Wednesday 29th September 2021 - 31st October 2021 Hookers, Dildos, Joints , Suspect Pinky Finger, Letters From The Dead, Tropical Pineapple Freddos, Still Waiting For My Click & Collect From Target, Studios For Rent, Flash Thunderstorms, Art Phone, Total Unemployment Again , New Nutella Bar, Nothing Is Private At Myer & Thank You To My Readers & Everyone Is Entitled To The Freedom Of Speech

To all my readers out there thank you again for continuing to read my blog .

It is unfortunate that Blogger has decided to block the publishing of my last blog as it breaches Blogger publishing guidelines. ( Postscript it has now be reinstated)

I started this blog many years ago as a hobby and it still is. It contains no advertising or subscriptions. It is free for everyone to read. That was my intention and it will always be. I am writing it for after I pass away hopefully not until many years into the future , I hope I would have left a diary for future generations to read so they will be able to get a snapshot into what life was like during the 2010s and 2020s possibly beyond. For readers who don't know I have been leaving pieces of my life over time in different places. I believe recording history is very important since we now have much better technology to do so with. For example Not everyone gets to live through a pandemic. I read that there was not a lot recorded about the Spanish Flu that wiped out a large portion of the world's population before it eventually "disappeared" so this current COVID pandemic is quite an important event to write about as documentation and questions on how what where why who could be vital information on how future generations handle a future pandemic if one occurs.

My blog does not contain any pornography, sex or any other explicit material nor is it trying to sell anything. The odd swear word yes but I usually bleep it out. It is not meant to cause anyone any harm. A lot of it is public news or someone else has mention the same thing previously or something has happened previously. I don't mention many names unless I want to acknowledge them in some way or they are also public news. The only things I mention is who I work for but even all my work colleague names are not mentioned.

It is meant to be my diary and covers everything from work  events  places of interest travel  work friends  extracurricular activities education volunteer work as well as news at the time cooking  baking taste test reviews fun runs etc and of course my thoughts and opinions on topics which anyone is welcome to debate. 

Everyone is entitled to the freedom of speech. In Blogger blocking my blog it is basically taking away my freedom of speech. Taking away people's freedom of speech means not questioning why and by not questioning why there would not be any progress made. I hope this makes sense.

Just to let readers know I do have a science background as well as a financial background. I would never attend a protest but don't believe in stopping protests as this is part of having the freedom of speech. I am not an Anti Vaxer just a Cautious Vaxer as I am a Scientist. When I started my businesses course I took an oath like the rest of my classmates basically to do the right thing and not commit any sort of financial fraud so I am pretty honest as a person and want to keep it that way. 

I think I have written enough and hope my readers will continue to read my blogs whether they continue on Blogger or on another blogging platform.

Friday 1st October 2021

Day 95 of an indefinite lockdown.

First thing I did today was submit my fortnightly income reporting to Centrelink - which being my first few days back at Myer is not enough to not qualify for any welfare payments after tax for the fortnight. 

I have kept my "Still Looking For A Permanent Position" advertisement on Gumtree from when I was made redundant back in March 2020 and occasionally get some responses but most of them have been scams. I received a response from a private Accounting firm and therefore responded back with my resume. Hopefully it is not a scam and they receive my resume sent via Gumtree to them. I did do a background check on them online and it looks "legit" however it is a little too far away in Balmain I believe. I was going to phone the number to speak to them but I have so much to catch up on over this long weekend. Myer takes up so much of my time that I never have any time to myself. It's getting to the point where I just don't have time for them. If a job takes over too much of your life to the point where you have no life outside of your job it's not worth staying in. It's been over a year and like everyone else that has resigned they have all said "It's time to move on". I didn't want to be the last casual left in the Homewares department at Myer Warringah Mall especially when after a year I was handed a letter and not offered a permanent position ( not that I want one at Warringah but if I was offerred a transfer to Chatswood then I would reconsider). Unfortunately I am the last casual in the Homewares department.

Major non COVID  news today Britney Spears wins her battle with conservatorship. 13 years is a long time to be under a conservatorship of a parent ( ie her father). The question is:  Was she taken advantage of? Did she become the cash cow for her parents to benefit from?

A peragrine falcon has been nesting on a building in Collins Street in Melbourne where it's eggs have hatched . Adorable baby chicks with mum feeding them very early in the morning is being watched via 24 hour bird cam CCTV. This has been famous footage over the years.

A major tornado has hit regional ( Central West Meadow Flat near Bathurst NSW.) Houses powerlines trees etc were sucked up and thrown - leaving a path of total destruction . Today is the 3rd day of thunder storms. It was forecasted and it delivered. There was wild winds rain and hail. One Myer team member even moved her car yesterday undercover in case hail did hit the Northern Beaches. 

Another major car crash where one vehicle was travelling in the wrong direction collides into the other travelling in the normal direction injuring or killing the passengers in it. It is the second one in the last few days. Are people going mad?

COVID has disrupted  the NRL grand final in Brisbane this weekend due to a COVID outbreak in QLD. Crowd capacity has been reduced ( to 75%) and there are discussions to move it to Townsville in regional QLD ( may not be an option due to a COVID case there)  or delay it if QLD goes into lockdown. This is the first time QLD has had cases of COVID for many months - so much for the QLD premier shutting the QLD border to NSW and VIC but allowing residents from other COVID free states to enter and exit. They may now go into a snap lockdown like NSW and VIC and lose all their taken for granted freedoms of a normal non COVID life. Stage 2 restrictions have been imposed in certain areas.

Why is an octapus being used to pick who will win the NRL grand final? Can the octapus predict if the NRL is going to be actually played this weekend and if so where? There is always some type of animal used to predict something. Are they more intelligent then humans?

Melbourne COVID cases have surged to over 1000 cases ( a 50% increase in cases) and the road to their freedom is being discussed. This surge may have been from post AFL celebrations. Are these actual figures correct? If there were gathering restrictions in Melbourne and no AFL grand final held in Melbourne how on earth did the number of cases increase by 50% just from AFL celebrations? I don't think it was from that but possibly stemed from the protests that happened previously. There were a number of reported cases from those but no actual figures of how many cases resulted from all the protests which were a very low number of confirmed cases compared to how many people attended these protests. Is the government scare mungering? Hiding true statistics? Exaggerating figures and or shifting them around to make themselves look good and certain events that happen look bad when they aren't? or are the figures just a mistake in calculations ( not likely)? Is there another reason(s)? Unless there is a whistle blower nobody will ever know. Maybe the true number of people that are COVID positive as a result of attending the protests for example  did not actually come forward for testing possibly because they were asymptomatic or had very mild symptoms hence only people that became sick enough were reported and included in the statistics or maybe the protests weren't actually super spreader events as they were outdoor events . Who knows the real truth behind all the figures.

NSW overhaul of current contact tracing system - fully vaccinated residents may no longer have to isolate  if they have had close contact with a COVID positive case. It's been a few months now when the NSW government quietly stopped reporting the location of cases and outbreaks omitting them from the Service NSW asnd NSW Health website COVID case location map. It just happened one day when I went to do my daily check ( by typing in my postcode and nearby sub post codes)  and could no longer see how many cases of COVID and at what time on what dates at what exact locations appearing in other LGAs in Greater Sydney other then the SW Sydney hotspot LGAs and regional Sydney hotspot LGAs. There was a swtich to another case location map which gave details such as number of active cases when you typed in a suburb or postcode but it did not give you details of dates times and exact locations and how many at each location. I could not see if the local Woolworths Coles or Aldi supermarket had any recent cases of COVID on what dates and between what times and how many cases. I used to keep an eagle eye out on this map in order to avoid these locations and check whether I was there at any of these locations on the dates and times indicated. Once ex team member ticket girl texted me a message saying there was a cases at one of the local super markets where she resided in (Dee Why) but it did not appear on the COVID case map so I asked her where she found the information and it was via people she knew on  Facebook and not via the  any NSW government website. I had found the other map and typed in Dee Why and yes there were active case  and total case numbers but no details of locations dates and times - not even on the running list of COVID cases list. I guess that's when contact tracing started to not be able to keep up  and slowed down. After that there was an announcement that the contact tracing department would be reduced and people would no longer be rung to advise them that they been exposed to a COVID positive case/location on a certain date and betwwen what times. Text messages were used. Unsure what the current contact tracing method is. I think you are only notified if there has been ( and not is as contact tracing is too slow for that) a COVID outbreak in a certain general area or region eg suburb(s)  not a specific location. 

There was a COVID outbreak at the John Hunter Hospital.  Staff have gone into isolation as a precaution. Visitors tested.  Babies tested several times all testing negative.  Does this mean babies are immuned to COVID and that my theory of the germiest place to be is within a hospital which is a breeding place for the rapid spread of COVID - think about it reciculated air, air conditioned air with no open windows and fresh air circulating , no natural sunlight and confined indoor spaces with close contact between staff patients and visitors?  Just because a hospital looks clean it does not mean it is clean. Avoid hospitals if you don't want to contract COVID as well as avoid large indoor events, shopping centres, department stores and any other fully enclosed confined spaces with close contact with others for pro longer periods of time. Remember plenty of  fresh air and sun light!!! If you have to attend an event keep a certain distance away from others but more importantly wear a mask everywhere possible unless you can't and keep good hygiene. Stay at home if you are sick. It's not all about strict lockdowns  and mandatory vaccination just common sense by everyone.

Teachers must be fully vaccinated by Nov 8th. A push for mandatory vaccination for all frontline healthcare workers nationally not just by today in NSW.

So much news today to write about. Where do I start? Monday is a Labour Day public holiday so I will have a bit of time to catch up on my blog. 

Breaking news today with 864 COVID cases and 15 deaths overnight as well as news that  international borders to reopen ( I'm still doubtful about this) the NSW premier  

Gladys Berejiklian

(yes I will finally mention her name in my blog ) has resigned. Smack bang in the midst of NSW's second COVID lockdown which is only months or weeks even away from the so called "freedom day" beginning from 11th October in 3 phases that's been discussed about and dragged on forever and ever and ever....... People are probably  wondering why she resigned so suddenly. I was wondering why she resigned so suddenly until I asked if it was COVID related and then remembered why. It's all coming back to me now. We all forgot and it went away ,  life as the NSW premier carried on and now it's finally reared it's ugly head again for the last time! Did she have a fall out with other state premiers? NO. Did she have a fall out with the health ministers? NO Was there conflict between her and the Federal Government or other state members of Parliament? NO -  HOWEVER there was a conflict - A CONFLICT OF INTEREST hence an ICAC investigation.

It all started off with : Once upon a  time there was a middle aged single NSW premier named Gladys an immigrant who could not speak English until Primary school but worked extremely hard to get to where she is today ( I mean until today) but who was far too busy with her career to have someone else in her life or start a family of her own. So everyone thought -  until the residents of NSW found out that she had a secret "boy friend" . Many were happy that she had finally found true love because being the NSW premier and a female in the male dominated world of Australian politics is a tough gig. Or did she? She kept her personal life very close to her chest but some thought maybe she should have made her personal life a little more public. Difficult to believe that she and her "secret boyfriend" were together for 5 years! There were rumours that she kept her personal life so private because she didn't think anyone would care which is so sad. However that's where the happy fairytale ends unfotunately, it's all downhill from here. Let's continue. The "prince" in Gladys' life was Daryl Maguire a former MP local member of Wagga Wagga for 20 years but he turned out to be no prince but the equivalent of an evil step mother. He resigned as a MP in disgrace in 2018. It turned out that he wasn't after Gladys' heart ( although he managed to get into her pants) but a gold digger. He tried to make the glass slipper fit his foot eventhough he knew it never would using Gladys status in state politics to his advantage. So now ICAC is investigating the glass slipper that does not quite fit. The End . No it's not . TBC....

There is another theory and that is given the timing , her snap resignation may have nothing to do with ( well maybe something to do with ) the ICAC investigation. There may have been a conflict with other MPs and NSW Heath officers and therefore the pressure was on for her to step down or resign. I'm sure I wrote something in a previous blog a while back about this situation possibly happening but can't remember if I wrote it in my blog or elsewhere eg discussion with a friend or work colleague via text messages or even on Twitter or Facebook. Then there is the pressure  of being a high profile female politician amongst a male dominated "toxic boys' club"  Australian government on all levels local state and federal - Australian government has not had a great record of female career politicians where countless women have been pressured or forced to step down step aside terminated or resigned think of high profile female politicans eg  Julia Gillard , Julie Bishop, Kristina Keanelly 

What happens now? Will there be a snap state election? 

Again I repeat I'm sure I wrote about this situation being a possibility  somewhere but can't find where I wrote about it in my blog. Politics is a dirty profession and I am unsurprised if Gladys was pushed or pressured out by her male work collegues  like other female MPs at both state and federal levels of Australian politics if not local.

Well another casual team member " I want to be a team leader" just informed me she resigned today and her last day is tomorrow as she also got a new job but not with the same employer as team member ticket girl. I'm the only casual Homewares team member left now.

Dinner was well another burrito from GyG this time a barramundi spicy burrito which I paid for instead of redeeming my points for. Got to build up those loyalty points again in case I become unemployed. Home on the 199 to Manly transferring onto a 144 bus home.

Again I do not make it in time to watch the 6 pm news or The Cook Up but made it home in time to watch The Living Room. I can't remember what I watched after that - so tired I fell asleep. 

Today I just got my shifts for next week only. Tuesday - Friday 9.30 am - 5.30 pm stock only. No shifts at all for the following week because I'm still unvaccinated. I don't care anymore. 

One of the  team members from another department asked me the question  "If you are unvaccinated does that mean you can't work?" I said that I think so.

Saturday 2nd October 2021

Day 96 of an indefinite lockdown

Today's news was dominated not by COVID news in NSW not even by COVID news in other states but the NSW premiers snap resignation yesterday just after 1 pm when everyone thought she was about to make a COVID announcement instead she announced her resignation and there was no  speech and no questions taken, it was just so quick.

So why did Gladys suddenly resign and did she have no other choice but to resign? So many questions asked  and so many questions unanswered. It's mostly about the timing of it.Then there is ICAC. There have been quite a few former premiers that have lost their jobs from investigations by ICAC some for petty allegations. The system is ICAC is an independent organisation that investigates corruption amongst MPs and this independant organisation is needed however once an MP is named to be under investigation for alleged corruption they usually resign before the investgations have actually started or completed and regardless of whether they are found innocent or guilty of these corruption allegations at a later date. By this time  it's  far too late - one's political career is well and truely over - ended - political suicide.

" Breach of public trust" What does that actually mean? Gladys was "forced" into her resignation or was she? according to the above reason quoted. " I have no option but to resign" she announced yesterday.  Politics at all levels is a dirty profession. Who is more corrupt MPs or ICAC? Given the timing of the snap resignation, the quote could refer to either the current COVID situation or her past alleged siphoning of unauthorised funds to and connection with her former "secret boyfriend"  MP Daryl Maguire to boost his profile and electorate.( I hope I have the wording correct). Did she know about his dodgey private affairs/dealings or was she innocently sucked in by him ie did Daryl Maguire take adantage of and use Gladys due to her high profile political status as NSW premier for his benefit? or did he have real feelings for her? Well they did break up and are no longer together - Was that before or after the famous "I don't need to know about that ..." statement she made to him?

There are 4 potential front runbers ( candidates) for the now vacant NSW premier position.

1. The Treasurer 

Dominic Perrottet

2. Minister For Jobs & Tourism

Stuart Ayres

3. Planning Minister

Rob Stokes

4. Minister For Energy & The Environment 

Matt Kean

We won't know who the new NSW premier will be until Tuesday but it will be a male premier as there are no female contenders for the position.

NSW COVID news may have been pushed aside by the more pressing news of who will be the next NSW premier but there was other COVID related news - Compulsory COVID vaccinations for all authorised workers where first dose is required within 2 weeks , the NRL is still in doubt in QLD this weekend as the state could still go into a last minute snap lockdown. Cases of COVID are appearing in SA and in WA which have had no cases of COVID for months just as long or even longer then QLD.  

Daylight savings starts tonight so we lose 1 hour of sleep tomorrow. It's a public holiday this Monday as previously mentioned.

A beautiful day today after the last 3 days of wild and woolly weather of wind rain thunderstorms  tornados hail storms etc and so soon after that series of  earthquake in VIC. However with a warning the weather is set to change tomorrow where wild weather is set to return on the Eastern cosdt of Australia.

Princess Beatrice of York has named her baby who is now 13 days old old Sienna Elizabeth as a nod to Beatrice's grandmother the Queen.

The PM is still insistant that once 80% double vaccination is reach  international travel will resume and as soon as 14th November 21. 

Oh great NSW won't have a 11 am daily COVID announcement media press conference today but we will get figures as soon as they are available. My question is will they change dramatically now that we don't have a premier and what type of information will be given via the news?

It's 11 am and the figures are out - 10 deaths and 813 COVID cases. Interesting the # of deaths is appearing before the number of cases. One of those deaths was double vaccinated but had other medical conditions and contracted COVID in hospital from the dialysis wards. NSW has now reached 80%+ first vaccinations and 65.2% are fully vaccinated.  

OK let's see how NSW is tracking towards the 70% phase 1 stage of "freedom day" on 11th Oct 2021

There are now 9 days left until 11th October 2021

The current double vacvination rate is 65.2% which leaves 4.8% double vaccination still to go to reach the 70% double vaccination target rate therefore each day the rate of double vaccination has to increase by .53333% in order to achieve 70% double vaccinations.

If the target is 80% double vaccination by 11th October 2021 instead then the daily rate of double vaccination has to increase by 1.64444%. 

True figures I'm interested in but when I actually get my first vaccination I don't care a shit about now because Myer has been bullying team members including myself to get fully vaccinated before they open on 11th October 2021 which is "freedom day" and there is no way some of us can - basically it's "a no jab no work" policy they have mandated and after receiving that letter from them after 12 months as a casual with them and not being offered a permanent position as well as being told there was not much they could do about this after I mentioning it to the customer service manager that I am the only casual in Homewares left ( every other casual team member has resigned the last just yesterday) and not being rostered on after this coming week ie not given fortnightly notice in advance of shifts ( if any) I don't care I don't care I don't care. 

I am a shareholder and Myer owes me money . They haven't  paid a dividend to their shareholders for years and their shares although have increaes in price are still worth only 60 cents per share. Way below the original public offer price of when I purchased them back in November 2009 between $3.90 and $4.90 ( I can't remember the exact price per share I purchased them for as it was so long ago but estimate it around the $4 mark) . That's over 10 years ago. If I had invested that same amount of money into a maximum period term deposit or into a high interest savings account and not touched it , I would have earned more in interest than I received in whatever dividends Myer did manage to distribute to shareholders in the past. I certainly would have a return on my investment and definitely not made a loss on my investment. All my other long term investments have either broken even double what invested  initially or have not missed a dividend distribution to shareholders. Myer is the only long term investment that I gave made a loss on. So readers may ask why don't I sell them? Well there are several reasons why I can't sell them besides how it is not worth selling them. It's all to do with tax offsets. I already have another capital loss and have nothing to offset against that - I don't want another capital loss by selling my Myer shares to add to it. I also don't believe in selling long term investments unless a publicly listed company decides that it no longer wants to be a publically listed company and issues a share buy back scheme which MYOB did many years ago. I loved those shares and it was doing really well until the founder decided he wanted out of the company sold it off.

The building maintenance company was making repairs to the apartment block from 7 am - around 1 pm today.  So I did not venture out. I thought they were coming to do a thorough clean of the common areas of the apartment block but no they were just here to do repairs mainly to unit # 8 I think it is across from me as there is some sort of leak inside it on the ceiling. A manhole in the ceiling located in the foyer area just before the hallway leading to that apartment has been left open since pre lockdown. I hope it has been closed up now that repairs have been completed in that unit. No still not closed up.

3 pm and it's pouring with rain outside. So glad I didn't venture out but if I decide to I will go to Chatswood as it is a bus ride away and undercover.

I did not end up venturing out. Did not do much for the rest of the day because I'm tired and resting up for another intensive work week ahead. 

It's the long weekend so I still have 2 more days to relax. There is nothing on tv either on a Saturday night so I resort to YouTube.

Sunday 3rd October 2021

Day 97 of an indefinite lockdown. End of another week in lockdown.

A beautiful day outside today after 4 days of not so nice weather ( yesterday was nice for a while until it decided to turn dark again and rain). With clear blue skies no wind and no rain in sight , it is  forecasted for a top of 27 degree C today and mainly sunny.

There were 667 COVID cases & 10 deaths - not many details given initially ( is this correct? there were 10 deaths yesterday as well). I don't know why the Kerry Chant raced through the details of the 10 deaths today - they were certainly not in a hurry to finish the daily announcement or question time today. I didn't quite catch all the details of the deaths but as much as I could recall they were all aged 50s and above , 2 were from outbreaks in aged care facilities, the rest from various hospitals , about half were partially or fully vaccinated and the others unvaccinated,  all except 1 was from hotspot LGAs - the other was from a previous hotspot LGA , a mix of male and female.) Death figures were correct but initially Brad Hazzard made a mistake with the break up of an under 10 year old and  3 x 10 - 19 year olds included in the number of deaths when none of them had actually died . He later corrected this information ( after Kerry Chant's announcement). They are in hospital not dead. ( I could not believe what I just heard and I paused my writing in my blog when I heard this as I needed someone to repeat the information he had just announced to confirm it).

88.1% single vaccinations & 66.5% double vaccinations reached. The target of 70% double vaccination is expected to be reached mid week. Calculation time again . There is still 3.5 % to go and 3 days therefore in order to reach this target by Wednesday,  there needs to be a daily increase of double vaccinations of  1.167% per day.

There is something suspect about the response from Kerry Chant during question time. A member of the press asked her how she felt and feels now about the resignation of  the NSW premier. Her body language and response was a "I don't think it is appropriate for me to....." She is definitely holding something back - possibly her real feelings about the working relationship between them both. I know when there is a public announcement you have to remain calm and collected and professional but her body language was very suspect. 

I slept in until 10 am - gee thanks to losing an hour's sleep due to daylight savings! I missed the news so now I have to catch up.

Andrew Constance Transport Minister quits state politics to run for Federal elections for seat of Gilmore.

Does this mean by elections are coming up ? Not where I live!

The NRL grand final is on in QLD tonight. Unfortunately I did not watch it.

Qantas will resume international flights to/from Sydney/London and to/from Sydney/LA on the 14th November 21 - the Sydney/London flight has already sold out. Good luck to those flying. Just as well these 2 destinations are not where I want to travel - if it takes a week to get results from a PCR test and you are required to get one with a negative COVID result within 72 hours prior to departure with proof of double vaccination as well as returning to Australia for 7 days quarantine  and possibly having to get to the airport no less then 3 hours before departure due to extra time to clear airport security customs immigration and quarantine, its not going to be a good trip. ( especially in LA) What if you are delayed or stranded at the airport due to some problem eg vaccine on vaccine passport is not an authorised one to enter that country. And what if you have to wear a mask for the entire long haul return flight and only take it off when meals are served - risky recirculated air in planes are bad enough but wearing a mask for a minimum of 14 hours straight as well in a confined space - really uncomfortable. It's too early to fly - I'll be patient. Other international flights won't open up until mid December 21.

1 pm and it's getting cloudy again.

After having a shower and washing my dishes, I finally venture out with my huge shopping list to do my essential grocery shopping really late in the afternoon but it was still light when I returned home around 6.30 pm. First stop was Woolworths followed by Aldi then finally Coles. Not everything was available and I had to leave some groceries for next week as my wheelie bag was full and my 2 large reusable shopping bags were filled to the brim. I was surprised that I managed to fit all my groceries in them. As soon as I arrive home I wash my hands and my masks hanging them up to dry ready for use again tomorrow. Then had a snack of seaweed and a Plantitude biscuit before unpacking all my groceries and making dinner of a marinated turkey breast fillets.

There were so many people out and about around Lane Cove shopping precinct. Most people were either out grocery shopping or lining out for takeaway in the mid afternoon but by 5 pm The grounds of The Canopy had become a picnic area full of families finding a spot and setting up their picnic rugs with with a picnic basket or hamper or cooler bag having a nice outdoor dinner either home made or purchased nearby from the many takeaway dining options around Lane Cove. There is no shortage of food around with several cafes and restaurants in the grounds of The Canopy if not near by and a large Aldi and Coles supermarket just below ground also in the grounds of The Canopy. Everyone adheres to social distancing rules and it's all very sophisticated even with kids running around everywhere, families and friends stay in their small gathered groups. The main attractions are the  takeaway coffee and ice cream/gelato cart. I would love to hang around myself and sit down to have a picnic but  I have to get home - so much still to do today and tomorrow before I go back to work on Tuesday.

I made it home in time to watch another 1 hour episode of Inside Central Station a 10 part series on SBS at Sundays at  7.30 pm. A must watch fir train enthusiasts. 

I look out my window and the stinky guy that used to live in one of the rooms downstairs that shared a bathroom was hanging outside leaning on the front brick wall of this apartment block again in the dark. I wonder why he does this every now and then. Does he miss living here? He is probably harmless but it is a little creepy that he does this. Maybe he has friends next door at the motel although I doubt it. I am so glad he didn't stay long term as he really did stink when he was living downstairs. I hated how he use to leave his door  to his room open and the front door open as well and a handy full service toilet block in the grounds of The Canopy. 

