As the name of this post suggests it has been raining cats and dogs in Sydney recently, but good weather has returned and looks to remain for the next week. Just as well because I don't want to turn into a whingeing POHM by complaining about the rain ;)
When I first began writing this post it was for another meaning that I used the above title. On the day in question it was indeed "pissing down" as I made a visit to the Randwick TAFE college. I wanted to find out if I could apply for the upcoming carpentry course in order to further develop my skills and gain an Australian qualification. The costs on the TAFE website put it at approximately $800-$900 per year, studying one or two nights a week. No problem I thought, I can carry on working and study at the same time. So imagine my shock when the man at the TAFE reception told me that foreigners have to pay an extra $11 per tuition hour on top of the $8-900 per year. This would raise the cost to approximately $3,500-$4,000 per year. Multiply that by three years and suddenly I'm looking at either selling my backside or my functioning kidney to fund my further education!
However I never posted the subsequent rant that I tapped out after learning this great news. I hadn't quite finished when I realised the time and had to leave for an appointment. I am certainly glad that I didn't post my previous draft as you would've thought (even more so than now) that I am a cantankerous old man!
Moving on (and hopefully forwards) it looks like it will be a busy time before Christmas in completing a variety of jobs for clients of Steve and Andrew from Hire a Hubby. I've only recently started doing some work for Andrew, but hopefully I will be helping him on a renovation that he is trying to complete inside three weeks. New floor joists, stairs, skirting, kitchen and bathroom are being put in among other things, so that should be an interesting project to work on. I've also been networking and trying to get work as a trades assistant for a carpenter. I think this will be the only way that I can learn, after all, I have done my carpentry course at home, I just need the experience and guidance to put my skills into action!
Next week I turn 30! This great milestone of survival will be marked with a session of paintball, during which I imagine I will be shot at enough times to remind me that I am not 18. I have limited it to a two hour session, in the hope that the pain will be less. As a precautionary measure we will be going for drinks afterward in order to numb any paintball associated injuries. I will be drinking pints as I can't be seen to be drinking schooners on my birthday. I wouldn't get away with it in England, so I won't avoid it here with half measures ;)
Shortly after my birthday is Catherine's 30th birthday. We have both been fairly disorganised with birthdays this year, but I still have time to get her a sneaky present or two. I won't divulge any more information in case she chooses to read my blog! I'll get the photos up when I get a chance, so you can admire Catherine's bronzed face and my darker shade of white tan.
All in all life is great in Australia. It would be even better if our friends and family were here with us, but that's the price we pay for paradise and as the saying goes "absence makes the heart grow fonder". I certainly miss family and friends but remind myself that I can call them and now have the benefit of video calls, which we use as frequently as possible.
Next time I will update you on our marathon news, we start our next training program on December 22nd!
Until then, live strong and prosper ;)
Tom
