Here we are. 2010. New year. Same resolutions. Eat better/less. Exercise more. Spend less. Save more. Entitlement less. Suffer more. Been reading a lot of Buddhist studies and have come to realize that I don't suffer enough. I am not sure any of us Americans do. (Not talking about the soldiers!) I think I got so caught up in the "I deserve" movement that I got lost in Entitlement City. When you read this, don't get all self-righteous on me either. You know you have parked in the fire lane once or twice at the grocery store to "just run in for a second".
I know the recession is much more complicated than I could ever imagine. But what if it wasn't? What if it boiled down to we just don't suffer enough. We either deny, repress, justify, conjole, manipulate, coerce, drink, eat, sleep, drug, take a pill, see a doctor, get surgery, blame, divorce, project, drive fast, hate, watch tv, move, ignore, change the subject, focus on something else, work, or leave. We just won't tolerate much of anything at all. Especially if it is not comfortable or convenient or feels like some kind of instant gratification isn't gonna happen, well NOW.
How did we get here? You already know the answer to this. Trust me. Otherwise, more denial, right?
How will get out of here? To begin to suffer. Ok, no one likes that word. But to really begin to experience things, completely, compassionately, consciously, and with company. Sorry for the long alliteration, but it just went that way.
Well, why am I so upset about it, you ask? Because I am mad I let myself get this way and go so far. Damn it, I just got caught up in the whole crazy "Me Generation". I wonder what's next? The "Poor Me" Generation? Are we all going to be victims now because we lost something in this recession? Now that would be continuing on with the same behavior of "not wanting to suffer", wouldn't it?
What do I mean by "to suffer"? To experience, consciously, with no other blockers. By blockers I mean tv, sleep, drugs, alcohol, work, etc....all those things I named above. But nobody likes pain, especially me...SO WHY SUFFER THEN????? Seriously, I read the other day that many of us would not survive without the use of denial. Denial is actually saving lives because people can't take on and embrace the amount of pain that is coming at them right now. Some truth probably lies here. BUT WHAT IF WE DID SUFFER? What if we allowed ourselves to truly immerse and experience the pain of something bad going on in our lives....would we die? Probably not.
Gotta unpack all this luggage. Too heavy. All that repressing and denying has to land somewhere. I read a neat article about a woman who "Travels Lightly". In other words, she wants to leave only her footstep, not her 12 pieces of Gucci Luggage dragging across the earth. I like this metaphor. How do we all begin to travel lightly and leave less than we take. It is so much more than just being "green". Being conscious of our justifications of why we need what we need. A reexamining of TRULY what is the most important thing to us.
The Australians have one thing right: Greed is just not in their vocabulary. They have four weeks of holiday and it goes up from there every year they work. Here is the clencher: THEY TAKE THE FOUR WEEKS. The dont' sell it back. They don't save it up forever. They cherish their time off like no other culture I have ever seen before. I used to give my fellow Aussies grief when I heard they had not traveled much out of the Country, much less the State. I immediately begin to judge because I am world traveler, which somehow makes me more superior. Whatever. What I finally came to realize is Less is More. It is not necessary to see everything, do everything, know everything, buy everything, keep everything, control everything, READ EVERYTHING, etc. How are we going to just "be"? I am not sure there is room for "Be all you can be" in my life anymore. Too overwhelming, too much pressure. I just want to be me. Simple, right? We shall see!
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
A New Lifestyle for an Overspending American Girl
Well, 2009 has proved to be the most life-altering year I can remember except for when Tony went to Iraq. Life throws these mind blowing experiences at us. Then we are supppose to walk away with new ideas on how to live and somehow be a better a person from it. I must be a saint, because this year was down right painful in many aspects, and I am learning heaps as the Aussies say.
The biggest impact was going from a two-salaried family to a one-salaried family. I won't lie, I still pout when I go out shopping and can't get what I want, or we can't go out to eat 10 times a week versus the one or two times we dine out currently. What a heck of a lesson to swallow. But, here is what I have learned.
The other day I made a list of all the fun things I want to do here in Australia that cost little to nothing. Then I made a list of high dollar activities I am interested in. Get this. My frugal money list was about 36 items long. My big money list was three items long. Interesting. Practically all of my items on my "free" list were mostly physically oriented with several mentally challenging activities as well. My mad money list was mostly about travelling further distances and staying in better accomodations. Snob-a-rella!