Monday 4th October 2021 Week 80 Of  Unemployment & Over Employment

Day 98 of an indefinite lockdown.

Happy Labour Day Public Holiday Long Weekend!

A lot of very early bike riders and walkers runners and joggers out and about this morning. I slept in until 7 am and they were already out and about. It is s sunny dat today but it's one of those days where later this afternoon the weather can change to rain. 

The Penrith Panthers won over the Rabbitohs. I tried to find which channel was broadcasting this NRL grand final on tv but gave up. Oh well. I really should have watched it instead of Inside Central Station aa it was 2 Sydney teams playing a grand final match in QLD because it could not be played in NSW due to lockdown. 

Melbourne is set to become the world's most locked down city with 246 days in lockdown overtaking Buenos  Aires.  

Dirty politics. Dominic Perrottet is set to become the next NSW premier ( 46th) after Gladys' resignation with Stuart Ayres his deputy likely. After a ballot late Saturday he had the support from his collegues and the numbers however Rob Stokes has also put his hand up to be in the running to be the NSW premier unfortunately rumours are his colleagues have encouraged him to withdraw his interest. I can just see his collegues in an un-Australian way telling him "Mate Pack It In". Why Dominic has had the support from his work collegues is because he is a former lawyer , has been the treasurer for the past 4.5 years ( although at only 39 he will be the youngest NSW premier if offically voted in) , is a family man with 6 children (Catholic although that is probably irrelevant) and has great attention to detail which is what Gladys had ( apparently). His leadership style maybe different to Gladys' but the thought is that the state will be in good hands  financially looking forward as the state works towards reopening up after such a long lockdown. Time will tell if  this holds true and if and when he offically becomes the next NSW premier. For now it is not offical yet as there is still the alternative candidate for the job Rob Stokes. I am unsure about the combination of the Dominic Perrottet treasurer as NSW premier and Stuart Ayres MInister for Jobs & Tourism as his deputy . Rob Stokes is Planning Minister depending on how good his skills and experience are - would it be more important and logical to have a deputy at least to the next NSW premier? or doesn't politics work that way? Whatever happens there will be a "shuffle" of state MPs.

More dirty politics or a genuine resignation ?Days after the announcement of the NSW premier, the deputy premier John Barilaro also resigned today with a more lengthy resignation speech to the public in contrast to Gladys' resignation announcement ( there was no speech with hers). After Andrew Constance recent resignation as Transport Minister from State politics to pursue a career in Federal politics, theories emerged that he was following suit. However in his resignation announcement speech, he made it quite quite clear that he was not leaving state politics to pursue a career in Federal politics and that he wanted to spend more time with his family and that maybe he was having a midlife crisis as he turns 50 soon. He also mentioned that he had been the deputy p premier for 5 years now and mentioned how he had worked with quite a few MP and even acknowledged a few of them. So it did not seem as if he was pressured to resign. He kept insisting how he had thought about resigning for a while hinting that it was not a snap decision and that there was never a right time to resign. He thought it was time to make way for the new state MPs. Ummmm. It was quite a long resignation speech. There was no mention of any sort of corruption or any indication that he was also under investigation by ICAC. He did mention almost tearfully though that he was subject to racism on social media platforms being an immigrant like Gladys and by leaving politics and being out of the public eye now that this racism will stop. It was quite an interesting speech but like Gladys' announcement didn't really reveal much . Maybe it was genuine but who knows. It's just all about the timing of all these resignations. NSW has no leaders - I don't know which state is the worst to live in at the moment NSW or VIC?! I still want to live in TAS.

Today I need to take my rubbish out, the red bin out tonight and do my laundry as a start. I then have to prepare lunch and get ready for work tomorrow.

COVID cases continue to fall there were 623 COVID cases and 6 deaths overnight. There is now 88.5% single vaccinations reached & 67.5% double vaccination reached ( 16+) . Although it was announced double vaccinations are on track to reopening - by my calculations it is not quite correct falling behind by .167% per day at the moment.

Tasmania has now had it's first case of COVID where a 15 year old from Melbourne travelled to Tasmania tested positive and now isolating. 

Parts od SA are entering into COVID restrictions  a 2 separate cases travelled into SA from VIC.  A woman and her family are being investigated and a truck driver who has returned to VIC tested positive to COVID. 

QLD has a case of COVID where a 50 year old double vaccinated woman tested positive and has been out and about however her family have tested negative.

There is a new COVID drug manufactured by Merck is seeking FDA approval and the Australian government has worked to secure a supply of it. Of course it is a US manufactured drug which shows positive signs of reducing the severity of the virus however vaccination against the virus is still priority. 

This is an important vaccine issue therefore it is worth writing about again. Up until late August 2021, The Astra Zenica vaccine was still not an aporoved vaccine for travel to the US. 3 days ago it still wasn't an approved vaccine. Now that travel to the UK & LA from Sydney is to recommence in November 21, there is still the push to include Astra Zenica as an approved vaccine for entry into the US. The other issue is  articles only mention Astra Zenica from UK it does not mention the Australian manufactured version of Astra Zenica. So those who received the original imported Astra Zenica vaccine may be OK to travel to countries within Europe UK and the US when there is FDA CDC etc approval but question mark about Australian manufactured Astra Zenica vaccine. Hopefully this issues will be resolved before November 14th 2021.

Laundry done, wash dried and folded, lunch made and my backpack is ready for work tomorrow. I did not take the red bin out for rubbish collection day tomorrow - will do it next Monday as I won't be home tomortow to bring it back in.

Monday night I usually watch the 6 pm news, The Cook Up followed by 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdiown and HYBPA before falling asleep.

Tuesday 5th October 2021

Myer 9.30 am - 5.30 pm stock again all this week's shifts added onto Kronos on Friday 1st October 2021. I have no shifts after this week as I am unvaccinated. 

Day 99 of an indefinite lockdown.

Another beautiful morning. I am so unmotivated to go to work today but I know I have to as COVID support supplement payments will end soon and being unvaccinated, I may not be able to work (although reading about "freedom day" lifting of restrictions only for the double vaccinated - only applies in retail for customers it does not mandate all retail staff to be double vaccinated - so Myer maybe breaking employment law by not allowing employees who are partially or unvaccinated to work and pressuring employees to get vaccinated when they can't).

Why are the garbos coming so late to pick up the trash bins? It means I can't take the red bin back in until after 7 pm on Tuesdays. I don't want to be fined for not bring the red bin back in on time every Tuesday when everyone else does along the highway therefore I did not do it this week. The red bin is not full so it can wait another week to put out. 

Today I wake to no NSW premier, no NSW deputy premier and no transport minister. By lunchtime today hopefully a new NSW premier will have been elected and by tomorrow a new deputy premier will have been elected. Although Dominic Perrottet is the forerunner to be the next NSW premier he still has competition from Rob Stokes. Only time will tell if there will be an  undisputed clean vote smooth transition of a new NSW premier.

Other COVID related news Bali will opened it's borders on 14th October 21 to international travellers a month ahead of Australia planned resumption of flights to the UK and US except Bali has not included Australia, Singapore & NZ on their list of countries welcomed but likely to at a later date. ( a team member dying to travel overseas waa asking should he go to Bali or Thailand - I said why not both . Mate it looks like you ain't going to Bali at this point in time!)

The tv is now flooded with vaccination advertisements. There are more vaccination advertisement then normal advertisements for everyday products and services! Guen should make  great watching on the ABC as their segment is all about every man and his dog jumping on the vaccination bandwagon in advertising.

Victorian COVID cases continue to increase but students have started to return to school. The decision was made to not shut down the entire school if there has been postive cases of COVID found but to just isolate particular areas or rooms of  schools that were exposed to the virus.

Another mention of the new COVID pill to be taken over a course of 5 days for milder cases of COVID reducing the need for hospitalization. However it is still being trialed and there is a while before it is actually approved by the FDA for use. The PM has planned ahead this time unlike the Pfizer vaccine fisaco, he has secured a large batch of it awaiting FDA approval in advance.

Well it's offical Dominic Perrottet is the new NSW Premier. At 11 am this morning instead of the daily COVID announcement media press conference. Mr Perrottet addresses the nation ( well at least NSW residents) for the first time as the new NSW premier. I watched the beginning of the announcement which was short and sweet. I am sure there was a lot more to it but the YouTube channel I watched cut off after the announcement speech. He won 36 votes to Rob Stokes 5 votes. The phrase that was coined and taken from a charcuterie commerical " Is Dom. Is Good?" The other question was regarding his strong religious beliefs - is he anti abortion,  anti same sex marriage etc and a sceptic on climate change. He is seen as a conservative asnd although he has 6 kids says it will not affect his role as the new NSW premier. He has a tough job ahead of him and big shoes to fill.

There was a major Facebook, Instagram and Whats App outage this morning. Did not really affect me as I have almost abandoned Facebook, I can't log into my Instagram account and a great excuse for not receiving any  annoying group text messages from Myer!

It was a pretty boring brain dead day ay work today moving stock around again. I hate how the customer service manager is always getting me to do the most brain dead jobs and rings me to asks me where I am when I'm in the middle of putting really heavy cages of cookware stock back into the reserves. I hate how she sends texts of cryptic messages to find stuff  that isn't even on the dock. Maybe payback for her was the electricals team leader accidently almost breaking her pinky finger today by slamming it between a roll cage and reserve door I believe. He told me how he felt so bad about it . They were pushing and pulling a roll cage full of mainly boxes of chocolates which looked rather full and heavy. An ice pack and bandage later she was back on the floor. She had to administer  first aid on herself as there is no other first aid officer except herself on today.  I told the electrical team leader that he better do a good job with filling the shelves with the boxes of chocolates to make up for it!

I am having a lunch break on my own. In my favourite spot. I don't have any team members left to have lunch with anymore. I am the only casual left in the Homewares Department and so unmotivated to work.  - the resignation of a number of  experienced Myer  Homewares  team members one after one days apart is liken to the resignation of the 3 key NSW state MPs! Both at such a crucial time just weeks or days before NSW reopens up. Just as there was an urgent ballot to elect a new NSW premier and deputy premier, the recruitment process is on to find new teamm members for the Homewares department ASAP to replace all the team members that resigned. 

In Saturday their were repairs & painting done to the common areas and empty apartments in the block. Yesterday I came home to a very clean apartment block. After so many months ( even pre lockdown #2) the common areas of the apartment block were so dirty nobody would want to live here. Now it is really clean - the floor so clean that as soon as I opened the front door of the apartment block, I took my shoes off and walked in my socks through the foyer area and up the stairs and down the hall to te studio where I reside as not to leave any dirty foot prints.

Wednesday 6th October 2021

5 am and I'm up catching up on the news.

Day 100 of an indefinite lockdown.

As I leave the apartment this morning the green bin which does not belong to this apartment is back in the dumpster area but the red bin is still out as it has not been emptied yet (I did not take it out for rubbish collection day as it was not full and didn't want to be fined for leaving it out as I am at work all day and can't bring it back in like the other properties as soon as it is emptied - the garbos empty the bins after I leave for work if it was earlier then I can bring it back in before going to work on my way out). Next week I can as I am not rostered on to work. The other thing I noticed was the windows had been taken  out of the apartment next door to mine and sitting on the floor of the apartment to be replaced at a later date. The light was left on in the apartment on the other side of mine when I returned home but I did not touch it. The apartment at the back on the other side also has the light on constantly probably to deter squatters which have been mentioned to be a problem in vacant properties over lockdown.

Slightly cooler today although it is forecast to reach 27 degrees C today before dropping to around early to mid 20 degrees C tomorrow.

Now that we have a new NSW premier sworn in  who won in a landslide vote there is now the ballot to elect a new deputy premier and a  reshuffle of MPs and portfolios some of which are now vacant. Stuart Ayres deputy leader of the NSW Liberal Party was elected unopposed will be by Dominic Perrottet's side.  A meeting with the Heath Minister regarding the roadmap out of lockdown ahead and possible early reopening not being riled out is on the agenda. Paul Toole is the frontrunner for the NSW Deputy Premier position with I believe the Transport portfolio attached. There will be a shift from daily COVID case numbers to the road ahead.

Rapid home COVID testing kits are a subject of discussion again.

Concern that services will be understaffed as certain  industries in retail and hospitality re open There is a hiring blitz and the new NSW premier is keen to move the state forward financially as the state reopens after more then 100 days in lockdown! Myer Warringah  is stuff for re opening, they may not be under prepared but certainly understaffed - it's lost at least a third of it's staff during lockdown. Jobs rush? Spending spree? "We'll take our state from good to great!"? 

A whistle blower accuses Facebook of putting profit over the heath of people. She is a former data scientist at Facebook. 

The Russians are going to film the first movie in space called Challenger - Tom Cruise is  unimpressed as he wanted to be the first to make a movie in space. His movie won't take place until next year which makes him a long way behind. The Russians found out the plan  to make a movie in space and swriftly announced "Action!" ( literally!).

A group of Americans ( which is believed to only be a small group) have protested to "Save Australians" from lockdowns. Probably after hearing how Melbourne is now the city that has been in lockdown for the greatest number of days. There were comments on the news of  how much Americans actually know about Australians  eg the typical cliche of how they think Australians wrestle crocodiles and ride kangaroos to school as examples. I bet they don't even know the difference between Melbourne and Australia and just because Melbourne is known as the city that has been in lockdown for the longest amount of days , it doesn't mean the rest of Australia is in the same situation except Sydney seems to be close having been in lockdown # 2 now for approximately 100 days straight that's over 3 months!!! One reader responded with a save your own country before you try to save ours comment with a "Thanks But No Thanks" and a "She'll Be Right Mate!" comment. It is believed this small group of protesters are anti vaxers and freedom of speech/ rights etc  Who knows what to believe in the US with their vaccination rates below ours.

And I was right yet again - vaccination rates have lagged behind the target rate for today!!!! Was this due to Gladys' resignation? Uncertainty? or some other reason - definutely. the NSW government forgot about the What's the deal for the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated and what freedoms they will be allowed  on "freedom day" who don't have the same freedoms as the fully vaccinated? I am waiting for some answers from the NSW government. 

Victoria has reached a record day of COVID cases of 1763! Yet they are still set to open up the state on 26th October 2021 although it depends on vaccination rate. Will their cases reach 2000? Was I right about true protest and super spreader figures? Where else would such a high number of cases have resulted from? Unless there were heaps of secret illegal Football cekebration parties happening. There were a few illegal trips outside of the 5 or 10 km radius known of but I believe illegal gatherings were probably more likely super spreaders especially in confined indoor spaces with close contact lack of fresh air and sunlight.

I can't believe people around NSW are not wearing masks everywhere and getting ahead of the pathway to reopening by doing the wrong thing like gathering in larger groups before the state is due to re opening which is worrying. 

Most of today was doing brain dead jobs of stripping displays, taking stock to the reserves and putting stock onto tables from another display stand all brainless jobs in preparation for re opening next week. I managed to lock myself out of the POS system. A sign perhaps that it's time for me to leave. Only the customer service manager can reset my log in  ( she needs a reminder for this). I am not looking forward to starting at 9 am tomorrow for mark downs, it means leaving home at 7 am as I have to get to the staff entrance/exit by 8.25 am in order to start work by 9 am. I just made the bus this morning after missing the previous one.

I was having lunch and was having a conversation with one of guys that works in the dock about whether I have heard anything from the EC in regards to working at the local elections as it's gone a bit quiet and he had not heard anything. The elections are not until Dec 4th 2021 so it's still a little too early I think. He says to me how are they going to deal with voting this year? Will the unvaccinated still be able to vote? Who knows but I said it's a great excuse for me not to have to vote ( remember voting is ( suppose to be compulsory for anyone who is an Australian citizen over the age of 18 ) - oh sorry I couldn't vite becausr I'm unvaccinated until I realised the council elections were postponed until 4th December 2021 and by 1st December 21 anyone who is unvaccinated or partially vacvinate will have the same freedoms as the fuly vaccinated ie once 90% vaccination is reached or stage 3 of NSW reopening if I am correct. Wait on? Did I actually get that correct? So everyone has no excuse for not voting. Very suspect - was there a bit of insider trading going on amongst government departments from the  Federal to State to Local goverment levels? Coincidental or planned that the local elections fell after the final phase if NSW reopening where there is freedom for all NSW residents? Did they know about phase 3 being December the 1st  before the public knew about it hence cancelling and postponing the local election date to fall on the very first Saturday after this date so there is no excuse for Australian citizens residing in NSW not to vote? The local council will then have an excuse to fine anyone that does not vote which they would not be able to do  before this date as it would be a no jab no vote and therefore the local council would not be able to fine all those that are unvaccinated partially vaccinate even medically exempt because they can't by law. Dirty politics again!

There is not much to tell about what happens at work. It's the same shit. Moving stock from the floor to the reserves or elsewhere and getting yelled at by the customer service manager for asking if a team member from VM was using all of theirs nothing new. There is shit everywhere in the reserves in the hallways and on the floor. Things in wrong places I gave up and just left stuff where I could. I made sure I finished by 5.20 pm and had enough time to go to the toilet grab my stuff and punch out exactly at 5.30 pm. Managers make all team members wait at least 5 minutes after 5.30 pm to open the staff entrance/exit doors to let us out then there is the bag checks. 

I took my time getting home today as I needed some more groceries to make lunch for work tomorrow and Friday so stopped off at Aldi to get a non frozen pizza some duck ravioli and a piece of steak. Trying the piece of steak will be interesting as I haven't eaten red meat  for a very long time asnd if it is it is usually lamb but never beef. I am not a fan of beef or pork so haven't eaten beef for decades and pork not for a very long time except maybe on a very odd occassion I will eat bacon if it is included on a pizza with chicken and vegetables. Tonight I am going to try a chicken and bacon pizza. I hated eating bacon so much I used to pick it off my pizzas. 

Interesting political news Paul Toole ( known as the negotiator) is being sworn in as Deputy premier and his deputy will be Bronnie  Taylor ( yes a female deputy !and the most senior MLC of NSW representing The National party). My question is who is the NSW Minister for Transport now after the MPs' shuffle shuffle to avoid political trouble.

The road map for plans to reopen next Monday is being stuck to but the roadmap may change. There has been no protocols for businesses reopening from the NSW government - so true.

15 weeks! Yes NSW has been in lockdown for 15 weeks now! That's almost 4 months! ie in Aussie slang Mate, that's a bloody long time !

Pizza for dinner however I made sure the bacon was well cooked and I added spinach leaves and sliced mushrooms and cheese to the pizza to make it a little more healthy. Left over pizza is for lunch tomorrow.

I missed the news but managed to catch The Cookup, 8 Out of 10 Does Countdown followed by the final episode in a 3 part series of Lost For Words. After which I watched todays alternative daily COVID announcement by the new NSW premier on YouTube and general news on ABC News. 

I tried to sleep early.  

Thursday 7th October 2021

Day 101 of an indefinite lockdown.

NSW has reached 70% double finally. "Freedom Day" will go ahead on Monday. Only for the fully vaccinated and it was mention that is is hardly freedom day as it is only a very small lifting of restrictions . Masks will no longer be required outdoors but people as mentioned previously weren't wearing masks already not only around Manly but around Lane Cove as well! 80% double vaccination is forecast to be reached by 6th November 2021. Just after my birthday. Makes no difference to me. I won't be double vaccinated by then. I don't get the rush of single vaccinated people to suddenly get double vaccinated before 11th October and just to enjoy a few freedoms like going to a restaurant gym or retail shopping which will all have limited capacity and possible reduced opening hours. Restaurants - really we have be eating online ordered takeaway delivery and home cooked meals which are probably healthier for you for so long now there's nothing wrong with that. And the gym, what's wrong with outdoor activities and small group fitness, long walks runs and jogs with plenty of fresh air and sunlight, I miss my dance classes and indoor swims/acquafit classes but who wants to be in a room of sweaty people at the moment and since it is spring the weather is getting warmer and I rather be going for a swim in an outdoor pool which allow both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Don't you have to wait at least 3 weeks before you can have your second vaccination? So are the figures for single and double vaccinated NSW residents in correct? Say the 90% first dose vaccination was reached and NSW just reached 70% double vaccination today and the figure would have been much lower before the 70% rush to get vaccinated - that leaves between 10 - 20% of NSW resident who have only had their first vaccination - that's quite a substantial % . Does this show there was definitely vaccine hesitancy? or some other reason(s)? Are people not due for their second vaccinations until after freedom day ignoring the recommended period between vaccinations? Will this now cause problems with the length of time the vaccine is effective for? Will it shorten it as there is already discussions about 3rd booster shots as immunity may only last 6 months or could having double vaccinations within a shorter period of time increase effectiveness and immunity although it has been mentioned that a vaccinated person that died was just vaccinated but the vaccination did not have enough time to allow the body to build up immunity hence te reason why you need to wait at least 3 weeks between vaccinations. I do question this. whatever, I am taking my time to get vaccinated as it makes no difference to me when I get vaccinated given Myer not rostering me on next week or most people that are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated and the pressure is off so I can get vaccinated whenever I like , I can even wait until December 1st 2021 and either get my first vaccination as planned with my second on 22nd December 3021 when it will be freedom for everyone or remain unvaccinated ( maybe not as I do want to travel but not in Drcember!) I only hope that by getting vaccination I don't get an allergic reaction but that it will actually do the opposite and as a substitute reset my immune system that natural cyrotherapy usually does and has been absent treatment for the past almost 2 years now.

Dirty politics again calls for Victoria's premier Daniel Andrews now to step down immediately again due to a corruption claim. 

Tougher lending laws to be implemented making it more difficult to buy a home.

Kylie Minogue has released new music and after 3 decades based in the UK is planning to return home to Melbourne Australia. For my UK readers Did you know of her plans before we did?

Well what do you know. There maybe some legal action against Myer I suspect. I may not be the guy on TikTok that predicted daily COVID case  numbers then contracted COVID nor am IEverything I write has happened so  so it will be interesting what happens to Myer ie the legal implications of Myer mandating a double vaccination in order to work for Myer. This means all staff tha t are unvaccinated or part vaccinated or with bookings to be vaccinated have been " stood down " again until they are fully vaccinated or wait until 1st December when everyone vaccinated or unvaccinated can return to work. 

There is a funny side and a serious side to working at Myer. I really don't recommend it not even as a Christmas casual. There is not really a career path, it is an old company with old ways of doing things which is slow to adapt or change and a very old style of a top to bottom hierarchical management system that is outdated, with very old outdated technology that never works even when it is upgraded no matter how hard Myer tries to keep up with the latest trends in technological inovations. A lot of the staff that have been there are part of the furniture and will probably remain there until their retirement. They all may be 50 + but they are not senior managers and who I have found are the best employees to work with and talk to because they are the most knowledgeable and very wise . Most of them work in the same department - the dock for example. Myer managers must think everyone that works for Myer that is not a manager is not very smart and can't think for themselves. They could not be more wrong. Like myself there are a lot of team members who are retired from all professions, not everyone that works for Myer is a young  teenage adult that is still at school or studying at university working at Myer as a Christmas casual just to make a bit of pocket money  short term or is on a student visa with restricted working hours to making a little extra cash to cover living expenses whilst they are studying in Australia.

These wise seniors at the dock agree with what I have been writing about. The 3 levels of legal implications of mandating the "no jab no work" policy. It is actually a violation of Human Rights Law, A violation of  NSW employment law if not National employment laws and a violation of antidiscrimination law. The dock manager has been reading up on this in detail.

I would personally like to see a class action against Myer of some sort but I would not to be the person who initiates it. A team member said that would be the worst senario/ last option.

Onto some humour a team member from the ground floor buddied up to work with me today said. She is Argentine and her English is not perfect but is is quite good as a second language fluent enough. So I asked her to get some S hooks or buchers' hooks which I had advised her were in a perspex cylindrical container 3 Industrie ones and a silver one and told her just to get the silver one. She wasn't sure where they were in the Homeware cupboards so she asked the customer service manager who was there with the electricals team leader ( they are still friends after he accidently slammed her pinky between the cage and door) "Where are the hookers? You know the hookers?" The expression on their faces was priceless although I wasn't there team members have been coming to me to tell me what they just did or said to the customer service manager. They just did not understand what this team member was asking fir and were giving each other looks of confusion " Hookers?" Finally it clicked. When the team member returned she told me what happened and she said it was ok to use the Industrie s hooks and ask me to explain what the correct English word was for a buchers hook or s hook.

I stopped at Aldi on my way home again to purchase a few essentials.

Home to watch The Cook Up and then 8 out of 10 does countdown. Then bed. I fell asleep whilst reading and texting a VM team member.

After what happened today in regards to Myer and the madate of vaccinations I told her that I needed to clear my head of any thoughts of Myer. 

Friday 8th October 2022 ( oops I meant 2021 and I wish it was!!!)

Day 102 of an indefinite lockdown.

There were appoarently 646 COVID cases overnight. I wouldn't know and have to go back and check as I leave for work too early and get home too late  to watch the news every day. 

Mark McGowan Premier of WA was presented with a spear but started joking about it asking where the NSW premier Perrottet was in regards to WA ( and other Australian states)  getting a more fair share of the GST revenue rather then NSW getting the biggest chunk of it. NSW is the state with the highest population followed by VIC and QLD therefore it could be argued that these states should get more share of the GST revenue however WA disagrees - SA and TAS are  keeping a little quiet maybe they don't really seem to care .

