Happy Christmas!

It is Christmas morning here in Germany and there's not even a frost in sight (so definitely no snow). I managed to catch a cold on my way over so I've not been feeling the best the last few days, but my Mummy was enjoying looking after me, so it hasn't been too bad!

Yesterday afternoon we went to the FEG church where Mum and Dad usually go for their Christmas service. It was a musical/play spectacular and quite impressive. I could even follow along because there was someone translating.

We also had our traditional roast turkey dinner last night (see picture) and it was up to Mum's usual excellent standard. (For those in the know, you'll know what I mean!!) I can't remember the last time I even had a roast, so it was very special.

I had my first good night's sleep last night so I'm feeling pretty good today. We're taking it easy, hoping to talk to the fam back in Melbourne soon and open all our presents!!! Then we'll be spending the evening with Aaron & Amanda and their family. They are American friends of Mum & Dad's. If I remember to take photos, I'll put more on the blog tomorrow.

Well, I hope all of you have had a great Christmas too! Ciao for Now :)

Sayonara Japan

I thought I'd do one last post from the fair shores of Japan. I don't leave till Friday, but I won't be able to use my computer for a few days :( I'm sad to say goodbye to all my new friends and dissapointed that I didn't get to see more, but I hope to be back in the New Year.

The photo on the right is me & Shigeki at my farewell sushi dinner tonight. I've had several, and it's been frustating packing as people keep giving me gifts & not necessarily small ones! "Note to self: next time, bring less clothes and a half-empty suitcase!"



I'm also busting to land in Switzerland! I'm not looking forward to the transit, but the arrival will be awesome. A HUGE bear-hug from my Otoosan (that's Dad)!



Now it's way past my bedtime & I'd been such a good girl this week... oh, well.....



As usual, I still have a few things to get done before I go, but the list aint as long as the one when I left Australia and my tickets are very safe this time.... ;)



Oyasuminasai - see you in Germany!!!

Musing on tea...

I was thinking about tea as I sip my freshly brewed (loose leaf) Lady Grey. I had an argument with one of my students about whether black tea leaves are fermented or not. (I didn't think they were) so I looked tea up on Wikipedia. Well, we were kind of both right.... The process of oxidation is referred to as fermentation despite the fact that no true fermentation happens. Black tea is also called Red Tea in China due to its red colour when brewed. Though red tea nowdays tends to refer to the South African rooibos tea (which isn't really tea at all, but a tisane.) Tea is only tea when it contains leaves from the Camellia Sinensis plant.



Anyway, my tea is finished now and my stomach is grumbling so I think I'll grab some dinner. I'm looking forward to sharing a pot of tea with my mum - only nine sleeps to go!!

Two weeks and counting!

Doesn't time fly? I've been here in Japan nearly three months already and its gone by in a flash. I've really enjoyed my time here but now the time for packing up and saying farewell is upon me. There are a couple of classes that I will only take one more time and most of my students are preparing little farewells for me. I hope they don't shower me with gifts because I doubt I'll be able to fit them in! I am sending some of my stuff ahead of me so that I don't exceed my baggage limit. I also have to book my fare to Tokyo. Its all excitement...!!

I'm really looking forward to seeing my parents. They've been in Germany since March and are really progressing well in their new ministry. It will be good to meet all the people I've heard so much about. (If you want to know more, check out my Mum's blog - gaynor's world, the link is on my link list.) I am also looking forward to catching up with many more of my Aussie, well, Melbourne really, friends in Switzerland for New Year's. I'll be holed up in a chalet in the Geneva mountains - jelous?? I'm hoping to learn to ski or skateboard and my greatest wish is to skate on a frozen lake....

Of course, you will be able to follow all my adventures here. I'll be posting some more Japan photos soon too, so watch this space. I think I've mentioned it before, but the Japanese love any excuse to decorate so the streets and shops are looking very colourful with Christmas decorations.

Well, its past my bed time and I need my beauty sleep, so Oyasumi-nasai... till next time....

So little time, so much to do...!

