Coffee Energy

Everyone needs it once in a while, right? Coffee energy. Without going to spiritual on you, I just wanted to highlight energy, maybe my lack of it, maybe the effect of coffee, either way, this week has been pretty crazy to be honest.

Coffee energy, needed.

It's big, yeah!

At some point, I had to get a Window Kid reference in. Surely you know who he is? If not, get to know real quick - he's made up the last 5 minutes before I start my shifts. Not so subtle head nodding in the staff room while I down, yes, a coffee. Oat Cappucino. My favorite.

By it's big, I mean this week. Christ, what a week. Christmas - as I mentioned last week - is a crazy time for hospitality. Crazy high hours, the most I've worked since being out here, some late finishes, but weeks like this - especially in a new environment - really test the bond of a team.

It's new for me to struggle to make friends. I'd like to think I'm outgoing & confident enough to waltz into a new environment and make some mates. Australia has tested that. Social anxiety has got me a few times, but I'm pushing through, work has helped me significantly. So much so, I managed to go for a night out, albeit a fairly relaxed one, this week with some colleagues. Bondi Beach pub, upstairs venue, latin vibes - was pretty mint. Shoutout to the Mexican group at work, awesome, awesome people. Great night. But fuck me does Tequila make my stomach shudder.

All in all, I needed some form of social gathering. I don't know why I said that in that way, sounded like Will from the Imbetweeners, I needed a night out. A fat night out. Yeah. This week has tested me, I feel like I've been covered in sugar syrup all week, my Casio still feels a bit sticky. As for my Samba's, don't even go there. A bloke's Samba's are his pride and joy, they go to battle together, but the end result is heartbreaking. A small wash with a cloth won't erase the state I saw them in on Thursday night, actually Friday morning. Real pain.

Anwyays, Sugar Syrup....

Cocktail Bar, man

I take it as the biggest compliment when I'm tasked with a role other than the one I have been doing most days. Something new. A bit more responsibility. Some might find that boring, but I love it.

Being offered to "jump on cocktails", as we say, was daunting, but I was so excited. It's a new dimension to bartending I've never experienced, beyond the odd snowball last Christmas, and maybe a couple Aperol Spritz'. On that note by the way, I think Daquiri's and Spritz' are 80% of my profession. 

So many different recipes to remember, I won't sit here and say I don't look at cheat sheets, because I do. But to be tasked with that responsibility, and to have a new challenge, at one point in 41 degrees heat, yeah. it was really fun. Tough, but fun.

I'm one for beating myself up sometimes. I want to be good at everything I'm tasked with, and often I make the hurdles way harder to overcome just because nerves get the better of me. This time though, it's all felt natural. Environment is so important. I'm so grateful.

Hinge might even get an update - not just a barman now. Cocktail barman [every now and again...]

P.S, for those who don't know, Hinge is a dating app - hold that thought...

Productivity & Banana Bread

Being productive lately has been tough to be honest. I've slept, average. 4-5 hours a night at best all week. I wanted to get a lot done, and not gonna lie, I didn't. Doomscrolled more than usual, used eye-drops far too often, and in general just overstayed my time in bed when I should've prepped for stuff. Food, work, all sorts, but I can't be too tough, it's been a busy week.

But then, earlier this week, I stumbled into this lovely little food precint. At least one part of it was fairly chilled. This nice Italian Cafe, nice staff, quick service - sorry, this isn't a google review, but I just wanted you to know. Oat Cappucino, and, it's within budget so...Banana bread. Extra butter, in case it's dry. My favourite pairing since moving here. That or Açai. But that's bloody expensive.

Why is it relevant? Well, it's where my productivity surged. I was in the city already, had an hour to kill, so I headed down and got those bits. Sat on a high chair, headphones on, napkin to avoid a coffee stained white shirt. Worst fear. The coffee hits me pretty quick, in general I just felt happy. I wouldn't say relaxed, but I'd say enthused. I made an entire budget plan, researched some bits for it, and looked at more properties. All within 45 minutes, I'd done more than the next four days that would proceed it. \

I don't like to have caffeine too much, but when the coffee is this good, and this cheap (avg. £2.50-£3), it's a no brainer. Plus, it did give me a kick I needed. While my productive edge did slow down that week, the precedent was set, and since I've used the budget fairly well, and continued to look for more flats - even having a couple of viewings in that time.

I probably should've gone for Banana bread and a coffee while I write this, but tne Tasmanian red wine - yes I ditched the beer for once - was an option I wanted to finally act on. Worth it. Shiraz mate, belting. 

