Dave's journey to the land of Oz

So the last I was typing away was the evening of Thurs and now ‘tis Saturday so two days have passed – I think this is called thinking out aloud – am kinda preparing myself for the “journey of reflection” – also known as “what the flippin’ ‘eck ‘ave I been doing over the last few days”.

I slept well on Thursday evening after having ground my brain to a pulp trying to sus out how I could complete a two hour drive; get home, have a shave and collect together the various papers I would need for the four meetings I had and get to the first one (at 11.30am) in time. Oh I should put this in context that I had asked on arrival for a 9.30am, thinking “oh loads of time and a lie-in would be nice”. So the conclusion, skip breakfast and head off around 7.30am which I duly did. Oh and did I mention that there would be no water in the apartment all day so I would have to shave using water boiled in the kettle and rinse with water from the filter jug! Who thinks my life is dull – eh?

So packed up and crept out of the japanesey place, leaving a note to apologise for missing breakfast, to the car. Which, of course, it being winter was covered in frost. So putting my problem solving skills into action I rammed the heater on high and full blast and let the car warm up. Headed off on a pretty empty road which was good and managed to make good progress until I got to the outskirts of Melbourne. It was also pretty spectacular as the sun came through and melted some of the low lying mist across the fields.

What good fortune awaited me when I approached the outskirts of town. Not one, but a whole series of traffic jams. I tried to avoid them but taking a slightly off beam route and was pretty successful though conscious that this was a slightly high risk strategy as I had not a clue where I was going and not a map in the car. I was, though, able to keep an eye on the skycrapers so had an overall idea that I was taking roughly the right course. And low and behold, I ended up just near Queen Vic Market which was ideally for a scoot round the central CBD and over to Kingsway and then onto Commercial Road and home, arriving at around 10am. This gave me plenty of time to turn myself around without to much ensuing chaos.

And how fantastic that, although I had to wait for 10 minutes for a train, it whisked me to Parliament and my destination in 10 minutes so I arrived just under 10 minutes early for my 11.30 meeting. Popped into HR to prove I was a human being and then met up with P and sorted out the finer detail of my future workwise for the coming months. She wants me to start Tuesday!!!!!!

Then to my 2pm with a bit of internet surfing squeezed in. Was not quite sure when this meeting was and of course no taxis. So took a gamble and took the tram up to Melbourne Uni, got off and headed vaguely in what I thought might be the right direction. Luckily it was. Oh joy, on my arrival, a typical hospital. Lots of people and little space in which to move. And the lifts were on part-time working. World over, I thought, world over.

The meeting was in the Executive Offices and, surprise surprise, lots of nice carpet and plush surroundings. Wonder if the wards are similarly decorated. Anyhow the meeting went well. Three very friendly ladies of varying ages. Had a good chat. Be nice to get involved. We shall see. Oh the post – on a committee similar to the UK CHC format that the Blair Government abolished.

So then from hospital back to Parliament and to government agency office to meet Mr F. Had good chat. Mentioned job and start date. He was a bit disappointed I could not carry out work we had previously discussed but recognised the job was more longer term and a good move.

Once had finished in Spring Street, headed home. Was knackered and was supposed to be going to see Kate Bush film at 9pm. Spoke to L and we agreed that she would pop by and we would go shopping. We ended up at Chadstone in David Jones which was cool. Had a look at rice cookers, not much choice and also wondered into the food hall. Now this was something else, bit like Harrods Food Hall but not so big. Bought some mustard and black pepper oatcakes and bircher muesli – yumo! Then drove back and L departed home. Had an early night.

Saturday was a bit of a dooey day. Headed off to magnation to check e-mails first thing. Sadly not open, even though it was 9.10 and it said it opened at 9. Popped into Coles to get light bulbs and papers and then return to find the place open. Oh joy though, no password – as in yes we have free wifi which is password protected but you cannot access it as we do not know the password and as it Saturday there is no-one we can ask. Yay for good customer service

So anyhow luckily I managed to piggy back on someone else’s wifi to check e-mails. Also did a bit of off beam surfing. Then headed to VW garage to enquire about the VW Golf which has been smiling at me for the past month and then to Victoria St to sus out a decent rice cooker.

Landed on my feet by parking opposite an asian kitchen trade shop. Had a look round. Was brilliant and pretty good value too. And they had the brands I had found recommended on the net. So I ended up buying a Tiger (with computer according to the sales assistant). She also noted that she has had a tiger for 10 years, dropped it one the floor twice and it still works! Well I must get it then I thought. Not sure I need to drop it on the floor though – might break a toe or two.

