First night

The first night in our apartment. I am in a comfy bed being propped up by orthopaedic cushions. Unfortunately the polyester leopard skin blanket I bought at the Saturday markets here smelt too bad so I have had to put it in the laundry basket ready for the next washing load before I can use it. Yes, that’s right, I have started to wash. At first we were a little hesistant to put the washing powder tablet into the machine, but after doing so and fumbling around with the temperature and wash settings we managed to put on a load and have hung our clothes out to dry on chairs which are placed near each of the various heaters in our apartment. By the morning I think they will be dry so at the moment it is a pretty effective system. Washing is just one of the many household tasks I will have to learn whilst living here for six months.

Another important reality of life I have to get used to is the need to conserve water and energy. We get charged a ridiculous amount if we exceed our limit so I really hope this doesn’t happen. I am being careful to turn taps off while brushing my teeth, turn the light off when not in certain areas, and tomorrow morning I will have to make sure I don’t shower for too long. To be honest I don’t know how long this “environmental consciousness” is going to last. I am so spoilt at home that I just do these things unthinkingly.

Since we have no Internet here on our first night my creative spirit has obviously awakened by itself---hence this online manifesto. It’s either this or Sex and the City. Mela has all seasons spread out across 2 cds, that’s what I call pure compact entertainment. Mum arrives in Sydney tomorrow morning at around 11 or so and I am looking forward to talking to her and everyone tomorrow. She’s been here for a week while we get settled etc. Saying goodbye this morning at 5am was definitely NOT fun. I hate goodbyes I really would rather skip that part and go straight to not seeing the person for however many months. It sounds stupid but they are so emotionally draining and for what? So that you can feel like utter shit and replay that painful last moment you spent with someone over and over in your mind? No thanks.

That’s it for me tonight. Sex and the City is calling.

One more thought…I currently feel like I am in a state of “nothing.” Not happy not sad, not excited not homesick, not busy not bored. I am yearning to meet people and start this new life, but don’t know how. I feel like I am at the edge of a massive black hole. I want to jump in, explore, grow and change but am scared shitless and have no idea what to expect.