I have finally found time to update

It's about time I updated. I've been so busy that I haven't been able to and so many wonderful things have happened in this last week. From Sydney to a new job I really need to get all of this down.

I went to Sydney on Tuesday. I didn't feel any sense of loneliness on this trip, which I was very pleased about, but I think knowing what to expect helped with that. For the whole trip I was just so pleased I was back in that wonderful city in the sun, wandering around, experiencing the museums and new ways of travelling. There was no time to feel lonely. After an early start on Tuesday, I flew to Sydney on a window seat this time and got to the airport for around 1pm. I followed the signs and got a return ticket for the train and again followed the signs to the platform. I loved travelling on the train and had a big grin on my face for most of the time. I went straight to BASE and the receptionist recognised me from last time. I went up to floor 4, room 11 instead of 13 this time, which had 6 beds not 8, and got organised quickly as one of the girls was in bed asleep so I didn't want to disturb her too much. First I went to the Museum of Contemporary Art right up towards the Quay. The admission was free and it was a great exhibition. I loved some of the photography but I never understand the video and audio installations. Not my thing. After that museum I went to the Museum of Sydney and only had to pay $5 as it was the end of the day. It was a small museum but I enjoyed the exhibition very much. It was very windy once I left and went back to BASE. I stopped in a Woolworths and found it so strange. The building covered 4 floors and you would ride up escalators to get to the food. Very strange indeed. I got some yogurt and a lovely sugar bread twist then went to Darling Harbour for some chips. I then went to see Easy A at Event and love love loved it! It was much funnier than the trailer made it out to be and it's definitely one for my DVD collection. That afternoon I had accidentally left my pinky ring in the bathroom at BASE, the one I got at "So Good", this cheap Asian jewelery story next to Event that I love, so I got another before the movie. After that I went back to BASE and hopped into bed. The next day I slept in, then walked up to George Street and tried to find the place I had the great hot chocolate at on the first trip. After walking both directions for a bit I found it, lined up and waited, then walked to the Quay and went to the Rocks Discovery Museum. That was the best museum I had been to. It was small and in an olden day building like they were when they were built and I loved the set up and display of all the items. After that I walked up to Observatory Hill and looked out over the wonderful city. I think some people were doing Boot Camp or something similar. At that time I was waiting for money to be deposited into my bank account as I was very broke at that stage. I didn't have much money left at all but by 12 it was in my account [it's usually there before 2 but earlier is best] so I went to the Quay and hopped on a ferry to Taronga Zoo. While I was waiting for the ferry I got a call from Oomph! and talked to Nicky [spelling?] about coming in for a trial once I got back from Sydney. That was pretty cool. Dad said I'd get a call while I was away. Ha ha. The zoo was great. It is huge but I only covered half of it. I saw no need to see the reptiles or animals I usually see. Instead I focused on the seals and penguins, big cats, zebras, bongo's, giraffe's, elephants and mountain goats. It was hot and the zoo was hilly so I was a bit tired and sweaty but it was worth it. I tried to make it back for the 2pm ferry but missed it by 5 minutes so had to wait till 230. Once back at the Quay I got a train to Town Hall station, the one I got off at from the airport and the one close to BASE, had a chat to mum and dad on the phone before changing my shoes at BASE and grabbing a coat then catching the bus to the Uni. I first talked to an Arts rep and said I could go straight into the masters, but as I found out later it all depends on my marks. After that chat I went to a mini lecture then got a cup of tea and some mini orange cupcakes put on by the school. They were nice. I sat in the beautiful quad and waited for the lectures on ancient studies, then art curatorship and museum studies. I loved the lecture on museum studies. I found out that the classes are from Monday to Friday 5-7 in the evening, or if you want you can do 5 weeks of full day Friday's like a summer school course and get it all done with. The only problem with that is that the assignments would also be sped up. I'm not a fan of that, I need plenty of time for assignments. I'd be happy to do the 5-7 classes, then I could get a day job. In this lecture they mentioned a credit average for some of the courses and so I found out is the Masters. I will apply for all 3 and see what I get an offer for [please let me get in!!!]. I would be happy to start at the beginning with the Certificate, then I can do all the great classes as I would miss out on some if I just went straight into the Masters. I don't need experience either but getting it will be fantastic, then I can apply the theory to the work. After the lecture I left the Uni and caught a bus back to town. I went into the So Good jewelery story again and bought another ring, but it is a little big for my right hand ring finger. However, it is a nice fit on my left hand ring finger... I went to the movies again and was originally planning to see Despicable Me but ended up seeing Tomorrow When the War Began as they changed the times of the first one. I got some popcorn and a frozen coke and went to the movie. I actually enjoyed it. I didn't think I would for some reason. After that I went back to BASE and tried to sleep but had none, maybe a short half an hour before someone came into the room at 3am and woke me up with the noise. Hmm. I got up at a bit before 4am, showered, packed, then went to the train station and caught the train to the Domestic Airport station. I was so sleepy but had a V and was okay. I got the plane from Sydney to Melbourne, then from Melbourne to Hobart. When I got to Melbourne, I got some McDonalds for breakfast then went straight to the gate and waited for a minute or so before boarding the plane. I would have rathered a direct flight as I didn't want to be on a plane anymore but the second flight wasn't so bad. Had a chat to a nice man one a business trip to Hobart. Dad met me then we went to his work and I took the car and went to meet Nicky at Oomph. I was there for 15 minutes and just had a bit of a chat. She said she'd call that afternoon if I was to come back for a trial.

