Well it's almost packing up my laptop time. As soon as I finish copying The Day My Bum Went Psycho onto my iPod to keep me company on the 14 hour journey I'll start rolling cables.
I'm at home with Zeus & Clio (the pugs) and Herman (the rat who needs a minder for a couple of weeks in September if anyone is interested) and it's pretty quiet now that everyone's at work. The sounds of snoring dogs, the dryer and my laptop fan is not surprisingly unsoothing.
My 55L travel pack is fairly full with my other carry bag keeping my travel pillow enclosed along with the ever popular mini-sharpies and lollies. Everyone should have a mini-sharpie. Happily my luggage is weighing in at under 20kg so I should still be able to do some shopping while I'm overseas :)
Dad & I have discovered (thanks to Fi) Skype which as he mentions on his blog should allow us to talk for free until he gets to China where Internet access could be a bit shady. Naturally we tested this yesterday. It's kinda funny hearing your laptop ring and answering. I'm still amused!
Last night we went to Dragon Boat for a delicious meal consisting of all my favourite dishes (salted egg chicken, salted fish tofu chicken hot pot, abalone mushroom, char siew). It would seem that I was craving salty food when I think about it. I promise the dishes taste much better than they sound.
I'm now just passing time until we leave for the airport in a few hours. Want to make sure I'm ready to check in early with all the delays that seem to be popping up lately.
Well, I'm up to the last disc of the five and this means it's time to double check all my packing! I don't think I've been this excited since I went to Japan!
Showing posts with label Herman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Herman. Show all posts
Friday, August 18, 2006
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Geeky combinations
Still no headway with Herman. Even though I feed him every day and bring him various presents we're still barely acquaintences. *sigh* I've even started to try and make sure the presents are old bits of clothing so that he can get used to my scent (that sounds weird doesn't it?). As of today I'm going to start just spending more time in the room with him. It's hard now that he's not in our living room! I think I missed the alpha rat boat when he bit me the first time and I just got upset. A little pathetic really on my part, but I felt really betrayed by our little Hermoine when it happened because we were good friends and he used to just climb out of the cage and into my hands. Then puberty hit and the hormones took over and our friendship was strained. I've never had this problem with larger animals. Dogs, cats, cows and even goats have been easier to gain the affection of and understand. Yet I am so totally lost at how to win the friendship of a rat. Go figure.
The knitting and crocheting goes well though. I learnt a wonderful new technique which is foundationless double crochet (US terms). In a nutshell, in case anyone cares, it's a method of starting your work where you don't need to work a foundation chain before starting. You do it at the same time as your first double crochet row. Much more efficient in my opinion. That and I hate crocheting into a foundation chain.
So far I've made a capelet and I've almost finished my decorative belt. Just miscalculated on the yarn so I'm going to have to sneak out of the house to Lincraft before Gene gets home. He took the car so I have to wait for Mum. Shhh... don't tell Gene. I also want to pick up some more yarn to make Gene a Linux Scarf. It's geeky but not too crazily geeky. It uses a technique called illusion knitting which means that you can only see the image at certain angles. So this scarf will just look like a normal striped scarf except at certain angles you can see the Linux penguin. Très cool! I've been having lots of fun over the last couple of days trawling the Internet with Mum for new patterns and inspriations. It's great to have someone else who's excited about geeky knitting & crochet stuff.
Also helps that she's willing to watch sci-fi with me. We ended up watching Startrek: Next Generation last night (the one where Picard's the arbitor for the installation of the next Klingon leader). We drew the line at the original series though. I still can't quite bring myself to watch that. I did watch the Trouble with Tribbles episode (or at least that's what I think it's called) which was great with all the furry rocks and all. Gene's insisting that now I've seen that I need to watch the DS9 episode where they go back to that episode. Sounds like a plan!
I've almost finished reading Gloriana
by Michael Moorcock. It really shouldn't have taken me this long to read it but I got distracted by my geeky obsessions. Well worth a read if anyone wants to borrow it. Kind of like Gormenghast but kinkier and a bit lighter. I think I'll start on Mother London next.
