Just a warning that this is going to be a really random post. I have a lot to say (what’s new) but none if it really connects. So maybe come back when you really don’t have anything to do…
Last weekend I really didn’t do too much. I did make time to go the mall ahaha. It was pretty hot out so I did not go to Parramatta Park. I really do need to look into that though. It is supposed to be a really nice park and is like two blocks from my flat. Plus, let’s be honest eventually I will run out of things to buy at the mall oh wait yeah probably not. Oh and on Sunday I went to the fortune teller…she was pretty good actually. “Good” here meaning that she didn’t tell me I would be given a cat or have children. I liked that. I know some of my readers (like I have so many) really aren’t into that sort of thing and don’t believe in it but tarot cards to me aren’t a form of black magic. They are a tool to analyze your past, present, and future. They make you think about things differently. I would never base my life off what is said but good readings can change your perspective on things. I look at tarot cards as a form of self-reflection…okay off that soap box for now. Stop rolling your eyes!
This whole week I pretty much worked. I think that I am getting better. I did have to pick up the phone three times to call people and that was something I really dreaded. Both conversations were painful for the people on the other end I am sure. But hey at least they knew I wasn’t calling from an Indian call center! Plus I didn’t say anything as embarrassing as my classic “hope he better”. Two were bus operators and one was a parent who filled out an application wrong. Actually they were all really nice! I think I am getting more used to figuring out the service routes. It is difficult for me because I don’t trust my judgment and that is what it is all about. You find what you think is the best option. They don’t want to double check the work so let’s hope I have it down. High five man really likes my work per Wendy so that is good. My greatest fear was letting her down.
One of the new ladies that started on this past Monday was let go yesterday. That was really unsettling. I have never been anywhere that let someone go because they couldn’t do the job. She was really nice too. Oh and the #1 rule at work is: “People lie”. So that is always nice. Here the PVC payment could be like a second job income really. I mean people lie about where they live or say they bring their kid to school when we give them bus passes too and so on. It is insane!
In this same vein, I was paid this week. I almost had a heart attack because I was charged 50% tax! Thankfully when I arrived back to the flat my tax file number was waiting for me. Whew! Now I think I only pay about 35% tax…hey I will take that 15% with a smile. Everyone keeps saying that I can file taxes here but I don’t know. I did learn however from Stan that I cant be taxed again when I return home because we have a treaty with Australia against double taxation. Here I am paid a base wage plus they do 9% super at my work. Which is superannuation, basically a forced retirement savings. Lucky for me I get that back when I return home. So at least my mom wont have to support me right away when I get back…
Also, related…geez who said this was going to be random…I got my debit card at the bank finally! Don’t worry I still cant use it. You need to activate it online for which you need a pin. The pin has to be the one they text to you except I don’t have a phone (still on the fence about that). So that means I have to wait for a letter to get posted to the bank with a pin in it so that I can register for online banking and activate the card and set a pin for that. I know…genius! The people at the bank know my name now hahaha.
In other news, I have noticed that ketchup pumps (like at fast food places) don’t exist here. So now I hoard ketchup packets, yep true story. Wont be so funny when I squash my purse and they go all over the place inside.
Oh and I know I told some people awhile back but here McDonalds is Maccas. Yeah apparently Australians are that cool that they can change the name of a global chain. Pretty impressive. Oh and here you go to Mcdonalds and probably 50% of people leave their garbage on the table or even at the food court. I would think that is not how it is supposed to work though. Also, along food lines, the other day right across from my work they had a pop up In and Out Burger joint. The line was around the block. That was interesting! And some Dirty Dancing flash mob thing occurred at the mall last night while I was there.
So lingo that I have discovered so far just some small things really:
1)If the number is 6322887, here it is ALWAYS six-three-double two-double eight-seven. They say that every time!
2)Everything here is followed by “no worries”. For instance, thank you…”no worries”….your pants are on fire…”no worries”. So I suppose that will be my “bizarre” (from France) that I take home with me.
3)They say “righty-o” a lot.
4)A jump drive is only a USB. Don’t call it anything else.
5)Apparently you can never say I will “root” for you. It means something bad. Didn’t ask what. I have learned when people say that, it isn’t good.
6)I say the word “beet” funny. Well they call it beetroot. 7)People can tell right off the bat I am American with my accent. I really don’t think I have one…just kidding!
8)Sometimes I can be talking to an Australian (first language obviously English) and they have no idea what I am saying. You know how I know? I know the look from my time in France. I was the master of it.
I guess I should end this now. It got a little out of control. Tomorrow I am off to Sydney again. This time by myself on the train. So let’s cross our fingers on that one.
I hope everyone is doing well.
After awhile crocodiles!
