I had the most promising start to the first job i called about. "Hi, I'm calling about the job posting on craigslist..." I lead in with... "You're hired!" said the lady at the other end "I love your accent."
We organised an interview and i went in only to find a semi-shoddy business lacking the professionalism I desired. It sounded as though i would turn up to business places with a cheesy suit and a cheesier smile and say something along the lines of "have i got a deal for you?" and empty a whole lot of dirt on to their carpet. Provided they agree to buy the vacuum cleaner in my other hand, i would then demonstrate the suction power and efficiency of the device. See that folks? Your carpet is actually cleaner than it was before you the dirt landed there! and that pleasant scent you ask? Lavender! Now isn't that a bonus! Sales is not my thing... I am not into duping people or pressuring them. Especially when money is involved. I was offered a position. I declined. In a roundabout way. Because I have problems giving a flat no.
Another job asked me for an interview. On that same day. I went, suit and tie, to business centre and a small office where an overly friendly, bubbly, attractive secretary welcomed me and i looked around at the fellow candidates. I was definitely the best dressed. The manager walked out and said "i'm so busy. i am an hour behind today and i am just going to get all three of you to come in." Now, as a potential employer, i would never ever say that i was an hour behind as a first impression to someone who would be working for me. It was also very apparent that nobody had ever read our resumes. Nonetheless, in we went and heard all about the role and what we would be doing. The only real questions we were asked were "what is your best quality?" and "when would you be available to start?" I was able to cement a second interview by saying my best quality was my positivity and i could start in two Monday's. Easy enough.
I turned up, to a crowded reception room, around ten minutes early. Some more people arrived and i quickly realised that i was not the only one with a noon interview. Again, though, I was the best dressed.
There were 13 of us and we were escorted to a large room with a lectern at the front. It didn't look like this was going to be a normal interview either. In the phone call we were told to expect 2-2.5 hours and to bring a notebook. Did they have any intention to actually interview anyone?
Evan, the manager i saw initially, made a grand entrance after we were all seated. I chose a spot up the front and wanted to put in a good account for myself. Evan was from New Jersey and sounded like a cross between Wallace Shawn, Billy Crystal and, i guess, Pauly D. And, boy, could he talk!
It was an entry level management position and I would be a branch manager for an energy company which is expanding due to deregulation in the state. Evan covered the role, qualities he was looking for, what the deregulation means, the training program and the benefits and contract info. If we were accepted, we would find out later that day and orientation would occur on Monday. Orientation? What more could they possibly tell us?!
We had been told, in jest, to smile, laugh at his jokes etc. Too many people took this way too seriously and i found it nauseating after the two hours that Evan spoke for, non-stop. The girl next to me took ridiculous notes. I could not help but look over at her writing things like "really serious" and "sometimes 15 minutes overtime." She wrote about 726 pages and kept circling things and being loud. I found it funny.
Turned out that 8 people would be hired. 8 out of 13 was really good odds. That was one of the last things he said per schedule. Phew. He even went through the entire contract. Word for word. I thought he was done. No, no. After exhausting everyone except himself he went on to tell a tale of heroism, courage under fire and self-interested egoism. How everyone doubted his abilities to do his job and "look at me now." After two and a half hours he was going to go around the room and ask us some questions. My throat was dry, i was not sure if i could say a word.
Throughout the "interview" process i realised that, seeing as i was not sure whether i would still be in San Jose from August. Thankfully i was first cab off the rank and he asked me if i was able to start on Monday. I said "to be frank, i can't assure my availability from August onwards so it would be best if i eliminated myself from consideration." I then thanked him for the opportunity and walked out of the room. I think i shocked myself.
It was a nice opportunity for the right person but it did seem disorganised. Hopefully i fall into the right job really really soon. Another two weeks of unemployment and i am in serious danger of an alcohol addiction.
Saturday, 27 April 2013
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Coachella: Day 2
Day 2 was the day which I was looking forward to the most. As soon as the set times were released I just knew that this was going to be my big day. Sometimes putting things on a pedestal can result in you being disappointed, or finding them hard to reach. however, with the help of friends, old and new and my fabulous girlfriend, I was able to leap over my lofty ambitions for day two and leave a technicolor tail of happiness, drink and good tunes behind me. Day one was wonderful. We ran, skipped, drank and had the best time!
