Yank In Australia

2010-06-04T08:51:00.000-07:00

I love it when friends visit, even when they are only passing through. It makes the world seem small and wonderful.Here is Gray and Aileen from Seattle, passing through Sydney on the way to Asia- a continuation of their around the world journey.

Dee Why Beach > Sydney.

2010-06-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

Holla. My greeting might be dated, but I am gonna stick with it.

So, a few years ago I had this friend. I thought she was the bee’s knees. I loved spending time with her, but there was one period in time when I every time I tried to get a hold of her, she was nowhere to be found. I thought maybe she was busy, or perhaps I had done something wrong. I heard through the grapevine she was still going to work and acting ‘normal’, so I knew something was up. I finally got a hold of her and asked her what the dealy was. Her remark was “I am just sick of myself right now”. It took me years to understand that, but I get ‘it’ now, and quite frankly, have been sick of myself. Hence, the non-blogging and dependence upon fbook for social interaction. OH THE SHAME! Sorry friends (the 5 who read this at least)!!

So things have finally ramped up for me. Bear with me as I explain through my convoluted stories, but they have a direction and a purpose, I promise! Firstly, I attended my first Hen’s Night here in Sydney. I not only survived, but I had a good time- much to my surprise! You see, I am not good with big groups of girls. I always feel bit awkward- I am much better in mixed company with a heavy sausage factor (I am sure a psychologist could afford to renovate a small bathroom on the analysis on why this is). I have managed to successfully avoid the bachelorette parties of several good friends (sorry Adriana and Kerry!) just because of this awkward factor, but there was no avoiding this Hen’s night. It would have looked downright rude. I slapped on my best natural tranny look and went to the city for a night of controlled fun. We were taken to a dance studio to learn the steps of Beyonce’s ‘Single Ladies’ video. I used to dance in a previous life, so I had fun with this. I didn’t get TOO jiggy with it though, it’s been many pounds since those dance years and I wasn’t hooking up the spanx, so I didn’t want to frighten off all the extremely attractive ladies and risk all night alienation. V long story shortened- I met a friend of the Bride who told me about a work opportunity at her company. I have to admit I thought it was just a polite thing, to be forgotten unless I got a hold of her first, but I was pleasantly surprised- when Monday arrived, she sent me the information about the role. I applied with serious vigour. The same day, I trolled my favourite work websites and applied for jobs at other places too. I didn’t want to get too cocky and assume I got the job in the bag just because I knew someone who worked there.

I got a call on Monday for an interview. OH JOY! Then later on that day, I got the call for a second job interview! I decided to double up and I had two interviews in one day. They are both administrative based roles, but one has got more of a ‘bo-YAH’ factor to it. I, of course, want the sparkly job! Especially after my disastrous role at the restaurant of obnoxiousness unorganizedness, I need this! I literally studied questions from a behavioural interview website and made flashcards. I sent the HR rep an excel spreadsheet with my skill set matched against the job description... and in the end I felt that both interviews went well. No weird teary-eyedness this time, no mental breakdowns, no strange meandering stories! Well done me!

So, now I am just waiting. There is some news on one front, but it’s the meh job. As I go into the next four days, I am just praying I hear back from the sparkly job. In three days, I turn 31. In four days, I fly to Bali. Good news would be the cherry on top of this week.

2010-03-30T18:34:00.000-07:00

It’s been awhile. I could never be a writer....I once considered writing a book on all my adventures, but I would need a strong ghost writer because I am a lazy ass!

Onto the ramblings...my friend from the big Chi Melissa was in town for 10 days. It was a blast to have her around- a little reminder of the city I love. AND she brought me gifts! Stuff is super expensive out here when you are jobless and I miss the cheap Tar-jay goods, so she brought me some cosmetics and even a wallet from the Liberty of London collection. I love that stuff! It was a mild touristy visit- we didn’t do the city in a hardcore way. The usual suspects- The Opera House (really the Opera House bar!) the Queen Victoria Building- some the CBD, the beach, Pancakes on the Rocks and a Koala Sanctuary. She went scuba diving on her own and unfortunately they didn’t take photos at this place- but she seemed to have a good time.

For those that might be wondering, I did have a job a month or so ago. I got ‘let go’. I was on a manager’s radar and I KNOW he hated my guts. I had one long, bad day (in his eyes, I mean I could tell he was ready to rumble with me) and next thing I knew, I was being asked to return my apron. At some point I will have the strength to finish the long, excruciating tale (yet another story I started but haven’t finished) but for now let’s just say I got screwed. It really does help to kiss the right butt, and I don’t kiss butt -it was a restaurant for goodness sake- not SKY news!! I hindsight, I wish I had cussed him out when I had the chance. Dang!

I did have an interview last week, which I bombed because I was too nervous. I have decided that next interview I won’t wear my glasses so that I can’t really see facial expressions. I get intimidated quickly these days. So pathetic! I need some good drugs or perhaps hypnosis.... until then, I sit online applying over and over. I would like to default to being a barista, but apparently since I don’t know how to do coffee art, I am not a ‘proper’ barista. *sigh*

2010-02-01T18:51:00.000-08:00

I admit it. I am a total pessimist. The glass is half empty, the next disaster is just around the corner, and under hobbies I list “complaining”. I feel like my saving grace is my sense of humour and that I usually bring the birthday cake to the party. So, with that in mind I have been staying away from blogging. Although I seriously enjoy a good whinge, I don’t think that you guys would want to hear about all my complaints all the time. That’s what FML.com is all about, right? I wanted to start this out on a good note, even though it took me 3 months to get here, I am finally in a good place.

When you get your visa to enter the country, they give you all these semi-handy tips on what to do next. APPLY FOR MEDICARE! ENROLL IN ENGLISH CLASSES! However, you have to sort through all the technical gobbly gook and figure out how to ACTUALLY do all these things. (i.e. bring your id, passport, and proof of address) I can’t imagine doing these things as a secondary language speaker. It’s complicated and I am supposed to be fluent in English. I compare it to reading the fine print on a mortgage application circa 1988. I basically got tripped up on a lot of these little fine print details and it caused a massive delay in me doing things. I know that sounds like a cop out, but when you have no toilet or shower and are frantically looking for a place to live the fine print is daunting and the LAST thing you would want to read. But all (well, most) of that is behind me now and I have finally gotten an Australian ID and opened a bank account. Residency HERE I COME! Woot! (me jumping up and down with happiness and relief) I think I am going to start a website dedicated to explaining all the gobbly gook in plain terms. Would have helped me!

