Saturday, January 07, 2006

Dreams

I keep having dreams about what my interview is going to be like on Monday. I know they’re totally way off base of what will really happy, but my mind is going a thousand miles a second, trying to prepare myself for Monday. I know that there isn’t a lot I can do to physically prepare myself. I have to just try and think of all my past jobs, my experiences, and hopefully think of “what if” situations and be able to articulate them. But even before I knew I had this interview on Monday, I was having dreams about how these people were going to contact me.

I think the hardest part for me right now..is the fact that it’s been 3 years since I had an interview that meant something, and it’s been over a year since I’ve actually had to use my brain. My mum says that interviews are like riding a bike..once you’re on, it’s smooth sailing. But there are so many factors that are important to this interview, that I think I’m worrying myself way too much. I’m excited about the job, and really hope I get the chance to work at this place. And I know I’ll be devastated if I don’t get the job. That means I’d have to keep working in retail, and have to start from zero in job hunting. But I can’t think like that. I have to keep on staying positive, otherwise I’m going to make myself sick with worry. But then again, that’s just who I am.

When I woke up this morning after my most recent dream, I began to think more about the meaning of my dream. More so, meaning of dreams in general. People say that if we eat certain foods, it affects our dreams. People also say that dreams give some sort of sign or indication to real life. But how much of our dreams are truth? And what really causes us to dream what we do dream? I understand that certain “events” have certain meanings but what does all the other stuff mean?? I remember in college I did a paper on dreaming in color or black and white. Don’t ask me exactly what it was about because I couldn’t tell ya ::smirks:: But I do think the end result was that more people dreamt in color than black and white.

I often wonder where do people come from in our dreams? When I ask this, what I mean is, is the people that we have NO idea who they are. People who are complete strangers to us. People who, if the dream is set at a department store, who are the people walking by? Where did they come from? In my dream last night, the people interviewing me, who are they? Are they actually real people?? If they are, how did they come to appear in my dream? If they’re not real people, how did my mind still think about devising them to appear in my dream?

I think dreams are facinating..and I love hearing about other people’s dreams and why they think they’ve dreamt what they have. I think if I had more time on my hands, I’d love to take a dream interpretation class. Maybe for the time being, I’ll find a book to read at the local library!


-current mood-HAPPY, I just spent some time talking with my mum on the webcam.

Friday, January 06, 2006

The Veronicas




Has anyone heard of The Veronicas before? They are a twin female duo from Brisbane, and started their music career in Los Angeles I believe. They’ve released two singles thus far, and have their first cd out called The Secret Life Of…The Veronicas Their website is http://www.theveronicas.com I hope that’s the right website. If it isn’t, just google or yahoo search their names. Their music is a bit pop/alternative rock. I quite like them very much, got their cd for Christmas. I remember watching A Current Affair I think a few months back, when they were interviewed. They talked a lot about how they got their big break, and just how tough the record industry is in Los Angeles. I don’t know how the American music market will or has taken to them, being that most of the top songs have been R&B and hip/hop. I’ve been keeping tabs on the American music charts, and very rarely does something OTHER than R&B and hip/hop make it. I’m a bit disappointed, just for the sake that I don’t really care for R&B and hip/hop. But the music market here in Australia is still a bit influenced by the American market, but we have some good artists that are Aussie born and bred, and have done quite well here. So check out The Veronicas…let me know if you like them or it’s just not your thing ::smirks::

-current mood-TRYING TO RELAX

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Job Interview

The friend that has kind of gotten the ball rolling for a job, has finally paid off. Well, I’m hoping it will pay off. This friend turned in my CV (resume) just before Christmas. She said that I’d probably get an interview pretty quickly. Nothing happened, and we figured it was because of the holidays and were not expecting to hear anything till AFTER the new year. Just a couple of days ago, my partner and I were talking about how we still didn’t hear anything from this company about a job offer or anything of that nature. N rang my partner this morning and said that I should be warned that the company might ring me for an over the counter interview to “suss” me out. Then more than likely I’d have a regular interview soon. My partner then rang me while I was at work and told me this.

