So the seat of my bike fell off yesterday while I was riding to the train station, in the rain. It was a good bad-day-in-a-movie situation. It’s been fixed now, the bolt that held the seat to the post got loose and fell off.
And I picked my name in kanji during my Japanese culture class. We covered calligraphy, using the large traditional brushes. The teacher let me pick from a list of kanji, each with the reading ‘jyo’. I picked one that looked nice, and used it. Then, yesterday, when I met with Fumie for more Japanese practice, I learned it’s meaning: growth, maturing. It’s sweet! And how nice that I’d pick that specific kanji, not knowing it’s meaning. I feel it’s very appropriate for my situation right now.
Orion has migrated into the night sky here. He likes summer only I guess, and chases it around the globe.
Gary, Ariels’ host father, likes and owns Calexico and the Eels. I’m surprised at his grasp on good American and indie music. But, the Aussies know how to pick things, and many don’t like corporations here, so it makes sense in the end.
Power outlets are called power points here. And each one is switched. Next to the plug-ing, there’s a small swith you use to turn the power point on or off. I like that idea, and I think it’s safer. And the family uses a clothes line, which is better for the environment than a dryer. What’s more, I get a chance to relax and reflect while I hang my clothes to dry. It brings back happy memories of Mer and I hanging clothes out in Portland on our Canadian road trip.
The kitchen sink in the house faces the family room (instead of a window, as is comon in American homes). I feel that this allows families to interact more with each other after a meal. When you’re facing the window, dish-washing becomes a chore because you’re alone when doing it. But facing your family let’s you talk and joke while washing. This is better.
Technology has a way to rob families of quality time. Dryers and kitchen layouts must be rethot in the US. Or something.
Hung out with a dancer from CT yesterday. She’s studying nursing in Sydney, but came down for the exchange. She talked about some cool things she’s learned while in school - a lot about contreceptives. Apparetly, there’s a pill for men coming out, which eliminates the sperm in semen. The sperm count is restored after 6 weeks once you stop taking the pills. She’s gonna try and get her boyfriend to take them once they’re out.
I’m sleeping the guest room of the guest house now: Ariel’s mom Diane is out for a week. She’s making thanksgiving dinner (which isn’t celebrated here) on Friday next week - so it will be Thursday US time. This week will be interesting with such a high strung house mate. Oh well.