Saturday 31st May 2008

[Irwin Barracks, 10:30 – 13:45]

Penultimate day of work. It’s a short one but it drags. I grab my containers of free lunch and gladly head home.

Make pizza and collapse on my bed with a fat belly and heavy eyelids.

The welsh lads jump down from their top bunks with a thunderous thud-thud every morning. Adam is convinced the squeaky floorboard syndrome is spreading across the room. There may be a connection there somewhere.

Midnight. Tom returns with his girlfriend but Adam’s snoring dampens any ideas of smooching and they leave. Come on guys, that’s what the private rooms are for. Welcome to hostel life!
With an early start tomorrow (thanks Mark – it’s my last day too!) for once I’m kind of grateful for Adam’s passion-killer roar. Rather that than my squeaky-screechy bunk bed!
So I climb into bed and continue my siesta till morning.

Friday 30th May 2008

[Freehills, 12:00 – 17:30]

Last Day at Freehills. I’ve loved working there.
Besides a Malaysian key ring from Anita it’s a distinctly understated event. Jonathon shakes my hand and goes home. Anita repeatedly tells me how much she’ll miss working with me. This is only the third time we’ve met!

We do “Friday Night Drinks” together so I can show her the ropes.
I’m teaching a middle aged woman how to make pizza and pies hot! I only hope she’s faking it to make me feel useful but she seems to need the tuition!

The most beautiful East Asian girl I’ve ever been in the presence of has been in the hostel for a few days. I’m utterly, utterly transfixed whenever our paths cross. We’ve exchanged a passing glance and a smile. I melted on the spot.

Throw together another slice with whatever’s left on my shelf. Tatyana, another German, buys herself a share by donating a handful of almonds to the cause.

Shannon and I go out for the night. I speak of leaving in a few days and she assures me we’ll meet again. Doubtful but hopeful.

Thursday 29th May 2008

[Freehills, 10:30 – 16:00]

Anita joins me today. Her first official day of employment. Day one of the hand-over.
She seems a tiny bit flustered as though not comfortable in a professional kitchen. I’m confident the “Washtech” will soon suck away any excess energies and nerves she may have.

A momentous occasion.
Today marks an achievement I have not previously managed for YEARS: I have finished a book!
It didn’t even have pictures.

Wednesday 28th May 2008

[Freehills, 10:15 – 16:00]

I notice Shannon is at the computer as I’m about to head off to bed. I’ve been reading in the lounge all night. I want to go over, put my hands on her shoulders and say goodnight. I know that if only I could walk over there…
I stare through the floor for a while before giving up the battle.

Adam has a cold. Any chance of me avoiding it while sharing a room with him?

Tuesday 27th May 2008

[Freehills, 11:00 – 16:00]

I’ve stopped meeting people. I’ve found contentment.
I’m happy with the few friends I have and I’m comfortable with life. I’ve slumped back into apathy.
It will all change soon; when I become a traveller again.
It’s really happening this time. Next week, I promise.

Monday 26th May 2008

[Freehills, 11:00 – 16:15]

Blank…
Either my mind or the day.
I suspect a bit of both.

Sunday 25th May 2008

[Irwin Barracks, 11:00 – 19:15]

This could be my last day at the barracks.

I’m left alone for lunch so I take my time with the feast.

Mark asks me back next week. I probably will but I don’t guarantee anything.
I finish the day and the end of another 50 hour week.
Another long wait for the train so it’s back to the cemetery to feed the mozzies again.
My forehead?! Why there?

While setting up for a picture, light from the camera reveals movement in the darkness.
It’s nice to see a familiar face – especially something that wont try to kill me! But still, it’s a bit creepy when the whole wall is crawling in the shadows.

Up till 2am reading and talking with Catherine in the lobby as she waits for a call from a friend back home. She is a 25 year old accountant studying for her final exams in 2 weeks. It’s easy to grow attached to a girl like Catherine. It’s just as well I wont be around for much longer.

Saturday 24th May 2008

[Irwin Barracks, 10:00 – 14:30]

Double the expected number for lunch. We run out of food! I can’t believe it.
No free lunch today

The tread on my work shoes has worn down to nothing in just a month. I guess that’s my 30 bucks worth!

[Subiaco Oval, 16:30 – 20:30]

Shannon and I ride together to work. We’re both serving chips at the footie.
Turns out I’m on “Hot Spuds”.

Just like the “Snack Shack” there’s a child running the show.

On my way home, skirts and makeup trawl the streets. Another Saturday night almost slipped by unnoticed. I celebrate it with a shower and my last can of Woodstock (Kentucky Bourbon). Go crazy!

Friday 23rd May 2008

[Freehills, 12:00 – 17:30]

Sitting on my bed I spot a bedbug on my leg.
Simon the receptionist/day-manager thinks they could be from the laundry company.
The sheets were clean on yesterday so he could be right.
New sheets again tonight!

Anita – Indian-Malaysian woman has a trail at work today as my successor. I’m sure she’ll pick it up fine, this job isn’t brain surgery.

I cook the pizza, pies and chicken skewers for ‘Friday night drinks’.

Matt-2’s birthday today. A bunch go out to celebrate. He gets heartbroken over an ex-girlfriend – “Storm” (now living in Perth), despite having gotten engaged over the phone only a few weeks ago to his girlfriend in England.
Over the phone!!! Who says romance is dead?!

Thursday 22nd May 2008

[Freehills, 11:00 – 16:30]

Work.
Library.
Chat with Adam and Matt-2