Those were the days...

Last night, I found myself thinking of my job through uni here in Australia. It was the perfect job for a uni student. It paid good money --- I was able to cover my rent and living expenses during uni. It was flexible. It gave me extra shifts occasionally. I was able to swap shifts to suit my exams. I was able to work evenings when I had placements and uni during the day and work Saturdays. It was close to where I lived. And it was in a place close to heaven.

It was at the uni library.

I worked for 3 years as a shelver. The job description involved putting the books back on the shelves according to the Dewey decimal system. Checking if the books were organised appropriately. Getting books out of shelves as requested by students if you were doing the first shift of the day. And cleaning and tidying up the library if you were doing the last shift of the day. 

I still remember applying for the job. I filled out a form from a very strict looking librarian. And I was lucky enough to get offered 6 hours per week within the next few days. I say lucky because other international students attempted to apply for the job after hearing I worked there but were always on the long waiting list. I started with a mere 6 hours a week in my first semester in Australia. That went up to about 10 in the next. And by the end, I was doing 16 to 18 hours per week. The strict librarian turned out to be my immediate manager and she was great. As were the rest of the staff.

I absolutely loved the job. I was able to do Saturday shifts from my third semester as well as evening shifts. Which fit in perfectly with my schedule. I also loved the evening shifts because there were fewer students more often than not. Yes, it did involve cleaning up people's crap in the final tidy-up but it was worth it. And mind you, I did all this listening to music on my MP3 player. There would occasionally be questions from students re where to find certain books. And you know what? By my second year, I knew the sections off the top of my head. I still remember them. Which is a bit scary. I knew the teaching books were in the 371s and 372s, the psychology books were in the 150s and the 616s and 618s, management in 658s, policing in 363 and 364s, sociology in the 300s and literature in the 800s. Scary that. Students would be amazed at my 'skill'. I put it down to working there for a long time! The other bonus about the job was that I was able to find books for my assignments with ease. I remember checking out a book or two myself after most shifts. Definitely helped with my thesis!

It came with it's weird stuff too. I got asked out by a dude one year and well, I wasn't interested and said I had a boyfriend to put him off, but he kept insisting that he just wanted to go out for coffee as friends. Yes. And pigs will fly. I did manage to brush him off. Told him that not only did I have a boyfriend, I had a jealous boyfriend. =P There were always the annoying students who didn't seem to realise that a library was a place you were supposed to be quiet! And would laugh loudly and make heaps of noise upstairs where there were fewer staff.

I don't know why I started thinking about this job. Or why I became so nostalgic. I was so grateful for the work. It kept me going during uni. And given that it was the first time I was studying and working and living by myself, it was perfect.

I sometimes miss the simplicity of that job. And yet, being content with it.

I guess if psychology doesn't work out as a career, I would consider working in a library (behind a desk though) or in a book store.

They are, after all, my definition of heaven.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Changes

Changes...

Wrinkles --- near my eyes, near my mouth. Laugh lines.

Grey hair --- about four to five strands.

And yet, it doesn't worry me. You hear about women complaining about wrinkles and grey hair. For some reason, it doesn't bother me. I quite like the lines. I doubt I'll ever be using any of those anti-wrinkle, anti-aging creams that are constantly advertised. Yes, in the future I may colour my hair. But as of now, I'm quite content with the few strands of grey.

I remember as a teenager, worrying about being fat, too short, having funny teeth, having braces, too dark, too geeky, too plain. All that has changed now. 

I like that I am dark and tan. I like the wrinkles. I like the strands of gery. I like that I'm a size 8. I am accepting of my appearance. Overall. [True, I wouldn't want to put on more weight!] And it's been a long time since I've liked the way I look. I haven't become prettier. I haven't lost too much weight. I'm still wearing glasses with a nerdy look. I probably look older.

I've become more mature [Yes, more mature than I already am!]. And hence the acceptance.

