End of Year Musings

It's the end of 2007, and as I recover from the post-Christmas haze and attempt to get my still-holidaying brain back to reality, I realise what a glorious year it was for me. Career wise, was a year of many changes; I went freelance and took up a few exciting projects, and ventured out to the world of retail sector part time. I've met a lot of interesting people. It's also been a year for good friendships and stronger family ties. I've really come to appreciate my friends and family.

This year, I'm spending the NYE in solitude, instead of going to parties or hitting the town. This will be my third time and I'll just relax quietly. I realise it's not everyone's cup of tea, but it really is a lovely way to finish the year. When I announced my intentions the first time 8 or 9 years ago, it startled a lot of people, particularly the ones that didn't know me very well. They saw my solitary NYE as something outrageously antisocial and depressing. Some looked at me as if I'd just expressed my desire to club a baby seal. They said "You.....want to spend NYE alone?!" in horror. To me, it's a perfect time to reflect and unwind. I got sick of having to explain myself and justify my decision, so I simply said to everyone "I have already made a plan" the second year, and didn't offer further details. People around me are more used to the concept now, and they generally just let me be. I still get the occasional "Maybe you should talk to someone" plus that whole concerned look from acquaintances, but these days, those that are close to me do understand and accept why I like to do this. Some even said they'd like to try it one year.

I also had an epiphany. I can afford to be solitary because I have a choice not to be, meaning I have friends and family that would welcome me if I'd like some company. People are kind enough to invite me to things. There's a world of difference between loneliness (pain of being alone ) and solitude (joy of being alone). There are people in this world who are bona fide hermits that literally cut all or most ties with others. I used to think that I am only a step away from that, but I was mistaken. If I didn't have the interactions with my good friends and family, I'd be lost. I'm eternally thankful to their existence for giving me the chioce to relish in solitude. Some people don't have this choice and are forced to live in intense lonliness with a huge gaping hole in their hearts. To be able to live like this is a privilege, and I hope I've been a good friend and a family member to them as well. I shudder to imagine what would it be like to be unloved, unwanted and uncared for.

I'll brave the intense heat soon and will get some nice mangoes, watermelon, cherries and nectarines for dinner. Then I'll run a cold bath with some candles and soothing music to literally chill-out. I'll reflect on the year, maybe read a book or watch my favourite DVD, and send out "thank you" vibes to everyone who are important to me in my life, as I reflect on how they all helped me be happier and more balanced throughout 2007.

It's getting a little heavy for a NYE topic, so I'm off to prepare for my solo festivity now.
Have a terrific New Year, everyone!

PS The Top-selling drinks list hasn't been forgotten - it will appear on the next deli post :-)

Merry Christmas

The silly season is truly upon us, and what do you know, it's only three sleeps until Christmas.

I'll be spending it with my parents and a family friend who would have otherwise spent the day alone. All of us are going away for a few days from tomorrow, and for once in my life, I've actually packed ahead of time. I wonder if Hell's frozen over yet. Having multiple jobs has forced me to be a tiny little bit more organised, but I still have a long way to go. My mind becomes a sieve when I have a lot happening at once.

I'm hideously behind in Christmas shopping, and I won't even bother catching up before the big day. I concede defeat. I THINK my family decided to abolish Christmas presents this year. If I'm wrong, sorry guys, I haven't got anything prepared... Perhaps I could write you a poem each? The only gifts I got in time are for the children. More and more of my friends are having kids and I do enjoy spoiling them (with their mum and dads' permission). I don't ever want to be the Grinch.

This Christmas will be another one spent without my siblings. I love them all in my own way and I do hope to catch up with them in person sooner rather than later. I actually think that a family reunion would be lovely, even if we end up wanting to slaughter each other after half an hour. We can't live with or without them, can we?

My parents just called and I've just been informed that they'll be arriving 5 hours ahead of schedule. I will post this now and tidy up the place....

I wish everyone a very happy Christmas. Hope Santa will bring what you've wished for :-)

Still at the Deli

Where did 2007 go?
I blinked and it's not even 2 weeks until Christmas.

