Proximity and the Misconception of Closeness

Well, kids, she’s been a busy start to the school year- which is so strange to say when it’s almost March. My summer/Christmas break flew by; very parent filled.

I’m going to attempt to avoid rambling here, because I have one, clear focal point I want to address. 

That is the title of this blog: Proximity and the Misconception of Closeness. 

Although I’m 15000 kilometres from home, I don’t feel that my Canadian relationships have been detrimentally affected. In fact, with particular regard to my parents, they’ve actually further developed. If I were home, I doubt I would have gone on a four week vacation with my mom, let alone the 5 day trip to Cairns we did while she was here. I doubt I would have learned to surf with my dad on a three day trip and (attempt) to learn to surf off the coast of BC as we did in Tassie. 

The distance between us made this a priority.

The lack of distance creates this idea that there will always be time and an opportunity to do this later. Hence why plans with close friends can often be put on hold (it’s not just me is it?).  Distance can actually make you realise the value of your relationships and the fast pace of the hands of the clock.   The lessened opportunities to be together creates a greater urgency to solidify plans for these small windows of time.

Technology greatly minimises the effect of distance. I frequently Snapchat my homies from the motherland. I’ve Skyped my friends and family,  FaceTimed then, and even got to witness one of my bestest friends get married through the power of modern day technology. Thank god for wifi. 

Just as at home though, life is life and shit gets busy and times goes in. It’s nearly been a year since I’ve been here already!!! I like it here. I feel settled. I feel home? I type this as I’m wearing a Blue Jays hat 🧢 . So no, I’ll never forget my roots. I’m Canadian first and foremost- relentlessly and unapologetically. 

But, damn, do I not miss those winter months. I don’t even like the snowless, positive, single digit winters here.

SPOILER ALERT:

I’m currently looking at flights to visit home for a few weeks during Canadian summer/Australian winter ❄️. Whoop whoop! 

So, my lovely Canadian compadres, keep calendars open for the end of June/beginning of July. I’d love to seriously put away some of Caesars and Lab Lights with my Canada’s finest. 🇨🇦 

Side note: my school is sending me to China (on supervision) for two weeks mid June!! 🇨🇳 

Hang in there, Canada, summer is coming. Slowly, surely, eventually. This year, you might just get a side of Kate with your summer :) 

Here for a good time, maybe a long time?

Oh, well hi. I didn’t see you there. That’s why I’ve been ignoring this blog for half a year...

Now a lot has happened in this relatively short time period, so I will attempt to be concise and hit the major topics.

Fortunes, misfortunes, travel, and relationships 

Fortunes 

What can I say? I’m over the moon with the amount of good fortune I’ve stumbled upon.

 First, I was in the right place at the right time and managed to get a term position teaching math and science at a prestigious school called Haileybury. The school has a lot to offer, but I’m particularly fond of all the free food. Seriously, school start up days you get a morning tea buffet and lunch. Parent-teacher interviews, we get dinner. It’s real nice, if I do say so myself.

Second, the school was a fair distance from my home at that point, therefore, I decided to move. The complex that I moved into is filled with like minded misfits.

What a bunch of ragamuffins 

We hit the piss, take in sunsets, indulge in late night chats, and cook big, sexy meals together. Sometimes you just gel with people.

I knew that I was going to want to stay longer. I was only just settling in. At the start of October, I began chucking resumes to anywhere that seemed somewhat suitable. In order for me to extend my visa, I would need to acquire sponsorship. Not easy to do among schools where you have little to no reputation. I had four interviews. Was offered three positions with sponsorship and CRT work at a school that didn’t provide sponsorship. Interviews are my jam, as I arrogantly proclaimed in my Snapchat story of the day. I don’t know what it is, but I’ve always been good at interviews. One of the positions offered was at the school I’m currently working! The choice was easy. 

I get to wear gowns like Harry Potter!