Still no word from Balmain accountants so I followed it up. I think it's another scam. I fowarded an old resume so all my details won't be upto date. He did provide me with a phone number and email address so I can always take action if anything is suspect. If they are a real accountant, they would have taken an moral/ethical oath to do the right thing in that profession.

First up was the team huddle time at 9.30 am. Same old s***. There are at least 2 managers that are unvaccinated and 1 partially vaccinated manager. I am not the only unvaccinated team member in Homewares and there is at least 1 other team member from the VM department who is partially vaccinated. So come Monday Myer will be short staffed. Myer only caused this problem upon themselves. I didn't even want to attend the staff huddles - what the point I can't work at Myer as of Monday 11th October 21? This morning the team huddle was very tense you could feel it. Most brand partner staff were back preparing their concessions for reopening and told to check that their POS log ins all worked as they would be supporting Myer staff on the POS putting through other salles that are not their brands. Yes it"s at the point where Myer is so short staffed ( despite a hiring blitz) that they need staff from other departments such as the online department which has shut down yet again to serve at the POS with the addition of brand partner staff. Back to the tensness present at the team huddles recently. The huddle was lead by the operations manager this morning who was trying extremely hard not to mention the word " VACCINATIONS" at all during the entire huddle but he had to give in when he had to discuss how only fully vaccinated customers would be allowed in through the front store entrance to shop and how there will be security guards to check the different forms of vacvination status. Also staff were required to carry some form of ID at all times to indicate that they work at Myer as security guards will also be checking  this however they will not be constantly checking staffs' status of vaccination. I look across the floor of  the ladies shoes department and see the assistant store manager ( who by the way is unvaccinated herself) show some type of documentation on her phone  to another partially vaccinated manager from the dock before having a discusdion with her. I turn to the other unvaccination Homewares team member next to me and tell her how I think the managers were discussing whether Myer's mandatory vaccination policy is actually legal. Later I find out from the dock manager herself tgat yes that was what they were discussing before telling the other unvaccinated Homewares team member how my observation during the meeting was correct between the two. Even the dock manager sensed how extremely hard tge operations manager was trying not to mention the "V" word during the entire team huddle. As soon as the team hudf5le was over I practically ran back to what I had to do - there was no way I wanted to stay a minute longer. As soon as I was allocated my job I was out of there. All staff and brand partners on a list of fully vaccinated staff had to stay behind and show proof of their double vaccination and have their name checked off that list. I am unsure if anyone has a medical exemption and whether it is accepted.

This is a text message a team member from VM sent to me after a departmental meeting they had , it's just one of many desparate situations Myer is in for reopening day 

"I heard that online people will be on POS as of Monday although some refused and will be sent to other stores to continue online. V****** said VM may be asked but D****** said she will quit on the spot if they ask her. It's so long since I've done any POS that I would be more of a hindrance it would be like trying to teach a toddler 😆 "

"Yeah they asked me as well,   But D***** is working so I may offer to do Saturday I'm not sure yet. I won't do it if V******isn't in. T***** did sound desperate when she asked me 😉"

Today I spent half of the day with another team member from the ground floor "fluffying up Christmas trees" wearing white cotton gloves given to us to prevent our skin getting scratched on both floors of Myer after moving and tidying up the glass reserve and moving stock ( I had just moved the same stock the day before from one shelf to another and that same stock previously from the dock to the arbor). So between 10.30 am and 3 pm in between morning tea and lunch we fluffed up the Christnas trees. After that I unloaded some new stock o to a display of Yoga and Massage products from a box which contained yoga mats, back massage ring, foot massagers , yoga gloves, massage balls etc. The VM manager comes upto me and advises me that there is a little more yoga stuff on the dock and indicates where it is located. I ask teams members that work on the dock if they had seen any yoga items around and no one knew where it was thinking it was the cage that was taken and I had already unloaded it. I managed to find a half filled cage with a few boxes containing a product that were in white boxes with very little description on them however I recognised the brands name and thought these were the yoga products I was looking for so I took one out to see what they were. What were they? At first look I could not figure out what it was - it said it had medical grade silicone on it and it was a white hand held phallus shaped object. Oh my God was Myer selling personal vibrators (ie  dildos)? Have they stooped so low that they would sell such a thing?  Or was it a hand massager - I have a battery operated hand held massager and it's a turtle and looks nothing like this one! I asked other team members what it was and both thought the same . I was not displaying that front and centre as it would not look good if customers did not know what they were. There is very little description of what they are on the boxes so  maybe they are not personal massagers.  It's funny I told the VM team member who said that her manager sent her a photo of it and she tbought it was a vibrator so she had told her manager to get her mind out of the gutter! It's a personal massager. I said that I'm not touching them (let alone putting them out on the floor) she says to me they're no used!. I know that but still not putting them out. I told the other Homewares team member and she looked the product up and said it is a massager showing me the picture of it online asking me if that was what it was. Yep sure was but it looks much worse in all white. I luckily I had to abandon putting them out as I was given another task of putting up tickets for the last 30 minutes until I ran out of tickets and stands to put up and it was time to make my way back to the staff entrance exit. Home time thank goodness!

What does everyone think this is?  - It's a wireless personal back massager isn't it? I have a personal massager and it does not look like this, it's a cute green turtle!

Team members in the dock department have formed a syndicate investing their money in lottery tickets and they actually won $100 or so. One of their team members decided to join their existing syndicate because she didn't want to be the only one left behind at Myer if the rest of them won big on lotto and retired. Bless her. Told you there are some smart and wise team members at Myer. I always told team members how Myer management think team members are dumb and can't think for ourselves but we can. Smart enough to know that we can take legal action against  Myer for having a "no jab no work" policy . 

It was one of the electrical team members kast day today. He is leaving to return to India. He has been in Australia for 3 years and was on a student visa. It's a one way flight home . He won't be returning anytime soon but in the future he would like to return when it is posdible again. He seemed a little anxious about receiving his COVID results back in time for his departure flight. You need a negative result 3 days before departure and he departs tomorrow but still has not received his results. I asked him if the COVID test was free and he advised me that it was not and cost him $150. So anyone intending to travel overseas as soon as international borders open to Australian citizens take note of this extra expense and worry. By the way he is allowed to travel overseas because he is not an Australian citizen but it is a one way ticket home.

Dinner was another stop off at GyG in Manly for another takeaway spicy barramundi burrito with extra cortiander and chimi mayo on the side ( yes on the side) and they got it wrong again and put it inside the burrito - I still don't understand why they keep getting the chmi mayo  incorrect whenever I ask for it. It is an extra 50 cents for it - If I have to pay for it I expect to get it. Home on the 144 bus. There was this cute cubby little boy with his mum snacking on hot chips on the 199 bus to Manly. You could tell he was well fed. The smell of their bot chips was making me hungry on both the 199 bus and 144 bus hence my stop at GyG in Manly for the barramundi burrito. I was so tired I could not be bothered to cook dinner when I got home.

I arrived home washed my hands, masked my masks with bleach and hung them out to dry before eating my burrito whilst catching The Cook Up followed by The Living Room and catching up with a YouTube channel before going to sleep early as there is nothing to watch on tv and trying to sleep in.

Saturday 9th October 2021

Day 103 of an indefinite lockdown

Day off and catch up day! Bills to pay and cleaning to do.

So much to do on my day off but I should not rush as I now have the next 6 weeks LWOP to catch up and do what I have to do now that I have been stood down again because I am not fully vaccinated. Do I care ? Not really. Financially it's good training for me for when I transition into retirement although that's over a decade away! I have almost everything I need at the moment. I plan to pay all my bills in advance with any funds I have available to last me up until 1st December 2021 although some of the team members say to lay low for a few days and they think the NSW government will likely bring forward the real freedom day when everyone vaccinated and unvaccinated will have all the same freedoms and it will be hopefully the offical end of the very long continuous NSW lockdown. Lt's hope they are as correct in their predictions as I have been!

In the mean time I need to seek out legal advice and take legal action against Myer's disgracefulness.

So good to watch the news again @ 7 am after missing it for 2 full weeks due to work. Even moving it forward from 11 am daily to 9 am daily made no difference to me. Speaking of which the new NSW premier is finance focused and has kept the health officials out of the daily 11 am COVID announcement media press conferences. Highlight was the day Kerrie Chant was basically snubbed altogether from these daily COVID announcements since he became the new NSW premier. Other controversial news was the fast tracking the easing of some of the new "freedoms" that were previously planned pathway for phase 1 reopening  of NSW.

The vaccine passport does not work and will not be ready for reopening day on Monday 11th October 21. I notice it's not being called "Freedom Day " anymore either. It's not freedom day , it never was and still isn't and never will be until COVID is totally eradicated.

The focus is now on VIC with the highest COVID cases now at  1838 . There are now 1965 cases of COVID  as of tbis morning !

QLD is now enjoying more freedoms again as there are no new infections.

A  new strain of Delta has now been found in NSW which is no more transmissible severe or infectious  - whatever! This strain is still under investigation as it maybe stem from hotel quarantine. 

Interesting to note it is not being called COVID or a virus anymore but an infection!? What type of infection?

I don't eat red meat but it's a sad day when Coles supermarkets have made all their butchers & meat workers redundant or redeployed after it's decision ( which has been on the news for a while now) to stop selling freshly cut meats and only selling prepackaged meat products - more hard plastic from vacuum packing meat products. Gee that's all we need.  The packaging probably can't be recycled either! So it's Customer : "I only need 1 or 3 steaks" - Supermaket:  "Sorry but you have to buy the prepackaged 4 steaks" - Customer : " But I don't need or want to buy 4 sreaks , I only need 1 or 3!" Supermarket : " Tuff luck you now have no choice." Yes you do try a non Metro Woolworths!

Newsbreak this morning, there is back burning in my own back yard - Lane Cove National Park - no wonder I am having coughing fits watery irritated eyes and a runny nose again last night and today!

Oh dear the NRL premietship trophy has been damaged by Penrith players and will have to repair it if it is to be presented to the public in a parade at a later date. Something about "Goo Goo Gah Gah" & other news about 3 men sneaking in to watch the NRL game. 

Townsville has a new beer called The Great Barrier Reef Beer which will  actually contain water from The Great Barrier Reef and it will taste slightly salty. It's a promotional thing.

How stupid is France. 3 weeks after the French ambassador to Australia was recalled to return to France, he has returned to Australia. What about the 14 day quarantine arriving back in Australia and when he arrived back in France? Does France not have compulsory COVID quarantine rules? Are diplomats such as ambassadors exempt? They should not be exempt as our PM isn't! He had to do his 14  quarantine upon arriving back in Australia after his last trip overseas to the US to meet president Biden and other country leaders.

3rd booster shots are recommended by ATAGI for immuno compromised people but not more senior aged people. Really???

I fell asleep and woke up at around 10.30 am in time for the NSW premiers daily COVID announcement media press conference. Putting on  "A united front" between the new NSW premier and NSW Health officials  , Kerry Chant is not the 2nd speaker to apoear after the NSW premier's opening speech. There were 580 cases of COVID overnight. COVID cases in NSW are decreasing  and vaccinations are working it is announced. Are they really? I doubt that vaccination is the only reason why COVID cases are declining - fresh air sunlight the ending of strict lockdown in hotspot LGAs in Greater Sydney better sanitisation and mandatory mask wearing indoors and outdoors and on public transport or share riding as well as other things like limiting movement of people more then 5 km or longer distances outside of LGAs as well as preventing super spreading events such as protests and huge events such as grand finals or concerts as well as testing have all contributed to the decline in COVID case numbers. Unfortunately letting international "travellers" back into Ausyralia and bungled hotel quarantine protocols as well as not locking down early enough for a shorter period of time and a poor vaccine roll out have all contributed to the rapid spread of COVID. Investigation of new Delta strain still going on with genomic sequencing testing on isolates. 3rd Booster shot 2 - 6  months after last vaccination for immuno compromised. Increasing cases in Hunter region, and other regional areas in NSW. Stupid Brad Hazzard tells everyone it's not fair for anyone unvaccinated not to get vaccinated and that there is no reason not to get vaccinated except for medical reasons.  Wrong. Why should people get vaccinated now as soon as they can or as mentioned to try and bring their vaccination forward? You can't bring vaccinations forward and it does not matter between 11th October 21 and 1st December 21 now because you won't get the freedoms double vaccinated people will have anyway and there is no way you can be double vaccinated even if you got vaccinated now! At least I won't have to deal with the angry customers when Myer reopens! State is on the verge of 90% first dose vaccination. Hasn't this been the same statement for a few days now? And what happened to the deaths figure? Has no one died since the new NSW premier was sworn in? Here we go again. Bombarded by questions from the media in question time. Brad Hazzard is so stupid telling people if you are unvaccinated to go and get vaccinated! "We all want to yet ri d of tgis artifical boundry" Artifical boundry? The only artifical boundry is your stupidity about the freedoms unvaccinated and partially vaccinated poeople won't have on 11th October 21 - no wonder there was vaccine hestitency.  What does he not realised. You still can't do the things fully vaccinated people can do even if you get vaccinated now - you can't get double vaccinated in less then 3 weeks! Do we really want to know about the new Delta strain under investigation that was acquired overseas  from a returning traveller and in hotel quarantine if it is no more infectious, or if vaccines are not less effective in fighting it or if it is no more transmissible then the current Delta virus? When asked the question by a media representative during question time about which possible country it originally came from, the question was dodged with basically she did not know giving reasons such as  it could be from an infected person on the plane passing it on,  how that person contracted it  etc etc with the only piece of information being they are from Western Sydney . The daily COVID announcement cut off as soon as the figures and information on the new Delta strain was announced on Channel 7 news so I switched over to the ABC News channel who aired the daily COVID announcement into the media press conference question time but cut it off after it got a bit  intense. Much later it was announced on the news there were actually 11 deaths in addition to the 580 COVID cases announced early at the daily NSW COVID announcement media press conference. Kerry Chant had to apologise she actually forgot to give details of these death figures until another media representaive asked towards the end of question time and had to actually ask Brad Hazzard for assistance before continuing. ( 8 men 3 women , no other details were provided by her) Was She hiding something? I am sure I am not the only person kerping an eagle eye on every figure or statistic announced daily! She was in a hurry to get keen to leave question time until she was halted with another question about the revised roadmap out of lockdown trying to defend the decisions. Heckled again with her concerns about opening up. She was really in a hurry to escape question time  this time round. She encouraged everyone to get vaccinated  - vaccines work and she realised that as NSW approaches the 90% single vaccination rate ( ACT is ahead at 94% and she says it's not a competition but it would be nice to see NSW up there as well) it will become more and more difficult. Talking about barriers - it"s not her barriers causing vaccine hesitancy but the NSW governments. She can only advise, discuss and recommend from a health perspectives. Maybe she is trying to escape the all male possey.  She seems a little  lost without Gladys by her side . What is actually going on behind the scenes of these daily COVID announcements?  Back to the NSW premier and more questions heckled at him about the move from hotel quarantine to home quarantine ( which we all know is currently being trialled but not in NSW) and his response was they are still working  through it. Intetesting that he says " We'll be able to fly to Bali before we fly to Broome!" Mate,  do you not know that Australia is one of the countries Bali has on their list that has not open their borders up to yet!? And time for one final  non COVID question from the media was about support towards secret donation transparency before ending the daily COVID announcement. 

Boy that was a very long daily COVID announcement no wonder they start earlier now!!! I now need to go back and catch up on all the others I've missed from Monday.

Sunday 10th October 2021

Myer 10 am - 5.30 pm stock ( Last minute request to work shift added to Kronos last Thursday afternoon)

Day 104 of an indefinite lockdown although the news on channel 7 mentioned it was 100 days in lockdown NSW residents have actually been in lockdown officially for over 104 days remembering that I went into lockdown a few days after the 2nd lockdown near the end of June 2021.

No time for breakfast so I stopped at Coles for a loaf of wholemeal bread, a bunch of corriander a packet of mixed greens turkey slices and one single nutella bar. so had been wanting to try this latest nutell a product but had not bern able to find it. Rating don't bother at $2 a bar it was not worth it. It was very light and the bar broke as soon as I ripped the package open. A cross between a kinder surprise ,  ferrero rocher, kit Kat ice cream cones without any ice cream in them  and chocolate wafer biscuits, I was unimpressed to be eating a chocolate wafer filled with nutella. Buy a jar of nutella and spread it on a wafer biscuit or bread yourself or eat a tim tam or kit kat instead Rating 4/10. I could not taste any nuts in it  It looked better on the advertisement then it actually is. Photo below

Unless you are desparate for a light chocolate fix buy a real jar of nutella.  I prefer the nutella dipper biscuit stick packs over these nutella "bars" 

My unvaccinated Homewares team member told me on Friday to wait it out a few days and the dates for real freedoms for all ie vaccinated partially vaccinated and unvaccinated will be bought forward . Signs that they will by mid October and the end of October 21 where 80% and 90% double vaccination rates respectively are forecast to be reached. That's way ahead of the December 21 date initially forecasted. Was she or is she correct ? 

So called "Freedom Day" eve or as NSW residents see it "Party like it's 1999!"

It's forecast to storm today and I'm at work today.

Today was just a lot of bullshit again at Myer. Again at the team huddle managers were trying extremely hard not to mention the "V" word.

Most of today was moving stock around nothing else or playing "foreman" for the customer service manager yep delegating team members jobs to assist me with moving heavy stock around of boxes of cookware from tables to shelves and shelves to shelves. What a brain dead job.

I am so tired. I caught the first bus a 167 to Manly which takes forever to get there. It's my last day at Myer so I don't really care what time I get home but would like to get home in time to watch Hey Hey It's Saturday 's 50th anniversary tonight at 7 pm as I grew up with this now defunct tv show. Home on the 145 home just in time to watch it. Dinner was my lunch I did not eat with another turkey and mixed green salad sandwich and so mandarin juice I had squeezed earlier over the weekend.

Today team member ticket girl was called in to help out. She does have a full time job but said she would do a short shift on the weekend if Myer is desparate. Looks like she will be doing another Christmas at Myer! It was great to catch up with her though at lunch. She has a twin brother and I though she had a brother who has a twin all this time I have been working with her. Why isn't he working at Myer along with her other brother? 

Today I put up a few more signs but my biggest job today was moving the kitchen aid  pot and pans to another wall where bakeware was removed off and placed on a display table and putting all the heavy cast iron BK boxed  casserole  pots and pans as well as moving the Analon and heavy Tamortina pots and pan sets onto the other bakeware wall. It was a big job organising and delegating team members from other departments etc with jobs to complete. I was playing "foreman" for the customer service manager as she was too spaced out to even think about what she had to do next ( by the way her pinky finger is now out of her makeshift splint she created and it looked bad! The nail itself does not look like it had any damage to it although it looked really thin and elongated - it looked like a finger nail a crack cocaine user would have  but the finger itself is swollen but not "dead".)

I asked team member ticket girl if she got a reaction from the COVID vaccination ( she is now double vaccinated with Pcizer) and she said she also had a very sore arm which she could not lift  but she did not get a really bad headache or other bad COVID like symptoms until the following day , she and her twin brother also fainted and her twin brother also got chest pains and had to get this checked out in hospital) These are very similar symptoms to the VM team member. Everyone I asked or heard directly has had quite a severe reaction from the vaccine which is really concerning. I am considering cancelling my Moderna vaccine appointment at a pharmacy  and waiting until 1st Dec which was when my original Pfizer vaccine was booked for at a GP's office. It makes no difference now when I decide to get vacvinated or remain unvaccinated since as an unvaccinated or partially vaccinated NSW resident I can't work or e you any freedoms the fully vaccinated NSW residents how have. 

There were thunder storms most of today around lunch time and rain into the night. This may explain why I am so itchy at the moment.

Monday 11th October 2021 - Week 81 Of Total Unemployment Again !

106 days in lockdown it was announced NSW is finally out of lockdown. The premier insists there will be no more lockdowns.

"Freedom Day" as at midnight last night but only for the fully vaccinated asnd not for the unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. 

One of the many signs on retail stores reopening up today for the fully vacvinated only. The vaccine passport in NSW is behind the VIC one and will not be up and working until next week whereas the VIC  one is already being trialled in regional VIC whilst they are still in lockdown in Melbourne.

It's not freedom day - although there are plans to bring forward international travel you still can't fly anywhere until 14th November 21 at the earliest until home quarantine is sorted out.

It's very wet  and still rainong this morning after the bad forecasted thunderstorms yesterday delivered , rain continued throughout yesterday afternoon and throughout the night. October/November is when it usually rains and is storm season.

Day 1 of phase 1 of NSW reopening after 70% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only.

477  COVID cases yesterday but they predict  an increase in cases today.

The usual daily COVID announcement media press conferences were said to be a shift about the number of COVID cases and deaths to more about reopening up of NSW and today it delivered. 

The NSW premier is about to make his 10 am speech in a pub ( another shift to an earlier time slot that has happened since he became the new premier)

People are urged to be exercise caution with today's reopening prior to the 10 am daily media press conference.

The premier's speech is followed by the deputy premiers speech.

All they seem to be interested in was shouting all their mates a beer at the Sydney pub they were in.

Nothing about the partially vaccinated or unvaccinated again. 

The NSW premier starts his speech with the problem with a shortage of labour and as people return to work. Well if there is a shortage of labour why am I unable to work due to age discrimination for a start and because he hasn't addressed the situation of the partially vaccinated and unvaccinated who can't go back to work due to companies mandating a no double jab no work policy?

There is a definite problem limiting freedoms to only the fully vaccinated. Some small businesses won't open until all are welcome ie unvaccinated partially vaccinated and fully vaccinated due to a series of concerns including discrimination, lack of social distancing requirements, policing of customer vaccination status, staff shortages, limit of revenue generation and ending of government small business support for example.

Rain rain and more rain today and forecasted for rest of the week in NSW. Typical Summer rain annually in October/November.

The building maintenance person has been in the apartment block again continuing to do repairs. They took the yellow bin 1 of the green bins and both big and little red bins out onto the curb. They left the blue bin (hopefully) still in the dumpster area behind for some reason - maybe it's empty. The little red bin is full of rubbish - not mine that's for sure. This means I have to bring the bins back in tomorrow ( just as well I'm not working).

Tuesday 12th October 2021

Day 2 of phase 1 of NSW reopening after 70% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only.

Forecasted thunderstorms to be continued today and the rest of the week. I need to venture out today but it is such a yukky day.

The garbbos came around 8 am this morning so I snuck out to bring the 2 red bins back in ( just like I snuck out after the maintenance person left yesterday afternoon to take my rubbish out) but left the green and yellow bins out on the curb not emptied yet. Later when the yellow bin was emptied I took this back in before venturing out to go grocery shopping as well but the green bin was still full of dead leaves- should I bring it back in ? I decided to leave it out . I didn't take it out so if the property owner gets fined for leaving the green bin out - not my fault I didn't put that bin out! I didn't even know if the yellow bin was suppose to be put out for today. Lucky it was.

 9.30 am and I forgot to log on and register to attend the Telstra AGM today. Oh well there is Myer's AGM which falls on my birthday this year and I have already asked for the day off way back in January 21 so if I get called back to work due to a change in vaccine mandate y Myer too bad! They can unapproved my leave that has already been approved almost a year in advance.

This is crazy 7.15 am and the premiers is making his daily announcement for today! 

There was 496 COVID cases yesterday & 8 deaths which is a slight increase in the number of cases. It will be interesting to see what figures are like today. However it was nothing about the medical side of COVID like numbers of COVID cases deaths tests and how many are in hospital etc, it was all about a new COVID support package (s) for tradie's and small businesses to reopen and continue to trade with rebates to road tolls and other government fees  upto $2000  and the assurance for small businesses to go ahead and purchase of perishable stock without having to dispose of it all again at their own cost. 

News today was all about the return to work of vaccinated and unvaccinated workers ( office). Should unvaccinated workers be allowed to return to work along with vaccinated work colkegues? The debate of whether it is actually legal to mandate a no jab or work policy. A lawyer has bought up the point on reasonable grounds to remain unvaccinated such as medical or religious grounds. The vaccine mandate in VIC is different to NSW. In NSW the government has not mandated a all frontline workers must get vaccinated partially and have until 26th November to get their second vaccination whereas there is no such mandate by the  NSW government and it is up to individual companies to mandate vaccines and that is the difference between NSW and VIC so Myer should take note! You have broken 2 more laws even if you are adhering to VIC's vaccine mandate of only needing to be partially vaccinated and not giving employees in NSW of any notice to be double vaccinated ( which is not even required under VIC vaccine mandates until Nov 26th).

Other non COVID news  Lego is to go genderless. No more Lego for Girls and Lego for Boys, Lego searches will be by "interests" and "passions" instead. This is to ensure childrens ambitions are not limited by gender.

Other non COVID news today there is new hope for Parkinson disease sufferers, a dose of non intoxicating component of cannabis may help relieve symptoms. Great timing maybe they can get their hands on Justin Beiber's recent collaboration with LA cannabis company Palms of limited edition pre rolled joints called Peaches named after his recent single described as :

"The limited-edition product consists of seven 0.5 gram pre-rolls that includes Sativa, Indica and Hybrid strains, all with a “peachy’ flavour. The Bieber cheeba dropped today across dispensaries in four states — California, Nevada, Massachusetts, and Florida — for a retail price of USD$50.00 (AUD$69.00)."