Another interesting observation I found was neither list was about shopping or acquiring materialistic items. WHOA NELLY! Who have I become? I can't believe it. I am finally at place where shoes, purses, and clothes have little meaning to me other than to cover my naked body, well, because it is the law!!!
Another observation seems to be I spend very little time fretting about money. I don't stress out about making the next dollar to cover my desires. My current desires all seem to be experientially based and not about accumulation. This is huge for this big-time, instant gratification girl. Is it cognitive dissonance? Maybe. But, I could go out and find a big business girl job, but then I would be going backwards to that crazy buying/spending cycle. Oh, no thank you very much.
How do you get back to basics? How do you experience life versus gathering stuff in it? Here is what I can suggest (Hint: You already know this!):
1) I really use the library. I don't buy magazines anymore and just read them at library. I also get books, cds, and dvds! It can all be done on-line except for the picking up and dropping off part!!
2) Look for cheap places to buy gas on-line. Here in Adelaide, Wednesday is the cheapest day to buy. You can also bring a coupon code from the bottom of your grocery receipt and save an additional 4 cents!
3) Cook at home more and/or bring your lunch. Really, it just takes a bit more planning. Not only is it cheaper, but way more healthier as well. Currently, Tuesday night is date night for us and instead of going out to dinner we each pick a country and then cook a dish from the area....Indian Food night was this past Tuesday! Get your recipes on-line or from the library!
4) Grow your own food in containers! You don't have to grow everything, but choose a few items your family commonnly eats. For us, it is tomatoes and peppers. All of our herbs from our container garden as well. It is cheap, healthy, and organic! I am exploring lettuces this year!
5) Ride your bike, walk, bus, or carpool once a week to work. Not only will you save money, but oh my, the experiences you will have on your journey!
6) Throw away five things a day. Clearing the clutter will allow you to attract new and more interesting things in your life.
7) Plan your meals and shop by the list. JUST DO THIS ONE!
8) This one is painful. Stop smoking and/or reduce your alcohol intake. GULP. Just add up what you spend on either, or worse both, of these items and see what you get.
9) Review your auto, home, health, life, and any other insurance you have NOW and see what can be clipped away.
10) Review your cable bill and cut one thing. You can save over $200 annually immediately.
Pick one of the above or a couple. Don't try it. Just do it. My biggest learning lesson of 2009: I cannot be happy if I am attached to stuff, things, too much convenience, and being overly comfortable. The thing about being overly comfortable is when change hits you are less likely to adapt to the changes. Resilience is where it is at man. The quicker the emotional reovery from the changes, the quicker you can get on with your life.
Bring on the simple life!
The biggest impact was going from a two-salaried family to a one-salaried family. I won't lie, I still pout when I go out shopping and can't get what I want, or we can't go out to eat 10 times a week versus the one or two times we dine out currently. What a heck of a lesson to swallow. But, here is what I have learned.
The other day I made a list of all the fun things I want to do here in Australia that cost little to nothing. Then I made a list of high dollar activities I am interested in. Get this. My frugal money list was about 36 items long. My big money list was three items long. Interesting. Practically all of my items on my "free" list were mostly physically oriented with several mentally challenging activities as well. My mad money list was mostly about travelling further distances and staying in better accomodations. Snob-a-rella!
Another interesting observation I found was neither list was about shopping or acquiring materialistic items. WHOA NELLY! Who have I become? I can't believe it. I am finally at place where shoes, purses, and clothes have little meaning to me other than to cover my naked body, well, because it is the law!!!
Another observation seems to be I spend very little time fretting about money. I don't stress out about making the next dollar to cover my desires. My current desires all seem to be experientially based and not about accumulation. This is huge for this big-time, instant gratification girl. Is it cognitive dissonance? Maybe. But, I could go out and find a big business girl job, but then I would be going backwards to that crazy buying/spending cycle. Oh, no thank you very much.
How do you get back to basics? How do you experience life versus gathering stuff in it? Here is what I can suggest (Hint: You already know this!):
1) I really use the library. I don't buy magazines anymore and just read them at library. I also get books, cds, and dvds! It can all be done on-line except for the picking up and dropping off part!!