Sponsorship means a fast tracked (and cheaper) path to obtaining permission to stay in the country longer. Had I not received sponsorship, I would have had to pursue my second visa on a point based system and covered all costs on my own (minimum $4000). Or I could have worked 88 days at a farm for some reason. I don’t quite understand why Australia has the farm work requirement for those looking to obtain a second visa, but they do. I’m just not good with those types of jobs. I sorted potatoes when I was twelve or so and absolutely hated it. I got SO bored. Dodged a bullet there.

Misfortunes

Well, I had my phone stolen off me when I fell asleep on the train. I fell asleep (passed out) and someone stole my phone out of my hand during and hour long train ride home after a night out (sorry, Amber). But now I have a way better phone.

I might have been fed during parent teach interview, but i also was riding public transport. So it’s 9:00 pm and I’ve been fed and bailed my PT interview- the bus is right on schedule. I stand outside with my out stretched arm, flailing, in order to obtain the attention of the his driver, only to watch him drive by me with an empty bus. 

So I wait 25 minutes for the his, which picks me up. This bus gets me to the train station. Just in time for me to miss the train and wait half an hour for the next one. 

A half hour trip ended up lasting an hour and a half. 

All in all nothing too to gripe about. 

Long story short. I don’t know how long I will be here, but life has been good. 

Could be a while...

When will we learn

So, two years ago, I was staying at Mandalay Bay in Vegas with some hot to trot females.

We took in a country music show during our stay. I don’t know if our most recent assailant harboured a particular  disdain for Country music or what caused the attack, but I feel lucky. The overwhelmingly arbitrary nature of this attack is horrifying. We lost a 23 year old Canadian young man. A 34 year old mother is missing. 

Now, living in Australia, I’ve become aware of (through media broadcasting, I’m not politically attuned, but I’m not a moron) that Australia has set a precedent for restrictive gun laws (http://theconversation.com/if-lawful-firearm-owners-cause-most-gun-deaths-what-can-we-do-48567). The 1996 Port Arthur Massacre that left 35 People dead, cause Hohn Howard to intervene. 

“That the massacre occurred in the Australian state with the weakest gun laws was just part of the equation.”

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/rendezview/thank-you-john-howard-from-a-bleeding-heart/news-story/1b1b55105f21f9986e0df0c1d6335f26

Howard responded to the event within 12 days by implementing a gun reform. Data appears to support this implementation, even if been subject to scrutiny (as it should be). 

http://www.abc.net.au/news/factcheck/2016-04-28/fact-check-gun-homicides-and-suicides-john-howard-port-arthur/7254880

The fact that numerous US politicians are refusing to acknowledge the direct connection of the most recent tragedy to gun laws is the real tragedy. 

They’re considering a law on gun silencers!? Are you kidding. Who needs a gun silencer? Criminals, that’s who. 

If it’s self defence, you want someone to hear that shot. If it’s for “good reason,” you don’t care if someone hears that shot. If you’re shoving someone into the boot of your car for later disposal maybe then you don’t want someone to hear that shot.

Just how deep does the NRA have it’s teach into federal pockets? 

Appears to be deep enough that the lives of average people are excusable.

Thoughts and prayers.

Just line my pockets. 

USA. Land of the free? Home of the brave? Let’s check the travel advisories... 

How is it that comedians can better understand the political implications of these events? Watch Jimmy Kimmel’s response:https://www.google.com.au/amp/nypost.com/2017/10/03/jimmy-kimmel-tearfully-rips-into-politicians-in-wake-of-vegas-shooting/amp/ .

Before people get temperamental, please remember that Kinder Surprise are banned in the US. A  chocolate present-containing egg. 

https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/things-more-heavily-regulated-than-buying-a-gun-in-the-united-states

You can buy a gun more easily and legally than buying a kinder surprise egg. Unless they turn to the black market: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/food/eat/americans-have-been-denied-the-joy-of-a-kinder-surprise-until-now/news-story/27190629405fb975b8dc9787ce3c6422

Ignorance is bliss. Turn a blind eye. 

Case and point. 

A Lesson in Vegetables with a side of Theme Bars

Lately, I've been comparing Aussie and Canadian slang and have found that vegetables, of all things, are quite differently named. 