Around 4, T rang me from the company and we talked for about 10 minutes. I probably wasn’t supposed to be talking to her while I was at work, but I was in the back, not around anyone..and figured that it would have been okay. Besides, I took the time off, from my lunch, so I wasn’t getting paid to talk. We talked a little bit about the job, and what it would entail. And she asked me if it sounded like a job I’d be interested in. I told her I was interested. We got to talking more, and I’m not quite sure she believes that I have the qualifications. I’m hoping that the interview goes well. I told T, that even if I don’t have the qualifications for this specific job, that I’d be willing to do something else, get some work experience and then maybe jump into the position at a later time. One disadvantage I have, is that I don’t know Australian law. And that is a big part of what my job description is. But T knows that I’m interested, and I really hope that everything goes well during the interview. I was told that I was going to be given some behavioral scenarios and have to give examples for other scenarios. I’ve done them before, but not really specifically to this line of work. Lucky for me, N is going to come over on Saturday to give me some paperwork to look over, and to talk about the interview. She’s been through it, so she’ll be able to give me some tips.

I’ve talked to a friend who I used to work with, that did case management type stuff and she gave me some great advice. But even though I’ll be a case manager, the population is different to who she worked with. Not to mention, the flexibility and scenarios will be different. I guess all I can do is explain the best that I can. I don’t want to sound like I’m stupid, or give a wrong answer. There may not be a right and wrong answer, but there may be an answer they’re looking for. I can remember some behavioral questions I answered during my interview at my last job in the states, and I remember answering a few of them wrong, or at least not answering them the way I should have. But I guess they still saw potential in me, and still hired me. I hope that’s the case of this job.

I’m stressing out, because I’ve put so much hope on this job..if I don’t get it, I’m going to be devastated. I don’t know where I’ll go from there, in terms of job leads. This was the major job lead I had. I don’t want this company to just hire me. (Well that wouldn’t be bad either LOL ) I want them to believe that I have the capability to do the job they’re asking. But I also know, that there is a dire need for people at this company. There is a big turnover rate, and this T woman, went on her own accord to talk to me. She cornered N in the elevator and said “I really wish your friend was able to work…” N didn’t realize that T wanted someone to work as soon as possible, so T took my CV from human resources and I think she’s doing her own thing to hire. So I kind of hope because they’re looking for someone, and have sort of put some hope in hiring me, that it’ll work to my advantage. N had told her work about me awhile ago..but I couldn’t start working because of my visa conditions. But I hope that there are still some jobs available, and I hope that the interview leads to a job. So please send your positive energy and good luck my way. And of course, any tips on job interviewing, or how to handle questions I may not necessarily know how to answer..would be greatly appreciated.


-current mood-STRESSED, and the interview isn't until Monday. What will I do till then??

Wednesday, January 04, 2006

Who is your movie star double?


http://web.tickle.com/invite?test=1144&type=t

Your movie star double is
Cate Blanchett!



Cate Blanchett
An intellectual like you needs to be played by someone who understands how to be deep without being boring, someone who can grasp complicated subjects and make them seem clear cut, someone like Cate Blanchett. Whether bringing to life Elizabethan stories or playing an undercover WWII courier in Charlotte Gray, Cate has shown the world that being smart can be sexy.


Were you sometimes the kid in class who realized when the teacher made a mistake — even if you didn't always point it out? Now that you're grown up, it wouldn't surprise us if you still liked the challenge of banter or enjoyed staying up late talking about the latest in political, social, or celebrity circles. Your glamour comes from your head first and radiates out through your looks. Cate's a natural to star as you because she, like you, has a good head on her shoulders. And she isn't afraid to use it.

-current mood-CRANKY, I have a sore back.

Tuesday, January 03, 2006

Slow cooker

I got a slow cooker for Christmas from my partner. I have wanted one of these things for quite some time. I remember when I was living with my sister, she would always find something to cook in the slow cooker..or also known as a crock pot. My mum, growing up, would always make a stew or some great soup with leftovers. I grew up with a lot of cooked meals used by a slow cooker. I’ve joined a few slow cooker recipe groups, but haven’t found much that has really struck my interest.

I haven’t made anything from the slow cooker yet. I have been trying to find some recipes, and or ideas that I can use to make something. So if any readers have any great slow cooker recipes, please pass them onto me. Send me an email, or the link. I’m mainly interested in recipes that are; soups, stews, anything with chicken, chili, and maybe even some baked goods. I did hear that you can make baked goods (cakes and such) in a slow cooker. If anyone’s ever had success with that sort of thing, I’d like to know.

