Just Do It...

Like a kid in a candy shop. Body surfing at Broadbeach 12.21.10

I am once again a working woman! I have been working at Bistro Blanc for a week now and have worked every day but Christmas Day. Not exactly what I had in mind for my 6 month get-a-way; however the weather hasn't been exactly favorable so I have been content making some extra cash while the sun is hiding. 

Now that Australia is on holiday (summer vacation), everybody is in party mode. Which means there have been several chances for me to be social. SO, I have been. Anytime someone has asked me to be. I see these outings as opportunities. Opportunities to meet people, and turn them into friends. Opportunities to learn about people's hobbies and how, perhaps, I can enjoy their hobby with them sometime...soon. Opportunities to make connections. Connections for traveling, jobs in other cities, accommodations in other cities. Connections that create more friendships and more hobbies. 

Even when I don't necessarily feel like being social (don't forget I have been working a lot) I do anyway. Because the excitement of not knowing what I will get out of it, mixed with the confidence that something will come out of it,  is too good to pass up! 

SO... 

go to the family get-together

start up conversation with every customer at the restaurant

go to dinner with Steven (the son of the family I am staying with) and his friends

challenge a new friend to a game of pool (and beat him!)

go boating with the guy from the coffee shop

hang out at the beach with the backpacker from the bus

meet the Canadian and his friends for New Years on the beach

Do It.

Just Do EVERYTHING.  < My new slogan 

Give it a whirl mates... its fun! 

Merry Chrissy!

Now that I have gotten into the swing of things I have been able to really take in all of the differences that make this place Australia and not America. Whether I am talking to Australian friends or friends and family in the states, everyone wants to know what stands out, what is unique, what's different. 

        

People in America ask:  How do they sound? Can you understand them? Well if you would have asked last week I probably would have said they sound magical and NO, I can't understand them! This week, now that I am settled in, the accent is just expected. I still love it, don't get me wrong, but it's normal... and I like that!  I still have a little trouble understanding them when they speak to each other, especially the men, but that is a big step from last week when I felt like people were speaking a different language! 

My favorite thing about the Australian accent is all of the abbreviations. There is a short cut for EVERYTHING. Every word suddenly sounds cute. Their abbreviations often end in "ie or y", so its as if they are talking to a child. But... they aren't. 

For Example: 

I have to go shopping for Chrissy pressies. 

Chrissy = Christmas | Pressie = present 

I am staying on the Goldie and hang out in Broadie

Goldie= Gold Coast | Broadie= Broadbeach

Uni = University | Brekky = Breakfast |

I could go on and on. 

"G'day Mate" isn't said, however mate is used by everyone in reference to anyone. 

Although I have not heard anyone say "Put another shrimp on the barbie" I have enjoyed chicken from the barbie  (grill).  

Shrimp do not exist here. But the prawns are to die for! 

________

People in Australia ask: How is your economy, the President, the party scene. Their perceptions amaze me. It is truly crazy what the media does. The power it has. The impressions it gives. Sometimes true. Sometimes false. Always exaggerated.  Sort of like this: What do you think of when you hear the word Australia? "Kangaroo" perhaps? Koala maybe? Its the same situation - the media paints a picture and unless you experience it, you don't know any different.  

I also get asked about our cars. Do they look different? Are they a lot bigger than ours? 

Yes. SUV's are almost non-existant in Australia because gas or petro, is SOOOO expensive. El Caminos or Utes are EVERYWHERE. You know the song...  "El Camino, El, El Camino, the front looks like a car, and the back looks like a truck...." They are what tradeys drive, aka people that work in a trade such as electricians. 

Although there are a lot of differences between our two countries, many things are the same. It is the perfect mix. And I am thankful for that today. Makes me feel like I am not too far away from home on this Chrissie Eve.  

__________

I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful white Christmas. I will be enjoying a white Christmas in Australia. A white sand Christmas. With a wonderful family that has so graciously taken me in as one of their own.   It won't be the same as being home, but I can assure you it will be as close as one could hope for! Food, drinks and happiness! 

