2007 年 12 月 19 日 星期三 【晴】

"Many thanks Emily, what sort and how much employment are you looking for during the day?
We have a few small schools that could be built up in your area, which require piano and violin. xxx"

I woke up from my nap and got an e-mail with the above message.

Why?

How?

Where are you leading me, my Lord?

I was up 'til 3am yesterday, I don't know why, but I suddenly went looking for training courses for music teacher! I found a few, the suzuki method and the kodaly method. The guy called Darren W. sent me an e-mail and gave me some advice for my music teaching. I told him that I just graduated, and he sent me a few websites for reference, also suggested me on how to build a bigger network. Why is he so kind...?

I am quite interested to apply for the course "primary/secondary teacher training". It's not necessary to teach in schools, but I am sure those skills that I learned in the course would surely benefits my individual tutoring. I am not sure if it is okay for me to apply or not, it's not becoz of their requirement, it's becoz, it is held on Saturdays.

And then it comes Wendy B.'s e-mail. She asked what sort of employment I am after and mentioned that there can be opportunities to build up music lessons for small schools in my area. OH!!! I was shocked. I have sent her my resume, she knows how LITTLE experience I have had and what qualifications I am holding. What would it be like if it comes true?

This idea to REALLY GO INTO TEACHING burst out last evening. It's not a casual thing in my mind now, but a determined thing. I just hope that I am not having confidence in my flesh, not seeing to my achievements. If the Lord permits, nothing is impossible.

Please pray for me:

- Confident in the Lord

- Ask God to prepare a training course for me (they need 6 more participants by Jan before it is confirmed to be held)

- If ever I will be offered day-time teaching work at school - everything to be smooth: Victoria institute of teaching registration, working with children check, transportation, the ability to deal with children


Driving Lesson 8

Before ending the lesson today, Avi suggested to go for a double lesson next week, so we could go and have a try on the road which is framed for the vic road test. He asked if I can go for a lesson on Christmas Day, since he is a Jew, he doesn't celebrate Christmas... (interesting~)

Experienced to drive in the rain today *0*

>>December 20, 2007 at 5:48:25 AM GMT+8

2007 年 12 月 17 日 星期一 【晴】

Updated my resume today, I brought out all my certificates and drafted the following. Most of the qualifications were gained in the year 1999-2001. Data entry & business communication, the qualifications from these two areas can greatly boost my resume. However, I realized one thing... I really didn't prepare myself for a music career! Did I? My tailored "musician" resume is not very convincing. Although I have some public exams and competitions, the resume is very weak at the moment... It is a good thing... as it proves that choosing the administration field is CORRECT, but on the other hand, what about music...?

Academic Achievements (Book-keeping and Accounts)

Pitman Qualifications in Book-keeping and Accounts, Level 1 (First Class)
Pitman Qualifications in Book-keeping and Accounts, Level 2 (First Class)
LCCI Certificate in Book-keeping, First Level, Pass with Distinction


Academic Achievements (Data Entry and Word Processing)

Australian Schools Computer Skills Competition, Year 12 Computer Literacy, Participation
Pitman Qualifications in Practical Data Processing, Intermediate (First Class)
Pitman Qualifications in Practical Spreadsheet Processing, Elementary (First Class)
Pitman Qualifications in Typewriting, Elementary (First Class)
Pitman Qualifications in Word Processing Techniques, Essential (First Class)


Academic Achievements (English Communication)

Pitman Qualifications in English for Business Communications, Level 2 (First Class)
Pitman Qualifications in English of Speakers of Other Languages, Higher Intermediate
London Examinations London Test of English, Level 4 Advanced Communication
London Examinations Certificate of Attainment in English, Level 2 Elementary Communication

>>December 18, 2007 at 12:29:27 AM GMT+8

2007 年 12 月 15 日 星期六 【晴】

When I worked at the call centre, I read the real estate magazine during my breaks. I thought, if I've got a permanent position somewhere along/near Frankston line, I will be moving to Fankston. Nice beach, with public transport & also inexpensive rent.

-//-

I've returned home by now (11:30am), I arrived in Frankston at 9am this morning. When I were there, a lady lead me to a room, I thought I will be starting my data entry job. However, she asked me to sit down and we had a short, relaxed interview. During the interview, I learned one thing... they posted the ad on Friday, and immediately they already have ENOUGH people working that day & Saturday. They have limited computers and today, the roles are already filled. She told me that I have an advantage - I'm graduated, I'm available. And that for the others, they will be returning to uni after the break. So if this company wants ongoing work from these casuals, I'm the potential one.

It depends if the newly employed casuals could finish ALL THE WORK by today or not. If not, as the lady told me, she'll call me & book me in for tomorrow.

Although it seems silly to take 3 hours travelling to & fro Frankston & my house, I feel okay about it.

>>December 16, 2007 at 12:38:02 AM GMT+8

2007 年 12 月 13 日 星期四 【晴】

Thanks the Lord, I've got work on Sunday! At first they asked me to be there at 8:30am, I checked the journey planner in Metlink and it says, take the bus 10pm something and you will arrive in Frankston at 8:30am. I thought I have entered the wrong departure/arrival times. But after an investigation, I realized that there are no train service that arrives in Frankston before 8:30am on Sundays.

Bravely, I called up the company and arranged another time to start working. This is a casual data entry position. Although it's in Frankston, it's not the call centre one. If I succeeded to impress them, I can ADD something to my resume.