Changes --- can be good.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Converse much?

Not sure if anyone else goes through this...but after a day at work, I don't really enjoy much conversation. Blame it on the kind of job I do. Listening to people. I just don't feel like listening to others after 5 pm. I prefer zoning out in front of the computer or TV. Flatmate on the other hand, can be very chatty about inane things. And I politely smile and answer in short sentences. But I'm wondering whether there comes a time when I should tell her my preference --- to not talk! I give subtle hints...like smile, answer and re-focus on the laptop in front of me. But doesn't look like she gets it. Would it be totally rude to just ignore?? =P

Yeah, I know...it would be.

Don't get me wrong...I'm not complaining about her. I just prefer not talking! And she loves to talk and complain about everything.

Oh well, maybe eventually she'll get the hints.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Wordless Wednesday - Freedom

On the go

I cannot believe it is Monday already. The weekend just flew by. And I didn't even relax!

Saturday was craziness personified. I had about 5 private cars to view. Of course, I took R along with me...someone had to drive me! Two friends also agreed to help out from home doing a REVS check...which basically involves checking online whether the car is appropriately registered or has any finance owing on it or any other non-mechanical problems.

The first car I saw looked great. A 2005 Toyota Echo sedan. Golden coloured. Clean. Engine looked great. The owner showed me a picture of the front bumper having been banged into but fixed. And so, I call up my friend C with details for the REVS check. And I find out: it was a repairable write-off. One car down.

Second car didn't look great. Had rust on it. Didn't bother test driving. Third car looked fine. It drove okay. There were a couple of things questionable: there seemed to be oil on the engine which the owners said was to make it look nice. I thought I would get it if everything checked out. Called N, another friend. She checked it out and get this: Strike out. Another repairable write-off!

R and I had lunch and then R had to vote. Yes, add voting on the list of things to do for the day. While driving back for me to vote, I called up the next person whose car I was going to see and asked for the details for a REVS check thinking it would make more sense checking this before I spent time looking at the car. Sent the details to N. And yet another repairable write-off. By then, I'd had it. I was stressing out.

I voted next. For Gillard, in case you were wondering. [Felt great to be voting the first time ever!]

Then decided I was going to scratch out the private sales and just go to a dealership. Finally did. And found a car. A 2001 Holden Astra CD. Silver colour. And while I'm not sure about the mechanical aspects, at least I was sure it wasn't a repairable write-off!!! It drove well. So I put a deposit on it.

Got home and pretty much zonked out in front of the telly for a night of politics. Which only made my mood plummet. Not happy that Mr. Rabbit might just become PM. My worst nightmare! A sexist, conservative, right-wing, homophobic PM. George Bush, anyone?

Then Sunday, instead of lounging around at home, I had to go out for a friend's birthday celebration. To High Tea. It was my first High Tea experience and I must say, I reckon it's a pretentious crock of shit. I enjoyed the company of my friends and the food was okay but so not worth the price. Forgive me if I like my food cheap and wholesome as against expensive and just finger food. And it doesn't help that I'm not a girly-girl unlike my friends to enjoy something 'posh' like this. The things I do for friendship! :)

As much as I love my friends, hanging out with them can make me feel insecure. Financially, I mean. My friends either live at home or those who are married have their husbands paying expenses. I'm the only one from this group of friends who lives on my own, so to speak. And therefore, the one that has to watch her finances like a hawk. So I have to sometimes sit through chats about holidays and travelling to Europe and the like and remind myself of all what I have. I am not miserable with my life. I love it. I love what I have. But it's hard to sometimes sit through talk about spending money without thinking.

After that hectic week and weekend, I was in bed by 8:30. And fast asleep. Till 6 this morning.

I'm looking forward to Friday. I have a rostered day off. And boy, do I need one! 

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

To the girl on the bus...