 

Arugula= Rocket 😏

Romaine= Cos

Bell Peppers= Capiscums 

🍆= aubergine 

Green Onions- Spring Onions

To-may-to = to-mah-to

Po-tay-to = po-tah-to

Just kidding on the last one. 

Last couple weeks have been filled with theme bars! 

First stop: George's Bar, A Bar About Nothing. This little gen was found in the North side of Melbourne, in a little hipster hub called Fitzroy.

It was funky, quaint, and loaded with Seinfeld memorabilia. The menu had tasty little toasty named after Seinfeld characters, snickers/Twix served with cutlery, and, of course, pretzels. Probably to make you thirsty so you drank more.

I went there with my Canadian comrade, Amber, to meet an Aussie fella named Tim (whose birthday it was,) his friend, Tom (actually,) and Toms girlfriend Maddy. 

Let me tell you about Tim. Tim is a wry son of a bitch that I met a year and a half ago on an online page called interpals. It really was just as cool as it sounds. I was on there searching for Melbournians and Tim was looking for Moscowians(?).  We became friends/enemies, primarily due to Tim's unprovoked hatred for all things Canadian. That being said, about a year after we met online, Tim met me at the airport and gave me my first taste of Melbourne down in the notable suburb of Brunswick. Shortly after, he returned to Russia to corrupt young Russian children by teaching them the Aussie ways. 

Tim returned to Melbourne for Russia summer holidays with a little Russian language and ice skating skill and has since returned back to Russia to continue making mad cash. 

Anyways so we celebrated Tims birthday at the Seinfeld bar and it looked a little something like this:

 After some meandering about and late night pizza, we went our separate ways. Amber and I get to the Flinder's Street Station at approximately 2:15. We look for our next train departures. Ambers was at 2:50, mine at 3:09. So we bought some Lord of the Fries- I got a poutine- chowed down and then went to our separate platforms.

My train is then delayed by ten minutes.

Finally, I board the train at 3:19. I ride the train, not far from some super drunk, scabby woman (no, it wasn't my reflection,) for nearly an hour. 

It was as though I'd taken a bus trip to Winnipeg. Melbourne is huge. Especially for this small town girl. 

Last weekend, Amber, our Canadian friend, Robyn, and I visited a pub a little closer to home that put on a Harry Potter themed night. It was strange. Drinks were interesting. Tried some butter beer. The music was some creepy mystical music that played on repeat while some strange montage of Harry Potter clips that were put together in the style of The Ring.

Free photo booth though.

I stayed  at Amber's that night and we left Saturday morning to check out a city not far from Melbourne called Bendigo. 

Bendigo is a city of about 111000 that has a significant Asian influence due to the Gold Rush of 1851. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to get there.

It was nice to be in a car after so much time on public transport. 

I haven't driven in nearly 5 months! 

I will give it a go though, I promise.

We checked out a Chinese Dragon Museum, a vértigo inducing lookout tower, a giant old cathedral, Chancery Lane, and a park that was home to 100s a grey headed flying fox. Fun little day trip!

When, I got home, I crashed and ordered pizza.

This last weekend, I became real friends with one of my gym friends (meaning we hung out outside the gym). I crashed her friends fortieth birthday party. Really good group of people and far too much wine. I actually turned in a little early. Had to be done. Old Kate over indulged.

Borrowing a couple pictures from Tanya to prove that I'm actually making some friends.

Really not a very flattering picture of me. I'm pretty sure I looked better in real life. But a very appropriate drinking vessel!

All in all, I'm really enjoying my time here. I can't believe it's nearly been 5 months! I'm definitely looking into extending my Visa. 

Ta-ta for now sweet friends :)

Hypothetical Rhetoric

Well, I've had myself some days. We just had our break between term two and three. I completed my 6 week of block teaching primary and, while I'm grateful for the opportunity, I'm happy it's over.

I'm not a primary teacher! Even grade 6. To my elementary school teacher friends, to youse, I tip my hat. I mean sure they're cute and they love you, but do they ever shut up!? I did have some 9s and even some 10s that were similar. But, I can reason with those noisy pukes. 

All in all though, it was a good experience. Enjoyed the staff, the kids were fun in a non classroom context, gained some Aussie references- all good things. 