-//-

On the other hand, I have received my 4th or 5th declined reply. I cried heaps. I called my friend who works in that company, crying on the phone, wanting confirmation and advice and comfort. "You are facing a lot of competitive applicants"... she said. So it's not necessary that my CV isn't good enough. But many out there who has lots of working experience are applying for the position.

-//-

Besides starting to look for instrumental teacher position, I think I need to adjust my approach to job-seeking. Tonight I've church, Sat got church and Sun got work. Monday... exactly marking the 3rd month - it would be a turning point. I don't know how many more months I need to go through before I get a decent permanent job. However, I am thankful that I am not collapsed yet!

-//-

Driving Lesson 7

Accumulated 5.1 hours driving experience by now. Avi answered a call this morning and met someone who don't speak English well. He said he doesn't want to teach people who has this communication problem. I turned to ask what is his mother tongue. "Hebrew", he replied. I told him that I would like to learn the language for studying the bible and also I am taking some course in theology. It was real nice... we can get into that topic! ^.^

Also he said he was in the hospital until 3am the day before, accompanying his wife. And his wife called this morning while he was teaching me, asking him to go home and accompany her. As a man, Avi doesn't find it justifying!!! But I was glad he shared with me. I laughed and told him that his wife is a FEMALE and she is PREGNANT.

Look forward to go into deeper conversation with him! =)

>>December 14, 2007 at 6:11:51 AM GMT+8

2007 年 12 月 13 日 星期四 【晴】

Few days to go... which would mark my 3rd month of being a job-seeker. I am editing my resume today, and the focus will not be in the administrative area, it will be - music.

I don't know how many of you have heard my sharing in my dream job - being a cleaner. That was what I think when I was in first year at uni. I saw too many friends who study the medical field and throw music away, also there are others who work full time and being unable to play/practice their instrument. I want to keep my music in my life, play and have fun with it. I just want a job to sustain my living and at other times, I will have my music...

I still think that today, but maybe not a cleaner, but something else...

Have fun with music - taking music in uni is JUST FOR FUN. True, I have no intention to use music as a money-making tool. I don't want to spoil my interest, nor risking to lost my passion in it. Dad has told me the dark side of a music career. Certainly I dreamed to be a performer when I was in Form 5, I would also like to be an orchestral player.

Dad said that, earning a living is not that difficult. But it is difficult to proceed a career. The former is called A JOB, the latter is called A CAREER. Take note of the difference.

I am still looking forward for my dream career path, part-time in admin and part-time in music. Admin is definitely one of my gifts. But music... I have never admitted that it is my gift, I would say it's a talent. Maybe, it's because I don't think I have the qualification, I don't think I have the natural ability in music, I am not a natural performer.

May God leads.

>>December 13, 2007 at 9:17:16 PM GMT+8

2007 年 12 月 11 日 星期二 【晴】

My company has sent me a payment advice. Now I understand how much tax has charged and the payslip clearly tells me how many hours I have worked. On the other hand, the CD from Amazon has arrived today. I expected it to be arriving in 3 weeks' time, but it happened that it took 6 days for postage & handling, plus, there's enough time for me to wrap it before Christmas.

I also visited Chaddy yesterday, I want to get a little gift for another friend. To share my happiness (received first income) and the Christmas season... after all, many has prayed and encouraged me, actually I want to give them "something" to show my thankfulness.

>>December 12, 2007 at 10:21:35 AM GMT+8

2007 年 12 月 11 日 星期二 【晴】

Aloneness leads to loneliness...


I was thinking to apply for an admin position just now, until I saw two words in the ads: "executive level". They are recruiting an admin for the principal & assistant principal. And they require that the administrator needs to be at executive level. I am just at entry level...

Anyway, I am still interested to have a look on their website. They are a Christian school. I read their application form and was shocked when reading it. They asked what you think of evolution, your belief on heaven/hell, and miracles, etc. They also asked the applicant to give a brief testimony of Christian life.

http://www.lighthouse.vic.edu.au/employ_app.html

Although I am not applying, I am thankful that I came across this application form. If I were granted an interview with a Christian organization, I might only be polishing my interview skills and neglected that I might be asked of my faith!

Frankly, I am not prepared to answer those questions!

>>December 12, 2007 at 7:59:39 AM GMT+8

2007 年 12 月 10 日 星期一 【晴】

Since late November, I lost my motivation to apply for admin jobs. I am awaiting for one company to reply if I will get an interview. I sensed that I would be granted an interview... so I sit and wait and do other casual odd jobs and not bothering with new admin ads.

What if, my "sense" is wrong? Will I collapse when there is no interview...?

>>December 11, 2007 at 11:52:45 AM GMT+8

2007 年 12 月 8 日 星期六 【晴】

Arrived home at 5:47am. We had a deep long chat during the night until dawn.

>>December 9, 2007 at 10:38:06 PM GMT+8

2007 年 12 月 8 日 星期六 【晴】

After knowing that there will be some upgrading works with the Frankston Line, I decided not to call my company for work today.

Saw an ad, $35/hr for admin position, mainly to type & can work from home. Good, isn't it? It is a good paid, it attracts me indeed. But thinking deeper, besides earning a fortune, it does no good for me.

>>December 9, 2007 at 1:41:04 AM GMT+8