To the teenage girl on the bus,

I have noticed you over the past few days. Catching the 490 bus from the same stop as me. And getting off before me. On your way to school. I have noticed the sadness on your face. The flatness of your mood. I have noticed you didn't wave out to some girls who I assume were your classmates. And the first thing I noticed were your eyes...they are puffy with dark circles. I don't know whether it's because you have been crying a lot or whether it's due to lack of sleep or both. I know not if you are self-harming like some young people I know do in order to cope. It's because they don't know any other way to dull the pain. I don't know what the cause of your sadness is. Is it your family, I wondered. Or are you being bullied? Or did someone break your heart? Or do you dislike yourself?

I almost wanted to talk to you today. To tell you that there is hope. And to recommend speaking to someone. A therapist. But I'm not someone who speaks to strangers easily. And I could easily be construed as being nosey.

Teenage girl, if you are out there and read this, please speak to someone. Whether it's your school counsellor or the local adolescent health centre. Or even Kids Helpline. There are people to listen. And there is a way to deal with the sadness and the pain. I wish you all the best.

And I hope I see you smile,

Regards,
A concerned passenger who has been through crap herself

Wordless Wednesday - Preparing

Cockatoos in the backyard (2007)

The Verdict is in...

...my car has been written-off. Apparently the cost of repairs would have been about $4000 and the car is insured for less than that. So the hunt for another car begins. And I really need one.

Why, you ask, would someone need a car. Isn't it a want?

Well, no. Working in the suburbs and living in one without a railway station mean I depend on my car.

And in a month's time, I'm starting a new position. Which would take me more than 2 hours and two buses and three trains to get to by public transport. And less than an hour by car. It's within the same organisation but a different department at a different location and suburb. My dream department. Child and Adolescent Mental Health. I'm excited about the position but will really, really need a car by then. And when I'm wrapping up at my current place in order to get all my stuff out.

So yes, the hunt now begins for the car. Wish me luck.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

The Countdown

I was tagged to do this 10 - to - 1 tag by Nu and Avada a while back and procrastinated with it. Thought tonight would be a good time...

Ten hows:

1. How did you get one of your scars? I have one on my right eyebrow which I got playing as a kid (must have been 3) with my neighbour...I was playing horses with him and he was the horse...unfortunately, he lost balance and I fell...right on the corner of the sharp coffee table.
2. How did you celebrate your last birthday? Last birthday...hmm...dinner with friends. And games at home.
3. How are you feeling at this moment? Flat.
4. How did your night go last night? It was great...red wine, creamy pasta bake, watching Monk DVDs and having the house to myself. And bed by 10.
5. How did you do in high school? Not too well...apart from English. Apparently I had the potential to do a lot better as I got told by every teacher!
6. How did you get the shirt you’re wearing? Can't remember...maybe I won it. What's it to you?
7. How often do you see your best friend(s)? One I see often. Others I don't as they are not in the same country
8. How much money did you spend last month? I'm not sure! I don't keep a finance book...though I guess I should...
9. How old do you want to be when you get married? Hmm...not contemplating marriage to be honest. So not too fussed about how old I am when I do get married. It might be 30...maybe 35...maybe 40...
10. How old will you be at your next birthday? 27

Nine whats:

1. Your mothers name? Why do you want to know???
2. What did you do last weekend? Met with an accident
3. What is the most important part of your life? Work, family and friends
4. What would you rather be doing? Nothing really....
5. What did you last cry over? My car
6. What always makes you feel better when you’re upset? Eating, Listening to music, Talking to someone who understands
7. What’s the most important thing you look for in a significant other? Intelligence, sense of humour and honesty
8. What are you worried about? My car, and something else which I will share with people shortly...once I know... :)
9. What did you have for breakfast? Coffee, banana, toasted crumpet...

