Jonathan Schwartz’s departure from Sun has inspired me to write my own departure note as it were. Hey I like that segue, I’m going to run with it. After a few [non-consecutive!] semesters in Adelaide I’ve decided to transfer to Canberra. For those who really care about the angst of a 20-something student (no, really), feel free to read.
The nomad thing
Being the son of a high powered scientist who’s job moved with the seasons my family had lived in half a dozen cities before I turned 18 and my sister 16. My theory is its made us feel scared at becoming too attached to a place. Adelaide has started feeling too comfortable.
The university thing
There are some people at the university who’ve been so supportive and understanding of our family’s circumstances they almost make up for the arses who have made my life a living hell. For those in the latter camp, they’ve finally pushed me too far. I’ll post more details once I’ve safely transferred.
The contradiction thing
I’m a terribly shy person, but I love to travel. I guess it’s like being a Mac guy who loves free and open source software, being a programmer who isn’t a whizz at mathematics.
The tied down thing
I’m jealous of people who can point to their primary school, high school, where they got their first job, where they had their first kiss, where they first fell off their Segway and where all the friends they ever made are in the one city, it must be incredible for having a sense of belonging. I have an affinity to Singapore given it’s where I spent much of my teenage years, but I went to an international school so none of my friends are here anymore. I have some friends from Singapore in Canberra though, which for a shy guy is a Good Thing.
The state government thing
I was pleased Labor got in back in 2007 based on the lesser of two evils theory (I voted for The Greens), but especially recently they’ve shown they’re incapable of being serious, and neither is the main opposition. Okay that reason alone wouldn’t get me to move, but if I’m moving anyway I may as well put some of the blame on Michael Atkinson and co. Goodbye, going to spend my tax dollars elsewhere.
The Surfin Bird thing
The Bird is The Word, and this Bird’s gotta fly. Wait, bird is slang for woman.
I’m going to miss Coopers Original Pale Ale, 24 hour pancakes, the Boatdeck Cafe in Mawson Lakes with some of the friendliest people on Earth where much of this blog and my code over the last couple of years have been written, the stunningly beautiful Hahndorf, Farmers Union Iced Coffee… wonder if you can get the first and last in the ACT?
I now have to go look up where Canberra is, because I don’t think I’ve ever heard of it. Does that make me a bad person? Anyway, good luck with the move.
Ah, I see that it’s the capital of Australia.
1. Is this a confirmed thing?
2. Is Elke coming too?
3. SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
@Neal
Yup, Canberra is kinda like Dublin in that its the capital of a country thing and has people living there. And it has buildings and stuff.
It’s a wonderfully bland and dull place, perfect for someone like me!
@Nurie
1) Yes, but probably not until halfway through the year
2) Yes
3) Owies, my ears!