After looking for a few months, I have finally landed a job. It’s at a wine bar. The induction was yesterday and it was interesting- they are going for what I know to be “American-style” service. A LOT of attention, lots of up selling, and lots of quirk. Here I was thinking it was going to be easy! By nature, most Australian casual restaurants /cafes don’t really pay too much attention to you. Drinks, food and then bill. We’ll see how it goes. It’s a brand new place, so we have some wiggle room for mistakes, but not many. I am still looking for an office job. The NPO world is pretty thin in Sydney (apparently there are more in Melbourne), but I keep plugging away. Until the time comes, I keep applying and am just glad to have money coming in soon. The foxy Ginger at the bank told me in the service industry, most places pay you weekly! Awesome!
More pictures of the beach, our place and general randoms forthcoming. I miss you, dear readers (all 5 of you) and hope to get some more visits soon!

2009-08-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

I have applied for an immigration visa to Australia. So, that means I am moving to and attempting to become a citizen of Australia. This visa is complicated and straightforward in many ways. Simply put, Ry is agreeing to sponsor me and in return, the Aus government will give me entry to the country and a work permit. After a two year probationary period, my case will be reviewed to see if I have been a good enough monkey (and not a scary one, like the one from the movie Outbreak- but more on that later) to then become a citizen. WOOHOO for dual citizenship! During that time I am allowed to work, eat, sleep AND leave the country. Which means, I will be coming home to visit and I get to travel (hello Asia!). Amongst the things I am NOT allowed to do is live anywhere else during this period, or participate in any illegal activities. Which is a bummer, and will definitely put a damper on my social life.
In all honesty, I have no idea what I will do once I get down there career wise, but I am sure I will figure that all out soon enough. First, I have to get through the daunting task of actually getting my visa application approved!

This process has been full on and laborious. I fully appreciate the job immigration agencies do. It’s HARD work! Dates and times and things you would never normally ponder upon come up regularly in the application. Detailed questions- and you have to prove the crap out of everything. I had to submit a state police report and copies of my birth certificate, passport, local id, etc.. After Ry and submitted our portions of the application- we had to ask for witness statements (thanks again Liz and Des!) and mon-ay!

After my case worker (for lack of a better term) notified me that they received my application, several weeks later he informed me that I had to get part 2 into gear. This included an FBI background check (still waiting on that one) and two medical exams- one physical and one x-ray. In addition, Ryan and I have lots and lots and lots of evidence that we have to submit to prove that we like each other, and that I have been cooking for him since 2003. The medical exams were a comedy of semi- errors that included a visit to a shady medical clinic, a run from the doctors office to Kinkos for missing passport photos (for anyone considering embarking on this journey, get like 10 passport photos done from the get go, you’ll need them), fees, and another run to an even shadier (is that even a word?) wood paneled x-ray clinic. Seriously- the “receptionist” answered the phone with a “hello?...(awkward pause)” and that was it. I’m like- “um, yes, I’d like to make an appointment…is this the x-ray clinic?” SHADY! SHADY! But, I got the X-rays done and so off they go to Washington D.C. The FBI background check was a bit crazy too as I had to get fingerprints done, but the Evanston police will only do them if you have an Evanston address on an ID. (Evanston has A LOT of “Evanston citizen ONLY” stuff I am realizing.) So, I had to trek all the way down to where my parent’s live to get them done. Advantage to that was at least they were free- most places charge you $10 to get them done and $16 for the card to put them on.

The finale (I hope!) of my portion of the application is an interview with my case worker next week in D.C. Wish me luck, ya’ll! I am ready to go to Oz!

** Update: I have already gone to DC for said interview and will have to post more on that chaos soon...**

2007-04-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 21st MIEX!! WOOT!

2007-03-25T22:17:00.000-07:00

The Rogue Traders come stateside!

Aussie band The Rogue Traders' music is finally coming over here. Hurrah! They have a crazy pop sound, and they have a few catchy hits. I brought their CD home with me (and got made fun of by many an Aussie on the way. But what do they know? They think the Black Eyed Peas are the height of sophistication!) and have been passing on songs to friends.

Now their song "Watching You" is now in an Old Navy television ad! Good for them! If you are interested check them out here. I really like their song "In love again"...they sample from a really fun 80's song we all know the words to.

2007-03-10T22:07:00.000-08:00

FINALLY! Ben's farewell photos!

......and so we bid our good friend BenZ adieu! Hit up the photo for the fun.

2007-02-28T10:09:00.000-08:00

OFFICAL UPDATE! (Don't fear the reaper...)

I am back stateside- but that doesn't mean that fun is over! I have loads and loads of pictures and stories still to tell, I just haven't had time to post them yet, as looking for a job has been sucking up all my time.

I am living with (the long-suffering) Brendan, again, and sitting on monster.com all day. A few temp jobs here and there, but nothing too glamourous. I should start a blog about temping- but that might get me into trouble, as anything good to say, would be shrouded in bitchiness. heh.

Good friend and fellow cowbell lover Ben Z has moved onto greener pastures (aka San Fran)- We'll miss you Ben! Pictures of his last jam in Seattle forthcoming.....

Otherwise, just waiting to hear from you good folk. Please email me and tell me what you have been up to!

2007-01-17T00:09:00.000-08:00

Crappy day at the beach

I woke up fairly early this morning to go and buy a body board. I have been to the beach quite a bit lately, and I was jealous of all the people who had them and seemingly glided across the waves. Meanwhile, I would catch a wave and end up eating sand from the sea floor and lose my swimsuit at the same time. So, I thought it was high time to pick a board up.

