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Work Begins

After a way way too long "funemployment" session of 15 months or so.. I have finally returned to working. I definitely will admit that I was so excited to get back to working again. I think I learned during this break that there is a perfect bell curve associated with time not working and feeling a little bit like you are not contributing to society at all.  I think i'll make my next break from work a little bit shorter whenever that time comes. 

So as I might have mentioned in previous posts I work for two different job agencies. With one company so far, everything has been pretty last minute. They call me early in the morning for a 9 or 10 o clock shift. With the other one I have had a little bit more notice but so far have only worked with one couple with two on going shifts that will be the same every week. However, with holidays coming up I will probably have lots more opportunities to work lots and lots of extra hours with people wanting time off. So it's a little bit annoying that I don't really know my schedule or when they will offer me work, and also that each time I go some place new, with new clients I have so much to take in, and you aren't able to establish as much of a repertoire with the clients.  On the plus side, it means I don't have to worry about paperwork as much, and shifts are quite "casual".. So in the case of the day centers or residential homes, I'm working with permanent staff who simply direct me with what needs to be done. When my shift is over I'm done and don't have to worry about anything else.  Working in the day centers has been a lot of fun and I really enjoy it. I got to take a few of the clients to a music therapy class, assist with feeding, and help with a cooking class. I'm really hoping to have more shifts. Last night was my first time to work in a residential home where there were a few ladies living together all with special needs and carers come when the ladies return from their day programs and provide care for them throughout the night and the morning. That was also a good experience. 

I have yet to work with any children yet, which I'm a little bit bummed about and told I would definitely have opportunities to in my hiring interview, but I'm hoping that maybe the opportunity will arise eventually.   In the evening, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays are all paid at a higher rate in Australia. That makes up for the random shift work and not quite working a normal 38 hour work week like most people do here. So no complaints there, and I always have the choice to say no to a shift if I don't want to work! 

My new house in Brunswick is going well. It's strange living with roomates again and not having my own bathroom and such. It's not quite as clean as I would like to keep a home I'm living in but I'm trying to remember that and just go with the flow. There are four of us here but usually our schedules and time out of the house, we don't actually see each other too much. Hopefully we can sort something and hang out a  little bit more soon because it seems like they are all really fun people we just need to make some plans to get to know each other more. 

Mumford and Sons played a concert at an outdoor arena so Donnie, Collin, and a nice little crew of ours got together and all brought some different snacks so we had a nice picnic and listened to M&S with some wine. 

I also met my friend from high school Liz, who has been living in Hong Kong since High School until moving here about a year ago. We had some amazing gelato and played in the park with her sweet little son! He was so cute and then I was lucky enough to babysit for them on Saturday and had an absolute blast. 

I have been riding that cycle of mine like crazy and trying to avoid taking public transportation if possible. Especially when it's nice outside and it takes the same amount of time to get around on the transport as it would for me to cycle. Usually its faster or similar. I hadn't rode for two weeks until this week. 

I've been going to ultimate frisbee trainings, games, and pick up still, as well as doing work outs at home. I've also been trying some new recipes at home, and making my own beans instead of buying canned ones. I have heard some really good things about the library here so the next time I have some free time I plan to check that out.  Sorry for the lack of photos, it makes a post pretty boring but I just haven't really taken any! 

I'm so sad to miss another Thanksgiving and really hope to be with family for one sometime soon! However, I was able to have a lovely video chat with the family today for quite so that was so nice to hear their voices and catch up with them.  I am so thankful for their support as I'm all over the place and they are my rock! While I have had some challenging times here in Australia getting life sorted out, I ALWAYS remember how lucky I am. No matter how rude someone is, the crazy annoying process something is, or if someone upsets me, that I am so truly blessed. I have the basic necessities of life and so much more to be thankful for on Thanksgiving and every day. 

Location: Brunswick East VIC, Australia

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