Oh, and a very Happy New Year to everyone!! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas/New Year!!

I have since received a call from the Priceline Pharmacy in Lalor Plaza (mentioned briefly in the previous post) telling me they no longer need me to go in for a trial shift, as they’ve found somebody more suitable already… Haha… At the time, I was pretty disappointed, as I was banking on getting the job.

Turns out things turned out for the better. I resumed my applications, and within a week’s time, I got another phone call from another pharmacy looking for a full-time pharmacist position. Although I had no experience working as a pharmacist in Australia, they were willing to give me a go, and scheduled me in for 3 days trial work. Been working there for a little over a month and a half now, and have also gotten a contract, so it all worked out

We’ve also moved out of the Bell City serviced apartment we were at and into a much more affordable fully furnished townhouse in Bundoora. We even managed to get two second hand cars since the last blog post too. I a 2000 Mercedes-Benz E320 Estate (W210), and Jenny a 2002 Volkswagen Golf 2.0 S (Mk4). We got both at very reasonable prices, and both were in very good condition. Might slap some photos of “Black Mamba” some time soon

Until next time

Called up the manager, and scheduled a face-to-face meeting later in the afternoon (3:00pm to be precise). Overall I reckon it went really well. Relatively brief, and will be going into the pharmacy on Tuesday for a trial. Fingers crossed it all goes well!! Really need this job

Last Thursday (2nd June 2011) also marked the first movie we’ve seen in a movie theatre, AND also the first movie we’ve seen in a movie theatre in Melbourne. I’ve been dying to see the new Fast and the Furious movie (“Fast and Furious 5″, or simply “Fast 5″), so Jenny kindly gave in and watched it with me. The movie was fantastic. Great car scenes, one particularly good fight scene between series newcomer Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Vin Diesel, funny one-liners, and it was also awesome to see all the main and supporting characters together in one movie (minus Sean from “Tokyo Drift”, because timeline-wise, Tokyo hasn’t happened yet). Storyline-wise, it has to be the best of the five. However, I felt that “Fast 5″ was more of a heist movie than a pure racing one like its predecessors. Nice and welcoming change though. Most importantly, Jenny thoroughly enjoyed it too, which was great

“Fast and Furious 5″ overal rating: 8 out of 10

Now, the sore throat is totally gone, phlegm almost non-existent, and the nose just a bit sniffly at times. I reckon Jenny and I are settling in quite nicely in Melbourne. Still no word/letter regarding my application for an import permit for Emmy though. Hopefully get that soon!!

- With the help of Anna, we picked up our rental car (2010 Hyundai Elantra, aka “White Rice”) from the city centre. Driving isn’t too different to NZ, just a few small differences. Biggest change would be driving with trams on the same roads!! The car is drivable. By no means does it drive like Emmy, or have the level of comfort/safety, but I guess it’s better than having no car.
- Yesterday, Jenny officially started her first day of work at Fullife Pharmacy in Mill Park (the pharmacy is huge!!).
- Called up the Australian TFN (tax file number) offices to confirm my TFN, as I never got a confirmation letter since I applied back in February.

The only complaint is that I somehow have caught the flu from someone on the plane ride. Sick as a dog yesterday (killer sore throat, body aches, splitting headache), but feeling much better today… I hate getting sick lol…

In other news, Smallville officially ended this week. A very bittersweet ending indeed. Clark Kent finally mans up, realises the hero he was destined be, finally dons the red and blue and takes to the skies for the first time in 10 seasons. A very fitting end to a show I’ve followed quite religiously all the way back since high school in 2001. Hearing John William’s classic “Superman Theme” at the end sent chills down my spine too. Definitely going to miss it

Smallville Series Finale Rating: 10/10

My home in Auckland has been everything I know. I’ve been in the same house with my parents and lil bro Dill for 24 years, so understandably, I feel a bit nervous and overwhelmed at times. But as always, I look towards the positives, and that is I won’t be embarking on this new ‘adventure’ alone; I’ll have Jenny by my side, and so that makes me feel extremely excited and fuzzy baggy

So what’s happened? Major events include going on a 2 week trip to Melbourne with Jenny in February (fantastic city. Seriously considering moving there!) and celebrating my quarter century birthday with Mum, Dad, Dill, Steph and Jenny at an Italian restaurant in the City called Da Vinci (very nice food and atmosphere, if I may add!).

Work-wise, just been working at Newmarket a few nights a week (including the odd extra shift when Pete needed cover), and pretty regular locum shifts at St Lukes, Avondale and Epsom. Quite steady.

In the MLB and NBA sports world (I don’t care much for cricket )…
- The Phillies just routed the Mets 11-0 behind Doc’s stellar 7-inning shutout;
- The Yankees edged the Twins with smart hitting;
- Mo picked up his 4th save of the season, quietly marching towards the record books. I believe he needed 42 to tie The Hoff’s 601 save record, so 42 – 2 = 38… 38 saves to go;
- Cole Hamels was raped a few days ago in the third inning. Hope he regains his 2008 playoffs MVP form soon!! The Phils need him;
- The Lakers have been slumping (2 game losing streak) since going 19-1 after the All-Star break. Not too worried about them. They’ve already clinched a playoff berth I think

When I feel more inspired, I might come back and edit this and write about the 2 week Melbourne trip

Check back later!!