The water was cold, but I insisted in getting in and going further and further out. The board worked great at first, but then, it worked TOO well. One minute I was talking to this guy about the seaweed and the next, I was all alone about 60 meters from the shore. EEK! So, I tried to do what I learned when caught in a rip- swim parallel to the shore then body surf your way in. Well, using the body board made it really difficult to, uh, SWIM- so I was kicking my legs like mad, but not getting anywhere. The buoyancy of the board actually prevented me from going anywhere. At this point, another body boarder (obviously more experienced than me) saw me and kept me company, encouraging me to stay afloat and be calm. I told him that I was okay, just tired, but he recognized a stuck idiot when he saw one and called the lifeguard. I felt like a right fool, but unless I let go of the $80 board that I JUST BOUGHT, there was no way I could get back to shore without killing myself (I tried to swim with it next to me, but it just hit me in the head a few times). *sigh* The lifeguard surfed over and towed me into the middle of the flags (at 25 meters) but then this huge wave came and dumped over both of us. Luckily, we were both in area where your feet touched the sand and I tiredly walked back to my towel.

So, that's my story for the day. I am also ever so grateful for the Dee Why surf club for helping me out- they rock! I am also grateful that he didn't have to drag me all the way to the shore. That would have been waaaaay embarrassing.

*Update- then I get home and read the news and see THIS. SHARKS?!?! Narrabeen beach is just north of Dee Why Beach. sheesh.

2007-01-16T23:54:00.000-08:00

RIP- Isohunt dot com

So sad. We had such goodtimes Isohunt. You provided me with hours and hours of entertainment. I shall miss you.
Feel free to donate to their downloading love.. HERE.

2007-01-14T02:05:00.000-08:00

It was inevitable- here comes Real World Sydney!

There used to be a time when I would salivate at the thought of a new season of MTV's the Real World. Now, not so much. It kinda fell off after it's San Francisco season. And when they started making them work together. Not that the other ones weren't amusing...remember Ruthie and that other guy [who ended up getting his own show on MTV for a minute] jumped into the Hawaii pool naked?

Now, MTV's first experiment in reality is coming down under. I can guarantee the debauchery will be 10 fold this season for a few reasons- the first being the legal drinking age here- 18. Plus, there is something goin' down all the time -Sydneysiders love to party. There will be a gay guy/girl who will lose their ever lovin' shiz over Gay Mardi Gras. A surfer who will go crazy over the waves. Their job will probably be some kind of surf shop. Someone will get arrested in Manly on a night out...Oh, MTV, so predicatable. Or should I say RR cast members are so predictable...? But, I will tune in, if only to see the wonderful scenery- and to see if my predictions are correct.

*Update- Can someone explain to me why they are in Denver? This show is getting lamer and lamer. Too bad they wasted Vancouver on their fake RR season. BC would have rocked!

2007-01-07T16:23:00.001-08:00

Bollywood, baby!

When I was at Uni, I had a lot of white guy friends who loved to lip-sync to Bhangra music- but this is hilarious! Check out cricketer Brett Lee get down! * Misunderstanding Update- He is really singing on this. I never meant to imply that he's a lip sync-er. :) Just that I have silly white guy friends who DO lip sync.

2007-01-04T00:35:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

(Sam free*, boo to that), I participated in a Sydney NYE tradition- sitting in the sun all day to get a view of the Harbour Bridge fireworks. It's the Bridge's 75th [Diamond] Anniversary and the theme was "Emerald City". It wasn't as stressful as it could have been nor as luxurious. I mean, some people got there at the break of dawn and brought coolers, tents, chairs and nice blankets! I just went down there alone and chilled out for a few hours before friends Tim and Marie joined me. I made friends with a lovely British family (they were in town for The Ashes), and we took turns watching each others bags and stuff while we went on water/food/potty runs. I got so much mixed advice about my plan to sit there. A lot of people told me to just go there at 11:55 pm and get in then. There was a lot of planning and security this year, so I am pleased with my decision to head down early. However, there was some drama. People coming in late thought it was totally acceptable to wedge their way into areas that looked "empty" (aka people standing up and not sitting on their blankets). I had to yell at a couple of rather rude revelers, but all was well in the end when those bursts of color lit up the sky above and around us. As luck would have it, some girls from Seattle sat in front of us! They heard our accents and next thing you know, we are mentioning names and places to each other. (Shout out to Sidney and Shannon...)

the scene at Circular Quay around 5:00 pm

After the fireworks, the party continued on the Rocks. We found a block party choc full of The Barmy Army chanting, and people just looking to have a good time. It was a fun scene, and everyone was behaving, which made it even better. If you are ever in the area for NYE, I highly suggest heading to the corner of George and Argyle Street. Insta-afterparty.

Ryan and I finally got home around 4 am. You know those horror movies where someone is running away from the killer and they've hurt themselves, but keep running with their bum leg dragging behind them? That was me at 4 am, at the train station. So tired...but it was all worth it. I come home in 23 days!!

Well, Happy 2007 to everyone! More pictures and video of the celebrations to come....

* For those of you who haven't met him- Sam is one of my oldest friends from Chicago. We have spent 7 of the past 10 NYE nights together. So it's weird to party w/o him.

2006-12-20T01:27:00.000-08:00

Wha dis?- Cricket & "The Ashes"

So they play this sport here called Cricket. It's pretty popular, but I have to say, that I hadn't heard of it until 2000. One match up is called "The Ashes". It's played between England and Australia every other year, and alternates the country in which it's played. Aussies are sport MAD, but The Ashes seems to turn them into the criminally insane. I think it's the whole British rivalry thing (like Americans and Canadians).

Well, the point is- The Aussies won 3-0. ( Look at them in the picture, they are so happy to have the little urn!) There are five games played in the series, but the last two are basically for pride since Australia swept the first three... as usual, Wikipedia has some major info if you want to learn more . I have no doubt that there will be more sarcastic comments made about it- from me- soon.

2006-12-10T04:20:00.000-08:00

Congratulations, Andy & Louise!