Eight yous:

1. Have you ever liked someone who had a girlfriend/boyfriend? I've like someone that had a wife. Don't look so shocked. I've loved Gilly and always known he was married =D
2. Have you ever had your heartbroken? No. Unless you count Gilly being married. =P
3. Have you ever been out of the country? Duh!
4. Have you ever done something outrageously dumb? This tag...and so many others...
5. Have you ever been back stabbed by a friend? Yes. So what else is new?
6. Have you ever had sex on the beach? No. Not sure if you know but I am social phobic.
7. Have you ever dated someone younger than you? Nah. I prefer older guys. Because I'm way too mature for my age.
8. Have you ever read an entire book in one day? Hell yeah...more than once...

Seven whos:

1. Who was the last person you saw? My friend CB
2. Who was the last person you texted? My friend CB again after she reached home
3. Who was the last person you hung out with? CB again
4. Who was the last person to call you? Mum
5. Who did you last hug? My friend JC...on Wednesday. CB doesn't hug
6. Who is the last person who texted you? R
7. Who was the last person you said “I love you” to? That I do not wish to disclose...

Six wheres:

1. Where does your best friend(s) live? Another postcode, another country
2. Where did you last go? Local shops
3. Where did you last hang out? At home last night...
4. Where do you go to school? I don't...who's this meant for? Children???
5. Where is your favorite place to be? The beach. In summer
6. Where did you sleep last night? In my bed. Where did you think?

Five dos:

1. Do you think anyone likes you? Hmm...not sure...you have to ask anyone
2. Do you ever wish you were someone else? Nah...why should I???
3. Do you know the muffin man? Yes, he brings me my muffins everyday...
4. Does the future scare you? Every now and then...
5. Do your parents know about your blog? Yes

Four whys:

1. Why are you best friends with your best friend? Because I wanted to torture them with my presence
2. Why did you get into Blogging? Opinions are like arseholes...everyone has one...and I wanted to air mine...opinion, that is. Not arsehole.
3. Why did your parents give you the name you have? You have to ask them....
4. Why are you doing this survey? I'm being tortured and strung up by my toes...that's why!!

Three ifs:

1. If you could have one super power what would it be? Invisibility
2. If you could go back in time and change one thing, would you? I always thought I would...but I've reached an age where I have realised that I am actually happy with all that has happened. The good, the bad and the truly shitty. Yes, I realise, I'm old.
3. If you were stranded on a deserted island and could bring 1 thing, what would you bring? Hmm...just one? A book that changes itself...so every time I finish a book, another book pops up in its place

Two would-you-evers:

1. Would you ever get back together with any of your ex’s if they asked you? Maybe...it depends...
2. Would you ever shave your head to save someone you love? Yeah...why not?

One last question:

1. Are you happy with your life right now? Yes. The only thing that would make it a bit better is having a car. I really, really need one.

So anyone else wanting to take this tag on, go ahead!

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Social NOTworking

I have been wanting to write about this for a while now. Social networking. And it's not really working. For me at least. I can see the benefit in that it's a way of keeping in touch with friends from India spread across the globe and a quick way of communicating with people who don't seem to have much time to actually chat or make phone calls.

But I am also having problems with it.

Firstly, I have a stalker. Okay, stalker is a bit exaggerated. But there was this girl I went to college with back in India for about 3 years. Let's call her A. A was one of those 'friends' made because our parents met first. Sigh. If it hadn't been for that, I probably would never have been friends with her. She was never a close friend and I was just cordial towards her. But we sat together for most classes in Year 11. After first year bachelors, she changed colleges and that was it. I occasionally bumped into her since we lived in the same suburb but never went out of my way to meet her. And back then, she was never online. She didn't have an email address or msn. So it was great.

I was in fact a tad scared of A. Why, you ask. Well, just to give an example: she would borrow my notes and not treat them well...I would find the papers crumpled or stained, and being a neat freak and a perfectionist about my work, I didn't like it. So this one time, given that I was not assertive, I lent my notes to another friend to avoid giving A my notes. And her response to me was "Next time give me your notes first or I will scratch your face". She had really long nails. And she wasn't laughing when she said this. Plus there were several lies she had told others about her life which freaked me out since I knew the truth. So you can see why I wanted to keep my distance. And of course, we didn't have much in common.

