Jan 1-31, 2007

Another month gone by again!

It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating New Year's Eve!
This month has kept me busy, mostly with work, and my savings plans are all coming together now. I continue to work at Woolworths and allow enough hours to do all my other jobs. I am intending to stay at Woolworths until the end of February, before Kazuya and I move into a place in the city.

I decided not to venture down to Canberra to undertake a Masters Degree, but am instead going to attend UNSW to do a Masters Degree in International Relations and Politics. The course is one year, so I will be finished and graduated in December 2007. The course starts this March, so will just work until then.

Kazuya and I are currently searching for a place in the city - easy access for his college and my university. I am even considering getting out a home loan and buying an apartment of my own - we'll see if the finances all come together for me.

Kazuya's English course finishes in April and then he will have about 1 weeks off before he starts his Tourism Course at a College in the city. He is really enjoying Australian life and has settled in exceptionally well.

I have managed to keep some spare hours each week to hang out with him and take part in a few social acitivities. 2 weeks ago we sued the gift voucher my dad gave me for Christmas; Mum, Karen, Kazuya and I went on a ghost tour of The Rocks area in Sydney, hearing all the gruesome stories about convict hangings and suicides - a little about the history of the Sydney convict fleet too! A great tour overall...

Kazuya and I also used the gift voucher mum gave me and went on a para-sailing adventure down at Manly. The wind was exceptionally strong, and we just managed to finish the sail before the wind was deemed too strong for the other participants. It really was a great experience - the thrill of being about 50 metres up in the air hanging from a parachute was quite daunting before we were up there, but once we were up, it really was exhilirating.

We have also been making good use of the Summer sun and have been to Dee Why, North Curl Curl, Manly and Bondi beaches of late. Kazuya loves the surf, and I just enjoy lying on the sand reading a newspaper.

I will do another volunteer day this Saturday with the organisation I went to Costa Rica with - we have a selection day for more participants to head to Central America to parttake in more projects. Should be fun. I am also taking part in a human rights convention next week for one day.

Hope everyone is keeping well.

Take care and keep in touch

Tim
xoxox

Dec 1-31, 2006

Hello all

Had a great month this December, with Kazuya arriving on the 1st after us being apart for 4 months. He will have this month off to spend with me, before attending an English course in early January.

I had a welcome party joint with my 22nd birthday party on the 1st of December. The party was a lot of fun and a great chance to catch up with all my long-lost friends!

On the 8th of December Kazuya and I went to Adelaide to see my grandma. We enjoyed 2 weeks with her, travelling to Victor Harbour, Goolwah, the Barossa Valley, Mount Lofty, Haandorf and of course around Adelaide City out to Glenelg. Kazuya and I went away for 2 days to Kangaroo Island, to allow grandma to pack her luggage ready for her Singapore trip.
Kangaroo Island was a very beautiful place; we took a tour - so across the bay to the island on the Sealink ferry and a comfy coach for the 2 days. We saw many wild animals, including koalas, kangaroos, emus, snakes, and penguins. The penguin tour was very cute and a great chance for us to come up close and personal with the little creatures.
We visited many places on the tour including Cliffords Honey Farm and the awe-inspiring Admiral's Arch and Remarkable Rocks - possibly the 2 most incredible rock formations I have ever seen. We took many many photos (which I will promptly add to this blog).

It was really a fantastic 2 weeks trip to Adelaide and its surrounds and I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with Grandma and eating lots of different foods. South Australian wines were also happily enjoyed!

Upon returning on the 19th December, we enjoyed Mark's 13th birthday - hard to believe he is now actually a teenager!

Christmas too was a joyous time, my first back in Australia since 2003, so it was particularly special for that reason. I got some great pressies too - Dad bought me a ghost tour gift voucher and mum bought me a para-sailing adventure voucher. A few things I will do next month.

New Years eve was spent at a friend's apartment which overlooked all of Sydney Harbour and the city. We started the festivities early in the afternoon and they ran until about 6am - a very enjoyable but tiring night. Loved the Sydney fireworks - easily the best display in the world in such a naturally beautiful landscape. It was my first New Years eve since 2003 as well.