Tonight I'm meant to be catching up with Nick and Claire but as no details have filtered back to me yet, that still t.b.c. Gene's planning on making rice paper rolls for dinner so I should start getting together a list of what I need to buy at the supermarket so we don't have a repeat of my last supermarket outing.
Happy birthday Naomi (from Gene & Herman too)!
The knitting and crocheting goes well though. I learnt a wonderful new technique which is foundationless double crochet (US terms). In a nutshell, in case anyone cares, it's a method of starting your work where you don't need to work a foundation chain before starting. You do it at the same time as your first double crochet row. Much more efficient in my opinion. That and I hate crocheting into a foundation chain.
So far I've made a capelet and I've almost finished my decorative belt. Just miscalculated on the yarn so I'm going to have to sneak out of the house to Lincraft before Gene gets home. He took the car so I have to wait for Mum. Shhh... don't tell Gene. I also want to pick up some more yarn to make Gene a Linux Scarf. It's geeky but not too crazily geeky. It uses a technique called illusion knitting which means that you can only see the image at certain angles. So this scarf will just look like a normal striped scarf except at certain angles you can see the Linux penguin. Très cool! I've been having lots of fun over the last couple of days trawling the Internet with Mum for new patterns and inspriations. It's great to have someone else who's excited about geeky knitting & crochet stuff.
Also helps that she's willing to watch sci-fi with me. We ended up watching Startrek: Next Generation last night (the one where Picard's the arbitor for the installation of the next Klingon leader). We drew the line at the original series though. I still can't quite bring myself to watch that. I did watch the Trouble with Tribbles episode (or at least that's what I think it's called) which was great with all the furry rocks and all. Gene's insisting that now I've seen that I need to watch the DS9 episode where they go back to that episode. Sounds like a plan!
I've almost finished reading Gloriana
by Michael Moorcock. It really shouldn't have taken me this long to read it but I got distracted by my geeky obsessions. Well worth a read if anyone wants to borrow it. Kind of like Gormenghast but kinkier and a bit lighter. I think I'll start on Mother London next.
Tonight I'm meant to be catching up with Nick and Claire but as no details have filtered back to me yet, that still t.b.c. Gene's planning on making rice paper rolls for dinner so I should start getting together a list of what I need to buy at the supermarket so we don't have a repeat of my last supermarket outing.
Happy birthday Naomi (from Gene & Herman too)!
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Pets & Suits
Suit shopping accomplished!
We finally tore ourselves away from the PS2 and jumped in the car straight to Peter Jackson where the nice man showed us a variety of suits in Gene's size. After determining which suit looked like a school uniform and which didn't, we settled on a gorgeous brown wool pinstripe suit. Now all that remains is to find a shirt and tie and we should be all set.
The best thing about today's shopping trip was the discovery of dog boots/shoes. We went to the pet shop to get some kitty crystals (we're aware that we have a rat, but it helps him to smell less) and lo and behold, no kitty crystals but many pairs of doggy ug-boots. They were zip ups complete with velcro strap to make sure that they stay on. I was tempted to get some just to see if they did stay on because all of the dogs I've had managed to get most bandaging/protection off their paws with just a bit of time and dedication. The cost of the dog shoes greatly reduced my curiousity though.
Safeway proved to have some exciting products though. The one we went to sells Rat/Mouse food! We bought some of that and discovered that we're only meant to be feeding our rat 30g of food a day... Herman's now going on a bit of a diet. We were a little worried that he'd get bored or upset with the new gradual reduction in food so we made up for it by buying him several bird/small animal treat sticks that can be hung up in his cage. We even managed to remember to get him some of those kitty crystals that we'd gone in to buy. Not wanting the dogs to feel left out we got them some dog treats too. We did manage to leave the supermarket without actually buying any of the ingredients that I had planned to get for making dinner tonight though. Guess we really do love our pets!
We finally tore ourselves away from the PS2 and jumped in the car straight to Peter Jackson where the nice man showed us a variety of suits in Gene's size. After determining which suit looked like a school uniform and which didn't, we settled on a gorgeous brown wool pinstripe suit. Now all that remains is to find a shirt and tie and we should be all set.
