Effective as of the end of March I left the project that I was seconded to (and the thing that I was brought here to do for 4 years). I was working on a very large set of projects for a very large iron ore mining company. The suite of projects was supposed to continue until about 2016. However, the shareholders of said very large iron ore mining company decided that rather than the company continuing to invest in asset development that they would rather be paid their 27 cents per share divident (note: I have no idea how much they were actually paid). That, along with the declining price of iron ore has basically scuttled their very big plans for some very big projects. As such, my job essentially became redundant.
So, as of April I went back to my parent company. While I use the term "back" I never actually really worked for them in the first place. They recruited me in Canada but it was specifically for the huge projects mentioned above. Unfortunately, going back didn't mean much as they too didn't have anything for me to work on. In fact, there was a very real possibility that I would lose my job. If that were to happen I would get 4 weeks notice. Then, according to Australian immigration laws, I would have another 4 weeks to leave the country. So, I would have 8 weeks upon notice of termination to find meaningful employment in a down economy with a company willing to sponsor my visa (and the flight back to Canada for 5 people that legally goes with it). Honestly, the prospects were dim. However, my parent company decided that they were willing to ride it out for a little while and they had some projects on the horizon (around October). In the meantime, the plan would be for me to learn their systems, prepare as much as possible and help out where I can.
Even the best laid plans change quickly, and in this case it was definately for the better. My second day in the office I was already bored beyond belief from reading manuals, procedures, etc. Then out of the blue a man introduced himself to me. After some discussion it turned out that he is a project manager and he needed someone with my skill set immediately. So, we chatted and he offered me a position on his project as Contracts and Procurement Manager. Normally, that is the person that I report to on a project. So, the job that I am now engaged on is actually sort of a promotion. That's the good news. The bad news is that I don't know what I'm doing. That's not entirely true. I know the job in general but some of the details I'm sketchy on. So, instead of being bored I'm now very busy trying to learn the new project and learn how to do my job on the project. It should be exciting in any case.
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The kids are all doing very well. Zaren and Cyrus are in grade 12 and Keva is in grade 10. They all have a good set of friends and seem to be enjoying life here. For the boys, they have their first hockey game of the season tonight. However, this year is a little different. We thought that they would be able to play another year of Midget but because they're turning 18 during the hockey season they are required to play in a senior league. So, their teammates this year are a combination of old teenagers, young adults and guys who have kids of their own. We decided that it would be best if they played in the non-contact league this year and see how it went.
The boys also recently had their "Ball". Many schools here have the Grade 12 Ball (or Prom) at the beginning of the year so that it doesn't become a distraction to the kids later. We actually hosted the pre-Ball party at our house. We had 11 graduates along with their families. In total, I think we had almost 40 people over at our house before the car picked the kids up.
Zaren (left) and Cyrus in our backyard all ready to party!
The whole crew. Zaren on the right with his Jaylyn and Cyrus 5th from the left with Tanya.
The car to pick up Cyrus in front of our house. Zaren and Cyrus went seperately to the Ball and were at two different tables. But they stumbled home together the next morning.
Meanwhile, Keva has started doing martial arts/self defense. Specifically, she is doing Zen Do Kai which is mostly kicking, punching and a few throws. She is also in the adult class and is by far the smallest one there. But she's enjoying it.
The warrior princess in action.
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