Yesterday I had met one of Laura's cousins and her husband and their mate. They knew music, they knew fun and they knew how to enjoy a music festival - this was all quickly apparent! We had arranged to meet them at a Mexican restaurant at noon. This left enough time for some pre-drinking and leftover pizza so we dressed, drank and discussed what was ahead of us. In the fridge we had ice, tequila, margarita mix, champagne and orange juice. Rather than make tough decisions, I threw them all into a red solo cup. It passed the first test, I could still see.
The restaurant and the company were so much fun! Katie and Brett knew a man who was working at the restaurant and we were very well looked after. Tequila, margaritas and corn chips before we ordered meals. I have some issues. I like words - a lot. Sometimes i can't help but say some of them. I like words how I like my women, they should look good, sound good and have nice shape. Something exotic is an added bonus. Chimichanga. How can I not order this? I just want to say it out loud. And thanks to my buzz, my new friends may have put up with me saying it a lot more than what was reasonable.
The bill arrived with a note simply saying "tip the bar staff" ... This was incredible. I was on such a high, having so much fun and Laura's cousins knew all the right people! Next stop was a service station for on the way beers and one to shot gun once we arrived (photos suggest this, must have slipped my mind). We mixed in the beer gardens and stood back to enjoy the music and experience.
We spent some time in the Red Bull speak-easy (password "dances with bulls") and found a bar. I asked Laura "beer or margarita?" and her response was swift and sexy "BOTH!" The sun was shining, the sky cloudless and the vibe beyond description. We met Amanda and some of Laura's g-town friends and headed for Grizzly Bear. I thought someone offered me water - it was whiskey. I was still so buzzed that it took three swigs to work this out. Grizzly Bear were great. Rolling harmonies, tight music and a fun crowd. The postal service were next with the fun electronica groove and catchy lyrics. A band I never expected to get the chance to see! Franz Ferdinand were a surprise packet. Have they had a song since 2010? Either way, I knew the older stuff and they had so much energy that you had no choice but to jump along! Lastly, but certainly not leastly, were Phoenix. An amazing sound and I was so glad to finally be able to hear lisztomania live!!
We we tired, sore and probably as sober as we had been all day. Grabbing a cab home we discussed our battle wounds. I had a cut on my thumb and rolled my ankle sometime after grizzly bear and Laura had stepped on her wrist adjusting her skirt. That's right. Stepped on her wrist. Long arms and long legs! We arrived at the desert house we were staying at and Laura made a sound. The key was gone. At 1am it is not exactly the best news but we did not panic and emptied her purse. Various miscellaneous objects (a sign saying "let's make out", several Jenga pieces I had supposedly stolen from the speak easy, coachella paraphernalia) but no key...Laura's phone was on its last legs too so we walked, barefoot and dusty, to the front desk to call a locksmith. Julia, the aged, lesbian security guard at the desk was a dear and very helpful. first locksmith wanted nothing to do with us, the second said "good luck" but it looked like we had finally struck gold with number three! 45 minute wait. We laid out on the grass, under the palm trees and stars.
Finally a locksmith in a two seater arrived. I asked if Laura could sit on my lap (we did not fancy walking back), Richard the locksmith was happy enough and Julia popped up from nowhere and quipped "she's done that before!" Zing, Julia, but, seriously where did you come from?!
It took twenty seconds to get in. Locksmiths are underrated. We had two more keys made and $150 later were happily sipping some beers and shooting the odd tequila. We couldn't get rid of Richard. He loved a chat and regaled stories of yesteryear and yesterday. We cooked a pizza and base him farewell and, approaching three, we joked at the massive day had. The fun, the adventure, the (sometimes hazy) memories.
After A random phone call from Richard to make sure we were okay, it was time to try and rest because tomorrow was another Coachella day.
Yesterday I had met one of Laura's cousins and her husband and their mate. They knew music, they knew fun and they knew how to enjoy a music festival - this was all quickly apparent! We had arranged to meet them at a Mexican restaurant at noon. This left enough time for some pre-drinking and leftover pizza so we dressed, drank and discussed what was ahead of us. In the fridge we had ice, tequila, margarita mix, champagne and orange juice. Rather than make tough decisions, I threw them all into a red solo cup. It passed the first test, I could still see.