I moved to Australia in 2005 and around that time, Orkut was the big social networking thing. A year later, who should add me on Orkut but A. I ignored the request. Then she asked another friend why I wasn't adding her and I told this friend in confidence that I was scared of A. This friend, for some reason, thought it was smart to let A know the reason!!! And then I get a message on orkut from A about she doesn't know what she did etc etc and I felt guilty and added her. And the same continued on Facebook. Two months ago I began culling some of my facebook 'friends' and she was one. And again a couple of weeks ago, I got an invite from her to add her. I'm this close to deleting my facebook account now!!!

Apart from that, I have recently had people on facebook adding me from my primary school days back in Oman. People who I never kept in touch with and who didn't keep in touch with me. And mind you, some who I don't even recognise! I kept in touch with one person from those days who I added and then through her, I have had others add me. The last time I spoke to them was when I was 9 years old!!! Again, another reason for me coming this close to deleting my account! I don't understand the need to add someone you haven't kept in touch with for 17 years. And you probably didn't have a strong friendship prior to that anyway.

I have people from my high school days and my college days and my uni days...but not all of them are close friends. I think some people add others to vicariously perve into their lives. Others just want to show off their own lives. Like there's one person from my high school days whose status is always about how successful their career is and how much their spouse loves them and buys them flowers and I wonder, why do you need to tell the whole world that? Yes, it's great that your spouse is nice but do we all need to know that??? No!! Despite not having their status updates on my homepage, the fact that others comment on it inevitably mean they appear on my page.

Then there's the problem of being added by relatives. Some of whom I have never even met! And while I am not keen on adding them, I just know what will go around...how stuck up I am since coming to Australia, how I've changed in my values and all that bull. Why do you want to add me when I have never met you? Or maybe seen you when I was a baby? Again, this close to deleting my account!!!

If it didn't help me keep in touch with the few friends that no longer feel the need to send emails, I probably would delete the damn thing! So supposedly, the websites are meant to connect you with others but for me it's reaching a stage where it's connecting me with people I don't want to be connected with! And why don't people ever get the hint if you have ignored their invite to add? Why do they persist by sending you invites over and over?

I will never understand some people.

Do share your escapades with these sites...are they social networking sites for you or social notworking sites?? 

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

The story so far...

Following from my accident on Sunday, things have been happening. For one, I have been catching public transport to work for three days now. And I can see pros and cons. The pros include I can read on the buses and get to enjoy the sights and sounds around me rather than focusing on the cars in front and beside me. The cons however include me having to catch 2 buses in order to get from home to work. 2 buses. That's what you get for living and working in the suburbs. The other con is that public transport costs more than petrol! I think public transport is only worthwhile if you work in the city due to lack of parking out there and traffic driving in there. Else it's a rort!

This morning, I took my car to the repair place to have it assessed. And get this. I was told by the assessor that most likely, my car may be a write-off!!!! I couldn't believe it. I didn't think the damage was that bad. But he reckons that replacing the bonnet and the front bumper and lights is not worth the amount the car has been insured for. For the uninformed, my car is a second-hand car and a 1995 model. So yes, it's not worth much. Apparently it doesn't matter that the engine is functioning well. I'll know for sure whether it's a write-off or not tomorrow. Sigh. It's not the end of the world I know. But it's a hassle. Plus buying another car would mean dipping into my savings since the insured value of this one is not that much.

I keep reminding myself of all the good things about public transport at present. But I still want a car. I was unable to attend my writing class this week because there was no way to get there. So you see, I need a car! Public transport in the suburbs sucks. Wonder if any of the pollies are listening!

So anyway, I've been out of it. I feel flat. Feel like I've lost motivation at work. Worried that I need a car asap and whether I have to buy one or wait for mine to get repaired, it looks like it will take a while. Sigh.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Sunday Bloody Sunday....

