. I hate being miserable but it's hard not to be. My life isn't all that great right now. Once I move back over to the shed it should pick up. I'll exercise more and feel like I have my own space. I can sit in the bean bag and read. I can focus on my covered buttons and even the idea of making rice balls. I think it will be better over there and it'll lift my spirits a bit. The band came over today [my brother's band, SNERT] so mum and I didn't go over and clean but will do tomorrow. That will do me some good.

I actually have to get ready for work now. I know I'll be happier once I'm there. One reason I don't like to go these days is because of Jarrod. I think he has a crush on me. He's 18 and is getting a bit too affectionate and I don't like it. It's like I'm leading him on. We're just friends but I don't even like seeing him because it can all be construed as leading him on. Ahhh. I don't need this. Hopefully I will be upstairs with Sara and out of his way so I don't have to talk to him much. I hate even thinking about it. Frustrating.

SARK

I have been revisiting my love for SARK lately, a creative genius who writes these amazing books and posters that make you want to be just as creative as she. I want to get some of her posters and I want to buy Georgie one for her birthday and/or Christmas.

I want her --

+ How To Be An Artist poster;

+ Invite Someone Dangerous To Tea poster; and

+ Birthday Blessings poster.

I can't find any on the internet though so I'm a bit annoyed. I don't know where else to get them. They are all out of stock or the website isn't there anymore. Drat that, Mrs. Kim! [Gilmore Girls]. I will find you somewhere.

Home again home again

So, I have returned to Margate as of last night. I really enjoyed my time away but I'm glad I'm back with all my things and not living out of a suit case. I didn't really as I had all my things strewn about on their 6 The State Cinema chairs. At any rate it's nice to be home.

I went for an hour long walk today with Katie. I called her Jez at one stage. I thought a lot about next year, about being 24 [almost!], and the fact that after next year I don't want to live at home anymore. This will be the last time I'll be living at home. It's not that I don't like it, but I'm too old to be living here and want to start afresh in a new place. I did a little looking at rental properties on www.rent.com.au and there were a few for Glebe, Newtown and other surrounding areas. $250 a week might be a bit much so hopefully there is something just as nice a little further away from the city and the Uni. I'll possibly be able to still walk to Uni or easily enough catch a bus. I want to be in the middle of a suburb though. Not on the main road as some of the results from the website produced. I'll find somewhere great somehow...

I'm going to get some new black arm warmers and some black legwarmers off eBay tomorrow. I want to wear the leg warmers with my new "pumps," the colourful shoes I got in Sydney on the second trip. They're black with hot pink and green on them but need the leg warmers to make my legs look better when wearing them with stockings. I'm glad I'll finally be able to wear them more in the next few weeks. I must also get the Union Jack bed spread in the next few weeks, as long as it's still available.

Christmas is creeping up. Last year I made the mistake of getting all my presents for others too late and was broke until late January. It sucked! I had to borrow money, which I always hate, and it took me so long to recover from it. I'll try and spread my present-buying over the next few months until Christmas actually arrives. I have no idea what to get anyone but I'll just have a wander around the shops and see what I can find.

I really like my hair short, and everyone at work also thinks it suits me. Two people have said it makes my eyes stand out, which is nice, and it's such low maintanence, apart from the initial washing and styling. I'm so glad I did it, and so glad that I went to Imola. They are the best. It's funny that my hairdresser, Jess, was in my sister's grade in high school and lived near by us. Blast from the past! I still need to take a picture and I will ... eventually ...

A few Sundays ago, 2 I think, I went over to Holly's for the afternoon and we took a trip to the market in the Masonic Temple on Sandy Bay Road and I saw there some of the carved red heart necklaces that I have always wanted. Today, Holly messaged me saying she has found some to buy. I had asked the lady who's stall they were at where to buy them and she said the guy wasn't making them much anymore and that it would be best to seek him out and ask for one but if they're in a shop this is much better and easier. I'll head into town tomorrow and go grab a few. One for a necklace, one for a bracelet, and maybe even 2 to make into earrings! They are $15 each so I shouldn't go overboard. I'm so happy though.

This afternoon I'm meeting Sophie at Blackman's Bay beach near my work and we'll go for a stroll then get some dinner somewhere, probably at work. Then I start work at 6pm. I'm not sure if we'll go there for a meal but we may as well as it's so close. We could go to Kingston and get something. We'll decide when we meet. I wonder how she is. I shall soon find out.

If I get called in for Wednesday evening I'll have worked every day there this week! Madness! I'm definitely looking forward to the money. I want to put most of it away and yet still have enough in my pocket/bank to let me buy a few things, like the necklaces and other bits and pieces. I'll be hanging with Emma on Thursday night so I'll need a bit of money for that. I'll try to put away $200 if I can. It depends on how much I earned! I can't wait to see that bank balance though.

I should go and get ready for tonight though. I haven't even showered and I have to leave soon. Yikes! Time has slipped away.