Well, I have a little over two weeks to go and I continue to make new friends and have a long list of things I would love to do before I go. I know that I won't get them all done, but most important now is to find myself a job for next year. I really hope to return for 6 - 9 months and may even drop by Australia on my way back (funds permitting). So I may see some of you before too long.

On another note, do you know anyone who would be interested in joining thousands of other Australian Christian Women at Colour 2007? I have four (cheap as) tickets available. It is the first year they are meeting at Stadium Australia and the speakers line up looks great. Check out the details at: http://www.colourconference.com

Well, I've got too much to do to stay on line too long, so I'll sign off. Its been good to hear from a few more of you, but where are all your Haikus? So far, Mike is winning with his ode to a washing machine... get those creative juices flowing!!

Jya'ne! :)

A Century!

I've cracked the ton! 101 pages into my novel and 62,191 words. I've almost completed chapter nine and the first two chapters have been posted to the site. There's a link to the right of the screen - joce's novel. If you read it, please leave a comment. Comments are open to anyone, you don't have to be a blogger, and I'd really love to hear what people think (be honest!) I'm not afraid of criticism, particularly if its constructive. I still consider the novel to be in draft form, so I expect to make revisions. If you have a suggestion you can comment or e-mail it to me. All reasonable ones will be considered, though I won't promise to write you into the story (have already received requests for this!) Maybe next time though.... Yes, I'm already thinking about new stories. I have an ideas worksheet called "a novel idea" - not terribly original, I know. Still, better than 'ideas for books', or something banal like that.

Mmmn, thinking of banal, where are all your haikus? I've only had one submission - check it out in comments (thanks Mike M). I've had good chats to a few friends lately too - but what about the rest of you? I can still count on one hand the e-mails I've received from my Aussie mates over the last two months - come on! Your lives can't be that boring, surely? Plus I'm on messenger and yahoo chat's now too - joce_pix (also my skype ID, but its not working yet). Technology isn't my strong point, I'm afraid, and my tech assistant is a long, long way away. (But thanks for all your help bro, I'm now enjoying Hustle, Spooks and Posh Nosh - "Next week we'll be showing you how to agitate and artichoke!")

Anyway, must go back to bed and try and get a bit of shut-eye before class. One of the apartments downstairs is being remodeled and they keep on waking me up at an ungodly hour. I'll have to ask my Japanese friends how to complain in Japanese!!

Jya'ne! <><

A Novel Idea

For anyone interested I have started posting my novel.



Apparently November is novel writing month, so I got a head start. I'm well past 50,000 words now, but I'll post it gradually.



Please let me know what you think. All reasonable suggestions will be taken into consideration - and you might score a mention in my shout outs...!!

The link should appear above, but just in case, here it is again:

http://jocesnovel.blogspot.com

A Haiku like you

So it's very early in the morning and I'm not sleepy - what better time to get poetic the Japanese way?? Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry consisting of 17 sylables over three lines 5-7-5... Please post your contributions too - its easy once you know how. And I've changed my settings so that anyone can post comments now - SO NO EXCUSES!

Here's one for all my slacker friends....

Why don't my friends write?
Have they forgotten Jocelyn?
Outta sight, outta...

And a seasonal one....

Leaves are turning brown,
And falling on the cold ground.
Grey skies, cold wind, rain.

And one about someone I know very well...

Wandering around lost
Is how she likes to be found
The right way's always wrong.

And one for my homesickness...

I think of my home
Among green trees and good friends
I miss the laughter

See, it's so easy! Give it a try, I'm looking forward to seeing your creations... <><

I was just wandering

It is amazing what you can find on the streets of Japan!

Check out this naughty little cartoon sign I found on the clapboard surrounding building works in Umeda on Thursday. (It was a national holiday here so I was wandering around killing time. I had to do free stuff as it's a lean week!)

** Just a little warning that if you're easily offended, you might want to look away!

A picture paints a thousand words!

Galavanting Around...

I had most of last week off so I took the opportunity to do a bit of sightseeing around the Kansai district.

Last Friday, two of my students took me to Kyoto - we visited the very famous Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion) and also the bamboo forrest and a couple of shrines in Arashiyama. It was very crowded as it was a lovely day and a public holiday, but the gardens were still very peaceful. Kinkaku-ji was not as big as I had imagined, and this time I had my new camera in tow so next time I blog I will post a couple of photos!!

