Pfaffers, (those things that periodically squirt out)

   There seems to be a growing trend behind putting automatic squirters on walls. First it was the occasional bathroom wall that had a device that periodically squirted a dose of chemical (air freshener). And then it was the automatic bug sprayers that were installed on walls.

   I really detest the concept. I have always been of the opinion that the use of chemicals such as air fresheners and bug sprays is unlikely to be good for ones health, and the idea of periodic squirtings, regardless of need, seems ridiculous.

   My brother has one of the later (auto bug squirter) installed. He tells me it's ok, it's pyrethrum, it's natural. Well, poisonous snake venom is also natural but I don't want it in my system. And, aren't all the pollens and grasses natural (dear hayfever sufferers)?

I got the Job! but my beau's feeling sore

   I've been a bit quiet lately, this is because, although I have decided to stay in Australia, I still want to be in the inspiring world of travel. So I have been busy trying to get a job as a travel consultant. This morning, my work has paid off, and I got a job offer (which I promptly accepted), and on Monday I will start learning how to send others off on adventures! As a 35 year old entering the industry it did seem like my options were limited, but I'm adamant that I can do this and do it well.

   Yay!, I couldn't think of a better option for me at this point in time. And I think it might be the first job I have ever had which is, well, normal. 

   On the other side of things my beau fell off his (push) bike yesterday morning and had to go to hospital and get patched up. He also broke a tooth and so he isn't looking too good, or feeling too good, and he is facing a lot of dental work.  I had wondered how I would be if a crisis hit... maybe it would make me want to head off again and have no responsibilities. But no! I got into car and drove 1.5 hours to Brisbane, and then phoned hospitals until I found out which emergency department had him so that I could go and 'be there'. I wanted to be there for him!

Disaster in Japan

   A couple of years ago my favourite cousin came to me with a question.
   "Should I go to Asia and teach?".
   "Yes!" I said.
   She hadn't travelled a lot, and she knew her family wouldn't like the idea, and so she had opted to ask me before she asked anybody else, because she wanted to hear a positive response first. Despite the fact she also has a husband and 2 young children, I really thought there should be no hesitations.
   At the time, she had talked about China, but in the end she chose to go to Japan. The husband and children, of course, went too. And now a disaster has hit! (The Earthquake, Tsuanami and problems of the nuclear power plant).
   Her mother says she should never have gone, but I disagree completely. One shouldn't live life as if something bad might happen, because mostly it won't.
   At this point, my cousin and her family are all fine. I believe they might be currently flying back to Australia, after having had 6 months there. I wonder if they will go back?

Should I stay or should I go?

   It was only in my last post that I told readers that I am staying on for the sake of a man I met. And now I am having hesitations.
   You see, until now I was occupied with a project I was doing. I was cleaning up the flood damage in a 5000sqm industrial shed. A group of us cleaned, then I stayed on to co-ordinate the builders, electricians, and plumbers, while I myself painted the offices. It was a massive job that took me 8 solid weeks. But that job has come to an end and the tenants have moved in, and I am left deciding what to do with my future.
   As for staying with the man, yes I still enjoy his company, but could he please send me flowers and ring me and offer to take me out? For dinner or to a movie, or something else. Just 2 months in, and he seems to think effort is no longer required.
   I could be to blame in this, men, and even friends, do seem to leave many of the "us" decisions and suggestions to "me". But I would like some to come from "he". And, in the first week, when I still had my sights set firmly on travelling he called me constantly and I asked him not to. Now I wish I hadn't said a thing.
   A problem, for me, is that I feel like whether I stay or go, then that will be it. I think I either choose to keep backpacking now, or I chose to stay and commit to a life here. There should be no in-between, I must do something properly.
   I actually I want to stay, I loved backpacking but I also want to work towards a future, build a sustainable house, have a sustainable garden, and this man reckons he wants that too! I've started applying for jobs, and this time I'm happy to take a job that requires some commitment.