November

It's about time I did an update. There's a few pics below. Sorry Rich, I couldnt find any good clean jokes!

Had two job interviews last week, both down in Mentone. One for a Telco and one for an Automotive company. I'm learning a lot after being out of the loop for 10 years. Placement agencies really differ, and it sure pays to get a good one. A couple I've dealt with seem to have few Time Management or Customer Management skills. But one has been excellent with so much proactive follow up it's easy to see how they have so much market share. No-one seems to mind that I've had 8 months off! I could write a blog on the whole topic of my jobsearching.

We've also been updating our knowledge of the Melbourne property market in case one of the jobs comes off. Think we'll rent awhile. Not holding my breath though for "Aussie John's" prediction that prices will fall in 6 months.

I've also finished off my electric power unit for my mountain bike. It looks really cool, and goes pretty well. I've got two really long range high power batteries so I might take it out thru the bush today. I'll put some pictures on.

We've also set up a little home business focusing on import and resale. It's no great money spinner, but it's been interesting getting the ABN and tax structure right etc etc. We have to make sure John Howard gets his little bit!

Still no sale on our old motorhome in England if you're thinking of making a change in life! Well thats November. CYA!
Sam.

Ballarat Relay for Life

On Saturday we participated in the Ballarat Relay for Life. We're getting to be veterans, but somehow managed to get out of most of the walking this time, which is a bit cheeky. But the team raised several thousand bucks, and the whole event raised about 50 grand for cancer research. With a 1 in 3 chance of getting cancer, how could you not participate?

From the mouth of (B)Abe's.

Noticed this on a trip thru Brighton recently. He must have really ticked some people off. Some old colleagues may get a laugh out of it. Seemed to be on every power pole east of the Melbourne GPO.

There's bottle lids in them thar hills..

What better way to celebrate the anniversary of the eureka uprising than to but a cheapo metal detector off ebay and wander around the Victorian bush.

I even bought a miner's right, with the usual crappy historical artwork one expects of these things...

Can't say if I have found anything or not, a goldie never tells..


Prospecting in the bush behind Ballarat 11Nov.

Whats up with the coastal theme?

I've missed the ocean a great deal. We've been hanging out in Warrnambool today babysitting my sisters house. And trying to eat our way thru the entire menu at Fishtales. Which is impossible. You'd just start again if you did.

The weather has been wet again, with the occasional lull. Perfect for shopping really. Which requires cash so tomorrow its time to read the Age and start looking for jobs in Melbourne.

Have been hoping to do some more camping again if the weather fines up. Funny that we'd miss it. I've had a lot of questions from fellow aussies who're still thinking of taking the plunge and travelling for an extended period, so we're still thinking a lot about writing a book or online website to capture all the ins and outs. I'm gonna add a link at the to Campervans4U.co.uk site also - they bought our rig and she's on the lot. Dont miss out on 'a bewdy'!

Better go, the Managing Director is calling.

Sambo.

Warrnambool harbour, dead flat.

Port Fairy beach, just west of 'Pea Soup'.

Help, there's monkeys on the wharf.

Last week

On thursday it was my birthday - 33 years young. I'd have a midlife crisis but frankly I've been too darn busy being unemployed. ;)

Paula and I went to Queenscliff and stayed a few nights at Athelstane House to celebrate. Awesome. If you want a few quiet nights out near Geelong and some really good food and coffee, go there.

Caught a nice little Pinky snapper off the end of the Queenscliff pier - and had him for tea last night, which was great. It's nice to have some time to go fishing again. There's a photo below.

Have been spending a little bit of time building bits and pieces which should eventually become an electic power unit for my pushbike. I'm not sure that OPEC will notice the sudden drop in petrol sales, but it's nice to keep my brain turning over.

Stay good!
Sambo.

Looking out along Queenscliff pier