"Anyone who lives within their means suffers from a serious lack of imagination" - Oscar Wilde

Developments are afoot in Matty boy's search for gainful employment and (oh why) a place to stay (make my day).

I have an interview on Monday to be a Public Information Officer (that's a press officer to you and me) for the New South Wales Fire Brigade in Central Sydney. This came a bit out of the blue, I was putting the job hunting on hold until the house hunting was over, but one e-mail to a specialist communications agency resulted in an instant phone call inviting me to meet them the next day. After a ten minute interview they lined me up with this interview. Sweet Jesus, if I do get this job it will have involved the minimum of effort. Looking at the job spec, I'm qualified for it, so there is every reason to be confident. It sounds interesting - particularly the crisis media management in the event of major disasters like bush fires - and I decide to dedicate my entire Sunday to swotting up on the interview. This does mean non attendance at the Sydney Cricket Ground as a resurgent England look to clinch the one-day series against the Aussies, but the only tickets left are expensive and it is forecast to rain. An entire day drinking before an interview is probably not that good an idea either.

The house hunting has now become decision time making. I've seen five places, all in different places with different kinds of people from different age groups. And I can't decide. Fucking typical. The places are either with the right people in the wrong place, vice versa and so on. So, in an attempt to help me decide as much as anything else, herewith are my options:

Potential flat mate: Tony, 39, actor and waiter Location: 11th floor apartment, Double Bay (Eastern Suburbs) Plus points: Very nice flat, only place with a bed I've seen, great views of the harbour, decent location Down sides: Potential flat mate sees rent boys, is ten years older and will probably try to bum me. Apartment block is mainly frequented by retired people, as is the area itself. I'm also not allowed to bring one night stands back to the apartment Gut feeling? Not for me

Potential flat mate: Matt, 23, not really sure what he does Location: Potts Point (walking distance from the city and gay scene) Plus points: Location, location, location. Very nice flat Down sides: No bed

Gut feeling? Gorgeous flat within touching distance of everything, but will it work out?

Potential flat mate: Gavin, 36, works in film production Location: Coogee Beach Plus points: Nice flat, two minutes' walk to beach, very sound potential flat mate. Reasonable rent. Down sides: It was pissing it down with rain when I saw this place, so I didn't really get to see the benefits of beach side living. It took me ages to get there and back on the bus. No bed. Gut feeling? I fucking hate buses

Potential flat mates: Mark, 31, and Graham, 26. Both work in IT and are a couple Location: Woollstonecraft (North Sydney) Plus points: Decent sized room with en suite, cheap rent, only 10-15 minutes train ride to the city Down sides: Potential flat mates never go out and seem quite boring. They have a dog. The home is next to a train track. No bed Gut feeling? Can't see this one working, but there is nothing that 'wrong' with the place. Am I being too fussy?

Potential flat mates: Josh, 26, and Joel, 24. A couple. Both told me what they do but I've forgotten Location: Chatswood, deepest North Sydney Plus points: Very nice house, backs onto a nature reserve. Large room, wireless internet. Potential flat mates are by far the easiest to get on with that I have seen. Both like a drink Down sides: Whilst getting into the City would take less than 30 minutes (including ten minute walk to station), this is a very isolated place. I'm practically in the countryside Gut feeling? The best option in terms of people, but do I want to live this far away from the centre?

There's only one way to get that moment of clarity I need on this Saturday night - on the lash. It certainly won't happen in front of the tele here. My God, the standard of the media here in Australia is APPALLING. I have been very willing to give the Aussies credit for everything that is great about living here, but the state of the newspapers and tv stations is about as impressive as a runny dog turd. Hacks can't write for toffee and repeats of Some Mothers Do Have 'Em on Saturday night tele? Strewth...