What's up?

Well, well, it's now less than 7 weeks to go. I had a garage sale on the weekend and got rid of a whole lotta things, the rest I took to the op shop, and to Cash converters, or some shops that do a similar type of thing. Wasn't bad, made a bit of extra cash. And have made it easier to pack up the rest of the things that will be going into storage at my brothers.
It's been a bit hard deciding what to keep and what to sell. Like I'm prioritising my memories - near impossible! But now it's done and there's just the putting everything else into boxes. Ah, they joys of packing!

Still a few things that need doing - injections still to go, insurance, paying off tickets and credit card, closing accounts. But it's getting there and I am slowly getting through all these 'before I go away tasks'. I tell you I can't wait til I am on that plane and don't have to worry about it anymore.
I should probably make a list of what else I need to do, but it makes it a little daunting when the list looks longer than what it is in your head.

Went and saw the 'passion of Christ' a few nights ago. One of the worst, most upsetting and downright horrible movies I have seen in a long long time. Shame on you Mr Gibson! What is he trying to do with that?? I was recommended NOT to see it, so I can't really blame anyone but myself - I should've listened to that friend. Still I can't help my nature can I? Told not to do something and that's exactly the thing I will be doing when I get the chance.

I'll be moving out of my house shortly, and becoming a bum on my friends couches and the like. Still it will get me used to living out of a bag! No doubt I'll be more than over that aspect of travel by the time I hit the UK. But it won't harm me I am sure. It will be nice to be living with only the bare minimums.

Ahh Haha ha ha! Everything is starting to sort itself out! Yay! I'm going to visit a project or two in Cambodia, and see their field office. Laos is a maybe, maybe not, have to see how things are closer to the time that I leave. But it's all coming together! Today I have to update my C.V and send that with my letter to Oxfam G.B and Oxfam International.
It's so real now and more than a little exciting too.

I'm gonna have a chat with my big boss - the one who was above Sylvia - today and let her know what I have planned and organised so far. Brendan (the guy organizing my Cambodia programs visit) said that he'd like me to do a short presentation for them as well about the side of Oxfam that I work in. So I should probably sort some things for that, a disk or something that I can plug in when I get there. I'm sure I will be able to do that with either Kim or someone else - have to be towing the OCAA line with what I say, so they'd want to proof it at the very least.

I can't believe it's so close - 8 weeks and I'll be in Thailand. Already there... A little scary really. But so exciting, so close, so much to sort out between then and now.

But I'm going to move out of mine a little early - two weeks before I fly out, and that should fre up some $'s, plus get me out of Jahe the terribles way! No doubt I'll be out and about saying good bye here and there, and then I'll be gone! Can't wait!

NEPAL :-







I got my veeesa! I got my veeesa! I gooot it! I’m goh-ing soon! I’m goh-ing soon! In 8 weeks I’ll be winging my way to the lush green warmth of the Northern Hemisphere! I can’t wait. The work visa for the UK starts in July, so I may need to cut back on the time I plan to spend in Asia, otherwise I automatically lose 5 months just from travelling there, so I may do some more of it on my way back… Something to think about; not to sure of what I will do yet.
So much to do still and every now and then I have a minor panic about it all. But it’ll be so much fun! I’ll definitely be spending time relaxing on the beaches, and shopping in the markets. So many cheap clothes, unrecognisable foods, fun, interesting and strange things await me! Well not just me, being a little self-absorbed there aren’t I?… And anyway it is all about me – I’m a Leo!!
Work has been pretty ok, but as usual around the aware run time it’s a matter of being locked out of the system and watching my work pile up on my desk, yet again. The circle of Oxfam life it would seem. I wonder how they will take me leaving?
Still I am trying to sort out work for when I arrive in the UK. I’ve written a letter to Oxfam Great Britain to introduce myself, and have met a lady from Oxfam International who may be of help. So it’s a matter of getting my letter proofread (is being done now) and then sending it off to the appropriate person there. Hopefully it will get me a job, either that or at the very least a foot in the door. The projects visits (this has taken so long to get rolling, but should be fine now) should be confirmed next week. So that ads another dimension to my travels, will get me off the beaten track and into some interesting areas. I’ll most likely be visiting the field offices, and hopefully a few of the actual projects in Laos and Cambodia.
Mark leaves in another 8 days. Not looking forward to that, it’s been so nice having him around. Still there will be so much I need to sort out when he goes that hopefully I won’t notice the hole he leaves behind. I am going to have to get used to him not being here though all over again… *-Sigh-*
Still like I said much to get done in the next few weeks. Nothing I can’t handle though! Not enjoying these holiday injections, but only a few more to go.