And on the journey went, from Victoria Street to Chadstone. Yes I did go there last night. However I had forgotten how easy it is to drive there. So on arrival and taking advantage of the free and easy parking, I headed into David Jones again but this time up to their electrical department to explore the wonders of Ipod speakers/ alarm clock. And low and behold, through a process of fusing the options available and the What Hi-fi best buy page, I went for an iYiYi. And it is the bees knees – the best sound I have heard from a music system – even Bose.

So back home – and still not yet 1pm! I love Melbourne!!

Spent afternoon chilling out, reading papers and tidying up. Evening spent watching TV and another early night – it is after all winter the time for hibernation.

Well this is certainly different. Decided I needed to escape the excitement of my life, if only for a day and a bit. So here I am practically sitting on the floor in shizuka royokan, a Japanese country spa retreat. Thought I would try something different, and by gum, it is certainly that!

So here I am post three job interviews and still breathing, though my head hurts a bit. Funny how things turn out – more later. So had the interview at DHS, I guess I should check out what I posted previously, for all I know I may have already bored you rigid on this one. However as I am in the middle of the bush (Australian term for countryside) there is little access to the outside world. Lets face it I have not even got a tv in the place – apparently it goes against the Japanese karma or something – grief you can take a thing a little to far eh?
So anyhow back to the DHS interview which had at 12.30 – I think I have covered this already as I remember going on about the slow internet speed at magnation. Well better not repeat myself so shall we fast forward to Wednesday. Well this was the first time I have ever had two interviews on the same day – one in the morning for a uni and one in the afternoon for an agency. Now come to think of it – I might have covered this too – though am not too sure. Flip old age is creeping in. I hope I am not going senile – I have so much to give!

Well the uni interview was cool even though started late and only lasted 30 minutes and seemed to contain a degree of puzzlement over why I was applying. What I had not realised was that there was such a long gap between the morning interview and the one in the afternoon, which was at 3.30. This meant I had some 4 hours to engage myself in useful activity. So of course, as I had my laptop with me I thought I would pop to magnation on Elizabeth Street for a bit of downloading of podcasts and checking of e-mails. Of course when I got there I was greeted by a sea of laptops balanced precariously on knees and a sea of cables stretched across the floor from the extension lead. I managed to squeeze myself in near the powerpoint much to the annoyance of the guy who was hogging not only a fair amount of seat but also a complete table – shocking isn’t it! What is more I had a peek at what he was up to and concluded on glancing at this screen that he was lacking purpose in his life. Then reflected that may be that was something I could seek out too! However that thought did not last long once I looked at my itunes screen and watched the bars race across as podcasts were being downloaded at a rate of knots- words cannot describe the glee on my face as I saw those bars race across the screen and the increasing in the appearance of the word “done”. Sad eh?

So anyhow time flew by – as it does when you are sitting at a computer screen, dressed in suit and tie, in a magazine shop. Checked, or tried to check out, where my interview was to find that there were few reference to the street on which the agency was based. The only real clue was that it was in Albert Park. I concluded the best way to get there was via taxi, which I jumped into on Collins. Was very amusing as travelling down King Street when the guy typed in Queen Street only to be told to turn round and go in the opposite direction. How I chuckled inside my neatly ironed shirt and tie.

So I got to the agency, an office block, a Federal Government office block in fact. An office block over looking a golf course. I was greeted by a very pleasant chief executive and on entering her office, by another very genial gentleman. The interview went well and we had a good laugh. I felt even better when, on leaving the room, the chief exec said that it had been a pleasure interviewing me. Not bad eh?

By this time my brain was completely frazelled and I headed home and to bed for some rest and relaxation. Got up for a cup of tea and had a look my mobile, noticed had a missed call. Returned the call, it was P and she wanted to offer me the job! I was so wrapt I was beside myself. She wanted me to come in the following day but I said that Friday would be better as I was heading out of town Thursday. By this time my credit had run out and the call was cut short. So once I had chugged my way through recharging the phone and called P back we concluded that I would pop in to see her on Friday and work through the paperwork of proving that I was a bona fide human being. No sooner had I finished the call than the phone went off again and Mr F was on the other end of the line. And low and behold, he wanted to get me in to discuss the job we had previously discussed and how best to take it forward. Talk about three buses turning up all at the same time. Arranged to meet him Friday pm, after my meeting with the CAC.

I was absolutely beside myself after the two calls. From nothing doing to, heck I need to be cloned! So as my brain had gone into overdrive, headed back to bed and tried to and finally did get some sleep. Course going to bed early is never a good idea as it means you wake up at some ridiculous hour in the morning. So there I am awake at four in the morning – wide awake and brain doing at least one grand prix if not a whole years worth. Was absolutely impossible to switch it off – stuck a glass of milk in microwave and added some milo subsequently which helped slip from supersonic gear to something more like a normal speed. Went back to bed and managed to get some more sleep, waking up at around 7.