2) Look for cheap places to buy gas on-line. Here in Adelaide, Wednesday is the cheapest day to buy. You can also bring a coupon code from the bottom of your grocery receipt and save an additional 4 cents!
3) Cook at home more and/or bring your lunch. Really, it just takes a bit more planning. Not only is it cheaper, but way more healthier as well. Currently, Tuesday night is date night for us and instead of going out to dinner we each pick a country and then cook a dish from the area....Indian Food night was this past Tuesday! Get your recipes on-line or from the library!
4) Grow your own food in containers! You don't have to grow everything, but choose a few items your family commonnly eats. For us, it is tomatoes and peppers. All of our herbs from our container garden as well. It is cheap, healthy, and organic! I am exploring lettuces this year!
5) Ride your bike, walk, bus, or carpool once a week to work. Not only will you save money, but oh my, the experiences you will have on your journey!
6) Throw away five things a day. Clearing the clutter will allow you to attract new and more interesting things in your life.
7) Plan your meals and shop by the list. JUST DO THIS ONE!
8) This one is painful. Stop smoking and/or reduce your alcohol intake. GULP. Just add up what you spend on either, or worse both, of these items and see what you get.
9) Review your auto, home, health, life, and any other insurance you have NOW and see what can be clipped away.
10) Review your cable bill and cut one thing. You can save over $200 annually immediately.
Pick one of the above or a couple. Don't try it. Just do it. My biggest learning lesson of 2009: I cannot be happy if I am attached to stuff, things, too much convenience, and being overly comfortable. The thing about being overly comfortable is when change hits you are less likely to adapt to the changes. Resilience is where it is at man. The quicker the emotional reovery from the changes, the quicker you can get on with your life.
Bring on the simple life!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Let's Be a Beginner For A Change
I am declaring this week at our house "Be a beginner week." Every day I am trying something new, going somewhere I have never been, or doing something I have always wanted to do. So, this week my beginner status starts with Health Indian Cooking. I found a cook book at the library on Indian Cooking. Let the cooking begin! But first, you gotta gather the goods.
Yesterday I went to an Indian and Pakistanian Grocer. It was very cool.....I really had no idea that the two populations ate almost exactly the same. See?! Learning everyday, everywhere! Indian food is all about the spices, so that is where I started. Amchoor (mango powder), cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds, cumin, fenel seeds, fenugreek, and garam masala (hot spices). My world was blown away by the spice section. Hold onto your seats.....AND THEY WERE SO CHEAP! If you have been following my journey in Australia, you know I constantly complain about the high prices of everything, so this was a joy to my eyes and ears!
But it didn't stop there. Other spices such as pomegranate seeds, saffron, tamarind, and turmeric (which is used mainly for color) all found there way to my basket. I also bought a few key ingredients like pulses and dahls. What the heck you may be asking yourself? Basically, beans and lentils! The colors and varieties took my breath away!
Next I had to gather some veggies. The only veggie I had not hear of was an aubergine or a Bringal. When asking the shopkeeper what an aubergine was he just looked at me puzzled. Finally, I looked up the other name "Bringal" and he says, "Oh, you can get those from the regular grocery store easy!" He found a picture in my cookbook and pointed excitedly to a large purple gourd looking thing. I could not believe it. It was an EGGPLANT. So, not only was I learning about ingredients, but I got to learn some wonderful Indian words and language as well. We had a good laugh at this.
The real specialty ingredents were ghee (clarified butter) and panir (kinda like cottage cheese), kewra and rose water, and the most interesting of all: silver leaf. Silver leaf is an edible thinly beaten silver leaf for decorating on special occasions. Boy, it was on now!
I have everything I need. Tonight we eat like Gurus! I will be making Prawn and Vegetable Kebabs (not on a stick, but little fried balls). Soon to be followed by Cholay (chickpea snack) and a delicious side of masala vegetable samosas.
Kya tum mere saath aaoge? In Hindi, this phrase means "Will you come with me? This is what I ask of you as we both travel down this new path of being a beginner. Kya tum mere saath aaoge? You just have to!!