On Monday my four Friday class ladies (these are all oba-chan) took me to Osaka-jo and lunch at an Indian Cafe. There was a chysanthemum festival in the castle ground and there were some mightily impressive specimens - unfortunately my photos didn`t work, so you`ll just have to take my word for it. There were bonsai ones and giant ones (like 50cm diameter one bloom!)

Next, I hope to visit Nara. There is another public holiday on the 23rd of November. I just need to find myself a guide... I don`t have any extra students yet unfortunately, but progress continues on my novel. Its now over 70 pages and 46,000 words. It is getting exciting as I approach the climax, hopefully its not total crap, perhaps we shall see. Let me know if you are interested in reading it and if I get enough interest I will post a link.

Well, its getting late and I stayed up waaaay too late last night so that`s about it for me today....

ｼﾞｬﾏﾀﾈﾇ

A true Osaka experience

On Sunday I had dinner with Japanese friends that I met in Melbourne and we had Osaka's famous dish - takoyaki. Takoyaki are octopus balls and are very tasty. You cook them at the table on a special takoyaki hotplate that has dimples all over it. You pour the takoyaki batter on to the hotplate then add fillings like pickled ginger, cheese and most impotant, octopus. You have to flip the cooking balls with your chopsticks and once they are done you eat them with mayonaise and teriyaki sauce and bonnito and nori flakes - very tasty (or Oishii, as the Japanese would say!)

On Friday I am going to visit Kyoto, famous for its traditional lifestyle, kimonos and the golden pavillion. I am hoping to buy myself a camera so I can show you all. Apparently the momiji (that is autumn leaves) are just reaching their height of beauty.... we shall see.

Otherwise, I am keeping myself busy writing my first novel and fighting off a throat infection.

So much for today....

How much is too much?

So I was taken to the biggest electrical goods store I`ve ever seen on Sunday afternoon - how big? you ask.... Well, not one floor, or two, or even three - yes, that`s right, FOUR floors of electrical goods!! One floor for mobiles and computers, one floor for televisions and stereos, one floor for cameras and one for white goods and massage chairs. (Yes, the massage chairs were good!) ;) So how much is too much? I was dizzy with massage chairs were good!) ;) So how much is too much? I was dizzy with choice, though incidently I still couldn`t find a transformer for my electrical cords ;) Thankfully friends are visiting next Sunday and they will look into my computer problem. I`d love to be able to use my computer at home....

Not much else to report really, my limited funds are limiting the excitement factor.... Still, I`m enjoying life here in Japan, I think it suits me & I have begun writing a story in my spare time. It is all in a handwritten notebook at the moment, but I`ll post a link to it once I start typing it up.

I visited a REAL Japanese church last Sunday and consequently barely understood a thing. Still it was good to share in fellowship with my Japanese brothers and sisters, and I met another Gaijin with limited Japanese (I`m not the only one! And he`s been here two years...!). I could join in with the hyms too as they were all written in Kana (that`s the Japanese script, which I`m fairly proficient in). The service was a lot more traditional than the one at Lighthouse too, but I will probably attend there about once a month as many of my students attend there and of course the people are lovely. I haven`t met an unkind Japanese person yet....

I am thinking of going out for Haloween... Well, its actually All Souls Day if you`re up with the Church Calendar. I found an Edward Gorey Calendar too - exciting, I have to return to the bookstore when I have enough funds to buy it! My mum bought me a set of Edward Gorey cards from the US a couple of years ago and I love them almost too much to use them!

Well, so much for today,

Getting Along....

Well, I've been here in Japan almost a month now and it has gone by so quickly. I'm fast getting used to life here in Japan and all too soon it will be over, I might have to come back next year...!!

I've found another internet cafe closer to home and this one is cheaper than the one I've been using in Tenoji and I get my own private booth!! I could get quite comfortable, what with the free ice-cream, drinks and soup as well!! It's great. Its still more expensive than in Australia, but you don't generally get free drinks in Oz....