There were 360 COVID cases & 5 deaths, cases are decreasing rapidly but the focus has shifted to the 80% target double dose date. Ot's getting difficult to kerp up with daily announcements from the new NSW premier as the times kerp changing. Daily news bulletins are the only way to find out what is happening daily. 

I want to go out today but it is so wet outside and cold I have the heater on.

What yesterday was subdued ? of course it was it's not the best day to be out and about. Hairdressers are probably the only businesses that are booming (some booked out for the next 2 months) as they don't have the risks hospitality has of the risk of having to dump their perishable supplies again. Retail - shopping can still be done online. I just purchased my $40 Hallmark Christmas ornament - awaiting confirmation to actually click & collect it.

The next freedom day when 80% double dose is reached is forecasted in another fortnight's time. 

The new drug still in the process of being approved as a COVID treatment is said not to be a substitute to getting vaccinated. There are still millions of Americans who remain unvaccinated but they are still getting on with life living with COVID even running large events like marathons.

Bonza airlines. Another budget Australian airline to debut next year sometime ( I think it is actually an American company) It will open up more direct routes to region areas around Australia instead of having to depart from a major capital city in order to get to these regional areas. Debate and discussion is around whether there is room for another budget airline especially when airlines like Ansett and Tiger both became defunct. I believe this new airline is purchasing and refurbishing the old Tiger planes. Let's hope this budget airline doesn't  offer el cheapo fares with no meal service, do it yourself everything no check in luggage and a 5kg or less carry on luggage strict limit and a no seats standing only for the entire flight! How about safety?

I did venture outside today in the afternoon as I had to get more moisturiser and antihistamines. I had been trying a new brand of antihistamines and they just had no affect therefore I purchased another brand name packet. I could not buy everything on my shopping list today so may have to venture out again tomorrow. I wish I didn't. Home delivery is not an option as it takes too long and I am not willing to pay the delivery fees as I am not currently employed. Click and collect also takes too long where I live. 

I did all my shopping at Woolworths - gee I hate shopping there, it's the supermarket I am most allergic to and today I was really allergic whilst there. My eyes were  extra watery my nose would not stop running and I had a very bad asthma coughing fit which was mucusy and deep definitely not a COVID cough for sure. I grabbed what I could chucking it into my wheelie bag and got out of the supermarket as soon as I could. As soon as I got out into the open air I took my mask off blew my nose and repacked my groceries put my mask back on again before walking home. I might have taken an antihistamine as well. 

Home I washed my hands and bleached my masks washing them and hanging them up to dry before unpacking my groceries and watching the usual news The Cook Up 8 Out of 10 Does Countdown and insight as there was nothing else on before falling asleep. 

Wednesday 13th October 2021

Day 3 of phase 1 of NSW reopening after 70% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only.

It's a really rainy day again today. It rained throughout the night and was a little cold again. I did not sleep very well at all and have a very bad rash over parts of my body and over my face which is red. My ezcema has flared up so badly. I had to take 2 a antihistamines yesterday. I am due to get my first vaccine of Moderna tomorrow but am cancelling as I am just too allergic to something and don't want to make whatever is causing my allergies and ezcema worse from a reaction from the vaccine. I had such a bad sleep I slept in until 8.30 am this morning. 

NSW  has 90.8% single vaccinations reached & 75.2% double vaccinations reached. 

There were 444 COVID cases & 4 deaths overnight. A slight increase in cases from yesterday BUT I think a significant increase. The question is why and are these figures correct? If so where are these figures coming from?

4.30 pm and I haven't done much except ventured downstairs to do one load of laundry. It's really awful outside so I haven't even ventured out to take my rubbish out or taken my bag of bottles to the nearest return and earn machine in the carpark in Little Street Lane Cove. Maybe tomorrow. Today I just watched tv and cooked a few things. I made up a bottle of mandarin juice as I could not find the green juice I usually buy during yesterday's shopping trip. I also made myself some oven  poached turkey breast toasties with 2 cheeses olives sundries tomatos onion garlic basil mushrooms mixed herbs &  chilli flakes. Yummy! Still don't know what made me have that itchy allergic reaction but I suspect it was something I put into the chocolate granola slices I made as I had a itchy milder reaction again today after eating a bit of it. 

My laundry is not quite dry yet so I am trying it for another 20 minutes.

6 pm news . Loads about vaccinations again. Vacvine passports should be up and running this weekend and trial results for vaccination of kids submitted for review and approval.  

A 4th MP Melanie Gibbons  ( Holsworthy) is leaving state politics for a Federal political career. That makes 4 up coming by elections!

Live auctions are back on.  

Final voyage of the Queenscliff ferry. Retiring after it's 1983 maiden voyage 40 years of service. This service will be replaced by smaller more frequent ferries. The ferries with a dodgey safety record built not to withstand Sydney's "battering" waves.

History in the making again? An Aussie is preparing to go into space with Captain Kirk ( William Shatner). On board the Blue Origin Rockets - 15 minutes of fame & 3 days of training, he will be strapped in next to his childhood idol Captain Kirk. It was not a free trip, this country Australian paid for his seat on the rocket which is debated as to whether it is actually travelling into space and whether these passengers on board are actually considered  "astronauts". 

Nett zero by 2050? I don't know about this. The PM hasn't even made up his mind as to whether he is going to attend the Glasgow climate change summit  - even Prince Charles hopes he comes to it.

Ah the QR codes. So versatile. Now there is talk that we will be using them to pay for stuff by Christmas. You have got to admit they are very clever.  I use them ( refer my Facebook and previous blog).

I better retrieve my laundry from the drier now. Done. My freshly washed and dried towels and quilt are so warm and cuddly. I felt like wrapping it around myself straight out of the drier as it is so awful outside at the moment and going to be horrible tomorrow according to a severe weather warning for tomorrow!

I am trying to book an alternative appointment to get vaccinated since the pressure is off to get vaccinated now. I can get vaccinated whenever I wanted to now as it makes no difference as I can't work for Myer even if I am partially vaccinated.

I can't seem to log in to my original vaccination appointment at the GP to change it or see earlier vaccination appointments - it needs a password and I Can't remember it or if I had one and there is no forgotten password option - this can only be done via the service heath website.

After watching the news The Cook Up and 8 out of 10 Does Countdown, I waited to watch New Gold Mountain on SBS which was suppose to started at 9.30 pm but I forgot about watching it and missed the first 30 minutes of it. It waa slow to get into this mini series based on the Australian Gold Rush and it is half in English and half in Cantonese ( true Cantonese and not Manadanese) with English subtitles when required ( I didn't need them as I only speak and understand Cantonese). I think it is only a 3 part series continuing tomorrow. That would have been a great mini series to be an extra in although the cast was mainly male ( the Australian Gold Rush was no place for a lady back in the day and the females were mainly  from the well to do.) 

By 10.30 pm the vaccination % in NSW were 91.1% single vaccination reached  and 76.5% double vaccinations reached according to the late news.

Thursday 14th October 2021

Day 4 of phase 1 of NSW reopening after 70% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only.

The Pfizer for kids vaccination safety debate is again under discussion. Still waiting approval to go ahead.

Chloe Mccardel completes her 44th English Channel Crossing to break current record of 43 swims.

William Shatner actor (Captain Kirk - Star Trek) the oldest person ( he is 90 really?)  goes into space and is back on earth. It was just a 10 minutes and 17 sec journey in space - another successful  Jeff Bezos " Blue Origin flight" space venture! Why do all "spaceships" look like penises? There was an Australian physicist on board who paid his way to be on board this space ship. I wonder who will be the next to send more civilians into space? "Beam me up Scotty!"

A teenager nearly died from secretly vaping. She was hospitalised for what doctors thought maybe or pneumonia even COVID  until she admitted she had been vaping. The symptoms described were very similar. She had so much fluid drained from her lungs and still has trouble breathing to date. A warning to 12 - 17 year olds - the age group who are the vapers and who vaping products are marketed towards as these vaping products may not contain nicotine but come in addictive flavours such as fruity flavours in a "menu" which are appealing to this age group. Vaping may look harmless but it's addictive and toxic as nobody knows what's in the flavoured liquids that goes into these capers or e cigarette type devices. A few puffs could make these kids really sick or kill them especially inhaling vitamin E which is found to be in some of them. I wonder in the far far distant future where anyone will have heard of vaping.

More Dine & Discover Vouchers and business grants will be made available over Summer in NSW to encourage residents to get out and about. I still haven't used my last 2 which don't expire until 30th June 2022.

NSW is expected to hit 80% vaccination by this weekend which means further freedoms for the fully vaccinated only I assume.  

Less COVID news and more other needs- maybe I missed all of it as I did not wake up until 8.30 am this morning after another not so good night's sleep. I have decided to definitely delay vaccination now. I need to get over my current allergies . 

It's another awful day today but I have things to do today. Another wet & stormy day today is forecasted.

Why has Victoria reached 2297 COVID cases yet their vaccination rate is rapidlyincreasing to wards the 70% even 80% rate and on par almost with NSW? How can these figures even be possible or correct? 

NSW has 406 COVID cases down again from yesterday. The number of deaths was not announced on this morning's news. Apparently there were 6 deaths. 77.8% are now reported to be fully vaccinated.

I was applying for more jobs when the pesky Centrelink  employment service provider rang again. Can you imagine what would have halpened if I was in the middle of getting vaccinated today? ( yes they decided to prebook a phone appointment at the same time and date of my vaccination I had booked weeks ago and was suppose to have today ). I again did not answer the call. My allergies intercepted all plans for today.

I wrote another  letter ( card actually) to  the aged care resident at the same aged care facility the late Irene Career resided at. There were some realky interesting things in the package I received from the Volunteer manager which I could sought through and write and send to this aged care resident. It wasn't just some local postage stamps and envelopes but cards and past news articles as well and some jokes. I do hope this aged care resident writes back to me.

I ventured out to post the letter I wrote to her in the afternoon. I was going to return my botyles as well but it was starting to rain quite heavily and there were forecasts for thunder storms as well so I walked back to the bus stop and caught the 144 bus to Chatswood. I haven't been to Chatswood for so long. When I arrived it was still raining and looked as if it would thunder (& lightening) as well. I felt safer doing the remainder of my grocery shopping there as most of the shops are undercover either at the Station Concourse or at the Westfield ( I did not want to walk all the way down to the larger Coles and Aldi across the road as it is a bit of a walk and there is no shelter until you reach The Chase which means you could be caught in the rain on your way there or back).

My first stop was to top up my Opal card with $40 not that I need it as I don't really have anywhere to go. I did not go upstairs to the Woolworths Metro at Chatswood Station where I normally top up my Opal card but used the automatic Opal card top up machines opposite the train station gates. Done.

My second stop was Australias Post located undercover just behind Chatswood Station. I purchased a word find puzzle book for $5.99,  a glittery pen which I did not know cost $7.99 and a basic small mailing satchel , a black HP ink cartridge for my printer and a prepaid traceable envelope. The  mailing satchel, puzzle book and glittery pen were gifts for the aged care resident I am writing to. I will post this later as I just sent her a letter. No writing sets so it took me a while to find something that maybe suitable for her. I asked the postal officer  how much it would cost me to send the puzzle book and ppen in the mailing satchel to Marrickville and he said $21. What $21 to send that satchel locally?! I repeated . He misheard me and thought I said to the U.S. ( I don't know how he made this mistake as the other postal officer was assisting me with whether a packet of Christmas cards a little thicker then it would cost to post locally and it certainly wasn't $21!). I made the postal officer write on the mailing satchel the exact postage and asked him if I could put my own stamps on it to make up the $3.30 that it would cost and advised him that no I did not need to buy more local stamps. I asked for a receipt and it was off to my next  and final destination Coles Local. The supermarket was downstairs in the Westfield Shopping Centre across the lane way. It was still really wet and raining outside so I had to make a dash for it. When I arrived at the entrance to Westfield  there was a line for the barber shop and as I walked through Westfild every single hairdresser and barber had a line of people waiting to get their hair cut. I am l lucky I don't need one at the moment (nor do I need anything urgently as click and collect is so slow) as there would be no way I could get one as I am unvaccinated and only fully vaccinated residents can get a haircut go to the gym have a drink in a pub or have a sit down meal at a cafe or restaurant or do retail shopping ( anything other then essential  shopping). 

I don't like shopping at a Coles Local as it is more expensive then a normal Coles supermarket and often is smaller and does not have everything I need on my shopping list. Today I was still missing grocery items off my shopping list as they were not available. I had to purchase a small quantity of a substitute product. Grocery shopping done I did not bother going to Aldi or using a shopping trolley just a basket this shop so I don't over shop as I only had 2 cloth reusuable shopping bags with me. There is a limit as to how much I can carry home even on a bus. I asked for change for the llaundry before repacking my groceries so they were more secure in my shopping bags before walking back to the bus stop at the back of the station home. A toilet stop on the way. It was still raining by the time I reached the bus stop and it started to rain quite heavily as I got off the bus across from where I live. I was standing at the pedestrian crossing notorious for not turning to the green walk sign for upto 10 minutes when it started to thunder and lightening appeared. I was saying to myself come on lights turn green to the walk sign whilst I was standing there raining getting heavier by the minute. The forecasted thunderstorm fast approaching. I run across the pedestrian crosding as soon as the lights turn to the green waok sign and to the entrance to where I reside. My shoes are dirty and wet so I take them off just inside the entrance doir so I don't dirty the newly cleaned while tiled foyer area and hallway up the stairs to the apartment.

I was my ha new and bleach my masks to hang up to dry before unpacking my groceries have a snack then watch tv.

I manage to watch the 6 pm news followed by The Cook up then 8 out of 10 Does Countdown then Adam & Poh's Malaysia in Australia and finally the second episode of New Gold Mountain on SBS I think it's called. It's 10.30 pm and I am still up on a Thursday night catching up on my blog. Meanwhile the thunderstorm outside came and passed.  It really poured with rain and thundered outside soon after I was safe and sound back home. 

11pm and it's time to go to bed. 

Friday 15th October 2021

Day 5 of phase 1 of NSW reopening after 70% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only.

After the wild thunder storms, hail storms,  tornados ( Armadale)  and a major flooding including the roof of Westfield My Druitt ( in the Western suburbs of Sydney) collapsing , I slept in this morning waking at 7 am to an almost dry  almost sunny day with clear blue skies peeping out however it's not over yet according to weather reports. More rain is still to come today in Sydney. Possibly more storms. It is still quite windy outside and the road is still a bit wet.

NSW is set to hit the 80% double vaccination rate by this weekend with more lifting of restrictions or "freedoms" to come this weekend. However promised regional travel has been delayed due to low vacination rates around regional areas of NSW ( delayed until Nov 1st)

A few things to do today  - take my rubbish out DONE, do my remaining laundry DONE , return bottles for recycling hopefully over the weekend as it is not the best day to do it today, update my shopping list DONE, apply for more jobs DONE and general cleaning HALF DONE,  pay some more bills in advance maybe over the weekend and cooking DONE.  

A new sign was errected outside the property today late this afternoon. Hopefully there will be some new tenants soon although I did enjoy having the entire apartment block to myself for almostt 4 months now. It is getting a little lonely. I haven't even put up my Christmas tree yet and I am still waiting for an email for my Hallmark Keepsake that I ordered from Target to confirm it has arrived for me to Click & Collect - It's been over a week now and still nothing.

Vaccination certificates are now available online from Service NSW . Finally rapid antigen testing kits will be available soon - 3 will be available once approved (1 nasal 2 saliva testing kits).

There were 399 COVID cases in NSW and 4 deaths today I believe mainly in NSW regional areas. Only a slight decline in the number of cases from the previous day.

An end to all forms of quatantine in NSW as of 1st November! NSW welcomes all returning travellers from overseas only proof of double vaccination and 2 COVID tests  required - one overseas before you depart  and one upon arrival  into NSW. Good news for Australians stranded overseas! A very brash move from NSW's new premier some have argued. Will this cause a COVID outbreak again? It is forecast not due to the very high rate of vaccination - remember vaccination does not protect you 100% from COVID nor does it 100% stop the spread of it and effectiveness is known to decrease over time so anyone can still contract or spread COVID even from returning overseas travellers. The PM was unimpressed by this announcement because the NSW state premier went above the PM with his decision to end quarantine.

It's still so nice outside although there are still rain and storm warnings for Sydney and other parts of Australia's Eastern states today.

Non COVID news today Adele has released new music for the first time in 6 years and everyone is thrilled. Her album titled 30 will be a smash! Her single released in full today ( she had been teasing listeners and fans for days now with only snippets of her new single) is about her divorce.  It's called " Easy On Me". As with all of Adele's music I ❤ it. 

There was the reminder of a vaccination mandate in Victoria ie all Victorian frontline workers must have had at least 1 vaccination by today and double vaccinated by 26th November 2021. Same mandate for all MPs , if MP's aren't vaccinated they won't be able to attend Parliament. Some argue that with the struggle of reopening and a shortage of labour , employers are reluctant to stand down unvaccinated employees. NSW 's government does not have the same mandate yet I am in a situation where I have been stood down due to being unvaccinated - unfair as I and my fellow retail frontline workers did not get any notice unlike Victorian retail frontline workers who did get notice.

I tried to report my fortnightly income to Centrelink online but the system is down. I will try again later but will also send them a letter with my income reporting and the dilemma with my current employer and complaint about the Centrelink Approved Employment Service Provider still hassling me whilst I am at work or looking for work. 

By late afternoon still no success on the mygov website and now I know why the system crashed due to the high demand of residents trying to upload their vaccination certificates without success crashing the mygov system from trying to link the information from the service NSW website to it. The mygov website links the ATO Jobactive Centrelink Medicare and other government departments/agencies holding a huge amount of your personal information together. 

I need to write about Myer and don't know where to start. They really have a people and cultures issue or is that HR issues? Probably both. Well my transfer request has finally been passed onto the attention of the store manager of Myer Warringah. It should not have been but it was. To the point where the customer service manager rang me about it today. So much for the chain of communication. I had been asking about a transfer for a while now via email communications but did not know exactly how to request a transfer Did I have to discuss this with the Store manager? Assistant Store Manager? Customer Service Manager? ( I was only told to speak to the HR department or Line Manager - who were they exactly?) It makes it even more difficult now that I have been stood down and only received a response to my transfer today via email. I applied for a Christmas Casual position at  Myer Chatswood and was still waiting for a response. After not having much luck quite a while back with responses , I decided to take it upon myself instead of speaking to a manager about it , to apply via the jobs website applying for a Christmas Casual position thinking it may be quicker that way to obtain a transfer. I made it clear in my notes on my existing application profile that I wanted to temporarily transfer to the Chatswood store for Christmas to cut down on travel. Yes I maybe unvaccinated but I am responsible limiting my travel outside my LGA and not using public transport unless absolutely necessary. Christmas is going to be a real problem roads get congested public transport becomes crowded hence my request to transfer temporarily to work closer to home. I know that both Warringah and Chatswood are looking for Christmas Casuals so I  selected the store I wanted to work at. The email of the status of my application should have been relatively quick but it dragged on. My intention was not to leave Warringah but just temporarily transfer to Chatswood and thought just applying for a temporary transfer to Chatswood for Christmas would be much quicker just reapplying online. When the customer service manager rang and spoke to me about this she explained to me that I had applied for a Christmas casual position meaning I would be leaving the Warringah store permanently and only working at the Chatswood store temporarily over Christmas with no guarantee of a permanent position there after this period ended. I would not be able to return to Warringah store afterwards. That's not what I requested. She said when she returned to work she would speak to the store manager about it and find out if this is actually even possible- she did not think so. She then went on to explain that even if I work at Chatswood that I would have to be fully vaccinated. I said to her that I don't think that is correct and she said she would speak to Nick about that as well for clarification. As far as my reasearch and the research other unvaccinated and partially vaccinated team members of Myer Warringah have done Myer's "no jab no job" mandate is actually illegal on 3 levels as previously mentioned in my blog - Human Rights Law Employment Law and Anti Discrimination Law.

How's this for a news headline " Sydney workers have launched a legal challenge over COVID vaccinations" dated 30th September 2021.

Well it had to happen however I don't think the case was as successful as it should have been because these essential workers to Brad Hazzard Kerry Chant and the NSW government to court but did not argue the case as I would have.

So here is how I would have argued it:

1. Level 1 legal implications According to Human Rights Law, a country's government cannot mandate vaccination on all it's "people" ( citizens non citizens refugees temporary and permanent residents etc) . Especially in a democratic or free country where people have the right to choose whether they are or wsnt to be vaccinated or not. This is particularly relevant on the grounds of medical or religious reasons where mandatory vaccinations could result in other consequences. There is a big difference how the NSW government and Victorian government handled this mandate of vaccinations. The Victorian government decided to 

I watched the 6 pm news The Cook Up and The Living Room today. After putying my laundry away, It's time for bed early around 9.30 pm .

I plan to venture out tomorrow if not on Sunday. 

Saturday 16th October 2021 

Day 6 of phase 1 of NSW reopening after 70% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only

Second weekend of "freedoms" and easing of lockdown restrictions where NSW residents may still not be able to travel to any regional areas of NSW but are able to travel to there areas of Greater Sydney such as The Blue Mountains this weekend - not the best weekend as it is forecast to be windy and It's the beginning of tick season between October and January each year. 

9 am and the latest COVID figures are in. There were 319 COVID cases in NSW today again another decrease in COVID cases and 2 deaths. The state has reached the 78.8% double vaccination rate ( just .2% off the 80% target forecasted to be reached this weekend but there is still time today as people will get vaccinated over this weekend). Now that I'm stood down it doesn't matter to me when I get vaccinated I can't return to work unvaccinated or partially vaccinated so I'll take my time. Even the slim chance of being able to travel overseas again is not enough to encourage me to get vaccinated sooner especially when overseas travel without hassles any is still a long 6 - 12 months away. 

All eyes ( from other states)  are on Victoria's mandate on vaccinations by their state government for all frontline workers. All frontline  must have had their first vaccine by today or intend to have one by having a vaccination booking and be double vaccinated by 26th November. At least frontline workers had notice although not a choice. The constant debate of weather mandating a vaccine is actually legal and not a breach of human rights laws especially by a government has been ongoing. This is why I am so pissed off and one of the reasons why I have delayed my vaccination and will get vaccinated when and if I decide to now. 

The property management company came in today once before lunch and once after lunch I think to style and take final photos of the apartment block inside for posting online to attract new tenants. It is so nice and clean and I hope it stays that way. It was so disgusting before. I mentioned previously in blogs how I don't use the communal kitchen area and only do my laundry down there. 

Sunday 17th October 2021

End of the first week since "Freedom Day".

Day 7 of phase 1 of NSW reopening after 70% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only

There were 301 COVID cases and 10 deaths today. NSW has now reached the 80% double vaccination rate which means as of tomorrow there will be the further lifting of restrictions. "Freedom Day" is now in phase 2 of reopening NSW but still only for the fully vaccinated. No one can travel regionally so it's not really freedom even if you are fully vaccinated.

Yesterday at the first Spring Racing Carnival event out at Randwick Racecourse with a real crowd ( of fully vaccinated lucky live crowd of 10 000 people able to attend the event with emphasis of bring back together a younger demographic with all the fashions at the stake), Nature Strip the favourite horse wins the Everest 2021 with James McDonald as the jockey.

NASA launches a space craft with some diamond dust on board to Jupiter for a 12 year mission to study trojan asteroids named "LUCY" after the Beatles hit "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" - Does NASA not know that LUCY is code name for LSD ? ( it is claimed that the space craft was named LUCY because it is carrying diamond dust therefore LUCY is in the sky with diamonds and nothing to do with reference to LSD). Ah "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star - How I Do Wonder What Substance You Really Are on board the space craft named LUCY!

A juvenile humpback whale has been tangled in shark nets at Whale beach yesterday and freed.

The Australian govermoment has secured an new preventative antiviral COVID drug  (15000 units of the anti viral treatment Ronapreve) from Pfizer but advises it is not an alternative to vaccinations. It is apparently the drug used to treat Donald Trump when he was hospitalised with COVID. They also secured another drug used to treat COVID. These drugs are due to be available at the end of October.

9.30 am NSW premier's announcement. No sign of Kerry Chant again - I think her absence since the NSW premier was sworn in is an indication that she has well and truely become obsolete from the daily COVID announcements. Not much new today. The emphasis was just how NSW has reached the 80% rate , new restrictions lifted and mental health was the key discussion today. This announcement was cut very short  - no figures no question time. The Health Minister's announcement overshadowed the NSW premier's daily COVID announcement today. Continuing after the Health Minister's special announcement, the media press conference question time was bombarded by questions in relation to mental health issues ( there was a discussion earlier on the news of the increased rate in eating disorders during lockdown) and even more questions on return to school safety for students parents and teachers and procedures and protocols - mandatory vaccination of teachers, students, phased return to school and rapid antigen testing at school of home were all topics of debate and discussions during the daily COVID announcement by the NSW premier.

