**Since I am working the most insane shift of my life on Monday, also known here as ANZAC Day, this post is coming to you from the past! It’s like Back to the Future.**
Oh how much has happened in the last three months. Even though I’m not traveling at the moment, I’m living the expat life in Sydney while figuring out my next move.
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What’s changed?
- I landed a job bartending and working events at a well-known hotel chain (I don’t think I’m supposed to talk about it online. It’s sort of like Fight Club).
- I moved into a cute townhouse in Marrickville with two Aussie girls (and now a Welsh guy). I even have my own room!
- I celebrated my two year blogaversary!
- I’ve discontinued my Read This Blog Tuesday feature because I can’t seem to keep up with it working the hours that I do, especially contacting bloggers with the opposite time zone as me. I may pick it back up when I have a more regular routine.
The last three months by the numbers
Items gained: 23
- Po boys t-shirt, sent to me by my family from New Orleans
- 4 books (see below) purchased at local bookstores, markets and Salvo’s
- black pants from K-Mart, black sweater and purple tank from Ally, black and white skirt from Cotton On
- 3 dresses, 1 tank, 5 shirts and pants donated by my roommate Nell
- Doona cover and towel, other household items from K-Mart
- $6 aviators from a random store in Marrickville
- journal from Typo since mine is almost full
Items lost: 2
- Everything I mailed home in the first month never made it there. I suspect it was stolen for the cell phone inside.
- Broken sunnies from Target.
Books read: 5
Dead Man Running, Ross Coulthart and Duncan McNab: An interesting read borrowed from Tommy. It’s the true story of a guy who went from being a Bandido bikie ally to a police informant. Not the smartest move, wouldn’t you say? I know there are motorcycle gangs in the States, but nothing like here.
The Other Side of the Story, Marian Keyes: It’s a 600+ page chick lit book, but an easy read for the train. I always like the interwoven stories and this was no exception.
Down Under (published as In A Sunburned Country in the US), Bill Bryson: I read this book last summer in Thailand and decided to read it again now that I’ve seen the places described firsthand.
Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro: I wanted to read this book before I found out it was becoming a movie. It’s the only one I’ve paid full price for on this trip (at $22 it may be the last). It’s a haunting story about organ donations and what makes us human.
The Devil Wears Prada, Lauren Weisberger: I picked this one up for $1.50 at Vinnie’s. I may just like it better than the movie. It has a lot more to do with the climb from nobody to a writer. But I still picture Adrian Grenier as her boyfriend.
Beers tasted: 4
- Pure Blonde
- Hahn Super Dry
- Cooper’s Pale Ale
- Cooper’s Sparkling Ale (probably more but I’ve lost count)
States/territories visited: 0 (check back in the next update!)
Life list items crossed off: None to speak of, but worked on a few partials.
- #43: Watch the IMDB Top 100 Films: I’ve made a dent in the list. It’s a pretty huge feat. I think I’ve crossed off two movies.
- #32: Read the TIME Top 100 Novels of all time: Another looooong list and I may have to re-read all those ones I said I read in high school but only skimmed the Cliffs Notes.
- Added to the list- #67: Take my sisters on a Jane Austen tour of England. I spotted an article in the Sydney Morning Herald travel section about something called P&P Tours that specializes in Pride and Prejudice tours!
Budget
I spent a lot of money while I was traveling, but I’m doing slightly better now that I’m working. It also helps that I get free meals at my job, so that cuts down on the rest of my expenses.
Spending
- January: $369.12
- February: $1,730.70
- March: $1,261.26
- TOTAL: $3,361.08
Earning
- March: $1,488.87
What’s next?
- A two week trip to Hawaii with my sisters and mom in June
- A month-long road trip to Cairns with Tommy in July
- Working until I have to quit in September since the terms of my visa say that I can only work for each employer for six months
Sounds like a great three months! :) That sucks to hear about your package though, stupid thieves.
The month long trip to Cairns sounds amazing, have you started plotting out stopping points along the way?
Sort of, but not really. I should probably get on that!