I continue to work 5 evenings a week at Woolworths and am keeping up with my other jobs such as car washing, gardening and tutoring. I still do one day a week at my city job at Asteron.

The family are all well and staying safe. Peter continues to battle on, although now has given up full-time work.

Look forward to writing again next month.

Tim
xoxoxox

November 1-30, 2006

Hello again,

Well November has absolutely flown by as I have kept myself busy counting down the days until Kazuya arrives - which is tomorrow December 1st! It has been a long 4 1/2 month wait, but finally, after much patience, he will be arriving in Sydney!
Tomorrow night I have organised a big party (to celebrate my birthday - Dec 6th) and also to welcome Kazuya back to Australia. I have innvited many people, having stopped the counting process at about 60. Many more will come once partners and friends of friends are added in as well!

On the study front, I can say now that I have finished my degree, having completed my last exam 2 weeks ago. I only had 2 exams during the period, so that was a bit of a relief. The results for this semester will be available in the next couple of weeks. I will then post those results onto Canberra (ANU) as the board makes a decision about my acceptance into the university to undertake a Masters Degree in International Relations.
That course will begin next year in the first week of March. My graduation for my undergraduate degree will be next March or April.

In other news I have completed my GOLD Duke of Edinburgh Award now, and am awaiting on final checking of all my entries to receive the award. The presentation for the award will take place next year sometime in April. The award will be a great thing to add to my CV, and although has taken 6 years to complete, I really enjoyed doing it. The DEAS award is similar to guides or scouts...

Work has been very hectic this month, as I have been averaging 50-60 hours per week. I am trying to save up enough money to pay for my Masters Degree upfront.
Woolworths shifts keep me busy, as does helping dad out at the golf club. I am still managing to fit in a couple of car washes and several big gardening jobs a month too. And just last week I took up my forth part time job, at a financial services firm in the city, called Asteron. I am their admin/filing boy! The pay and perks are great and it allows me a bit of office experience. I am there 1-2 days a week.
The couple I tutor English to will be returning to Japan next March, so I will tutor them until that time.

Kazuya and I will be travelling to Adelaide next week (Fri 8th) to see my grandma. We will most likely stay with her for 4-5 days (maybe longer), before hiring a car and travelling up as far North as Coober Pedy and then down to Kangaroo Island. I am really excited about the trip as it will be our first in Australia since our Ayer's Rock adventure in mid last year.
We arrive back in Sydney on Mark's birthday (Dec 19th) and then I will work up until Christmas. Over the Christmas period, I am house-sitting for an old neighbour, so will be good to have an entire house to ourselves (and a pool!).

I will be in Sydney for this year's New Year's celebrations before flying out to the Gold Coast for about 10 days. Kazuya and I will see the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Brisbane. Should be exiciting.

The remainder of my summer will be spent working, and saving up more money!

The rest of the family are well. Mark finishes school for the year in a couple of weeks. Mum had a great time up the coast in Brisbane playing in the Softball Masters Ch'ships. Alana recently broke up with her boyfriend (having been together for just over a year). She was devastated but is ok now, and they maintain an amicable friendship.

Hope everyone is ok. Take care. Look out in the letter box for a Chrissy card!

Love Tim
xoxoxoxoxox

October 1-31, 2006

Well what a month!!

Work, uni and my social life have kept my feet moving and my heart pumping!

On the work front, I have been averaging 50 hour weeks with my Woolworths job, cleaning with dad, English tutoring, car washing and gardening. I must say, however, that doing a whole range of jobs keeps me not only active, but continually motivated by work. Simply doing 50 hours stacking of shelves in a supermarket would be monotonous and depressing!!
I am also starting a new job (yes you read right!) in the next couple of weeks - it is just an admin job in a firm in the city - to gain some office experience - and to fill up my hours once I finish uni.

Speaking of which, I complete my undergraduate Bachelor Degree this week (unofficially) with classes completing this Thursday. I then have one week of study (STUVAC), before 2 exams on the 13th and 15th of November. Then I will be officially finished, with the graduation ceremony not until next year (sometime between March and May).