Took some fun pictures with the kids 

Had some drinks with my coworkers 

<photos unavailable for public viewing>

Just kidding, they were a pretty tame bunch. 

Following the end of the term, I moved from my cozy (cosy, if you're in Australia... ridiculous,) suburb of Gardenvale, further from the city center, out to the suburb of Aspendale, which is far closer to work. No more 5:30 wake up calls! 

Picture from my bedroom. Yeah, that's water. Yeah, there's a beach there. Yeah, my roommate and neighbours like to have fires. So good! Worthwhile move for sure.

Oh and in the brief window between the end of term and my move date, I got to let loose, Canadian style, with a new Canadian friend of mine, at a Canada Day celebration down at the Wharf Hotel. Air hockey, fooseball, caesars and poutine. Oh yeah.... ! 

Ok, so I moved and had a relatively quiet week before jetting off to Brisbane for a hostel stay at "Banana Benders." 

Surprisingly, I wasn't concerned about the name. I was concerned about bunking it with a bunch of twenty year olds. 

Not the case. There was quite an age range. Multiple nationalities too. It was a good experience and as annoying as the top bunk was, I really enjoyed meeting these new people. Basically being forced into social situations. My ambiverted self can be a little resistant to socializing at times. 

Day One

One of my favorite days. I woke up, made breakfast, got a coffee (chai turmeric- it was ok,) asked the girl working there for directions to the city, and just started walking. 

I first happened upon the Roma Street Parkland. Basically a massive garden/lizard sanctuary off of one of the biggest streets. I got lost in there for a few hours. Had a glass of wine while charging my phone. 

 

Unfortunately, a number of my pictures didnt save properly :(

Once I made my way out of the Parkland, I continued to explore and ended up at a French Festival in Southbank. There I ate a bunch of cheese out of a bread bowl and listened to French music. 

I left the festival and just walked through the beautiful Southbank region. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Just frickin' beautiful.

That's probably the shittiest picture I have, but it saved. So, you get what you get.

Made it back to the hostel in one piece.  

I guess I should mention that I arrived Friday evening and enjoyed some drinks with my new hostel friends and the above meanderings happened Saturday. 

Day One- After Dark

So my new friends invited me out on the town. Two 19 year old German girls, a 26 year old Finnish girl, 31 year old French guy, and we met up with a 24 year old Canadian girl. 

Most clubs will not accept international drivers licenses as a proper form of identification. So I'm about to get belligerent with my passport in the my pocket of my jacket/sweater thing.

I can actually feel people cringe after writing that. 

Just wait, I'm not done yet. 

The drinks went down. The music was classic 2000-2010 hits. Right up my alley. We are dancing and singing and drinking and having fun. In the middle of all of the fun, I get warm. 

I say to my new Canadian friend, 

"Man, I want to take my jacket off, but my passport is in the pocket."

Guess what? She offers to put it in her purse for me! I said it before and I'll say it again: Canadian Camaraderie is real. 

So we got into the piss and have a great time. Memories of the night are a little spotty, but the next morning I wake up without my passport. I was smart enough to get her contact information. I message her and she still has my passport, thank goodness. She sends it over to the hostel with another girl that we went out with who is staying at the same hostel. 

Was it stupid of me to give my passport to someone that I'd just met that night? 

Yes it was, luckily, what should have happened happened. She was a good, honest person and did exactly what she said she would. Take care of my passport for me. She could have been a criminal or a delinquent of some kind, but she behaved how a decent person should have. 

You cringed again, didn't you? 

Another incident of absolute trust in a stranger occurred that weekend. I was the stranger this time. My hostel roommate ran into a problem in that she lost her debit card while traveling and couldn't access her accounts. Since I have an Australian account she asked if she could transfer $400 to me and I would withdraw it for her.

Sure, no problem. 

So this woman that I met only a couple days prior, transfers $400 into my account. It arrives the evening before I leave. Who's to say I wouldn't have just lied about receiving the money and taken the money and left. 