This year has been a rather eventful one for me with many changes, and so much so that I feel like it went past me in a blur.

My part time job at the deli is going surprisingly well. When I first announced it, the reactions I got from people ranged from worried to amusing. Some read my blog in haste and assumed that I'd made a massive career change, but this job is a temporary arrangement until my friends get their business on its feet. I have a few projects happening at the same time so I see myself moving on within 3-4 months (then concentrate on my day job). It's been such an eye-opening experience, though, and I'll miss it in some ways.

My sandwiches are less of train-wrecks than they used to be, but I'm getting less practise now that I'm on evening shifts. People don't tend to order them after lunch time. I've mastered the art of pretending to know what I'm doing, however, and I now casually wrap the sandwiches while they disassemble, as if to say that's what's supposed to happen.

The deli now operates as a cafe, so we actually serve proper meals in additon to the light snacks, and so far, many locals have come to order takeaways (some dine in as well), which has been keeping us busy.

My colleagues consist of an emotionally unstable 20 year-old girl who is known to swear at customers (needless to say, her days are numbered - a new girl starts in January), a very quiet chef and the sweetest kitchenhand boy who just finished year 11. Unlike my previous job, I don't really see any solid friendships blossoming at this one, but at least the chef, the kitchenhand and I have a good teamwork happening.

Despite being surrounded by copious amount of food and beverages (and because I'm a staff member, I can eat and drink anything I like at the shop), I've lost a little bit of weight since I started working there. It's quite odd, because I graze during my shift and I don't walk around that much, but I'm not complaining.

Since it's summer, here is a list of topselling icecream brands at the shop for November:

1. Magnum (Streets)
2. Cornetto (Streets)
3. Golden Gaytime (Streets)
4. Paddle Pop (Streets)
5. Bubble O'Bill (Streets)
6. Dixie Cup (Peters)
7. Splice (Streets)
8. Heaven (Peters)
9. Calippo (Streets)
10. Drumstick (Peters)

As you can see, Streets ice creams win hands down.
I will do a list of topselling drinks in my next post.

Favourite song of the moment

My favourite song of the moment is Barb Jungr's "Heartbreak Hotel". from her latest album "No Regrets - The Remarkable Barb Jungr" (available from ABC Classics). And remarkable, she is. In case you're not familiar with her work, she's a musical performer/composer/writer based in the UK. Much has been written about her, so I won't go on too much, but here is what her label, Linn Records, says on the website:

"With her unique vocal style, critics have compared her to Nina Simone, Peggy Lee and Edith Piaf declaring that Barb Jungr "is one of the best interpreters of Jacques Brel and Bob Dylan anywhere on this angst ridden planet today" (Village Voice, New York).  Since 2000, Jungr's releases on Linn Records have brought her to the world stage and revealed her to be one of Europe's most exciting voices."

Her version of Heartbreak Hotel is so haunting and beautiful, even though the song is about the dark hell hole people find themselves in when their bruised, bleeding hearts get shattered to millions of pieces. Yes, Elvis sang the original, but the two versions are very different.

Despite the depressing lyrics, I actually find the song soothing. Possibly because I've never been THAT lonely, hurt and heartbroken. Not even close. Yes, I have been dumped. Back in the days, I have cried myself to sleep, I wrote pages and pages about my anguish, forgot to eat, didn't want to face the world, earbashed my poor friends and wondered if I'll ever love again (and alas, I have). But I've never felt like I could DIE from a broken heart, that's for sure. Some people languish in that godforsaken place for a long time and according to one friend who has been there, it's not somewhere you'd ever want to be. when I hear the song, I feel grateful to the fact that I've never been there. And of course, her interpretation is a work of genius.