I'm still enjoying my classes and hope to pick up a few more private lessons in conversation English. Check out http://www.seekjapan.jp under classifieds for my add - "Learn English the Aussie Way!"

Also, if you're interested in helping women with breast cancer then go to http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/cgi-bin/WebObjects/CTDSites and follow the prompt.

Enough advertising, so what else have I been up to?

Well, one of my students took me to Osaka and I visited the museum dedicated to the memory of Japan's first medical doctor and Osaka Castle. I wish I had a camera so that I could post photos. I'd love for you all to see my little place and all the other places that I go.

I'm booked up for a visit to Kyoto on November 3rd - its a public holiday here, and I'm really looking forward to that. It will be with a couple of other students of mine. I am slowly developing some good relationships and hope to begin a bible class with another Aussie gal who is also here in Osaka - she arrived a couple of weeks before I did, but will be here for about a year.

I am seriously considering returning next year. I feel like I will have just become used to the place and comfortable and it will be time to go. It would be really good to develop some closer friendships, which takes a lot of effort with Japanese people. Everyone is friendly, just a little reserved.

Otherwise, I haven't been up to much over the last week or so, its been a while since pay day! ;)

Catch you all again soon... please send me an e-mail so I can hear what you are up to!

Jyamatane (see you later) <><

A Contest to be Proud Of!

Well, what a game!! Only a point to decide it and those tense final minutes were thrilling. It took me over three quarters of the game to find the pub to watch it in, but it was like walking back into a pub in Australia for a blissful 20 minutes. The place was packed with Aussies and you could barely hear yourself scream - let alone your order being heard at the bar!! ;)
I`ve spent the last half hour reading the commentaries and match reports on The Age website. It was certainly a memorable match and one worthy of a great game of football. No other code quite compares in minute-by-minute excitement. Still, I`ve been getting into a sport I never would have anticipated while here in Japan... You`d never guess, unless you`re switched on to popular sports in Japan.... MLB - yes, Baseball!! Its one of the few programs regularly screened in English, so consequently I`ve been tuning in pretty regularly.
At present I`m tuned into the Js - its great to hear new music and the Aussie accents of the announcers - there are many things that are hard to find in Japan - decent music on the airwaves and Aussie accents (wide-open spaces..) just a few....
Still, I continue to enjoy my days here, particularly when I punctuate it with moments like the one I had a Murphy`s Irish Pub in Osaka. Plus, to add a bonus, I found Club Quattro - probably the only decent live music venue in this part of the world - not really any such thing as Pub rock round here... The only drawback about Murphy`s was that they didn`t serve any decent Aussie Beer (VB!?) so I had to content myself with a Kilkenny - still, there are worse things, I suppose!!
Today I failed to transfer funds to my new bank account - can`t seem to decipher the BSB - it doesn`t help that my passbook is entirely in Japanese!! And I had a meeting at the English School - the teaching staff gather on the first Monday (though yes, this is the second) and pray and chat about how things are going (well at the moment). Was a good time. I am slowly getting to know my students and am really enjoying classes - Japanese people tend to be fairly reserved so takes a while to get to know people. It is not the friendliest place, always polite, but there is a difference.... Still, no complaints, I`ve been made to feel very welcome and haven`t had any significant problems.
I did have a bit of an adventure on Saturday evening though... I dropped a few coins in the pub so I didn`t quite have enough for my fare back to Sakai. I caught the train about 3 stops from home and thought I`d just be able to follow the train line home, but of course, being me, I followed the wrong trainline!! I walked for about an hour, the sky getting darker, and passed several train stations, not recognising any of them. I finally gave myself up as completely lost about 7-ish and called my lifeline (AKA Tomoko). She had never heard of Kintetsu Yata either!! ;) Still, she came by and picked me up, I wasn`t too far away, only about 10 minutes drive from Sakaishi, but still... I never would have found my way home. I also spotted a couple of homeless people. Poverty is not so obvious here as in Oz.

Well, I`ve probably blogged on long enough now, can`t let you get bored....

Ciao for Now - Jyamatane!

Bloody Eagles!!

