Crocs Rule. RIP Steve Irwin.
I am getting booted from the nest. That's right, kicked out, sianara, see you in Sydney. You see, I made the huge blunder of getting a job here in Mooloolaba, which means that I forgo sailing down the east coast of Australia to Sydney on Rutea. Who would do such a silly thing? Well... me. I guess.
I really shouldn't winge. In fact, in spite of my whining and - to be honest - total shock at going from not working for two years to working 40 hours per week, I am stoked to have a job. And it was the plan all along that we would get to Australia and I would get a job and everything would be peachy. And it is. I just don't like waking up at 6 AM to be at work by 7, working all day in the hot sun detailing boats. However at a certain point the only thing worse than working is not working, so I am thankful.
Last week Mark and I were brainstorming about how I could make money, as it seemed that getting a job in Mooloolaba would prove to be extremely tricky. When we got back from surfing I was walking down the dock and noticed two guys washing a boat. I went up to them and said hello, introduced myself and asked if they might need any help. I am, after all, an expert stainless steel polisher.
Dusty, the owner of Marine Detailing Solutions, said "Sure mate! We could use some help with a few boats coming up. Have you ever worked on boats?" Have I?! Well... I wouldn't call most of it "work", but I was very enthusiastic and low and behold, I had a job.
Incidentally, I secured the job the day Mom and Dad arrived in Mooloolaba. It was great to see them after two weeks, especially because Dad made lasagna and chocolate cake for dinner. How I missed them so! Over dinner Dad casually mentioned that they were only staying in Mooloolaba a few days before heading down south toward Sydney. Wait, what? My home is leaving without me? But... what am I supposed to do?!
Fortunately Mark is not leaving Mooloolaba just yet, so I will move in with him (again) before I am really booted out onto the streets. I mean, it wouldn't be terrible to move into the backpackers hostel - it is great for a party - I just don't know about living there. I will avoid it as long as possible. I must admit it is pretty nice to have free rent.
As for work, it is good. Dusty is a great boss. Although he works ridiculously hard and long hours, he takes care of his employees and is patient with newbies. I am learning useful skills such as how to do marine detailing - buffing and waxing hulls, interior detailing, and lots and lots of cleaning. Although the work is not particularly fun - in fact it is hard and physically demanding - I can take the things I learn here anywhere in the world to make scrilla.
And there are some perks to my job (aside from getting paid and learning new stuff). For one, I am fulfilling a plan. I would feel pretty bad about myself if I did not have a job yet. There is something about living in a first world country that makes me a bit frantic and feel like I need to work (not felt in say, Vanuatu). Oz is also insanely expensive and if I ever want to do anything fun I will need cash.
Second, I am meeting new people. I feel like I have a purpose and fit in with a group of people, like we are all working toward a common goal. This is good.
Third, we have been working on Croc One, which is the boat of Steve Irwin - the Crocodile Hunter himself. He actually died on this very boat after being stung in the heart by a stingray in a tragic freak accident. (I have always said stingrays are my arch nemesis.) I keep expecting Steve's ghost to jump out and yell "Crikey!" while I am polishing, and it is pretty cool to work on the boat of someone who was so passionate about animals and conservation.
Alas, this is what I have been up to. Mom and Dad are leaving tomorrow to head for Sydney and I am moving back on to Mark's boat for the time being. I have been so beat after every day of work that I have not even unpacked from the last time I stayed with him. Mom feels a bit guilty for leaving me and so is making a nice dinner tonight, but I plan to meet up with them in Sydney for Christmas and the New Year, so I will see them soon. I would feel bad if they sat around Mooloolaba bored on my account anyway.
Tonight is Friday and it has been a long time since this has had any importance to me. It feels good. Party on.
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