Was it kind of stupid to transfer a complete stranger money? Yeah, I think so. However, I acted as a good, honest person and gave her her money. As a reasonable, good person should.

Being suspicious of everyone you meet is no way to live. Intuition isn't infallible. 

Had I lost my passport that night, I would have kicked myself for being stupid and not protecting an important document better. 

For not making a smarter decision.

I'm sure people would have chastised my new friend for transferring money to someone she barely knew had I run off with it. 

Does it feel like I'm leading up to something? 

I am.

I'm about to tread on thin ice in lead boots.

Bad people exist and bad things happen. We need to take precautionary measures and protect ourselves. 

This is an issue I have with the argument people have for, specifically, women wearing provactive clothing in vulnerable situations.

 I'm not perpetuating rape culture. 

I'm simply saying that bad people exist. People that aren't in control of the mental faculties. Sexual deviants. People on drugs. 

A woman should be able to wear whatever she wants and be left alone.

A family should be able to leave their home unlocked and not have to worry about being robbed.

A traveler should be able to hold money and their passport in their pockets without worrying about being pickpocketed. 

I should be able to ask a fellow traveler to hold my passport safely for me and have it returned to me.

My friend should be able to transfer money to someone and have them withdraw it and give it to her. Without fear of being ripped off. 

Unfortunately, criminals exist. Crimes are committed against good people. 

My van was stolen from me years ago. One of the first questions the police asked me was if the doors were locked.

Apparently, if they were unlocked, it could have affected my insurance claim. Isn't that blaming the victim?

Anyways, I just worry that while women are taking a stand, they're making some risky decisions. There's a reason I put my hood up and wear tattered grey sweats if I venture out alone at night. 

I've made some dodgy decisions in my day and have been fortunate. Had something gone wrong, I would surely have assigned some blame to myself. I know better and should take proper precautions.

Ok I'm done with that now.

Anyways for real this time. I'm continuing this post two weeks later. School has been busy, but good! These are quite brilliant students and there are high expectations put on them. I did a homework check one day and 90% of my students had completed the work!!!! I can assign after school detentions! Ah discipline instead of empty threats. 

I've been settling into my new place and I'm really enjoying life! The days are starting to warm up! It was 18 degrees on Sunday. A nice warm, winter day :)

With spotty internet access and limited data, I've found my thoughts wandering on the daily. 

Playing out hypothetical situations that will likely never happen. 

Indulging in day dreams. 

Thinking instead of scrolling.

The process has been nostalgic. I revel in nostalgia. It's even been overwhelming at times. We so often forget about the world around us. Sometimes, when the day to day monotony sets in, even though I'm in Australia, I forget to look around. To appreciate where I am. 

I took a walk along the beach a couple of days ago. The reality of where I am became very apparent. The fact that I'm walking in a beach that's located 10 meters from my home. Looking up at the unfamiliar constellations in the sky, yet the same moon I'd see back home. The unending water. 

Now, I'm not an emotional person. Maybe at one time I was, but I'm not anymore. This extended moment gave me that bubbly feeling in my stomach. Like I finally understood. Understood what? I don't know. It was like a lightbulb went on and I got it. 

I love where I live and I'm grateful for everyone that helped me and supported me on this adventure.

I'm gonna cut this post "short," so I can start another fresh this weekend. 

When panoramics go wrong. 

I'm actually into this picture 

Good Fortune Becomes Her

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." 

-Seneca 

Or sometimes you just happen to be in the right place at the right time. The stars align and magic happens. 

This past week and a bit, some incredible things have happened. 

First, I interviewed and got a contract at an amazing private school called

Haileybury. They had been having troubles finding a science teacher mid year and then my name came their way and things panned out. The school campus is 1x2km and gorgeous. I will be teaching 3 classes of grade ten science and one grade nine. 

Perfect fit, right?

I will have a lab tech who will set my labs up for me and help me out if need be! I have been assigned a mentor and a coach to help me figure out the day to day going ons of the school. I'm going to be making a shit tonne wonderful salary. The pros just don't stop.

Ah but alas, the dreaded downfall, the commute by public transport is still over and hour both ways from my current location. 