That afternoon I waited at home and by around 4pm she called and organised for my trial the following day [Friday] at the Cupping Room. On Friday I started at 8am there and did very well I believe. My focus was to run coffee's and some food, set tables, clear tables, and do some washing up. I liked the focus of the work as the other girls were taking orders and getting some sweets and drinks. I didn't want to have to do all of that. I had a half an hour lunch break and has 2 poached eggs and some chips. I had a chat to Carlos, Nicky's husband, and he seemed to like me. The end of the day came by reasonably quickly. We closed at 330 and were done by 4 and I got paid over $100 for my time. Nicky wanted to talk to me but Carlos was fixing the dish washer so there wasn't any time to talk about the specifics she whispered to me that they wanted me back on Tuesday from 9am so upon reflection that might mean I have the Tuesday to Saturday shift set. We didn't talk about me specifically being employed or what hours I would get or where I would work or anything so I'm not sure about it but I'm back at the cupping room on Tuesday. I need to go and buy some new clothes to wear. A grey cardigan would be nice and some other cutesy tops. I want to get more Croc shoes so I might have a look in town today before Mary's baby shower this afternoon at 2. I will go to the gym tomorrow and have another look at clothes if I don't do it today. I actually felt a little under dressed for the trial in my con's and skirt. I should have worn my work skirt, as I will from now on, and some black shoes would be great along with more grey tops or a blue shirt and a vest over the top. I didn't get too over-heated but I definitely need new clothes. Lucky I have so much money! I hope we talk about the specifics on Tuesday... I want to know if I formally have the job or not. It's a bit confusing.

So on Friday I worked for 8h at the Cupping Room, then caught a bus to Kingston where I collected my car, then went to Banjo's for party pies, stopped by James and George's for a quick visit and a cuppa, then went to work at thebeach for 5h! It was a long day. I had to get some Nurofen and took 4 by the end of the evening. Work wasn't super busy and after the Nurofen I felt much better, like new really, but needed more as the night went on. 13h is a big day. Yesterday I did 10.5h at thebeach. I worked from 12-5, had an hour's break where I had my fish and chips, then went for a walk and a sit along/on Blackman's Bay beach with my mp3 player, then worked again from 6-1130. Ryan, the new guy who's working towards replacing Joerg, left at 11 thinking things were all done enough, when they really weren't, so I stayed and finished setting the tables and cleaning up. I don't like his attitude about it but I would have rathered have done the work without him. It was him, me and Sara upstairs for 2 functions. Enjoyable. Then I went home and got up at 930 this morning, not feeling like I needed to sleep for hours more despite having stayed up later finishing watching Jane Eyre before bed.

I have to keep getting up early and stick to my exercise regime. I have plans. That's for another post though.

