Journal 230 - Australia

Faraway music, memories of wine and cocktails, and the ache of dancing feet.

I was worried about last night. This week I had been wondering how a social outing with my colleagues would turn out. After all, they were likely to see the side of me that I generally keep away from the workplace. I kept trying to remind myself that I would be seeing that side of them too and not to worry so much.

I did have to make super effort to look amazing for the evening too. I've never thought I would particularly fit into the Hair and Beauty stereotype. The truth is though, that we are all just people. Nobody looking at our group would know that we were all a bunch of Hairdressers and Beauticians. Still, I was going to dress to impress. I didn't want to let the side down.

And now I've cut my hair shorter, I really feel like I have to girl it up even more so. I think I did pretty well. I put some extra slap on and a pretty tutu dress.We started the evening with an exchange of Christmas gifts under the tree. (Still way too surreal, all this, Christmas with the sun shining lark, I suppose I should just get over it and get used to it though). I must admit i felt a bit awkward doing the gift thing. But my gesture of flowers was received well. And I certainly enjoy my new fluffy slippers and jewelry pieces. The champers got popped open and the evening was begun.

Onto town for tapas and cocktails. So much laughing. Then onto the next bar. My first experience of a 'Cougar Bar'. And the beginning of the mission. 'Operation: Visa Husband'. I don't really need to explain that one do I? Well, the girls want to keep me in the country. They must have approached at least twelve different men, asking if they wanted and English Wife. A few thought they were crazy. Others were genuinely interested. One was little unsure, because 'It's a lifetime commitment'. So sweet that he had actually gotten to that extent of thinking about it.

It was pretty fun. And I was touched that these ladies were going to so much trouble just for me. You could say I feel like I fit in now. I needn't have been worried. We laughed, we danced, we bar hopped. In fact we hardly spent five minutes in one place it felt like. One minute we were at the bar, drinks in hand, the next they were gone and we were out of the door. Jodes was horrified. She didn't like playing 'Skull it'. She told us off, saying we were 'Supposed to make love to your drink, not rape it'. But it appeared us girls were on a mission.

Of course, the more they drank, the funnier my accent became. And the more I drank, the more relaxed my accent became. And the circle went on for a while. As I my accent went more and more towards London, the more they laughed at me. In a nice way. In fact, I was told 'I like you as a Bogan Pommy.' It wasn't really a compliment, but at the same time it wasn't an insult either. In fact I think it might have been a term of endearment, of sorts anyway.

Journal 222

What an eventful few days. I have put my mind through a lot this weekend, learning new things through three different courses. And I'm so pleased to have gotten back into the swing of learning. As i thought it reminded me of how to and how not to do things. Even the smell of the training room brought back nostalgia from five years ago, when I first learnt to massage and wax and polish. ( I make it sound like I'm a mechanic, not a beauty therapist). It was wonderful. If the weekend taught me anything it was that we are all human. I have no qualms anymore about seeing other peoples naked bodies. I did think it was going to be a little awkward, being that close to peoples private parts, but it really did turn out to be natural. Sort of. My prudish side did not make an appearance shall we say. In fact I barely even thought about it. As i say, we all have the same biological make-up, and I really need to get used to it if looking at peoples intimates is to become part of my 9-5 regime.

I adored getting back into real massage techniques. this is really my real passion in the industry. I love knowing that I have just relaxed somebody to the maximum and put so much hard work into doing so. Its incredibly rewarding, the only problem is after 6 hours of doing massage, you need to have one yourself. But the Indian Head massage is such a great course. Its the 'quickie' massage. Any one can have it, anywhere, anytime and it relieves you and makes you feel wonderful afterwards.

Then for spray tanning. yesterday I was given my very first Spray Tan. I was the last model, but it was great fun to be given a treat. I think the pressure had built up in the nozzle though and it all ended up exploding all over me... The tan solution, of course. It was pretty simple to learn, so an easy little money maker. Just hoping that we can set it up somewhere in the Salon. Perfect ensemble, Hair, Make-up Nails and tanning. One stop Beauty Shop!