So I had an interesting Sunday morning.

Around 11 this morning I decided that I would go buy some fresh bread rolls from the bakery and return a DVD I borrowed last night from the video store. I set out about half an hour or so later. Got in my car. Drove out of the garage. Waited at the driveway. Looked to the left. There was a truck blocking my view of cars coming from that side which wasn't very calming. Looked to the right. All clear even though there were a couple of cars kind of obstructing the view. Looked to the left again. Started to drive out. Looked to the right.

And saw a four-wheel drive heading this way. Slammed on the brakes as did the other person.

But...

WHAM!!!!

Yes, I met with my first accident since I started driving. And I was the 'at-fault' driver. Sigh.

Luckily no one was hurt. But my poor car got hurt...the case of the front left lights broke as did the number plate. And of course, the bonnet is a bit wonky. And their car has a massive dent on the left side.

I was in shock for a while. One of my neighbours came down to check and reassured me that it had happened to him a couple of times in the last year. Sometimes, our view is just obscured thanks to all the parked vehicles. I exchanged details with the other driver. Spent some time home crying and panicking about all the money. But then called up my insurance company [Thanks NRMA! The person I spoke to was very nice] and found out I only have to pay the excess and it's not as bad as I initially thought. [I thought I'd be shelling out 5 to 10 grand!]. Thank god for comprehensive car insurance. They booked me in to get my car repaired on Thursday. I also called the police to find out if I could legally drive with a slightly damaged front and a broken light-case. And they said it was fine if I got it fixed in a couple of weeks. And then my friend helped me tape up the number plate and some other areas.

It's probably going to be inconvenient for a while. But it could have been worse. 

Sigh.

What a Sunday morning. But I am grateful that no one got hurt. It could have been worse.

So how has your weekend been??? 

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Fantastic Fictional Faves

Rachna created this tag for us to list our top ten fictional crushes of all time. Characters that we admired, possibly lusted after, and dreamt of. To be honest, I cannot remember having massive crushes on any fictional characters. But I do know I liked and admired a fair few. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if I can jot down 10...so I thought I'd add a bit of a twist to it and include 5 fictional characters from books and 5 from movies/tv. Hope that's okay Rachna. So here goes:

1. Fredrick Algernon Trotteville aka Fatty: A teenager too big for his boots but with brains that surpass his age. A master of disguise and the 'leader' of the Five Find-outers and dog. Fatty was an intriguing character who I loved and wanted to emulate.

2. Ron Weasley: I absolutely love Ron. No, not the movie version but the image of the character I created in my own mind. He's funny, sarcastic, loyal and just downright the best character for me in the series. Harry is nowhere near Ron!!!

3. Jughead Jones: From the Archie's comics. He was Archie's best friend. A woman-hater. And a foodie. I remember always being amazed at his ability to eat so much and yet remain as skinny as a rake. And despite his woman-hater status, I loved Juggie and thought he was the best of all the guys at Riverdale High!

4. Sherlock Holmes: I have only recently started reading his stories and must confess I'm really fascinated by Holmes. What's not to like, I ask. Intelligent? Tick. Suave? Tick. Good job? Tick. Intriguing? Tick. So he kinda has an Asperger's feel about him, but that makes me like him all the more.

5. Jake Brigance: He's the lawyer in 'A Time to Kill', one of my favourite books by John Grisham. Jake defends the black man, Carl Lee accused of killing white men in the deep south of USA. The white men raped Carl's daughter. Jake himself is a white man in a highly prejudiced and racist society and yet, is able to do a great job. Again, another intelligent man. Even if he is a lawyer.

Now on to the telly fictional characters...

6. Chandler Bing: I abso-bloody-lutely luuuurrrrve Chandler. Sarcastic, funny, witty, the second-best dude who doesn't know how to break up with one particular girl...what's not to love about him? And he was cute. Even cuter once he got glasses in Season 7 or 8. Did I say I lurve Chandler???