Merry Chrissy from Aussie! 

I couldn't find cut out cookies here so... I made my own! 

Jet skiing, Snorkeling and Body surfing...Oh My!

 I apologize for the delay in posts but I have been out having some FUN! In my last post I recapped all that occurred in the first 7 days, well my last three days have been even more exciting!

Saturday I found myself standing between a Bentley and a Ferrari before hopping on to a BIG boat that I spent the day on eating fresh prawns and drinking Australian beer. I jet skied through ocean waves, marveled at the sand dunes, and...I learned a bit about upper class Australia. (Its just like upper class America) 

 

Yesterday I WENT SNORKELING. In the ocean. A very big ocean. 

I had been planning to go with a tour company, but was fortunate enough to tag along with a local I befriended (Bryson) and was quite excited to be getting a "non-tourist" look in the ocean.  I had the water to myself. It was incredible. And a little overwhelming. 

When I popped my head out of the water after swimming out a ways...I sort of freaked out. Calmly of course, but I don't think I have ever felt so small! I looked around and was surrounded by never ending blue water.  It was amazing...especially once I was back on the sand! 

TODAY, after a week of not getting put on the schedule at the Golf Course, I decided I would check out some other job opportunities before heading to the beach. I walked into a restaurant that someone had recommended and next thing you know I was scheduled to be there at 8am tomorrow morning ready to work. (I have not been guaranteed a position, but I am looking forward to putting my waitressing skills back to work and hopefully securing a new job!) This is the restuarant Bistro Blanc. So after spending a whole 5 minutes job searching I headed straight to the beach where I met another local friend (Jason). I played in the waves a good portion of the afternoon and learned a bit about body surfing- not sure if I ever did get the hang of it! I had a lot of fun trying though! 

___________

What's next Australia? Bring it on! 

Side note: I have put up some pictures of my adventures on Facebook Week 1, Oy!

  

All in a Week's Time

After realizing today that I have only been here for SEVEN days I started glowing with excitement thinking about all that can happen in six months! 

Over the past seven days I...

Have been in two of Australia's 6 states
| New South Wales and Queensland |

Explored two of the country's largest cities
| Sydney and The Gold Coast |

Stepped foot in two of the 7 oceans/seas that surround the continent
| Tasman Sea and the Coral Sea |

Figured out the mass transportation system
| Trains, Planes and Buses |

Opened an Australian bank account
| ANZ |

Interviewed for a job
| The Glades Golf Club |

Got a job
| Waitressing and working holiday parties |

Got my RSA Certification
| Responsible Service of Alcohol- required for my job |

Applied for a TFN
| Tax File Number-not sure yet what it does- I was just told to get one! |

Found my favorite clothing store
| Sportsgirl. It does not sell sporty clothing, but rather very feminine clothing in a hippie/hobo chic kind of way. |

Enjoyed a few Aussie family meals
| With the Boorsboom's and the Blackwood's |

Had tea with a local
| Tea= dinner; local=Bryson |

Drank a Black and Tan with a Canadian and a Stella with a Norwegian
| Paul and Daniel- two separate Sydney occasions |

Pet a kangaroo and fed a lorikeet
| At the Wildlife Sanctuary in Currumbin |

In addition to everything I have done... 

I have learned a few things too! 

