Let me start with an apology, gentle reader. I know I have been regrettably and regretfully absent from this blog for a few days, and I want to assure you that it's nothing to do with a lack of commitment or - heaven forefend - a lack of broadband (the latter being a situation so dire, so unimaginable, that I'm not sure I could survive it).
No, the reasons for my absence are twofold : Number 1) Being traumatised by weirdos and admirers (more on that soon), and Number 2) Starting my new job.
Now, moving from London to Sydney was scary on many levels, not least of which was knowing that I was leaving a secure, stable job - for nothing. By which I mean literally nothing: I had no job lined up, no interviews (most companies won't give you a second glance until you've made the commitment and relocated), and no idea what would happen. Ok, yes - the Australian economy is, largely, booming - but still. It was pretty scary. And then what happens? The day after I arrive, I go to an interview. The next week, a second interview. Then followed assessments, psychiatric testing, and a bake-off (just keeping you on your toes there - spot which two are fictional...), and voila! The job was mine. In the (I'd like it to be Chanel) bag.
And so, work has once more begun. And bloody hell - I'd forgotten how tiring it is. How people expect you to do things (yes, ok, they're paying you, but - can they not just be a bit more relaxed? None of this 8 til 6 nonsense, more a kindof 11-3. Or 12-2. With a 2 hour lunch-break. Why not??). Alas, it's been a culture shock, and my brain is once again getting used to early bedtimes, demanding workloads, and a distinct lack of afternoon cake (alas, alas!).
Now, on the flip side - it's really pretty damned good. The people seem nice. The culture involves a fair amount of food and drink, which can never be a bad thing. The commute is done by ferry (ok, and a bus as well, but let's forget that part). Memories of the tube are receding (Londoners : we deserve medals for managing our commute. We are all heroes. And yes, I still count myself as a Londoner). So, I really can't complain. It's a great company, great job and should be great fun. Hurrah!
But, my friends, that is - as I said - only Reason 2 for my delay (the summary of which is: I've been busy, tired and stressed. Sorry). Reason 1 is a different story altogether...
Here in Sydney I have no friends. Or at least, no friends who are not family as well. And I'm a social kind of gal. Being lucky to know some very special people back home, and seeing them regularly, I don't like being so very much dependent on my own company, or that of others who (in the nicest possible way), I'm not that close to. Now, the fam (that's Aussie slang for family - please remember that for future reference) have been very sweet, and I've been venturing out with cousins and their friends, and getting to know a whole new group. This has led to the slightly awkward thing of wanting a Friend Date. As in, "I like you, you seem like a decent human being, let's hang out. And no, I am not romantically interested in you. (Honest)"
With girls, this works a treat as the lack of sexual interest is pretty clear (people, I'm hetero. It's just how it is. I fully respect and believe in people's rights to love how they want, who they want, when they want, and where they want (within reason on the 'where they want' - watching 2 people getting steamy has never really been my thing. Having it thrust - almost literally - in my face just makes me feel "ick")... where was I...?) Oh yes - girls. Girly Dates are great. Some of my favourite London moments are from my Girly Dates, so I'm keen to attempt to replicate that over here (impossible, but if it's even nearly close, then I will, as the old saying goes, be a Happy Bunny).
(Boy) Friend Dates are rather different, however. Saying you have no sexual interest in them doesn't seem to work. Wearing a sign which says "WE ARE NOT HAVING SEX TONIGHT OR EVER" is apparently just a challenge (I speak from experience). Pretending to be interested in same-sex-only relationships is - well, just trust me, it's not the way to go. Do I sound jaded? I guess so. This is because my (boy) Friend Date very recently went sadly awry. Not only did said Boy attempt to seduce me (badly done, it must be sad - discussing how his ex wouldn't cook for him was really not going to get me dropping my knickers anytime soon), but also - and this is possibly even worse than that - using the simply hideous expression, "Far out, man".
Yes. I'm not exaggerating, I'm not lying - I swear. All evening. ALL EVENING. "Far out, man". Personally, I nearly responded with the first letter of "far" and then the replacement of "out" with "uck" followed by "off" then "man", but being a gentle and sweet-natured soul - I naturally, did not. I did, however, make the decision never to see him again. Friendship date fail.
Still, the trauma of this has stayed with me for several days (you try spending an evening with someone who says "Far out, man" and see how you like it) - and until my mental balance was restored, there was no way I could write sensibly. Truth to tell, I'm not sure how sensible this post is - but, if you're entertained and informed, then I'm happy. I hope you can understand the delay in my writing, and I promise you now - more adventures are coming very soon, I promise.
Until then, Boys and Girls, I wish you adieu and goodnight from Sydney.
Love,
Belle de Sydney x
PS And why was Dolly right? Because, to quote that epic song: "Working 9 til 5, what a way to make a living..."
