Strange Days

I didn't feel comfortable driving without a licence. Knowing my luck, I'd be pulled over when I least expect it.

I went to the Department of Transport office in Rosalie only to find out it would be closed until Friday! There was however a note down the bottom stating the office in Spring Hill was open.

My brother was leaving back to Sydney today, so on the way to the airport I was dropped off to renew another five year licence. For $71.05 it's a bit expensive considering I'm still living in Japan. Who knows how long I'll be there for?

So far it looks like it'll be living there a while yet. Maybe it's just a slow time of year, but I'm pretty bored being here. I can't remember it being this slow and quiet before.

I walked through the city after getting the licence. Like last time it felt strange. I've gotten so used to Tokyo now that it's here I feel awkward. Again, the sounds of English, and I mean AUSTRALIAN English, sounds foreign!

Right now my biggest decision is whether to chop off my locks or not. Now THAT is a tough choice to make.

Sunday Driver

After a long sleep I finally woke up at 3pm. This is not so bad. Quite often I wake up in Tokyo at 2pm, so business as usual for me!
Although I haven't renewed my licence yet, I HAD to drive my car again. I got my chance today as the whole family went to Sizzler in Toowong for dinner. Luckily there weren't any cops around.

It was fantastic to get behind the wheel of my MX-5. If there's one thing I really miss here it's my car and the freedom it gives me.
Sizzler's, the McDonalds of restaurant dining, but I can't explain how happy I was to see this.

Yes, that's right. It's a steak. Thick, juicy and it was still cooking when it got to my table.

Japanese food is delicious for sure, but a man needs meat to grow big and strong!

You Know Where You Are? I Forgot

Can you have too much of a good thing? Probably not.

For the second night in a row, I made it a mission to go once more to the Down Under for some more good times.

We arrived earlier this time around 7.30pm so it took a while for things to pick up.

Generally speaking it wasn't as good as last night, but it was good to catch up with some more friends.

There were some girls sitting in front of us, but they were quite lame to talk with.

Not much better were the Korean girls that didn't keep our interest for long.

I can't help to notice how quiet Brisbane is to Tokyo. Maybe a lot of people are on holidays elsewhere, but apart from this bar the rest of the city felt deserted.

To end the night we had a kebab. Ah, the good ol' days!

You Know Where You Are?

I have to make the most of my time here as much as possible.

Arriving before the weekend is always a big plus, so after having a bit of a sleep during the day I was looking forward to a night at my favourite little watering hole, the Down Under Bar!

Accompanied by my bros, we had a real good night with a great crowd.

It wasn't long before it was time for tequila.

A very nice surprise was to catch up with a good friend who I met in Tokyo. Good to see you again! Sweet.

Needless to say it was an excellent all-nighter for me. Good times with good people.

Jimmy's Magical Christmas Toy Run

I'm not good at packing.

I left it until the last day and sure enough I forgot my razor and a few other non-essential items. I arrived in plenty of time at the airport.

It's one heck of a long trip getting to Narita airport. Going through customs took no time at all.

The plane was meant to leave at 8.20pm, but it didn't leave for close to an hour later. I had a good seat on the plane with lots of legroom and a spare seat next to me, but I didn't get to sleep though.

Surprisingly, one of the other teachers was on the same plane. What are the chances of that?

Arriving at the Gold Coast airport I was welcomed by rain and a bit of humidity. It wasn't so bad, even though I was wearing two jackets and a jumper, so I wouldn't have to carry them along with my bag.

My toys made it safe to Australia, although I found it strange that my suitcase lock was missing. What's so suspicious about a suitcase full of UFO catcher toys?

I drove home in my dad's car. It feels fantastic to drive a car again.

Brisbane here I come!

Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart

The shops were busy yesterday. It's also the last time (for this year), I get to hear the strains of "Last Christmas". Don't people realize it's a BREAK UP song? Being in English probably not. Also I can do without Mariah's "All I Want For Christmas" too.

Thanks.

Coming home pretty drunk I couldn't wait to give my presents.

I got the gf a "ping pong Dash" t-shirt and a Suica penguin 3-in-1 adapter. She told me she liked the shirt everytime we went to that shop so I figured it'd make a good present. She pretty much likes Suica penguin anything, so the other one was a no-brainer too. She can use it with her laptop and charging her mp3 player. Cool huh?

I got some Japanese books that I can't read, some biscuits and a hair band. I guess I have to learn to read Japanese then, won't I?

Still haven't fully packed for Australia yet. Hopefully it won't take too long. Leaving tonight.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Tears On A Razor Blade

I've finally started to use the replacement Gillette blades that I bought back in March.

As you can see the one I've been using for a YEAR AND SEVEN MONTHS is looking a little worse for wear. That's right, since I arrived in Japan!

Even with shaving cream, it was really starting to feel like I was ripping my face apart. At least I know how far I can use these to (my) breaking point.

For some reason Gillette market the blue blades for the non-powered razor. It happens to be a little cheaper, but it fits and works just the same as the proper ones. So, don't pay extra for a colour co-ordinated orange. Blue looks fine.

I have to say I had a much more comfortable shave today.

Station beers was a little more in-house tonight. Considering it was Christmas Eve and the last drinks for 2008, we stayed indoors with a few more of the staff and other teachers.

See you next year guys. Cheers.