A regular coffee rarely exists
| Instead have a flat white (coffee with milk) or a latte (coffee with steamed milk)|

Tasty Cheese
| "Tasty" is not referring to how it tastes (although it is an appropriate name), rather Tasty cheese is one of the most common types of cheese you see in OZ along with Swiss cheese | (so when I asked what kind of cheese "tasty cheese" was, I got a very funny look as if I was blonde or something)

How you go? or How you going?
| AKA How did you do or how are you doing |

Would you like to join me for Tea?
| Isn't a request to chat over a glass of tea, but an invitation to dinner |

Yes Please
| Not an answer, it's a request. For example: If you are waiting in line and the clerk says "yes please" to you, then you better step up to the counter or you'll lose your place in line.  Or if you are at a restaurant and the waitress says "yes please", then tell her what you'd like to eat|

MMMMMMM
| Equals- "Yes, I understand" or "I agree" or "that's correct". Note: This has a kind/polite sound to it and would be used as so: Me-" I hear you like to travel as well?" Aussie- "Mmmmm". Not to be confused with how American's use this letter to imply something tastes good  |

Toilets
| The left flush button is a half flush and the right flush button is a full flush. The Australians are very savvy when it comes to water waste management!  |

Outlet Converters
 | Do not get along with American hair appliances. Nearly burnt my hair off with a straightener |

Aussies love to travel to the States
| Vegas is one of their most desired destinations (I'm working on changing this to Denver) |

American's don't travel around the Gold Coast 
| Everyone assumes I am Canadian as soon as I speak without an Aussie accent |

Students get discounts on everything
| Glad I packed my 7 year old Student ID...and that I can still pass for an 18 year old |


Whew! What a whirlwind it has been! I feel like I have lived here for a month. I have had my ups and downs these past seven days, but as I recap it all I am thrilled with everything I have accomplished... All in a week's time! 

"B Day"

"O Day" in Oz

We were in the exact same spot- one day apart! (her picture is photoshopped)

So turns out Australia LOVES Oprah and declared December 14th to be"O Day"! It is the headline story on all of the news channels,  the front page of every newspaper and magazine, and the topic of conversation around town! Check out this article to learn why it has been SUCH a big deal Oprah=marketing plan to boost tourism. 

Yesterday she taped two shows outside of the Opera House- Here are a few pictures I snapped as they were setting up for the BIG EVENT! 

A giant stage built just for her, banners up and down the streets and signs everywhere to let you know where you were and were not going to be welcome on the 14th.

I have to admit, it has been kind of fun seeing all of the ooplah about the superstar trekking around Australia. Below are a few pictures of my time in Sydney. Apparently Oprah wasn't far behind me! 

Oprah has been following me around Sydney

I explored the Harbor Bay a day before she did... 

I went to the Royal Botanical Gardens the day before her big BBQ party there...

And I spent the day at Bondi Beach the day before she was there surfing...

  The 14th of December may have been "O Day"...but the 13th of December was

 "B Day"! 

Next post coming soon- Tasty Cheese, two flush buttons, and one stop shopping!

Comfortable.

Broadbeach | Gold Coast | 12.13.10

A disclaimer before reading today's post:
After realizing I just wrote two blog entries in a row about feeling a little blue I thought about deleting the one you are about to read. BUT after thinking some more- these are my true thoughts and I look forward to looking back at them soon and laughing about how unlike me they sound. So... they will both remain posted. In addition, I wrote this yesterday, but wasn't able to get it posted so I can already tell you that my next post is going to be MUCH more positive!)

The feeling of being comfortable is something I have never put much thought into.  I have taken it for granted.


But... I am thinking about it now. Not taking it for granted any more.


Over the past few days I have been wondering around Sydney and wishing I was...


Comfortable with my surroundings.

Comfortable with my circle of friends.

With the weather, the smells around me, the food I'm eating.

Comfortable with knowing where I am and how I get to where I want to go.

Australia has forced me to think about what it means to be comfortable. Because it has made me uncomfortable. And a bit homesick. And the thought of being here for six months has been overwhelming.

I have given myself a lot of pep talks over the last few days.

You have only been here for four days. 

You will meet friends. It just takes time. 

It will be easier when you find a job. 

The transportation system will be easy after a few more days. 

You have begged and begged not to be cold anymore- 

get over the sweat and enjoy the heat!  

You don't look like a tourist. 

Everyone around you looks different and has their own sense of style. 

