(above) Me, Monique and Penny.

Well...I've officially left the University of Technology, Sydney. I am going to miss the folks there---they're all such lovely people to work with! As noted in a previous entry, I had to leave because my contract was up, and the lady I was replacing had returned from her secondment. At any rate, I've moved on to a new workplace.

I'm now working as a magazine assistant on Bowls NSW and Lifestyle Options. I'm assistant to the advertising manager and health/beauty editor, who I just adore! I've known Bev for a couple of years now, and I really owe her a debt of gratitude for helping me get this job. She and Rex, the editor, are FANTASTIC folks! I really enjoy working with them. The office is right in the middle of Sydney City. It's great!

There isn't a lot else on at the moment. The play is coming up NEXT WEEK! I am really afraid I'm going to stuff it up (to use an Aussie phrase). I am really having a great time rehearsing, though. And I'm so happy to have the opportunity to perform. I just adore my friends here---I know of 5 (potentially 7) who are going to book in to watch the Friday performance! That's just so lovely... :) Needless to say, the alcohol will be flowing post-performance.

Piers and I have yet to take our day trip. We couldn't go last weekend because I was rehearsing Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I'm still leaning toward Katoomba as our destination, but I suppose since he's driving I should give him a say. ha ha ha! We're catching up for lunch this Friday, so maybe a destination will be decided upon by the end of the workday on Friday. More on that later, of course!

There really isn't a lot else to report on. The rest is really business as usual.

More later...

I've just come back from rehearsal. I have to say, it's such fun! :) I really enjoying working the the others and having the opportunity, more generally. It's also nice to get to hang out with Jenelle (although it's not the same as meeting up at the AB for a few beers). She's really a good director, and it's interesting to see her vision and experience it taking form. Also, she gives great constructive criticism! It's also nice to get to know Nat, the writer and star of this play. She and I have been at a few of the saem get-togethers, but we hadn't really had the chance to get to know one another. I really like Nat; she's cool, plus she's written a great script! She's also a very talented actor. Dan is also great--he truly cracks me up. His character is really flamboyant (which he refers to as a slightly more amplified version of his own personality). His intensity and humor make it easier to bounce back with over-the-top responses. He and I are "at the pub" throughout the play, so we get progressively "drunk" and more outrageous as the play wears on. Not that I would know ANYTHING about being drunk... (he he he).

I ventured to Stanmore a few hours early for rehearsal today. My initial expectation was to do a bit of exploration. I've been all over Enmore and Newtown, but I hadn't really been into Stanmore much. At any rate, this plan was shortlived, as a few minutes of reconnaissance yielded very little of interest. I ended up delving into some research and script readingat the local cafe. Now, a note on this cafe... What lovely folks! I asked if they accepted eftpos--to which Sam, the barrista, replied in the negative. But, he added, he would serve me and I could pay the next time I'm in. I thanked him, but explained I hated to do that. I said I would be fine without a coffee and started off. He intervened, saying it was no trouble. He told me to have a seat and he would bring my cappuccino out to me. He later also brought out some crackers and beautiful Lebanese hummous for me to try. The (very attractive, but very married) owner came out for a bit of a chat too. Yeah, we're all on a first-name basis now. While Musetti Coffee isn't as nice as my favorite (Campos Coffee), I HIGHLY recommend the coffee shop.

Following the cafe visit, I went to the public school where we've been rehearsing. As I was reading over the script, I received a call from a jukebox and karaoke hire company. I'm planning a friend's birthday party and had requested a quote. It's so much cheaper than I thought! Needless to say, we'll definitely be hiring the system for this party---it'll be so neat! As most of you know, I LOVE planning parties (and no comments about the infamous BBQs at my apartment in Pikeville!). Anyhow, this is a costume party with the theme "Flash Back". Guests are asked to come as their favorite musician/singer from the 60s, 70s or 80s. And, as we'll have the jukebox/karaoke combo--in addition to alcohol--there will be ample opportunity for folks to make fools of themselves...er...to have fun!

