Tuesday is my monday...
So - the upshot of all of this work-thing... as most of you know - it
has been working with APEC (and for those who didn't know... it paid the
rent) ;) Suffice to say that I had nothing to do with policy, and I know
this isn't Nuremburg (a subtle reference for those who care to follow
that line of defence). Anyway, it's almost finished - almost time to
move on to the next Project (thing which pays money and is somewhat
enjoyable).

It's been fun and it's been something which should look good on the
resume, but the weirdest thing... (I digress for a moment, but for a
reason).

I have applied for 15 contracts today. This is actually a good thing. On
top of that, I have received 3 call-backs already with firm offers of
sending the CV on (ROFL!) Yes yes call-backs from Agencies. ANYWAY...
one interview was a face-to-face and these people will probably employ
me if others don't get to me first. They also know what my rate is. The
second Agency offered to put me out for $62.50/hr and that they think I
will want to work in Liverpool... o.0 (You know, for $62.50/hr I WILL
work in Liverpool, if I get the position). The third well-known
Agency asked what this APEC thing was on my CV... Hence the
digression...

We were told that APEC would look good on the CV... that only helps if
the people screening the CVs have a clue, and haven't just started the
job. I had to laugh at them over the phone and mention the large fences,
the security, etc... they said "I thought that was just the usual
thing for when your President visits.". ... o.0 ... Your. President.
Visits. (plural). W.T.F?? Can we please have the general Knowledge Test
added to the 457 Visa Test? These people are trying to get ME work?
Sheesh!

OK - anyway - I am at work and it's all winding down. Leaders went home,
Fireworks and Cake were eaten by the privileged, 88 people were arrested
for wearing prophylactics made of wool (or something like that) as well
as for crossing the road and asking why they were being arrested, no
Police were reprimanded (nor will they be) for removing their name-tags
(which obviously got torn off in the struggle to glare at anyone looking
like a protester (apart from those standing next to the Firemen or
perched on lamp-posts ;))

The comparison will be made between APEC and the Sydney Olympics. My
comparison is simple:

The Olympics disrupted a LOT of people for 2-3 weeks with minimal
disruption to daily life.

Many world leaders travelled to the Sydney Olympics and there were
no issues.

The Sydney Olympics were shared by the populace.

Security for The Sydney Olympics was strong and tight and friendly.

The Olympics painted a Blue Line on the road for the Marathon

APEC disrupted a LOT of people for 10 days with an astonishing
amount of disruption to daily life.

Many world leaders travelled to APEC and there were many issues (not
the fault of the leaders').

APEC was a closed event for the privileged, the populace were not
permitted to be a part of it at all.

Security for APEC was strong and tight and draconian.

APEC built 5km of reinforced steel cages and barriers to keep the
people out.

There was more but others will make those comparisons better than I
could. For my end, I worked with some very good people to put on a
series of events which spanned the country and hosted some of the most
powerful people on the planet. I was kept busy, I expanded my knowledge
of the industries (all 3) I work in, and I enjoyed my time with the
organisation. I find that the Policies behind the event at times were a
little grating, but overall they didn't affect me - except that I was
spat at several times, and was called a Nazi, twice, and was asked
(actually screamed at) if I enjoyed fraternising with
'Bush-The-Baby-Killer'. However, I brushed that off - and only mention
it here because it shows that there are 2 sides to the job. Not
something you normally get with your average events job.

Anyway, leaving that one alone now... I am a little sad to be leaving
here in 2 weeks (post event-blue have set in already, even though it's
still in wrap-up, probably means it will get a little worse when I DO
leave), I am looking forward to having 2 weeks off - doing nothing. I am
looking forward to getting a new job (and paying some taxes - I know I
know it HAS to be done) and continuing on how things have been.

This started out as 5 lines and it grew... I recently lost a couple of
people from reading my LJ because my posts have been long - guess that
means I have a little to say/muse about. :)

It's all me all the time, except when it's not - and even then I'm sure
it might be ;)