So it seems I am feeling pretty clever, proudly displaying my three brand new Certificates of Attainment for very popular treatments in the industry. I'm moving on with the times. I don't really understand why they don't offer these treatments to study while you are still  in the first few years of training. Money making aside of course, surely these treatments are the ones that most Salons look for on a Resume. I don't think I've ever been to a Salon or Spa that doesn't offer these treatments. But then, most education is mad really. Schooling for example, when do we really use the Pythagorean Theorem in day to day life? The system needs a bit of adjustment somewhere, but that's a rant for another day!

In my last blog I mentioned I was feeling more centered in my self too. And I'm still on track with that. There is only so much I can do for now. I'm waiting on decisions from other parties, but now I have relaxed my thoughts everything is settling. It all feels right. Its taken a while for me to get into life here to let go of life at home and to be satisfied with my own day and achievements. I've figured out the importance of being in tune with myself. I also realised how nothing can stay private on Social Media and how it was time to let things out. I think my main concerns were only that way because I felt the need to keep my plans a secret. But in truth, those who know me well understand that my mind changes constantly and are there for me even if it is hard to keep up. It's just that I have a big imagination and sometimes it runs away with me....

Journal 220

I'm feeling more centered. I seem to have finally let go of things that have been holding me back. I'm making decisions for myself. In the last few days every option that I have tried out in my head seems to sound like the right one. It's wonderful. I feel like it really wouldn't matter which way I went now, it would lead me right.

I'm not saying too much about what may or may not happen in the future, I've made that mistake before and it's all gone terribly wrong, or right of course or else I wouldn't be doing what I am now! But still, I'm not getting my own hopes up just now as I have learnt, and feel it is important for everyone to realise too, that circumstances change and not everything goes to plan as you expect it to. The littlest things could be the change you weren't expecting. You could be making plans for years ahead until something/someone/someplace/some-whatever comes into your life and changes fate. The truth is, that thing was always going to happen at that point. That thing was fate, and everything you were doing lead up to that moment, even if you didn't know it.

As I said, I'm not sure how the next few weeks are going to pan out or what answers I will get. But I'm not too scared about them happening however they would like to now. Every chapter from now is a good one, each one is part of my journey. I have lots to look forward to. Starting with my new learning venture tomorrow. This week is mapped out to be a busy one.

Tomorrow I learn all about the wonders of 'The Brazilian Wax'. I must admit I'm a little worried about how I will cope, as we will be practicing this on real life models. I'm hoping 'professional Amy' will take over and that instead of being faced with some strangers lady-garden, it will feel like a perfectly natural activity to undertake. After all, I will be adding it to my list of skills. I am also studying the more relaxing and enjoyable art of Indian head massage tomorrow afternoon. I'm going to have a lot of information to take in that is for sure. I am looking forward to this though It's another thing that just feels like the right thing to do. I am again ready to get in to the classroom and open my mind to learning again.

I never had an interest in further education once I left college. I think I'd had my fill for a little while, after twelve years compulsory education. It takes it's toll as I'm sure everybody knows! But now I think after working in retail for over six years now and having finally realised my potential in my industry (Beauty, not retail), I know it's time to broaden my horizons and get back in touch with whats happening in the world I work in and be in a position to constantly improve. I think it was Mumma B, once told me, that it is important to keep up to date with things, grow and expand. If you are always on trend then your work/business is always moving forward. It never gets boring for your target market and you are always bringing new things into your world.

So things are happening in my world at the moment. Its exciting and it's a new beginning.
What I really hope to put across though is, that things happen in life. As I mentioned before, circumstances can always change. The best way to deal with that is to flow along with these changes. Understand that life is moving along and not everything is set out as you may have originally planned it. What does not change is that we all end up in the place we are going at the time we are meant to. I don't doubt it.

Everything happens for a reason.

Journal 216 - Australia

Officially Month seven since leaving the UK. How time flies!

I have made more of a conscious effort to work on my Health and Fitness over the last few days. I have been taking walks around the block in the evenings, spending time in the sunshine and fresh air. I've also been inspired by new healthy recipes for my day to day menus. For example, Berry smoothies, yoghurts and salads. The other day I even had a salad at lunch on a designated 'Fat Day'.