Got up as the speed had picked up again and was conscious that needed to sort out hire car and pick up e-mail from Pam before I headed out of town. Of course the hire car thing was easy. Got some brekkie and read a bit of the papers, then headed to magnation in Greville St for a dose of mega slow broadband – and this time it was snails pace. Managed to get what I needed then headed to Dick Smiths to find something to link ipod to radio. Found a contraption that included a holder and plugged into the cigarette lighter so could recharge ipod. Had a bit of a struggle trying to sus out how it worked but this was resolved by my going back to the store and playing dunce. Of course what I had not sussed out was that there was an LCD screen which switched on when you plugged the contraption into the cigarette lighter – certainly a Home moment.

Once had packed stuff and headed onto the road was pretty plain sailing. The road system here is fantastic – so smooth to navigate around and was practically a straight road all the way. Did have a little panic when though I had missed the turning but thankfully all was ok and got to Daylesford just in time for lunch. Was pretty chuffed too as the sun was out and the sky was almost clear blue.

Very quickly found that the spa for which I had travelled over an hour was actually closed. Renovations. Apparently it opens in September. Looking at the amount of work they are putting into it – it is going to be pretty spectacular even if some of the Victorian character is being lost.

So checked into my Japanese retreat and to the room without a bed. Was funny as they showed me round and then left. Only then did I realise there was no bed. So there I am walking around thinking- but where is the bed. Nice bathroom, nice main room with hardly anything in it apart from a lot of bamboo flooring, a rather small Japanese garden – sneeze and you would reach the back wall. No bed. Found an introductory folder and was relieved whilst slightly bemused to see that they put out a futon later in the day. Oh joy I remember those days sleeping on a futon – or trying too!

So anyhow back to reception for a few recommendations including a replacement for the refurbished spa. Luckily the place is crawling with them so all was not lost. The one recommended, Peppers, was just round the corner. Drove round and was soon sorted with spa session and massage to be had later in the afternoon. The spa was good as it included a full on steam room, an infra-red room (apparently it detoxes you from the inside out), and a couple of outside spa pools on either side of a very cold plunge pool.

Sitting here in in the old suit and tie. Just had an interview this morning and got one this afternoon. Oh what fun!

So what has been happening? Well quite a bit I guess including two new evening classes - one in tai chi and one in emotional intelligence.

So working backwards. Lets start with today - Wednesday 23 July. Well the interview this morning was with one of the unis here and the job was Strategic Planner. Was amusing as good there early. Reported to reception but they coud not locate anyone and did not know anything about the interview. Anyhow after 15 minutes a guy appeared and said that they had been waiting in the interview room and that obviously his PA was not in. Ho hum. Well there old three people panel and the questions were not too tricky. Was funny too as the interview only lasted half an hour. Think they were a bit mystified about how I had come to apply for the job given what I had previously been involved in. Ah well we shall see.

Tuesday morning headed to magnation on greville street once the downpour had calmed down. Got a coffee during which the guy behind the counter mentioned that they had exceeded their monthly download limit and that the connection was mega slow. And he was right! So gave up and came home. Did a bit of tidying up and then headed back into town (oh I love the 15 minute train ride to Parliament station) for interview with P et el.

Interview was good fun and I think I was ok. They asked for details of referees so we shall see. Pretty interesting project.

In afternoon was a bit bushed so after a bit of a power nap did a bit of reading and then headed to Borders for a browse (found a book by David Clark on big things in Australia - so of course I had to buy it) and then into town. Got another tuna salad and found they had wifi at the Journal cafe - yippeeeee!

Yesterday evening was emotional intelligence which was quite funny. The tutor is a bit of a character and has some great facial expressions. We did a couple of exercises and she talked through a few theories and lots of examples. Looking forward to the next ones.

Monday - Day was mostly spent at Magnation. Can't remember much else though am sure will come to me later.

Went round Jays after Tai Chi and picked up post. We ended up watching "The Farmer wants a wife" - a bizarre programme where several farmers are mixed together with various young ladies (most of whom seem to be blonde) and then allowed to sus out which one they would prefer.

I am still amazed that I get to the end of each week rather exhausted, feeling I have achieved so much and then pondering over how I fill each time given I am still to most, a man of leisure.