The best thing about today's shopping trip was the discovery of dog boots/shoes. We went to the pet shop to get some kitty crystals (we're aware that we have a rat, but it helps him to smell less) and lo and behold, no kitty crystals but many pairs of doggy ug-boots. They were zip ups complete with velcro strap to make sure that they stay on. I was tempted to get some just to see if they did stay on because all of the dogs I've had managed to get most bandaging/protection off their paws with just a bit of time and dedication. The cost of the dog shoes greatly reduced my curiousity though.
Safeway proved to have some exciting products though. The one we went to sells Rat/Mouse food! We bought some of that and discovered that we're only meant to be feeding our rat 30g of food a day... Herman's now going on a bit of a diet. We were a little worried that he'd get bored or upset with the new gradual reduction in food so we made up for it by buying him several bird/small animal treat sticks that can be hung up in his cage. We even managed to remember to get him some of those kitty crystals that we'd gone in to buy. Not wanting the dogs to feel left out we got them some dog treats too. We did manage to leave the supermarket without actually buying any of the ingredients that I had planned to get for making dinner tonight though. Guess we really do love our pets!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
5 days till departure
Our darlin' little Herman (Hermione on particularly shy days) has been taken to Naomi's where he'll be staying for the next couple of weeks. I think he's really going to enjoy the lack of trams rattling past his window every 8 minutes. Besides, who wouldn't want to hang out with Nomes for 15 days?! We're hoping that he behaves and doesn't make too much of a mess. He's a pretty good rat though and we cleaned his cage yesterday so he shouldn't get too crazy and kick all his bedding out just yet.
The move is going well so far. A big thank you to Gene's Dad, Uncle TC and Nick for helping move furniture today. Added thanks to the Nic(k)s for taking our 9(?) boxes of books, graphic novels, DVDs, X Box and bookshelf. My book-obsessed self is feeling secure in the knowledge that they will be well looked after.
The couch has been returned from whence it came, unlike the DVDs we hired last week, at the op shop around the corner accompanied by the fridge and at least four bags of clothes.
Mum, Gene & I spent two hours at the storage place restacking and repacking boxes so that there was space for Gene & I to store some of our furniture in there too. I think it was a bit frustrating for Gene as Mum & I sorted through our stuff.
So where are we now? Well, the bedroom is almost packed. I've reduced my wardrobe to two small boxes and a bag that I'll travel with and wear over the next couple of days. There's still a couple of bags of washing to be done, but I'm going to try and get rid of most of my wardrobe. After all, Japan & Singapore have Sarah-sized clothes so if I want to shop...
There is so much paperwork to sort through, mainly unopened mail but it's so tempting to just bin it all. Sadly that can't be. We still have the kitchen to box up tomorrow and then the bathroom but I think that's all. It'll be time to get into the cleaning after that.
Space bags are our friend. We also bought our first duster today. We tend to just use a damp cloth but we figured we'd lash out if it makes the job faster.
Hopefully I can get someone in to steam clean on Monday. I'm also going to get them to do a once over of the house for us to further ensure we get the bond back. It's a back up plan in case we miss something.
Well, the boxes aren't going to fill themselves... so off I go.
The move is going well so far. A big thank you to Gene's Dad, Uncle TC and Nick for helping move furniture today. Added thanks to the Nic(k)s for taking our 9(?) boxes of books, graphic novels, DVDs, X Box and bookshelf. My book-obsessed self is feeling secure in the knowledge that they will be well looked after.
The couch has been returned from whence it came, unlike the DVDs we hired last week, at the op shop around the corner accompanied by the fridge and at least four bags of clothes.
Mum, Gene & I spent two hours at the storage place restacking and repacking boxes so that there was space for Gene & I to store some of our furniture in there too. I think it was a bit frustrating for Gene as Mum & I sorted through our stuff.
So where are we now? Well, the bedroom is almost packed. I've reduced my wardrobe to two small boxes and a bag that I'll travel with and wear over the next couple of days. There's still a couple of bags of washing to be done, but I'm going to try and get rid of most of my wardrobe. After all, Japan & Singapore have Sarah-sized clothes so if I want to shop...
There is so much paperwork to sort through, mainly unopened mail but it's so tempting to just bin it all. Sadly that can't be. We still have the kitchen to box up tomorrow and then the bathroom but I think that's all. It'll be time to get into the cleaning after that.