PPS I realise that Reason 1) was weirdos and admirers (plural). Allow me some poetic licence, please.
No, the reasons for my absence are twofold : Number 1) Being traumatised by weirdos and admirers (more on that soon), and Number 2) Starting my new job.
Now, moving from London to Sydney was scary on many levels, not least of which was knowing that I was leaving a secure, stable job - for nothing. By which I mean literally nothing: I had no job lined up, no interviews (most companies won't give you a second glance until you've made the commitment and relocated), and no idea what would happen. Ok, yes - the Australian economy is, largely, booming - but still. It was pretty scary. And then what happens? The day after I arrive, I go to an interview. The next week, a second interview. Then followed assessments, psychiatric testing, and a bake-off (just keeping you on your toes there - spot which two are fictional...), and voila! The job was mine. In the (I'd like it to be Chanel) bag.
And so, work has once more begun. And bloody hell - I'd forgotten how tiring it is. How people expect you to do things (yes, ok, they're paying you, but - can they not just be a bit more relaxed? None of this 8 til 6 nonsense, more a kindof 11-3. Or 12-2. With a 2 hour lunch-break. Why not??). Alas, it's been a culture shock, and my brain is once again getting used to early bedtimes, demanding workloads, and a distinct lack of afternoon cake (alas, alas!).
Now, on the flip side - it's really pretty damned good. The people seem nice. The culture involves a fair amount of food and drink, which can never be a bad thing. The commute is done by ferry (ok, and a bus as well, but let's forget that part). Memories of the tube are receding (Londoners : we deserve medals for managing our commute. We are all heroes. And yes, I still count myself as a Londoner). So, I really can't complain. It's a great company, great job and should be great fun. Hurrah!
But, my friends, that is - as I said - only Reason 2 for my delay (the summary of which is: I've been busy, tired and stressed. Sorry). Reason 1 is a different story altogether...
Here in Sydney I have no friends. Or at least, no friends who are not family as well. And I'm a social kind of gal. Being lucky to know some very special people back home, and seeing them regularly, I don't like being so very much dependent on my own company, or that of others who (in the nicest possible way), I'm not that close to. Now, the fam (that's Aussie slang for family - please remember that for future reference) have been very sweet, and I've been venturing out with cousins and their friends, and getting to know a whole new group. This has led to the slightly awkward thing of wanting a Friend Date. As in, "I like you, you seem like a decent human being, let's hang out. And no, I am not romantically interested in you. (Honest)"
With girls, this works a treat as the lack of sexual interest is pretty clear (people, I'm hetero. It's just how it is. I fully respect and believe in people's rights to love how they want, who they want, when they want, and where they want (within reason on the 'where they want' - watching 2 people getting steamy has never really been my thing. Having it thrust - almost literally - in my face just makes me feel "ick")... where was I...?) Oh yes - girls. Girly Dates are great. Some of my favourite London moments are from my Girly Dates, so I'm keen to attempt to replicate that over here (impossible, but if it's even nearly close, then I will, as the old saying goes, be a Happy Bunny).
(Boy) Friend Dates are rather different, however. Saying you have no sexual interest in them doesn't seem to work. Wearing a sign which says "WE ARE NOT HAVING SEX TONIGHT OR EVER" is apparently just a challenge (I speak from experience). Pretending to be interested in same-sex-only relationships is - well, just trust me, it's not the way to go. Do I sound jaded? I guess so. This is because my (boy) Friend Date very recently went sadly awry. Not only did said Boy attempt to seduce me (badly done, it must be sad - discussing how his ex wouldn't cook for him was really not going to get me dropping my knickers anytime soon), but also - and this is possibly even worse than that - using the simply hideous expression, "Far out, man".
Yes. I'm not exaggerating, I'm not lying - I swear. All evening. ALL EVENING. "Far out, man". Personally, I nearly responded with the first letter of "far" and then the replacement of "out" with "uck" followed by "off" then "man", but being a gentle and sweet-natured soul - I naturally, did not. I did, however, make the decision never to see him again. Friendship date fail.
Still, the trauma of this has stayed with me for several days (you try spending an evening with someone who says "Far out, man" and see how you like it) - and until my mental balance was restored, there was no way I could write sensibly. Truth to tell, I'm not sure how sensible this post is - but, if you're entertained and informed, then I'm happy. I hope you can understand the delay in my writing, and I promise you now - more adventures are coming very soon, I promise.
Until then, Boys and Girls, I wish you adieu and goodnight from Sydney.
Love,
Belle de Sydney x
PS And why was Dolly right? Because, to quote that epic song: "Working 9 til 5, what a way to make a living..."
PPS I realise that Reason 1) was weirdos and admirers (plural). Allow me some poetic licence, please.
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