Humid weather brings out Australia's deadly funnel web
(headline from Sydney Morning Hearld)

Unfortunately, the deadly Aussie spiders (as well as jellyfish, bull ants, etc) are out in full force. As the above headline indicates, the newspapers have been issuing warnings and reminders to shake out shoes and damp towels, as they're favorite hiding places of the funnel web. Apparently, it only takes 15 minutes to die from a funnel web bite---unless you seek immediate medical attention.

As someone who harbors a deeply felt hatred of spiders, I'm happy to say I've not yet encountered a funnel web. They're quite smaller than some of the really common spiders that look extremely frightening. Contrary to popular belief outside Australia, the most deadly spiders aren't the massive, scary ones that are about the size of your head. Rather, the funnel webs and similarly venimous spiders---the small ones---are the ones to steer clear of.

Speaking of arachnids...
I had an interesting encounter with a marble scorpion the other day while house-/dogsitting for my boss. That's not a scorpion made of marble, mind you. I nearly stepped on it while barefooted. Talk about nearly having a heart attack! I'm including a photo of what the marble scorpion looks like. They aren't friendly looking, that's for sure!

Now, lots of my mates back home have heard of my MANY hunstman experiences. I honestly think I've experienced more than my fair share of frightening massive hunstmen. Most of the ones I've seen have been about the size of my hand! Trust me, they're not the sort of spider you want to awaken to find on your ceiling at night or hanging out on your doorframe (as I have...many times).

This past Sunday night I was at Judith's and it had just rained. We were in the family room watching Twenty20 cricket (Australia v South Africa) with the door to the back garden open. I was sitting on the floor, playing with Sally (the most precious and adorable Cavoodle puppy!). I was looking up at the television when something moving on the floor just in front of me caught my eye. I thought it was a roach, because they come in from the garden into everyone's homes---especially when the door is left open. When I first saw the roaches, I was a bit freaked out. They are, after all, HUGE. But I've gotten used to them. They truly are EVERYWHERE in the summer, and they seem to come out en masse on humid, rainy evenings. Anyhow, I casually looked over to see a characteristically large hunstman RUNNING---no, SPRINTING---toward me. Let me tell you, they move fast!
I, of course, shouted and rolled, trying to get out of its path. I crab-crawled back into the doorway to the dining room as the spider ran out the open door to the garden.
After the scene I had made, Judith very calmly said---in a way that can only be described as the typical Aussie response---"You know, they can't hurt you." Mildly embarrassed by my reaction, I responded with, "True, but they do bite". For those of you who may be wondering what they look like, see below.

Now, having exhausted the arachnid and roach stories, I don't have much else to write on! I am excited about an up-coming daytrip Piers and I are planning. He's going to drive, of course. I have the responsibility of choosing our destination. I'm thinking either Kiama or Katoomba---both would be nice for some hikes. I just can't make up my mind! At any rate, he'll be a great tour guide. He's really clued-up on Aussie history and all things Australian. I'll post more about that later!

Hunstman:

Funnel Web:

Marble Scorpion:

Australian Cockroach:

Until next time...

I don't have much to post on today. In lieu of an update, I have to share what can only be described as a fantastic playlist---if I do say so myself. It's my "work and research list". I listen to it at work, the library, etc. It's great for productivity! :) It's pretty heavy on the Aussie artists in the first half, which is largely by design.

Admittedly, some of the Pete Murray songs are a bit more mainstream than I generally like. My favorite songs on the list--and a few you MUST listen to--are the Holly Throsby song titled, "We're Good People (but Why Don't We Show It?)", the Xavier Rudd songs titled, "Better People", "Messages", "Land Rights" and "Stargaze", "Forever Song" and "Middle of the Hill" by Josh Pyke, "Paper Aeroplane" by Angus & Julia Stone and "I Don't Think I'll Ever Get Over You" by Colin Hay.

I'm really only posting this because Matt made the comment that he was going to pace himself in reading my most recent entry, as it would take me another year to post a new one. Well, Matt...HA! I've proven you wrong!

To be honest, I truly don't have anything new to report on. Amazingly, not a lot has happened between last night and this morning. Today's post shall be a jaunt into the realm of miscellany.

First of all, I know you're eager to discover what the recent news in Sydney may be. Well, my friend, you need wonder no more! I'm including a little overview of current events as posted in today's edition of the Sydney Morning Herald (my favorite newspaper).



