Exchange Pain

I recently transferred some money from my Canadian account to my Australian account. I was curious to see how long it would take, what the exchange rate penalties would be, etc. I was told by the bank that there would be a $30 fee for the transfer, which seemed not bad.

What was unexpectedly painful though was the 2% skimmed off the my transfer due to exchange rates. The current market price for 1AUD is 0.884CAD, but they used a rate of 0.902CAD! I understand this skimming is necessary due to market fluctuations, but 2% seems a bit high. Imagine that someone transferred $10000 from Canada to Australia and then back to Canada. After losing money to fees and margins they would have less than $9550 left!

When my parents come to visit, I'll be giving them access to my Canadian dollars, and they can transfer equivalent money to my Australian account after they get home. That will let me pay off my University debts, and save them a little money on their trip. A much better solution.

Dead Field

My thesis is extremely close to completion. I've just completed a quick survey of current literature in my field... and my field has almost died. Woohoo! There's little chance of me being scooped, because noone cares! Seriously, this is a good thing, for me. :)

On the down side, my hands haven't been given a break. I'm getting quite used to my splint, but it doesn't help when I can feel ligaments sliding/grating inside my wrist and forearm. I think I can take a break in a couple of weeks.

Long Time No See

It's been a while since I last blogged. Well, long time for me anyway. Some people barely blog once a month, or worse, don't blog at all! :)

Nothing particularly dramatic has been happening. I just mopped my floor for the first time since I landed here. My parents are flying in on Tuesday, so it's a special occasion. :) They've chosen a good time too, as the weather is improving. Everyone here is happy to see the sun shining again.

All in all, this is a "long time no see" point in my life. Sun, parents, and a clean floor.

Storm Has Passed

Stress levels have gone back down. The weather has been amazing here too, which I think helps. No more cold and rain (until the weekend, at least)!

But I think the biggest help was the support from people who know me... and one certain person who had to weather my miserable mood whenever I wasn't working.

Thank you.

Stress Levels

I've been trying to contain it, but my stress levels are way up at the moment. The wrist splint has been bothering me much more than most people know. There is new pressure at work as we attempt to alter our work practices. Other things in life are draining me every day. I am not eating well. I am not sleeping well.

All this means that, at the times when I should be working on my thesis, I am completely unable to think. I make no progress.

My body reacts to stress by making me feel sleepy. I feel very sleepy right now. :(