Changes I've noticed in me

I try to be as open and honest as I can. I've noticed some changes in me, some better, some perhaps worse. One thing I can say, and it came up in coversation between me and Declan, was just how much more relaxed I've become in situations that once stressed me out. 

You may not know me, or know me enough to know how small things really used to, and sometimes still do, eat away and annoy me. Someone budging into me in the street used to send me crazy. Now, with situations similar, I just find myself laughing it off.

Why is that? I can't give a set answer, but I'd honestly say that now, given I don't know people here, reacting has heavier consequences. Not just that, but I value my time, and my mentality in that time. Does me being angry, or making a nasty comment really change anything? No. I've just given in to something I shouldn't for one second consider rising too. Yes, it's annoying, but enough to ruin my morning/afternoon, or even my day? Not at all. Plus, perspective: what if they were rushing somewhere? It's a genuine accident? You have to try and just zoom out sometimes - everyone has things going on. But there is also just idiots who never look up from their phone, or have zero spacial awereness. Both exist, but both you shoudln't care much about. Carry on with your day, and just breathe.

Maybe I worry about doing the pots more. I definitely didn't worry at home, sorry Mum & Meg, but yeah, I would say that's the negative one really. I stress Declan out with cleaning stuff, maybe breath down his neck about it too much sometimes.

Last one? Music. I'm a lover of music. Spotify wrapped tells you bugger all about me. Heavy mental, and 'Nu Metal' have taken over my life since August. A place to seek emotion from heavier sounds, and just understanding what music means more, I've enjoyed what Australia has taught me about music - it isn't just a dopamine hit, it's an experience. One night seated with charcuterie on a hill overlooking Exmouth, Western Australia, watching wales and listening to music - maybe that's what spearheaded my need to have music on 24/7. I feel for my neighbours, it's on 24/7, I hold no prisoners.

The house-hunt

So far, largely unsuccessful. I'm trying to work out rough costs, deposits, move out/in dates, all the rest of it. What i've learned? Act on your gut.

Today, Monday, yes i'm finishing this a bit late, I secured a flat in Bronte. Or so I thought I had.  A beautiful little suburb in between Bondi & Coogee, renowned for its beach, especially around the festive period. It's saught after, average viewings are attended by 5+ people, it's crazy.

Contract signed, money almost ready. Rug pulled. I was pissed off. I was given the flat, told it's mine on the 16th, still awaiting a payment link, and it's gone. The reality of Sydney real estate, unfortunately. But in that time between being offered & signing the contract, I felt uneasy. Having to move next week, spend over £830 on bonds and more, it felt all too much too soon. Maybe I've dodged a bullet. It wound me up, but you have to try and think - zoom out once more.

I'm in a decent flat now. Yes, not perfect or what I want anymore, but it's sanctuary. It's safe, and it's mine for another few weeks. Some people don't have that, I have to be grateful. I met a lad today, from Southport, sleeping on an air bed. He didn't get the room, but amongst the anger, if I didn't get it, I hoped he did. So I suppose even though the real estate agent annoyed me, and my desk got a smack, I made a mate. Positives from negatives, we take those, always.

This coming week will be more promising, I'm sure. Lets hope next week we're talking about me finally chucking out that crappy shirt, or getting rid of those rubbish cushions, before a move...

This weeks take-aways...

Apart from the odd Guzman y Gomez, this weeks take-aways? Well, you reap the results of hard work being one. For the first time since we landed pretty much, I feel like I can just enjoy that beer, make those plans, have that Açai bowl. It's freeing. I've needed that.

Every day I feel more and more settled. Sydney becomes more familiar. "Pipe dream" ideas for trips away and even days off are coming to fruition. I'm actually excited for what is next. While I will obviously stress about moving out, and seeing Dec leave the country, I know I have to make the most of this second half of the trip.

Honestly though, I've learned a lot this week. Often it's tough to pinpoint exactly the big things, I'd say the previous weeks have been better for that, but this week? So much on, not a lot of time to actually sit and think. But like I said, i feel the results for working hard. I'm making mates, making plans, making memories, and making the most of this amazing place. 

This week? More work, absolutely. But also it's summer. I want a beach day or two, I want to get back to the gym after a few days absent, I want to start journaling properly again. I'll make it all happen this week.

I still can't believe I've been in Australia for six months. Fuck. Time really does fly by, especially now I'm having even more fun.

Grateful for everything I've got, and working hard for everything I want - including that bottle of Shiraz and Steak. That especially. Hell yeah.

Have a great week, see you next Monday - don't be late!

Jamie