I guess today though has been a good example. It started off with me getting ready for my 10am meeting with P. Caught the train in and the obligatory standing all the way journey. This experience had been added to by the fact that it had been and was still raining – so there was an air of bedraglment in the carriage. Got off at Parliament (all of three stops) and headed down Lonsdale to get the papers and find a suitable cafe for a coffee. Noticed they also did ham and cheese croissants so had one of those too. Bemused to see it toasted when it arrived but hey why not.

Whilst was sitting perusing the daily headlines, overheard the woman next to me note to the guy who had just arrived to join her to not put own any papers as “you never know who are sitting next too”. Thought – jeez am only reading my paper. Still that warranted a bit of full on ear wigging to the rest of their conversation which consisted of her finishing her breakfast and referring to stuff like the weather, immigration and Zimbabwe – takes all sorts I guess.

Anyhow headed across the road to meet P. Had a latte (hold the front page stuff this – not as I seem to be living on them at the moment) and had a good catch up about what I had been doing since I left VAGO. P mentioned a post which she was looking to fill and that whilst they had recently advertised it, they had not found anyone they thought suitable. She wondered if I would be interested. It sounded fascinating – right up my street. Lots of liaising with different departments, visiting different parts of the burbs and “making a difference”. Agreed that I would meet up again with her next week once I had put in an application detailing how I met their person specification and key selection criteria.

After the meeting thought I deserved a bit of a reward to went to Melbourne Museum given I was up that part of town. Was still drizzling but I battled against the elements like a hardy explorer. Decided to join as I thought there was no way I would get round it all in one go and that there would different exhibitions so would be more cost effective. Was not that much to join for a year either. Headed up and ended up in the “Mind” exhibition which was absolutely fascinating. Spent an hour or so wondering round the displays which covered both the biology of the mind and how it works through to the impact that drugs can have on it, through to moods, personality and towards the end mental illnesses, their impact and treatments. They also had some very clever vox pops of people talking about their specific conditions and the impact on their lives. Fascinating.

After the museum I headed back into town. It was still raining, so I thought I would check my e-mails and update myself on what had been happening in the big wide world. Sent a quick e-mail to Allied Pickfords as I had not received the Customs form and low and behold they had sent them to the wrong address. So I got them e-mailed and printed them out only to pick them up and find that the toner was running out on the e-lounge printer. Unfortunately the “I have no customer service skills” woman was behind the counter and could see no problem with the fact that you could hardly read what had been printed. I let it go and headed off for some retail therapy, still battling against the elements.

Ended up in JB Hifi (kind of Australia equivalent of Richer Sounds) as they were having a big dvd sale and bought the whole set of West Wing.

Could have spent a bit more time there but suddenly thought that may be I should have been a meeting with Melbourne Health. Checked diary and it noted that the meeting was next weekend – tried to wrack my brain as was sure it was this weekend. Popped into another internet cafe to check e-mail but had no record of a date for the meeting. Called and left a voicemail but was still not sure whether I had mixed up the dates. Also noted had got a missed call on my new mobile – managed to sus out how to retrieve the number and called to find that the Rural Workforce Agency wanted me to go in for an interview. Had been a while and was not sure either what the job was nor where they were but they said they would e-mail me confirmation so that was that.

After all that was feeling a bit too stressed and tired so went to get some food in the place that did the Kitchen Boot Camp for Blokes course which was pretty funny as was now a fully operational cafe. After that headed home and ended up having a quick powernap.

Had arranged to meet with L and so headed back into town, except missed tram so caught a taxi. Met up with L and we headed off to Melbourne University to hear Tony Wheeler talk about travel guides past and present. Was amazing to finally see the guy who was responsible for writing the “bible” that I used some 20 years ago during my round the world adventure. Got his autograph at the end which was pretty wrapt about.

Headed back into town with L on the tram and got some food in one of the lane. Was kinda ok though my steak was over cooked and L’s chicken was burnt too. The wine was a bit crap too. Ho hum.

Ah well, struggling to keep eyes open so will sign off here for now.

Well it has been a few days I guess since I last updated, Wednesday maybe?

Yesterday was move career day, as in had two meetings almost back to back with the career advisors (lets call them the “wise men”).
After the fun I had the previous day spending an hour stuck in the lift, I was so looking forward to spending yet more time in the building. And if I ever forgot about the lift episode, I always had the lovely receptionist with the twanging US accent to comment of my recent episode of entrapment, with a rye grin on her face (not sure she would have been grinning if it had been her in the lift).

So yesterday, had to visit the wise men three times. The first occasion was to complete their “online” questionnaire. However as I had found the previous day, it was not online as their website was down even though they were not aware of this fact. Anyhow complete said questionnaire – a bit clunky if you ask me, design using some form of computer language which did not take account of graphic design or presentation. There were some bizarre questions in there like “do you like to work with plants and animals?” but managed to answer most of them without too much difficulty. Got a bit daft as one of the choices was “don’t know or both” which I would have thought would warrant different forms of analysis. So of course I answered this third option several times because sometimes I like to drink coffee and sometimes tea.