The restaurant and the company were so much fun! Katie and Brett knew a man who was working at the restaurant and we were very well looked after. Tequila, margaritas and corn chips before we ordered meals. I have some issues. I like words - a lot. Sometimes i can't help but say some of them. I like words how I like my women, they should look good, sound good and have nice shape. Something exotic is an added bonus. Chimichanga. How can I not order this? I just want to say it out loud. And thanks to my buzz, my new friends may have put up with me saying it a lot more than what was reasonable.
The bill arrived with a note simply saying "tip the bar staff" ... This was incredible. I was on such a high, having so much fun and Laura's cousins knew all the right people! Next stop was a service station for on the way beers and one to shot gun once we arrived (photos suggest this, must have slipped my mind). We mixed in the beer gardens and stood back to enjoy the music and experience.
We spent some time in the Red Bull speak-easy (password "dances with bulls") and found a bar. I asked Laura "beer or margarita?" and her response was swift and sexy "BOTH!" The sun was shining, the sky cloudless and the vibe beyond description. We met Amanda and some of Laura's g-town friends and headed for Grizzly Bear. I thought someone offered me water - it was whiskey. I was still so buzzed that it took three swigs to work this out. Grizzly Bear were great. Rolling harmonies, tight music and a fun crowd. The postal service were next with the fun electronica groove and catchy lyrics. A band I never expected to get the chance to see! Franz Ferdinand were a surprise packet. Have they had a song since 2010? Either way, I knew the older stuff and they had so much energy that you had no choice but to jump along! Lastly, but certainly not leastly, were Phoenix. An amazing sound and I was so glad to finally be able to hear lisztomania live!!
We we tired, sore and probably as sober as we had been all day. Grabbing a cab home we discussed our battle wounds. I had a cut on my thumb and rolled my ankle sometime after grizzly bear and Laura had stepped on her wrist adjusting her skirt. That's right. Stepped on her wrist. Long arms and long legs! We arrived at the desert house we were staying at and Laura made a sound. The key was gone. At 1am it is not exactly the best news but we did not panic and emptied her purse. Various miscellaneous objects (a sign saying "let's make out", several Jenga pieces I had supposedly stolen from the speak easy, coachella paraphernalia) but no key...Laura's phone was on its last legs too so we walked, barefoot and dusty, to the front desk to call a locksmith. Julia, the aged, lesbian security guard at the desk was a dear and very helpful. first locksmith wanted nothing to do with us, the second said "good luck" but it looked like we had finally struck gold with number three! 45 minute wait. We laid out on the grass, under the palm trees and stars.
Finally a locksmith in a two seater arrived. I asked if Laura could sit on my lap (we did not fancy walking back), Richard the locksmith was happy enough and Julia popped up from nowhere and quipped "she's done that before!" Zing, Julia, but, seriously where did you come from?!
It took twenty seconds to get in. Locksmiths are underrated. We had two more keys made and $150 later were happily sipping some beers and shooting the odd tequila. We couldn't get rid of Richard. He loved a chat and regaled stories of yesteryear and yesterday. We cooked a pizza and base him farewell and, approaching three, we joked at the massive day had. The fun, the adventure, the (sometimes hazy) memories.
After A random phone call from Richard to make sure we were okay, it was time to try and rest because tomorrow was another Coachella day.
Monday, 15 April 2013
Week 1: Tequila, Tickets & Taqueria
On my first morning in San Jose, Laura took me to her favourite breakfast spot. A charming little place named Bill's. We indulged in crab cake benedict and a mimosa and we happily had our breakfast on a clear, warm California day. We asked for the bill and a lovely lady who had obviously taken a liking to Laura came with the receipt and two tequila shots. "Holy Water" she said. It was before noon but i was in California. It was before noon but i did not want to offend anyone.
It was before noon but we drank them.
It wasn't long before we found ourselves in line at La Vic's. California is legendary for it's Baja food and La Vic's is a San Jose staple. The food and ingredients are simple and fresh but the orange sauce is what you come for. The staff know this and cater towards it. It seems as though the La Vic's staff will do anything they can to ensure that you will eat the sauce, enjoy the sauce and, subsequently, buy extra bottles of the sauce. They even claim it to be vegan. Now i am no nutritionist, nor a child of the earth, but i do not think that this creamy, orange sauce is even the slightest bit vegan.
