Steady going nowhere

(For musos, that's a quote from Fiona Apple's 'Please Please Please')

'One rung above the doldrums, I cling to the ladder of hope' is what I might say if I were more melodramatic but being what I am, that is, curious indifferent, I say 'meh'.

Made my regular appearance at Stuart's place on Tuesday followed by a couple of days of solid work (ie pitching and publications research) and an interview at Vodafone for a content management position, which went pretty well. Went to Gina's place afterwards to chew the fat re: journo jobs and similar. Had tea and then dessert (made by her housemate) and then went for a drink and a steak sandwich at AYH's Nude Bar. Was good to catch up - her trip to Africa looked interesting and it was good to finally talk to someone who understands about this er, employment situation. God knows my family doesn't ("why don't you go on the dole?" indeed!).

On Friday I was triple-invited to my ex-workmate Sarah's birthday dinner, Gloria and Alison's birthday drinks and Stuart's friend Fil's birthday thingo at Club Blink. Because Sarah asked first I went to hers, plus I haven't seen her in aaages. Whenever I see her she's always on the rocks with a boy so maybe I shouldn't jinx her relationships with my imminent presence. Saw and briefly spoke to Morgan, who is a friend of my sister's and connected to... someone else (after 8-9 years you'd think I'd get over it). Had a great chat with Angela (also ex-workmate) and Paddy (one of Sarah's best friends) and paid too much for a Pimm's and lemonade at the after dinner drinks.

Headed into the city on Saturday with Stuart to see Captain Kickarse and the Awesomes, who play, er, punk jazz rock. Psychedelic rock and blues, by their own description. Met some new faces and saw Alycia (obnoxious friend of Robert's who Stuart refuses to dislike). Twas at the Excelsior in Glebe so we popped into Club Blink's Liquid Buzz at the Agincourt on the way back, which didn't seem to be happening. I mean, there was a pub at street level, a dance floor on level one (with two people dancing to 'Love Shack') and nothing in the basement. Weird. According to their events calendar it was supposed to be the Placebo album launch but nothing of the kind seemed to be going down funkily. Grabbed a slurpee and went home via Town Hall.

Woke up yesterday to go to Clean Up Australia Day at the Cumberland State Forest. Ended up sleeping in after I discovered that it started at 12, not at 9 like I previously thought, so I texted Sireesha who couldn't come because she had a family lunch to go to. Hiked up to the forest and spent an hour on a couple of the trails and managed to fill half a bag, which is more than Assumpta and I filled (combined) when we were there a couple of years ago. Then went home and read the papers.

On the job front, I applied for two overseas positions with Australian Volunteers International, one in Fiji and one in Sri Lanka. I think I have a better chance of getting the Fiji one but we shall see. Also submitted applications for a few journo jobs, the most I've seen at my level for a while, actually. Therefore clinging to ladder one rung above the doldrums. In possibly the fastest response time I've ever experienced, got a call from 4Square Media (they do tech mags) an hour after sending in CV to come in for an interview tomorrow. My dad kindly said "they must be desperate". Thanks dad.

Jade also secured a project for me - taking pics and deep-etching some fashion items - which will also occur tomorrow. Owe her money for ebay stuff plus will give her commission for this job too. Will let you know the results of this week's activities in my next bulletin. Adios!