It's all better now

It's all sorted now. Mum has put the flights on her credit card and I'll pay her back next week once I get paid again and can afford it. I'll book the BASE back packer's again for $70 and need spending money on the Tuesday from this week's pay as I won't get paid until next Wednesday so I have to be really careful this week with my money. I will need some for petrol of course but will try not to spend anymore than I need to. I'm sad I won't be able to buy the Union Jack bed spread set so hopefully they still have some in the double bed size next week. I'll also need money for the shuttle to and from BASE, money for the museums and for food. I'll be okay. I'll save all my tips from work and spend as little as possible. I have to pay for my lunch with Sophie yesterday and get petrol but apart from that I'm not going to spend anything! I hope so anyway.

While I'm over there I'll definitely check out more museums and hopefully the Botanical Gardens and more activities like that. I won't do any shopping as I won't be able to afford it and don't really need to but I might go to the movies again. At least this time I'll know I might get lonely but hopefully I'll be able to get over that quickly if it happens again. I think it'll be great to get away, then come back and work a heap. I hope someone calls me about a job, or I'll try the agency Sophie mentioned and see what comes up from that. I need money fast. I only have a few months to save before heading to Sydney, if all goes well with the application and acceptance, so I'll need to spend that time working. I hope it goes to plan.

Sydney flights -- I messed up

I think I might have left it too late to book my flights to Sydney for next week. I can still get a reasonable price on the flight over on Wednesday at lunch time but the trouble is whether or not I can find a cheap flight on the way back. I could go really early, at 630am, spend the day looking at the other museums I missed out on, go to the Botanical Gardens, have some sushi for lunch, then head over to the Uni for the Graduate Options Expo and fly back at 730pm but the last lecture I want to see ends at 6pm so I might not have enough time to get back to the airport. I don't want to be rushed but it might be my only affordable option. Another option is getting the flight I was originally going to get, which was for 1030am to get in for lunch time, get settled in the back packer's again, then head to the Uni, stay the night and get a flight back the next evening. That flight is no longer cheap. I don't think it's possible to stay anymore. Flights back on the Friday aren't cheap either, so unless my parents decide to help me pay [even though they're already going to pay my phone bill] I had better go over and back in the day. Sophie said leaving your car in the car park costs $12 for a day so that's not so bad. I can take myself there and back. I think it will feel very adult, especially since lately I've been feeling like a kid. I can't wait to get to Sydney and be somewhere just for me and start working out my future. I wonder if I can still get the airport connect even though I'm not staying at a back packer's if I choose this option. Otherwise I'll have to get a train and be stressed that I won't make it back in time. I'll have to look that up on the internet. Hold on, I made a mistake. I was looking at the Hobart to Sydney flights for the way back and thought I had better check the actual Sydney to Hobart return scenario and I don't think that will work either! Ahh! So I'm looking at $263 to go up at 630am on Wednesday and come back at 630am on Thursday. I have definitely stuffed this up. I shouldn't have bought those boots last week and booked them then! I had completely forgotten about it though. Arr. Unless I look into Tiger Airlines, something I've never done before, but if it'll get there me cheaper then it might be worth it. I've heard bad things about Tiger though. They change your flights without telling you and it might not suit you. I'm not sure I'll be able to use that service. Ahh! I think that's a bust. They don't do direct flights to Sydney. I've royally fucked this up then! I haven't been paid yet so once I see the situation there I'll be able to figure out what I can afford and what I can't. There's no way I can go to and from Sydney on the Wednesday without missing what I'm going for and it keeps on getting expensive after that. Crapola. I just got paid and I have $267. That would cover my flights but I wouldn't be able to get petrol or do anything much until I get paid next week. Depends on my work tips too. Oh dear. I've been looking on the Flight Centre website, if you didn't know, and have been given results for Virgin Blue and Jet Star. Tiger is the cheap and nasty alternative, not to mention unreliable [according to my sources] so I could see if I can get a flight from Sydney to Melbourne then Melbourne to Hobart on Tiger. They don't combine if for you but if I allowed all Thursday to get back to Hobart via Tiger I might be okay. I'm not sure I'll get back though, that's how dodgy I hear they are. I'll ask mum and dad what to do when they get home.