A few national headlines (which can be found in their entirety online at http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/ ):

THE meltdown in Australians' superannuation and retirement earnings has generated a sharp rise in older people having to fall back on the pension.

BUILDING approvals hit a seven-year low in November, raising concerns that Australia will fall into recession this year.

BRITISH atheists have been celebrating the appearance of flippant slogans on London buses this week but atheists in Australia have been barred from launching a similar advertising campaign on the nation's public transport systems.
No one to blame for daughter's mauling, says father

HE father of the child killed in a dog attack says it was an accident and no one's fault, as his other daughter was discharged from hospital suffering facial injuries sustained in the attack.

RANGERS and lifeguards working for councils are demanding more protection from the State Government after a marked increase in assaults.

THREE youths broke into the equipment room of an eastern suburbs golf course, stole three golf buggies and then drove "erratically" across the 17th and 18th holes early yesterday morning, police said.

Sheridan Szypica WOMEN who stop working at least a month before their baby is due are four times less likely to have a caesarean delivery because they are less tired and anxious, research has found.

IN ANOTHER signal that the NSW Coalition is claiming the centre ground in state politics, its justice spokesman, Greg Smith, said he would not impose further restrictions on abortion, despite his long association with the anti-abortion movement.

A JOINT appeal by the police and Rosemeadow elders will be made today as violence following a brawl this week threatens to erupt again.

DEEP brain stimulation dramatically improves Parkinson's disease symptoms such as trembling and involuntary movement, offering hope to many with the incurable conditions, the largest study of its kind has found.

EDWARD Winter was a "very modern man", interested in the latest household appliances and urban designs, and unconventional philosophies such as the Single Tax and Theosophical movements.

THE Rees Government has promised to establish a mental health research hospital at the site of the Brain and Mind Institute in Camperdown in what is being hailed as a world first.

And now for something completely different:



Interestingly, I've been informed by blogthings.com that I have a "theme word":

Your Word is "Peace"

You see life as precious, and you wish everyone was safe, happy, and taken care of. Social justice, human rights, and peace for all nations are all important to you. While you can't stop war, you try to be as calm and compassionate as possible in your everyday life. You promote harmony and cooperation. You're always willing to meet someone a little more than halfway.

What's Your Word?

You Are a Champagne Woman

A true mystery, no one can quite figure you out... That is, until you start drinking. Then you tend to let loose. You're fun to drink with, but it definitely takes you a few drinks to loosen up. You prefer to date a man who likes the finer things in life... like a five star dinner with that champagne.

What Kind of Drinking Woman Are You?

You Belong in Australia

Ace! Sunny, upbeat, and cute You make the perfect surf bum Now stop hogging the Vegemite!

What English Speaking Country Are You?

Now that I have made an unimportant post on nothing in particular, I shall go and continue with a resource audit (joy).

More later...

Wow! It has been over a year since my last post! My dearest Matt back home in Kentucky will be very happy to notice that I've gotten back into the blogging routine. At least, I'm attempting to get back into the routine.

Right... Well, a lot has happened in the past year! I'm going to try to recap. I know I'll leave a lot out, so bear with me as I bring this blog up to date.

Most recently, I've gotten to experience the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb! I did the climb on 2nd January 2009. Woo-hoo!!! My BridgeClimb ticket was a wonderful Christmas gift from Judith. I had gone on for ages about how I wanted to do the climb, but I hadn't yet taken the initiative. Well...I've done it! I realize this is old news to some of my "readers", but it's never going to get old for me! ha ha ha... I go across the bridge nearly every morning, as I have to commute to work in the City. It's one thing to see the harbour in the morning, as the sun has just risen--it's a very different thing to ascend the bridge at night, and see the city so brightly lit from the bridge summit! I have to say, I was captivated by the beauty of the city from the top of the bridge! Here's the official "Tara ascending the Harbour Bridge with the Opera House in the background" photo:



And, yes...my nose is red. It was an uncharacteristically cool evening anyhow, but it was even colder on the top of the bridge with the breeze off the water PLUS I had gotten sunburned the day before.