Did you catch that? Current location. Yes, I'm moving again. For the fifth time in 2 1/2 years. Moving to a place that is only twenty minutes away from my new school. Close to the train station which runs on the line near my gym. Oh, and you can see the beach and water from my bedroom. Just beyond the fire pit and BBQ. If you didn't already know, I love all of those things. The building is full of people my age. There is, apparently, a communal kayak. 

Everything's coming up Kate! 

At the moment, I'm waiting in a tattoo shop to get my very first tattoo. A thigh piece that is a Canadian themed compass. I've had a few people ask why I'm getting a Canadian tattoo in Australia. 

I'm proud to be Canadian. I'm proud of where I'm from. That's something about me that will never change. Never forget your roots. Where I started my life and lived the vast majority of my life will never cease to be a part of me. Your history, whether it were a positive or negative experience, will have a hand in defining your character.

I don't know how long I will stay here in Australia. 

The year? Two years? Forever? 

I'm really liking it and it's only just the winter. So much about a person can change, but being Canadian is a constant. Regardless of whether your past was a positive or negative experience, you are who you are because of it. 

It's kind of a big tattoo for a first one- go big or go home? 

 

 

 

It was kind of impulsive. I knew I wanted one, but when I made the appointment, I'd assumed there'd be a waiting period( 2-3 months?) and, as it happened, they had an opening the following week. So I went in, the artist had drawn something up from my rambling description and I just said, "Let's do it." 

Update: obviously, this post has been written over a few days (Sunday-Wednesday). Healing is going well and I'm still totally into it. No regrets. 

"Everything that happens, happens for a reason."

- Marilyn Monroe (?)

Everything that happens happens as a result of choices that have been made, mostly. Sometimes fluke, even senseless, events occur. When these things happen, how a person reacts to them will dictate the path their life takes from that point forward. I don't believe everything happens for a reason. Sometimes, things just happen and there doesn't have to be some deep existential meaning. 

As comforting as it may be. 

Our life is the result of our choices and our reactions. Choosing what moves you (taking the time to discover what moves you) over what your "supposed" to do or what you appear to be best suited for.

A friend of mine asked me for advice lately and it's began like this,

"I should want to..."

Which made me think, why should you want to. The social norm dictates that? You like what you like and there is no shame in that. There is a rapturous beauty that encapsulates someone who genuinely knows what they're all about. 

And lives that way unapologetically.

Something I've only begun to delve into. I'm thirty and only in the last year have really become totally comfortable with me. I know what I'm about. I have specific standards for myself. I use specific rather than high. Using the term "high standards" implies there is an inherent hierarchy of things. Some things are better than others and those are the things that capable people should strive for. Doing "less" would be a failure to meet one's full potential. Just because one has the potential to do something, doesn't mean it will bring them joy or a sense of a fulfillment. 

 

Now, especially in adolescence, I think it's important to explore all of ones capabilities. Don't know unless you try, right? 

However, just because someone is good at something doesn't mean they are meant to do that. It doesn't equate to a failure to reach potential or that society has been let down in someway. 

Whether it be the relationships you keep,  your career choices, or the place you call home, just because it looks good on paper, doesn't mean that it's the best option. 

I've had all three happen in the last 2 1/2 years. A long term relationship, that made sense from an outside perspective, came to an abrupt end- under less than desirable circumstances. I decided to forgo an opportunity to seek permanent employment in a school division where I'd built a reputation and had connections. Finally, of course, I moved 15000 kilometers from home, alone, to pursue different opportunities. 

I'm happy. My life is such an adventure right now. I've started from scratch, across the world, and, while some things feel familiar, excitement and new experiences lurk behind every corner. 

The difficult decisions to make challenging changes has left me feeling more fulfilled. Had I stayed in that cushy, comfort zone, my life would look fine on paper. It would look good actually. Real good. However, my insides would be slowly rotting until my unique essence became a shadow of my younger years and their tightly coupled ambition. 

Here, I am. 

Thirty, single, and far away from everything I've ever known.

 I have a feeling that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. 

Now, if my students would stop asking me when I'm going to get a boyfriend...