Note to self: Be more upbeat

It's what the readers want, after all. Besides, if I start being a misery guts this early in the piece, I'm going to be the most appalling whinging pom imaginable when it comes time to return to the land girt by sea.

So. Cheerful.

Well, it was good to get some emails from the band. I'd sent a few to David, but he never replied (probably still working out how to turn his computer one) - I enjoy hearing from home, since it's a good reminder people haven't forgotten you. Yet. For the record, the all conquering Brisbane Municipal Concert Band came second in the Brisbane auditions. For those of you unaware, that's pretty damn good. I think it's a sign that they do better when I'm not at auditions. At least, that'll be my excuse next year when I fail to show due to extreme overconsumption of amber fluid the night before.

I also got an email from my bank. I hate being a bastard to people in the same game as me, but sometimes you just need to throw your weight around and be abrupt to get things done. Bottom line, the statement I so desperately need should be here in the next 4-5 days. With any luck I'll be all set up to be paid at the end of the month, and can actually start living, as opposed to existing.

I'm in a bit of a quandary about what to do for sport while over here. I've plans to try and join an indoor cricket team, but in terms of supporting a side, it's a bit difficult. Since my beloved Wests Tigers aren't in the finals this year and the Lions are languishing near the bottom of the AFL ladder, it leaves a 3 month black hole before the Ashes start.

I've definitely got to go to a soccer (yes, soccer, not football, I'm not that pommy yet) game while I'm over here. Apparently a lot of Aussies go watch West Ham games. I can't say I've ever had the same enthusiasm for soccer as I have for league. Maybe if Chirpy comes over in December he can take me to a hurling game. Now that would be worth a watch.

In other news I've decided to stay at the hostel I'm at for the duration, or at least until I get this bank account sorted out. I think it's best to wait until I've been paid and have a sizeable stash of lovely, lovely £ sterling before I go shelling out for bond and monthly rent etc. Mind you, the hostel isn't too bad, really. I know I panned it something shocking earlier in the piece, but it's grown on me.

Like a piece of mould on stale cheese.

Well, yet again another hodge podge of events in my UK life comes to a close. I always find it hard to write about stuff after work and on a weekday. This weekend I promise photos.