I am a big fan of volunteerism. I love getting out and getting my hands dirty, and making a positive contribution to society at the same time! I've recently begun volunteering at the Matthew Talbot Hostel, which has been very interesting! For those of you who are not familiar with it, the hostel is for homeless men. It's the first port of call for many who have just gotten out of jail, those who are down on their luck, fighting drug addictions, or for men who have disabilities of psychological disorders. I've found volunteering there very fulfilling. It's nice to acknowledge folks who are so often disregarded daily. You see many people averting their eyes as they pass the homeless on the street--I can try to help them feel more accepted through a smile and kind word. It's not much, but hopefully it makes a difference.

One of my dearest friends has given me a great theatrical opportunity! As most of my friends are aware, I am an arts junkie. I ADORE the arts! I've dabbled in most areas--a bit of music, a bit of drama, a bit of writing, a bit of drawing. Drama was one area I thought I would only experience from the audience---until Jenelle invited me to read for a play she's directing! We'll be performing in the Short & Sweet Festival, Seymour Centre venue, from 28th to 31st January. I hope my Aussie friends who read this are able to make it!!!!

is online at : www.shortandsweet.org

In October 2008 the University of Sydney Anthology was published! I was really fortunate to have a poem published in the anthology. Below is my invitation to the launch:




As those few friends who read this will already know, I've been staying very busy of late. I suppose this isn't really a "new thing"---I've always been considerably more disciplined and rather happier when I have heaps to do. I say "more disciplined" because I find I am a case-in-point poster child for Parkinson's Law. I will allow a simple task to take hours if it's the only task I must complete. On the otherhand, if I have twenty things to do, I'll work dilligently to ensure each task is allocated a reasonable amount of time to reach completion. This is something I've had to work on A LOT. I'm not a naturally efficient person--but I've become more efficient through necessity, I suppose.

Work...
I've been at the University of Technology, Sydney for the past year and a few months. I've absolutely loved it there! My co-workers in the Careers Service have been absolute legends. I really owe a great debt of gratitude to my dear friend Erin for helping me get the job in the first place! Picture it: Sydney, 2007. I had signed up to work through a recruitment agency, and I'd just come from a sort of "assessment process", wherein I was put through a battery of skills/competencies tests. I had to touchtype (which I do anyway), enable macros in documents, create databases, etc--and all of this was assessed via a computer program. It was terribly unnerving, as I hate being assessed. Actually, I hate knowing I'm being assessed. At any rate, I'd gotten my score of Intermediate on all the processes, so I was hired by the agency and was told I would be dispatched the following Monday to a random office in the CBD. I was then told that I would likely be dispatched to a different office each day, and that I might not know until the morning of where I was meant to go. Now, don't get me wrong--I love a bit of spontaneity--but I don't love not knowing where I'll be working. I had known that Erin worked in the Careers Service at UTS, but I didn't want to ask her about jobs, as I felt that would be exploiting our friendship. As luck would have it, on the evening after my recruitment agency visit that I was to meet Erin and her husband for dinner in Chinatown. During dinner, I lamented the fact that I would be working at a variety of random offices. Erin informed me that she had a position opening in her office, and that I should come by there to interview for it! We chatted about it, and I decided to go for it and, well...the rest is history!

Sadly, though, I'll be leaving UTS on Friday, 16th January, as that's the date of my contract expiration. As I'll be in Sydney until 18th March, I sought other employment to tide me over. That's when another friend came to the rescue!

I'm so grateful to Beverly for putting my name into the hat at her workplace for a temporary full-time position as a magazine assistant. I begin on 19th January, so I'll have more to say about that job once I've actually begun in the role!

It's not really "work", but my voluntary position at Abbotsleigh School is still in place. I realize I had not begun at Abbotsleigh prior to my last blog entry, so this may be new to some folks! Abbotsleigh School for Girls is a private institution on Sydney's North Shore (where I live). It's a very prestigious girls' school, so being offered a position here has been a real privilege. The whole thing came about when I thought I might not have a renewed contract at UTS. When my first contract was about to end, I began frantically searching for a new job. I found a "boarding resident assistant" position at Abbotsleigh posted in our Careers Service vacancies database. As some of you may know, I'm planning a career in community development--particularly in youth education program design. I thought working at a school would be ideal for that! I had previously been volunteering at Undercliffe Public School as a literacy tutor, and I knew that continuation of that connection to schools would only be beneficial.