As I have said before, Kazuya is arriving in Sydney on December 1st, so between my final exam and then I will probably be working 70 hours weeks for 2 weeks to save up more money. On December 1st I am planning on having a house party (joint party for my b'day and to welcome Kazuya back to Australia) which should be a great chance to let out my hair (so to speak). December 2nd I have booked a hotel room for Kazuya and I to stay in and a special dinner has been organised for him too. December 3rd I am sitting for a Japanese Proficiency Exam which will be the first language skill-determining exam I have sat for Japanese.

From Dec 8th-19th Kazuya and I will be travelling to Adelaide to spend a couple of days with my Grandma, before hiring a car and driving down to catch the boat across to Kangaroo Island and a few other places.

The plan after that is to work until the end of February in order to save up enough to pay for my Masters Degree, which I begin on the 1st of March down in Canberra.
I have not found out whether I have been accepted to the degree yet, however, I applied for two separate degrees, so I think my chances are high!

Since the last monthly email, I have had another Japanese friend come and stay. She was an old friend of my host mum's, so was nice to show her around Sydney for the day, after she had done so much for me when I was in Japan.

I have also applied for an internship opportunity as a Youth Ambassador to the United Nations for next year. If successful, I would travel to New York for 2 months and represent Australian Youth at the UN General Assembly. The chances are extremely small, but I figure, you can't win the race if you're not in it!

On the business side of things, I have started up my own Ebay account and have had some success so far selling a few books and some old Tennis magazines. The plan is eventually to team up with my friend from uni and start some online importing and re-selling of some popular items, such as fashion and jewellery lines. Could be quite successful around Christmas time I am sure.

The rest of the family continue to do well - Alana is enjoying her new job, but I hardly ever see her as she is almost always with her boyfriend (when not working). Mark is doing very well at school, and plays gold once a week on Sundays. Mum is going well to, having been away the last 2 weekends at a wedding, and down in Tasmania, and this weekend she will be away again - travelling up to Brisbane for a Softball Masters Championship for 10 days.

Hope to hear from everyone soon. Take care and keep in touch.

Tim
xoxoxoxox

September 4-30, 2006

Hello all

A hectic 3 week period that has seen many things happen - let me update you all and take you on a ride.

I had my Japanese friend from Maebashi stay until the 15th September, and we had a good time together. He enjoyed his time here in Australia including a trip away to the Blue Mountains. His mum came and stayed in Sydney (in a hotel, not with us) for 1 week beginning the 7th September. She also enjoyed her stay, despite a week full of wet weather - the entire time she was here!!
It was good, however to have a slight break from guests at my home once Takuya left on September 15th....well, only a couple of days. On The 19th, 20th, 21st had another Japanese friend - one of the girls whom I taught English to when I was in Tokyo. She came to Sydney as part of her 3-city trip - she also visited Perth and Brisbane. I showed her around the city, including a great day out to see the Opera House and Botanic Gardens. As soon as she left on the 21st, I met another Japanese friend from Tokyo. I met him at a party back in June, and I offered to show him round and help out when he was in Australia. I booked him into a hostel in the city and had a fun night out with him on the 22nd.

As if you thought that wasn't enough guests for my schedule! The next guest arrives in October - around the 20th - my host family and a friend of theirs will stay in Sydney for a couple of days, so looks like I will have to play "tour guide" again!

Meanwhile, I have been cramming my busy study period with a lot of work away from the books. Am still helping my dad do the cleaning contract at the golf club three mornings a week. I continue to teach English to a Japanese couple on Monday evenings. And my Woolworths job now sees me doing upwards of 30 hours per week.
Recently I have also been keeping consistent with my gardening and car washing clients and have also done some baby-sitting and house-sitting!! One thing I must say to all those skeptics that I will "simply collapse one day" - by doing a range of jobs, my interest and motivation remain high and I don't always feel "exhausted."

On the university side of things, I had the last week in September off, so managed to catch up and get ahead on five assessments that are due in the coming weeks. A lot of work still to be done on a few essays, but I am slowly getting there.
Last week I volunteered at a human rights conference helping out with the logistics of the week-long meeting. On the Friday evening I helped cook the BBQ for all the guests, ensuring that they were presented with the most delectable Aussie beef!