The Battle will begin in less than an hours time and I'm hopeful I've discovered a spot to soak up the glorious occasion... Let's just hope that I can find it!! ;) Will it be another year of triupmphant Swans [aka The Bloods] or will the Eagles snatch up the ultimate prize in Australian Football?

I'm looking forward to hanging out with some Aussies - then I'm catching up with Big Sam the man from Japan [viz Ireland] for a pot luck dinner Japanese style. The only question remains - should I stick with tradition and bring Tuna Mornay...?!

Till the next exciting episode....

Conichiwa!

For the uninitiated - that is hello [or good afternoon] in Japanese.... Life continues on apace here in Osaka - I'm currently installed in an internet cafe in Tenoji and I'm fast running out of time.... I'm falling into a rhythmn of classes and life here and have pretty much settled in. I have even found Kellogs Corn Flakes [but no vegimite, and I forgot my tube...!] I have classes four nights a week and also four mornings a week and four afternoons - though I teach on five days, work that one out!! Today I teach in Noda [every other day at the Lighthouse school in Sakai] so I stop off in Tenoji on my way.

What else.... well, I've updated myself on all the important Aussie news - West Coast will play Sydney in the Grand Final and Adam Goodes won the Brownlow. There are only 9 idols left - goodbye Reigan and the country chick who's name escapes me... and My little sister has bought a house [to see a pic check out her blog at http://glendajayne.blogspot.com] She beats me yet again, I'm guessing that by the time I see it there'll be little pitter patters on the lovely polished floorboards and only one spare room!! Good on you guys it looks a picture and I can imagine your guys living it large there... ;}

Not much else to report at the moment - only a little Japanese queerity - Only ladies qualify for cheap tickets on discount movie day!! It's called Ladies Day here and it on a Wednesday. Movies are expensive in Japan - 1800 yen, but on Wednesdays only 1000 for the ladies!!

Jyamatane [ciao for now] ... Joce <><

Settling in...

Well, I'm completing my first week in Japan and rapidly settling in, though life is sure different from Melbourne here in Osaka. I spied two other gaijin (Japanese for foreigner) on the train on Thursday night and was very excited - though I couldn't get to them as the carriage was packed! The weather remains very warm here - 30 most days and very warm at night too. My apartment is very cosy, though thankfully has airconditioning!! If you want to hear from me more regularly then please send me an email (or leave a note on this site) and I will send you my mobile e-mail address - yes, you can send e-mail from your mobile phone here!!

Well, I've got to dash, my time is up and I've plenty more to carry on with this arvo. I'll post again later in the week and might even download some photos!!

Ciao for Now...

The Saga Continues...

Well, I can't seem to get it all together, can I? I left my ticket behind somewhere in Melbourne (as yet undiscovered) so am stranded in Cairns for 24hours. Tough, I hear you say. Well, a bit annoying, but there is an upside. Cairns is lovely and its a beautiful day. A little muggy, so it feels very summery. I was even considering going for a swim, but I'm too hairy and now there is a nice cool breeze. (I will attend to the excess hair though... you don't want to know!)

So I've spent the day chilling out in Northern Queensland - there are worse things - much worse. Though I most likely means that I won't get to meet Esther - the person I am replacing at the English School in Osaka. We really will be like ships passing in the night. Well, so much for today. I have rays to catch!

Ciao for Now :)

In just a little while...

I finally have my visa!! In a moment I'll be picking up my ticket and this time tomorrow morning I will be in the air - or in Cairns awaiting my flight to Osaka. I can't believe that it has finally all come together. Today I'll be madly rushing about getting all those last minute jobs done. Hopefully I'll have time for a drink with friends this evening. I will miss Melbourne - the cafe culture, hearing English, my friends & family most of all, and of course, my church - St Jude's. I'm feeling a little bit whimsical and just a touch sad as I say goodbye to my favourite city. It has been hard moving out of my little place and saying goodbye to my friends & family. Still, I won't be having a late night - I'm flying to Cairns at 7am tomorrow morning!! I haven't got up that early for some time I must say. Which poor bugger will I ask to drop me off I wonder. I guess that depends on who wants my car... Well, If you're in Osaka I'll see you very soon. If you're in Germany, I'll see you in a couple of months time and if you're here in Melbourne its Goodbye from me - hope I'll see you again some day.