You do not stand out. Why do you care what these people think? 

You realize you probably won't ever see these people again.

I knew this adventure wasn't going to be all bubbles and butterflies- but preparing yourself to be uncomfortable is difficult.
_________________
Along with pep talks, the past few days have been filled with a lot of walking, some beach time and a flight to the Gold Coast. And although I was a bit uncomfortable through it all, my experiences have been amazing. I have seen some beautiful sites, spent a day with a Norwegian and cheersed with a Canadian.

I chose this challenge of traveling alone and with 4 days down- I have realized that everything will be fine. It is just going to take a little extra time.

Everyday has been better than the last.

And right now... I am comfortable. Almost.

With a view like this it is hard not to be.

 "O" day tomorrow! More pictures, some new slang and my first interview.

Until then, good night!

A Side Note

I can't help it-  I have to tell you about my flight over. 

A good friend of mine offered to let Lisa and I use buddy passes to get to Australia. (Her Dad is a pilot for Delta). This was a BIG deal as our tickets were extremely inexpensive! The catch with the Buddy Pass is that every flight is a standby ticket. So with 3 planes to catch and less than an hour layover between each of them it made for a blur of a day!

When I landed in LA I walked right over to the gate for my AUS flight to find my name on the standby list #24 out of 25 people. I had been told that if there were any business class seats left then I would get one. Seeing my name at the end of the list left me with little hope.

I patiently waited for all of the ticketed passengers to board. All of the standby tickets to be cleared. And then. They called my name. They handed me a ticket and I walked on the plane.  Was directed to my right and... There it was- My seat. My Bed. My own little cubby! I was in Business class and it was AMAZING! I was greeted with champagne, enjoyed a three course dinner, snacks unlimited, and a giant breakfast and I was entertained by a personal TV with movie and TV show options galore!            

                                    Relaxin                             The Cubby

 

 

                                   All of the directions my seat could go!

                                                                                

 I am so thankful for this seat. I was able to sleep a good bit of the way and I am pretty sure that I have already conquered jet lag!

It Hit Me.

I'm here.

It hit me.

 Culture hit me.

I found myself questioning everything I did yesterday. Questioning whether or not it was culturally acceptable. Keep in mind I was in a bit of a daze from the long day of travel, but I don't ever recall feeling so insecure before in my life.

Questioning myself everywhere I went: 

Getting ready for the day: What do I wear so I don't look like a tourist?

Wondering around a suburb of Sydney: Can I cross the street before the walk sign? Is jaywalking illegal?

Eating at a cafe: How many toppings are ok to put on my sandwich? Will the girl behind the counter get annoyed if I keep asking for more toppings? Does the price go up as I add more to my sandwich?

Finding a place to sit and eat: Can I sit outside? Is outside seating just for smokers?

Am I being too polite that it's annoying? Am I not polite enough? What are the appropriate manners that I am missing?

Is it frustrating that I am asking to hear everything twice because I can't understand it the first time?

Is it weird to ask for an iced coffee?

All of this seems like common sense, and turns out most of it is. However...an iced coffee pretty much equals a cold hot chocolate. No ice.

So. Day 1.

 Not in love with the place.

But... I don't think it will be long before I am.

A Marathon

Goodbye Chi-town! 

It kind of feels like a marathon. Not that I would really know. But if I had to guess- the preparation, excitement and exhaustion would feel something like this. Not physically, but mentally. I have been planning this trip for a year. And today- I'm doing it. I'm really doing it. Wait...What am I doing?! I honestly don't think it has hit me yet. Not sure when it will. Still on a runner's high. 

Right now I am on the second leg of three flights. My travels began at 10 this morning. Drove to Chicago, said a tearful goodbye to Mom and Dad and hopped on a plane to Detroit. I landed in Detroit with enough time to check in with Mom and Dad, use the restroom, order a peanut butter, marshmallow cream and banana sandwich (it was spectacular), and walk right onto my next flight- where I am now. So far I feel good, getting tired, but comfortable otherwise. This flight is about 5 hours- just a little training flight for what is to come > a 15 hour flight from LAX to Sydney. 