Ever since my trip was confirmed, Laura has been acquiring tickets to events and fun things to ensure that our lives are adventure filled. The first of these occurred on Friday night when we travelled to San Francisco to see Clairey Browne and the Bangin' Rackettes - some Aussie music to keep me at ease and comfortable in my new surroundings. We joined the line and, naturally, the first person we spoke to was an ex-Melbourne girl with her American husband. We discussed meat pies, music, chicos and, inevitably, vegemite.
Inside we went straight to the bar and Laura had ordered us two beers and two shots of tequila. A moustached man, Lee, made some small talk and we ended up asking him if he would like one too. "I'm from San Diego" he said, which i guessed meant he did! He said he was the partner of the singer of the lead up act and we turned on the charm, hoping backstage access, but we went different ways.
The venue was small, warm and inviting. As it turned out, the acoustics were fabulous and the entire vibe was incredible. I would highly recommend the Rickshaw Stop to anyone who gets to San Francisco. Upon doing some research whilst drinking sangria pre-show, i found that the warm up act was compared to Joanna Newsom... who is upon my favourites chanteuses. The band - Carletta Sue Kay - came up and began to play. A bass, guitar, drums and keys were joined by a man, wearing some kind of custom made mu-mu, wig and make up. This was San Francisco. Any shock by his/her appearance was quickly dispelled when the singing started. My initial reluctance at believing the Newsom comparison was put at ease and the lyricism, sound and tone were intoxicating and captivating!
It was a funny crowd. Me and Laura were probably the youngest but the alternative, mostly older people liked to party and were great company! Laura came back from the bathroom at one stage dancing with a woman, Lily, and Lee from the tequila earlier, kept coming back and talking to us and took photos of us! Coming back from the bar i bought the CDs of the lead up act and spoke to the performer. Lee appeared from nowhere to take pics of "you with my new BFF!" Anyone wanting to look into Carletta Sue Kay would not be disappointed!! Lots of fun, very thoughtful and a great sound!
Clairey Browne came out with her Rackettes in a fusion of blues, soul, flappy dresses and long gloves. They were extraordinarily fantastic and so much fun!! we spent the night dancing, singing and grooving as Clairey belted out her tunes and her Rackettes swayed and twerked to the sound. We did not leave the front of the stage for the entire night and it was one of the most enjoyable nights i can remember!!
With nights like these and more events to come - a San Jose sharks game tomorrow night and Coachella this weekend, the American dream truly seems within reach!
Laura continues to be the sweetest to me and tonight is a big test as i cook for her for the first time ever. In other news, i destroyed Nordstrom rack yesterday, including some Tiger sneakers for $35 and Laura's cat scratched me for the first time earlier today!
It was before noon but we drank them.
It wasn't long before we found ourselves in line at La Vic's. California is legendary for it's Baja food and La Vic's is a San Jose staple. The food and ingredients are simple and fresh but the orange sauce is what you come for. The staff know this and cater towards it. It seems as though the La Vic's staff will do anything they can to ensure that you will eat the sauce, enjoy the sauce and, subsequently, buy extra bottles of the sauce. They even claim it to be vegan. Now i am no nutritionist, nor a child of the earth, but i do not think that this creamy, orange sauce is even the slightest bit vegan.
Ever since my trip was confirmed, Laura has been acquiring tickets to events and fun things to ensure that our lives are adventure filled. The first of these occurred on Friday night when we travelled to San Francisco to see Clairey Browne and the Bangin' Rackettes - some Aussie music to keep me at ease and comfortable in my new surroundings. We joined the line and, naturally, the first person we spoke to was an ex-Melbourne girl with her American husband. We discussed meat pies, music, chicos and, inevitably, vegemite.
Inside we went straight to the bar and Laura had ordered us two beers and two shots of tequila. A moustached man, Lee, made some small talk and we ended up asking him if he would like one too. "I'm from San Diego" he said, which i guessed meant he did! He said he was the partner of the singer of the lead up act and we turned on the charm, hoping backstage access, but we went different ways.
