Day 33 - December 8

OK. I've been having a bit of an explosion lately. I've very rarely in my life ever been concerned for something as basic-need-y as a place to live. Which, really, makes me understand even more how good I have things. When the biggest thing on my mind is whether or not I want to be spending x% of my earnings on rent.
As a result of my emotional crisis, I really gave you all a situation that didn't really have all the details. So this is the complex version:
House A is indeed a house. It is a large, 3-bedroom house with lots of space and a big room that I have neither the desire nor the budget to fill up with things. Throw a futon in there, I'll be fine. Maybe a cheap dresser. It's close to where I need to be, it's conveniant. I know I shouldn't be concerned as I am about money, but, in this case, I'm just worried about being able to have a decent period of time after I leave Melbourne to go up to the Sydney/Brisbane area and have a good run before I head home. That's the plan as it stands now. It is, of course, written in soap, not stone. But I digress.
The second choice is an apartment that a gentleman who saw my ad online is setting up to lease. The location is just as good, if not better. The rent would be cheaper. Not mind-bogglingly cheaper, but enough that I would likely take it if things started to solidify soon. Within the next week, say. The issue is the fact that I've never even met the guy. I have no idea if everything is going to pan out. Also, it is looking like I will have more expenses outside of rent, as it is likely to be unfurnished. He has yet to let me know what it includes, but it is my thinking that, seeing as I am renting and he is leasing, that he should likely pick up the tab for most of the necessities. I really don't need a computer or internet access in the house, there's so many reasonably-priced cafes around. A couch would likely be something that would have to be bought. Of course, bed, dresser, etc. Basics. I don't think that it would be too too expensive, esp. if my thinking is right regarding the fact that most of these things are really his things. Is that an accurate train of thought?

Anyway, these are the two choices. David (apartment) has ballparked the time we could move in at Christmas-ish. I have accommodations until the 20th. There is also a British couple (another one. Wierd, no?) who has offered their couch to me over the holidays if it comes to that. I doubt I could stay at the hostel much longer than the 20th. They are also new here and finding jobs and found a nice apartment (it's so much easier with two) that they move into today. I'm jealous.

In other news, I have a job. I was a little concerned about getting one, but apparently all the warnings they give backpackers in all those little books about employment being a tough find doesn't occur when you have enough restaurant experience. I am officially a chef at a cool little Mediterranean (sp?) cafe. My first shift is Saturday. Most weekday shifts, I will be the only chef on (I like saying chef. I was always only a cook.) . It's so slack. Angie, you got it right. Cafes are the way to go. The pay is pretty much what I was looking for. It's reasonable, and I could make rent at either place without too much penny-pinching.

http://www.katbahloo.com.au/ is the website. Check out the large menu and picture me going it alone after only one training shift. Apparently this is how they do it with everyone, and they expect a learning curve. Most of it is easy enough.

Otherwise, I have been chilling (well, as much as I can) near the beach. St Kilda, which is just Southeast of downtown and a long but manageable walk to the ultimate fields. I have a bank account, and caught a replay of the Giants/Cowboys game yesterday.

I'm updating pretty much daily, mostly because of how slow everything is. My freak-out was in the most relaxed manner possible. Keep in touch.

Miss y'all.

-P