A Few Events

1. The second cat jumps off the balcony ... and lands on its feet. She gave me one last look and walked off down the driveway.

I felt relieved. Now it was no longer my responsibility, it was its choice to jump. Then I felt pangs of guilt. I accepted responsibility for this animal when I first rescued it last May. But then again what sort of life had it led since in my care? It was always in conflict with my other cat, Pip, who reasonably felt like his territory was being violated by this newcomer.

I didn't see her again for another two weeks, until one night while having a late night cigarette on the balcony, she walked along the driveway, mouthed a silent meow in my direction and went on her way. I thought she looked healthy, and somehow happier. Not bad considering I haven't been responsible for feeding her for a couple of weeks. I let go of the guilt and reassured myself it was better this way. I didn't abandon her, she abandoned me.

When I thought more of it, I don't blame her. For what had I to offer? A lifetime, albeit longer, in captivity. With another cat that hates her guts.

2. I was Turned Down for a Job at a Fancy Restaurant

One of my contacts had given me a lead on a restaurant on Wooloomooloo wharf. I gave the head chef, Robert, my resume and asked for a trial shift. A trial shift is like a chef's version of a second interview. This is when the head chef can make a decision on whether you can do the job as you claim, as well as how you can fit in with his kitchen team. He also gets free labour. However, I also get an idea if I even want to work in that kitchen.

I came in for the shift singing Journey's Don't Stop Believing in my head (been watching the pilot episode of Glee). At the end of the shift Robert spoke to me outside of the kitchen and told me that he needed someone with stronger skills than I currently have. I thanked him for giving me a chance, and asked him what he thinks I should do for my next interview/trial. He said I should maybe try for a smaller restaurant, reading between the lines, I think he meant I should try for something little less fancy.

I was initially disappointed, in fact I was on the verge of despair. I started to doubt myself and wondered if I am really cut out for this sort of work. Then I stepped back from the brink, I thought about how I really worked on that shift. I did everything as best as I can. There was nothing that I wished I could do over. Heck, I was proud of what I did on that shift. Even if it wasn't enough to get the job. Back off Despair! You'll not get me today.


3. I Remembered how to have Fun at a Halloween Pool Party

It was a Michael Jackson themed party, I decided to go for the easiest costume option to go as a Jackson 5 Michael, all I needed was a bow tie and an afro wig. When I got to the party they split us into 6 teams, each team was given a room in the house and a Michael Jackson song to perform to in half an hour. It was like a mini So You Think You Can Dance team challenge. Did I mention that the party was hosted and attended by [mostly] friends I have met dancing?

I was never a big MJ fan myself so I had no interest in anything much more than the moonwalk.
However, I was in a team with a couple of dancers that I truly respect so I was prepared to just follow their lead in the choreography. To my surprise they listened to my suggestions and even took them on board. It was validation that I had some dancing credibility, even if I did struggle with learning new moves. We won. No prize, just bragging rights.

Later in the evening I was sweaty dancing in my shirt vest and bow tie I decided I needed to cool down. No one else has yet gone into the pool, likely because it was a rather cool 18C at this time of the night. But I was hot, and I have had a few drinks. I stripped off down to my trunks, and got myself pushed into the water. First!

After that a half a dozen others joined in. They were just waiting for someone silly enough to start it. I had a great time.