So many questions from the National Media Press Conference question time today for the Chief Medical Officer of Australia Professor Paul  Kelly & Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt . Not all about COVID also about climate change - emissions down jobs up?  Yes they ( PM asnd other Federal MPs will now apparently be attending the Climate Summit )  are going to Glasgow Climate Summit now. 4 rapid antigen testing kits have now been approved. Questions and responses from the ministers were interwoven during question time at this special media press conference announcement. 2 new treatments 2 new pathways but vaccination is still the main preventative measure so Australians 

Today I stumbled upon Dr Sam Bailey's YouTube Channel and it was fascinating to watch. I was surprised that her channel was not completely removed by YouTube with all the negative scientific  COVID information it has on it. After watching 1 or 2 episodes of it, I realised that it was no removed partially because she is a doctor and her channel does discuss other medical subjects such as nutriential supplements but mostly because she tells "the truth and nothing but the truth" about COVID and believe me "the truth is out there" by her research and backing up her discussions and information with real scientific facts and even quotes from various award winning scientists and researchers. It does contain quite technical information but not overly technical that I having a science background in the wrong field ( ie chemical technology not biomedical science ) can't understand. She also has a book out on viruses. Though I would share this piece of information with my readers especially those who have stopped reading my blog. 

After lunch I ventured out to pick up my $40 Hallmark Christmas ornament Father Christmas  2021 # 18 in the series ( this is my annual Christmas gift to myself and I have been collecting them since they were first released and they used to only cost $20 - $25 each!) from the click and collect at Target located in Westfield Chatswood. I took the 244 bus which I waited quite a while for. When it arrived there was another one right behind it. Always the case with the 144 buses. I was planning to return and earn my bottles at either the Lane Cove automated machine in an underground car park in Little St or take them to City Convenient Store in Chatswood and do a return and earn  over the counter there  but just as well I didn't as both were closed today. I checked the Lane Cove automated machine and it indicated it was closed on Sunday but when I looked up City Convenient Store it said it was open but when I arrived the store was closed. The signs on their doors even indicated they were supposed to be open all day today. 

So it was onto Target. When I arrived everyone was scanning the QR code and checking in but there was no one really checking everyone's vaccination status before they entered via the downward escalator.  At the bottom of the escalator there is a entrance and exit divider and a Target employee stationed at the entrance to the store who asked everyone if they had checked in but she did not check every singl e person's vaccination status so I could have spent the whole day inside target shopping and nobody would know however I was here to Click and collect only ( I made my purchase before Freedom Day so my click and collect is not impacted by the double vaccination entry policy anyway). I waited forever to receive my click and collect - moist people were queuing up for click and collect returns or exchanges and not shopping anyway. I thought it was a quick in and out of Target but no I was in a queue for so long I could have contracted COVID in the time I was in Target and there were so many people so close together waiting - so much for the 4 square meter rule in place until at least tomorrow and all the other restrictions in indoor retail settings. At least everyone was wearing a mask ( I hope) which is still mandatory indoors  snd on public transport where you can't social distance are in close contact with others and where there is no fresh air circulating.  Done barcode to confirm order pick up, presentation of ID box handed over to me . I ensured that I opened it up before leaving the store as it was really  light to check the item I ordered was present in one piece and the correct one. Yep. I did not open the Hallmark box itself to check the ornament inside it. Photo below of my purchase.

Next stop to grab a trolley from Coles Local and use it at Aldi for my grocery purchases first before continuing my grocery shopping at Coles Local followed by a final shop at Woolworths Metro located near the station across the road from Westfield. 

It's really annoying when supermarkets don't have what you need on your shopping list. Oh well I'm not working for a very long time so have plenty of time to go grocery shopping.

I want to review another product I've found. Green tea bags - but not just any green tea bags. These are my favourite and you could be mistaken that they are produced in Japan but on closer inspection they are actually produced in Australia. Ito en Matcha Green Tea Taditional Authentic Japanese Style. If you are particular about your green tea you might like this  brand. It is definitely my favourite green tea and is so delicate in flavour without any harsh aftertaste tannins you sometimes get with certain teas. I have to rate it a 9/10. I can't give it a perfect score for 2 reasons at $6 for a 20 individually foiled box of these tea bags it is on the pricey side and there is too much packaging. My second favourite in a green tea would be the stronger more floral tasting Twinings Jasmine and Green Tea which I rate a 8/10 . I love the combination of flavours  and they are a little cheaper at $2.50 or so for a box of 10 tea bags however again they are individually wrapped and therefore there is too much packaging also you can't buy them in bulk packets and they are more difficult  to find in supermarkets. My l east favourite green tea bags on special at Coles at the moment is a new brand called Queen Victoria Green. There is nothing green about it - tasteless bland and you can't even tell it is green tea. At $1.50 for a box of 10 individually wrapped tea bags there is far too much packaging again , the packaging is cheap looking with rather odd colour coding for each type of tea bag type I rate it a 3/10 This is English attempting to be Asian green tea. Total fail , the brand should stick to traditional black teas such as Earl Grey , English Breakfast etc. I don't be buying this brand again.

After shopping it was a 144 bus home. Upon arriving home I wanted to take a few photos of the interior of the apartment block I live in. 

If anyone is looking for short or long term accommodation which was a former boutique hotel that has been rennovated and that is not quite a share house, not quite a full boarding house and not quite a serviced apartment then  renting a studio or one of the 2 rooms at this address maybe be an option. The 2 x room only on the ground floor share a bath room across the hall and are quite small therefore suitable for short term stays of 1 - 3 months ( unsure if the property management company ( Nova Property Consultants based out at Concord West ) actually accepts leases for less then 3 months though). All other studios have an ensuite but no kitchenettes but still suitable for longer term stays of 3 months +. 

I have now been living here for just over 2.5 years now - probably the longest tenant ever. I quite like it here and will stay here for as long as I can due to the proximity to public transport mainly (buses) , main shopping centre ( Chatswood), local shopping area with most things you need eg 3 main super market chains, multiple medical centres, multiple pharmacies, a  post office, a newsagency, a small butcher/deli, travel agencies, some financial institutions with ATMs, fast food joints, even a Kids Stuff toy store, a picnic area etc is a 15 minute walk away or by bus if you are lazy or tired (Lane Cove) and a major hospital (St Leonards). There is not much dine in or takeaway around except for a Thai takeaway which I still have not paid a visit to just a 5 minute walk away across the road ( Lane Cove is the closest fast food area & St Leonards or Chatswood a 15 minute bus ride away) . 

It's a little noisy as I chose a front facing studio but there are other quieter and larger single occupancy only side and back facing studios as well. 

I set up my own kitchenette in the studio I am living in with a bench top oven, a slow cooker and a kettle and I do keep a single portable induction stove but have not needed to use it. Another former renter used an air fryer a lot and even purchased his own full sized refrigerator for his studio as the mini fridges included in each of the studios and rooms were inadequate for his purposes ( yes a fridge, wall mounted tv and ceiling fan are all included in each of the studios and rooms). 

There is a communal  coin op compact laundrette with 2 industrial sized washing machines  ( set to different cycle times 30 minutes and 45 minutes and an industrial dryer above located behind a set of double doors in the communal  kitchen area. The communial kitchen has a 4 burner glass top electric stove and a microwave and 2 sinks - there is no oven or refrigerator.  Tennants have unallocated cupboard space for storing their non perishables and cooking utensils ( Pots pans crockery cutlery other cooking utensils are BYO usually) There is an ironing board and iron available. I have never used the microwave or cupboards in the kitchen as I store and use everything inside the  studio I am living in. 

There is a very small partially covered court yard at the back of the block where 2 years ago I spent my first Christmas Day having a nice get together lunch with another tenant. 

Rent is reasonablely lower and all bills including really good WiFi is included. No air conditioning, studios have ceiling fans which I prefer and no little box in the corner in ensuites that make you either wait for hot water or limits your hot water consumption. There was also an option to lease furniture for an additional charge on top of rent.

 

A range of studios is currently being styled and photographed. Here are just some of them and general photos of the common areas inside the apartment block. All the bathrooms are very modern and clean but are hidden in most of the studios so I didn't take many photos of them. 

Studio # 1B on the ground floor facing the highway with ensuite

Communial kitchen/laundry area on the ground floor

Communial Backyard area on the ground floor, thete is a communal clothesline around the corner

Studio # 4 includes an ensuite on the ground floor facing the highway but in a corner

1/2 Hotel room with shared bathroom across the hallway on the ground floor opposite main entrance to the apartment block.

Stairs spiral to top floor ( no lift in this apartment block) with the original arched simple stain glass window out the front of the building.

Studio # 5 with ensuite on top floor front facing highway

Studio # 8 with ensuite ( ceiling recently repaired) on top floor back facing - to be honest this is probably one of the not as nice studios with an ensuite. Upon inspection you will see why - frosted windows for privacy from neighbours lets in very little natural sunlight and a stained ceiling from some type of leak in it that needed repairs to it , it maybe quieter but it's also not the cheapest to rent.

Studio  # 7 with ensuite on top floor side facing main highway

My night ended pretty late as I was watching Anthony Bordain's Parts Unknown as well as other tv food shows. 

Monday 18th October 2021 Week 82  Of Total Unemployment

Week 2 Of "Freedom Day" ie Freedom Day 2.0 

Day 1 of phase 2 of NSW reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only

I woke up quite early 5 am and It's forecast for  a beautiful sunny 25 degrees C.

News headlines today include: 

The return to earth of the Russian movie crew that landed safely back on earth after 12 days in space producing the first real movie in space. 

Beijing prepares for the 2022 Winter Olympics in February with the lighting of the torch's flame in ancient Olympa Greece (with a slight weather glitch during the rehersal of the lighting the torch's flame due to wet muddy weather with the  lack of sun to light it,  a flame that was lit a few days ago had to be used and all participants wore plain clothes in order not to dirty the white robes worn especially by the high priestess) ready for the start of the torch relay. Unfortunately there were protests from HK and Tibet in regards to China's human rights record. The real Torch lighting ceremony went ahead later and the actress playing the high priestess managed to light the flame quite quickly as the sun came out with participants were in full costume however the ceremony was again interrupted by Tibetan and HK protesters with flags over China's human rights record calked the coming Winter Olympics Games the "Genocide Games " The torch is off to The Acroplolis  with a shorter torch relay around Greece before travelling around the world ending in Beijing China.  

Former US president Bill Clinton is discharged from ICU in hospital from a urinary infection after days in hospital 4. Former NSW premier Gladys'grilling by ICAC commences today ( public grants to Mr McGuire ex MP for Wagga Wagga and her ex " secret boyfriend"  of 5 years) and the public hearing will last for 2 weeks. 

A 4 hour climate change party room meeting renains unresolved. Climate Crisis solutions have been stalled. The National Party is due to meet again today - they want no economic impacts on the regions. 80% of party members support the PM's climate plan. Barnaby Joyce has now in support of the PM  but there is talk of giving more time to the Nationals to decide to support the rest of the party room's decision, time is ticking for their decision to support the PM's climate change plans particularly as the Climate Summit in Glasgow  is in less then  2 weeks time and the PM needs to know he has The National party's support. 

The new NSW premier has announced that he is going to be a father again with his pregnant wife expecting their 7th child next year some time. 

Other COVID news NSW has new freedoms for the fully vaccinated as it officially hit the 80% double vaccination rate. Kids back to school with kindy, year 1 and year 12 students the first to return to school with teachers wearing masks and heap filters installed to purify circulating air to increase safety from the COVID virus,  no masks for fully vaccinated returning back to the office , community sports is back on (ex  team member ticket girl will be happy with that - hockey Saturday afternoons is her excuse for being unable to work Saturday afternoons) and no caps on church services, weddings and funerals although 4 square meter rules still apply, NSW no longer declared as a hot spot. It will be interesting to see ho w many COVID cases and deaths there will be today. Victoria has announced a pathway out of  lockdown with freedoms out of their long lockdown starting this Friday ( point to note NSW residents maybe able to travel to Melbourne but not to regional Victoria before Victorians can travel to regional areas of Victoria)  and the QLD health officer says if you are still unvaccinated it's too late to be vaccinated - really? Why? I'm still unvaccinated - is it too late for me to be vaccinated???! No other health officer or minister has said this. I have a question - what is this obsession with double vaccination???? You can't do anything if you are not double vaccinated. Surely if you are partially vaccinated you are still immuned to COVID and therefore are entitled to all the same freedoms fully vaccinated people have. Even unvaccinated people with vaccination bookings should have the same freedoms as well. These people aren't doing the wrong thing yet are being punished. AND this constant obsession with there will be a surge in COVID cases this month before it settles down and anyone that is still unvaccinated will get COVID and end up in ICU in hospital putting a strain on the heath system. Along with the push to bring your second vaccination forward if you can - you might as well get both COVID vaccines on the same day at the same time ! ( I don't advise this as it may increase certain health risks ). Have some common sense . There is now an Australian paper vaccine passport you can apply for for international travel use if you have had the recent flu vaccine.

NSW had  266 COVID cases and reached 80.3% double vaccination. Cases of COVID are decreasing and the rate of double vaccination seems to have slowed down a little. There is still talk of NSW if not the rest of Australia opening its up again to overseas travel and the travel bubble to places like Singapore and NZ's South Island opening up again. There is a lot of debate and discussion over Australians being able to travel overseas before being able to travel domestically  within states and interstate. Is it too soon to fly? I think so. I wouldn't want to be the guinea pigs on the first flights in and out of Australia overseas. There are still a lot of administration behind the scene for airlines airport staff and passengers to iron out before  overseas travel recommended - safety  and  security are just 2 of the main problems.

Another response from my looking fo r work advertisement I have on Gumtree. Most responses are scams.  Anyone that does not get back to you after you forward your resume or can't spell is very suspect like the response I received today from someone called Qas who can't even write a proper sentence. There was a news segment this morning all about scammers and con men and how they take advantage of the week and vaunable. I may sound week on my advertisement but I'm certainly no push over!

I have been working on my recipe scrap book for a while now compressing countless cooking magazines full of recipes into just 1 A4  categorised spiral back recipe  book. It is like a brick!

I finally ventured out. I take my rubbish out to the red bin and it is full to the brim so I had to take the cardboard off the top of the smaller red bin and put my rubbish in it. That fortunately was empty. When I get back this afternoon it means I have to put al 3 bins out ( I am not putting the blue bin out as it should be empty and is still in the dumpster area). The red bin is going to be heavy to wheel out as it is so full. Not my rubbish either. That means tomorrow I have to pull it all back in. What a nuisance! 

So I walk down to Little Street in Lane Cove with my bag of bottles to where the closest automated return and earn machine was in the car park. I will try not to use this again as it was awful in that carpark. There was a queue of people waiting to return their filthy bags and garbage tubs of can and bottles. I had a few glass bottles to return and luckily did not have to wait to return them but there was a woman with 3 full garbage tubs of mixed cans and plastic bottles and a she was going as fast as she could but snack bang in the middle she held up the queue which by the time I arrived had grown to 3 other people behind me including a young mother with her young  son and a cardboard box of plastic bottles. As soon as I finished with returning my glass bottles I rejoined the queue but the lady that was in the process of returning her cans and bottles was interrupted  by the garbo truck around 4 pm ( oh why did they have to come and empty the return and earn machine now - couldn't they wait until after 5 pm?) and needed the parking space to turn around in the tight car park so asked the lady to move her truck.  She exited and parked on the street before returning to return the remaining garbage tubs of can and bottles apologising but from on of her garbage tubs out crawled a huge spider ( which was probably a common garden spider or huntsman spider which are harmless)  that made its way out of the garbage tub and nearly disappeared up the little boy's shorts in a hurry. Luckily it crawled back into the garbage tub it came out of and back into probably the other one before disappearing giving the poor little boy a fright. He was so scared he was clinging to his mother's legs with all his might for the remainder of the time they were there  waiting. He would not let go. The spider decided to crawl out of the garbage tub again and the little boy saw it screaming but it tgen disappeared permanent it seemed. As soon as the lady had finished returning her 3 garbage tubs of can and bottles I let the mother  recycle her bottles first before me as this was no place for a little boy. There  were car exhaust fumes and he was still scared of the spider crawling back out of the garbage tub - he was screaming and not letting go of his mother staying really close to her while she assured him the spider had gone. I told him to stand near the wall so the spider can't get him and even looked in the garbage tub to see if it was still there. Nope it wasn't there, only a broken glass bottle and other rejected bottles left I assured him. The mother goes ahead and puts the bottles into the machine but half way through it shuts down temporarily  as the far no empties the cans asnd bottles from the return and earn machine to be compressed. It was so unbearable not just for the little boy who was covering his ears but my ears were coping well with the really loud crushing and clunking sounds either. There was also the unpleasant exhaust fumes as well. So we waited and waited and waited finally the machine was back up and running, and the far no had finished emptying the cans and bottles. My turn. They guy behind me was getting inpatient  - wait your turn you filthy mainland Chinese! There was another Caucasian guy waiting as well behind him. I forgot about the small glass Counter at bottle I had that was rejected. There is no bin in the car park that I could see so I had to dispose of it up the hill on the main street in the nearest bin. Task done finally! I must not forget to redeem the 2 vouchers next time I am at a Woolworths but not today.

It is such a nice day I decide to sit on one of the benches in Lane Cove and blog. I'm lacking vitamin D so now is the time to get some. It's a little hot feels hotter then the 25 degrees C forecasted.

As I walked up Little Street there is the indoor outdoor Acquatic Centre I previously was going to. I noticed a big sign  on It's front door that said no vaccination, no entry. Really it has an outdoor pool and according to pre Freedom Day lifting of restrictions both vaccinated and non vaccinated patrons can use the outdoor pool just not the indoor one which is only allowed for organised usage anyway such as lane swim rehabilitation swim classes! I wonder if the change rooms showers and sauna hot tubs etc are in operation? Pretty sad place to go for a swim indoors if the change rooms and showers are not operational. 

I fell asleep after watching the news and The Cook Up and was half asleep through  Celebrity  Master chef and was fast asleep by HYBPA. Encore is usually on Friday late ( I hope ) so I maybe able to catch up then. 

I woke up at 2 am in the morning had a drink of juice before falling asleep again.

I did not sleep well.

 

Tuesday 19th October 2021

Week 2 Of "Freedom Day" ie Freedom Day 2.0 

Day 2 of phase 2 of NSW reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only

I slept in until 8.30 am today after another really bad night of sleep. At least I didn't have another nightmare  like I did a few days ago. I think they are " vaccine" nightmares or "cheese dreams" 

Biggest non COVID news today was EMMA WATKINS (that's Emma Watkins the Australian singer/dancer not to be confused with Emma Watson the British attress of Harry Potter  also with academic qualifications)  the first female yellow skivvie Wiggle know for her ballet moves , big yellow bow and being married then divorced to fellow Wiggle Lachlan, has quit The Wiggles after 11 years as part of their famous  4 to pursue other interests with her PhD.  She will be replaced by 16 year old performing arts student Tsehay Hawkins ( from the special Wiggles performances of "We're All Fruit Salad" which emphasises inclusiveness and diversity ) who will fit in and continue her education around her Wiggles commitments via her distance education online. She will be the youngest member of The Wiggles. The original 4 Wiggles Jeff Greg Anthony and Murray ( where members Anthony Field & Jeff Fatt are known originally from the Australian rock band The  Cockroaches during the 1980s)  are set to have an adults only reunion at night whilst there will be performances by the current younger 4 members of The Wiggles with matinee performances planned with some overlaps of Emma & Tsehay and Anthony partying at both most possibly. 30 years on the original (OG) 4 Wiggles members are joking about pacemakers and nana naps  and not to forget to "Wake up Jeff!" ( I've never owned any Wiggles memorabilia or met any of the original members but my brother knew Jeff and well it would have been a totally different career path for me if I had ended up working as a bookkeeper for this wholesome celebrity group instead of working for other big celebrities and their companies that ended up being involved in some rather unsavoury scandals which I could write a book on maybe one day).

Gee Joh Bailey the Sydney Hairdresser is getting a lot of coverage today on the morning news!

NSW has had 273 COVID cases and  4 deaths . The double vaccination rate has reached 80.8%. Cases have increased slightly from yesterday but second dose vaccinations have stalled. Even the 90% single dose vaccination has stalled. The period between now and early November is now of great interest to me and I will be watching it very closely. All the panic about hospitals being inundated by another increase in COVID cases from the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated who it is thought are the most vaunable as they are still  unprotected from COVID therefore can still spread and contract the virus to other unvaccinated partially vaccinated or even fully vaccinated residents of NSW. What's the difference? Fulky vaccinated residents can still spread and contract COVID and pass it onto the fully patially and unvaccinated residents as well. It will be interesting to see if COVID and the pressure to get fully vaccinated  is really science or dogma!

Celebrity chef Gary Mehigan former Masterchef judge from Channel 10 has defected to Channel 7 Sunrise this morning doing a spag bol cooking segment - I knew there was some other agenda , he was on to promote his new cook book Good Food Every Day in time for Christmas. 

The "Gladys Grillings" from her ICAC investigation against corruption continues.

The stinky guy that used to live downstairs was loitering outside the apartment block next to the new for lease sign outside the building again. He was standing there shirtless on his mobile phone for quite a while this morning. Someone had put 3/4 bins  green yellow and small red bins)  back in and lined them up across the front car park to the right of the building looking out of my window  but left the main big red bin on the footpath with all the kids flipped open. I wanted to go downstairs outside to bring the other red bin back in and put the other bins back in but was too afraid to as the stinky guy might do something . He is probably harmless but he has this really evil unsettling look about him. I ended up not having to pull the bins back in as the property management consultant paid the building another visit and took them all in herself. She should as that large red bin was so heavy and filled to the brim  to wheel out yesterday and it wasn't my rubbish in it! Nor was the green bin full of leaves or the cardboard stuffed into the wrong bin ( it was jammed into the yellow bin instead of the blue bin).

I get a text message from a part time Homewares team member out of nowhere . This is what it said and my responses.

"How are you?

We have had great weather. 

I have been going for some beautiful walks. If you ever feel like some company come 

over to the northern beaches for a walk 🚶‍♂️. 

D****"

"how did you get my number?"

"Myer whatsapp "

"This is D**** from myer "

"Oh .Now I know. Nothing on Myer is private! I am a little depressed but have you watched Dr Sam Bailey on You Tube? She is fascinating to listen to especially her video on PCR testing. I am surprised she wasn't blacklisted off YouTube. I think she got away with it because she talks about nutriential supplements and Aids and HIV and other medical subjects. 

Yes D**** I know it's you. I was meaning to contact you but I was being cautious. 

I asked ****** for a transfer temp to Chatswood. She doesn't think it is possible and she said you reuse (this should be  realise but auto correct is still pissing me off by changing my words even if they are correctly spelt)  that you still need to be double vacvinated? I sort of how should I say it not quite argue my situation but gave reasons to how I don't believe that is quite correct and she said she would speak to *** to clarify. I missed a call on Sat from her so I'm leaving it for now.

Anyway good to hear you are well and yeh would love to go for a walk with you. Are we unvaccinated people allowed to or do I fall under the singles frienship bubble either way It's legit I think."

"Good question.  I have been going.  No one to man it."

I hate Whats App!!! It's just like Insta and FB - nothing is private. They may all be different apps but owned by the same organisation!

I did not venture out today as a beautiful day turned into a dark wild and very windy afternoon.  Nor did I return the call I missed from the customer service manager. I am not feeling the best. A massive headache and pain in my shoulders ( probably from constantly carrying my heavy back pack everywhere or lack of real exercise - carrying heavy bags of shopping all the way home or wheeling out heavy rubbish bins is not real exercise!) I have almost given up on working at Myer.  After being locked out of the POS system and now trouble logging into Myer Metrics , it's signs that it's time to look for alternative employment however every job o have applied for to date I have received a rejection email almost immediately. No company wants to hire an older person over 40.  There is no incentive from the government to. All the grants sponsorships apprenticeships and job support benefits from the government are taylored towards the 16 - 35 year olds. As I coined the phrase which descibes my forgotten  demographic describing myself as a middle aged person " Too old to hire, Too young to retire" - a good name for my book if I ever write it.

I continue with cutting and pasting my recipes into my recipe scrap book  watched the news The Cook Up  and 8 Out of 10 Does Countdown. I wasn't feeling very well - I ate something that my stomach didn't like so went to bed early.

Wednesday 20th October 2021

Week 2 Of "Freedom Day" ie Freedom Day 2.0 

Day 3 of phase 2 of NSW reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only

I woke up at 5 am. 

Non COVID news today there is a major train strike in Greater Sydney today as people start to return to work. There are no express trains leaving only about 30% of trains running on a weekend  timetable a d stopping at all stops. There are some train replacement buses but everyone is advised to allow extra time for travel this morning. The strike is all about foreign ownership of railways, overseas contracts, foreign made trains which aren't even safe and other ongoing problems with the rail system. 

There is a passenger train derailment South of Sydney  ( near Woollongong and  Albion Park) with one carriage thrown off the track early this morning where a train slammed into an abandoned car apparent and the accident is being investigated as it is not known whether the abandoned car had been left there deliberately or if it stalled on the tracks.It is thought that the train driver travelled around a corner and could not see the abandoned car. The train driver had to be freed from the train. There were 4 injuries 3 passengers and the train driver taken to hospital.. There were 12 passengers on the 4 am intercity train. The site is now a crime scene.

The news is dominated by COVID headlines yet again. Victorian residents are being pressured by the Victorian premier to get vaccinated and with the vaccination mandate for all frontline workers to be double vaccinated by 26th November now scraped and the dealine now pushed forward to be double vaccinated by this Friday instead before they can go back to work. Talk about an already labour skills shortage in the hospitality industry and retail industries , this demand is just unfeasible as cafes and restaurants hire the majority of younger workers who were just eligible to get their first vaccination very recently. 