I'm feeling more excitement towards the courses I have booked in this weekend. It feels so wonderful knowing that I will be learning new skills to further my career and hopefully opening my mind in many other ways too. Perhaps this is where I will begin to meet people in the area. Through all studying the same courses you'd hope that they would be like-minding and on my wavelength. I suppose we shall see.

I'm also excited to be putting into place the farm work. I realised how important it is to perform the means to have this opportunity again. If I want to come back to this country, it will only be on a holiday visa or by residence. So while I am here I may as well take some time to create another opportunity. Other wise it might not happen. You can't get something unless you work for it. It may seem a lot of effort at the time, but it's often the hard work that makes the end result worth it.

I'm a true believer in working for what you want. It sets you up with the right values, makes you appreciate what you have. Working hard and earning the greatest rewards is all part of the learning curve of life. At the end of the day, nobody idolises somebody who has greatness and success handed to them on a silver platter. Personally, the people I look up to are those that started small and allowed their dreams to take them on a journey. A friend told me 'Chase your dreams. Never give up on them' So that's my plan. To be a dream chaser. To grab what I want.

The last seven months have worked out quite well in that mindset. I'm aiming to take chances and live without regretting the things I never did. To not look back and wish I had done more.

I can feel new things coming, exciting adventures. Just about in front of me. I have a new plan of action and some New Beginnings. Everything is about to fall even more into place than it is now, and I will get my second year visa. I know this is going to happen. Who knows, maybe I won't use that visa, but at least I'll have it there waiting for me when the time is right.

Journal 214 - Australia

I have had a wonderful, lazy Sunday. I've spent time in the sun, drank ciders and chatted with Lou. I have also people watched, something I love to do!  I've noticed, that as I'm getting older people's weekends are getting more structured. Gone are the days of drinking and dancing four nights a week, every week like we did when I was eighteen. Now it is more about working nine to five, Monday to Friday with early nights at 9pm after a long commute. On Friday that sigh of relief comes along with the knowledge that you won't have to get on the train again for two more days. The ride home seems that little bit longer still, with the longing for a curry and glass of wine taking you over. Friday night has become the night to sit in, chill out and watch Eastenders over a takeaway, releasing the energies of a long working week.
Then comes Saturday, where people head into the town for a day of clothing and grocery shopping. Being leisurely after a spectacular lie in until at least 9am. Wonderful. If you are going to be going out on any evening over the weekend, it's likely to be Saturday night. It's probably going to break the bank with the over priced entry fees and drink prices. But it doesn't matter. It's a time to let your hair down.
Plus why wouldn't you, with Sunday being the Lazy Day and giving you twenty-four hours to recover before the working week begins again, it's the best option.

I am much looking forward to getting into this 'grown-up routine' myself. Not too soon though, I'm not looking to wish my days away. Lou and I were in conversations about missing home and wishing that we were with missed friends. Discussing what it would be like to travel with them. She asked if I would sometimes like to just teleport home for a day or two. That would be nice, but I'm not sure that's what I would do. That comment made me think about what I have here, in Australia, what I need to make the most of and how quickly time can fly by. I really shouldn't wish the days away until I get home. So I really need to start thinking about all the things I'm going to be doing while I'm here and make them happen. Things that will really make me look back and be proud that I did it. You know, stories to tell the Grand-Kids!!

My first plan is to spend New Years somewhere amazing. I've always found this time of year to big a big Ho-ha about nothing much really. A bit like a birthday. It's just another day only  the numbers change. But considering I'm in a different country I ought to experience something new. I don't want to be tucked up in bed by 10.30 being a New Year scrooge just because I've had a bad time in the past. I'll have a good few weeks off too, so I may as well make the most of it. I can go surfing, look at all the 'sights' on Bondi Beach, have lunch by the Opera House. Go on a proper holiday. I keep having to be reminded that I'm on holiday. A working Holiday but still. I need to make it work for me. Besides, I've already worked more months than most backpackers would. I deserve a break. After asking a good friend for advice on my next moves and plans, she just said 'it's about time you did something for you, make the most of your time out there babe' And she is so right. Time is short and I ought to do all the things that make my memories exciting!

It will be the height of summer here so I should ring in 2014 on a beach with fireworks and Ice cream. That would be the stylish way. If I can throw in a 'Proper Aussie Barbie' in there too, then it would be all the more awesome!
I've decided I want as many Australian experiences as I can. Who knows when this opportunity is going to come around again?