The venue was small, warm and inviting. As it turned out, the acoustics were fabulous and the entire vibe was incredible. I would highly recommend the Rickshaw Stop to anyone who gets to San Francisco. Upon doing some research whilst drinking sangria pre-show, i found that the warm up act was compared to Joanna Newsom... who is upon my favourites chanteuses. The band - Carletta Sue Kay - came up and began to play. A bass, guitar, drums and keys were joined by a man, wearing some kind of custom made mu-mu, wig and make up. This was San Francisco. Any shock by his/her appearance was quickly dispelled when the singing started. My initial reluctance at believing the Newsom comparison was put at ease and the lyricism, sound and tone were intoxicating and captivating!
It was a funny crowd. Me and Laura were probably the youngest but the alternative, mostly older people liked to party and were great company! Laura came back from the bathroom at one stage dancing with a woman, Lily, and Lee from the tequila earlier, kept coming back and talking to us and took photos of us! Coming back from the bar i bought the CDs of the lead up act and spoke to the performer. Lee appeared from nowhere to take pics of "you with my new BFF!" Anyone wanting to look into Carletta Sue Kay would not be disappointed!! Lots of fun, very thoughtful and a great sound!
Clairey Browne came out with her Rackettes in a fusion of blues, soul, flappy dresses and long gloves. They were extraordinarily fantastic and so much fun!! we spent the night dancing, singing and grooving as Clairey belted out her tunes and her Rackettes swayed and twerked to the sound. We did not leave the front of the stage for the entire night and it was one of the most enjoyable nights i can remember!!
With nights like these and more events to come - a San Jose sharks game tomorrow night and Coachella this weekend, the American dream truly seems within reach!
Laura continues to be the sweetest to me and tonight is a big test as i cook for her for the first time ever. In other news, i destroyed Nordstrom rack yesterday, including some Tiger sneakers for $35 and Laura's cat scratched me for the first time earlier today!
Thursday, 11 April 2013
Bienvenido a América
Plane flights always seem to be a different dimension to reality. Time sometimes flies by whilst at other times it decides to take two steps forward and at least one back. To be completely honest, my flight was pretty good. I am still unsure why i went Sydney to Auckland and Auckland to San Francisco but it is all academic now that i am here.
It was a sad farewell to Mum and Dad bright and early on Tuesday morning. Mum came to the station with me and may have stood in the one spot well after the train had left. I am going to miss them both so very much. Things were pretty smooth all the way through check in and customs. I did have to take some things out of my suitcase and on to carry on as i was 1kg over though. i blame the lollies that Claire gave me (which, amazingly, still exist! - and thank you). My first flight was spacious as there was no one in the middle seat and i read my book, gazed out the window and considered what was ahead of me. the New Zealand beer, Speight's, was really great. give it a go if you have the opportunity.
can i just give Air NZ a big wrap right now? Perhaps for a reason that no one else will feel valid. On my initial flight, before take off, a song started to play. Wandering Eye by Fat Freddy's Drop. And on the second flight, i could listen to their entire second album. Any airline which promotes Fat Freddy is worth endorsing in my opinion
The twelve hour flight was long but an aisle seat meant i could explore the aircraft and also stretch my long, long legs. that was appreciated. The lady in front of me did this amazing thing with her seat where it reclined back so far that i could blow the dandruff from her hair. My knee in her back must have almost felt remedial too! I zoned out, watched Les Mis again and, before i knew it. i was actually asleep.
I may have slept for four hours and felt pretty good. Breakfast was close by and i was two hours from landing. Touchdown was a joy and i raced out of the plane and through the airport to customs. and stopped dead. The line was serpentined around the barricades in what seemed like an endless, writhing, irritated boa constrictor. It may not have squeezed the life out of us all but it sapped the fun and tried to dampen my mood! i knew Laura was close by and put up with the 90+ minute wait to be asked a few queries and then be allowed into the country. My bag collected i made my way out for the happiest of reunions.
It has been such a pleasure to be here and i am really enjoying everything so far. Last night i even heard a "USA! USA! USA!" chant in a bar... ahhh stereotypes! i am getting the royal treatment from Laura and trying to respond in kind. Our language barrier is still apparent. But i am sure my vernacular will rub off on her and not the reciprocal. "Piss Up" is a new favourite of hers.
From the airport it was straight to In'n'Out burger for a double-double and neapolitan shake... if i was going to try and assimilate, i think i should jump in headfirst, fearless.