On the second trip in, had a useful discussion on how I could identify a short term contract role. This included a few tricks of the trade in CV (or as they call it here – resume) construction, “performing” well at interview and networking. Was also introduced to the concept of STARs – Situation, Task, Actions and Results – you have to have at least 20-30 of these apparently. I thought – flippin eck they want the cosmos (spot the joke?).

The third interview focused on more long term planning. The meeting included a review of my results from completing the “online” questionnaire earlier. Apparently I had a unique profile. Well, that was because I answered both/ don’t know lots of times so was straight down the middle. Do we had a bit of a discussion and run through stuff I had done previously. Was quite amusing. Not sure how I was supposed to react when the guy referred to me as a pup – could have replied “well if I am a pup you must be an old dog” – but didn’t.

Anyhow, two thirds through the interview the guy said I should do a section of the online survey again – and acquiesced just to keep him happy – only took 10 minutes – and this time I decided to either answer yes or no. Of course that provided him with the result he wanted. I am a hard-nosed completed/ finisher!

Talking about completing/ finishing, I shall soon be finished with this entry. Am sure you must be bored by now (having a quick respite now gazing out to see – sadly it has clouded over and the sun is nowhere to be seen).

So after a full on day discussing how wonderful/ flippin awful my work life has been, I staggered home. However I had decided I needed to reward myself so on the way, I bought an LG Viewty. Heck have just noticed they are clearing up and about to close so will stop here and continue when get back to the ranch (ie my fabbo apartment).

Well what a day - not achieved much unyet I guess I have. Certainly today is going to be know from now on as the day tat I got stuck in a lift. And spent an hour of my life doing nothing. Should have seen the omen that was the lift not working smoothly went it got to the ground floor- for some reason the doors did not want to open and had to keep the call button pressed down for the doors to open. The engineer took some 20 minutes to turn up and then could not resolve the problem - ended up forcing open the doors - why he could not have done that when he arrived I do not know - in fact that has just occurred to me. What is more got talking to some other people on the way down and they mentioned that most of ht elifts were on their last legs. There really should be some sort of warning oh and get this - you cannot take the stairs - well actually you could take the stairs in that you can take the exit door to them but you cannot get out unless you have some kind of security key - so you have no alternative than to take the dodgy lifts.

Anyhow enough of me ranting. It was an experience but not one I would want to repeat.

I guess most of the stuff have achieved has been done online - such as booking tickets for the international film festival and looking at sorting out what am going to be doing next weekend - tony wheeler on friday night as part of the writers festival - he is the guy who set up lonely planet - a bit of a god as far as I am concerned.

Hey and for those of you with a spare moment, check this out - dance like matt - is on youtube apparently - saw it on morning tv - this guy dances like i don't know what in some 50 different countries and often gets other people to join in - is pretty cool.

Went to see Mongol last night - film about Genghis Khan - another amazing movie - and for $8 which is some 4 english pounds. Another winner!

Anoyhow been using my new acquisition - a kinda laptop bag on wheels - was getting fed up with lugging lots of books and stuff around along with laptop so have splashed out - not realy - got it in the sales - and is f a b!

What else - weather has come up trumps - wondered around a bit earlier in me t-shirt which was good - also found train route which menas two stops from south yarra to flinders st which means can get into town mega quick - that is of course ignoring the fact that i have to walk from apartment to the station but that only takes about 15 minutes.

Ah well - again food time - bring on summer!

Here again and life is all good fun.

Bit has been happening over the past few days. Have signed up with the career management people which is going to be a bit of an adventure especially given am being fast tracked - ie doing both their short term and longer term career review at the same time. Got to do an online test which takes about an hour and read a rather full lever arch file to help me answer the question - who am i!

Friday was a pretty full on day too as had a meeting with Mr F in the morning to discuss an assurance job - should be pretty good fun and is quite involved especially having gone through the documents he printed out for me to read. Had a bit of a major ear infection, so squeezed in abit of time at magnation and then came home to lie in bed for a bit hoping it would go away but sadly it didn't.

Had a phone call from Melbourne Health CAC - they want to meet me in a couple of weeks time!! Yay - am gonna be o-n t-h-e c-o-m-m-i-t-e-e! Was well chuffed.

Headed into town and before class went to chemist to get some, what has turned out to be, wonder stuff which sorted out the infection in no time and made the evening much more tolerable.