So, I applied to work at Abbotsleigh. I received a phone call from the Head of Boarding at the school and scheduled my appointment for an interview. The very next day I was called in to a meeting with my boss at UTS. He said they would like to extend my contract another 12 months! I was so happy! I had made up my mind that I would decline the Abbotsleigh position and continue on at UTS. Judith and I were chatting about the options en route to the Opera House the night of my contract extension. She said I should go to Abbotsleigh and see what they can do---she thought maybe they could work around my schedule. I did as she suggested. I ended up a volunteer, which has been great!

I ended up living with, mentoring, and tutoring Year 7 boarding students for a year. It was really a wonderful experience. The girls were absolute gems. Granted, sometimes they tried to push the boundaries, but the good times far outnumbered the negative ones. I'm including two photos from the experience below. The first one is a shot for the Pikeville College alumni magazine. The second one is a group of the girls and me on the night of our house Christmas party. It was the last night I would be working with that group of girls (it was their last week as Year 7 students). They gave me a memory book for Christmas. It had me teary, of course! For the first two months of this term (starting the end of January 2009) I'll be mentoring and tutoring a new group of Year 7 girls.





In December of 2008 I became a Rotarian under the classification "Foundation Alumna". I remember being at the house in Glebe (where I lived before moving to the North Shore) when the president of the club rang me with my invitation to join. I was absolutely touched to think that they would consider me a good candidate for induction into the Rotary Club of Balmain! I really have to say, though--I couldn't imagine joining another club in Sydney. Balmain was my host club when I was an Ambassadorial Scholar. I'm including below a photo from the Rotary Club of Balmain's birthday night. It's generally customary for the oldest serving members of a club to cut the club birthday cake, but this year they bestowed the honor on the three newest members. Pictured with me are Jenelle Pearce (drama teacher and actor) and James Vickery (CEO, IKnowIT). Jenelle was my first sponsored member, and is also one of my very best friends.



Speaking of Jenelle...
Shortly after her induction, Jenelle and I developed what has been adopted as an annual Balmain RC project. Known as Project Creative Awareness, the project brought together students from five schools in the Leichhardt Municipal Council Area. There were 37 students participating in the event, which took place on the 14th of June 2008.
Project Creative Awareness is a youth development and international awareness initiative developed by the Rotary Club of Balmain. The project was designed to achieve the following aims:

· To provide student participants with a forum for the discussion and consider of issues of global and environment importance.

· To provide student participants with the opportunity to practice their respective arts (i.e., drama, literature and art) within a supportive environment under the guidance of qualified educators.

· To provide student participants with a chance to showcase their artistic works in a public venue.

· To raise funds for polio eradication through the donation of funds generated (i.e., admission fees, the auctioning of student work, and miscellaneous donations) to the PolioPlus Fund.

NOTE: 100% of funds raised will go toward the PolioPlus Fund


The day was great! Jenelle taught drama workshops, Julian Wrigley taught art and Judith Ridge taught literature. The kids attended their chosen workshops throughout the day. In their workshops, students created artistic works reflecting their perspectives on the importance of a variety of issues (e.g., literacy development, sustainability, climate change, clean water, peace/international relations, etc). The kids left at around 4 p.m. and returned with their parents, who were treated to a champagne and canapes reception. Following the reception, we had gallery displays (in the Sydney College of the Arts gallery!), a drama performance, literature recitation and certificates ceremony. At the end of the evening, parents purchased their children's artworks, with all funds raised going to the PolioPlus fund.

We were REALLY fortunate, as we received sponsorship from the Sydney College of the Arts (with an in kind donation of venue hire) and Tilly's Art Supplies (with the donation of canvases and other supplies).

I'm including below a photo of the Project Creative Awareness participants.