Journal 212 - Australia

I have been proactive these last few days. I haven't been content with just standing around and sweeping up (which actually admittedly, I do rather enjoy, don't ask me why). I'm just sure that I'm worth more than only having one client a day. I felt as if I didn't really deserve the money I was earning. I was even feeling that my colleagues begrudged me being there, even though I was helping them to do their job. I just felt it was time to do something more. So I took drastic action. 

I made a poster. Yes, that's right. I decided it was time to take matters into my own hands. I didn't think that the girls were promoting me. Or at least not from where I was standing. You know what they say, if you want something done your best off doing it yourself. And after all, it is my career and my side of the business, I shouldn't be relying on them to do all the work. I want this and I must prove it. I spent an hour or so making up flyers, then a further hour delivering them to the local businesses. 

I'd like to think my time was well spent. Hopefully tomorrow morning I will go into the salon and my column will be just as full of back to back clients as the other girls. After all I've made the effort so gaining something out of it would truly be wonderful. I know I raised some interest at least, one girl even approached me on the street and asked 'Are you a hairdresser... Do you do nails and that?' So I suppose I was doing something right. 

On arrival today I also tried different make-up styles. I've not worn so much slap in a long time. Or possibly ever. I kept jumping at my own reflection because it was so unfamiliar to see myself like that. I just felt I needed to step up to the look, become more of what people might expect to see when walking into a House of Beauty. Somebody that is well made up and presented flawlessly. It will take some getting used to, but in truth I quite enjoyed it. Plus it means I will relish my make-up free days even more so once the 'war-paint' comes off. And that's what it is. War-paint, a mask to get through the day, a camouflage in fact. I almost see it as a way to keep my work life separate to my real one. I could get used to putting on this show. 

Even though the last few days have been a little slow, I do enjoy my work. I have found a passion in my career path and all the time I am putting in the effort, I am getting it all back. I have explored different avenues and ways to show my passion. After all I my profession is one of the most relaxing ones to be in. It also gives a great sense of satisfaction. I spend my day chatting to and making lovely ladies feel amazing about themselves. Another thing I am quite enjoying is I have an excuse to act a little ditzy at times. Not always, because I could never get away with it. People that know me know that I am cleverer than the average stereotype of a 'Dumb-Blonde-Beautician'. Which I really hate as a stereotype. Still it is fun to play up to it on the odd occasion, like when I'm not sure what a word means or I have a blank moment.  It does not mean I am in any way condoning people placing Beauty Therapists and Hairdressers into that stereotype. We are all far more clever than we are given credit for. And what we lack in a degree in rocket science we do make up for in Common Sense and the ability to create hair and make up to turn each and every woman into a Goddess. 

Journal 206 - 208 - Australia

My weekend has felt like many days that have been super stretched out. My weekend trip was to begin on Saturday afternoon, but not before work, which turned out to be such a long shift, which really had nothing to do with the fact that Lou and I had explored the delights of the city nightlife. And by that I mean we simply sat on bar stools, drank ciders and Bundy and Coke while shamelessly people watching (bitching) all the people around us. There were many sights to see though, and a huge mixed array of people in the bar. It was great fun. Even if it did leave me a little tired and lethargic for the day ahead of me.

Another problem was that I had already hit holiday mode and couldn't wait to get out of there and onto my next adventure, thus fulfilling the 'Holiday' clause of my visa. I hopped on to the coach, for free I might add... Savvy traveler me!! It was a long journey. On arrival I did what I most love and wandered around the city in the night time, getting the feel of it. It being the centenary in Canberra there are new sculptures and plenty of street performers on most corners. I already got the arty and cultural vibe here.
On exploring during the day I was taken to a cafe, along with my two room mates from the hostel who I had befriended, even if they didn't really want me tagging along. I still did. We had crepes after hunting a place down in the rain. After breakfast we parted ways and I headed in to the Canberra Memorial. The emotions in this place ran very high for me. At times I felt as if I needed to leave due to the Overwhelming sense of sadness I was feeling. I decided to stick around though to drink in the History. I had suddenly been presented with the enormity of the effects that all of the wars have had worldwide. I was no longer having this information forced upon me for the purposes of writing an essay for my school history project. Instead I was there out of sincere respect. I listened to stories of families who had lost loved ones, unable to comprehend those feelings at all.

