Haven't blogged for way too long.Busy like a nut. Here are the things going on in my life in Sydney:
College of Law
The main purpose of my coming here, and it is nearing the end. 2 more weeks of College to go - I have done 13 weeks and it feels like I'd only started College yesterday. Because it's a relatively small class, with about 24 of us, we are a close-knit bunch. This makes the struggle easier and less painful, I guess. Within the next 2 weeks I have:
1) Civil Litigation Hearing (where we appear before a judge);
2) Criminal Law Hearing (where we appear before a judge);
3) Criminal Law File Note (an assignment);
4) Will and Estates (60% Assignment);
5) Will and Estates (40% Assignment);
6) Legal Ethics 2,500-word research essay; and
7) 3 Legal Ethics 1,500-word modules.
Leaving home at 8:00am and back home at 9:00pm, it's pretty full-on I'd say.
Jobs
I am going to get a job in Sydney. I am going to be applying for permanent residency, and as such I will have to be in Australia for the next 3 years. I have two job interviews tomorrow, one in the City at 11:30am and another one at Castle Hill at 2:30pm. Bus ride from City to Castle Hill is an hour. At the same time I am also applying to other law firms, in hope of getting into the best-paying one. Having said that, I am not compromising my desire of working in a personal injury law firm. Quite a plethora of criteria for me to juggle with...
Permanent residency
This is causing much distress. Apart from the fact that it is going to cause me close to AU$4,000 applying, I will also have to make sure I comply with all the requirements (reading them and interpreting them is a mind-boggling process). I have to get police clearance, medical report and character witnesses.
Grandmother
My beloved paternal grandma, affectionately known as Ah Po, passed away peacefully approximately 2+ weeks ago. Amidst the hustle and bustle of my busy Sydney life, I was swept away by inconsolable waves of melancholy and homesickness. I wanted so much to go back, but I was held back by 2 things. Firstly, I could not just leave College since there were compulsory classes to attend; and secondly, I simply did not (and still don't) have the money to fly back. I surfed the web and tried all sorts of flight combination but the final price still proved unpalatable come the end of the day. I will break out of my poverty-stricken state in a few years time. I hate being poor.
Girlfriend
I am sorry for abandoning you and not talking to you enough. I am sorry for not replying to smses and I am sorry for not returning your emails. A lot of things have happened, and they will continue to happen over the course of the next 2 months. Nobody knows what is going to happen in the future, no one could tell. I believe as long as their is belief, there is hope. And as long as their is hope, there is a chance. Hang on, baby.
Exploration
Despite being swarmed and challenged by the onslaught of ridiculous amount of work, worries and money issues, I have been taking some time just for myself, doing what I love most - travelling. With a Weekly Pass which costs AU$35.00 per week, I have been visiting quite a few places in Sydney after College or library sessions. The most memorable ones include my visit to the suburb of Leichardt, aka Little Italy, Bondi and Strathfield, aka Little Korea. The number of Italians and Italian restaurants and shops at Leichardt was insane. Same with the Koreanness of Strathfield. It's like visiting a different country.
I miss my family, I miss all my close friends in Malaysia.
At the same time I am excited by the prospect of a brand new life...
... as an Australian lawyer.
Qi