7. Special Agent Fox Mulder: Hot. Intelligent. Sarcastic. Searching for the Truth that is out there. Believes in aliens. Has a very very dry sense of humour. And did I mention, hot? He also had a major in Psychology and was a prodigy. Is it more than a crush? Probably. I still love the character and drool over the DVDs I watch...

8. Doogie Howser: This is an oldie...but I really liked Doogie back in the day. A child genius and the youngest doctor ever. He had this box for a computer where he would enter a journal entry at the end of the day. And he was oh-so-cute.

9. Sheldon Cooper: He's a genius. Who thinks knows he's always right. Does not follow your social norms. Things have to be his way. Thinks friendships are more out of convenience than for the actual need of a relationship. Hasn't had a girlfriend. And is so inappropriate. I love him. For all his quirks and craziness.

10. Adrian Monk: The Obsessive Compulsive Detective. He suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder which has impeded his abilities to be part of the police force. Which is a bit of a bummer given that he is intent on finding out who killed his wife. But don't be fooled by his obsessive-compulsiveness...his mind is still as sharp as a tack. Almost like Sherlock Holmes. He's an adorable character who can be infuriating with his quirks!

So what have we learnt from this? I like intelligent guys, with a sense of humour, and funny quirks! I'd like to add that generally, while reading, I identified with female characters...the tomboys by Blyton...and seem to remember them a whole lot better than male characters I've admired or had a crush on.

Anyway, go on, take this if you like. Preferably, do it the original way as in, all characters from books.

Until next time,

Cheers!!!

Flatmate Update

I realise I haven't updated you all on this front. As you know, I asked my previous flatmate L to leave. I enjoyed having the whole place to myself for an entire month. And then I found another flatmate. We will call her M. She's the same age and works full-time. Unlike L who was a uni student. She's been in Sydney for about two years less than me and is originally from a European country. This time, having learnt from my previous mistake, I made it a point to ask all the questions the first time I met her: how clean she is, how many visitors does she expect to have, her daily routine. And I also asserted my expectations: I want a flatmate that helps with the cleaning and I would prefer not having too many visitors all the time.

Plus, I had a friend over when she visited so that two of us could have an opinion.

Anyway, she sounded all right and moved in about three weeks ago. And so far, so good. She pays rent on time, is clean, is quiet, doesn't have guests over like L did, doesn't have a boyfriend and is friendly. But there's just one small thing. She's homophobic. 

I suspected it the first time we watched Masterchef where one of the contestants was gay and sterotypically flamboyant. She made a comment along the lines of "I don't understand gay men...they want to be women but we don't act like that". In my head, I went uh-oh. But I chose to ignore it. But she seemed to keep targetting this guy and was very happy when he was sent off. Anyway, like I said, I chose to ignore it. And then today, we heard on the news that the Greens are for gay marriage in Australia. And she said, "Damn, I don't see why they should do that..." And I couldn't keep quiet. I am all for gay marriage and I said so. In a nice way. So she knows where I stand.

I'm ok for her to have her views as long as it doesn't impact on her behaviour. I have a couple of close friends who are lesbians. And as long as she doesn't behave weirdly around them, she can have her views.

Although, I still wonder: why? Why are people anti-homosexuality? It's just another way of being. It's just that they are attracted to the same sex. It doesn't make them any different. They don't hurt anyone. So why discriminate?

Anyway, will have to wait and see how this pans out. Like I said, every other way, she is meeting my criteria and as long as she doesn't act on her homophobia, I don't have an issue. I wonder though whether she knows any homosexual individuals personally to know that they are not different from her or me. They go to work, they go grocery shopping, they go out to dinner and the movies, they read, they watch telly, they pay their taxes, they love their pets, they care about their partner. 

Until next time,

Cheers!!!