Acquiring a Scooter and Other Points of Minor Interest

I finally have my scooter!
It has taken a little while, but now she (he?) sits outside in all her glorious oldness. It's been two weeks since I got her, and already we've had a fair few firsts. First ride to work, first (and second) time I couldn't get her started, first collision with an inanimate object, first bruise, first spluttering death on the side of the road, first fill up ($3.77 for a tank! So much cheaper than the train/bus!), first long line of people stuck behind us...

My Dad has been especially wonderful in helping me with the whole getting it moving thing. Not only has he charged up the battery, affixed the licence plates/rego (which cost me almost as much as the scooter itself) and sorted out some new mirrors and spark plugs for me, but he's also come out to help me not once, not twice, but three times, when I've found myself unable to get the thing going. Not to mention a few extra trips as a tow service, and to get a few other things.

So yes, the scooter is now fully (well, as much as it's going to get) functional, and I'm learning all sorts of little things about her, like how the fuel gauge is a filthy liar (hopefully vaguely fixed now, again thanks to Dad), how to get her started properly, and the general basics behind not crashing into things while driving about. Still keep leaving my indicators on, though.


In other news, I've delayed America once again (surprise, surprise), for what I very much hope will be the absolute last time. I've now finished the entire online application (numero... three?) aside from two photos I need to include, which shall be taken within the next week. Then application (and a very apologetic email) will be sent off and things will get moving again!

There are two reasons for this extra delay. The first being that I am very much hoping to go back to Walsh for my third year, and fly some more planes. I sent off the application a little late, but am hopeful that I'll manage to make the cut.

The second reason is something that is even more exciting than the prospect of two weeks flying planes, and still just a possibility, but something that will hopefully eventuate in large amounts of hilarity. My dear friend, and fellow Harold, Stephler, from way over in New Mexico, USA is going to be in Tasmania for her studies next year, and the hope is, that she'll be able to come a few weeks early and we shall roadtrip across the country, seeing sights far and wide and documenting all our various mishaps through the medium of photography and whatever else we might come across.
In case you cannot tell, I am hugely excited about this prospect!


So life goes on, things go fairly well, and I am looking forward to a great deal of things, including a ball (to which I shall wear a DRESS!) this weekend, my favourite folk festival next weekend, and many exciting things a little further away.
If only I had time for a little sleep now and then...