This little piggy went ennui ennui ennui...

It seems rather a long time since I said anything about my job situation. It still sucks. Didn’t even get an interview for the first teaching position I went for – not even an interview!

The ‘other government department’ I’d applied to back in January was resolutely silent. (Turns out, when I phoned them after weeks and weeks of silence, that they’d apparently undergone a restructure, and somehow neglected to tell me that the position was no longer available… Unfortunately, that is very typical Public Service stuff…) So anyway, I applied to another school, and BINGO – got an interview! A very positive interview it was, too, and I felt good about it until I heard, about a week later, from an ‘inside source’, that the boss wanted to hire someone else – someone who didn’t wear bike gear to a ride-in ride-out 45 minute interview at an unfamiliar place in the middle of a work day.

And then my inside source said, a few days later, after much intense lobbying, that things were looking a little more optimistic. That was last Thursday. There’s been a deathly silence since then, and you know what? I’m kind of over it. Do I really want to work for someone who’s silly enough to think that I would turn up in a classroom looking like some kind of Hell’s Angel? (and, quite apart from anything else, is more concerned about the way I might dress than the way I teach?)

So, as my optimism fades and I start looking forward to my next ride to Phillip Island, I wonder how to beat the ennui that characterises my current job. And the distinct lack of prospects that accompany said ennui.

Yet another government dept has shown a flicker of interest in me – no more money than I’m currently earning, but a change of scenery would be nice – the possibility of promotion at some later stage - and a transfer of leave benefits/superannuation and all that jazz… I think I shall encourage that flicker and see if I can fan it into a flame.

Watch this space. Again.

Vale Rossis...

It had to happen. My faithful Rossi Senora size 5 bike boots have finally reached that stage where retirement is looking good.

The Velcro closure has been a bit fluffy for a while now. The inside heels wore away a while ago, to be replaced by comfy gel inserts. The stitching had to be redone a couple of years ago after I went for a slide down the road.

The soles are barely worn.


I’ve worn those boots almost every single day for the past 4 years. I commute in them, tour in them, go to rallies in them and wear them all day. They are the most comfortable things I’ve ever had on my feet.

They’ve also saved my legs/feet/ankles more than once, although they weren’t able to prevent a tendon avulsion on my foot when I leapt off the falling bike during the willy-willy incident a year ago.

They’ve been the final resting place of a million grasshoppers, have deflected the odd stick or stone, and once caused the demise of a suicidal crimson rosella. They’ve seen about a hundred thousand road kilometres in all weather and all seasons.

This morning, though, as I parked the bike near work, I noticed this neat little hole worn through the spot where I press against the gear lever. It’s all the way through to the lining.


My dilemma - should I take them to the bootmaker and have them repaired, or should I fork out another three or four hundred for a brand new pair? Should I look for a different brand? Decisions, decisions. Another repair job would certainly be cheaper than new boots, but perhaps it’s time to allow them a gracious retirement after such faithful service.

I love my Rossis. They’re Australian made, comfortable, durable – for the sort of riding I do (coz I’m not a girl racer) they’re probably perfect – and definitely value for money. The only beef I’ve ever had with them is that the moulded soles don’t allow the addition of extra height. A mere extra centimetre on the heel would’ve been useful for this short-arse on occasions.

I shall spend a little time trying on other boots, I suppose – it’s a good excuse to do the rounds of the bike shops (as if I need an excuse!) but I suspect I’ll come back to the tried and true Rossi Boots.