WANDERLUST

4 years....

2011-05-28T15:37:00.002+12:00

I left on this amazing journey I've called my life 4 years ago today!

Here's my fb status... ‎4 years ago today I left home on an amazing journey thats taken me through 36 Countries (lived in 5). I've formed amazing friendships, learned the toughest/most valuable life lessons, seen amazing cultures/sights/scenery, and truly had the time of my life!! Thank you to everyone I've made memories with, stayed with, traveled with, and enjoyed a bit of the last 4 years with! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I'll write more about my thoughts, and feelings but I'm sooo exhausted today, I can't.

Goals

2011-02-27T04:35:00.000+13:00

27 Feb - 5 Mar

So.. I'm gonna go back to making weekly/monthly goals. I feel like when I put something down on 'paper' I'm more likely to stick to it.

I've realized... I've put on WAY too much way in such a short amount of time. Call it me being a fucking bored, stressed, tired, lazy, emotional... pretty much you name it...eater. I want to start eating better, I know when I eat shit, I feel shit. So thus being said I know when I eat great I feel great. Now, I haven't eaten any gluten or dairy... but its just the shit foods that get to me... and I call that just me being STUPID... oh, and having a few too many drinks here in Lano!

1. Blog/write down ALL FOOD and drinks. No cheating as it only cheats myself.
2. Research Japan trip and come up with tentative itinerary
3. Research Taiwan visa info... and then book ticket out of Japan to Taiwn
4. Walk EVERY day this week... for AT LEAST 30 mins a day
5. Enjoy reading books at park at least 2 times.
6. Get up in the morning before 10. (Ok, I know this seems late but lately i've been staying up and then sleeping all day! ugh!)

I'll start with those and go from there....

Here's hoping for a fantastical week!

Official end in site.

2011-02-26T20:45:00.000+13:00

Hooray!

I've got an exit date out of Lancelin!!

It clears my head and makes ANYTHING bearable!!

I fly from Perth to Cairns on Monday 4 April!! And I must add, I got a super awesome deal!

Then, on Sunday 10 April I fly from Cairns to Tokyo. Only a few weeks short of the end of my Aussie visa.

I'm really excited about the upcoming month left in Lano and my new adventures.

I've been needing to do something new... haven't been to anywhere 'new' since I left Ukraine in August!

My plans for Cairns include a 3 day/2 night live aboard cruise where I will do my advanced open water PADI certificate. I'm doing this as I really want to dive the GBR, even though its costly! I decided to make the most out of it, I'd get my next level. So while the dives will have specific objectives, I'll still be diving the GBR! YIPPEE!!

In Japan, I've NO CLUE where/what I'm going to do. I'm going to try to find some couchsurfing hosts and maybe base myself in Tokyo for a day trip or two. Obviously, I'll explore there as well, even with my 'no love' city policy, I always check them out! I've also got to figure out which consulate is best to get my visitor visa for Taiwan. Other than that, I'd like to check out the Cherry blossoms that are known around the world to be beautiful and bloom in Japan. And hopefully lots of historical stuff as well!! I dunno, a bit scared at how expensive I know it'll be but I'm good at being frugal when needed!

Me = a happy girl tonight.

Ready, set, jet?? Finally??

2011-02-24T05:49:00.001+13:00

Sunday, 3 Apr- Perth to Cairns: $244 or
Monday, 4 Apr - Perth to Cairns: $233

Monday, 11 April - Cairns to Osaka (really good deal. the days before and after are almost 100 more. Want to book NOW) : $389
Monday, 11 April- Cairns to Toyko : $420 (can fly to either)

Monday, 19 April - Osaka to Taipei: $240 (to $300, depending on day. Need to look into how long I 'need' to actually see stuff).

I'm thinking I'm going to book these. All Jet Star. Will be some long, cramped flights... but whatever, great deals are worth it!!

My thought is to fly into Tokyo and explore, go up to Nagano to see the blossoms, down to Hiroshima and fly out of Osaka. Thats with doing NO RESEARCH but just going on names of places. Will need to look into: how long it takes to get Taiwan longterm visitor visa and if its better to do in Tokyo/Osako, Couchsurfing, any events with Blossoms, and best things to do/see!

Jet plane....

2011-02-24T05:08:00.003+13:00

Ok... so I'm pretty set on going to Taiwan... for now.