Yesterday I went to an Indian and Pakistanian Grocer. It was very cool.....I really had no idea that the two populations ate almost exactly the same. See?! Learning everyday, everywhere! Indian food is all about the spices, so that is where I started. Amchoor (mango powder), cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds, cumin, fenel seeds, fenugreek, and garam masala (hot spices). My world was blown away by the spice section. Hold onto your seats.....AND THEY WERE SO CHEAP! If you have been following my journey in Australia, you know I constantly complain about the high prices of everything, so this was a joy to my eyes and ears!
But it didn't stop there. Other spices such as pomegranate seeds, saffron, tamarind, and turmeric (which is used mainly for color) all found there way to my basket. I also bought a few key ingredients like pulses and dahls. What the heck you may be asking yourself? Basically, beans and lentils! The colors and varieties took my breath away!
Next I had to gather some veggies. The only veggie I had not hear of was an aubergine or a Bringal. When asking the shopkeeper what an aubergine was he just looked at me puzzled. Finally, I looked up the other name "Bringal" and he says, "Oh, you can get those from the regular grocery store easy!" He found a picture in my cookbook and pointed excitedly to a large purple gourd looking thing. I could not believe it. It was an EGGPLANT. So, not only was I learning about ingredients, but I got to learn some wonderful Indian words and language as well. We had a good laugh at this.
The real specialty ingredents were ghee (clarified butter) and panir (kinda like cottage cheese), kewra and rose water, and the most interesting of all: silver leaf. Silver leaf is an edible thinly beaten silver leaf for decorating on special occasions. Boy, it was on now!
I have everything I need. Tonight we eat like Gurus! I will be making Prawn and Vegetable Kebabs (not on a stick, but little fried balls). Soon to be followed by Cholay (chickpea snack) and a delicious side of masala vegetable samosas.
Kya tum mere saath aaoge? In Hindi, this phrase means "Will you come with me? This is what I ask of you as we both travel down this new path of being a beginner. Kya tum mere saath aaoge? You just have to!!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Time...Can't Seem to My Arms Around It
Funny, how when you have a million things to do all you can think about is how you wish you had time to do more fun and interesting things. I have this time now. It is not easy to manage. I have previously managed/organized/coordinated a business, employees, a house, renters, clients, interns, cleaning ladies, handy men, doctor's appts, a boat, a pool, a yard, cars, pets, clubs, boards, marriage and a several hundred more roles that I can't even think of right now all in the normal 24/7 hour time span.
But, throw me a day with no appointments and I am at a loss. It is overhelming and paralyzing at the same time. Boohoo. I know. Poor little, time-rich, girl with too many hours in the day. I used to say, "Wow, wonder what it would be like to be a housewife." Poof. My wish has come true. Now, I think I need a housewife coach. (I still have had no epiphanies with wanting to be a cleaning goddess..ever.)
Today, for instance, I have had a full day to do anything my heart desires AND in Australia. The weather is a lovely 70F and gorgeous blue skies. A list with about 40 "lovely things to do and see" sits on my desk. I am completely ovewhelmed with what to do. I should be writing. I should have already taken my walk. Nope. Sitting right on the computer, surfing the net, reading about Expatriotism, drinking a skim latte. Took two naps as well and read a book on "The Secret Life of Backpackers". Hilarious.
Maybe some days are just like that. Perhaps it's ok to just sit back and pick your nose as my dear friend Lise says. Just scratch your butt. Apologies for the visual. I think that is a huge problem being so busy in that the second you get time to do the really fun stuff, well, you fill it up and then your busy again. Whose tired of being busy? Well, me for one....doesn't matter if it is "work" busy or "fun" busy, we are all just too busy. I am not even sure I am enjoying myself when I am doing the "fun" busy stuff.
Yesterday, I walked two miles to my favorite library. Had a very relaxing time reading all the mags (they are excruciatingly expensive over here). Dined at the outdoor community centre cafe on salmon and rye. I just sat there and read until I got hungry again and had to order a cappucino and what they call a melting moment cookie. I took a cab home and talked the poor cabbies head off about his religion (Sikh). Took nap. Read. Walked to a pilates class and came home and did 20 laps in the pool. Sheer perfection. Not too much, not too little. I have to confess, I did have more on my list to do and see.
I am tired of living life by a checklist. Use to be on the Meyers Briggs that ENTJs were great leaders because they are people who got a lot of stuff done fast. I wonder if all us ENTJs should dip our toes in the ISFP pool. The exact opposite. I wont lie. It has been painful to try out those waters. I am grateful for the opportunity though. Certainly I will be a better person from it. See? Always trying to get the most out of an experience...sigh.