The rest of the album is brilliant too, but if you get the chance, I thoroughly recommend that you see her live. It's magic when she takes to the stage. Her banter is full of humour and her unique voice is mesmerising. As some of you would know, she recently toured Australia and I was fortunate enough to catch her show. And I know those of you that went to see her were bowled over. She's a dynamite, oozing charisma and warm stage presence. Both Barb Jungr and her accompanist Matthew Carey were enthralling. I hope they will tour again soon.

My new job

A friend of mine and her fiance (let's call them C & A) went on a bit of a shopping spree and bought a house AND a shop. They opened a small deli and had a staffing issue. I have very flexible hours since leaving my office job, so they asked me if I'd be interested in helping out in my free time (which I do have a lot of) few days a week.

While I was flattered that they trust me enough with their shop, I reminded them that, 1. I have no previous customer service experience, 2. I am NOT a people person by any stretch of the phrase, 3. I have no cash handling/professional food preparation experience, 4. I'm not good with numbers and 5. I am an extremely eccentric person. I was also afraid of losing the friendship if things didn't work out. But they insisted that I give it a try, and that if I don't like it, I can quit. They also said that if those 12-year-olds at Baker's Delight and KFC can do it, then so can I. Mind you, they're taller than I am! And that they won't hold it against me if things turn pear-shaped (provided that I don't burn the shop down, swear at every customer, and/or run off with all the cash and cigarettes, I'm guessing).

Then I thought, this is a great opportunity to try something totally new. There's a lot to be said about simple repetitive tasks with minimum stress. My friends nodded enthusiastically when I came to this conclusion. I eventually said yes.

I went into the shop for a few times and did a bit of training. I learned how to make sandwiches and rolls, as well as how to use the EFTPOS machine and the till. I also memorised the skyrocketing prices of bread and milk.

And the moment arrived. For the first time in my life, I stood behind the counter, greeted the customers and served them.

The first few shifts were totally nerve-wracking. The cash register constantly beeped at me for pressing the wrong key. To make the matters worse, the barcode scanner packed it in during my first shift and I had to refer to the price list every time when items turned up that I didn't know the prices of (which was often). But the customers were ever so patient. They smiled and said to me that it's okay. Some even tipped in sympathy. And my rolls and sandwiches were, and still are, tragic. I'd like to apologise to all my customers who had to pay for my below-par creations with lettuce and tomato hanging out the sides.

I've rediscovered my inability to do things efficiently. I'm SO slow at opening the plastic bags, counting the change, and stocking the drink fridges. Judging by how long it takes me to get ready, make my bed, do the dishes or any sort of housework, I should've known. I vowed never to be impatient with shop assistants again.

And the customers are indeed fascinating. I took an order for a beetroot, cheese and egg sandwich. Some people pay in really random amounts, like giving me $6.45 for the total of $3.10. Someone paid 10 dollars worth of stuff in 5 cent pieces. One person bought an entire stock of Paddle Pops because the family was one stick away from winning a holiday to the Gold Coast. I also had a conversation with a deaf person on a notepad.

I never thought I'd say this, but I actually enjoy this job a lot. Partly because it's so different to my main job and I'm constantly learning new things...a bit like a toddler who is discovering the world. I'd never be a people person, but I seem to be able to handle those 1 minute exchanges with them.

It's still early days and I'm not sure how my new part time job pans out, but so far, so good.

I will keep you posted with how this all goes. Never a dull moment in my life! Watch this space for more amusing stories :-)

A few words on Mao's Last Dancer

I've been more productive than usual in the past week and have reached the halfway mark with my translation. I've been working incessantly, not because I'm a workaholic, but because this is one of the most enjoyable, absorbing and inspiring projects I've ever had.

Sure, it's not all roses and rainbows. It's always hanging over my head and it will, until it's published. I agonise over a sentence because it doesn't flow. I get stuck on one word and sometimes it take me days to come up with another that fits. Before it goes to print, I will need to edit the manuscript dozens of times, and REALLY concentrate each time. But those challenges are all part of the package. I'm grateful that I've been given this opportunity.

