G'Day

Shoowee - that Facebook sure is addictive. Been catching up with most people there so neglected my good old blog yet again. But while things are still interesting with the BIG move, I'll try keep it updated more regularly. But for those not in the know, I've been back in Sydney for two weeks and slowly but surely settling down.

Things are going a little better than expected so far. Sorted out an awesome place ON the beach at Manly. It's really massive, has a huge wrap around balcony at the front and my room has another balcony off the back. Massive lounge, kitchen etc and a professional Foozball table (bring it on)! Unfortunately it's just a 3 month lease while one of the housemates finishes a contract overseas but gives me time to make sure I like the area (bit far from the city but well worth it me thinks). So will be taking the ferry to work rather than the sh1tty underground - giddyup!

Also got an awesome car today. Holden (same as Opel/Vauxhall) Astra. All the little bits and pieces but the design and colour is epic and got a million cool little features. Pick it up on Tuesday so will post some photies when I have it. Looks like the below but in a v cool metallic blue.

The job hunt is going pretty well too. I finally updated my cv on Wed afternoon and within minutes all three agencies I sent it to wanted to interview me first thing the next morning. So went to those and they were literally bun-fighting to get my cv to their clients first. Had 3 client interviews since then and got 2 more tomorrow so far. Unfortunately they seem like fairly complicated roles with lots of overtime and I really feel like taking it a bit easier with work life but the money is awesome, bonuses ridiculous and even pretty senior positions too. So the carrot dangles.... Will have to see how the others interviews go.

For those who hadn't heard, I misread the fine print on my skilled immigration (points system) application. Because I'm a professional (hard to believe for some of you - I know), I have to prove that I have had full time employment for 12 of the last 18 months! And 7 months travels kinda means I no longer qualify! Sucks deluxe but not the end of the world. I'll just need to be sponsored for a year and then I can apply again on my skills. Good news is that it seems only too easy to get sponsored. Once you here and they interview you, they say it's a simple formality and no worry at all. So anyone else wondering about sponsorship, it seems very straightforward.

Been some really good waves lately! Went to watch the Shark Island compo which was pretty nuts. Dying to surf there but one of the heaviest waves in the world so will have to wait for my shoulder to get a bit stronger first. Manly has pretty decent surf (with the crazy crowd factor you'd expect), but there's about 20 awesome spots within 10kms so it's all good.

Hoping to make the Springbok vs Wallies game this Sat but the Arrens (Warren and Lauren) are off to go snowboarding nearby so might just join them for a long weekend in the snow. Missed the last season cos of my shoulder so looking fwd to getting back on the slopes.

That's it for now - will update again in a week or so when I've moved into the new spot and I'm rollin in the new wheels!