h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Ever have one of those moments where you realise how bizarre life is, and how much it hinges on coincidence and blind luck? Well, I had one this morning. And it all hinges around pasta, specifically spagetti bolegnese (probably not spelt correctly but hey!)

So here's the story (see if you can keep up with it, it may not make all that much sense). We'll start with my news. The reason why I haven't written a journal entry in a while is because I was busy looking for a place to live and I've jinxed myself so many times, I decided not to take the chance (plus I didn't have much in the way of free time). Anyway - I've just moved into a dinky cottage in a place called Surry Hills, not far from the floor where I've spent the past 6 weeks sleeping. It's a cute 3 bed place, reminds me a bit of my home in Ireland (specifically because of the large gap under the front door which allows bugs in... gotta get that sorted out!) - it's not perfect.. it's unfurnished, the carpet is hemp (I think) and as such a bastard on the feet, and the hot water isn't working. but these are minor issues that'll hopefully be resolved by the end of the week. And my room has bare floorboards which is nice. But it's nice to have a home...

I'm sharing it with an English girl called Trea and a Canadian girl by the name of Leanne, both cool chicks by all accounts (if they're axe murderers, they've done a good job hiding the choppers!). They'll be around 'til after Christmas, so that should be a bit of a larf. Anyhow, on with the story (I'm sure you're wondering what this has to do with pasta)... I was looking at a few places, and got the Sydney Morning Herald last Wednesday, and saw a small ad for a 3 bed place in Surry Hills. So I went along at lunch and had a look (and got soaked in the process... it rains here almost as much as back home). Thought the place was grand, so I applied for it (I was in the suit at the time so I was trying to appear as professional as possible - you know i can do it when I have to!!), pushing the whole I work for Merrill Lynch thing, as I figured it was a better angle than "I'm a backpacker" approach.

Anyway - I got a phone call later on from the agent to let me know the owner had chosen someone else over me. Pissed me off a little, cos at this stage I was sick of looking but I figured shit happens, and I had a meeting to see a place that evening (with a guy who it turns out works in the gym I got to, which was a bit of a conincidence). That went well and it came down to me and a couple. Next day I got a phone call from him to let me know that they had chosen the couple over me, which put me into an even better mood than before. I was almost half contemplating giving up and going home at this stage. Then my mobile rang. it was the agent to tell me that the people who were offered the place didn't turn up to pay the deposit and if I got to his office with $400 before they did, the place was mine. Needless to say I managed to run about 600m in less than 2 minutes (and promptly passed out once I'd handed over the money!) and secured my new home!

Okay - what has spagetti got to do with this? I'm getting there - not being particularly eloquent this evening - but it's been a long week so bare with me. Basically, I wouldn't have been looking for a place like this if it hadn't been for the fact that I was getting a place with the two girls. And this is how I met them. I went into the Sydney YHA to check my mails and get some food. The computers were all busy so I sat down to eat first. I know i get into certain routines every now and again, but when a waitress you've never met before comes over and tells you what you're about to order, it gotta say something! So she comes over and says "Spagetti and Large Sprite?"... to which I start talking to myself promising I'm not going to be predictable today. This causes the girl at the next table to stare at me funnily... so I figure, it deserves an explaination. We end up chatting and a week and a half later, we've started sharing a house (it was Leanne, in case you didn't pick up on that).

So basically, I have a home now because I'm predictable, and a little lucky. Kinda scary when you think about it. So much of this is down to sheer chance and timing (but then again, so much is in life)... but when you realise how tenuous it all is... hmm.. worrying!!

Anyhow - this place is shutting up and I wanted to give you the good news. I've got a house. With a bit of luck, by the end of the week, i'll have a bed and a working shower!!