Hurry, 2011

Apparently my ideal weight is 57.6kg as I am 164cm tall but I'm reaching towards 65kg. I've never gone over that and usually stayed under it, more towards 60kg, but I want to do something about it. I've mapped out all the classes I want to do at the gym this week and I went for a walk today. I don't want to go over 65kg as I know I'll get depressed.

Speaking of depressed I'm totally feeling that today. All day. I went to go on a job hunt but it wasn't my day. I tried to print some resume's at Uni but it took forever, then I got rained on during my walk to Salamanca and back from Sandy Bay. No one gave me a "yes we need you" so I'm still waiting for a job. I also got a huge phone bill as they did 2 months together and I went $20 over my internet usage limit so mum's going to pay that, I'll buy my plane tickets to and from Sydney for next week, then I'll pay her back. I came into the house crying after my expedition, then went to my room and cried some more when it seemed like she didn't give a crap [no sympathy at least], then she came into my room and helped get me organised. I have to stop spending my money on silly things, or limit it very much, get more shifts at thebeach if I don't get anything else, and I'll be able to save. We'll see if that works.

I have 3-4 shifts at thebeach for the next 3 weeks so that's something. Hopefully I'll hear from either Oomph! or Brew, another coffee shop [in Sandy Bay], who said they might have something within the next 2 weeks. I have lots of gym dates and times planned so hopefully I will be able to busy myself and think more of Sydney than of other things. People I don't want to think about that is.

I haven't been emotional in a long time. It was refreshing in a way, to feel that strongly, to cry and let go, to feel it was okay to cry. I don't mind crying. Helps me a lot.

I'm going to lunch with Sophie tomorrow at work. We'll have entrees and deserts. I reckon I'll put mine on a tab so I can pay it tomorrow as I'm super poor. I have $5. Holly and I are meant to go to the State to see King of Thorn. It's part of the Reel Anime thing happening in selected cinemas over the country and it's the last day it's on. I might have to borrow the money off her just so I can go and pay her back on Wednesday. It's pathetic. I do indeed need to be better with my money. Having more would help.

I can't wait till next year. It'll all be better then.

My weekend in Sydney

While I was in Sydney, I wrote my journal posts on a little note pad so I think it's time I typed them up. I do love having a journal. Sometimes I go back through them, not very often, but it's great having it there to look back upon. It's also my therapy. So here is my weekend in Sydney:

* Just a note. I keep changing tense throughout so please ignore that.

Day 1. Friday 27th August.

I had an early start this morning. Dad drove me to the airport in horrid weather but it was lovely seeing the snow down so far on Mt Wellington. Once at the airport I checked in and made my way through to the lounge to wait for my slightly delayed flight. I saw Scottie Brown from work and we had a bit of a chat, but it's one of those relationships that you wouldn't feel comfortable sitting next to the person while waiting for a plane. We wouldn't have had much to talk about so I went off by myself and listened to my MP3 player, something I hadn't done in a while because my car player is out of action [that's the time I listen to my music]. The flight eventually came and we got on board and started the trip to Sydney. The flight was quicker than I thought. I imagined it taking 2 hours when it only took around 1.5 hours. I had a nice chat to a lady next to me in the aisle and watched a cute family with kids running up and down, imagining my life like that one day. Once we landed, I found my way through the airport and got directions to the shuttle bus service to my back packer's. The drive was crazy! He sped up through orange lights and went too fast; everyone was talking about it on the bus. I chatted to some nice ladies on the bus and once I was alone, the last passenger to be dropped off, I had a call from the Federal Group representative and we talked about my wanting to stay in Hobart and that she would give my application to the Hobart rep. By the time the call was finished I was at Base, and after I settled in and figured out my plans I hit the streets. I started at King's Comics on Pitt Street in the opposite direction of the city. It was great! So much stock. The manga wall at the back was amazing. I saw some titles I knew and some I wanted to get. I buy my manga online though as they always have what I want. I'm not a fan of ordering books in. I like dealing with it all online. After King's Comics I walked all the way up Pitt Street towards the Bridge and Opera House and looked in some shops on the way. There was a dress I had a look at in this cute store, but it wasn't right. I got some postcards and lollies and a V, then went back to Base for a rest. I was feeling a bit lonely at that stage. It was a trip I felt would have been better done with a friend or a boyfriend. Mum called and we had a bit chat about it. She said to take note of how I'm feeling as it might be an indicator of whether or not Sydney is right for me. It's not a quick trip home and I don't know many people but it all depends on how I feel for the rest of the trip. At that stage I thought it might be better to go to Melbourne, but then again they don't have the Masters and the Uni is ugly. I shouldn't let being scared turn me away from the better Uni. It would be different from when living in Sydney and going to Uni. If I lived in Manly with George's cousins I would have the security of people living close by. After the chat with mum and once I had settled myself, I went for a walk to Darling Harbour and got some Maccas for dinner as I couldn't find anything else. I looked in on the IMAX theater but it was all a bit expensive. I asked the receptionist at Base if there was a normal cinema around and she directed me to the Event complex, which had many movie cinemas, an area for buying popcorn, a restaurant, a gaming area, a sushi train, and other shops. I went and had a look but the times and movies didn't suit so I planned to go the next evening. Back at Base I met my room mate: 2 nice Korean girls. I jumped into bed and listened to my music and thought. I think that once I'm studying I'll be okay. I'm already getting to know the city and once I have a home and some of my belongings it will be better. The course is superior. It's the reason I chose Sydney to begin with. I need to be stronger. I'm too timid. Tomorrow will be better.