Ok so the panic about the aware run has abated and although I was sick, on holidays and no-one was doing my work which continued to pile high on my desk until I returned, I have now finally gotten through it. Now with all this nervous energy and nothing left on my desk that needs urgent attention - or even non-urgent attention, I'm bored.
Why can't things be consistently at the same pace? Sick of this rush, rush, rush and then nothing. It's no way to organize your work week - or any other kind of week I wouldn't think. A leisurely pace is always the better one....
I suppose the only other option is to go back to dreaming of my imminent depature from Aussie shores... Although that too is starting to become more of a nightmare. Still need to pay so much of my card, pay for my flight, and save. Injections, insurance - ye gods it just goes on and all I can think is that I will be gone in less than 3 months - not nearly enough time to sell up and ship out surely?
Still it could be worse - I could be staying, or someone could be trying to sack me for no other reason than they don't like me... Oh should stop that rant, it'll get me nowhere - or the dole queue - fast.
Anyway, that's it for today, although the sound of me typing does make it look as though I am working hard all it takes is for someone to walk out of that meeting room behind me... A little paranoid now maybe??

What a wicked weekend! Finally I am starting to feel like myself again! So much fun, alcohol and emotion all in the one weekend can't be too good for anyone. Still I had an excellent, relaxing time, and am glad I made the effort to go up there. I have turned into one of those people who cry at weddings! Oh dear.

So I flew up to Maroochydore on Friday arrived early afternoon and headed straight to our 'rainforest retreat' in our little hire car. It was a gorgeous setting, and the cabins weren't too bad either. Friday I just chilled, Zorb, Liz and Nancy went straight back to the coast to check out the beach, but I'd had enough of being couped up travelling so stayed behind and chilled in the forest. Hung out with Mark and Ian, met Ricci's parents and finally ended up at the pub later in the afternoon to enjoy a schooner or 2 with Mark whilst loving the view from the pub balcony & the company I had the fortune of sharing.

Then as night approached and the build up to the Saturday wedding upped a notch, it was back to the hotel for the first 'dinner' of the weekend. We ended up awake until 2am talking & drinking with the other guests about the impending nuptials, how we knew the bride & groom and of course the other obligatory pissed up conversations that you tend to have after a few too many beers.

Saturday I planned a walk through the forest, but being a rainforest it did just that, and although the rain was gorgeous to look at, plus it was still warm, I didn't fancy walking around in it as leaches and other bugs dropped from the canopy to infest me. Instead I sat on the porch with some classical music having a chat with Ian and Mark, and then to the hotel pool for a quick dip. Then a nap before the biggest moment of my friends lives.

Liz and I ducked into Nambour to collect a few necessities for the night ahead - the makings of martinis, vodka drinks, beer and a few personal bits 'n' pieces. I have never been in such a more boring or annoying town. Layed out in a most unhelpful way, what should have been no more than an hours trip took us two! So it was rush, rush, rush when we got back so that we wouldn't miss the ceremony.

And this is the bit where I had to cry. Oh they were so beautiful, the sentiments so sincere, and the love of everyone there palpable! It's so heartening to see that kind of love and hope. Ahhh... So the ceremony lasted about 1/2 an hour and then it was off up the hill to the marque where the reception was.

The reception was lovely, dancing more drinking and chatting with people from all parts of Australia and England. I think I've a few places to stay when I make it over there which is good news for me. Ricci did some research on the moutains in the area and each of the tables were named after one of the mountains and left with a short aboriginal dreamtime story of that particular mountian. It was an interesting and lovely touch.

So it was a wicked weekend - no hang over the next morning, a quick breakfast and then a mad dash to pack bags and get to the airport on time for our 1pm flight.

Glad I made the effort to go - I was a bit sceptical as to how I would handle a wedding after just getting my divorce papers and knowing the joy of being 'free again'. But I'm glad to say there was nothing to worry about, fun was had by all. If I can manage it I'll be going a little further north before my trip O.S to visit Dad and Ann.