Space bags are our friend. We also bought our first duster today. We tend to just use a damp cloth but we figured we'd lash out if it makes the job faster.
Hopefully I can get someone in to steam clean on Monday. I'm also going to get them to do a once over of the house for us to further ensure we get the bond back. It's a back up plan in case we miss something.
Well, the boxes aren't going to fill themselves... so off I go.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Tidbits
I've had enough "me time" now and I'd like to have my boyfriend back please. (Hush now Nick, that's not a retraction of the whole needing "you time" in relationships, I'm just feeling ready to go back to "us time")
While this does predominantly seem to be a night thing, I have managed to successfully multitasking my way through my work day (09:00-00:13) and miss Gene, generally while walking around the stadium.
Moving on though, as I'm sure that no one's interested in my continual going on about how much I miss my man, over the last couple of nights in my attempt to bring restful sleep I have been browsing such wonderfully strange suggestions at Half Bakery as peristaltic socks and my latest favourite m-Escher-ing time. I'd buy it!
The weather's been quite pleasant over the last day or so. I'm hoping that it doesn't heat up too much in the coming few days. I'm really hoping we get good weather for show night. I sense many unhappy people if it's not.
Still no luck on following up the dog. Didn't manage to get hold of the kennel but I'll try tomorrow morning as I have a late-ish start.
Herman's happy with the fairly regular supply of nuts at present. It's so gorgeous watching him pick which nut he wants. Some days seem easier than others. I guess we're all a bit like that.
Sleep is almost upon me so I'm going to go with the flow and try and get up early to do some laundry. I'm not holding my breath.
While this does predominantly seem to be a night thing, I have managed to successfully multitasking my way through my work day (09:00-00:13) and miss Gene, generally while walking around the stadium.
Moving on though, as I'm sure that no one's interested in my continual going on about how much I miss my man, over the last couple of nights in my attempt to bring restful sleep I have been browsing such wonderfully strange suggestions at Half Bakery as peristaltic socks and my latest favourite m-Escher-ing time. I'd buy it!
The weather's been quite pleasant over the last day or so. I'm hoping that it doesn't heat up too much in the coming few days. I'm really hoping we get good weather for show night. I sense many unhappy people if it's not.
Still no luck on following up the dog. Didn't manage to get hold of the kennel but I'll try tomorrow morning as I have a late-ish start.
Herman's happy with the fairly regular supply of nuts at present. It's so gorgeous watching him pick which nut he wants. Some days seem easier than others. I guess we're all a bit like that.
Sleep is almost upon me so I'm going to go with the flow and try and get up early to do some laundry. I'm not holding my breath.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Home Day
My day couldn't have been much lazier today and I love it!
I have managed to clean out Herman's cage though which makes both Herman and I happier. It's currently drying outside while he's exploring his temporary cage. I don't think he likes it much really.
Rather excitingly for me I've "harvested" my first and currently only jalapeno chilli from my new chilli plant that I got the other day on a whim. I've always wanted to grow my own herbs, just don't use them enough to warrant constantly buying them. Besides, it renews my quest to prove to myself that I don't kill every plant I ever touch... that remains to be seen of course! I also figure Gene will enjoy the chillis when he gets back. If there are any growing that is.
I had dinner with the Nic(k)s last night which was lovely. It's good to see people who are outside of work at the moment!
It hasn't even been a week and I'm missing Gene already. Well okay that's been happening for many days now, but I'm not completely lost yet! I really do miss having someone to come home to. It's more the someone to wake up with when I think about it. Even though I'm not the biggest morning person, there's something special about the first moment you wake up in a day.
Okay, enough inside time for today. I'm going for a walk. Besides, I'm spending much too much time looking on eBay!
I have managed to clean out Herman's cage though which makes both Herman and I happier. It's currently drying outside while he's exploring his temporary cage. I don't think he likes it much really.
Rather excitingly for me I've "harvested" my first and currently only jalapeno chilli from my new chilli plant that I got the other day on a whim. I've always wanted to grow my own herbs, just don't use them enough to warrant constantly buying them. Besides, it renews my quest to prove to myself that I don't kill every plant I ever touch... that remains to be seen of course! I also figure Gene will enjoy the chillis when he gets back. If there are any growing that is.
