Busy in Berwick

Things have been busy here in Berwick!  I have a job!!!  I have started work at Moods Restaurant and Bar, about a 20 minute walk from my house.  I had a "trial" last Thursday to see if I would become a Moods waitress.  After a spilled Chicken Parma (fun fact- it seems to be one of the most popular Australian dishes and served at almost every restaurant I have been to) all over the floor on an extremely busy night, I thought my trial may not have gone so well.  To my surprise, they were very impressed, I was told that it was refreshing to see I needed little direction and they loved my "pace."  I am coming to realize the American pace, is quite different from the Australian :).

The restaurant opens at 8 am and has a huge menu including delicious cakes, gelati and a full coffee bar (fun fact #2, Australians love their coffee before and after meals).  My first day of work was an extremely busy one, so I had to just jump in and figure out the computer systems and start taking orders.  The next day I had arrived to work, my manager said an employee had called in and we were short staffed and completely booked, but he was glad it was us working since I have a fast pace :).  I worked 12-5 and then was asked if I would come back to work 7-10.  I was also asked by the bartender if I could help her open the following day and work 7am-5pm.  It would be my first shift completely alone and my 3rd shift all together!  It was a success, besides the blisters on my feet.  I definitely need to get a good pair of shoes!  The owner had came in and saw how I was working and had mentioned to my Manager how he was impressed.  The bartender who opens had also asked the manager if I can always open with her because I am her new favorite employee!!  So, as nice as it was to not have to worry about a job, I am fitting in and I feel like I am helping out!  It also helps knowing I will start having some money coming in--It helps me rationalize spending it!

Last night, Kieran, Tony and I went shopping for our Christmas feast.  We went to a butcher and bought a turkey, ham and fresh bacon (Tony makes us amazing Butties--I think that is what they call them? in the morning--kind of like a bacon and egg sandwich).  We will start our morning with the Butty.  Then Bridie (Tony's girlfriend) has invited us to her Mom's house for Christmas lunch--I get to spend a Christmas with Australians!  Now, I know you are all thinking you can't imagine me cooking a Christmas dinner, but luckily Tony loves to cook and is quite good at it--so we will be in good hands!  It is weird to think Christmas is around the corner here--still no decorations around, no christmas lights and you can even find a parking space easily at the mall!  The Melbourne-VIC area has been having unseasonable weather--it has been pretty cold and rainy so I have yet to get a tan.  But, on Christmas it is forecast to be 28C, or 83F!  It is funny how as nice as 83 sounds, you always want what you can't have, and I think I will be quite envious of your white Christmas :).

We were all planning to go to Carols by Candlelight, a televised event in Melbourne.  People get blankets and battery operated candles and watch a concert.  It was hard trying to talk Kie and Tony into participating, but it is supposedly the biggest Christmas tradition this country has to offer so I was determined to do it!  Unfortunately, work has asked me to work Christmas Eve night, and I feel that it is only fair to allow people who actually have family here, spend Christmas Eve with family.  The weather is suppose to be very good Christmas Eve, so Bridie and I have decided to go to the beach during the day, so we can start on our tan for NYE!  When I get home from work, I should be able to join my Australian family, (Kie, Tony and Bridie) with drinks and board games.

I have also said I would work Sunday morning after Christmas, what they call "Boxing Day."  From what I have interpreted, it sounds a lot like Black Friday after Thanksgiving (fun fact #3, Black Friday in Aus is referenced to all the bush fires that happened last year).  On Sundays, Moods, has a brunch buffet.  All the food looks very good!

So now, I bet you are all wondering how disco ice skating went!  It was the Australian (Bridie), The English (Tony & Kie) Vs the American (me) on the rink, kinda like the figure skating Olympics.  The American, was off to a great start on the ice, and looked like victory would be hers...But then, after a few laps around, the Englishman, Tony, started getting fancy footwork and bringing back all the moves he use to do on roller skates.  OK, with taking home the Silver, I tried to do a funky disco move on the skates, a bit over confident I could do some goofy leg kicks, I fell on the ice.  Which now, according to the English and Australian conclude that the fall disqualifies me and makes it a loss for the Americans.  Sorry guys!  Next time!! :)

We (Kie, Eva, Bridie, Tony and I) went out to a night club on Saturday.  We had a lot of fun! As soon as i get the pictures from Eva's camera I can post some :).

I had taken pics of Berwick and my work to post, but unfortunately I deleted them when I tried to upload them.  I will try to add some later.  I hope all is well with everyone back home and know that I am thinking of you!  Lots of love and happiness this holiday season!  Merry Chrissy (fun fact #4, that is what the Australians say!).

Cheers Mates!