Day 2. Saturday 28th August.

Last night's sleep was horrible. At midnight, 5 more Asians arrived at the room and the light was on and they were making noise and I couldn't sleep. It was horrid. Horrid horrid horrid. I tried to get a bit more rest before the Open Day once they left for the day but it didn't work. I looked so haggard thanks to them and my 3 or 4 hours sleep. I had a shower and felt better. The shower was nice. Those places always need more hanging room though. After I was ready I went to George Street for a croissant and a hot chocolate at a coffee shop. I used my phone's map and "Places" app to find it. It was a lifesaver. After breakfast I caught the bus to Uni. The campus was amazing, so old and huge, very historic and beautiful. The Open Day was great. So many people and balloons. I got a goodie bag with lots of information and talked to some people about museum studies but didn't get all of the information I needed as the day was more for undergraduates when I'm a postgraduate. I had a look in the Nicholson Museum and it was great. I didn't go on a tour or look at the residential colleges as the campus is too huge so instead I went for a walk towards Victoria Park and got stopped by an Australian Conservation Foundation worker, Pete, who signed me up for $30 a month to help their cause. He said I should go to Glebe for the markets and the park, really close by, so I did, and it was wonderful. Glebe is great. It reminded me much of South and North Hobart with the main street with everything happening. Apparently it has a large student population as it is so close to the Uni and not far from the city either. I got some Thai for lunch at Thai Space on the main road and I ate in the open window [those huge door windows] and looked out on to the street. I realised that it would be a fantastic suburb to live in and I could really picture it. After lunch I caught the bus back into the city [$2 each way not on a return city] and got off early to go to Paddy's Markets. It was in a huge warehouse and it reminded me of the Hobart Show with the setup. I bought some patterned stockings then went back to the city via Chinatown. I had a brief rest at Base then headed out for more shopping. I bought some crazy bright shoes at Footlocker and a skirt at Supre, but I didn't feel successful. I went back to Base again after that and talked to one of the Chinese ladies in my room. At first I assumed they were all Korean as the original 2 were but it shows how much I can't differentiate between the different Asian countries. After the chat I went to the bar next door, Scary Canairy, for a $5 meal of fish and chips and a $3.50 glass of Trevi champagne before heading to Event for the 640pm showing of Toy Story 3 3D. I felt smart wearing the glasses. Then it was back to Base again and I got into bed. I looked up rental properties in Glebe and found it was affordable but it would depend on the house and whether or not it had a laundry or shared bathroom. It will turn out well.

Day 3. Sunday 29th August.