I had dinner with the Nic(k)s last night which was lovely. It's good to see people who are outside of work at the moment!
It hasn't even been a week and I'm missing Gene already. Well okay that's been happening for many days now, but I'm not completely lost yet! I really do miss having someone to come home to. It's more the someone to wake up with when I think about it. Even though I'm not the biggest morning person, there's something special about the first moment you wake up in a day.
Okay, enough inside time for today. I'm going for a walk. Besides, I'm spending much too much time looking on eBay!
Monday, August 29, 2005
Wallowing
Today has been a little emotionally challenging and for once I seem to be soothing my day with a delicious icy cold glass of Bailey's & milk - even though I can't really drink much milk and I'm feeling kinda cold.
It started off as most days have lately, a struggle to wake up and not feel exhausted. I've decided that when I eventually get back to being able to fall asleep at night my moods should settle down. I'm also trying to get some more exercise because that usually perks people up too.
I ended up jumping out of bed pretty excited because today's my first day back at uni. I logged into all of my subjects and read the course guidelines and I'm even a week ahead for the legal framework readings. Admittedly that's because Week 1's reading was about how to study so I felt an urge to get a bit of a headstart considering I'll probably be behind for Myth in the Ancient World because I've got to get the textbook sent from SA. I called most of the bookshops in Melbourne this morning in an attempt to get a copy of said textbook but to no avail. I'm quietly confident that I'll do well with Legal Framework. It's kind of exciting. Always had a vague interest in law.
I even achieved my task list for today, lodging our tax returns and cleaning Herman's cage. Herman's a little confused because his cage usually smells faintly of citrus after it's been cleaned but we've changed to a vanilla scented cleaner as it's "food safe" and less strong smelling. It was exciting today when he let me pick him up without too much fuss. He's a good rat that one. I think he's having fun re-decorating his new hammock. He'd chewed the back out of the old one that Mum made him. I don't think she'll be thrilled.
So why am I melancholy? Of the three of us who applied for a tech job I'm the only one without an interview. I'm really happy for my friends but as I don't have much to fill my days at the moment I'm feeling a little down. Doesn't help that they're both boys and I always feel exceedingly female when applying for tech jobs. Anyhow I've decided to indulge my wallowing in disappointment for tonight and tonight only. Tomorrow it's all smiles and moving forward. I'm definitely going to go for my first aid again and test and tag as soon as my tax return comes in. I'm going to be the best damn tech that I can be and I know that I can get a job doing so. Failing that I'll work towards my own theatre and make my own work.
Well, I'm going to make the most of my wallowing time :)
It started off as most days have lately, a struggle to wake up and not feel exhausted. I've decided that when I eventually get back to being able to fall asleep at night my moods should settle down. I'm also trying to get some more exercise because that usually perks people up too.
I ended up jumping out of bed pretty excited because today's my first day back at uni. I logged into all of my subjects and read the course guidelines and I'm even a week ahead for the legal framework readings. Admittedly that's because Week 1's reading was about how to study so I felt an urge to get a bit of a headstart considering I'll probably be behind for Myth in the Ancient World because I've got to get the textbook sent from SA. I called most of the bookshops in Melbourne this morning in an attempt to get a copy of said textbook but to no avail. I'm quietly confident that I'll do well with Legal Framework. It's kind of exciting. Always had a vague interest in law.
I even achieved my task list for today, lodging our tax returns and cleaning Herman's cage. Herman's a little confused because his cage usually smells faintly of citrus after it's been cleaned but we've changed to a vanilla scented cleaner as it's "food safe" and less strong smelling. It was exciting today when he let me pick him up without too much fuss. He's a good rat that one. I think he's having fun re-decorating his new hammock. He'd chewed the back out of the old one that Mum made him. I don't think she'll be thrilled.
