It’s not an unfamiliar feeling for me, though, this feeling of uprootedness and novelty. Moving from Revelstoke to Vancouver for university was very much the same, and I’ve already moved from Vancouver to Sydney once before, too. The last few weeks with friends and family have played host to no small amount of “things will never be the same”-type conversations. Now that I’ve made the leap across the Pacific to our new apartment and a “new” city, I’m actually rather struck with how undifferent it all feels. From still being surrounded by my own stuff–Luke was able to bring over apartment basics in his extra luggage space in July–to the same people–Luke and Jeremy–to a city which I’m still rather familiar with, I don’t feel as if I’ve been transported out of my life, just into a sunnier, warmer version.

Sydney is as beautiful as I remember. A busy city (in comparison to Vancouver), with palm trees and colourful flowers, thinking of it conjures up orange and brown sandstone, cliffs and hills and rolling parks, the perfect purple hue of the Jacaranda, and raucous birds with elevator eyes who always look a bit bizarre. The White Ibis, for example, is often poking around alongside crows or pigeons, but is easily double the size and has an enormously long beak. Going about your rather ordinary business on a rather ordinary day, the Ibis is just a small reminder that Canada is a long ways away.

I’ve been back for about a week and a half now, and time has rather flown by. We had our housewarming party last Friday, and it was a bit of a whirlwind of reuniting / meeting new people, but quite fun. Our apartment is pretty well set up for hosting parties–all we need now is a barbecue and perhaps some more seating. We’ve been out to Ikea a few times to pick up the essentials for setting up house, and I’ve found myself a desk that fits in our room. There is some decorating that needs to get done–such as reupholstering our dining chairs, putting things on walls, getting rugs and curtains so it stops echoing in here–but this little apartment already feels like a home. We’ve signed a lease for a year, and while I’m hoping to stay longer, even just knowing that I don’t have to move for a whole year feels great. Since leaving for Australia in July of 2007, and including my move back now, I’ve moved a total of nine times. Suffice it to say that I am good and ready to settle down and work, at least until I save up enough money to be able to travel more.

Oh, did I mention that I finished university, too? That’s a change which is still settling in. I convocated from Simon Fraser University on October 9th, the Thursday before I flew out to Australia. It was a nice ceremony, though not all that exciting since I didn’t know that many people–with a trimester system and such flexible degrees, it’s anyone’s guess with who and when you’ll graduate. I was just glad we had beautiful weather, my parents were there, and we had fun taking a few photos after the convocation. Though because we were staying at the Simon Hotel (which is the top level of one of the residence towers), I more just felt right at home than anything else (i.e., graduated).

Now my life is consumed with job finding in Sydney, and trying to make my last few dollars stretch as far as they can. I’ve got some leads at some local cafes/delis/stores, and have been looking around online, too. Nothing quite yet, but I may hear back over the weekend for something next week. Cross your fingers.

I just got all my pictures up onto Picasa Web; as always, they can be found in all their glory right here. The “Eastern Tour Lite” is on Facebook with only 120 pictures between two albums for both Newfoundland and Montreal–a more extensive set is on Picasa Web.

I was also fiddling with placing some pictures on the Google maps in Picasa Web–also a nifty feature, though I really don’t think enough people use Picasa Web yet for anyone to realize what’s really going on. For some reason I’m now getting visions of Google buying Facebook and integrating all of these technologies together–it’s a little mind-boggling.

I’ll put up a few of the best pictures in here with proper captions soon–in the meantime, enjoy this little slideshow!

Tracy came to visit!

waiting for the bus… it’s what we do!

at the executives debate — JJ, Wisam, Natalie, and Maegan

Today’s executive debate was an exciting time–it resembled much more of a debate, with actual rebuttals that we peace-loving member-at-large candidates didn’t use at all. Oops. I will say that I was incredibly impressed with certain candidates’ comportment, disappointed by others’. Right now, I know exactly who I’m supporting for which positions, and would be happy to discuss these choices in person–writing it down alas makes it “slate-like behaviour,” the boone and bain of this election.

Now it’s time to make sure that SFU students get out and vote–I’m honestly concerned about the legitimacy of anything the SFSS does if only 5% of students turn out to vote. Can we really say we’re representing student voices when 95% of them haven’t told us what they think? (Or, maybe they’re telling us loud and clear that they just don’t care, that the issues we spend so much time debating really don’t matter to the average student. There’s a radical thought.) A friend mentioned to me yesterday that mandatory, online voting in order to enroll would be a great way to ensure that everyone gets involved. Other than a somewhat logistical nightmare of trying to get this endorsed by the administration, I can’t help but agree–even if students tick the “I don’t care, I’m just doing this to enroll in classes” box, at least they might spend a couple more minutes looking into the issues, or telling us what issues matter to them.

Xenia hit the nail on the head today when she said that we need to do more “market research” (yes, she’s a business student, heh) to find out what students actually need. A new website, a visible board of directors that doesn’t hide behind copious amounts of posters in Maggie Benston, a clear message for students–we work for you, tell us what you want and we’ll actually get it done!–all steps (in my eyes) that need to be taken to ensure that the SFSS doesn’t go down the drain as quickly as the CFS seems to be.  Maybe we’ve learned a lesson?

Uh, anyway, back to my Shakespeare homework!

When I began at SFU, Orientation’s catch phrase was, “Begin a journey… leave a legacy.” I’ve discovered just how true this statement has become for me. Going into fourth year, I know what needs to be done, and I’m driven to find out what more CAN be done. I’m not in this for the politics; I’m here for YOU, to meet your everyday needs in tangible, real ways. A clean, comfortable, safe campus. Affordable and healthy food options. A spirit of unity, collaboration, and cooperation. The SFSS should work for you—vote for the Members-at-Large who will! (As written for the Peak’s next issue.)

I just wanted to say as well, that running in this election has been a really positive experience so far. Wisam Abdulla and I were chatting last night and good-naturedly debating some of the issues (a couple beers didn’t hurt, either, haha), and it made me realize that there are some really good people running. I wish that there were positions enough for everyone! It’s been great to get to know the candidates and to talk about issues that we’re passionate and excited about. I think this bodes well for next year at SFU–there are bound to be some pretty great changes happening on campus.

The executive debate is this Tuesday, and candidates running for President, MSO, IRO, URO, and ERO will be there. I bet it’ll be one intense event–definitely not something I’m going to miss for the world. Hope to see you there!