Victoria has opened it's border to NSW overnight so all fully vaccinated NSW residents can now travel into VIC without any quarantine or testing however partially vaccinated NSW residents  still need to quarantine and permits are still needed by all NSW residents to travel across the border. There are some conditions which will likely result in NSW residents to wait a while before they consider travelling to Victoria and the main one is a one way ticket from NSW to VIC as there is no reciprocal agreement for VIC residents  back to NSW  - a big problem! The number of covid cases in VIC is still above  1800 and there were 12 deaths so I won't be travelling to 

Queensland has also decided it may open up to NSW before Christmas as well. May but not until I believe 17th December which some say is a little too late. The QLD premier is waiting until double vaccination targets are reached. So the pressure is one for everyone in QLD to get vaccinated and quickly so their border can open up again. 

Why is the Australian Government, State Goverments and all politicians so fixated on double vaccination targets and dates for lifting COVID restrictions how what when where why?  

The endless list of changes to the lifting of COVID rules and restriction on government websites is confusing and if you read them even contradicting to previous rules and restrictions and/or current COVID rules and restrictions. 

Why is Greater Sydney  including Wollongong  Blue Mts and Central Coast still classified as an orange zone whereas the rest of NSW regional areas classified a green zone? Weren't and aren't NSW's regional areas the hotspot COiViD areas? Isn't most of Greater Sydney a green zone or was a green zone previously except for SW and W Sydney  hotspots? Even they are now not hotspots anymore.

NSW had 283 COVID & 7 deaths overnight.

Booster shots are forecasted to be available for December 21 pending TGA approval. Really?! The US is already discussing the approval of the use of mixed vaccines as booster shots eg if you had the J & J one shot vaccine, you can get either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine  as a booster vaccine. Really?! Is this discussion still going on?! I blogged about mixed vaccines quite a few blogs back. Booster shots will be priority for the vaunable and certain groups of frontline workers. Efficacy - what does this actually mean? Why are COVID vaccinations only effective for 6 - 8 months maximum and decline over time? This means everyone will need 2 booster COVID  vaccines every year for the rest of your life! You might as well be a type 1 diabetic!!! Vaccinations to protect you against COVID just do not make sense! I'm probably the very few % of people around the world who is not anti vaccination due to beliefs in conspiracy theories or false or misleading COVID information but is a cautious vaccinator based on scientific information having a Science background myself. I don't believe in a one size fits all vaccine - do we all need to be double vaccinated to gain full immunity and why or is a single vaccination enough for some and not even necessary for others?, I believe in a build up of natural immunity ditto , I am against over vaccination and the over use of drugs ditto and I believe there is an inaccuracy in PCR testing - what about other methods of testing which are said to be less accurate - Are they really? Why is it taking so long for rapid antigen testing to be approved and  used?  . I have always question everything about COVID. Why is it everytime an Australian company researches and developes a break through in COVID testing and treatment that has more promising trial results then those currently available not been given Government funding  or grants to continue their research and trials and approval to be used instead  firced to seek overseas funding and even been aporoved for use overeas but not in Australia? Alternative non mRNA vaccine availability such as Novavax? What When How Where Who? I will continue to ask questions until I get the answers. 

All NSW residents will be given a $50 accommodation voucher to help boost the tourism sector. These will be like the additional Dine  & Discover Vouchers that was proposed  earlier. So now it will become the "Dine, Discover & Stay" vouchers ( that's what I'm calling them not the NSW premier who proposed this new accommodation voucher).

Novak Djokovic may not be able to play in Australian Open as he refuses to disclose his vaccination status and VIC premier Daniel Andrews says there will be no special treatment for unvaccinated for sporting celebrities.

92.1% single dose vaccination now reached in NSW and there is discussion of whether cases will spike again. Well well well authorities were totally  wrong. It is close to the end of October and there has not been a spike in cases as forecasted despite 2 weeks of "freedoms now. 

Australia reaches the 70% double vaccination rate.

The Opera House sails were lit up in a tribute to frontline workers overnight.

Queen  declined the "Oldie of the Year" award. She did not think she qualified but sent a thank  you note to the organisers.

My daily life is not all about COVID - well it is but I do have other interests. I go through my truck loads of emails daily mostly junk but haven't checked it for a few days now. Amongst them I found a complete list of everyone that participated in this year's Virtual Blackmores Running Festival who posted their results online for each of the 4 races Marathon Half Marathon Bridge Run &  Family Fun Run.  I originally registered to run in the 2020 Family Fun Run in advance in 2019  but that was cancelled and again cancelled this year - replaced by 2 virtual races. Just as well I didn't register for the Bridge Run which I usually enter as times are so uncertain . Hppefully next year it will be on live.  Anyway if you read my blog you will know where I ran and how I went with all the interruptions I had during my run. Well the period of time people had to complete the virtual race has finally ended and the final results are in online. Below is the download of my virtual certificate for completing The family Fun Run - I  finished somewhere  near the middle of the total number of runners who completed asnd uploaded their run results for the virtual Family  Fun Run which is 3.5 km .

I got another text message from a fellow unvaccinated Myer Homewares team member .

It just read :

"Monday?  We can meet at curl curl beach. Bring lunch. Say 11am. "

My response was :

"Unsure. I have never been to curl curl beach. Depends if I have anything on. I'll get back to you."

Another major news headline around 2.30 pm Coffs Harbour in the Northern region of NSW has a massive freak hail storm and  flooding with the super cell storm leaving a trail of destruction, collapsed shopping centre ceilings , smashed glass windows and dented cars with hail stoness the size of golf balls or lager even and blanketing the region in a blanket of white which liked like a thick layer of snow  ( the locals wished) . People abandoned trolleys and sort shelter where they could. The flooding caused the level of water  up to local residents knees and the clean up afterwards massive. There was discussion just a day or ago as to whether the size of hail stones in a certain region of Australia were actually record breaking size. I remember growing up in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney  a few decades ago when the Eastern suburbs was  covered in a blanket of white hail stones and caused quite a bit of damaged with the Royal Sydney Golf Course in Rose Bay looking like a Smiggins Hole ( ski area).

I watched the The Chase, the news, The Cook Up, A documentary on HIV AIDS and New Gold Mountain ( I love this short SBS drama series although I am unsure how close to history this actually depicts - was lift during the Australlian Gold Rush really like this? How civilised were the Australians actually towards the Chinese during the australian Gold Rush? We're women already fighting for gender equality in the form of carving out their independence and own career that early in history ? Was there actually  prostitution between the Australian and Chinese? Was there actually tax evasion and tax avoidance during the Australian Gold Rush?)

It waa 10.30 pm and I fell asleep soon afterwards. 

Thursday 21st October 21

Week 2 Of "Freedom Day" ie Freedom Day 2.0 

Day 4 of phase 2 of NSW reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only

I wake to quite a nice day today at 5 am. There is a forecast for a possible  shower later today.

The focus of the news headlines today is :

There were 372 COVID cases  & 1 death in NSW today.

All eyes are on Melbourne 's Freedom Day eve preparations at midnight tonight despite it's high COVID case numbers still well above 1000 cases. Well their curfew has been lifted early for businesses to prepare for when the clock strikes midnight and Melbourne reopens to the fully vaccinated however there are concerns of retailers being forced to sell their goods and services outdoors and on footpaths (as previously mentioned on the news) as retailers will not be allowed to trade indoors until later in November  (I believe) . What a stupid new conditions of freedoms rule or regulation!

Booster shot roll outs are being discussed yet again!

Net zero emissions PM  Scott Morrison has secured a 2050 deal with The Nationals. It was all about the economic impact on regions ie  jobs job jobs!

The NSW premier has announced funding for a new vaccine research facility. A little too late mate!

Startrack Express is striking again so if you have ordered or sent parcels for Christmas expect delays . Yep another strike just after yesterday's  railway workers' strike ( well it wasn't a full strike just a 70% go slow ). I haven't seen so many strikes for decades! Is this a byproduct from the COVID pandemic?

The job market where there has been a surge in skilled job advertisements, a skills shortage contrasted with a segment  before this on under employment in casual jobs where there are apparently 27 applicants per every entry level job advertised.  It difficult to believe any employment facts and figures at the moment.  if tgere are plenty of skilled jobs advertised I should  have found a job by now. I am not even working in my current job at the moment. I applied for yet another job yesterday and continue to get job application rejections one after another. Maybe I was destined to remain unemployed.

Although she is not sick or contracted COVID, the Queen has been ordered to rest upon medical advice hence cancelling her tour to Northern Ireland. She is getting on at 95 years old and has had a very busy schedule attending the races, and being out and about at various events including hosting an event for global business leaders last night. she will rest for the next few days but is still expected to attend the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow next month. ( I wonder what resting up means for the queen - bikkies and tea or a gin and tonic?)

I often don't have time to finish writing on my blog and need to go back. I do have something that has been bugging me for a while now. Hopefully today I will have some time to write about it (and hopefully go back to writing about Myer's breach of employment laws.)

Facebook company changes it's name ( that's Facebok the company not Facebook the social  media platform).

I just sent a complaint to The Salvation Army Employment Plus Chatswood office as it has been an ongoing problem in writing on their website. I have let Centrelink know about it. It's disgraceful how these private organisation work as they receive government kickbacks of some sort.

"I have complained on countless occasions and have let Centrelink know about my complaint about The Salvation Army Employment Plus Chatswood office  who suggested I  negotiate a reduced number of job searches per month on my job plan or change Centrelink approved employment service providers due to my current employment status and complaint. 

I would like to pass on the following message to the appropriate department

1. If I don't answer my phone from Employment Plus Chatswood, it means I am at work and working, doing training , applying for a job or at an interview therefore cannot be disturbed.  I am unable to return calls. So stop constantly ringing me. 

2. I am unvaccinated and am not getting vaccinated as I have a high risk of an adverse reaction to the vaccine so will not be able to attend any face to face interviews at your site.

3. Because Centrelink advised me that since I am working I maybe able to negotiate the number of job searches on my job plan. I have not updated my current job plan as  I don't think it is reasonable for whoever was ringing me from The Salvation Army Employment Plus Chatswood Office to force me to change my 4 job searches per month to 20 job searches per a month on my job plan particularly when I am working in an ongoing casual job and have been for over 1 year now. This is not only an unreasonable mutual obligation requirement but a liability to my current employment .

If the aim of a Centrelink Employment Service provider is to find employment so job seekers do not have to rely on Centrelink payments then your organisation is jeopardizing this for me.

4. The Salvation Army Employment Plus Chatswood Office has never assisted me in anyway in finding employment nor provided me with any job training or job placement not even volunteer work. I found my current employment on my own and my volunteering work on my own. The Salvation Army actually even discouraged me from volunteering with them when I originally inquired about it over a year ago as I wanted to keep up my skills and participate in the work for the dole program. I was told it would not actually count towards my mutual obligation requirements. Well I believe it does now. 

5. I was really angry when whoever contacted me tried to advise me that I should apply for the COVID supplement and tried give me tax advice. How dare they. This is not their Job, Their Job is to find me casual if not permanent work which they have failed to do. I have uploaded my resume onto the Jobactive site so I've done what was requested by them . I f I don't want to apply for the COVID supplements, I don't have to. 

6. I will advise The Salvation Army in advance that I will be unable to atrend the next appointment unless my schedule changes.

Please ensure that this message is passed onto the appropriate department and  person at The Salvation Army Employment Plus Chatswood office.

Thank you

CRN ***************"

Today around lunch time I travelled all the way out to Bondi Junction for the first time in almost 2 years. I had to. I went to my off site storage unit first to put a few things in it and take a few things out. I then went to my PO Box. I can't remember the last time I made a visit to both- probably well over 1 year ago . My mail box was stuffed to the brim and there was a package waiting for me to collect from 6 months ago. This is what the postal officer was telling me about when they rang me a few weeks ago advising me of how full my PO Box was. The volunteer manager thought it was from her but I knew it wasn't as I had requested and had received her package c/o  my residential mail box recently. I knew it had to be from the resident ( the late Irene) living at the aged care facility out at Marrickville. 

So what was my PO Box so full of? Very little junk mail except a few local election candidate flyers which I tossed, a truck load of bank statements, some Myer Jurlique promotional free gift with purchases cards, Telstra, HCF  and 5 letters from the late Irene I had been volunteering to write to that had been living at the aged care facility in Marrickville. I lined up for quite a while to see what package was waiting to pick up on hold for me and it was another letter in an A4 satchel from the late Irene with something else in it. I will write about it later.

A text message from the What's App Group Chat comes up - scan count on Nov 9th. Well I won't be working as I have decided that I am going to remain unvaccinated at least until mid November even December or when the government decides all welcome in retail again.

OK back to the collection of my mail before I was so rudely interrupted.. Seeing the 6 letters from the late Irene was so sad. My eyes were full of tears as I found the nearest spot to sit down and read them.  I haven't quite finished reading them all. She is such a kindred spirit. You could tell she was a keen traveller and loved to write like I do. From her letters we seemed to have had a lot in common although  she was almost twice my age. From her letters I learnt a lot about her life. She sounded like she had a great and full life. I only wish she was still alive so I could meet her face to face. if it wasn't for COVID lockdowns I may have had the opportunity to go out to Marrickville to visit her in person. I will treasure knowing her and writing to her ( even if not in person) for the short year or so before she passed away and will always treasure her letters she sent  to me. The final package I had to pick up also contain a painting she had done for me from one of her art classes. I love it. 

After reading some of her letters, it's a toilet stop before doing some grocery shopping at the smaller Coles located at Eestgate Shopping Centre ( I am forever doing grocery shopping mainly for fruit veg fish and poultry in addition to tissues  and toilet paper).  Everytime I visited the toilets, there is a queue so I gave up after the second time and used the equally disgusting toilets in the Westfield  Shopping Centre across the road. All the roads around Westfield had been dug up and barricaded so it was so difficult to get around Bondi Junction. So much has changed there since pre COVID, a lot of the shops have closed down in the mall area and replaced by other shops or are boarded up or empty. The original bank in Bondi Junction where I opened my accounts at originally has closed down. I wonder when this happened? I saw some email or somewhere that the branch was closed but pre COVID it was still open. Who goes into a bank these days unless you need change, deposit cash or cheques ( remember those?) money orders ( say what?) make a withdrawal or for foreign currency. Home loans, personal loans, credit cards - yes maybe but who has or wants a credit card with extremely high interest rates when there are so many other alternative "interest free buy now pay later" or  lines of credit for purchases ( that some can't actually afford) available these days? 

This was where the bank used to be. Interesting a few doors down , there is a new Commonwealth Bank which has moved so many times around Bondi Junction I've lost count! Banks no longer own the buildings they operate in, they lease as tennants like most other business do - Back in the good old days most financial institutions were operating out of huge grand solid buildings usually with a lot of marble granite and some type of metal material in which they were owner occupiers before  starting to sell off most of their assets . Quite a few old bank buildings have been unsucessful in finding long term tennants due to the distinct banking architecture.

This used to be known an as the "wind tunnel" where most of the buses to Bondi Beach North Bondi Tamarama Rose Bay South Head Watson's Bay etc stopped and travelked through between the 2 Westfield buildings connected by a covered pedestrian overpass bridge. Today it's full construction barricades and I wonder where all the buses have been diverted to? It's an obstacle course just to get from Eastgate to Westfield to Bondi Junction Interchange just a block away between each.

Grocery shopping down , it is time to head home on the 200 bus and then a 144 bus from St Leonards. Don't catch the 200 bus to Bondi Junction, ever since it discontinued it's service from Chatswood along with the 340 service there is no longer a direct bus service from North to East. The 200 only runs as far as Gore Hill to Bondi Junction now and takes forever as well as only being a limited service Monday to Friday only and morning and afternoon peak hours only. An agitated man gets on at Kings Cross and has s bit of a biffo with the driver who wasn't very helpful when you asked him about the bus route ( you could hardly read the digital 200 sign on the side of the bus) and about not having a ticket ( the passenger advised he needed to top it up once he reached the city and would take responsibility  if he copped the fine for not having a ticket). The bus was at the bus stop for so long ( at every bus stop actually) that the guy was getting frustrated , getting off and caught another bus. I was getting frustrated too but there is no other bus that goes to St Leonards Station  from Kings Cross - no I am not taking the train again - the Eastern suburbs are so filthy compared to the cleaner Northern suburbs. Really filthy buildings train stations toilets everything even the produce at Coles was awful.I bet the berries I purchased will go mouldy in a day or 2! They looked as if they will compared to the produce in the Northern suburbs.

Home I wash my hands and bleach my mask rinse and hang it up to dry before unpacking my groceries and having something to eat. 

I continue blogging, catch up on emails and the watch The chase, The News, The Cook Up, 8 Out of 10 Does Countdown before watching the final episode in the SBS mini series New Gold  Mountain. It's 11.30 pm and I am just about to go to bed.  If you missed New Gold Mountain I recommend you watch it. 

Friday 22nd October 2021

Week 2 Of "Freedom Day" ie Freedom Day 2.0 

Day 5 of phase 2 of NSW reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only

NSW had 345 COVID cases and 5 deaths a slight decrease from yesterday's number of cases which means case numbers are steady or still on the decline.

I turned my phone off overnight so I did not hear my alarm go off at 5 am and 6 am this morning. 

I managed to sleep in until around 7 am. 

It's not the best day today. It will probably rain today in the afternoon although the forcast was wrong for yesterday and it did not rain.

Today all eyes were again on 3 COVID related news headlines.

1. After Melbourne's world's longest lockdown of 262 days I believe it was finally Freedom Day at midnight for them. They reached 70% double vaccination despite still having over 2000 COVID cases.  Victoria has well and truely opened their borders to NSW  but has NSw opened their borders  to VIC yet? Nope they have to wait until 1st November until NSW reopens up the boarders to VIC.

2. Allan Joyce CEO of Qantas made a big announcement today about which countries Australia is reopening it international borders to/from. Singapore was still at the top of the list. Dates for international travel have been brought forward some as early as November others in mid to late December. 

3. A greater number of people have used the COVID lockdown to re evaluate their career path prompting an increased number of people resigning from their current positions and seeking alternative employment. This means there will be greater competition between job applicants for positions advertised. Meaning if you don't make yourself stand out you don't have a chance of scoring a job interview. Video resumes are becoming the latest trend. 

Other non COVID news - the Queen was thought to have been ordered to rest upon medical advice however  it has now bern leaked that she is fine and the reason behind her cancelled  visit to Northern Ireland was due to security reasons and not a medical reason. Scrap that news reports she spent the night in hospital for medical tests but they were not COVID  related. Well she would it be released from an overnight stay if she did have COVID! She looks fine except from Dr walking stick- she has only been in hospital it was reported 5 times in 40 years.

I missed a call from the customer service manager again. 

I just texted the team member from Homewares who wanted to meet up on Monday at 11 am at Curl Curl to advise her that I have to give it a miss. I advised her that I have had an ear "infection" for the past few days which has been slightly painful but more annoying the last few days. I just put ear drops in them and let it go away by itself. It doesn't happen that often . It seems to affect my right ear more then my left ear but seems to be getting better. Sometimes it causes me to get vertigo but this time it's like a "pressure" feeling. I don't think I will be going out today - maybe just rest. I still have sp much to do even when I'm not working. So far this financial year I've worked 2 full weeks out of 4 months thanks to COVID lockdown # 2 and Myer's no notice double vaccine mandate !

I would like to stop again and do some calculations which are 2 days old as the NSW government statistics are 2 days behind their figures. Just for interest total Australian COVID figures were recorded as 130 000 total cases in Australia 1448 total deaths in Australia ( I am a bit suspect about these figures Alpha or Delta COVID strains or both and date period ? I assummed it was from Jan 2020 - Oct 2021.

According to world data there were ( 2 days ago as at 21 October 21)

72 560 COVID cases in NSW ( 2 different figures found on same website in different areas 72013 COVID cases this one says confirmed cases including interstate residents in NSW health care facilities  - so where did the extra 547 cases come from? Probably an extra day. I am sticking with my original figures I found to use in my calculations or an accumulation of data collection errors over time noting that there were quite a few cases under investigation, false positives inconclusive and in term of deaths referred to the coroner or under investigation).

541 deaths in NSW ( again there are 2 different figures found this said 542 in NSW from confirmed cases - a difference of 1 extra death may not be significant on it's own but when you do the figures and compare it to other figures it is actually significant)

This means the number of deaths to COVID cases is

541/72 560 = 0.0074558986 deaths/ COVID case

To me this sounds like a rather small % of  deaths per COVID case when converted unless I have made a mistake in calculations.

Now let's compare these figures with the flu over the same period in NSW.  Wait a minute Oh no I've hit a problem -  I can't! Why?  Well for a few reasons 

The number of deaths recorded from the flu in 2021 was 0 yes ZERO no deaths from the flu in 2021. Is this even correct? Then how about 2020? 36 deaths were recorded. OK it's a possible starting point. However the 36 deaths is for I assume the whole of 2020 therefore the next question is dates. For accuracy in order to calculate the number of Flu cases to flu deaths and compare it to the number of COVID deaths to COVID cases in NSW, the same date periods have to be used.  This is where there's  maybe a problem COVID only came to light around March 2020 not January 2020 therefore the number of COVID cases and deaths  needs to be recorded during the same date periods. I hope I am making sense. So when was the first recorded COVID case and death in NSW? ok it was on 25th January 2020 however they were not locally acquired but Mainland Chinese travellers. So close enough to equivalent Flu case numbers date period for 2020. The number of Flu cases in NSW during 2020 and 2021 are extremely difficult to find so I've given up on this. This probably due to mask wearing social distancing quantine and quantine periods  isolation and  isolation periods, prolonged lockdowns and emphasis on COVID vaccinations over flu vaccinations and emphasis on CIVID case and death numbers over flu case and flu death numbers. Contracting the flu was no longer a  priority hence facts and figures were pushed aside abandoned in favour of all things COVID hence distorting true infectious diseases figures between the 2 hence tgere is too much information on COVID cases and deaths and very lityle to no information on flu cases and deaths.  I hope I am making sense. I am pprobably not the only Scientist with these theories or are they actually facts?!

So the only other way to compare Flu deaths to Flu cases in NSW to COVID deaths to COVID cases in NSW is to use flu stats from a previous date  period say 2018 & 2019 although not ideal it gives an idea at least of a comparison between the flu and COVID. It would have to be total flu cases and total flu deaths over 2 years not 1 year as COVID is now almost 2 years old. Again not ideal but it will have to suffice. Let's see what figures I can find first.

OK in 2018 there were 43 reported flu deaths in NSW according to a report on the NSW Health website and in 2019 there were 312 reported flu deaths in NSW.

Shifting through the report I noticed some interesting trends 1. highest number of flu outbreaks was in Western Sydney 1. The largest number of deaths from the flu were people aged 65+  with a number of exceptions in the under 1 x <10  1 x 15 - 24 and 1 x 35 - 54  similar trend to the current COVID pandemic .  Some had other medical conditions eg pneumonia.  

I still haven't found the number of Flu cases in NSW for 2018 Jan - Dec. It is a little more complicated. I think it may be the totals from the table which list Influenza A and Influenza B strains which is probably like the multiple strains of COVID but mainly the Alpha and Delta strains ie the 2 main strains

From the same report there were 17520 flu cases reported in NSW in  2018 and 112841 flu cases reported in NSW in 2019 which is a big spike in cases from the 2018 cases. So the question is why? 

Let's do the calculation for the number of Flu deaths to the number of Flu cases for NSW  for the 2 year period prorate first

Total number of flu deaths in NSW for 24 months 2018 & 2019  

43 + 312 = 355

Total number of flu cases in NSW for 24 months 2018 & 2019

17520 + 112841 = 130361

There the total number of flu deaths to flu cases in NSW for 24 months 2018 & 2019 

355/130361 = 0.0027232071 deaths/ flu case.

There are a few things to note about my calculations. Figures are not as accurate as they should be due to a few reasons 1. It is not a comparison of the flu and COVID cases for exactly the same time or date period  ie January 2020 to October 2021 as there isn't enough data to do a true calculation for flu deaths/flu cases in NSW 2. The number of flu cases and flu deaths in 2019 spiked dramatically from 2018 and there is no way of predicting whether the flu cases and deaths would have increased again in 2020 and 2021 realistically . However the calculations do show that the number of COVID deaths to COVID cases compared  to the number of Flu deaths to Flu cases in NSW only slightly higher and my theory is a portion of the COVID deaths weren't actually COVID deaths but we're deaths from other underlying medical conditions that contracted COVID  hence included in figures. The flu figure may be lower then the COVID figure caslculated but I don't believe significant enough to make any conclusions as to whether it should have been treated the way it was  ie a pandemic and where it could be just like another illness similar to the common flu hence questionable over the need for all the testing, quarantine, isolation vaccination and lockdowns. 

