The Crusades

We didn't get the place. Real estate agent - reasonably nice one - rang me up directly to tell me the news, saying that although our applications checked out, the landlord decided to go with someone else (which figures - there were about 40 people at the inspection). The worst thing is that there's now another apartment available in the same block, but it's going for $350pw, which is +$80 more than this one. What an insult. And it's on the 3rd floor as opposed to the ground floor. (After helping Jade move out of her apartment, I'm wary about getting a place with too many stairs).

We're trudging some more... this habitat business is a long crusade. Why are landlords so unkind? (Apologies Kamahl) Unfortunately both of us are unavailable this weekend (I'm off to Gloria's wedding and Sir is going to Anne's farewell luncheon) so no inspections - or maybe it's a good thing we get a break? We've both inspected places in our lunch breaks this week.

Tuesday was a rather morose day after Australia lost to Italy (0-1) in the World Cup Round of 16 (what is that? a quasi-quarter final?). Many of my workmates had seen the match live (it screened at around 1am) and management had told everyone that if they were going to watch the match, to come in late (after they had a good sleep). Unfortunately, because we lost, the mood was glum rather than buoyant so our trivia night was cancelled.

Yesterday I formed a trivia team spontaneously. The team consists of Joey, Naomi, Melissa and Faun with myself. I felt bad because I was talking to Colin about trivia teams the other day but I didn't really want him on my team. I'm not even sure if I can articulate why but maybe because we already spend too much time together when I give him a lift home (the train ride + the lift) with not much to say. You know how there are people you just don't spark with? He's one of those for me.

Anyway, the girls and I spent all afternoon trying to come up with a name, which eluded us until this morning. We are now the 'Cider House Rules' (as my company is 'Red Apple' we thought it appropriate - especially if we get to say "Cider House RULES!" when we win*)(*win subject to results on trivia night).

In the evening I went to an informal book launch hosted by an acquaintance, held at the Bavarian Bier Cafe. Had some grunwein (warm wine with spices) and a steak sandwich, which was all I could afford with the money I had. I met Jacqui via an enviro network called Ecochicks, except she isn't working in the environment any more, she's a life coach. Her book is "The Sex Life Survival Guide for Parents" and since I have neither children nor a sex life it wasn't exactly relevant. But 'twas nice to see people outside my normal sphere of operation.

I missed the train by 30 seconds (ill-timed walk? too slow?) so I had to wait 30 mins for the next one, but in the meantime I did get to say 'hi' to Camille (ex-workmate, occasional commissioning editor) who was getting on the train before my later one. Funny that - if I hadn't missed the train I wouldn't have seen her.

Today I met a number of people from the primary division at lunch. It's Faun's 30th birthday so we went down to Bay Swiss to eat (Bay Swiss is an overpriced homewares store that also serves cafe food). It was nice to put some names to faces, even if I don't work with them directly.

Also, I do have to report the news that my company has just bought a coffee machine to put in the lunch room. Score! Well, it's a Nescafe machine, so not real coffee, but it does great mocchacinos and hot chocolates. Not sure what Simon from Pablo & Rusty's downstairs will have to say. He's Chatswood's best barista/coffee artisan after all.

Well, it's Friday tomorrow so, at last, the end of the week. The good thing about Glo's wedding is that the service is at 11:45am, which means I get to sleep in! Will check in here again on Sunday with any (if any) wedding reception shenanigans. Bonne nuit.