On the family side, everyone remains well. Mum is in Tasmania this week with Karen - they have managed to get some time away! Mark is up at Hawke's Nest with his mate from school, on a week-long fishing-snorkeling-swimming adventure, and Alana is about to begin her new job! Dad is also keeping busy, although this week has an infected eye and has been advised not to drive. I will be picking him up for cleaning in the morning as well as dropping him off at his work.

Next weekend I will be away in the Blue Mountains on a volunteer weekend; for the same organisation that I went away to Costa Rica with. It is a 2-day adventure weekend to help prepare the outgoing participants to Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama etc of the "challenges" that await them!

I have finalised my preparations for ANU University for next year. I applied for 2 different degrees; a Masters Degree in International Relations - 1 year full time, and a double degree of a Masters Degree in International Relations coupled with a Masters Degree in Diplomacy, 2 years full time. I will be informed of my acceptance in December. Courses begin February 2007.

Kazuya arrives in Sydney on December 1st, so I am very excited about that. We are planning trips away to Adelaide, Canberra and the Gold Coast - taking my opportunities to "see Australia" now!

I finish university and this course (attaining a Bachelor Degree in International Studies) at the end of November. I will then cut my work hours down, while Kazuya and I spend some time together and travel until Christmas.

Look forward to hearing from you all soon.

Tim
xoxoxoxox

August 21-September 3, 2006

Another update to let you all know what I have been getting up to over the past fortnight...

Hope everyone is doing well and taking care of themselves..maybe I could take some of that advice!

The last 2 weeks have been extremely crazy (but in a sane kind of way if you know what I mean!?).
I began a new job at the start of last week - at the local Woolworths store as one of the senior nightfill staff. The hours are flexible, and I often work the evening shifts (yes until midnight) to allow enough time for my other jobs and of course university. I have worked about 25 hours each week at Woolies which keeps me fit and busy. I will be re-trained shortly on how to use the new cash register systems that are being phased into the stores across NSW.

My other work has entailed helping dad out with his golf club cleaning contract which involves a couple of mornings a week waking up at 5am! I have been keeping up with my car washes and gardening jobs, which gets me out in the sun!

Peter is not very well at the moment, with many aches and pains (and a lot of frustration), so I have been going to his place every Friday to clean the pool for him. He often gets me to do some other odd jobs while I am there such as mowing the lawns and washing the car...Sheri is well

I had a Japanese friend arrive 2 weeks ago - a student we hosted 5 years back in 2001 for 2 weeks. We have kept in contact with him since, and I have visited his house in Japan a number of times. He will stay for another 2 weeks, before he heads back for university committments. We have had a great time doing lots of things, he mainly fits in with our busy weekly schedule. That in itself is enough!
His mum arrives in the country this Thursday for a week trip around Sydney.

Uni is keeping me educated and interested - when the rest of the world is chaotic! Studying international relations in this day and age is much more complex than I ever thought it would be. I am really enjoying all my subjects and look forward to graduating in December.

On the relationship front, Kazuya has decided that Sydney is his best option for further study next year, so is at the moment looking into coming to Sydney in December as planned, and then staying on for at least one year to complete a hospitality and tourism management degree (the institution is still undecided).
I am keeping with my plan to go to Canberra and do a Masters of International Relations.

The rest of the family are well - Mark lost his semi-final soccer last week, but played a great game and I think was glad in a way that the season is over.
Alana had a car accident last week (but is safe and sound), although her car was written off - head on collision at the traffic lights. Mum was with her at the time. Both were shaken up, but Alana has been back on the road driving again this weekend trying to get some confidence back up.

Hope to write again next week....Until then everyone, take care.

Tim
xoxox

August 14-20, 2006

A great week catching up with lots of friend and getting a new job!

Had an interview at Woolworths during the week, and upon acceptance into the job had a big training day on Saturday. Glad to secure the job - Long Life night filler and cashier at the Belrose store - within walking distance so I am very happy about that.