I had a much better sleep today. I was late to get up and I needed to stay in bed that little bit longer. I went to Zibar, a cafe, on the way to Darling Harbour for breakfast. I ate in and had raisin toast and a hot chocolate [not a good one as it was yucky syrup and not powder] then headed towards the attractions. In Darling Harbour I got money out and walked around the area past the "Urban Street Stream" to the Chinese Garden of Friendship. The garden was lovely, and had wonderful ponds and huge half-meter fish [Carp, perhaps?] that looked like huge goldfish. It reminded me of my holiday with Yorick in Vanuatu. It got me thinking and made me a bit sad, as that was something I would share with him and it was depressing doing it alone. I missed having him there all the time, and that he always knew what was happening with me. Then again, someone is more worthy than him. Love will find me when I'm ready for it. I need to strengthen myself first so I don't lose myself when I'm in the forever relationship. I want the security of knowing I won't have to go looking for Mr. Right again once I've found him and have gotten married. That will be great. I know it's not the right time but walking around the garden made me miss Yorick and the holidays we shared. I miss having my boyfriend to travel with. It's the only way I really love it. Sigh. That's why the trip had been hard. After I had finished in the gardens I bought a necklace on the way out. I sat outside in the shade for a little while before heading to the Powerhouse Museum. I found it too huge! I did remember it from when I went with my parents and brother and sister when we were younger. After I was done I slowly walked back to Base, eating some chips on the way and feeling horrible about my body. After a nap at Base, I booked the next morning's shuttle bus to the airport for 610am. I then walked up to Circular Quay with the intention of getting a ferry but it was going to cost too much so I didn't do it. On the way there I bought the dress I looked at on the first day there and got it in the size smaller. It's really cute. Back at Base I wanted sushi for dinner. I looked at the movies options and realised I wanted to see Step Up 3D so I ran to Event, paid for my ticket, watched the movie, and found the sushi train on the way out. I got a roll each of avocado, cucumber and tuna. They were so yum. Step Up 3D made me want to enroll in a dance class to get fit and flexible so it's something I will look into in Hobart. Then it was bedtime. I found it hard to sleep as I had to get up at 515am to prepare for leaving. Knowing you have to get up early makes it hard to sleep.

Day 4. Monday 30th August.

After an early start, making a bit of noise in the back packer's on the way out, I waited outside for the shuttle bus and was getting anxious as it was late. Another crazy ride to the airport and I got a berry smoothie and some Maccas [egg muffin and a hash brown for $4] for breakfast before waiting in the gate lounge for the plane to arrive. Once we boarded, we had to wait a little while for the plane rush. We were waiting in line behind a few planes for them to leave the airport. Peak hour at the airport. Airports always remind me of where I've been and usually remind me of times spent with Yorick as he's the only one as an adult I have gone place with. Sad. The trip back was good. Was a bit late to Hobart but Sarah was there to meet me. We went to the Raincheck Lounge in North Hobart for some breakfast and had a great time. We eventually went to Margate and I was finally home.

I had a good time on the trip but didn't really find out all the information for the course I was hoping to get. I might only have do to 1 year there as I might be able to go straight into the Masters. However, there is a different HECS scheme I need to look into as I might have to pay up front but who has that kind of money!? I'll find it all out on the Graduate Options day later this month. It was fun though, and I loved seeing Glebe. All in all it was worthwhile.

Wanting

Some things I want at the moment --

I want to take dance classes to improve my fitness and flexibility.

I want to get back to my flute lessons to finish my exams and play in ensembles. I know I have the talent and I've come this far. I shouldn't waste my talents.

I want full-time work so I'm actually doing something worthwhile with my time instead of being continuously bored.

I want to find out everything I need to know about museum studies at the Graduation Options day in September.

I want to finalise the design for my tattoo [my surname -- O'REGAN] and get it done before Sydney.

I want to get back into a fitness routine.

I want to make better use of my time.

I want to wear my new shoes [kick's] tomorrow and have that new feeling, which always makes me feel better about myself.

I want to feel special.

I hope that when I go over for the Graduate Options day I'll get a list of books to start reading. I want a head start. I also do need to get onto volunteering at the museums here as that is something that will push my application to the University of Sydney over the top. It will also be a great learning experience.