After being invited to a few of them, I finally made it to an Australian wedding! Ryan was best man to Andy, so I had to go along for the [highly entertaining] ride. It was a beautiful ceremony, but not without it's bumps- the Rolls Royce broke down on the way to the chapel, the ceremony was 30 minutes behind [we had another wedding literally waiting at the doors] and it was a overcast day. But in the end, everyone rallied around the newlyweds and showed their love and support. The reception was held at the amazing Mt. Keira lookout overlooking Wollongong. More pictures of the wedding here..... The next day, in another 'Aussie' tradition, there was a barbecue and a cricket match to boot!

Thanks for having me as a guest, Andy & Louise!

2006-12-08T23:49:00.000-08:00

So cuesh!

I don't get much mail here besides my magazines, so when I got this, I was tres excited! Yay for Matt and Audrey! How cute, right? It will look eerily familiar when my Christmas card comes out!

For those of you who think I can't spell (and you are mostly right) the "cuesh" is a reference from the Australian show 'Kath & Kim' that I LOVE! You just have to see it! More on that later, but for now, Congrats to Matt and Audrey!

2006-11-28T04:55:00.000-08:00

Woot, woot! Damien Leith wins!

Remember how I said I was going to the Aussie Idol grand final? Well here are the photos to prove that I was there and LOVED the cheese. It was a fun night....and the guy I wanted to win- WON! So hurrah!

Me and Guy Sebastian. We tight! Okay, they were just setting up the stage in between performances. He was the first winner of Australian Idol.
When the finalists arrived- Jess and Damien- they released some wicked awesome fireworks over the Opera House. I am really looking forward to NYE celebrations here!

Andy & Louise took pity upon me and joined us! Here they are enjoying the fireworks...

This is just an arty( read: blurry) photo I took of the Opera House from the Ferry. Noice, right? I want to post heaps more photos, but I am still trying to figure out how to marry my Picasa photos with my Flickr account. It's a pain! Anyone got advice?

2006-11-24T06:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving! (Oh, yeah and Ian Thorpe retired and stuff)

I am jealous of my family and friends back home who get turkey, stuffing and pie from Baker's Square today. Dang! In honor of that, here is a festive photo of Ian enjoying some turkey.

Earlier this week, Ian Thorpe decided to retire from competitive swimming at the ripe old age of 24. Of course, the Aussies kinda saw it coming, but a lot of people were still disappointed. The woman who advised Thorpedo said that Australians have this amazing capacity to get behind their athletes, but have a really hard time learning to let go. Word. Unlike Americans- when our Olympic athletes retire, we're like "NEXT!"

2006-11-20T13:38:00.000-08:00

Australian Idol- HERE I COME!

I am not a fan or avid watcher of American Idol. If you read my other blog, you would see that I think it's an overgrown karaoke contest. But since there are slim pickings on tv here, I have been actively watching Australian Idol. I usually spend the night paying out the contestants, but it's definitely good entertainment. Pietra, Ryan's sister hates this, so it's even MORE fun when she's around. mwhahahahahah! But I digress- so every year, they have the final (or as they call it here the "grand final") at the Sydney Opera House. Half of the show takes place outside on the steps, and the other half inside. Well, just for fun, I applied for free tickets on their website, and got them! Hurrah! On the 'application' they ask you why you would want to come to the grand final, and I said "Being new to Australia, it would be wonderful to take place in what seems to be a rite of passage and see a concert on the steps of the Opera House". Guess it worked.

Now, I am off to make my poster- there is a banner contest and you know how much I love glitter! If you want to check Aus Idol out go here. GO DAMIEN!

2006-11-19T18:11:00.000-08:00

Animal Kingdom- Aussie version

I don't think God wanted humans to occupy this continent. It is teeming with crazy huge and angry bugs. (Some of the world's most deadly are here) They don't like us, and well, I don't like them either. They scare me! A couple of weeks ago, while driving, a huge spider came skittering across the windshield. It was the size of my hand! Now, the huntsman isn't a poisonous spider, but it's definitely huge and scary looking. Of course I freaked out and tried to squash it with the windshield wiper, but it got up and hid underneath the hood. Fast forward to a couple of days later- I am driving the the gym and it was on the passenger side window just chillin'. I almost wrecked the car... GAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! I tried to gently get him off the car, but once he was on the ground, he skittered into the night (and prolly back on the car). *shiver*

Something I was warned about before I came down here was that cockroaches are everywhere and in every one's house. EVERYONE. The yank in me was like, "ew, only nasty people have infestations", but apparently here, everyone is fair game for roaches during the summer. Much to Ryan's chagrin, I have become obsessed with eradicating them from our apartment. If I see one, its all out war until I get rid of it. And even though they don't supersize their meals here, the bugs have definitely been eating some kind of growth hormone, as they are HUGE. I will make sure to take more pictures soon, in between getting rid of them. You have to see them to believe me.

2006-10-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

Been boring- but I'm BACK!

I have so much to say, but have been lazy about blogging due to my burgeoning social life. That's right, the cast is OFF! I don't know how ppl can blog everday (do these people sleep?), but I promise to give more updates soon.... I have loads of pics- some from the local , some from the city, and some of my gross leg after the cast got taken off.... so stay tuned!

Most importantly, major props to all my friends and fam back in the states for being there and listening. I was not a trooper. I was a nasty whinger who hated having a broken leg, and they listened to me complain until their ears bled. (Okay, maybe it wasn't THAT bad. But, if you know me, you know I love the crazy exageration.)

Until next time...

2006-09-29T00:09:00.000-07:00

LOVE THE PONCHO!

I am very much looking forward to the premere of the show "Ugly Betty". As the summer began, I read more and more about the Coloumbian version, thinking that no American TV station would pick it up for the fall. Looks like I was wrong... and I am happy for it. My Mom and my Aunts have always been more into their Novelas then they would like to admit, so I cheering this show on. And, I do love America Ferrara.

The leg has got another 2 1/2 weeks before it heals (or technically when the cast comes off). I am doing some serious cheating and putting weight on it even though I am not supposed to. But, come on! TWO MONTHS without using the leg? That just sucks!

2006-09-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

Ben Folds and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra... rocked this b*tch!