The pilot came over the intercom a bit ago to explain that we will be heading through Iowa skies and then directly over Denver before descending into LA. I found it comforting to be able to wave goodbye one more time to my friends and family.

---------------------

So this marathon began in January of this year. My roommate in Denver,  Lisa, had talked about traveling somewhere overseas for a while. Always suggesting she was ready when I was. It took some time, but not a whole lot of persuasion to agree with her- traveling was a must and it should happen soon. 

We debated Europe, but ultimately determined Australia was more fitting for our 6 month sabbatical from the real world. We talked to some Aussie friends, did a little research and next thing you know we had plane tickets. Then... a Visa. Next...we ended our apartment lease, packed our bags and well...here I am- flying. To Australia. (Lisa is joining me in February) 

____________

To my parents' dismay I, of course,  waited until the last minute to complete some necessary tasks before embarking on this journey. Like...getting currency- oops. I have a wallet full of dollars, but unfortunately they are US dollars not AUS dollars. Who knew banks in Iowa didn't just have a bunch of AUS money on hand?! And outlet converters- why doesn't every country just enjoy the ease of 2 parallel prongs? I guess I won't be straightening my hair for the first few days..or even drying it for that matter! Oh well, what can ya do?! It's all part of this adventure...right? 

____________

Next to "Why Australia?", the second most asked question is "What happens when you land in Sydney?" Until about 4 days ago I didn't really know. Haha- I guess I didn't realize how last minute I have been with some of these important details!  Well the good news is I have a plan and I think it's a good one! I land in Sydney on December 9th around 8am (about 3 pm Dec. 8th in the US). I will take a train from the airport to the Revesby station where I will meet one of my Aussie friends. I am staying with him for a few days and then either driving with him or grabbing a flight to the Gold Coast where I will reside until Lisa comes over. An amazing family has offered to let me stay with them there until I find more permanent accommodations. Once Lisa arrives I will meet her in Sydney and we will most likely head to Melbourne. This is where we plan to call home for the remainder of our time in Australia. It will be fun to see if everything goes as planned!

I'll keep you posted! 

The marathon continues. 

Emotions are all over the place. 

The finish line is close. 

The fun begins SO soon! 

5 Days

FIVE days to pack. FIVE days to spend as much time with friends and family in Iowa as possible. FIVE days to firm up all the details I have been putting off for the last 5 months. FIVE days until I leave on this trip I have been planning for the last ten months! FIVE days folks. FIVE DAYS!

Home is AMAZING. I have thoroughly enjoyed being spoiled the past week and a half. Waking up and filling my day with anything I choose. No alarm, no voicemails or e-mails to respond to, playing with my nieces and nephew, eating at all of my favorite restaurants (I have officially hit them all as of today), waisting time- because I can, crafting, shopping online...  | insert sigh here | Is this Heaven? No, it's Iowa. It's Home.

I know, I know- this life I am living is unrealistic. Just know that I don't take a minute of it for granted. I have a feeling the next six months are going to be unrealistic in a sense. Far from the reality of a normal 25 year old's life anyway.  So... I am going to take it all in and enjoy it while I can. You are welcome to join me!

Here are a few pictures from my days in Heaven.


Back in good ol' Iowa City!

This is the "Walk of Shame" 

Setting: November 20th | a tailgate Saturday | 9 am | 30 degrees. 

A great sight to start the day off right! 

Did I mention it was 30 degrees outside??

Nothing beats a Hawkeye tailgate. 

  

Why not:  Bowl on a Monday afternoon? 

or Break 100 for probably the first time ever? or Enjoy 2nd place two games out of three? 

                      Happy Thanksgiving!     

                               

The final stop on my Davenport Cuisine Tour. RUDYS!