Ciao for Now.... <><

Jumping through hoops!

That's what it feels like right about now - will I ever get to Japan??? If you're reading this please send up a prayer for me. It is so frustrating and if I'm not there by next Wednesday it will make the transition to my job really difficult as well! I've spent the ENTIRE DAY running around (literally) getting this visa application together and now they're telling me that I don't have enough money and I can't go until next Friday! Beuracracy - you can't live with it & you can't live without it!!!!

HUMPH!

Change of Plans...

Phew - sometimes I wonder if someone is trying to stop me leaving the country! First I have all that trouble trying to get my passport and now I've been thwarted trying to get a visa!! Still, it gives me a little more time to get myself organised here in Melbourne so its not all bad. At present it looks like I'll be leaving next Wednesday. I just pray there are no more hitches from here. As I write my application for working holiday visa is being looked at and if all goes well I'll be saying my final goodbyes next Tuesday. It all still feels a little unreal, but we'll get there - eventually!

Till next time....

Ciao for Now - stay beautiful!

Only 2 days of work left!

Yay! Only two days to go at work. I'm not getting much done either - lots of long lunches and e-mail checking - not to mention blogging!! Though I do have a few things I need to get done today. I'm hoping that I'll be able to leave a bit early and go to the Japanese Consulate to pick up my visa. I'm cutting it fine, but hopefully this time next week I'll be in Osaka. The farewells are difficult but its all so exciting. The list is gradually being ticked off...
Well, must away for now, the work doesn't get itself done you know!!

So much for Today....

The Countdown continues....

Well only a week to go now. This time next week I'll be at the airport preparing to board a plane, very exciting! Now that my house is emptying and the boxes are filling it is starting to feel very real, though I still can't quite believe that I'll be gone in a week. Boy have I been busy, most evenings I'm catching up with people, either in person or on the phone, plus packing and cleaning. At least I'm not busy at work. I'll try and finish off a couple of assessments this morning. Then I can finish reports on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as putting the final touches on my last ward newsletter. I have my farewell lunch with collegues on Thursday too. Friday will hopefully be easy going and I might even try and slip away a bit early... we shall see.
Well, I'd best get back to it, till next time.....
Ciao for Now :)

8 days and counting....

Eight days till my departure and counting - provided that my visa comes in time that is!! Have had major headaches getting my travel documents, not fun! Still, other preparations are coming along nicely. I had a big sale on Saturday, as mentioned and it went really well. I only have a few smaller things left and I made a fair bit of money so I'm pretty happy with how it went, and its another tick on the list! Still, there's plenty more to get done & everyone wants to see me so I expect I'll be on full throttle until departure.
Ciao for Now....

A Correction

I just read a brief news report that mentioned Mohammad's case. He is here for medical treatment and has not been released. If you would like to help me petition for his freedom please e-mail or fax your letters to Senator Amanda Vandstone - her contact details are below. Please help me secure Mohammad's freedom, enough damage has been done....

http://www.minister.immi.gov.au/contact/index.htm#important

Senator the Hon Amanda Vanstone
Suite MF 40Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Telephone: (02) 6277 7860
Fax: (02) 6273 4144

GOOD NEWS!!


I just found out that my long-time incarcerated Iraqui pen-pal, Mohammad Afaisal (what else?!) has been released from Nauru and is in Brisbane!! I'm SO HAPPY for him & I hope & pray that he will settle in quickly and be able to make a life for himself. To be living so long without hope must be soul destroying. My government's policies on immigration and refugees sicken me, but I won't be around for the next election so there's not much I can do about it.
Still, its one small victory for Mohammad and his loyal friends here in Australia. Aparently there is going to be a story on him on tonight's 7.30 report, a current affairs program that airs on our government network, the ABC. I will have to tape it for posterity.
It has made my day!

Sale this Saturday!!