My broken ankle and I went to see Ben Folds perform with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra last night. It rocked. I have always had a facination with Symphony Orchestras, the sheer talent is astounding, but to see them with Ben was, for lack of a better word, breathtaking. The arrangements, which were done by Ben and some talented musicians from Perth took his songs and really did a great job translating them into something wonderful. He performed Brick, One angry Dwarf, Gracie, Zack and Sara.... I could go on for ages about how good it was, but I think you get it. During his encore, he did a quick arrangement of his song Rock this Bitch, and rearranged the words and dedicated it to Steve Irwin, requested by the audience, ON THE SPOT. It was a sight!

I finally got to see the inside of the Opera House. It wasn't as glam as I envisioned, but it was a stunning view of the Harbour and Bridge. I have heard that they are going to redo everything inside in the next couple of years. Right now, its very period (wood panel, plastic sculptures).

The service was excellent. I was crazy nervous about going because of my leg. There are loads of steps, and even if they let me in through the elevator area, I knew I would have about 50 more steps to our seats. I was sweating bullets, because its very hard to go up ANYTHING with crutches, but I called ahead and they told me where to go and what to do. It was brillant. They found me a ticket on the lower level, so I wouldn't have to climb the stairs and treated me SO well, it felt VIP. I don't want to give too many deets, lest someone use them for evil and not good, but they let me sit in the stage door, and who goes by but Mr. Folds himself. I should have asked him to sign my cast! Oh well, it was a great concert anyways....

2006-09-05T23:01:00.000-07:00

And on the other side of the ocean...

My sister Lydia had her baby, welcome to Caleb James- my new bubbas! August 27th, the same birthday as my Dad (hence the "James"). He was two months premature, but he's doing well and looking cute.

2006-09-04T01:52:00.000-07:00

Farewell, Steve!

Well, I got a new cast today. And while I was doing the epic wait at the hospital with all the other unwashed masses I heard that Steve Irwin died! I was so sad! Ry and I spent forever trying to figure out how a Stingray could have done it, then we heard it was with his stinger, through the heart. How sad. At least he died doing something he loved. (The waters off the coast of Queensland are beautiful, but deadly.) So, in honor of Steve, 'CRIKEY!' Peace be with you...

ps- I know its a badly pixelated photo. But it's so cute, I had to post it!

2006-09-03T02:45:00.000-07:00

Laguna Beach season 3 is HORRIBLE!

Yes, LB is my guilty pleasure. I have to download it to keep up, and I feel like I am wasting my gigs. I saw a few interviews with this year's featured players, and they all made comments alluding to the fact that they were more 'real' than the cast of the first two seasons. I beg to differ! If you have ever watched an ep, you know what I am talking about...maybe the editing is different (aka more biased), but I think the new kids are just more vapid. Why is Tessa so secretive about her disease? I might like her more if I heard more about her struggle with said disease. So far, I have only seen a bunch of parties and tit-for-tat arguments. Three episodes, and the deepest conversation I have seen is when Rocky's parents ask her about her upcoming date. (And, I have loads of innner monologue about the hair weave that happens in that show. DANG! There is loads of it, and some it of is really BAD!)

I miss Kristin and Stephen!

2006-09-01T06:02:00.000-07:00

Cairns, Queensland.
3 hours, 15 minutes North of Sydney.
Climate: Muy Tropical!

Well, I finally got to spread my wings and check out another part of Australia. My first trip was to Cairns. Queensland is pretty much known as being the very tropical north of Aus. You can holiday there while it is cold in Sydney and catch some rays (which I did, thankyouverymuch. I am ROCKING a nice tan). It serves as a starting point for most divers want to go to the Great Barrier Reef and also a very popular place for Japanese tourists and backpackers. It is probably the most backpacker friendly city I have ever been to. Most of the hostels are located on the Esplanade, facing the ocean. How many cities do that? Not many...

We found out very early on, that most everything is walkable in Cairns. Our hotel (like most) was only 8 minutes away from most of the action. Once you get to the airport, you can just take a $15 cab or $8 shuttle to your hotel. There are loads of options for almost anything that you want to do- I even saw a zip-line water skiing place! We took a few days to find a place that we wanted to scuba dive with, and I realized that most people do not have this luxury, but if you want to go with a professional company that takes smaller groups of no more than 28 people, I highly reccomend TUSA dives. They are awesome and really nice! The morning we went diving, at the docks, you could see the larger boats loading on tons and tons of tourists. We were happy to go with the "smaller guy". Also, our instructor was really nice and patient. I took ages to get my passages to equalize, and he waited with and encouraged me the whole time.

Food wise, I wasn't particularly impressed with any of the restaurants there. There are heaps of options, but in the end, the dinner we made at the hotel was much more satisfying. There is a centrally located grocery store, so it's easy to pick up staples and cook at the beach (they had a lot of picnic areas near the esplanade) or back at your hotel.

The Zoo and Daintree Rainforest are all a significant distance from the city center. So, just plan on booking with a company that shuttles you out to these places (unless you plan on renting a car). Most of these packages are pretty good deals, and you get tea out of it, too. But, once again, you have to do your research once you get there.

Overall, it was a cool place to see. I would recommend not going more than 5 days though. You have pretty much seen everything by then!

2006-09-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

Cairns has loads of fascinating architecture and unfortunately this picture doesn't do it justice. But it was really cool to check out the older buildings.

While at the Cairns Tropical Zoo, i was more facinated by this preying mantis than by the animals.

2006-09-01T05:52:00.000-07:00

These Native birds are a familar sight. It amazes me the wealth of exotic birds that Aus has, and they just hang out everywhere. You don't need to go to a special zoo to see them, they are right outside of your window. Making Noise. All the time. (Kookaburra, lorrakeets)

2006-09-01T05:49:00.000-07:00

These bad boys love to sleep, A LOT!

2006-09-01T05:44:00.000-07:00

Just like me, the crocs sit with their mouths open for more food oportunities!