Don't judge. It was delicious. 

 I started packing. Only FIVE days left. 

An update on my Aussie job and living situation up next! Plus a few answers to some FAQs about my trip.

Denver

So much has happened in the 2 1/2 years I have lived in Denver. It wouldn't feel right if I didn't do a quick recap before taking off on my next endeavor. Every move I have made - Davenport, IA to Iowa City, IA to Maine, to Scotland to Georgia to Denver- They have all impacted me greatly. In a good way.

Denver probably the most.

March of 2008 I moved to Broomfield, CO and lived with a co-worker's divorced mother-in-law. (I hadn't met either of them before I moved in- little did I know this would be a good exercise for what will happen when I get to Australia) Great accommodations...not exactly what I had in mind though. So I quickly moved to Denver. The heart of the city. I am surrounded by amazing friends, and have been since I got here- there are so many Iowans here it was impossible not to be! We joke that Denver doesn't go by the 6th degree rule, rather closer to the 4th degree. Everyone knows someone you know- it's comical and I love it.

A good sized city for me.

Colorado has taught me:  to Ski | Explore | Shop | to be Active | Eat Healthier | Work Hard | to be Alone |Try Anything Once | be Confident | to be Me.

Denver has treated me well in 2010 with new friends, a new job and an exciting accomplishment. I would be mad at myself down the road if I looked back at this blog and didn't mention that I finished my first half marathon this year.

I started running when I moved to Denver because EVERYONE else around me was.

My first trek around Wash Park in 2008 - 2.7 miles - was hard.

By 2009 I was ready to do 3 laps - 8.1 miles-  that was plenty.

Ah, what the heck. 2010 bring on 13.1-  exhilarating.