I guess I’d also like to know if there are any tips or hints to a successful slow cooker meal. So share, if you’re a slow cooker user, or share if you just want to ::smirks::


-current mood-ITCHY LEGS, from the sunburn.

Monday, January 02, 2006

The L Word seasons 1 and 2 comparison

My partner and I finished watching The L Word season 2 yesterday. After we finished watching the season finale, and after being peeved off that there wasn’t a preview for season 3..we got to talking about the two seasons. My partner couldn’t get into season 1 for some reason. Maybe it was because she watched it on the vcr and the recorded show just wasn’t right for her. But she said she couldn’t get into the first season. I ended up having to fill her in on a few plot lines because she never finished watching the first season. She in fact always gave me a hard time about being totally into The L Word, and all of their characters. As she would say “you’re obsessed.” I wasn’t obsessed, I was just quite happy to watch a show about lesbians.

My partner enjoyed season 2 much more so than I had thought. When I told her we’d gotten it from my sister for Christmas, she just kind of said “okay….” Then I head off to work on Thursday last week, and she’d already watched 4 episodes. She had a whinge at me, and said that more than likely I’d be watching it before she would, or by myself, as I usually do. But she ended up getting a head start. It took about 3 days to watch all 13 episodes because we did stuff among the moments we were not watching. She thoroughly enjoyed season 2 I think. We both like “Carmen…” To me, she sounds like Jennifer Lopez, but looks like Eva Longoria (hope I spelled that right…from Desperate Housewives).

I think season 2 was much more interesting. Just like in season 1 of Queer as Folk, it seemed as though the whole season was about sex. Season 1 of The L Word was much more steamy and sensual. But season 1, you got to learn about the characters and to find a foundation for these characters. I think in season 2, there were much better plot lines, and adding new characters made it more interesting. There was still sex, and nudity, but it seemed to be more tastefully done. I think the writers realized what they felt comfortable with, from season 1, and made some differences in season 2. I don’t know about others, but I thought you could definitely tell that there was a difference in the show itself. I think it was better than season 1..and can’t wait till season 3. Makes me wonder how long they’ll do it for.

As for plot lines, I certainly didn’t like the “Mark” roommate storyline with his cameras. That peeved me off, and totally put the nail on the coffin of the topic that I’d NEVER have a male roommate. I’ve only had one, and it was my brother in law. How creepy was Mark’s friend though. I think he was the instigator of it all, though “Mark” could have very well said “NO.” Mark’s friend, (sorry can’t remember his name) just reminds me of a skinhead, is that bad for me to say??? I didn’t like him at all, and in the beginning I didn’t like “Mark” but by the end of the story he turned out to be an alright guy….but I still don’t like him. I find it interesting that both of the major male roles, their first names were both Eric, Eric Mabius (now on the OC) and Eric Lively.

I felt so bad for “Bette” during this season. I am a HUGE Jennifer Beals fan, and just got so depressed watching her character’s life go spiraling into chaos. It seemed like NOTHING ever went right for her. That “Helena Peabody” woman was quite the sh*t stirrer. I wonder if she’ll be around for season 3 or not. I wonder if “Carmen” will too. I am sort of assuming “Carmen” will since her and “Shane” ended up together. I think they make a great couple, and it’d be nice to see someone be able to be close to “Shane.” But then some people may say the “player” role is what makes “Shane” so appealing. I am glad that “Bette” and “Tina” got back together, and I hope they stay together. I didn’t agree with what “Bette” did, and don’t know if I’d ever be able to forgive my partner if she did what “Bette” had done, but I just felt like those two were meant to be together.

“Alice” and “Dana” were absolutely funny, but by the end of the season, it left it open as to whether they were going to stay together or not. Sometimes when the line between best friends and lovers gets crossed, it makes things more difficult. And it’s great if it’s able to work out, but if it doesn’t, are people able to go back to being just best friends?? And did “Dana” want to get back with “Laura?” I did like “Laura’s” character thought. It was nice to see her back, even if for a short while.