I solemnly swear, as of today, I vow to become more of a nose picker and butt scratcher...not simultaneously though because then that would be multitasking...another no-no.
Yes, think I will blow up my float and glide along this river instead swimming so friggin hard against the current. Yes, for sure. Latte, anyone?
But, throw me a day with no appointments and I am at a loss. It is overhelming and paralyzing at the same time. Boohoo. I know. Poor little, time-rich, girl with too many hours in the day. I used to say, "Wow, wonder what it would be like to be a housewife." Poof. My wish has come true. Now, I think I need a housewife coach. (I still have had no epiphanies with wanting to be a cleaning goddess..ever.)
Today, for instance, I have had a full day to do anything my heart desires AND in Australia. The weather is a lovely 70F and gorgeous blue skies. A list with about 40 "lovely things to do and see" sits on my desk. I am completely ovewhelmed with what to do. I should be writing. I should have already taken my walk. Nope. Sitting right on the computer, surfing the net, reading about Expatriotism, drinking a skim latte. Took two naps as well and read a book on "The Secret Life of Backpackers". Hilarious.
Maybe some days are just like that. Perhaps it's ok to just sit back and pick your nose as my dear friend Lise says. Just scratch your butt. Apologies for the visual. I think that is a huge problem being so busy in that the second you get time to do the really fun stuff, well, you fill it up and then your busy again. Whose tired of being busy? Well, me for one....doesn't matter if it is "work" busy or "fun" busy, we are all just too busy. I am not even sure I am enjoying myself when I am doing the "fun" busy stuff.
Yesterday, I walked two miles to my favorite library. Had a very relaxing time reading all the mags (they are excruciatingly expensive over here). Dined at the outdoor community centre cafe on salmon and rye. I just sat there and read until I got hungry again and had to order a cappucino and what they call a melting moment cookie. I took a cab home and talked the poor cabbies head off about his religion (Sikh). Took nap. Read. Walked to a pilates class and came home and did 20 laps in the pool. Sheer perfection. Not too much, not too little. I have to confess, I did have more on my list to do and see.
I am tired of living life by a checklist. Use to be on the Meyers Briggs that ENTJs were great leaders because they are people who got a lot of stuff done fast. I wonder if all us ENTJs should dip our toes in the ISFP pool. The exact opposite. I wont lie. It has been painful to try out those waters. I am grateful for the opportunity though. Certainly I will be a better person from it. See? Always trying to get the most out of an experience...sigh.
I solemnly swear, as of today, I vow to become more of a nose picker and butt scratcher...not simultaneously though because then that would be multitasking...another no-no.
Yes, think I will blow up my float and glide along this river instead swimming so friggin hard against the current. Yes, for sure. Latte, anyone?
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Mercury is NOT in Retrograde on Earth, but maybe in Australia??
You would think that Mars was in Retrograde with the holiday we just had at Kangaroo Island....and the journey begins Thanksgiving morning at 5:45am when pack up our belongings and hop into Grace. Grace is our new previously owned white 1991 Mazda. We had her for four days before the breakdown. In order to get to KI, one must drive for approximately 2 hours and then catch the Sealink, a ferry, over to KI. The ferry is a 45 minute journey and then another 45 minute drive to our lodging.
The first hour of the trip was great. I had a hot coffee, radio cranked up to the GoGos singing "Vacation", a full tank of case and my husband snoozing off and on beside me. He awoke only long enough to remind me to stay on the left hand side of the road, which really only happened twice. Surely, you don't need assistance with staying on the left hand side of the road as all of the other drivers coming toward me were constantly reminding me.
We were driving through some of the most amazing hills. Every now and again you could get a glimpse of the most breath taking view of the sea. Really gorgeous scenery. We actually saw our first set of wild grey kangaroos in a pasture. All of the sudden, for no reason at all, I just glanced down at the temperature gauge. It was sitting on a big, fat, RED "H"....actually slightly past it. I kept driving as we were in the middle of nowhere. About four minutes later, we spotted a BP gas station and pulled in as the steam poured out of the side of the hood.
