Let's see this past week was pretty interesting. On Wednesday we were given the option of getting free flu shots at work since we work for the government. I am not too keen on shots but do usually get the flu shot. So I signed up. Well then I got to thinking that I had a flu shot less than six months ago for our flu season. So I asked the nurse about it when I went in and she said that I didn't need it because we get the flu first so I would be getting a double dose. Well it turns out she called to check that and as luck wouldn't have it, I needed the flu shot. But what was better is the shot was against 3 strains and I had already been vaccinated against 1 strain in the last flu shot. So as she is telling me that I am going to get a more severe reaction which includes swelling, pain, redness- my arm is on fire with searing pain. Then she gave me the shot:D Later it was determined that she also wasn't wearing any gloves and didn't use a wipe to disinfect our arms first. This means that if a homeless man or woman licked my arm on my way to work...haha just kidding Craig made up that scenario. I wasn't too worried about the latter part. So far knock on wood nothing happened.
Then Thursday I got a roommate! Yeah I know! So my friend Monika texted me that her (crazy) landlord had raised her rent by $50 per week starting that day. She didn't have the money so she went and told her and needless to say that didn't go over well. Monika has been scared of her since I first met her. I mean for pete's sake she isn't allowed to take showers at night. Weirdo! Anyway so I volunteered the extra bed in my room. So at 9pm I was shuffling down to the station to collect Monika+her backpack+duffel bag+humongous suitcase+2 ukuleles+those big awkward IKEA bags. Once we reached the flat, I was glad and I know she was too. I can't say I've ever been without a roof but I really felt for her. I could sense that she was on the verge of a nervous breakdown and who would blame her? I've had ones over far less catastrophic events. She called and talked to her mom, then her sister, then her dad. Wow, she is sure fluent in POLISH:D Anyway I was just hoping she wasn't telling them that she was going to gut me like a fish while I slept since I had only met her twice. She said I lived in the Taj which made me happy. We talked for a couple of hours. She is still really homesick and has booked her ticket for home now. I cant help her with the homesickness thing because it is a personal problem and everyone deals with it differently. Also, I am a bit homesick now because of the upcoming holiday. She also showed me her Ukulele and has now implanted this dream of travelling the world playing a ukulele:D So next Christmas, I am so getting a Uke of my own. And we all know what a musical genius I am so I will probably last 20 minutes. But it will look good on a shelf, no?
Anyway, she stayed that night and the program she is with found her new lodgings. I am glad because she has a roommate now and I think that is good for her! It was fun having a sleepover though. I knew that extra bed would come in handy. It felt good to help someone like that, really good. I wish I did things like that more often. It is such a fine line in my mind though helping a stranger and being gutted like a fish but I have a way over active imagination.
On Friday I went to the market with Rani (correct spelling). I got my Tandoori Chicken Wrap again. Next market I am getting a bratwurst from the German tent:) Those looked so good! On Saturday, Monika came and collected her luggage and we went to KMart (her first time in one) and she looked around for like an hour. Then I met Rani at the Lover's Market in Parramatta (hippyesque handmade goods). She brought her daughter Mya as well. I bought an Australian flag charm for my Living Locket necklace and her daughter got her face painted. Then we went and bought Easter basket supplies for out big egg hunt at work on Wednesday. And then I left on the train to go to the Easter Show...yes finally!!!
So the Easter Show is to celebrate the farmers in Australia. They are really proud of their farmers and fresh produce and I think that is well deserved. Hardest job ever in my mind. It basically brings the country to the city as Rachael from work said. I didn't know anything about the Easter Show until I started talking to Wendy. It is amazing! Basically I determined that it is our county fair+amusement park grade rides+trade show+holiday+carnival games+showbags which we have no equivalent for. The ticket was $40 to enter which was pricey but it is one of the biggest ticks of my bucket list for here. It was held at Olympic Park and it took up the whole space. I watched the wood chopping competition- there is a lot of science that goes into that. I watched the opening ceremony- interesting because the aborigines did their performance in front of the military formations. I went and looked at the produce displays that each district builds. Put a sticker on SSM on the world map and got my picture taken;) Ate chips on a stick. Watched some dancing. Went and bought some save the bilby merchandise. Click on that last link, really interesting. And finally went to showbag mania! Let's be honest the showbags were what I was most interested in:) Basically it is themed bags with all kinds of things in them from beach towels to candy to mugs to mullet wigs. It really was mass chaos in that hall but I got what I went for:D After I survived showbag chaos and before I overdosed in chips on a stick I went home. It was a very enjoyable day and something I cant see at home.
Chips on a Stick...Awww...best thing ever! I am brining a suitcase of chicken salt home:)
Other pictures and videos + additional older shots here.
Then today was Demi's birthday party. She turned 5 last Wednesday. And I must say she is a great little girl. I really appreciate her willingness to do new things. She may like pink and princesses but she doesn't act like one. As an only child she shares better than I do now. It was nice! Wendy had it at a indoor trampoline place called Flipout. After that I went to Town Hall and wasted some time. Then I came home and wasted some more time instead of doing any of the one million things I need to do.
I wont be posting a blog for awhile. On Wednesday I am going to see Train at the Sydney Opera House. Then on Thursday night I am leaving for Melbourne. Friday I will visit Luna Park there, the Melbourne Star, the Aquarium, ride the tram, look at the Lanes, and not sure what else. Saturday I go to see the Penguin Parade and fur seals on Phillip Island. Then Sunday I go for a tour on the Great Ocean Road. Monday is up in the air. I get Fri-Mon off from my work hence I am taking the trip now.
So Happy Easter everyone!