So why am I melancholy? Of the three of us who applied for a tech job I'm the only one without an interview. I'm really happy for my friends but as I don't have much to fill my days at the moment I'm feeling a little down. Doesn't help that they're both boys and I always feel exceedingly female when applying for tech jobs. Anyhow I've decided to indulge my wallowing in disappointment for tonight and tonight only. Tomorrow it's all smiles and moving forward. I'm definitely going to go for my first aid again and test and tag as soon as my tax return comes in. I'm going to be the best damn tech that I can be and I know that I can get a job doing so. Failing that I'll work towards my own theatre and make my own work.
Well, I'm going to make the most of my wallowing time :)
Friday, August 19, 2005
Inspections and Dreams
Yay for the house inspection going well! Close call though. Gene & I both slept through the alarm this morning. The only reason I woke up was because of my bad dream, but more on that later. So we jumped out of bed, got dressed and was just about to drag Herman to the car when our buzzer rang. It was 10:40am. So Gene stashed Herman in our room with a blanket over him and his stuff while I went to get the door. Our real estate agent seemed about as awake as we were. Looked around slightly disinterestedly and asked if we had any maintenance issues. We conversed and about 7 minutes later she headed off.
Herman's now sitting behind me in his cage eating kibble. I think he likes our room because it's quieter than the living room.
As for the dream I had... that's what's making me feel sick. The last part of my dream involved me trying to take a multi-vitamin capsule but for some reason I just couldn't swallow it and I woke up choking. So now I'm feeling a little bit ill because I can't shake that feeling.
Okay, shopping time now!
Herman's now sitting behind me in his cage eating kibble. I think he likes our room because it's quieter than the living room.
As for the dream I had... that's what's making me feel sick. The last part of my dream involved me trying to take a multi-vitamin capsule but for some reason I just couldn't swallow it and I woke up choking. So now I'm feeling a little bit ill because I can't shake that feeling.
Okay, shopping time now!
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Bleah
Just can't be bothered today. Didn't want to get out of bed, or more accurately was happy to get out of bed, just didn't want to wake up. It's much warmer in my dreams.
Besides, it's not like I have a great deal to get done really. Uni doesn't start till the 29th. I'm still waiting to hear about work and whinge whinge whine whine.
I can hear the two puppies that our upstairs neighbours have running up an down the floorboards constantly. I used to think it was bad when they're always wearing hard soled shoes in the house...
The two puppies are cute though. Herman's been a little confused at my constantly being home. I think he's used to having the days to himself. I'm probably disturbing his sleep pattern.
I think I'll curl up with my book tonight. Maybe get started on knitting my top again (one of them anyhow). I knitted a lacy scarf out of Patons "Lush" yesterday and it's warm and purdy. Silver lining.
Besides, it's not like I have a great deal to get done really. Uni doesn't start till the 29th. I'm still waiting to hear about work and whinge whinge whine whine.
I can hear the two puppies that our upstairs neighbours have running up an down the floorboards constantly. I used to think it was bad when they're always wearing hard soled shoes in the house...
The two puppies are cute though. Herman's been a little confused at my constantly being home. I think he's used to having the days to himself. I'm probably disturbing his sleep pattern.
I think I'll curl up with my book tonight. Maybe get started on knitting my top again (one of them anyhow). I knitted a lacy scarf out of Patons "Lush" yesterday and it's warm and purdy. Silver lining.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Jobless-ish
I'm unemployed at the moment and feel this is the best time to take advantage of the spare time to write! Besides, it's good training for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in October. I figure I start with mere few hundred words a day and build up to the 1600 words I'll need to be writing by then. Wish me luck!
It's a little depressing looking at my home page for MySpace at the moment. I only have one friend according to the site... I like too think that in the real world this is not the case - and that I have at least a couple more. For example our pet rat Herman who is currently chewing through his new hammock. I'm not sure why he does this as it will only result in him falling out of his warm little nest one day, but he seems keen on doing so and I don't want to hold him back.
Outside it's a sunny blue sky day and it's still an ice box in our house. I'm curled up in front of our little space heater and I'm strongly considering turning it up to full sun (which I believe is the highest setting). I've had a quick look at the jobs on Arts Hub, called about a stage management gig and have been advised that I'll get a call this evening. Aside from that I've received nothing in the mail, both electronic and regular, that is of note. Unless you include the electricity bill, but I'm hoping to ignore that until after I've done my tax return and actually have money again.