The engine cooled and Tony pulled off radiator cap and the system flushed itself completely out. Perfect. I went inside and bought two more gallon jugs of coolant and we began refilling the tanks. After about 15 minutes of staring, praying, and grumbling about the situation, we loaded back up and hit the road again. Less than 5 minutes away the car began heating up. We stopped, let it cool, and started driving again. This scenario went on for about 30 more mniutes or about 5 or 6 more stop and refills. We were in very hilly country at this point when Tony got a brilliant idea. He decided to drive the car to the top of a hill, put it in neutral, turn off the car and the coast down the hill. It worked perfectly. The car would start to over heat, but by this time we were already in neutral coasting downhill while the motor cooled. This crazy tactic went on for over 100 kilometers. I laughed so hard the entire way, I was almost choking. It was truly hysterically outrageous.
The last hill we climbed the steam was pouring out of the engine and I was certain the engine would blow at any moment. Sure enough, we made it to the top of the final, but huge hill and coasted all the way down right into the ferry boarding area. Unbelievable.
Grace got a 45 minute break as we crossed from Cape Jervis to Kangaroo Island (KI). We arrived and took off down the road to a mechanic who was expecting us. I thought the mechanic was a few minutes away. Turns out he was 45 minutes away. The car began to over heat almost immediately. Luckily we have RAA. It is America's equivalent to AAA. What a huge blessing. After waiting 45 minutes, over looking a gorgeous Cape, and being swarmed ravenously by flies, our tow truck arrived.
The tow truck driver took on look and said something awful. Something horribly dreadful. He said, "Head gasket". These are not the two words a new car owner on holiday ever wants to hear. He advised us to get back on ferry and get towed immediately back to Adelaide. We would have nothing of the kind. SO, he drove us to another mechanic who was nice enough to let us borrow one of his old jalopies to use while he was checking out our car. I only cried twice.
This whole auto drama went on for four days. Turns out we need to get it back to the dealer so they can fix it and we can go from there. We do have a warranty, but apparently it only covers the most ridiculously rare mechanical issues as detailed in two sentences in the warranty guide.
We left poor Grace at KI. Flew out Sunday at 2:50pm back to Adelaide. Turns out I need to fly back tomorrow, pick her up, get to the ferry, cross the river, call RAA, get her towed back to Adelaide, catch bus home, and wait for the dealer to call me with a time frame and cost for her to be driveable again. I am exhausted just thinking about it.
The upside you ask? I get to go back to KI. It is like no other big, little island that I have ever been too. Koalas are suppose to have become pests over there. This seems odd. The only ones I saw were in a wildlife park.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
How Not to Get a Job in Australia
Can you already hear my frustration? To date, I have been turned down eight times for jobs I am well over qualified. Yesterday, I could not take the rejection anymore without really knowing what the issues were with me or my vitae. I actually responded to a rejection letter and this is the response I got from an exective recruiter:
"I think in the current environment you will find that the oversupply of local candidates and decline in positions available will mean that overseas candidates will not be considered. Even qualified candidates that have moved to Australia are finding it extremely difficult to find a role, even one well below what they were doing overseas.
Basically my clients have told me the only candidates they will consider is someone doing the exact same job they are seeking here locally. In this market, the employer is holding all the cards.
If you are 100% determined to come to Australia, you will need to move here first and then give the market a try assuming hopefully things pick up over the next 12 months."
Ok, well I do live here. I am kinda smart with a tad of epxerience, but the locals come first even if they might be well, "not as qualified". Is this discriminatory? I am sure stuff like this happens all the time in the states, we at least have the decency not to tell you this truth, while acting passively agressively and hiring the local. I mean, come on, we don't want to get in trouble with the EEOC or anything. Now enough of the rational approach. Here is my spiritual interpretation:
Maybe I am not suppose to be sitting in an office environment while I am here or maybe not at all in my life..ever. And that is okay by me. Never have been the type anyway. Oh, yes, I do like some serious autonomy with very little guidance from the outside world...sound like a writer? So, be it. If this is my destiny, I must detach from the other and re-discipline myself to writing as a full time job. I up for it.
PS Now that I have detached...I guarantee you the Universe will provide me with the most unbelievable office job opportunity just to screw with me. Bring it on! I love choices!
"I think in the current environment you will find that the oversupply of local candidates and decline in positions available will mean that overseas candidates will not be considered. Even qualified candidates that have moved to Australia are finding it extremely difficult to find a role, even one well below what they were doing overseas.