BUT, my issue comes in with the timing.

Will I forever REGRET not going to the Great Barrier Reef if I leave Australia AGAIN without going to dive??

Here are some options:

Perth to Taipei: ~$400 (with luggage) TG

Perth to Cairns: $234 (with luggage) JS
Perth to Melbourne: ~$130 (w/luggage) TG

Melbourne to Cairns: ~110 (w/l) TG

Melbourne to Taipei: $680 (kayak- china eastern)

Cairns to Osaka/Tokyo: $400-$450 (with luggage)
Tokyo/Osaka to Taipei: ~$250

One factor is I need to get to a Taiwanese Embassy/consulate so I can apply for the long term visitor visa. So, I pay to go to Melbourne or Sydney or I pay to hop to another place from taiwan... so basically, either way, I'll have to pay for another couple flights. It comes down to where I want to see and what would be worth spending the money on. I've already DONE melbourne but I'd have somewhere to stay.... but I can look to Couchsurf in Japan and Cairns (the asian couchsurfing community is really big from what I hear!)

I'm currently thinking of MAYBE hopping straight to Cairns... doing some diving and then hopping over to Japan and going to the consulate/embassy there. I'll be JUST AFTER the cherry blossom festival (in the town of the airports... but I can go north to where they'd be blooming)... so maybe able to catch it?

All up its about 1000 worth of flights... but it'll be more than that with me having to go to Taiwain and then leave for a couple days anyways. BUT, I'll have more costs with the diving and travel in Japan.

I kinda like the idea of seeing a new place (a little of Japan) instead of going back to Melbourne to do it. And... its the same cost to fly to Japan and then on to Taiwan as it would be to fly back to Perth. This idea gets me really excited. First time I've been excited in a bit. It'll give me another month to save a bit of money... and some direction. (Diving the GBR which I've wanted to do, visit a new place at an awesome time of year, then on to find a job with the proper tourist visa that can be switched to a work visa!)

Does that make sense??

Perth --> Cairns --> Japan --> Taiwan

Thoughts????

<3

Donate Life Week

2011-02-24T03:39:00.000+13:00

This week in Australia is Donate Life Week.

Its got me thinking... (ahahahahah, I know, I know, me thinking?! Whats new about that?!)

If I ever move back to Sac or the States, I want to volunteer with Donate Life. I started and stopped without ever doing anything because of my crazy involvement with Jobs/DeMolay. So... one day... if I'm ever back stateside... give me a swift kick in the rear to get out and get the word out!!!

Do your family and loved ones know that YOU want to be an organ donor? Have you signed up on the registry? Please do BOTH. Let those around you know your wishes so they can be fulfilled... in the end, they make the call!!!

DON'T TAKE YOUR ORGANS TO HEAVEN

HEAVEN KNOWS THAT WE NEED THEM HERE!!

<3 Dec 10, 1995 My dad got the gift of life in a new liver. I'll forever be thankful that another family in pain decided to share and help our family. I am thankful that I got those extra years with my dad. TYFML (thank you for my life) as my dad put on my favourite frame

Toxic

2011-02-20T04:40:00.001+13:00

Ever felt like you overstayed your welcome?

Well, today, I hit that point.

Not sure if its because its the start of 'that time of the month' or because I'm still getting over the cold that is keeping me down or because i've kinda thought it all along.... But... I'm soooo over Lano.

I love Lancelin. Its a great 'ideal'. Would be a great place to raise a family and have amazing opportunities. However, for me... its been a killer this time around.... (wait, didn't I leave for a reason last time. Surely coming back without all the friends I had last time wasn't a good sign?!)

All I've done since I got here is: gain weight, drink, eat shitty food (even if it IS gluten free vegan), hang out with the wrong people, etc, etc.

Pretty much this town is toxic for me. Thinking back I can think of very few happy memories, this time round... yet, I've latched on and wanted to stay... so I can make 'money'.

Basically, I wanted to come because I knew I could make money, enjoy summer, learn to kite surf, and have friends.

In the end... the only thing I've done is make a little money. Probably not even what it cost to get here and away, in the end. I didn't have the money at the beginning to take kiting lessons... then there was no wind... then I had no time.... then/now I didn't want to spend the 1000 that it'd cost to get up to par since I'd be leaving soon and not have my own gear, anyways.