It was a sad farewell to Mum and Dad bright and early on Tuesday morning. Mum came to the station with me and may have stood in the one spot well after the train had left. I am going to miss them both so very much. Things were pretty smooth all the way through check in and customs. I did have to take some things out of my suitcase and on to carry on as i was 1kg over though. i blame the lollies that Claire gave me (which, amazingly, still exist! - and thank you). My first flight was spacious as there was no one in the middle seat and i read my book, gazed out the window and considered what was ahead of me. the New Zealand beer, Speight's, was really great. give it a go if you have the opportunity.
can i just give Air NZ a big wrap right now? Perhaps for a reason that no one else will feel valid. On my initial flight, before take off, a song started to play. Wandering Eye by Fat Freddy's Drop. And on the second flight, i could listen to their entire second album. Any airline which promotes Fat Freddy is worth endorsing in my opinion
The twelve hour flight was long but an aisle seat meant i could explore the aircraft and also stretch my long, long legs. that was appreciated. The lady in front of me did this amazing thing with her seat where it reclined back so far that i could blow the dandruff from her hair. My knee in her back must have almost felt remedial too! I zoned out, watched Les Mis again and, before i knew it. i was actually asleep.
I may have slept for four hours and felt pretty good. Breakfast was close by and i was two hours from landing. Touchdown was a joy and i raced out of the plane and through the airport to customs. and stopped dead. The line was serpentined around the barricades in what seemed like an endless, writhing, irritated boa constrictor. It may not have squeezed the life out of us all but it sapped the fun and tried to dampen my mood! i knew Laura was close by and put up with the 90+ minute wait to be asked a few queries and then be allowed into the country. My bag collected i made my way out for the happiest of reunions.
It has been such a pleasure to be here and i am really enjoying everything so far. Last night i even heard a "USA! USA! USA!" chant in a bar... ahhh stereotypes! i am getting the royal treatment from Laura and trying to respond in kind. Our language barrier is still apparent. But i am sure my vernacular will rub off on her and not the reciprocal. "Piss Up" is a new favourite of hers.
From the airport it was straight to In'n'Out burger for a double-double and neapolitan shake... if i was going to try and assimilate, i think i should jump in headfirst, fearless.
Sunday, 7 April 2013
How I Feel and What I'll Miss (abridged version)
Some pretty incredible things have been happening in my life recently.
Although it has been sad to have to say goodbye's to people and the last drinks for a while, i liked to remind myself that, just as Xater Bay sang, "it's not goodbye, it's goodbye for now. Never goodbye, just goodbye for now." With that i have been able to view things with a happier slant and, i have to admit, if you want people to tell you they love you, tell them you are going away for a while!! I have been completely blown away by how lovely, sweet, friendly and accessible all my friends have been. I have had the BEST farewells and it has definitely made me second guess if this is worth leaving. It is not, i am coming back. At some stage, i will be coming back.
All of you that helped to pack out the Lappo. Thank you. it was the best night out i have ever had there. and i did not even have a bet!! everyone was so happy and friendly and it really was the best crew to hang around with. Am going to miss you all so much from the bottom of my heart.
I am a bit worried. I have been tearing up ever since 8:45 Friday morning but nothing has really flowed. When it does. It will probably be a bitch to try and stop! Something else i am worried about. My goal was to get really hot so that when Laura saw me at San Francisco airport she would just be like "Dayyyyyyum!" but, thanks to farewells, drinks, eating and general busy-ness, i am probably in the worst shape i have been in 18 months. A last ditch run tomorrow is on the agenda. Anything that can be salvaged, will. and i don't deny that i will probably do push ups in the SFO airport bathroom before i go out to meet her!
Now. Things i will miss. Of course there are the obvious, main ones. I am going to miss my family like crazy. My friends almost as much. Saying goodbye's to the niece and nephews were pretty sad. I know too well that Teddy is going to be growing up so much at this age and my godson is not going to have me around for a pretty important time. I already feel that Ryan will be a man on my return and Josie is practically a lady. As i stated above. My friends, you all gave me an incredible farewell on Friday which made me feel beyond blessed, lucky, thankful and so very happy. I am beyond happy that i am able to call you guys friends - i am going to miss you all so much.