Also have a lot of car washing and gardening jobs that have been keeping me busy over the past 2 weeks or so. I used to teach English to a Japanese couple before I left for Japan, and they have asked if I could teach them again. I do a session with them every Monday night now, so thats lots of fun, and also helps my finances out!

Been busy at uni this week - even though I am there for only 2 1/2 days a week. Lots of assessments to finish and hand in.

On Friday night I managed to catch up with my friend Tania who I hadn't seen for over a year. She travelled all throughout Europe recently, so was great to see all her photos and talk about all her adventures! Caught up with a few other friends as they came round for drinks.

Last night I met a friend for a few drinks in the city and we ended up staying out all night dancing at a club. Haven't had an all-nighter for a while, so came home early this morning very tired!!

This Wednesday have a friend coming out from Japan to stay for about 4 weeks. He came about 5 years ago on exchange and stayed at our place for a fortnight. His family did a lot for me when I was in Japan, so we are happy to host him at our place!

Kazuya is well. He is at the moment considering coming to Australia now - putting off the Canada dream. I have advised him that (of course although he can do whatever he pleases), it IS important to follow your dreams. Love can always come second. Anyways, he will make a decision over the next month.

Another very exciting week this week. Look forward to posting again next week!

Tim
xox

Changes - August 13th

Hey there everyone

I am writing to tell you all some good news! After much discussion, Kazuya and I have decided that our own dreams and goals at this stage are the most important, and that seeing as we are 100% committed to each other, we can afford (emotionally and maybe economically haha) to live in separate countries next year.

I have decided to pursue a Masters Degree in International Relations at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra - beginning next March. The degree is one year and involves no writing of a thesis, although I am considering doing the 2 year Masters degree in International Relations and Diplomacy. I haven't applied for ANU at this stage, but will do in the next few weeks, and then take it from there.

Kazuya will head to Vancouver in January to pursue an English course and Cruise School Management Course. We discussed all of our options, and decided as I couldn't do a degree in Canada (Canadian university semesters don't fit with my schedule) and work is not so abundant (and visa versa Canberra doesn't offer the best opportunities for Kazuya), that we will be able to survive from January until about September.

Kazuya will still come to Australia this December, to stay for Christmas and New Year before departing in early January for Vancouver. I will have an opportunity to visit him in Canada in my winter holiday break next June/July.

Kazuya is happy and I too. Just thought I'd share the news with you....

Tim
xoxoxox

July 26-August 13, 2006

Hello all,

Well I have been back for just over 2 weeks now, and I have slowly re-orientated myself back into Australian life. I have had a few experiences of reverse culture shock, but on the whole things have run fairly smoothly and I have settled in well.

I am keeping busy at university, studying 4 subjects to finish off my International Business major and my Bachelor of International Studies degree. I only have until this November until I officially finish, with the graduation ceremony next year in most likely May.
I have uni 3 days per week, with a total of 11 hours face-to-face teaching. I am reall enjoying my subjects, one of which is focussing on censorship and responsibility in the media and in society. Very interesting.

On the work front, I am helping dad out with his Golf Club cleaning contract, 4 mornings a week as well as keeping my gardening and car washing jobs running too.
I have re-applied for a job at the local Woolworths, following on from my 3 months experience with them in mid 2005. I have also applied to a "temping agency" and have re-submitted my resume to a modelling agency. A few clients for English tutoring is also on the cards.

Family life is great - good to be home sharing all the good times with everyone. I never realised just how much I missed someone walking in the door, or vacuuming the floor, or even someone just turning on the telly! I missed that family aspect while I was in Japan!

I have now officially completed my GOLD Duke of Edinburgh Award, having finalised all the paperwork and being signed off for my previous activities. The award will enhance my resume, and overall has taught me some good camp craft and skills that will help me personally. The award will be given to me at a ceremony most probably by the end of this year.

I have also offered my volunteering services to a Human Rights non-governmental organisation at uni. I have been more interested in this aspect of international relations in recent months, and thought that I could help at the upcoming Human Rights Convention in Sydney this September. Should be fun.

Hope everyone is well and keeping healthy. Stay in touch.

Tim
xoxoxox