I cannot believe I haven't been on here since my trip to Melbourne! My gosh---it really has been ages! I'm not going into great detail, but I will say I adore the city of Melbourne--it's really lovely, and the folks are great. I had been toying with the idea of going to Victoria, but I kept putting it off. One night, I had a random spark of spontaneity and got online to book a trip with JetStar! While in Victoria, I toured around Melbourne and I went on a tour of the Great Ocean Road. Talk about AMAZING!!! I'm including some photos from my Melbourne trip below:

The Twelve Apostles:


Something very important to remember:


Lock & Gorge:


Where I Stayed:


The Famous Flinders Street:


The City of Melbourne from the Eureka SkyDeck:


I'm having a really hard time searching back through my memory to what I've left out. I know there's still heaps to cover, but I think that this post will end here for now.

Until next time...

Okay. A lot has happened since my last post. I am going to provide an overview (with pictures) below. I won't go into great detail, as I haven't the energy to recap the past several weeks.

THE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 9750 CONFERENCE IN CANBERRA...
...was more fun than I thought it was going to be! I had a lovely time meeting more Rotarians from the district and having the opportunity to visit with my host Rotarians a bit more.



Pictured above: Some of my favorite Aussies/Balmain Rotarians! Russell Scott, Maria Scott, Judith Ward and Rakesh Duncombe.



Pictured above: Some of my fellow Rotaractors at the "Rotary Marketplace".

The Book Bridge Project (BBP) has reached completion and is set to launch!
The BBP is online at: www.bookbridge.org and is a Google Group and Facebook Group!



I'm off to Melbourne this weekend! This is my third out-of-state trip. I'm really looking forward to seeing another State. (For those of you who don't know, Melbourne is in Victoria.) I'll post pics when I get back from that trip!

More later...

It would appear that I grow more and more lax with the posting of entries as the months wear on. This certainly isn't due to lack of activity to report on! There have been so many fun and exciting events on, and I've been enjoying myself as if it's my first week in the country!

Quite a lot has transpired since my last post. I obviously cannot comment on everything, as I have neither the time nor the energy to do so. I will, however, touch on a few items I find of particular interest.

I've literally just come from the Rotary Club of Sydney Inner West. I met with the Rotarians there are gave my Ambassadorial Scholar presentation. I find that with each presentation I give, I follow the presentation with a retrospective analysis of all the things I did wrong and of all the things I forgot to mention. All that aside, the folks of the Inner West club are a great group! They were a fantastic bunch who asked many interesting questions. I was quite pleased at the level of engagement and inquiry!
Tomorrow I will be joining fellow Ambassadorial Scholar Julie Janiski to the Rotary Club of Mosman for a joint presentation. More on that later...

To back up a bit...
I've been on my first out-of-state trip! I had an absolutely splendid time visiting my host counselor at her lovely apartment in Broadbeach, Queensland. It was a bit grey and rainy the week I was there, but the area was gorgeous regardless! I loved taking in the sights (when the rain stopped long enough to get out and about!), and I had such a wonderful time visiting with Judith in the evenings. Rotarian Ralph Miller and his wife Rosalind were there for two days. They are such a great couple! They're also extremely entertaining---I truly believe a show should be made about them!

Here are a few photos from the trip. They include:
1) Where I stayed (the resort where Judith's apartment is located); 2) A view of Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach from the Q1 [world's largest residential bldg.]; 3) A view of Broadbeach beach; 4) Green Mtn of Lamington National Park [the tour guide's hand is indicating where a plane had crashed many years before].






I have been plowing through the literature for my research. I'm loving the subject---it's truly an interesting topic for me, which is good! I'd hate to have flagging interest at this point in the game. I'm doing a second revision of the literature review and will be beginning my interviews once I get the official "go ahead" from the ethics folks.

The Book Bridge Project is nearly fully operational! We have a few little adjustments to make, but we'll be up-and-running with schools invovled by mid- to late-September! Woo-hoo! Also, I'm very excited to have a second project underway with a fellow Rotaractor. I'm not going to provide detail here until we get our copyright and charity licensure---so you'll have to await more word with 'bated breath! ha ha ha...

Big thanks to Dr. Karl Maton, my associate research supervisor at Sydney Uni. He has asked me to serve as research assistant. I'm keen to help out, as it will be a great opportunity to get some practice in and learn even more from him!

Also on the horizon: I'm moving from Earlwood to Glebe. Exciting! I'll send photos once I get settled in.

I have loads more to go on about, but I'm afraid I have lost my interest in typing right now.

More later!