Friday, November 30, 2007
I'm Dreaming of...
When I woke up this morning, all I could think about was snow. The kind of snow day when everything is covered in white and the world is so quiet. I've decided that my favourite feeling is the glee of walking into the living room in the morning and being surprised by an overnight snow storm. This might all have been brought on by Maureen's post about going grocery shopping in the snow listening to a CBC podcast. I do understand that most of my family members and friends would probably love to change places with me and spend the next few weeks in perfectly sunshiny 30 degree weather, but do don't realize how wonderful snow is until you've lived in countries without! I think that may be one of the biggest differences between Australians and Canadians: they have trouble imagining snow, we have trouble imagining life without it. I've decided to appease my longing for winter by going out and buying scissors and paper to cut snowflakes for my window. Pictures to come.
(The pictures are of storms in Nova Scotia at my grandmother's house)
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Christmas Parade
I went into the city for the Christmas Parade on the weekend. I have to say I was more than a little disappointed (when I told Louise that afterwards, she said "Well, I could have told you that!") It seems parades are a little bit lower key in Australia than in Canada or the US. And very, very low budget. There were some uniquely Australian aspects, if nothing else than we were melting in 30 degree temperatures. Of course Santa came at the end, then I ducked back into air-conditioned shopping heaven.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Finally... I've unpacked!
I am now proud to announce that I no longer live out of a suitcase. No more excuses for wrinkly clothes. This morning I left the youth hostel where I've been living for over a month, and moved into my new apartment in Waverton. I'm very excited about having my own space close to work as well as the heart of Sydney. Here are some introductory pictures, although you'll have to wait to see my room until I finish decorating!
The view of the harbour from Waverton and the train station (so cute!)
The view of Sydney from the front door and my living room.
The entrance and the kitchen.
The view from my bedroom window! I lay on my bed and look right up into the trees. I can't get over how quiet it is: I think this is the farthest away from traffic I've ever lived!Friday, November 16, 2007
Christmas fun
Christmas in summer is really messing with my head! But I am determined to throw myself into holiday traditions even in such strange weather. Today I ventured into the sunshine wearing a tank top, skirt and flip flops- it's probably around 30 degrees today. I spent the morning reading the newspaper with a Christmas blend coffee and a Cranberry Bliss bar at Starbucks (the cranberry bliss bar has been my favorite Christmas treat since Chicago!) Then I bought some Christmas cards and went crazy in the craft store buying felt, floss, wire and beads. Just wait to you see the finished product: I will have the ultimate "Kathleen" Christmas tree!Home Sweet Home
View Larger Map
This shows you St. Leonards, where I work and Waverton, where I'll live! Just go down on the map a bit to see Waverton (I'll be on Wolcott St.) and zoom out to see more of Syndey.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Happy Days
Another really quick update (working every day really takes away from my relaxation/computer time!) The new job is great, I'm "buddying" today (meaning I listen in on someone else's calls- it's getting a bit boring). Last night I was so happy to get back to the gym that I ended up spending three hours there! I spent 40 minutes on the machines, an hour in combat class and an hour in BodyBalance class. I feel much more balanced now. Anyway, the other great news is that I got a call back about an apartment. I will be moving into my own room next monday in a nice three bedroom flat. It's in a beautiful area near work, and my window looks out into a little park. I'm thrilled, especially because I had to beat out seven other "applicants" to get the room. I have Louise to thank, because she suggested I text them and offer an extra $10 a week (only $140 AUS a week is still really great for Sydney). So they chose me! Yeah! Back to work...Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Job Update
I've finished two days of training at my new job at Flexirent. I'm having so much fun! It's been awhile since I was in "learning new things" mode, and it's so energizing. Plus, in our group of ten, I'm one of the smartest (always a nice feeling). It's so nice to have a job I enjoy in a great location with fun people! I'm still working on the apartment hunt, but there's no big rush. Anyway, just wanted to let you know everything is going well!Thursday, November 8, 2007
Implicit Association Test
One afternoon, I was sitting in the hostel in Perth watching Oprah. I find watching her reminds me of home and Chicago, plus there's not much on daytime tv in Australia! Anyway, she was talking to Malcolm Gladwell, the author of Blink, and they were talking about the IAT (Implicit Association Test). When you take the test, it judges your subconscious reactions and bias. There's no way to trick it, and the results can be very enlightening. Anyway, I was watching the show with a black girl from England, and we both decided to take the test online. She wasn't surprised when her result was a slight preference to white over black, because of the environment she had grown up it. I was surprised when my result was a slight preference to black over white, simply because it doesn't seem to reflect my upbringing. I just re-took the test and got the same result. Anyway, I would love for you all to take the test and comment on here with your preference. What do you think about results?Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Great News
First of all, yesterday was Melbourne Cup day. I can't get over how strange it is, and I feel like I need to enlighten my Canadian readers on this event. For one day, everyone in Australia goes horse-crazy. Everyone bets (even though they don't know anything about racing) and women get really, really dressed up. Businesses stop work to have special luncheons and hat-making contests (because tradition demands a hat!) Louise, my expert on Australian culture, thinks that the glamorous day has something to do with the fact that Aussies are so dressed-down in general. I spent my Melbourne Cup day in interviews- two in one morning! Each group interview was more like a series of tests, and each lasted about two hours. I didn't really have relevant experience, and those "behavioral questions" kill me (because my brain has a lot of trouble remembering situations and instances), but I felt pretty good about them both. Thankfully, I was offered both jobs, and took the one I really wanted. Starting on Monday I will be working for Flexi-rent, answering phones and helping people apply for a loan for a big ticket purchase (ie: I want to buy a laptop for Christmas). I'm very excited and relieved to have found a job and start my apartment hunt. Onto the fun news: Louise, her sister Sophia and I went to a taping of Australian idol! This picture is of us waiting in line, and the drag queen would make sense if you lived in Australia (part of a television commercial).
This is the set (yep, looks a lot like Pop Idol, Canadian Idol and American Idol, doesn't it?)
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Monday
Things are still going well in Sydney. I love this city, and feel so privileged to be living here (especially when I walk through the park!) This morning I had two calls about jobs, and have two interviews tomorrow morning. I'm hoping to get to both of them, but the one I really want is first, so if that goes well... Anyway, tonight Louise, her sister and I are going to go to a taping of Australian Idol. I'm very excited, and quite pleased with myself that I got tickets. Pictures and stories to come. If we're visible on the show, I'll let you know so you can download it!Life in the youth hostel is pretty nice. Some people find the whole "hostel" thing hard to understand (like my parents or my students in Taiwan), but it's really not bad at all! In general things are clean and not too noisy, and there's usually common courtesy between travellers. I always feel safe, and never worry about my belongings. I have a great set up this time because I have a bottom bunk in front of the only window in the room. I enjoy a great breeze and a fabulous view:
And this is what the dorm room looked like when I left this morning. There are eight beds but only 5-7 people staying in the room at a time. All that stuff on the floor is one girl's who was "packing" and decided to take a break to go into the city with a friend!