I'm not totallly unemployed. I'm volunteering at MIFF at the moment which has been great fun so far. This is their last week though and tonight's my last night but hopefully this stage management gig will go ahead. Failing that I'm looking at some lighting op jobs and hopefully my letter of offer for the venue officer job I got offered last week will arrive in the near future. I'm always a little unsure how often to follow up on paperwork for a job. After all I want to give the impression of enthusiasm and organisation while not appearing to be desperate or harrassing them. It's a fine line I think.
Aside from the lack of funds I'm actually enjoying the lack of work. I've finished more books in the last week than I have in the last six months - which is a big thing for me. I usually read at least one book a week even during busy weeks.
I'd like to note that production week on a show does not count as a busy week. In fact I don't actually include it as a week in my time as I disappear from the world as we know it and don't surface again for the duration of the "week".
At the moment I'm trying a different approach to job hunting. While it's a little idealistic, hopefully this will avoid me being sucked back into the call centre world (a.k.a my personal "Hotel California"). After 11 months of work in a call centre I feel like part of my soul has died. Perhaps that is exagerating. It's more like part of my soul/spirit has taken industrial action until I made the decision to fully commit my time to employment in the arts where I want to be. I think I've managed to negotiate with myself that I may need to go into some casual soul-sucking work again just to get past the whole rent problem but nothing permanent if I can help it.
I'm also going back to study through Open Learning and I'm looking forward to the intellectual challenge of that. It's been a couple of years since I've really studied and I'm actually a little nervous about starting again. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it's because I'll be using parts of my brain that have been dormant for a while.
Okay, enough procrastination for now. I'm off to read. Mmmm... good book and a nice warm bed.
It's a little depressing looking at my home page for MySpace at the moment. I only have one friend according to the site... I like too think that in the real world this is not the case - and that I have at least a couple more. For example our pet rat Herman who is currently chewing through his new hammock. I'm not sure why he does this as it will only result in him falling out of his warm little nest one day, but he seems keen on doing so and I don't want to hold him back.
Outside it's a sunny blue sky day and it's still an ice box in our house. I'm curled up in front of our little space heater and I'm strongly considering turning it up to full sun (which I believe is the highest setting). I've had a quick look at the jobs on Arts Hub, called about a stage management gig and have been advised that I'll get a call this evening. Aside from that I've received nothing in the mail, both electronic and regular, that is of note. Unless you include the electricity bill, but I'm hoping to ignore that until after I've done my tax return and actually have money again.
I'm not totallly unemployed. I'm volunteering at MIFF at the moment which has been great fun so far. This is their last week though and tonight's my last night but hopefully this stage management gig will go ahead. Failing that I'm looking at some lighting op jobs and hopefully my letter of offer for the venue officer job I got offered last week will arrive in the near future. I'm always a little unsure how often to follow up on paperwork for a job. After all I want to give the impression of enthusiasm and organisation while not appearing to be desperate or harrassing them. It's a fine line I think.
Aside from the lack of funds I'm actually enjoying the lack of work. I've finished more books in the last week than I have in the last six months - which is a big thing for me. I usually read at least one book a week even during busy weeks.
I'd like to note that production week on a show does not count as a busy week. In fact I don't actually include it as a week in my time as I disappear from the world as we know it and don't surface again for the duration of the "week".
At the moment I'm trying a different approach to job hunting. While it's a little idealistic, hopefully this will avoid me being sucked back into the call centre world (a.k.a my personal "Hotel California"). After 11 months of work in a call centre I feel like part of my soul has died. Perhaps that is exagerating. It's more like part of my soul/spirit has taken industrial action until I made the decision to fully commit my time to employment in the arts where I want to be. I think I've managed to negotiate with myself that I may need to go into some casual soul-sucking work again just to get past the whole rent problem but nothing permanent if I can help it.
I'm also going back to study through Open Learning and I'm looking forward to the intellectual challenge of that. It's been a couple of years since I've really studied and I'm actually a little nervous about starting again. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it's because I'll be using parts of my brain that have been dormant for a while.
Okay, enough procrastination for now. I'm off to read. Mmmm... good book and a nice warm bed.
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