But beyond all that there is the things i take for granted. Some things i will run through now. A short version because i want you to not bore or tire... Mum cooking my favourite meal (like today). talking politics, racing, sport, music with Dad. work - i legitimately enjoyed my job and adored the people who met me there each morning. The people who are always there for a chat or a drink. A day at the races. Just watching the races. Frosty fruits. Cricket - playing it, being in the team, having a beer and a BBQ after the games, win, draw or devastating loss. Those weekends when my brother goes away and i could stay in the city and have ridiculous nights out where it did not matter when i got home. My panthers - even when they suck so much. it just makes it better when they win. Gym sessions with Nick. My friends smiling, laughing. I know i am going to miss relationships forming with people i love, relationships falling apart and i won't be there to be able to assist as much as i would like to. I am going to miss being there for important moments in their lives. Things they will always talk about in the future and i will have to pretend i was there for. Things that may never ever happen again.
I am going to miss a lot. But, as i said at the start. "It's not goodbye, it's goodbye for now." I have to live my life, do my thing, follow my dreams and listen to my heart. I am still 100% sure what i am doing is right. And i would regret not doing it. I want to get to America, work hard, be a perfect boyfriend, write a lot and come out of it a better person.
But, i hope you know, i am really going to miss you.
Lots of love,
John.
p.s. check it! https://www.facebook.com/xaterbay?fref=ts
Although it has been sad to have to say goodbye's to people and the last drinks for a while, i liked to remind myself that, just as Xater Bay sang, "it's not goodbye, it's goodbye for now. Never goodbye, just goodbye for now." With that i have been able to view things with a happier slant and, i have to admit, if you want people to tell you they love you, tell them you are going away for a while!! I have been completely blown away by how lovely, sweet, friendly and accessible all my friends have been. I have had the BEST farewells and it has definitely made me second guess if this is worth leaving. It is not, i am coming back. At some stage, i will be coming back.
All of you that helped to pack out the Lappo. Thank you. it was the best night out i have ever had there. and i did not even have a bet!! everyone was so happy and friendly and it really was the best crew to hang around with. Am going to miss you all so much from the bottom of my heart.
I am a bit worried. I have been tearing up ever since 8:45 Friday morning but nothing has really flowed. When it does. It will probably be a bitch to try and stop! Something else i am worried about. My goal was to get really hot so that when Laura saw me at San Francisco airport she would just be like "Dayyyyyyum!" but, thanks to farewells, drinks, eating and general busy-ness, i am probably in the worst shape i have been in 18 months. A last ditch run tomorrow is on the agenda. Anything that can be salvaged, will. and i don't deny that i will probably do push ups in the SFO airport bathroom before i go out to meet her!
Now. Things i will miss. Of course there are the obvious, main ones. I am going to miss my family like crazy. My friends almost as much. Saying goodbye's to the niece and nephews were pretty sad. I know too well that Teddy is going to be growing up so much at this age and my godson is not going to have me around for a pretty important time. I already feel that Ryan will be a man on my return and Josie is practically a lady. As i stated above. My friends, you all gave me an incredible farewell on Friday which made me feel beyond blessed, lucky, thankful and so very happy. I am beyond happy that i am able to call you guys friends - i am going to miss you all so much.
But beyond all that there is the things i take for granted. Some things i will run through now. A short version because i want you to not bore or tire... Mum cooking my favourite meal (like today). talking politics, racing, sport, music with Dad. work - i legitimately enjoyed my job and adored the people who met me there each morning. The people who are always there for a chat or a drink. A day at the races. Just watching the races. Frosty fruits. Cricket - playing it, being in the team, having a beer and a BBQ after the games, win, draw or devastating loss. Those weekends when my brother goes away and i could stay in the city and have ridiculous nights out where it did not matter when i got home. My panthers - even when they suck so much. it just makes it better when they win. Gym sessions with Nick. My friends smiling, laughing. I know i am going to miss relationships forming with people i love, relationships falling apart and i won't be there to be able to assist as much as i would like to. I am going to miss being there for important moments in their lives. Things they will always talk about in the future and i will have to pretend i was there for. Things that may never ever happen again.
I am going to miss a lot. But, as i said at the start. "It's not goodbye, it's goodbye for now." I have to live my life, do my thing, follow my dreams and listen to my heart. I am still 100% sure what i am doing is right. And i would regret not doing it. I want to get to America, work hard, be a perfect boyfriend, write a lot and come out of it a better person.
But, i hope you know, i am really going to miss you.
Lots of love,
John.
p.s. check it! https://www.facebook.com/xaterbay?fref=ts
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