I'm still asleep and getting over my ear infection when i get a missed call from the North Sydney electoriate which I didn't want to ring back so sent them a text asking if I could call them back on Monday they said yes but positions are filling fast. Gee I must have been last on their list to call as I applied months ago to work and not given much choice of work locations. I ended up calling them back  I'm too honest. I was about to receive an offer of employment to work as a DVIO at the St Peter's Church Cremorne site for the up and coming local elections on 4th December until they asked me about my vaccination status. I told them that I had tp wait 3 months for a vaccination appointment on 1st December and 22nd December 2021 . No double vaccination no job offer so the offer was retracted. I believe this is discrimination on 2 levels.at least  The government had already announced previously  an all welcome vaccinated and unvaccination on 1st December when it is forecast that 90% double vaccination in NSW would have been reached and the local election is not until 4th December 2021 which is not only after this date but which will mean that there will be both fully vaccinated partially vaccinated unvaccinated and medical exemptions citizens voting on the day therefore why do all polling officials have to be fully vaccinated when all voters do not have to be. This is considered discrimination against the unvaccinated Polling officials whether vaccinated or not will still be at risk just as equally as the  voters and it is still over a month away until polling day. Vaccination of polling officials does not garantee that they will be protected 100% against someone that has COVID that is a voter whether they are vaccinated partially vaccinated or unvaccinated. On the other level the NSW Electorial  Commission cannot mandate a "no jab no hire policy" when the NSW or Australian Federal Government has not done so therefore the NSW Electorial Commission can't do so as they are overriding  Human Rights Law  and anti discrimination Laws which is the reason the NSW government has not mandated a double vaccination mandate and left it up to individual organisations. I also believe tbat the NSW Electorial Commission  may also have broken employment law in general and privacy laws by asking about an individual's vaccination status prior to an offer of employment before retracting it when they find out. One final point they were more interested in double vaccinated now before you were offered employment to double vaccinated by 4th December 21. So they said to let them know if my situation changes. Well they could have still offered me the position as I still have plenty of time to be double vaccinated before I start work and it's only a 1 day job - is it worth all the fuss? They are arguing it is as you will be face to face with people - everyone has to wear a mask indoors anyway. if they are that concerned why aren't the local elections contactless ie computerised ie click and forget rather the click and collect ? or postal votes only ie delivery? 

This is a similar situation with Myer however on a bigger scale ( affecting multiple team members) and a worse scenario ( no notice given not even enough time to get a medical exemption) . I started writing about this but abandoned it due to my ear infection. TBC.

I would like to challenge  my 2 cases based on what Fairwork website says and service NSW  says on both their websites links. 

1. There is no NSW health directive that says ( for a  start ) that all employees in retail or elections have to be double vaccinated to work - it vaguely says 

New South Wales

The New South Wales (NSW) Government has introduced COVID-19 vaccination requirements for certain workers. The requirements apply to:

• workers specified in the NSW Airport and Quarantine Vaccination Program, including quarantine, transportation and airport workers
• residential aged care facility workers (the requirements don’t apply until 31 October 2021 for some health practitioners and students entering an aged care facility)
• in-home and community aged care workers (from 25 October 2021)
• persons providing disability support services (from 25 October 2021)
• certain health care workers
• education and care workers, including teachers and education providers (from 8 November 2021)
• other workers who are allowed to go into work.

For detailed information about these requirements, including when they apply, go to:"

So when I click on the go to links 

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/public-health-orders.aspx

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/requirements-for-workers

It advises anyone that enters a business premises upon reopening ie Monday 12th October has to be double vaccinated however it does not say employees only customers.

Onto another point (2. )  on the Fair work website

"COVID-19 vaccinations: workplace rights and obligations

Published 9 April 2021 | Updated 21 October 2021

While the Australian Government’s policy is that receiving a vaccination is free and voluntary, it aims to have as many Australians vaccinated as possible.

With Australia's vaccine rollout continuing and the increasing availability of COVID-19 vaccinations, employers and employees are encouraged to work together to find solutions that suit their individual needs and workplaces. A collaborative approach in the workplace that includes discussing, planning and facilitating COVID-19 vaccinations is an important part of Australia’s vaccine rollout, because having a vaccine is one of the best ways to protect ourselves and our community against COVID-19.

Employers can support their employees by:

• providing leave or paid time off for employees to get vaccinated
• helping to ensure employees have access to reliable and up-to-date information about the effectiveness of vaccinations – Learn about COVID-19 vaccines  on the Department of Health’s website
• where employees do not wish to be vaccinated, or don’t yet have access to vaccinations, exploring other options including alternative work arrangements.

In some cases, employers may be able to require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Employers should exercise caution if they’re considering making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory in their workplace and get their own legal advice."

There is one more important section from the Fairwork website I would like to quote and it relates to Myer's handling of  their double vaccination mandate rather  then the NSW Electorial Commission 's double vaccination mandate 

"Can an employee refuse to be vaccinated?

Some employees may have questions or concerns about getting vaccinated. You can find information about COVID-19 vaccines from the Department of Health , including answers to common questions about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines.

An employee might refuse a direction to be vaccinated even if they are required to under a specific law, agreement or contract, or after receiving a lawful and reasonable direction. In these situations, an employer should ask the employee to explain their reasons for refusing the vaccination. An employee may have a legitimate reason for not being vaccinated. For example, the employee could have an existing medical condition that means vaccination is not recommended for them. Employees should speak to their doctor if they have concerns about receiving a vaccination because of a medical condition."

"What happens if an employee refuses to be vaccinated?

If an employee refuses to be vaccinated (contrary to a specific law, agreement or contract that requires vaccination, or after receiving a lawful and reasonable direction), an employer should, as a first step, ask the employee to explain their reasons for refusing the vaccination.

If the employee gives a legitimate reason for not being vaccinated (for example, the employee has an existing medical condition that means vaccination is not recommended for the employee), the employee and their employer should consider whether there are any other options available instead of vaccination. This could include alternative work arrangements. Find out more at Alternative work arrangements.

Whether disciplinary action is reasonable will depend on the circumstances. For more information on disciplinary action for refusing to be vaccinated, see Can an employer take disciplinary action if an employee refuses to get vaccinated?

We encourage employers to discuss options with their employees depending on the circumstances of their individual workplace. Learn more about consultation and cooperation in the workplace."

Again this applies more to Myer and the Fairwork website goes into more details about a check list of things to do before standing down employees who are not fully vaccinated however a lot of it can apply to the NSW Electorial Commission as well. It's all about anti discrimination  law which is discussed further in another section.

Employment Law is extremely interesting and quite a few employers must think their employees are dumb but it is not the case at Myer as other team members are aware of it. eg in my case and others  I wasn't even offered "alternative work arrangements " until I got my vaccination and believe me there certain were some alternative work arrangements i was actually already performing and same with another team member who was partially vaccinated where her job didn't even have to come into contact with the public face to face at all!

The latest company to mandate a no jab no job policy is Coles and Woolworths. I personally don't think it is fair and there will be unfair terminations if not standowns of employees due to it. It doesn't really make sense as it has been an all welcome since the beginning of COVID and nothing drastic has happened since  and even before the 70% and 80% vaccination rates have been reached without an employee vaccine mandate - so why now? It was recommended and encouraged for employees to get vaccinated quite a while ago but never a mandate by Coles. What is the reasoning behind it or isn't there one? Class action ? We'll just have to wait and see.

I only see on problem with taking legal action against companies mandating double vaccinations and that is there are no precedents. Well there sort of have been but they haven't been very sucessful. 

The US is set to open its borders to international travellers on 8th Nov 2021. As I've written previously there are only 3 vaccines approved to enter the US Pfizer Moderna and John & Johnson. So the Oxford Astra Zenica vaccine loses out however it has been or is approved by the WHO which now opens up the US to more  travellers from Europe  ( and Australia? unclear as Australian manufactured AZ vaccine is suppose to be the same as the European one).

Saturday 23rd October 2021

Week 2 Of "Freedom Day" ie Freedom Day 2.0 

Day 6 of phase 2 of NSW reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only.

There were 332 COVID cases and 2 deaths in NSW today another day of slight decrease in cases. It's been aslmost 2 weeks since Freedom Day so where is this spike in cases that was forcasted in October? Surely it's not going to happen in November now is it?Double vaccination rates have now reached 84.4% and now forcasted to reach 90% in NSW on 1st November instead of 1st December 21.

So what happens now? Will Myer and the NSW Electorial Commission as well as any other employer that imposed a double vaccination "no jab no job" mandate and stood down or terminated any partially or unvaccinated employes now have to retract their double vaccination mandate and reinstate the employment of all stood down and terminated employees affected by this vaccinated mandate as the all welcome that was a promise as soon as NSW  vaccination rates reached 90% or forecasted 1st December 2021 arrives? 

The major non COVID news for today was from the USA where Alec Baldwin  accidently shot dead a cast member with a live prop gun during the filming of his latest Western movie Rust and injuring  another cast member sitting behind her. It is unsure if Alec Baldwin knew if the gun was live when he fired it co operating fully with the police investigation and it is also unsure if filming of the movie Rust will continue. The decreased  (Halyna Hutchins) cast member's husband has been notified by Alex Baldwin. There was also news that several cast and crew had walked off the job just days before and replaced with non union casts and crew members amidst safety concerns and demanding better working conditions during filming.

Today was a do absolutely nothing day today. 

I am still getting over my ear infection. It's probably not infected just irritated. I was told that irritated ears was just something that  happens if you have ezcema. It's more like having ezcema on the insides of your ears. So I just  slept and watched tv. I did not venture out today except to take the rubbish out. There is a strange  truck parked on the main road outside of this apartment block again - what are they actually doing? Have they broken down? It sounds like they are having trouble starting up the engine. However what was really strange was one of the truck's occupants waved to the again shirtless stinky man that used to live in the apartment block who was loitering around outside again. By 5.30 pm the truck had gone.

I don't think it hailed but I can't be sure - it just bucketed down with rain.

There is a possible storm warning for parts of Sydney tonight.  It is not nice outside grey and wind. It does look like it might rain tonight.

Last night Luna Park and other amusement parks re opened to the fully vaccinated  public .

Just before 8 pm I'm watching tv and a thunder storm finally hits. It pours with rain and the are flashes of thunder and lightening but I doubt if it will last more then half an hour. It looks as if it's a just passing through storm before disappearing off the Eastern coast of NSW. 8.15 pm and the brief but violent storm has disappeared. Nearly 10 pm as I watch Anthony Bordain's Parts Unknown, it continues to rain outside although not heavily. I finally fall asleep around 11 pm.

Sunday  24th October 2021

Week 2 Of "Freedom Day" ie Freedom Day 2.0 

Day 7 of phase 2 of NSW reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only.

Well it's the end of another week of lifting of lockdown restrictions in NSW. 

In NSW 84.4 % of double vaccination has been reached and today there were 296 COVID cases and 4 deaths overnight. 

Non COVID news today: 

Is still about Alex Baldwin's accidental  shooting of crew members with an unknownly loaded prop gun. The investigation of how this accident hapoened is now shifting to other film crew members responsible for armoury props used during filming.

A 4 year old missing from a very remote WA camping ground assumed abducted by any one of several sex predator in the area is now in its second week of police and rescue search.

Other COVID news Police protest and legal action against a mandate of vaccination has been over turned. 

On Facebook there has been discussion and anger over supermarket chains eg Coles mandating all employees be vaccinated mentioning that it may actually be illegal.

Now what I found very interesting was news footage in the form of visuals of how Melbournians celeebrated their first hours of their freedom day at midnight which was just as bad as their protests where thousands of people gathered so closely together outdoors (but in peaceful way rather then a violent way.)There was absolutely nothing mentioned about these huge celebrations out spilling onto most of the streets and pubs restaurants cafes bars night clubs of Melbourne where every man and his dog was present gathered in huge crowds sinilar to the protests could be a super spreader event. There was no policing of the unvaccinated that may have been mixing and partying  amongst the partially and fully vaccinated especially the passers by like drivers in cars even taxi drivers etc - remembering that only 70% of Victoria is fully vaccinated therefore there were still 30% of Victorians who are either still unvaccinated or partially vaccinated  possible out and about so I don't just don't get it. Obviously  the VIC government and healtg officials were unconcerned about super spreaders at this huge event remembering you can still contract and spread asymptomatic COVID from close contact even if you are fully vaccinated and vice versa for partially and unvaccinated again I just don't get it!!! With no mask wearing as well. 

So I have made a decision and will not be vaccinated before my original vaccination dates at the GP in December . No Modern no Astra Zenica no pharmacy vaccinations no boosters. I don't care about Myer's vaccination mandate anymore as I still thing it was totally illegal given the timing. I'm thinking about my own health and the consequences of vaccination - if i get an adverse reaction I need to know that that I wil be compensated in some way for eg loss of wages and who  I can take legal action against as a result . So far I have looked into it and I have no compensation - no sick leave or other leave no family or friends not even TPD insurance or my income protection seems to cover me for adverse reactions from COVID vaccinations leading to loss of income, Myer is pprobably the only company I can "sue" but even that will take time. Fair work write the laws on employment but they do very little in terms of action. So I have a problem. I am also reversing my decision for my temporary transfer to work closer to where I reside and being more responsible not to travel further then I need to to limit any spread of COVID. Because it makes no difference to me of when and if I return to work ( I am a casual if they want me back I will return and if not well that won't look good being a shareholder) , it no longer matters when I get vaccinated or if I get vaccinated and I'm just going to wait out until the 90% double vaccination rate in NSW is reached and/or the all welcome on 1st December happens. if I get vaccinated it will be cautious  based on medical risks here a the benefits and so I can freely travel internationally and locally ( when the government get their acts together) not because of pressure from Myer and other employers who are mandating vaccinations. My theory  of the mandates is not because companies want to protect their staff and customers but it's a push to reach the 90% or highest vaccination rates posdible as soon as posdible to make not only Australia look good to the rest of the world but for government gain of some type. It will be interesting to see if I am correct particularly  after the Australian government's bungled vaccine roll out - they are ie trying to " Save face" from let's say a number of stakeholders.

Looking ahead there are a few things I am planning to do that does not require being double vaccination. 

1. There is a new art exhibition on at the MCA  6th February 2022. It just started on 20th October so I will have as chance to go to it when the " all welcome back" date comes around on 1st December 2021. By the way this exhibition by  Doug Aitkin is a bookings required ticketed exhibition not a free one unless you have a Nce membership.  In the mean time there is an activity on called  " Art Phone" where you book a date and time for an MCA staff member to ring you on a local landline or mobile number in Australia's I believe ( could be limited to NSw) for a free 10 - 5 minute talk to you about a certain art installation in the MCA  ( I think). You can request specific information on artworks so I requested "Tell me about the new Dough Aitkin  exhibition" in preparation for my visit in the future. I booked a time for Tuesday 26th October 2021 at 1 pm. Note thst calls are only available on certain dates and time so check the MCA website.

2. My birthday early November - what  a co incident same day as this year's virtual  Myer AGM.  Am I attending online ABSOLUTELY!!!!! I can't wait! Let's hope there are no technical glitches this year. I don't have anything planned for my birthday this year - maybe just get a burrito takeaway and treat myself to a cake takeaway. I haven't eaten a proper cake for so long.

3. Dinosaur Valley  - on for the school holidays at scenic world bookings and tickets required. they have specified on the website only fully vaccinated allowed at the moment but all welcome from 1st December 2021. I plan to go on the 1st Sunday in December  and use my other Dine & Discover voucher I still have.

4. This activity I don't want to do , compulsory local elections voting on 4th December - I am going to get that out of the way if possible and do a postal vote available from 26th October apparently.

5. Bondi to Bronte walk ( I have to get over my ear infection and pick a nice clear day before I go). I am interested in seeing the graffiti  art along the bondi beach walls.

It's such a beautiful day outside today. i place my 1 load only of laundry in the washing machine and venture out to do some grocery shopping. When I return I will put my lsundry into the drier to save time. First stop Woolworths to exchange return and earn vouchers for coins for laundry  followed by round 1 of grocery shopping. Woolworths is expensive and lacks the variety Aldi and Coles have so I guess my next stop is Aldi and Coles to purchase any groceries left on my shopping list! Done however I did not purchase everything on my list. With 2 bags full of groceries it was time to head home. 

I drop my bags off after checking my mail box and move my wet laundry  into the dryer. I set it for 30 minutes but it needed longer. I then go back upstairs wash my mask and my hands unpack my bags of groceries put the pizza in the oven and whatever was on the rest of the news.  Oh Sunday on 7 pm at 7 pm is now called Splotlight and not hosted by Melissa Doyle anymore. I was hungry so had a mandarin some leftover  chicken and vegetable terrine and a leftover hard boiled egg. I had some pizza as well when it was ready - not the best pizza. Leftovers for tomorrow. I go down stairs and take my laundry out of the dryer and fold it. it's still not dry after 50 minutes on hot heat in the dryer. nothing I can do except hang it out to dry.

It's been raining again. The road is wet outside. The rain continues lightly into the night.

I fall asleep after watching bits and pieces of programs on tv. It's Sunday  night and not much is on.

Before I fell asleep I sent a brief text to a VM team member who had also been stood down as she was just partially vaccinated  when we were stood down, I had a feeling that she might have had her 2nd vaccinated by now but might have had a reaction to it again so I texted her but not mentioning the "vaccination " subject just in case instead texting her the following bief question and she responded after I feel asleep.

"Are you back at work?"

"Not yet. I just got my second vaccination yesterday, feeling like I've been hit by a bus today. I'm meant to go back Wednesday, fingers crossed I'm feeling better by then. How are you going? xx"

"That's not good. Just be careful if you are going back to work and not do too much strenuous stuff and make sure you get medical attention if you start feeling unwell. 

I am trying to get over an ear infection I've had. D**** had asked me to meet up with her today ( Monday) last week but I had to say that I will give it a miss as my ear is still not 100%. 

I ended up not getting vaccinated. I'm waiting until my original appointments on Dec . 

You know I had a feeling that you may have had some sort of reaction from your vaccination That's why I sent you a text. "

End of another week of freedom day 2.0 and phase 2 of New reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccination only.

Monday 25th October 2021 Week 83  Of Total Unemployment

Week 3 Of "Freedom Day" ie Freedom Day 2.0 

Day 8 of phase 2 of NSW reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only.

There were 294 cases & 4 deaths in NSW again very slightly down from the previous day. NSW has unfortunately now hit a milestone if 500 deaths since June it was reported. 93.1% single dose vaccinations rates reached and 85% double dose vaccination rates reached in NSW. 

I am a little concerned about the effect COVID and prolonged lockdowns have had on school children psychologically especially feelings of anxiety. I'm sure there are other kids out there that had a similar experience to the below 

"This morning I got ******** ready for school and drove there and once we got to the gate he said he felt like he was going to vomit and refused to go in. So he's sitting in bed with me watching Netflix. "

I could not sleep so I woke up at 2 am this morning,  went to the bathroom, had a snack of leftover pizza and a cup of  black tea with a spoonful of Manuka honey before doing a few other things before falling asleep again ( I can't remember what I did - I think I had another mandarin as I have been eating a lot of these as snacks lately). I slept in until 7 am this morning and watched the news.

I texted the team member from VM back and this was her response to her return to work after being stood down due to the double vaccination mandate

"I'm feeling much better today, just tired a bit nauseous and my arm is sore, so I'm taking it easy. I just had a call from N*** to make sure I would be at work on Wednesday 🙄 I didn't tell him I'd had a reaction to the vaccine, I doubt he would care anyway. V****** said he pretty much expects us back at work as soon as the needle is out of our arm!

Ear infections are the worst, Hope you get better fast!

I don't blame you for waiting to get vaccinated, I wish I had as well! Imagine what they must put in those things to make people feel so sick"

Unvaccinated tennis players will be allowed to play at the Australian open as long as they do 2 weeks quarantine.  This is big news as previously the Victorian premier has said no one would be allowed into Victoria if they are unvaccinated. All eyes are still on Victoria as the lift more restrictions as soon as their state's vaccination rate reaches 80% double vaccinations forcasted this Friday . there lifting of restrictions and freedoms are much greater then NSW. Treatment of freedoms for the unvaccinated in Victoria however is much stricter then NSW.  Where NSW is set to allow the same freedoms to the unvaccinated as the vaccinated on 1st December  21, Victoria won't be allowing any of these freedoms until January 22. 

Singer song writer performer Ed Sheeran has COVID and is in isolation. 

The COVID vaccination advertisements are so saturated on tv now every single man a nd his dog must have one over multiple channels how ever the theme of the vaccination campaign constantly changes - the latest advertisrment showing a delayed flight sign to eating at a pub whilst watch a sports event on tv screen - I didn't really get this advertisement and it wasn't memorable just "meh".

Meanwhile today is the first  day back to school after months of home schooling for years 2 to year 11 ie the rest of the students after kindy year 1 and year 12 students were the first in a staggered return back to school  last week. The schools in NSW think they are 100% ready with drop off by parents only  hand sanitizer separation of desks masks staggered lunch and break times cross ventilation of classrooms with fresh air from open windows double vaccination of all school staff who will not allowed to enter school grounds if they are not etc however unlike the public schools in Victoria,  NSW schools have insisted they have cleaned and maintained existing air conditioning systems in classrooms instead of purchasing  and installing new HEPA air filtration system that were recommended. 

I have a few things to catch up on today. Now that my laundry is done and most of my shopping is done. I believe my ears are finally  feeling better today. 

I took my rubbish out to the bin before putting them out for Rubbish Collection Day tomorrow and wrote a letter to be posted tomorrow.

I watched a few You tube channels as well as caught up on my blog.

First thing I did was make a Mexican style filling for my burritos. I made the hot chicken rice capsicum onion egg and tomato mixture.  I then made a guacamole  style salsa with black beans avocado lime chilli flakes onion salt pepper olive oil  capsicum coriander shallot and garlic paste.  All ready to go when I feel like a quick meal to put together . Just add cheese and a flour tortilla. 

I watched The Chase The News The Cook Up part of 8 Out of 10 Does Countdown part of Celebrity Masterchef followed by Have You Been Paying Attention before falling asleep.

Tuesday  26th October 2021

Week 3 Of "Freedom Day" ie Freedom Day 2.0 

Day 9 of phase 2 of NSW reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only.

I went downstairs to take the red bins back in. the garbos come very late to empty them ie 8.30 am. The yellow & blue bins don't emptied until after 10 am. I had to go out again to retrieve it this morning. I wish people would not put the wrong stuff in the wrong coloured bins! Whoever it was keeps putting the cardboard into the yellow bin when it should go into the blue bin. they actually took it out of the blue bin and put it in the yellow bin again!  but there was an old man going around looking for cans and bottles to recycle as I put the bins out - no cans and bottles her mate, someone jammed the yellow bin full of cardboard! 

Later during the night around 1 am there was a trespasses who was really off her face loitering around outside on the footpath repacking her backpack full of  glass bottles of something and on her phone begging practically to come and get her without success.  She was really intoxicated. I watch her for a while even switching on my light until she walked away. She was still conscious and able to walk so she was ok. If she wasn't I would have dialled  000. 

COVID news today is about Australia becoming the second country in the world in rolling out third booster  shots to the whole country and how the double vaccinated could no longer mean fully vaccinated  on a vaccine passport. Also the very concerning news that the Victorian premier could be given powers overriding tthe federal government , stripping some of the powers of the chief health officer to mandate double vaccination to all Australians. This is not to happen as it is dangerous and against human rights law even third booster shots is already boardering on breaking Human Rights Law. What's the push and the rush? - there is absolutely no data to support the need for it from any medical advisory board or organisation. This public knowledge that there is not enough data to support the necessity for a third booster shot. The TGA is set to approve the booster within weeks with an "emergency"  meeting with Pfizer.  This was all because of him being against unvaccinated international tennis players being allowed to enter Australia to play in The Australian Open. About a third of tennis players remain unvaccinated and Novak  Djokovic refuses to provide his vaccination status and it was mention how he is an anti vaxer.  

More developing news about Alex Baldwin's accidental shooting and after 10 days the search is still on for the missing 4 year old in remote WA. 

My ears are still causing me some problems so I'm not quite over my ear infection.

Pesky lady from North Sydney Electorate rings me again asking if I am still available to work. I told her that she that she rang me previously and I can't work as I am not double vaccinated.

1 pm and I'm waiting for my  "Art Phone" phone call from the MCA confirmed for today. It was a pretty good 15 minute chat about one of the MCA staff member's favourite artist ( Indigenous  artist  Shirley  Purdie)  in the gallery.  It was a little difficult to get a feel of the artwork unless you have seen it before or know about the artist but it was overall a good introduction to an artist you may not know much about. I will probably spend the afternoon researching the artist and write a bit about it later in my blogs. I also managed to find out about what to expect at the new Doug Aitkin exhibition at the MCA. I can't wait to visit the MCA again. Note : if you book an art phone call you don't get a choice of which artwork you will be "chatting" about, it's random and the staff member's favourite and it's an artist only from the MCA's collection eventhough there is a space for " other information" on the online booking form. The MCA even sends you a follow up text message and link to the artwork afterwards. I rate it a 7/10.

"Hello! Lovely to chat with you as part of MCA Art Phone! Here is a link to check out the artwork on our website: https://www.mca.com.au/artists-works/works/201639a-ttt/ We hope you get a chance to see the artwork in real life soon!"

There was also a photo but I can't seem to copy and paste it possibly due to the way it was attached.

Regional hotspots reopen next Monday due to high vaccination rates.

Hotel quarantine for 14 days cut back to only 2 hotels for unvaccinated travellers. 

Considerations to lift all remaining lockdown restrictions due on 1st december when 90% double vaccination was due to be reached ie no masks and even letting unvaccinated into cafes restaurants etc. earlier as vaccination rates hurtle towards the 90% double vaccination rate.

If remaining lifting of restrictions happen then Myer and The NSW Electoral commission have some explaining to do with their double vaccination no jab no job mandate especially their timing.