Had a bit of a mare with the class as firstly got distracted. To be honest she was abit all over the place to start with and I found they had internet access so did a bit of surfing. Then when got back into "the room" could not get formatting thing to work so got a bit pissed off.

Anyhow we had a break and then back into the flow - could do the rest of the class - pretty cool things and so easy to do - was also chuffed as whilst checking e-mails noticed that serial number had come through for dreamweaver so was completely wrapt over that.

After class, met up with L and we had a cuppa earl grey, headed off to get some food and then to sam sparro at miss libertine - a real rockers pub!

Wel Mr S was superb - amazing voice and tons of energy - and his version of ride on time was classic.

Stayed on for a couple more beers and then caught tram home after seeing L off in a taxi.

Sat was a bit of a chill out day. Did some housework and tidying up. Met up with J and others for dinner and then to see Mammia Mia - SUPERB!! Meryl Streep CAN SING. Not too sure about Pierce Brosnan though. All in all one fantastic film - a must see!!!

Sunday down the gym - hour and a half- impressed myself. Then into town to find a laptop wheelie bag which eventually found in Myers (is soo cool - am well chuffed). Then to e-lounge to do bit of checking e-mails and sussing out the world. Bit surprised about the amount of coverage and reference to the r word - hardly any over here - ah well not doubt it will appear sooner or later.

Popped in to see J on the way back and then home to finish off the papers and watch a bit of tele. Also did some stuff for Mr F - threw together a rough version of a specification to work on tomorrow. Could get used to being my own boss

Was well chuffed last night to have finally started writing one of my books. And twas remarkably easy to get going. Have so far written a bit of a preface and kicked off chapter one.

Also got an interview next for a job which had rather forgotten about - will have to dig out the old paperwork and sus out what am going to be interviewed about!

Also had a good evening last night watching tele programme on india, playing three sets of wii tennis (lost two - boo hoo!) and getting some food in!

Anyway bit of a newsflash - heading off now to get some food and bask in the sun!

Well today is Tuesday and I had promised myself a day off for a while and today was going to be the day. Well a good start was being woken up several times during the night by a torrential downpour outside. This was added to by a text saying my rent was overdue and could I sort it out which caused me a bit of a surprise. So, putting my “here we go again” head on and putting the day off on hold, I headed down to the letting agents to discover that the rental payments were something I should have sorted out and that the details explaining this were in the pack that I was given even though the guy said nothing about it and I found no details of it in the pack. Ho hum. While was there asked about the kitchen blinds (the ones that spring back up when you try to pull them down) and after checking the wonderful fellow noted that it was with the landlord and that he would follow it up. Also handed him another outstanding bill for one of the previous tenants, though not the Horatio Entwhistle fellow with the fantastic middle name that I have forgotten, think it was Oswald or something like that.

So after the letting agents, I headed into town and to the bank to sort out rental payments. After that, to my beloved e-lounge to check e-mails and do a bit of web surfing. This included having a look through the latest on my daily BBC and Independent e-mails – not a pretty sight. Highlights, if you could call them that, included Mr Brown lecturing people about not wasting food and the Deputy Mayor being caught out and having to resign – both rather daft stories methinks followed by the thought – am so glad am out of it and only have to listen about hoons speeding down new major roads and, well the headline in the local Stonnington Leader is “Forrest Gazumped” about calling a new development Forrest Hill but that this might confuse people with a suburb called Forest Hill which is out east and has been referred to as a “bit too Kath and Kim” and was likely to “lower the tone of the area”! Shocker eh?

So after the session on the internet was time to have my day of leisure. Lets pop to the Melbourne Museum I thought for a bit of culture. Popped into the National Gallery beforehand to check out whether or not I should have a temporary membership card and also to get L a trendy art deco eco friendly bag. Having easily achieved both, I got on a rather full but free tourist bus to the museum. And oh joy, the queue was worse than my previous visit. One of the attendants noted that I would only have to queue seven minutes and that this was good as the queue had been worse in previous days. And he commented on the fact that there were seven tills open. Seven “tills”! What happened to progress and why do they not automate entry to speed up the process? Oh dear, I forgot, public sector – tee hee.

Ah well another aborted visit, even a trip to the café to recharge was aborted due to an even more chaotic scene of long queue and little space to even move let alone sit down. So back on a tram to a place of more sanity, the good old Sandbar. Oh joy, an easy journey and a blissful view!

Was a good opportunity to plough through the backlog of papers that I had been collecting and also to contemplate progress with the grand project. Also slipped in a quick call to the old boutique agency for Thursday to take my job hunt onto the next stage – “cos I deserve it” (ref: look like you’ve just come out of a salon).