They get so close

2006-09-01T05:38:00.000-07:00

We got to feed the Kangaroos at the Cairns Tropical Zoo. The roos are obviously used to human interaction. While we were there we saw some lady KICK one. I was SO mad at her, if you don't want them to hop over to you, then don't go near them! Sheesh!

This is why I hate zoos, this poor albino 'roo was in a area with aggresive birds. Made me sad...

2006-09-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

The coastal view on the Captain Cook Highway

2006-09-01T05:19:00.000-07:00

@ Hartley's Croc Adventure. This brave soul was giving a deathroll show. Couldn't pay me to what this guy did.

Haha. Ya think? This is why you can't just jump into the water in Cairns. On the way to Mount whatever...

2006-09-01T05:12:00.000-07:00

2006-09-01T05:08:00.000-07:00

The view from the top of the Mountain Ry climbed.

Michaelmas Cay- the largest bird breeding area in Queensland.

2006-09-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

What the coral looks like from above (the brown area), kind of mysterious....

ey, ey! Ry in his dive gear. Fancy, huh? He froze his arse off out there!

2006-09-01T04:39:00.000-07:00

Me diving! Wierd, huh? Look at the colorful coral! I blame the instructor for the lack of fish around me, he was kind of in front and off to the side.

How the trip ended. I FREAKIN' fractured my ankle. The view for the last 3 days I was there.

2006-08-29T04:15:00.000-07:00

Hyde Park- end of an era....sort of

All great cities seem to have a Hyde Park- London, Chicago, Sydney... and they are all wonderful additions to each city. Whats nice about Sydney's is that it's close enough to the CBD that you could take your lunch there on a sunny day and just hang. But what I love most about this outdoor space is the wonderful canopy that the trees create. It's quite a sight, especially at night when all the trees are alight with fairy lights (what the Aussies call white Christmas lights). Brilliant!

Bummer is, these trees are sick, so the city has decided to take them down, and replant. But it will take another fifty years before it will look like this again. To get an idea of what I am talking about, check out this photo on Wikipedia.com of what it looked like at the beginnning. For those Art Deco fans, it looks like an original plan for a larger, longer fountain will be put into place- and it's decoFab!

2006-08-29T04:05:00.000-07:00

2006-08-29T03:58:00.000-07:00

Archibald fountain, the very center of the park

one of the many features... a wonderful turtle!

2006-08-05T08:03:00.000-07:00

Food- glorious food! My food observations here have been at a constant. I mean, I spend most of my days planning meals, so how could I not hone in on the good (and not so good) stuff. Also, I figure that I can only write so much about myself before people get bored, so here goes...
Restaurants- I might have already said this, but, for reintertation's sake- When you go to a restaurant, think of almost everything you could want (this includes, but is not limited to: water, salt, pepper, wine, soda, extra napkins, sauces), and ask for it the first couple of times you see your waiter. Because if you wait until they come back around after your food has been served to get these things, it will be cold. There are hardly any checkups, and I always feel like the American Asshole when I have to stop the waiter in the middle of him/her serving another person. I am sure that if you go to a 4 star restaurant in the CBD, this won't be the case, but as I cannot afford the latest trendy chef, casual dining will be your mode, and this is your service. The no tipping thing freaks me out (in case you didn't know- they don't tip for most services here). The restaurants I feel I should tip at, don't have that handy line on the credit card slip, the ones I feel like I did everything short of cooking it myself, have not only "the line", but a handy converter should you feel like tipping in the 15- 25% range. I have been admonished by all Aussies for tipping, but I say, do it when you feel theres been good service. Or if you want to make sure the bartender remembers you. (insert wink here)

Now onto the good establishments I have found so far... In Dee Why, on the beach, there is a very nice cafe called "the Sandbar". The food there is very good, and they have some nice variety (Read: It's not Italian). I have had the steak 3 times, and its been really good. The only bad call was when they gave me some spinach on the side one of the times I ordered it, and they seasoned it with rock salt and pepper. BAD MOVE. Everyone knows Spinach needs to be washed to death before you can eat it, so seasoning it with something that leaves it feeling SANDY, is a bad idea. The Ceasar salad there was kinda iffy too for my Yank palate. Not enough anchovie paste in the dressing, so it tasted limp, instead of fresh and lemon-ey. Desert was nice. Try all of them. Another Dee Why establishment- "the Seabar" is shite. Don't eat there if you can help it. The food is pretty, but deadly undercooked. And to round out, my 'so far' thoughts- I have had the BEST thai food here in Aus. I can literally remember everytime I have had Thai because I don't eat it very often. BUT, I have to say, in my limited experience that "The Thai and I" is some good eatin'. I am on a mission to eat my way through their menu while I am here.

Now I am off to take more pictures.... cheers ya'll!

2006-08-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

Whoa. What have I missed?

After a couple of days with NO internet (it's hard sometimes), I just read that Helena Bonham Carter will be joining the Harry Potter cast. Cool, I am down with that. But if they get her wierdo boyfriend Tim Burton to direct, I am starting a massive "HELL NO" campaign. I have loads of time on my hands, people. Don't make me actually use it! Tim needs to stick to his semi-fringe, semi-mainstream market.

2006-07-27T06:39:00.000-07:00

Day 43?

Okay, I am getting a little homesick. I miss the stupid little things- Chili's restaurant, cheap shoes- well, affordable ANYTHING really- and nighttime phone calls from friends. boo.

The weather down here has sucked lately, which has really inhibited my sense of adventure. I mean, who wants to discover a new town when it's a freakin' monsoon outside? *sigh* And, I still cannot shake this cold. Ry has it now, and then he passed it back to me. I have been chasing his sick ass around the house with disinfectant the past two days.