For some reason today... it just hit me like a ton of bricks. I've been unhappy here the whole time. So, because of that, I've done all the things I know better than to do. Latch onto the wrong people, not make friends, eat shit food/gain weight, no walk/stay wholed up, etc, etc. Why do I continuously sabatoge myself in life? Seems REALLY, REALLY STUPID.

So now.... I have to figure out: Do I stay another month so I can save $1000 or do I just up and leave. Start over somewhere where I'll end up spending all the tiny bit of money i've saved?

As of now... I'm leaning towards Taiwan. The longer I hold out before going, the better my chances of getting a good job. However, I know I can't hold out until the best time June/July... so why not just go now?

Basically, my options are: Focus on MYSELF for the next month. Walk, do some exercises, and just focus on the end goal which is money. Or I can leave sooner rather than later and just hope I've enough saved to get me by until I find a job. But in that option I feel like I'm running away. However, in saying that, I know I've not been happy here the whole time. Hiding it and enjoying little bits of sun don't seem to make up for it in the end.

I need a life. I need friends. I know that I need a source to meet them though. The only option I have here is to move back to the hostel... and that really defeats the purpose of staying... since I'd basically be staying to make no money.. just pay for the hostel rent. So thats a no go. Basically... I'm gonna see how this week goes.. and see.

What gets me is I've ALWAYS refused to accept 'ok' and I've done worse than that this time. I've stayed in a horrible situation knowing what it was doing to me mentally (and physcially in gaining weight) and not cared. I stayed because I have no clue what I'm doing next and because the whole MONEY thing scares me. I need money and knew this was a chance to at least get enough to do something. AHHHHH... What the HELL have I been thinking accepting 'ok' when I demand so much more from myself... no wonder I've been so 'blah' and down.

Advice, thoughts.... anything would be appreciated!!

<3

Strength

2011-02-18T01:47:00.000+13:00

I am a strong, independent woman. No one will ever take that away from me!

So... why do I sometimes forget and let people? Why do I allow people to get under my skin or get close to people that I KNOW are bad news?

The hardest thing about the continuous travel I've done for almost 4 years is always starting over. Each time I decide to go to a new location, start a new job, or even travel for a couple days... i'm starting anew: no friends, no knowledge of the location and typically no money!

Sometimes I'm a sucker for a quick friend. Once said friend is established I'll attach myself and ignore others. Even if I realize right away that said friend is all bad, not up to my level (not to sound stuck up... but I know what I mean!), and/or is making me depressed. What I don't understand is after that understanding why I continue to spend my time with them and ignore others who are trying to be my friends.

I would say its for companionship. Sometimes its nice to make one good friend to spend time with then a bunch of 'friends'. Even though sometimes I miss out on lots of friends, sometimes it pays off. Sometimes it doesn't!

Yup, sometimes it also comes back to bite me in the behind. But... what can I say. Sometimes we all walk down the wrong paths... the important thing is to figure it out and skip over to the right path, singing some lovely tunes.. and then realize that smile and happiness was right there the whole time... and those people left around are the people worth your friendship

"A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are." Unknown

"No man can be happy without a friend, nor be sure of his friend until he is unhappy." Thomas Fuller

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL MY FRIENDS OUT THERE. I know sometimes I'm a needy friend, or a long lost friend.... but I hope you know I'll always be there (even if its just a skype chat) if you need me too! Love you and miss you all!!

"Truly great friends are hard to find, difficult to leave, and impossible to forget." Unknown

More options

2011-02-18T01:27:00.003+13:00

6) Bulgaria. Emi is going to back to Bulgaria to visit family this summer. I would be able to stay with her and see a bit of the Country with a local. Her son can take me hiking. It'd be great. I had a not of fun when I hung out with away from my job in Ukraine... and this would be a similiar opportunity. I would love to still see: Moldova, Slovenia, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herezegovenia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, and Turkey. (well, and Russia and Belarus!) I think going back to the region would allow me great opportunities. However, it'll take lots of money and I wouldn't work. I could maybe volunteer at an orphanage or something for awhile? Or maybe find a teaching english job. At the beginning this option didn't sound great but I'm thinking about it more and more. I could find nanny jobs in Turkey maybe after/before, as well?

