Tina's wanderings around the world

And what is this so-called Australian life? Ha! I'm working on that. :) Let me expound a bit on the basics. I live in a two-story town-home sort of place. Apparently it used to be an interior design shop, but from the way the place is designed you would never guess! It's located in the Sydneyian suburb of Alexandria but is right on the border of Erskineville and apparently it's the thing to do to tell people we live in Erskineville. Interestingly, I have discovered that Erskineville is a popular address for the gays and I was overjoyed to see my first gay boys while I was in a local cooking supply store called Victoria's Basement. Strikingly similar to Victoria Secret...I think Victoria might be my favorite lady with her collection of underwear and cooking supplies, so Victoria, wherever you are, I applaud you! I digress...back to the apartment. The ceilings are giant, the floors are wooden, and the air in between is nearly frigid. When the weather is nice, I try to spe...

The most current news I could begin with is on the job-front (considering that this phenomenon is going on as I type). I spent most of last week preparing an Australian-version job application, which is a bit more time-intensive than one might think. On top of the basic resume, references and cover letter (with the cover letter usually being my most dreaded part since I actually have to write out an entire page on why I think I'm so wonderful) here in Australia you have to also respond to a portion of the position description called the "Selection Criteria". This lovely section provides you with 7+ prompts for you to respond to, the types of questions that are very typical during the interview process such as "Above average written and verbal communication skills" or "Capacity to show initiative and take responsibility" after which you provide an example of how you have excelled in this particular area. The last selection criteria I filled out had a l...

Hello, friends, hello! I have finally made it back to the blog after a few months' hiatus. And, surprise, surprise, I am now to be found in yet another country! This time, though, it's a bit of a completion point, not only because I have been dreaming of going to Australia for as long as I can remember and been talking about this move for the last six months or so, but I am finally rejoined with Marcus and I am finally able to put some roots down and to start life. The first step was buying the ticket, applying for the visa, and all that fun stuff, then actually arriving to the country. Um, check, check, and check--I'm here! Yup, I'm here... The new thought running through my head? "Hmm, now what?" Well, don't you worry your pretty little head, I am working on that little kink. I'm waiting to hear back from Amnesty International about the job application I sent in for an Executive Administrator position in the Sydney office. I have discovered, however,...