There has been some stuff cheering me up though- Ry and I meet two new American friends (friends of a friend- shout out Martha!), and the internet and video streaming is keeping me up with stuff in the states- Project Runway! Lance Bass, Gay! Olympics in CHICAGO! That last one is very exciting for me. I have always enjoyed watching the summer games on TV, and if it where to come to Chicago, I would be able to ROCK the games with my friends and family. I mean, how cool would it be to take my nieces and nephews? Also, on the cheer me up end, Kylie, Robbie and U2 are coming down under. I was crossing my fingers for Madonna, but the bitch decided not to come. DANG! Kylie (aka Australia's Princess) is one highly anticipated show. There are some hard core fans out there and I think it would be tight to see a Kylie Production. Also, Kanye West is opening for U2. I would go JUST TO SEE HIM. I mean, I like U2 (who doesn't?), but Kanye is EXPLOSIVE. And Robbie Williams would just be fun to watch. (sing Millenium, bitch!) So, not all is lost.

Also, I think I might meet with immigration here to review the terms of my visa. I am getting listless, and a job would be a great idea. But I don't want to do anything that would get me booted out of the country. I'm not that desperate!

Alright, hopefully the weather will clear up soon, and I can take more pictures and go on more adventures. Shout out...

2006-07-23T04:12:00.000-07:00

Day 39 ya'll!

I've been out of commission the past few weeks because the cold I had kicked into overdrive. All I wanted to do was nap and drink tea. I lived in my nappy sweatpants. I often went to get mail in my dayglo orange camoflage teeshirt and said pants. The neighbors must have been LOVIN' it!

I have finally started to get my magazines. I started to call the publishers and read them the riot act, but then they started appearing in my mailbox. *phew* Because mags down here are about $8.50 each. sheesh. I am almost done with the books I brought with me, so I will soon scooting over to the amenemic library to find some books. I went to a book store here, and even throwaway paperbacks are $22.

Weather permitting, I have been going to the beach and just reading or sketching. (check out piccies below). Also, I finally have found a volunteer position at the Aus Red Cross. I am super amped about having something to do every week. In less than a month, I am heading to the Great Barrier Reef! Super pumped to go, I will get to swim with the fishes and see one of the world's natural wonders! Its still very warm up in Cairnes, so I am ready to lay out and get some color. The Seattle "pasty" look has been creeping back!! If any of ya'll have been there and have recommendations, please email me or leave a comment. The more info, the better!

Whew, well thats it for now... hope everyone is enjoying their summer.

2006-07-23T04:08:00.000-07:00

***CONTEST!!!! What the heck is this thing?***
Do you think you know what this is? Leave me a comment with your guess and I will bring you back a 'prize' when I get back to the states. heh, heh...

2006-07-23T04:03:00.000-07:00

Umm, gelato by the pool. Want some?

2006-07-23T03:53:00.000-07:00

So, I need a reminder to stay on the left. But ONLY when I am on "iffy" roads. Its quite obvious where you should be on the bigger, busier streets. This stickey note sits on the dashboard when I drive.

Um, this picture is just disturbing. This is at the local RSL. Whatever that is....

2006-07-06T17:55:00.000-07:00

Day blahdittyblah

Australian mobile phone providers are like French waiters, and let me tell you how....
if you have ever been to France, you know how shite at service French bistro waiters are. They don't really care about your comfort. You want a coffee? FINE. I will bring it to you, but DON'T ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE. They don't work for tips like we do, so they could care less about exceptional customer service. (Of course there are some exceptions to this rule, but for the sake of my story, ignore those exceptions) Well, Aussie mobile providers are the same way- they are not about the customer. The customer NEEDS THEM. So onto the story...

I went to the mall yesterday to get a mobile. I really needed one...I had already done some research into providers, and chose the one I wanted- so I went to the store. And STOOD next to the front counter for 20 minutes waiting for someone to acknowledge me. I caught a worker's eye, but still no acknowledgement. I browsed all the expensive phones, another 20 minutes- still no love. Flash to what it would be like in the States- they are like vultures! Employees would be all over me or if they were busy, someone would SAY something to me to let me know they would be with me. NOT SO here. I was pissed of course, so left and went to the rival provider. Same deal. Plus, the first provider has the better deal dollar for dollar. So I went back there, tail between my legs, but still pissed off at the horrible service. After the second wait, someone finally asked me if they could help me (they must have gotten sick of me throwing eye daggers at them). In the end, they couldn't use either of my US phones (one was SIM comp, one wasn't) so I had to buy a new one. I walked back to the bus stop feeling like I had just been emotionally run over!

Now, this isn't my first experience with service issues here. I do (and have been told repeatedly) that because people don't really work on tips, and perhaps comission, here, not to expect good service. BUT COME ON! That was just stupid. I have learned to tolerate the way they treat you at restaurants, but .....okay I have to get a grip. Its not the end of the world. It was just annoying. Man, I had better use the crap out of my new phone *grumble, grumble*....

2006-07-05T16:42:00.000-07:00

Day who knows when- I'm sick, DAMNIT!

I knew this was going to happen. I had it too good. I mean, I flew 4 times, for God's sake. And now, I am finally sick. BOOOOHOOO!

So, this was my first day in awhile I have felt well enough to do more than just check my email and popsugar.com out. I hope to have an adventure today, and post more about it soon.

For all my Eastsiders, HAPPY 4th of JULY! Where my subscription to BH mag, at? DANG!

2006-06-29T03:40:00.000-07:00

Day 15- our local beach

Ry and I walked the beach today. (Our local beach is only 4 minutes away- driving, and 15 walking.) It is gonna ROCK during the summer!

2006-06-29T03:28:00.000-07:00

lunch on the beach... noice day

2006-06-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

Week Two (day 14) Bay-be, yeah!

I am quickly learning that if I don't update every couple of days, I kinda of forget to talk about certain things....I am not great at all this talking about the random stuff I do all day. BUT, last night was exciting for me, I got to see Coldplay rock Sydney! JRev came along with me, and we had a good time. They played all their good songs- some well known, some songs only true fans would know, and a couple of covers. When they came out for the encore, they were sporting Socceroos t-shirts, and the crowd went wild. Chris even changed the lyrics on one of the songs to support the Australians getting screwed over by that Italian penalty kick. If you have NO clue what I am talking about check this out.