After gazing out to see for a while, watching people walk their dogs along the beach and gazing at the cargo ships out at sea I headed off to catch a tram to head back into town and then to home.

Just been watching a travel programme on India. Was pretty amazing and reminded me of the time I went to Delhi, Lucknow and Mumbai with work, especially when they showed the Taj Mahal. Reminded me especially of the time we spent in Lucknow and the trips where we headed out to the rural villages where we were treated so well, asked to plant trees and had a special play put on for us. The people were so amazing, definitely a defining moment in life.

Ah well, sitting in the apartment at the moment typing this on my laptop with itunes playing in the background, rocking gently on my Poang with my feet resting on my red ottoman. How marvellous is life! Going be a struggle to get back to the 9 to 5 way of life. Ah well, I guess enjoy the moment while it lasts!

Well here we are again – the end of another week. Seven weeks been out here – and what a time it has been. Almost got the apartment complete – one of the final pieces was a red ottoman cube on which to rest my weary feet after a hard days toil. So we have almost perfect balance of cream white, red and chocolate brown. And it looks superb.

Anyhow back to the update. Thursday morning was a bit manic. Wanted to make the most of the car before I had to return it. This involved going to Ikea to get the Poang chair, red shelves, $9 dollar candlesticks and candles and tea lights, then to Port Melbourne in my pursuit of Bircher muesli (which found!) and then to Officeworks to replenish paper stocks. Actually I think Ikea was Wednesday – ‘twas so long ago. Anyhow, also managed to sort out refund for the recliner which I was glad had managed to get done.

Thursday afternoon was a meeting at a rather quirky organisation of which I became aware through my requesting a free booklet on “Enhancing your executive career”. I thought to have one would be nice anyhow I went along to see what they could offer. The lady on the phone said it was a free no obligation review of my resume (aka CV) and career prospects going forward. Was quite an amusing experience, into offices into which it looked like the organisation had just moved and very little else in terms of filing cabinets or office evidence of a well established organisation. Anyhow, being early I was shown into a small waiting room. I noticed a file labelled testimonials. So I had a look through the contents of the file which contained mostly letters and e-mails along the lines of “oh you saved my life”, “what would I have done without you”, etc etc. Things were beginning to slot into place, basically a headhunters of sorts.

So I meet the guy (Director of Sales it turns out), rather surly, deep voice, bit like an old style headmaster and we have a chat. The usual where I have been, where am I going, how am I going to get there stuff. And a bit of an insight into the Melbourne market. Tallied with what I had sussed so far. Talked through a job hunting strategy and my need for a value proposition! Oh joy I thought – get me my agent. So anyhow we talked numbers (rate per day) but he was a bit unsure so he called in a colleague who came up with some higher numbers (whilst I am trying to work up into some kind of annual figure whilst trying not to loose any zeros in the process). Needless to say there were quite a few zeros which was quite pleasing but that to achieve those zeros I will have to highly strategic including having a list of organisations which I want to target in terms of gaining employment – and of course these organisations’ values need to synergise with mine!

So anyhow all very interesting so I get a summary of printed info and we talk costs very briefly and then I head off into the wild wild world (still with zeros flying around in my head).

Friday – having had a bit of a sleepness night – those darn zeros did not go away – which resulted in my playing wii tennis at 4am, I woke up at 7 and decided to head into town to do a bit more web research and download a few more podcasts. However on arriving at magnation I found that the wifi was not working, added to which the staff did not seem to give a monkeys that this was so. So I trecked back to Greville St where low and behold it was working.

Had spoken to the marvellous Mr J the previous evening and he had kindly forwarded e-mail from Russia to which I sent a response. Was pleased to read the report was coming to fruition and am intrigued to see what happens once it is in the public arena, which hopefully will happen in the not too distant future. Sent off a couple more applications including one for a role as Organisational Director. Was intrigued though to find that the organisation had had a new one in March. Alarm bells started to ring but then I looked at the individuals photo and was less concerned. Methinks a possible personality conflict may have arisen. Just a guess – I could be wrong – call it intuition.

Had also noticed that my watch was rather loose on my wrist which I can only assume it due to my loosing weight. Am rather chuffed as I had put on a fair amount prior to my move over here and have been keen to regain (not quite a lithe figure) my previous svelt physique – grief who am I deceiving here methinks me!

Anyhow Friday afternoon headed home and had a good old tidy up of the flat including moving all cardboard boxes onto balcony and just generally making the place a lot tidier. And what am improvement. So much more space! Also met the next door neighbour for the first time. Has two jobs and has lived alone in his apartment for three years. A good sign methinks.