After this I headed to the Australian Art Gallery, just for something to do really. I enjoyed taking in all the art works, but I had a distinct feeling of the security having eyes on me like  hawk. You know, as if I'm going to get my Shrink ray out so i can fit all the paintings in my bag and sell them on the black market. Still, I enjoyed myself. I went for a few drinks after this in the pub near the hostel, having gatecrashed a Hen party. The ladies were not the sort I would normally hang about with. I felt a little to proper to be seen with them in fact. A near Bar brawl later and I decided enough was enough and cut it short.

Monday another day of 'things I wouldn't normally do'. Tagging along again with my new Hostel Friends we went to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) It's really not my thing. I wasn't athletic at school. Not ever really. Apart from the odd game of tennis or rounders. Still it was interesting all the same. Seeing the place where Olympians trained. My interest was slightly heightened given that I have more recently gotten in touch with Health and Fitness. I can imagine this place being a must for Sports Fans.

I have alos found Canberra incredibly cold. And Rainy. Which is a shame because it would have been lovely to explore more of the outside sights. Being as I was bringing out the real tourist in myself. I missed a few bits while I was here. I'm certain the place would have a totally different atmosphere in the sunshine. It will be somewhere I visit again. I'm learning that you can only touch the surface when you are travelling. Twelves months for one big country really isn't enough!!

Journal 200 - Australia

Today I have mostly been in my own mind. I've not thought much about anything else. I know this sounds a bit strange, but I've been taking time for myself all day. Getting into my own mind. And it has been insightful. I have been reading a very interesting book and a particular chapter caught me. It is a book about your own energies and magnetism and how things things you do affect your own life.
The chapter I was reading today was about relationships. All kinds. Friendships, family, colleagues anybody that is in your life. It said about the way you are around other people and the way you speak to and about them. I began an exercise this afternoon with this in mind.

It began with me writing down the names of various people in my life. Some I was friends with, some I have known for years, some I had not known long. As it turns out it was a very hard thing to do. Often I think we just like people because we just like them. But I was wondering, there must be a reason that we are attracted to certain people over others. There must be a reason that each and every person was in our lives, whether briefly or for as long as we can remember. This book told me that the way you speak or think about others will affect what comes into your life. A kind of Karma I suppose. So against each of the names that came to my head, I tried to write at least one good thing or something that I liked or admired about the person. What surprised me was that the people I thought I knew were the hardest. Possibly because I have seen some of their bad points, I'm not sure. Or maybe it was just because I was making mis-judgements on the people I didn't know all too well. I must also admit there were a few people that I had to leave blank, after all if you have nothing good to say, say nothing.

That also woke me up to the fact that maybe I had gained more perspective than I had first realised. The people I thought were my friends were in fact not. I also thought about how well they might know me, or indeed think they knew me and my realisations were even clearer still. Thinking back on conversations I had with them, where I would do something and they would say, 'Trust you' or something along those lines when actually that would be so far from something I would do or say normally. They'd probably be the ones to say that I had changed when in fact they didn't really know me in the first place.

It felt great to be so positive about people though. I enjoyed feeling good about the people I knew. Being happy about the assets that I could see from them. From their kindness, their beauty, confidence or just thier general love of their lives was great. I also found similarities in each of them. This book said that you would attract the good in people to yourself if you were giving out the good in yourself. That I suppose is what I have done. People have been attracted to the good traits in me and have shown me that version of themselves. I guess what I'm saying is that if I want to have kind, caring happy people in my life then I must be that way myself.

Something else that jumped out at me was this ; 'Gossip harms those gossiping When you stick your nose in to other peoples business, it gets stuck to your nose' meaning that when you talk about the bad things they will stick around with you. So don't gossip.

I also wrote ' See no Evil, Speak no Evil, Hear no Evil' down the other day. A great saying that has never had a great amount of meaning to me in the past. Now of course I understand it more, or I can relate it to my way of life more. It really does make perfect sense though.
I can't really promise that I won't join the gossip train from time to time, but I will be trying really hard to stay off the bad gossip train and instead talk about the good things that other people have done. Its so much nicer to hear anyway.
After all, if somebody wants me to know bad news I'm sure they will let me know first.