2011....Nope, not a marathon. Ready for a bike.

~~~~~~

Well it's official. I am unemployed for the first time since I was 15. Oddly tough to admit. 

 The support from my co-workers and friends has been unbelievable.

The goodbye's began about a month ago...

 A girls wine night- a nice little surprise that my roommate put together! Everyone brought a bottle of Australian wine and a tip about the land down under!

Last Friday I got to see all of my favorite Denverites in one place and it was quite a party! We started at the Rio and then took over the Gaslamp. We had the place to ourselves and it allowed me to see exactly how many amazing friends I have in Denver.  

A dinner at Earl's with 8 of my co-workers and my roommate was a wonderful way to say goodbye (for now) to work. We devoured a plentiful amount of food and wine while enjoying each other's company outside of the office. I am lucky to have worked with such great people and excited about the thought of working with them again when I return.

I cheers-ed (a word?) to unemployment with my favorite ladies at Bistro Vendome and then turned the party up a notch when we met an Aussie from Melbourne at the Red Square. Lisa and I are in for a real treat. It is going to be tough to keep up with these Aussies!

 I do not like goodbyes. But when they are preceded with events like these- they can be a lot of fun!

 Thank you to everyone that made this goodbye such a celebration.

_____

Time to load up my car. Iowa bound tomorrow.

Mondays

M O N D A Y

Today this journey became very real.

I started packing today.

I have 18 days left in Denver.


***************
I love Mondays because most people don't. I love Mondays because they are my Sunday. They are           Mydays- or Medays- or Bridays.

I get them all to myself to do whatever I please. I always plan how the day will be achieved and get excited about crossing off the tasks on my list of to dos.

To start Myday- I treat myself to a latte and often a delicious breakfast too} like the one pictured from http://www.parisontheplattecafeandbar.com/ that I enjoyed today! I try switching up my coffee shop locations. Today's location topped the coffee shop charts! A fun atmosphere, eclectic crowd and a solid breakfast!

Recently I have been spending my coffee shop hour(s) by researching a place to live in Australia. I have been a bit lost and indecisive about what city I would like to live in.  How I was ever going to figure that very question out was a mystery. UNTIL...this past Friday!! Breaking News! I am headed to the Gold Coast. Thanks to a wonderful family- that I have yet to meet- but whom invited me to stay in their home anyway! They live 10 minutes from Broadbeach. Key word BEACH!  I am going to be living 10 minutes from a beach! (cue audience applause and cheering now)

SO- this means today's Monday I was able to switch things up a bit and research for JOBS! Normally job hunting is a daunting task BUT when you are looking for part time/casual jobs along the beach it is VERY exciting!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Medays often mean trying something new. Sometimes out of my comfort zone. I look at it as training for the day I land in Australia and don't know what to do with myself. "Doing" will be a necessary evil as I will have the urge to ball up in a corner somewhere and dream of seeing someone familiar- like my Mom and Dad. (This situation occurred when I landed in Scotland -I found myself in a red phone booth wishing I could call home- I am mentally preparing myself for it to happen again) I will have to keep occupied, I will have to introduce myself to strangers, I will have to ask for directions, for help, for a friend...

So, in order to soften the blow- I continue my training here in Denver
new coffee shops | new yoga practices | new recipes |  conversations with strangers-new friends | new perspectives

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The countdown to Australia continues. One Task at a time.

One Monday at a time.

The Little Things

I am happy to say I have always been one to take time to revel in the little things.

Perhaps this is because s o m e t i m e s I get excited about things like a child would and an adult probably shouldn't. I'm OK with that.

Children get the little things- I hope I will always get the little things too.

Some little things...
My first ever golf tournament- well it wasn't a true tournament. We didn't have to sign a scorecard at the end. But it was an invitation only outing, and my name was on a cart sign- SO - it was my first tournament. And I loved every minute of it!

A Pumpkin Patch. Hundreds upon hundreds.  Any kind of squash you could ever dream of. An aroma of cows even made for a true
 | I'm in the c o u n t r y | experience. I could have stayed all day.

Ran 12 miles- the longest distance I have ever achieved. Felt good. I saw a catchy slogan on a sign during my run that made me smile- "A Cure is in Sight" { It was a fundraiser  for the blind. Simple and Intelligent.

Drove to Estes Park with Lisa. A fun little weekend adventure. We explored Estes Park. Got a Kick out of putting Beavers on our heads { note picture below. Devoured a great breakfast from the infamous Stanley Hotel. Had the best time laughing about a sign that said |Elk * Nuts|  We saw it on the way up and laughed. Saw it on the way home, and wouldn't you know-we laughed... just as hard.

The sign is sure to surface in conversation over the next couple of days and we will absolutely laugh all over again.

{Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.} ~Robert Brault

Ready. Set. START

You have to start somewhere { this. is obvious. But if so obvious, why is it so difficult?

Today I started}  a new running route. The mental power behind running continues to amaze me. I parked my car and started my run closer to where the finish line was rather than at the starting point that my mapped out route suggested. I knew it would make the end seem that much closer and feel so much sweeter. MENTAL.

Today I started} my first blog.

Because. I also started} my Australia trip| adventure| experience| escape. The point behind the blog.

 I say my trip| adventure| experience| escape began today because, well, it finally hit me, I really do HAVE to plan a little bit. Wth just over two months before my departure- I finally realized i had to

start{ somewhere.

To Begin| A list:
- Where should I live { i'll review online maps
- What do I want to do to make money { I'll google |golf courses in Melbourne|
- Who do I know that knows anything about Australia{ I'll contact them
- Insurance { not fun to research | save to the end

To Proceed| Start checking things off the list:
- Richmond appears to be a good area to live
- 25 Year old girl, passionate about golf, up for anything, willing to work early|late|weekdays|weekends|holidays. Do you have a job for me?
- Shaunny- what do you know about Melbourne? Scap- who do you know in Australia again? Heather- who is your friend that has friends in Australia? I have a long way to go. I'm aware.
- I stuck with the fun stuff today- perhaps insurance research will begin tomorrow?

That is as far as I got. But hey.
It's a start}