I am really taking a stretch with Australian TV. They have several American shows here, but the filler shows are (for lack of a kinder word) horrible. If you have ever been to a country with a similar set up, you know that you end up watching shows you would NEVER watch otherwise. I am all about Big Brother- Aus version. And, they are showing Disney's 'High School Musical' on Saturday. I AM SO THERE! (as I hang my head in semi-shame). Thanks to a techhead boyfriend, he is hooking me up with my fav american shows( LOVING 'the hills' with Laguna Beaches' LC), but sometimes it takes a minute to download. I know that you might be wondering why I am sitting around watching the tele while I am here, but it's winter, and you have to something to do at night! Its too cold to be treking around the beaches, etc.

More pictures to come soon....

2006-06-26T01:27:00.000-07:00

another rockin' view from the bus. Is it just me, or does the big S look a bit like the mediterranean?

2006-06-26T01:19:00.000-07:00

My bus gets on the bridge to get into the city (noice!) note the tippy top of the Opera House. This guy (below) was playing the didgeridoo with techno mixed into the background. Tight!

2006-06-26T01:16:00.000-07:00

Thumbs up for the Sydney Harbour Bridge and a smoosh for the Sydney Opera House.

2006-06-26T01:11:00.000-07:00

Sydney Centerpointe Tower (above) , random drunk guy who kept on falling over on the bus, so I took a picture of him (below, note my cool green jacket!)

2006-06-21T16:43:00.000-07:00

Day 7- one week strong!

They have run out of names!

There is an unfortunate problem happening here. The Australians have run out of names for their shops. So, they have started to add the word 'world' to whatever they are selling. A lot of the shops I have seen are suchandsuch world! Cartrage world! Sport World! I rue the day I see 'Meat World'. eww.

Well, congratulations are in order. I have made it a week here without death or dismemberment by a deadly insect, croc, or kangaroo. Yes, a 'Roo. They may look nice, but they are deadly! Like that rabbit in Monty Python and the Holy Grail! Gah!

It felt like a sauna in here our apartment for a copule of days because the hot water tap in the bathroom wouldn't fully turn off. Everything felt vaguely damp. My hair is a giant frizz puff because I didn't have a hair dryer, and no converter so I couldn't straighten my hair either... but I did a run to the mall today and got all those things. They probably thought some wild animal was loose in the mall, ma hair was so large and in charge.

Then, when I tried to get on the bus, it was like a game of double dutch. uh, is this my bus? does this go to DeeWhy? umm... (me walking up to bus and then changing my mind). I think I waited a full 45 minutes before I finally bit the bullet and just got on one and hoped for the best. I think anyone who has been to a foreign place has been though that feeling of impending bus doom. You never know whats going to happen if you get on the wrong bus.

2006-06-18T03:59:00.000-07:00

Aus v. Brazil It's ON!

Man, its crazy here! The game is on at 2 a.m. local time, and you'd better believe that everyone is going to be up watching it. This is the second bid the World Cup the Socceroos have ever had, and they are full on with the fan support. I am personally going to take a nap before the madness ensues.

Day 5-

I had such a good day yesterday and today. I got to visit with friends and have lunch on Manly Beach. It was very idealic, and how I wish everyday could be... beach time, in a cafe while people watching. Overall I am settling into the basic everyday things. I am trying to figure out how to order my coffee. Thanks to my time at Starbucks, I have a princess drink (single, grande, 2%, vanilla latte). I would be happy with a regular latte, as long as its got loads of milk in it. Is that a short white? Someone tell me! I think I am going to have to ask someone in a cafe, but I don't want to look like a dorkus. (too late, eh?)

AUSSIE, AUSSIE, AUSSIE! OI! OI! OI!

2006-06-15T23:30:00.000-07:00

Days 2 & 3- Keeping it low key, but I found the Wal-Mart!

R and I walked around our new hood today. For those who have been jealous that I was moving to Aus, take heart, we live in a very unglamorous, working class part of town. Regardless, it was good to get out and see where stuff is- the grocery, the shops, etc. I still have not found one good cafe yet. I have to admit I miss the 'third place' that Starbucks is- they don't have many here. They don't really want you milling about at the cafes here. Boo to that.

Yesterday we did some badly needed shopping. Its cold here, and they DON'T HAVE CENTRAL HEAT in homes here, so you have to buy a portable heater. R, being a typical boy, was using a sleeping bag as his comforter. So, we had to go and buy some new pillows, a new 'dunna' (thats what they call comforters here) and towels. R took me to a shopping center, and thats when I discovered Wal-Mart- the Aussie version. Its called The Big W. It really is walmart corp, just redone for the Aus market, I guess.

I am currently freezing my arse off here. Because there is no central heating, you have to run around with a fleece and thick socks on at all times! I am kind of salty at B for telling me that the worst of the cold was over. LIES! ALL LIES! It's cold. NOT freezing, mind you, but think of how you would feel if you were in a constant state of 50 degrees at all times. Thats me, currently.

I am looking forward to tomorrow- heading to the city! We drove through on the way home from the airport, but I will get to run around and check things out. Its the weekend, and I imagine there will be tons of people milling about, and I love to people watch. Pictures to come soon!

2006-06-14T02:17:00.000-07:00

Day 1- I GOT TO DRIVE!!!

{Okay, not really. I actually just got to park the car. But I am on my way...}

So, after a quick trip to Vegas, I am finally here in Sydney!!!! My flight was looooong, but rather good. There was a school group of 160 students that were in 6th & 7th grade on my flight. It was fun to talk to them. I brought UNO cards with me, so we all played and hung out. I didn't realize how much I miss working with kids until yesterday. Maybe I will get back to it someday.... I am very greatful that Qantas has an extensive entertainment system, it keeped me occupied most of the time.

We flew into Sydney just as the sun was rising. The kids 'oooed' and 'awwwed' their way through the decent and clapped when we landed. Ah, to be young again.

I haven't done anything too exciting today- we went to the grocery and, as I mentioned, I got to park the car when we got home. Good practice!

I will defintely write more tomorrow, and hopefully I will be back to my witty self. Over the past 3 days, I have only had 8 hours of sleep TOTAL, so I hope to get some good sleep tonight.

2006-05-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

Only 21 days until my adventure begins. Oh geez, I haven't even begun to pack.