I have to get rid of all my stuff so I'm having a big sale this weekend. Starts Saturday at 10am, so if you know of anyone in the vicinity who wants some stuff...
Unit 4, 19 Rathmines Street Fairfield Victoria Australia
Might see you there....

The Wheels keep turning

I'm trying to sell my beloved little Betty (that is a 1989 Mazda 121 hatchback shades). We've done a lot of miles together, Betty and I. I will miss her, but I can't take her with me. If you know anyone in Melbourne who wants a reliable little car - send them to http://www.carsales.com.au my rego is RBB 923. So, the wheels keep turning....

So much to do... so little time....

Well, I fly out of the country in a fortnight and I've still got much to do... like:

• pack the rest of my stuff
• say goodbye to all my friends
• get my UK visa
• Finalise my tax return
• Store anything I want to keep
• Sell my car and other stuff
• Finish at work
• Change all my addresses to my mail box
• Find a new web-based e-mail account
• Send some stuff to Germany
• Pack!!

I hate packing, so that's why its at the bottom of the list. You would think that with all the moves I've done I would be cool with it, but no matter how often I do it, I still hate it. There's no rhyme or reason, I just do... So that's that, hopefully I can tick off the bulk of the list this week, will check in with my progress at a week to go!

Ciao for Now...

Markets and marmalade....

Friday is outing day at my work and we went to the Queen Victoria market. I was scouting hard for Seville Oranges to make my Grandmother's special marmalade... High & low, organic & ordinary... I was starting to worry I would never find them when.... There they were a little sign reading "MARMALADE ORANGES" With relief I purchased a big bag - I wonder if they let you send marmalade to Europe - they confiscated my pepper in customs. That's why my birthday present from Mum in Europe took 3 months instead of 3 weeks!!
Only 10 days of work to go and I'll sneak off early today so I can pick up my car. Then I'll drop by the shops on the way home & cook up a quick loaf of bread and chocolate pudding for dinner tonight. I am going to my brother's house....
Tomorrow I'm heading down to Geelong with a couple of girlfriends to watch my beloved Cats for the last time... 'Tis hard saying goodbye to all I know and love about Melbourne...
Ciao for Now
Joce <><

What a morning!
I'm glad everyday doesn't start like this... First I slept in until the next door neighbours builders started up the heavy machinery... then I played telephone ping pong with my friend who I need to witness some documents for me... then I spilt my breakfast (raspberry smoothie) all over the dashboard... so, I was late for work and already feeling flabbergasted... hopefully it improves from here on.... Will keep you posted! :)

Just in case you were wondering - this is me.

12 days and counting...
That is how much time I have left in my current job - not counting any further days off I might take. I'm super organised so that if I need to take extra time off at the end I will be able to. I'm absolutely hanging to get out of this place, but am I ready for the next?? No way! I have stacks of things still to organise, including visas and my HPC registration in the UK. It is all consuming. Still, it will be worth it - what an adventure! It doesn't feel quite real yet, but I'm sure that it will soon. I'm going to pack my first boxes this weekend. Have to get my friends and family around to claim their stuff (my stuff that they want!) I'll be giving away books and CDs too - once I have copied all my CDs to MP3 anyway. Have to sell my car first though. So much still to do and less than 20 days to go till I board a plane headed for Japan!! Will try and keep this updated more regularly.
Ciao for Now...

Show me the way to go home....

Why is it that even when I'm tired and hungry I still don't know how to go home & get fed & rested....

For further pondering for another day, same issues different time/place, Lord help me!

<><

Hello there!

I was just going to comment on my Mum's blog and before I knew it, I had signed up for my own... ;) It never ceases to amaze me how quickly these things can be achieved, so here goes....

I live in Melbourne, Australia and work as an occupational therapist. I was going to put in a picture, but I need to get the ok from other people before I also plaster their faces on here, so you'll have to wait.

I'm currently hanging out at my sister's place 'cause she has the net and she's away with her husband for the weekend. She also has a bigger telly than me, so I took the opportunity to watch some of that too - even managed to find something that wasn't completely brain numbing.
Writing of numbing, I'm sitting on my foot and I've just realised I can't feel it anymore, so I'll have to attend to it, until next time

Ciao for Now <><