So anyhow chilled out for a bit and then headed into town to become a student again. Am doing a web design course for three weeks at the Centre of Adult Education in town. Really enjoyed it even if it is on Friday evening. There are ten people on the course, of diverse backgrounds. Was a good three hours, the tutor is very energetic and enthusiastic about the subject – not too computer literature which is quite funny but very good on making sure everyone is keeping track (though not sure whether asking whether the girl in the back row was asleep was a good move tactically). Anyhow looking forward to next week.

Was going to see Scouting for Girls at the Corner Hotel after, but was a bit zonked so came home and crashed in front of the TV.

Saturday morning was spent worship at the church of Fitness First and then home to recharge and head out into town. A bit of shopping and then to magnation and then home. Had very painful sinusitis – worst have had for a whilst, so went to bed after taking paracetomol and slept for two hours. Luckily woke up just in time to get ready and head out to meet with Jay and the others for dinner at Chilli Pad. Excellent evening with good food and company. Cam home and to bed, hit pillow and to sleep almost straight away.

Sunday – tried to squeeze in a swim before meeting up with L but trams took ages so ended up going straight to hers and then we headed off down the coast to Mordaillac for lunch. Sun was out but was cloudy and wind picked up which made it a bit chilly. However we managed to get a table under heaters so it was not too bad and the sun came out again later – which was so warm could feel it on my back – not undesirable sensation in the middle of winter. Food was superb, yum cha and then steak – delish. Then after a bit of read of the papers, we walked along the beachwalk and along a jetty. Then headed back to car and drove back along the coast to another café for afternoon tea. I had a fruit crumble which was delicious and shared some of L’s orange cake too. Just brilliant!

L dropped me off at the apartment, we had a quick chat about Sam Sparro on Friday and then she headed off and I dived into rest of the Sunday papers, sorted out other stuff and cleared out a fair amount which no longer needed. Then food and bed.

Grief this looks like I do nothing but spend time doing my blog - hope not - honest people I do have a life....!

Well this morning has been full on - after I did my blog entry my laptop decided to shutdown even though there was half an hour battery left. still had downloaded itunes, checked and replied to e-mails and applied for another job so had done what I wanted to do. After that popped into David Jones and got refund for recliner - along with a bit of a chat with the other Mr Clarke - he is a character! Then back to apartment to pick up car and then over to Port Melbourne to find the elusive bircher muesli. Was v funny - they have a car park on the roof of the store - was v v busy but got a space. And found the muesli too - well chuffed. Also did a bit of food shopping - was bit pushed for time but thought could pull it off - wanted to get more paper for printer and another cartridge and luckily officeworks was on the way back to the apartment. So shopping and more shopping and all within an hour of needing to get the car back to its rental home.

Then a quick protein drink and back into town for a meeting with EFP International - still not really sussed out who they are but the two guys I met with pretty impressive - you know that feeling when someone with a brain the size of a small town walks in a room. Still digesting what they said about my CV - trying to cut the crap out of the spin though they did not seem the type of guys to engage in much spin - more this spade is a spade sort of guys.

Oh goodness the view in not bad from where I am sitting - fellow surfers are very much easy on the eye this afternoon - no incentive to leave sadly though my typing fingers are getting a bit tired so do not worry this will not be a long addition.

Think might have a day off tomorrow - might have a breeze down to bayside blades to look at rollerblades, else go to sandbar and chillout with a good book. Am getting back into Ben Elton book which is cool. Lots of others to read to including the Robert Harris Ghost book which bought earlier in the week. Heck and got web design course tomorrow - oh so much to look forward to! Who cares it is winter outside and blowing a force 10 gale every night!!

Until next time

Called this work in progress as only got 45 mins on the laptop battery at the mo so gonna type like fury and then update later. Am also loading itunes and updating windows defender at the same time so there may be the odd distraction to boot.

Anyhow all good the last few days - headlines include am loving my new red shelves and poang armchair from ikea and also am well chuffed to fhave finally sussed out how to use my dvd recorder and found the tv guide which allows me to easily record programmes.

Am not loving the fact that have not had a decent nights sleep due to the ongoing gales nightly and the fact that downstairs had a majhor row which was followed b the woman screaming and based on the sounds I could decern, leaving the apartment - all a bit full on but I do feel a bit sorry for her - the door slamming was full on. Not met him - yet!

Fingers crossed have got storage sussed - went to have a look at the lock up space yesterday and the ceilings are sooo high - 8 foot or so should be plenty of space - shop arrive on 15 july and i finally get to use my wii fit !!! oh yes !!!!

not sure what am going to do with all the other stuff but will come to that when the boxes arrive.

down to 37 minutes - need to reboot (norton needs to update) so will stop here for the time being.