I've had requests that I write about meeting Li Cunxin, the author of Mao's Last Dancer. It’s a book about his truly extraordinary life. He survived intense poverty in China during Mao’s Cultural Revolution, was chosen out of millions of children to become a ballet dancer then endured the gruelling training and being away from his loving family at the age of 11. He fought his way out of the “deep dark well” he was in, and after getting the opportunity to go over to America, he finally won his freedom.

Meeting someone after reading his autobiography that details his life is tricky. I obviously had ideas about what kind of a person he might be after reading his book. I imagined that he’d be someone who is down to earth, friendly, personable and genuine.

Thankfully, I was right on the money, it was almost scary. He and I chatted about many things, such as ballet, his book, related projects, Eastern culture, trusting your intuition and knowing when something feels "right". He also elaborated on some of the experiences that he wrote about in his book, which gave me a better understanding. I enjoyed the conversation tremendously and my respect for him deepened.

His determination, courage and love for his family are remarkable. He tells his tale simply and honestly, straight from his heart. My challenge would be not to lose any of that in translation…both literally and figuratively.

Keep those good musicals coming

There is a list of good musicals that are currently playing or about to open in Australia. I am very pleased, particularly since I've read many times that it's getting harder to finance and stage those shows here. In Melbourne, Phantom of the Opera and Priscilla the Musical are currently on. In Sydney, Billy Elliot will open in November, Rent will open in Perth also in November and in Adelaide, Assassins and Miss Saigon will open in December. And let's not forget Wicked, which will finally open in Melbourne in July 08!

I know it is a sorry state compared to Broadway and West End, but we can't really compete, considering that the population of America is 300 million, and the UK 60.6 million. There are only 20 million of us here. I've learned to appreciate what we do have.

lt would be nice to see all the shows I've mentioned above, except maybe Rent. I would love to see the original production in Broadway and I've watched the DVD many times (which I hear is not as good as the stage production but at least it features six out of eight original main cast members). But this Perth production features Nikki Webster... Huh? I can't possibly imagine which main character would she play. And if she has the role of the sexy, sizzling minx Maureen or the streetwise exotic dancer Mimi, I think Jonathan Larson (the late creator) will resurrect himself in protest. I can't see her as Joanne the lesbian lawyer either. And Anthony Callea? I can't help but wonder what on earth was the casting director thinking.

I will definitely try and see Billy Elliot the Musical. I absolutely adore that movie and according to my very lucky friend who saw it in London, it is a phenomenally successful film to stage adaptation. She gave it 9 out of 10. The musical version opened in London in May 2005 and it's been hugely popular since, still playing to full houses more than two years later. It will open in Sydney from 13th of November at the Capitol Theatre (tickets are available from Ticketmaster). Not only is the story very powerful and inspiring, now that it's a musical, we'll get to see more dancing and singing as well. Four boys, who were chosen from over a thousand hopefuls, will alternately play the lead role of Billy.

I can hardly wait to experience the magic and I do hope that the Australian production will be just as entertaining and captivating.

My first post

So here it is, finally an upgrade from my (ir)regular group emails. I do intend to update this on a fairly frequent basis....!

Freelancing is a lot of fun. Being my own boss is great, but there's no denying that I could use more self-discipline. I am getting better, though. And it is bloody fantastic being able to work in pjs again.

I've finished nearly one third of the translation, and I really do love this job. Lengthy editing/proofreading process awaits once the translation itself is finished, and when I think about that, I clutch my face with two hands in sheer horror (just like "Scream" by Munk), thinking "What the hell have I done?". But I will cross the bridge when I come to it.

I have part time jobs to get me out of the house, otherwise I knew I'd turn into a hermit now that I have no sharemate to monitor and comment on my lack of social interactions. I'm a lot better these days, honest!

So many mundane things need to be done.... Choosing a new coffee table is one of them. I've been putting that off for about a year now and flipping through IKEA catalogue only made me wonder if those Swedish names mean anything. My baby sister is actually going to Sweden in 3 weeks, so there's a good chance that I will find out!!

Okay, that's enough procrastination for the night. Will post again soon :-)