I was trying to lodge 3 online complaints to the Fair work ombudsmen and Fair work commission  but had trouble as there was a word limit.  Am unsure what to do and have not return the call to my customer service manager as I have been trying to get over my ear infection and can't phone only send text messages as my ears wete in poain or hurt. Very annoying when the lady from North Sydney Electorste kept ringing me.

There were 282 COVID cases in NSW  which is again another slight decrease and 2 death. 

Gladys is still under the grill by ICAC. 

Scott Morrison Australia's PM is committed to nett zero emission by 2050. Oh dear many former PM's and MPs careers have gone to the grave with commitments towards  climate change or other reductions towards carbon emission plans. 

The seats and part of the roof of the new Sydney Football Stadium have been installed after a delay in construction due to lockdown.

The Australian $ is above 75 cents against the 

US $! Which means good news if you are going to some countries overseas but not to other such as Canada ( good when it's 1:1 but at the moment is  around AUS$ = CAN$ $0.92).

I watched the usual The Chase The news The Cook Up 8 Out of 10 Does Countdown.  there isn't much on tv tonight - Tuesdays are always a dead night for tv.

It means I'll sleep earlier tonight.

Wednesday 27th October  2021

Week 3 Of "Freedom Day" ie Freedom Day 2.0 

Day 10 of phase 2 of NSW reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only.

Australians that are double vaccinated no longer have to apply for an exemption to travel overseas from 1st November. On November 8 Singapore will open up to Australian  travel. Hoever there are no reciprocal  agreements with other countries yet this is still being worked on by the Australian government. So again if you want to leave Australia or escape Australia permanently  or immigrate to another country overseas and not return great but not great for temporary travelers. Tbis is the first time the PM has announced this . Another stupid decision by the Australian government.

The PM says unvaccinated tennis players can come into Australia but they must quarantine for 2 weeks and upto the state's to decide if tgey can enter their state and play .

The Victorian government has stuffed up ( no more  then NSW has) where unvaccinated people will be allowed into retail and hospitality establishments when only vaccinated people are allowed - so much for the no job no jab mandate . If you're not vaccinated you can't work yet if your unvaccinated you can still shop? Is this stupidity or what. and this is what I have been fighting for. I can't work because I am unvaccinated yet I can shop unvaccinated from 1st December 21  or even before this date? Isn't this illegal and discrimination? In Victoria because the Victoria premier mandated the double vaccination for all frontline workers  this is stupid but in NSW where the NSW  premier did not mandate a double vaccination for frontline workers this is just stupid.

The queen has pulled out of attending the climate change summit in Glasgow after further medical advice to slow down. It was reported the trip to Glasgow was too long a trip for the Queen. She will be making an pre recorded appearance via video.

Pfizer gets the green light for 3rd booster shots. I still haven't had my first vaccine. 

Rapid antigen nasal swab tests will be available at Coles service desk from next week for around $10 ( now $15) and at Woolworths service desk next month with a caution that they are not as accurate as PCR tests. I wonder if they will be the same or different brands. If they are different with others available on the market, I will be getting a variety of them and do multiple tests to see if they are accurate!!!!

A Zodiac survey in Salt Lake County found Scorpios were the least likely to get vaccinated at only 46% vaccinated - being a Scorpio this is so true! Who does these surveys The Morning Show cast member asks? Scientists?! Science or Scientology?! I always ask. It should be noted that Salt lake County is a very small region so accuracy is questionable! Love the news snippet though!

It's been stressful enough with Myer's double vaccination mandate and being stood down. I finally sent a text to the customer service manager being as diplomatic as possible. I apologise for not returning her call due to my ear infection (it was just bad timing ) , I also advised her that I'm not interested in a transfer to the Chatswood  store ( seems too complicated with no guarantees and I just don't need anymore stress which has triggered my ezcema), also advised her that I am keeping my original vacvination dates in December ( I didn't see the point in bringing them forward when I was stood down amongst other reasons) and will return when Myer allows unvaccinated employees to return and if my casual position at Myer is still open for me ( if my employment is terminated it won't look too good at the Myer AGM on 4th Nov on all levels in my case - no i did not say this in my text message to the customer service manager - remember diplomacy is key ). 

A 1/3 dose of the COVID vaccine is awaiting approval for kids young as 5 years old. Also the discussion is on again on vaccine mandates.

A study of students doing the NAPLAN tests performed better in warmer conditions then in colder conditions - well that explains  " brain freeze"! ( not my theory).

If figures are correct there were 304 COVID cases and 3 deaths in NSW overnight. This is a slight increase in cases from yesterday. I just had a look at the figures and the figures can't be correct especially the number of deaths which according to the NSW Health website deaths in NSW total is 557 However just less then a week ago it said new hit a milestone of 500 deaths as at 25th October 2021. Now I went back and totalled up all the deaths from when NSW hit the 500 death milestone and there should be a difference of 57 deaths since that milestone - according to the daily number of deaths I have been recording on my blog the total does not add up to 57 in total. I get no more then 13 deaths. What am I suppose to think ? That figures have been " exaggerated "? or simply someone just isn't good at maths? 93% of NSW  has had 1 dose of vaccine and 86% if NSW has had 2 doses of vaccine.

 

I just did a pre direct vote online for the upcoming Myer AGM in November  and made sure I downloaded a "receipt" of my vote. Another thing I don't have to worry about.  I voted against all except the conditional spill resolution. Yes I hate Myer as a company so much. I don't even need to read their annual report or any of their financials. I am just so sick of them talking about their remuneration to board and directors - all senior management, I am sick of seeing their gloating of how well they are doing - if they are doing so well where is my dividend - it's been years since I last received one as a shareholder  and what's this shit about the customer first plan they keep going on about? 

COVID CLUSTER ALERT in Sydney 15 cases at City Gym in Darlinghurst infected either at the gym or prior to visiting it in October when gyms reopened to the double vaccinated.  There are people already working out at the gym as soon as it was cleaned. Yuk! How did this happen? Patrons should all be double vaccinated! The owner later even advised during an interview that he took all precautions and followed all guidelines yet this still happened and that we just have to live with COVID. This is probably what pushed NSW COVID case numbers up for today.

 

Oh dear the QR code check in app is actually not working with close contact alerts not notifying users. This  QR code check in app could also be scrapped within 2 weeks when NSW double vaccination rates reached 90%.

There are quite a few tv transmission towers around th Lower North Shore suburbs - there are at least 4 around where I am about 1 km away in each direction. Not anymore the former Willoughby tv transmission tower has now been dismantled with parts to be recycled and a piece left as a reminder of it's historical significance.

I watched The Chase The News but tried to watch The Cook Up whilst doing the free 45 minute online Medibank Private Live Beter Sydney Dance Company  dance class. I ended up abandoning The Cook Up to concentrate on the online dance class. It did take me a little fiddling to get into the online course so missed the first few minutes of the warm up that started at 7 pm. It was a fun class. I had to keep my moves small as I don't have much space but I did sweat after the class. There was a live comments going on - I made a comment about how I can't dance and type at the same time - so true! If you are going to take this monthly class seriously don't go on the live comments! Rating 9/10  I recommend it for all closet dancers - a fun class you don't have to take too seriously and where no one can see you so if you are shy or scared of stuffing up or just want to learn to dance but not quite ready to attend a live group class try it out.( I have several years of dance all styles and used to attend Sydney Dance Company classes but haven't for a long time so am a little rusty so this was a good refresher). They eveon send you a thank you for participating in the class and a link to access past classes to do in your own time if you are interested. 

Thursday 28th October 2021

Week 3 Of "Freedom Day" ie Freedom Day 2.0 

Day 11 of phase 2 of NSW reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only

There is an Thunderstorm Asthma warning today. Yep this is an annual warning.

Booster shots rollout could commence in a fortnight to be given 6 months after 2nd vaccination with the elderly priority ( confirmed today from 8th November) and vaccinations for under 12 year olds are on the verge of  commencing pending approval. There will be a major discussion  by NSW government as to remove remaining COVID lockdown restrictions today. 

Same news headlines investigations continue into the disappearance of the little 4 year old from WA - 13 days since she went  missing the longest time an investigation has continued for  a child that has gone missing. Investigations of the Gladys grillings into unauthorised public funding to her former secret lover MP Maguire of Wagga Wagga continues by ICAC . Investigations into the accidental shooting of crew member by Alex Baldwin on his movie continues. 

It's a pretty quiet day today. The sun is out although you can tell it will storm in the afternoon, it a day where the sun and blue skies are fighting to stay out but there are grey clouds in the background.

The maintenance guy is in the building drilling in the apartments across from mine and making a lot of noise. I bet the bins will be full again and stuff will be in the wrong bins again. 

I have stuff to do today but just unmotivated to do it.

There were 293 COVID cases in NSW and 2 deaths.

4 pm and it's already getting dark. I really should try and get back to what I was doing. I hope my printer works.

OK so I am a little more motivated to do what I have to do but in between I baked a cake but not just a plain vanilla cake or chocolate cake , an apple and carrot spiced cake. I didn't quite measure out my ingredients so I hope the cake still turns out ok. I dumped everything into it 2 x large apples 2 x carrots,  cinnamon speculaas ( I don't think this is the correct spelling as I thought it had a "k" in it), Manuka honey,  maple syrup , icing sugar, vanilla paste & mixed glace fruit. I hope to ice it tomorrow when the cake is fully cooled. ( cake tastes better when it's aged just like a curry or spag bol). Photos below

Smells so nice but looks really rustic unfortunately. I'm sure it will shrink a bit when it cools - if not I will carve the top off to make it flatter before icing it.

Although I am no longer working for Myer I am still on the What's App Team Group Chat which i wish I could turn off. There are 2 new team members that just joined the Homewares Team. 

I think you have to be removed off the What's App by a Team Leader you can't do it yourself as the team leader set you up I initially.

After watching the Chase the news The cook Up 8 Out of 10 Does Countdown  and catching up on YouTube  videos I fell asleep. Not much on as it is a Thursday night.

Friday 29th October 2021

Week 3 Of "Freedom Day" ie Freedom Day 2.0 

Day 12 of phase 2 of NSW reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only

It's not the best day today outside very grey and it is forecast for a possible top temperature of 35 degrees today and showers this afternoon. I woke up around 6.30 am. Yes 35 degrees C hot winds due to hit today!

News this morning is all on Victoria ( Freedom Friday) where Freedom Day 2.0 and most of their remaining restrictions are lifted continues ( from 6 pm tonight)  as they approach the 80% double vaccination rates forecasted for 90% double vaccination by 28th November 2021. Currently they are at 77% double vaccination and their covid cases are still above 1000 but seem to be trending downward after they reached their deadliest day yesterday with 25 deaths. Freedoms include travel to regional areas of Victoria, indoor retail, go to the gym, masks no longer required outdoors  etc. Interesting there is a 2 or 3 week unvaccination window where unvaccinated Victorians can have the same freedoms as the vaccinated before reverting to fully vaccinated freedoms ( very different to the NSW situation where there  is currently another 6 weeks before unvaccinated  and patially vaccinated will have the same freedoms as fully vaccinated) . Interesting! How did this happen  and why did it happen I ask when in NSW I can work or shop or have any of the freedoms vaccinated NSW residents have - no loopholes in NSW!? Yesterday the first booster shots were rolled out in aged care facitilies in Victoria. The weather in Victoria is wild at the moment and there are weather warnings ( wild storms strong winds and heavy rains)  - trucks  and roofs have been overturned or blown off and power outages everywhere ditto in SA this morning.

In NSW rapid antigen testing on school children twice a week are being trialled.

Music promoter Michael Gudinski 's autopsy report has been released . It was originally reported that he died from a heart attacked but he actually died with a cocktail of 12 drugs in his system , had existing heart and liver problems and a fracture being treated. Pain relief from opioids probably.

Other news $7.5 million dollar Golden Eagle 

(horse)  race is on tomorrow out in Western Sydney with 10% of winnings going towards various charities. I'm Thunder Struck is the favourite for the race out at Rosehill Racecourse - given the weather ( aparently there will be hundreds of thunder and lightning strikes in some areas of Australia ) I believe this horse may win! Postscript there were actually 500 000 thunder and lightening strikes reported! The other horse to watch out for is Private Eye a Sydney horse. No thunder storms  forecasted for Sydney tomorrow. 

Another major truck crash in the Western suburbs of  NSW - that's the 3rd one in 3 days I believe. 

The Gladys grillings by ICAC continue where the very private and intimate details of her and  ex MP of Wagga Wagga Mr Maguire relationship are exposed to the public via an interview with Mr Maguire.  Questions are being rsised as to  whether this was necessary for the ICAC investigation. Gladys will face ICAC  today.  Plans of marriage and children were revealed by Mr Maguire .

The queen is back at work but only by video conferenced. She looks fine with no signs of slowing down.

Although not announced on the news today as the focus was on the Gladys grillings by ICAC live this morning and Victoria's new freedoms , NSW had 263 COVID cases overnight according to the NSW Health website and ? deaths. I just can't find the number of deaths overnight anywhere however again this number of cIVid cases overnight differs slightly depending on where you obtain the information on the NSW government websites which initial I found was 269. So which figure is correct? Does the 269 include 6 deaths overnight? A news report says there were 268 COVID cases today and 2 deaths. Where on earth are these figures comig from? Same day different numbers. 

NSW has now reached the      following percentages  of 1st & 2nd dose vaccination rates
People aged 16 and over	93.4%	86.5%
People aged 12 to 15 years	78.7%	56.7%

Politics is so scandalous more breaking news for QLD. The new QLD chief health office Krispin 

Hajkowicz has resigned for undisclosed personal reasons before he has even started. It was supposed to be a smooth transition into the role which replaced Jeannette Young who was to be sworn in as the new governor . The search to replace her took 4 months - such bad timing as QLD is so close to opening up their borders.

Oh dear Scomo the Australian PM was late for dinner when he landed  overseas for the Glasglow Climate Summit because he is on bad terms with  & held up by the French president Mr Macron ( to mend the Australian and  French relationship over the " we DON'T  all live in a yellow FRENCH  submarine " fall out) - Macron/Morrison relationship catchy or should that be an anonym or pseudonym for "Morons".

Facebook debt and now called Meta - doesn't quite have the same ring to it does it? Who cares nothing will fix the company's disgraceful social media platform reputation.

Fortnightly income reporting to Centrelink submitted and mutual obligation of 4 job searches per month recorded online today. 

Oh no after I finished my letter to Fair Work about discrimination due to the vaccination mandate , the NSW premier may be pushing back the 90% double vaccination back from 1st December 21 to next year until 95% double vaccination is reached so the unvaccinated and partially vaccinated will not have the same freedoms as the double vaccinated. There will be economic consequences if he does this so he better not. One would be the local elections - you get fined for not voting so I can see people getting a letter and a fine but not paying it because they can't vote because they are unvaccinated. 

After watching the Chase the News The Cook Up 8 Out of 10 Does  Countdown , I was hoping to watch the living Room however it was not airing and The Graham Norton show was on instead so I didn't watch anything but watched the encore of Monday night's HYBPA which I fell asleep during.

There is a giant Squid Games Red Light Green Light Doll that has been errected in Sydney over this Halloween weekend until 1st November 21. Creepy!

Saturday 30th October 2021

Week 3 Of "Freedom Day" ie Freedom Day 2.0 

Day 13 of phase 2 of NSW reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only

I had a really bad sleep last night and woke up after putting my 2 alarms on snooze at 6.30 am or so turning on the news. 

I had a really bad nightmare  where I  decided not to wait until December to get vaccinated at a GP  because there were incentives of a free food somewhere if you got vaccinated and everyone was getting vaccinated so I walked  into a pharmacy nearby who happened to have an opening for a walk in vaccination ( there was a queue of people that had bookings getting vaccinated in a room behind a curtain by a nurse in the background coming out fine and going about their day afterwards) So I fill out the forms and a male gives me my vaccination in my left arm I requested ( I am right handed) I am laing down in a chair similar to one that can be reclined in a dentist in case I  "crash" from the vaccination. The vaccination itself was not too bad however what happened  after it in my nightmare was horrific. My lift side of my face was either in pain or hot  or did I have a fever. I was screaming out because my left ear was feeling like it was burning . Then I put my hands on my chest and felt my heart and it was beating super fast so fast that I either blacked out ( fainted) or died in my nightmare . The white light I saw before coming back to life with the feeling the male that gave the vaccine to me having performed CPR  or administered an epi pen to me. Whatever it was there was a pressure on my chest. I was able to sit up and eventually leave the pharmacy but looked at my left arm at the vaccination site and it was bleeding like anything with multiple puncture sites. I asked for a bandaid and it was refused. It was a really scaredy nightmare  but so realistic.

Qantas is facing a 3 month ( until February 2022) flight delay due to QLD refusing to open up their borders.

Booster shots and vaccinations for under 12 year olds still  a big topic of discussion. 

Freedom Day 2.0 is well on the way. Victorians are finally out of lockdown - everything is almost open again for everyone indoor  and outdoors with only a few restrictions - indoor non essential retail is open, gyms, entertainment venues, pubs and clubs and even the sausage sizzle at Bunnings all open again as of 6 pm yezterday with some shops open until midnight last night! However wild weather has overshadowed  Victoria 's reopening. 

Biden meets the  Pope. Scomo meets Macron face to face for the first time with Biden making a comment of  Australia being a little more diplomatic about severing the submarine contract with France.  

The Queen ordered to rest again for at least  2 weeks from her busy schedule. She looks fine to me @ 95 years old! She is a pro on Zoom!

Around 11 am this morning  today after having a shower and washing the dishes I ventured out only because I had to make it to the post office  before 1 pm today when it closes to post 3 ordinary letters off and get some prepaid  envelopes. 

Next it was onto Aldi and Coles to do some essential groceries. again I could not get everything on my shopping list partially because it was too heavy to carry home with me and partially because items on my shopping list were unavailable. There is always tomorrow and Monday. I forgot all about getting money for the laundry and recharging my Opal card. My groceries were so heavy and my bags so full I had to purchase a l large Coles  reusable shopping bag and catch the bus home from Lane Cove Interchange. I could have walked home but I would have struggled up the hill today with one of the heavier bags. Should have taken my wheelie bag with me. I didn't think I was going to buy almost everything today on my shopping list except for stuff that was unavailable.  

Home on any bus that travelled along the main road towards the city. It was around 4 pm by the time I arrived home and it looked like it was going to rain if it had not sprinkled already.  Hands washed & mask bleached and hung up to dry, it was time to unpack my groceries and cook. I purchased a few limited edition products today. Let's start off with the Limited Edition Greens Australian Owned and Made Yuletide Log Mix In A Box which I will be sending to America  with Australian Made Naturals Confectionery Berry Jellies to decorate it with and a Limited Edition Cadbury Flake Caramilk Chocolate. ( this comes in block form as well and I haven't tried a Caramilk before so will review it at a later date on my blog). Next I purchased a packet of Fredo Frogs but not the plain milk chocolate ones - the Tropical Pineapple ones for Halloween. There were strawberry ones as well but I already had too many chocolates and lollies so next time I go to Coles I will try them. So what did I think  about these Tropical Pineapple  Fredo frogs ? I have never been a fan of Cadbury milk chocolates filled with flavoured creams . They were always far too artifical and sweet for me. Those glow in the dark boozy coloured liquid centres which I always thought were artificially made flavours. How wrong I was about the Tropical Pineapple flavoured milk chocolate Fredos, The ingredients list includes both pineapple   and pineapple juice in it amongst all the other e numbers! So what did i think of them - better then I though they would taste . it didn't taste that artifical - you know that chemical aftertaste you get that is like detergent. Still no keen on the glow in the dark yellow ooxy liquid  and I still think it is far too sweet and probably will never purchase them again except for Halloween.  Rating 5/10  a kids treat not an adult one. I didn't spit it out however unsure if I should have not put back the packet of  Natural Confectionery Fruit Smoothie Chews I also wanted to try instead. Oh well next time maybe I'll try the Strawberry Freddos. Still not too late. Halloween is actually tomorrow night. Photo below

There were 237 COVID cases  & 3 deaths in NSW  today. Cases are still decreasing however after the 15 cases found at the City Gym previously, there was another COVID cluster found at The Tea Gardens ( it's a pub with a bit of a rough reputation by the way not some fancy posh eating establishment) in Bondi Junction. So how and why is this happening when only fully vaccinated patrons are allowed into these venues? 

There was another police raid for breach of COVID  restrictions at an illegal house party with 100 people that attended with one guest doing a runner. I believe that is a general rule of upto50 but it does not specify parties just outdoor sports and exercise gatherings and outdoor gatherings and  it's not a wedding or a funeral which Don't specify limits of guest unless you are unvaccinated where it is a limit of 5 people and 10 for funerals. Some of the rules regulstions and restrictions are so stupid eg some time ago when Gladys was premier outdoor public pools were open to both the vaccinated  partially and unvaccinated however just a week or so later this was changed to:

" If you are not fully vaccinated you cannot visit a public swimming pool, either indoor or outdoor"

I got a bit of a surprise when I saw the sign up at Lane Cove Aquatic Centre a while back advising of this as it had not been there previously. it has an indoir and outdoor pool. The indoor pools have always had to remain shut but it says quite clearly outdoor pools can reopen.

10000 crowd were at Winks' home ground Rosehill Racecourse for The Golden Eagle horse race today and the favourite I'm Thunder Struck wins the race. 

Nothing on tv tonight so I went to sleep early after watching the news and some YouTube channels.

Sunday 31st October  2021

🕷🕸HAPPY  HALOWEEN!🦇🦇

Week 3 Of "Freedom Day" ie Freedom Day 2.0 

Day 14 of phase 2 of NSW reopening after 80% double vaccination reached for double vaccinated only.

Well it's the end of yet another week of life as an unvaccinated and end of another week of total unemployment.

As the first Qantas flight leaves with fully vaccinated passengers overseas from Sydney International airport only tomorrow and duly vaccinated people are free to travel around NSW, as an unvaccinated person I am left behind unable to leave Greater Sydney ( it said unable to leave my LGA but that is incorrect as this restriction was lifted a while back - the NSW government can't go backwards). I can go to Woollongong and The Blue Mountains as they are meant to be part of Greater Sydney.

The main news headline today is Australian entertainer/tv icon  Bert Newton ( sometimes known as Moon Face)  passes away after years of health problems  at the age of 83. 1938 - 2021. He has been entertaining Australians for decades since the 1950s. If people are familiar with US talk show host Don Lane who died back in 2009 then you will probably remember his side kick was Bert Newton. Bert appeared in tv radio and theatre. He leaves behind his very long  time wife also very well known and loved tv personality Patty Newton who Bert has been married to and worked with for decades ( 50+ years)  and their 2 children and bunch of 6 grand children. RIP Bert. Good to see Bert news overshadows daily COVID news. So he should. Even Australia's PM Scomo paid tribute to him via video link whilst overseas. Victorian premier Daniel Andrews offered a state funeral  to Patty Newton overnight. 

G20 and Morrison is shown shaking hands with Macron. Got to wonder what's deep fake or not after Biden's private talk with Macron just the previous day. Who is back stabbing who with the submarine contracts? The US is making Australia look bad with the French. Wake up Australia! Scomo you're a fool Don't you see you are being played like a football!

Whilst I and my fellow homewares team member have been stood down from our jobs due to being unvaccinated we keep getting notifications of new team members commencing which is really annoying. So far there have been 4 new team members hired in the  last week or so. I find this really unfair given the way we were stood down without notice. What Myer did was completely wrong and discriminating and now that my complaint in regards to The NSW Electoral Commission  has been lodged I can now concentrate on my complaint against Myer about their unfair double vaccination mandate. I will be extra furious if I find out that any of the unvaccinated managers were allowed an exemption to return to work at Myer.  There were at least 2 and 2 others that were rumoured to also be unvaccinated.

I took a break from my letter writing and Made a quick Halloween sign to stick outside my mail box with a snaplock bag attached to it filled with the Tropical Pineapple Freddos. I wasn't sure how to attach it to the mail box and initial attempts to slot it through the mail box slot failed so I had to run upstairs and get a piece of tape to secure it to the front metal panel of the mail box. It will do. I went downstairs to take my rubbish out first and while I was out there put my Halloween sign and treats out at the same time. Whilst I was doing so a little girl dressed up as a Disney character ( I tbink she was a princess) with her mum walked by trick or treating. The mother spotted me just putting out my Halloween treats and " Happy COVID safe Halloween 2021! Help yourself to a treat" sign. They were so polite I offered the little girl 2 Freddos but her mother said she could only have one. The look on the mother's face and the little girl's face was so appreciative. I wonder if they had just started their trick or treating or whether they weren't successful at finding trick or treats along the main highway or other reasons but they did not seem to have many trick or treats in the little girl's bucket. It was just before 4 pm so maybe a little too early for older kids to go trick or treating. It's these little things that I like to do no matter how small a gesture for others that makes me feel happy. 

 

There were 178 COVID cases in NSW  and ? of deaths. Note these figures are getting more difficult to find. This information is hardly news anymore and the NSW Health websites seem to be always 2 days behind.

I watched the food channel the news followed by Spotlight which was all about "Babba Chumpy" ( named Minnie Alex Pullin) offspring of the late world cup winning Alex Chumpy Pullin.

I did not finish my letters of complaint to Myer.  So much to do tomorrow. I went to sleep feeling really allergic.

End of another week  and another month of phase 2 of Freedom Day 2.0.