Plus my happy thinking today really helped when I was Christmas 'browsing'. I was thinking carefully about gifts and decided to give out things that I felt would benefit the receiver in some way. Something that would make them feel good, or put a smile on their face. After all, I think that's what I would want. I'd hate to receive a gift that I didn't particularly like that wold end up going to waste or no being fully appreciated.

And yes, I did just mention Christmas shopping. But lets face it, The festive season is only a little way around the corner. If I don't get into gear on it, I will simply end up forgetting all about it as none of this Summer-time Christmas thing feels quite natural. So I'd like to organise it all while its on my mind.

Please forgive me!!

Journal 199 - Australia

Today has been a long one. Stupidly long. I awoke at 5 am on the dot. I must've subconsciously sensed something was wrong as I am generally a lover of sleep until it is completely necessary that I should wake up. I went to turn on the lights. Bang, that what it was. Power had gone out. Fantastic. On my own in the house and the power goes. There was not much I could do about it this early, so I tried to get more sleep. But no. I was awake. Not just eyes open and still a bit sleepy awake. I was alert awake. At 5 am. I guessed I should try to trip the switch back.

I also thought that maybe I would have to phone into work. I didn't. After finding out contact details and everything, I actually found out that Call Out 'Sparkies' on the weekend in Australia are just as hopeless as the ones in the UK. So while at work I busied myself with cleaning and general pottering around. Before I had gotten to work though, I had other things added to my Series of Unfortunate Events. Of course I put this down to the fact I had not yet had my coffee for the day. Its important. Yes, I do rely on it, but it is my only one each day. After that I'm fine. Anyway, I had remembered to have my door key handy. Lucky really as it turned out halfway up the road I didn't have my work shoes. Then on making my coffee on eventual arrival at work, I managed to spill half of it down myself. What an absolute 'tard. Seriously.

Then of course I let the girls know what had been going on. They found it pretty funny. They were highly sympathetic and my boss was lovely, letting me make phone calls and the like while i was technically supposed to be working. Which I was. I just didn't have any clients. Then of course everything I touched seemed to crumble and go wrong. I do enjoy my relationship with my colleagues though. The banter seems to make everything so much better. I was having the worst day, but still it wasn't that bad. When Mila (as in Kunis... Striking resemblance) asked why the coffee machine wasn't working, I replied, it's probably because I touched it briefly. To the sound of laughter, naturally. See, I'm getting pretty witty. Apparently all it took was going to Australia to be mocked for being British. Give as good as you get isn't it?

Today also proved again how welcome I am in the Salon. I was offered help if I needed it, company and dinner should the power not have come back on. And even when the power did come on. It did get resolved. Only with more shenanigans which has resulted in me putting the contents of the fridge into an Esky (cooler). After of course going to by said product. Along with Some other shopping. It was quite an ordeal. I took the journey quite slowly. Which worried my that perhaps other road users were getting annoyed with my 'old-lady' speed. But I didn't really fancy the idea of having to pay for any damages. I'd already been scared by the thought of Electricians bills, which probably would have been 'at least a weeks salary' according to my boss. I also had a huge urge to go into the whole sorry mess of my day when asked How Are You, by the cashier at the supermarket. I quickly stopped myself. She doesn't give a damn. Besides, She works in a supermarket. She has enough problems (disclaimer: I realise there is no problem with working in a supermarket, but it must be dull)

Of course, I did try to look at the positives of all of today's occurrences. For example, I now have experience in dealing with a frightful situation within the home. I feel pretty responsible now. At least I know I can deal with this in future. Call it a practice run. And saving on electricity! What a bonus. Not to mention the fact I can now eat all the Ice Cream in the freezer, with reason and without having a guilty bone in my body. Well, we can't waste good ice cream can we? Plus, on my way to get ice (for the Esky) naturally I had to detour down the cider aisle. Again, totally guilt free. After today I think that if nothing else, I bloody deserve to have a drink.

So there we go. I'm off to cook the remains of the fridge-freezer and enjoy my ciders. Yum.