I think at some stage in my life I would like to be a musician, career wise. I really enjoy playing the flute and I know here at some point I could play in the Tasmanian Discovery Orchestra. I like the idea of playing professionally. I've been given this gift and I want to master it and use it. Otherwise what is the point of having it? I might have to take lessons in Sydney while I'm there as I won't be able to do them here with my teacher Marg while I'm there, of course.

I want a job in Dymmock's. There are plenty in Sydney that I could transfer to and being around books is something that interests me greatly. I hope I get a job there. I'll apply tomorrow. That reminds me, I have to print my resume!

Back in Hobart, back to being bored

I have to start going to the Gym again. All weekend while I was in Sydney [I'll type up my post for those days soon] I felt like I was bigger and it wasn't nice. It makes me feel depressed and I really need to get this under control. Ever since I moved back home I've been eating more and exercising less. I hate it. I've looked up the new timetable for my gym, which I haven't been to in ages, and I will hopefully go tomorrow night. The classes I like are:

Monday

1230 Step

430 Zumba

530 Pump

Tuesday

430 Step

530 Zumba

Wednesday

530 Intermediate Aerobics

Friday

530 Step

630 Pump

Saturday

930 Step

11 Yoga

330 Beginners Pilates

I think I'll go on Saturday this week, then head to the Salamanca Markets afterwards for a wander. I haven't done that in ages so it'll be nice to get out and about. I don't usually like to go to the gym on a day when I'm working because I'm a slacker, it's my excuse, and I like to be relaxed before working but I need to stop that, especially since that's the only day I can do Yoga or Pilates.

I've noticed today that I'm bored again. Sydney was jam packed with activities, as of course a holiday is, and now I'm back and depressed again as my life right now is really boring. Tomorrow I'm meeting Andi after my appointment to remove my Implanon as I'm the Pill and don't need two contraceptives. I will head to the gym afterwards so hopefully it won't be a complete waste of a day. I need to get a job in the next 2 weeks or I'm going to go crazy. I'm glad to be back from Sydney as I did get a little lonely but I think once I'm living there next year close to Uni in the cute suburb of Glebe I'll be happier. I'll have lots to do with study and hopefully I'll be working close by so I don't have to do much travelling. I think my life then will be better but until then I need more work to keep me entertained and earning money before I go. I hate sitting around at home all the time doing nothing worth while. I'm wasting my days and it continues to bug me. If I was out everyday seeing people, which I am at least once or twice a week, then it would be okay, especially if there was a man involved, but I don't expect to be with anyone for a year or so. I need to work. Arrr.

I actually need to volunteer at either TMAG [Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery] or the Maritime Museum as that's something that is an integral part in the museum studies course I want to do. That will take up part of my time, and hopefully I can get a job at Dymmock's or with the courier place. I might get a job with the Federal Group in Hobart, not hours out of the city, but I don't want to wait for that possibility. I need to be working now! I picked up a shift for tonight. Panda messaged me so I'm replacing her. I also have Saturday and Sunday nights so hopefully I get a heap of hours up. I'm getting a bit sick of it there though, especially since there are lots of new people coming in. I do love that I know what I'm doing though. I would actually love day work. If I get 5 or 6 days work then I'll be prepared to keep Saturday and Sunday nights at thebeach. I want to be busy.

I'll be going back to Sydney for a day or two next month. On the 22nd of September there is the Graduate Options day from 3-8pm so I'll head over for that and this time I'll stay in a hotel for the night. $50 should do it and dad said they might pay for my accommodation. I think I'll head over on the 22nd at lunch time and come back the following day at 5pm. I've done the sights and the shopping, not all of them but enough to last me for a while, and I don't need to be there for that long. It'll be a short little trip but worth it as hopefully I'll get all the information I need as I didn't get much this trip. It was mostly for undergraduates after all and I'm interested in postgraduate studies. It'll be nice doing a mid-week trip. Something to look forward to. Hopefully I have a new job before then!

