Saturday, October 31, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
I haven't really written much lately but that is because I've been busy in prac. and now I have one million assignments due. Actually its two large assignments due on Friday, one on Monday and then my final assignment/interview on Friday/Monday. I have to stick around for a mandatory party (yeah, mandatory) but then will be heading to Brissy for Remembrance Day.
American Liz and I were supposed to dive the Yongala on Saturday but the trip was canceled due to the weather; it has been very windy around Townsville lately. We were both really excited to go as well so that sucks BIG TIME. The Yongala's sinking point tends to have a strong current so they have to be very careful letting people dive it. We're going to try and reschedule the trip but I leave here in two weeks and Liz has exams so we're going to have to figure it out.
The Yongala, a ship at 100 metres long, sank in 1911 with 122 people on board; it was not dived until 1958 remaining untouched. As it was left alone for so long it has turned into its own reef and some of the most spectacular marine life has made the ship home. I've attached a youtube clip for anyone wanting to travel 90 feet underwater. Hopefully I'll get to see this up close and personal soon!!
xoxo
Friday, October 23, 2009
Last day of prac!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Rotary residents I am writing to convey my absolute disappointment in all but a very few of you. The reason I am so frustrated is because of the complete lack of spirit, of pride and of enthusiasm that the majority of you are showing for Rotary’s biggest and most amazing event of the year and probably the best in Rotary’s entire history. If you haven’t figured out what I am talking about yet its because your head is obviously stuck in the sand.
The RSA and RA’s have been planning and fundraising for “Evening Under the Stars” since February this year. Rotary has never had a Valedictory type dinner in all its history and under the guidance of myself and the Jess Martyn, the RSA president, plans have been in place to make this one of the most memorable events in your college life. This will be an event that you will look back on in years to come as one of the highlights of your university years. I guarantee, no matter what your background or country of origin, you will use this event as a benchmark that you will judge future functions on for the rest of your life, in both you personal and professional careers.
Please believe me that by the end of the night you will have forgotten about the cost and realise that you have received value for money. So if you could possibly change your minds, those of you who have not considered coming, and pull yourself out of the dark cave of your rooms and own thoughts and come to Rotary’s first inaugural “Evening Under the Stars”. Please prove me wrong that Rotary has no spirit or pride. See Cath at the office or catch one of the RA’s or RSA members and book yourself in for a truly memorable night!
Regards,
Shaun Todd
Head of College
Rotary International House
James Cook University
Townsville Qld 4810
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
I received an email from the administration woman here at Rotary. Turns out SHE forgot to charge me for the first three weeks I got here and she wants me to pay $580. Are you kidding me? I went to her at the beginning of the year and asked to pay everything up front, meaning I owe nothing. I called her (4:19pm) and she makes a comment about how she's trying to get out of here, it's Friday, can't I see her on Monday! No, no, I can't!
She tells me she can't remember that far back to say whether I paid everything up front. Funny how easily the memory can fail when you want it to. I looked at the figures and the amount she's claiming I owe is wrong among other things.
To anyone who I've said Rotary is an okay place to live, don't move here. Get a place of your own. The hassle of dealing with the management is ridiculous. I paid a $300 administration fee at the beginning of the year and I think that is owed back to me, plus more. This residence has become a headache and for the amount I pay per week ($160) I could be living it up somewhere else.
Screw Rotary and all who run it.
Those at Oztrekk, add that to the brochure. JCU residence is a No-no!