I did read for season 3, that there was going to be a new female character. A lesbian who is very very butch. I don’t know if she’s transgendered, but I know she’s pretty hard core butch. It will be interesting to see what sort of story dynamics she brings to the other women. For the first two season there haven’t been many butch lesbians. It’ll be nice to see this other “side” if you will. I know season 3 starts next weekend, but I might not be able to wait for another year almost before finding out what goes on. I’ll have to keep up to date on the normal website I go to. FYI..it’s
www.thelwordonline.com. Thought I’d plug that, for all you L Word fans.

-current mood-A LITTLE SUNBURNT, so sore...

Sunday, January 01, 2006

Aussie hangover

Yesterday my partner and I were supposed to meet up with her cousins and family between 7:30 and 8:00pm. And we would have left on time, had we not wanted to finish watching The L Word. We finished watching all but 3 episodes for season 2. Yes, I know, season 3 starts next weekend in the states. PLEASE don’t remind me..lol. I’m jealous. I know I could get it online if I wanted to, but I’m not about downloading movies off the internet. I will wait patiently till it comes out on dvd and will hopefully get it for Christmas next year.

Anyway, around 8:10 we get a phone call (I answered it) and M was wondering where the heck we were. I told him we were on our way. We just had to use the toilet and we’d be over in about 10 minutes. Luckily they only live about 5 minutes away. We arrive at M’s place, and as soon as we got there, I became the topic of conversation. I guess it was “discussed” that since being here in Australia, I haven’t had a “true” Aussie hangover. What that is exactly, you got me. I guess it may have something to do with drinking VB till one is drunk. But people said that now that I got my residency, there wasn’t an excuse for me to not get drunk. I laughed half-heartedly and said “we brought stuff, but I doubt I’ll be getting pissed.” They kept giving me a hard time, and I just laughed it off.

All night, T (my partner’s sister) kept saying “I think D’s thirsty” or “how’s that drink coming along, do you need another one??” No matter what I did, people kept asking me if I wanted a top up, or what I wanted to drink next. I told “I’ve never gotten drunk, and the first time certainly isn’t going to be around people…” I’m not a big drinker myself, never have been, and probably never will be. I don’t really find the enjoyment out of drinking oneself to an oblivion so that they will eventually start making a complete arse out of themselves and of course don’t remember just exactly what they did the night before. Drinking has never been my perrogative, but if other people want to make arses out of themselves, I can’t stop them. I’ve always been one to drink conservatively. 2 drinks are about my limit. I have never been drunk, and the idea of being that out of control or that vulnerable, it just doesn’t seem appealing to me. I think IF I were to ever drink so much, my inhibitions were thrown out the window, I’d want to be with just my partner. That way if I DID act really stupid, she’d be the only one to know.

Through out the night, I ended up having 2 flavored drinks (as R said, “lolly water”) and 2 shots of c*cksucking cowboys (sorry, but I can’t stand the C word). That was enough for me. Even though I didn’t feel a physical change, my partner said that I was a bit more witty and talking back to people. Usually I just hibernate in a corner, but I guess I was sort of chatty. I could tell I was still under control, but I couldn’t actually “feel” a change. I do know, that as the night progressed on, I was beginning to feel really tired. By 1:30, I was about ready to fall asleep on the couch, while watching the Will and Grace marathon on tv. I ended up saying by that time, “let’s go…”

We ended up going home, I took a shower and was all ready to go to bed. Then as I was just about ready to fall asleep my partner screams from the bathroom “kill it, kill it, kill it…” I mean she literally SCREAMED it. I woke with a fright and yelled at her to not yell like that. There was a huge huntsman spider in the bathroom. It must have stirred when I had gotten into the shower earlier. I killed it, she finished her bath, we went to bed. We couldn’t sleep. NO, it wasn’t because of all the alcohol I had consumed. I blame it on the warm weather. It got up to 43 yesterday..that’s 107 in F. It cooled down around 10:00, then it heated back up again around 11:45pm. We tossed and turned till about 3:30, then I finally decided to put the AC back on, and was finally able to sleep. I woke up this morning with no hangover…so in truth, I didn’t have an Aussie hangover, what ever that is defined as ::smirks::


-current mood-WORRIED, got some car problems ::stern face::