A great weekend

I went to Ivy's second birthday party today and it was a lot of fun watching the kids playing and eating party food. I hung out with Andi's brother Matt a bit and talked to Anne [Frenchy's mum] and Barbara [Andi and Matt's mum] and helped put the party food out and packed it up. Matt and I had to go and get the birthday cake from their house and on the drive we talked about what we were up to lately and I mentioned about needing work. He works for a courier place where they drive things around and said I could probably get work there. I'm not sure if I want to go all the way to Coles Bay or even further to Cradle Mountain for work anymore. I think once I got there [if I get offered a position] I would love it, but I kind of feel like things are up in the air, what with me deciding about Sydney and going over for a visit, there being another seminar there in September [Graduate Options], and little things I'd want to attend but then again I'd be able to get time off. My aunts are coming down from the UK just before Christmas till mid January so I want to be able to get back and visit them. It would be easier if I worked here to see them more often.

Another great thing about the Coles Bay/Cradle Mountain job would be the getting fit aspect. I wouldn't have a great deal to do up there apart from work and exercise [I think] so that would be good. I would like to work in Hobart though so I can't quite decide. It's been nice having my freedom but I don't need to go away to get more. I have been being social and I'm liking getting to know my strengths again. I wouldn't mind doing courier work. It would be something different and I already know how to drive, which seems to be the only prerequisite, and I need work. I need to get out of the house and do something, make some money. Then I won't feel so crap about not getting any shifts at thebeach. I don't want to get more work there, maybe 3 shifts a week, but I want full-time day-time work to keep me occupied. I want to make money for next year wherever it may take me and to feel satisfied. It will happen, whether with the Federal Group or with a bookstore or with Matt's courier job. Something will turn up in the next week. I hope I find out soon about the Federal Group job so I can start planning my movements.

I'm really excited about Sydney. I think once I'm there I'll feel a bit nervous about being alone and because I'm starting my future by myself but the nervousness will pass extremely fast. I have everything planned [which I am very proud of] so I won't be bored and I will be able to explore the city where I am hopefully going to be spending a lot of time next year. I hope I will be good enough to do a Masters degree, which is something I will find out next weekend. It's coming up close! I will have at least $400 spending money and a little bit will arrive on Wednesday but I'm not expecting much as I will only have worked 2 shifts this week [Monday and Sunday, being tonight]. I wonder what hours I will get for next week as I can only to Monday to Thursday. Monday at 2pm I have the meeting with the curator of the Maritime Museum to look forward to and am hoping for a visit to Etta with Sarah on Tuesday.

I graduated yesterday! I was so much fun and I feel so proud of myself. I never really took the time to celebrate once I finished my last BA unit in Summer School as it was leading into the BSW so it was really nice to celebrate then. It was a great ceremony. I got to wear the gown and hat and took a few photos on my phone which I will put on here. It's fantastic. Now I'm an alumni! I feel special. I want to do more ceremonies once I'm done with all my Sydney coursework as James missed out on his and Sarah probably won't have one. I'm the only one who will. So here are the photos.

Dad took a few photos on mum's digital camera but the battery died so these are from my new phone. They aren't that bad! I think they do the job. The quality might not win awards but it's definitely better than my old phone. There is a picture from mum's camera of the stage and everyone sitting down so I might post that later. I am so glad I did the ceremony. It was such a great experience. My friends Andi and Jessi came along with my parents and my sister, who had to leave early to go to work. She saw me walk across the stage though and get my certificate. I loved that bit. I was so stoked and tuned everything around me out. I felt a little light-headed but so proud. I can't wait to do it again for a more prestigious degree. What a great weekend.

Planning for Sydney

As I said I would, I have been planning the activities I want to do and places I want to see while I'm in Sydney. I have a fairly big list and am wondering if I'll fit it all in. There are two areas I want to visit, being the city and Darling Harbour, so if I go by location I might be able to get things done. I want to do some shopping, see some parks and gardens, take in some of the local attraction activities [Sydney Wildlife World, Sydney Aquarium and the Sydney Observatory] and see some of the museums. 3 of the 5 museums I want to visit have a $10 entry fee for adults, and the Chinese Garden of Friendship park has a $6 admission so I'll spend a little bit of money that way. The attraction activities listed above will have a larger fee but you can get a combined ticket which will take $10 off the price. I will have enough money. Will I have enough time is another question. More for next time if/when I go over for the Graduate Options Expo.