Basically my clients have told me the only candidates they will consider is someone doing the exact same job they are seeking here locally. In this market, the employer is holding all the cards.
If you are 100% determined to come to Australia, you will need to move here first and then give the market a try assuming hopefully things pick up over the next 12 months."
Ok, well I do live here. I am kinda smart with a tad of epxerience, but the locals come first even if they might be well, "not as qualified". Is this discriminatory? I am sure stuff like this happens all the time in the states, we at least have the decency not to tell you this truth, while acting passively agressively and hiring the local. I mean, come on, we don't want to get in trouble with the EEOC or anything. Now enough of the rational approach. Here is my spiritual interpretation:
Maybe I am not suppose to be sitting in an office environment while I am here or maybe not at all in my life..ever. And that is okay by me. Never have been the type anyway. Oh, yes, I do like some serious autonomy with very little guidance from the outside world...sound like a writer? So, be it. If this is my destiny, I must detach from the other and re-discipline myself to writing as a full time job. I up for it.
PS Now that I have detached...I guarantee you the Universe will provide me with the most unbelievable office job opportunity just to screw with me. Bring it on! I love choices!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Weather...Things to do in 105 degrees
Yesterday when I woke up it was 71F. The weather channel predicted 101F. I geared up, or should I say down and waited. The thing is you can't be in the sun for longer than 5 or 10 miutes before you feel as if you are being cooked from the inside out. Like in a microwave or a slow boiling pot...minus the water. The Australian Government came up with a alliterated health slogan to help you remember the dangers of the heat (like we needed a reminder!) : Slip Slop Slap..Slip on a shirt, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a Hat....quite charming, isn't it? Go anywhere, and the kids will be chanting it. Whom, by the way, all have to wear hats as part of their school uniform!
Anyway, by noon it had only reached 78F. I decide to run an errand. When I say "run" an errand, I do mean walk. I am definitely getting my exercise here if I just cut back on the dim sim or yum cha as they call it here (dim sum in the States). I slipped, slopped, and slapped (as if not wearing a shirt ws an option, I thougth about it!) Walking back from my errand I slowly begin to feel that inner boiling from the heat. I get back to the apt and find that it is only 84F. It is only 2pm.
I keep the weather channel temp on my tool bar of my laptop. I happened to glance down and guess what 87F. Less than 30 minutes later it was 97F. Whaaaat? In this heat, the only thing to do is nap. So, after a short nap of about an hour, I get up and guess what it is 81F. It is now 4pm. A slight drizzle begins. Tony and I set off to walk to dinner to meet his work companions that are all heading back to the States this weekend..you guessed it. The temp has now dropped to the low 70s. It is mind boggling!
Today, they are predicting 105F....yea, we shall see! I woke up and it was 64F. Regardless, I will continue slipping, slopping, and slapping! You don't have to tell me twice! I have to keep reminding myself, we are in and on the edge of a desert!
PS Since the start of writing this blog the temp has risen 8 degrees...just extraordinary!
Anyway, by noon it had only reached 78F. I decide to run an errand. When I say "run" an errand, I do mean walk. I am definitely getting my exercise here if I just cut back on the dim sim or yum cha as they call it here (dim sum in the States). I slipped, slopped, and slapped (as if not wearing a shirt ws an option, I thougth about it!) Walking back from my errand I slowly begin to feel that inner boiling from the heat. I get back to the apt and find that it is only 84F. It is only 2pm.
I keep the weather channel temp on my tool bar of my laptop. I happened to glance down and guess what 87F. Less than 30 minutes later it was 97F. Whaaaat? In this heat, the only thing to do is nap. So, after a short nap of about an hour, I get up and guess what it is 81F. It is now 4pm. A slight drizzle begins. Tony and I set off to walk to dinner to meet his work companions that are all heading back to the States this weekend..you guessed it. The temp has now dropped to the low 70s. It is mind boggling!
Today, they are predicting 105F....yea, we shall see! I woke up and it was 64F. Regardless, I will continue slipping, slopping, and slapping! You don't have to tell me twice! I have to keep reminding myself, we are in and on the edge of a desert!
PS Since the start of writing this blog the temp has risen 8 degrees...just extraordinary!
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