Pros: a local to show me around, place to stay, new country(ies)
Cons: back to Europe, money, language

7) Washington, D.C. It's always been where I've said I'd live after I finished school. The more and more I think about it... its kinda exciting. I know it'd be hard and scary to find a job... but they are out there. Have considered going as a nanny and getting my feet on the ground. And start applying for jobs after a couple months. I know thats bad... but its a thought?!

Pros: professional job, public transport,
Cons: Weather, costs: no housing, car, no savings, high cost of living

I'll keep adding to my lists as I think of them. Really would LOVE LOVE LOVE any advice, thoughts you might have! Suggestions from people that seem to start over all the time!?

Options...

2011-02-15T18:36:00.001+13:00

...for my life....

So while considering my options for the future... I thought I'd write some out...

1) Stay in Lancelin til 2 May. Thats when my visa expires. I can make a bit more money. I won't be saving too much as there aren't too many hours. But it doesn't cost too much to live and I've cheap rent... as long as I can get food from Joondalup.

+ Pros: Cheap rent, beautiful and on the beach, save money
- Cons: Mike leaves in March, Lee's back in March, lonely and dark apartment, drink too much here
Can Change: get into a workout routine every morning, be okay with sitting alone and watching tv/movies/etc (like most adults!), do a windsurfing lesson or three with Mike, read, take advantage of the people that are in town

2) Go back to Sacramento. I don't know exactly why Sac, except I have friends and family there. Think I'd apply to start the teaching credential in January 2012 (Sept deadline). I feel like I only want to do it as its the 'easy' option and doesn't take any thought or effort. Not sure what I'd do until then, though. Have thought about: trying to find some government job... should be able to get some connections from Robb/friends? Maybe preschool teaching... even though that doesn't pay well and just not worth the effort/pay ratio! Other than that it'd be random retail/restaurant/secretary work? How would I benefit going back now. Maybe wait til August so I'm there with enough time to apply for credential program?

+ Pros: friends/family. Maybe someone would let me stay in a spare room for a bit? Spending time with Tyler. Maybe getting him into DeMolay? Volunteer with Bethel 3/Jobs Daughters.
- Cons: No car. No place to live. No real reason to be there. Feel a bit lost and 'stuck' if I go back. Hear the job prospects are slim. Friends are all in their own place in lives with kids/careers/etc.

3) Try anywhere USA! Could be somewhere in California or anywhere. Maybe Washington DC. I don't know that I'd have anymore luck than going back to Sac. And worse than that... I'd have no connections, friends, family, or anything!
+ Pros: clean slate. Job opportunities?
- Cons: No car. No place to live. No job. Lonely

4) Taiwan. I'd go to teach English. However, its scary because I know its a smoggy, humid/rainy country... and I know that weather/smog really drive me mad. I'm not sure how I'd do in a non english speaking Country, again. Its overwhelming knowing I'd have to find a job, a flat, friends and everything from scratch. I'd be very lonely, hot, and sweaty... overwhelming sounding. But it'd also give me a job that I'd have for a year... and enable me to use as experience if I want to continue to do it as a career.... which I don't actually know until I do it!

+ Pros: year long contract. CV advancing. New Country. New opportunities. Chance to save a bit of money? Chance to maybe do online credential program.
- Cons: Overwhelming to start with: no job, flat, friends. Lonely. No English.

5) Africa (somewhere, obviously thats a continent not a country.) I'd find somewhere to volunteer: teaching english, working with an Orphanage, pretty much anything. It'd be scary, overwhelming, lonely, non english speaking, isolating, basic amenities (most likely).... but its somewhere I've always wanted to go and something I've always wanted to do. I feel like it'd give me a bit of a purpose. I'm scared I won't have enough money to travel a bit of Africa if I go and get to the next spot after, though. I'm overwhelmed with trying to find somewhere that doesn't cost thousands of dollars... obviously paying for my accomadation/food is fine. I'd love to find a proper nonprofit... that maybe I can learn some of the office stuff, as well?

+ Pros: Fulfillment. Purpose. Volunteering. New Country (ies?). New opportunities.
- Cons: Costs. Scary and lots of unknown. Lonely. No english.

Basically... I feel like I'm always planning three months at a time. I feel like my dream would be to go to Africa but it'd cost all of my money to go for a short period of time.. and I'd have no money to get out. Plus, I'd be planning little bits again. And I'm kinda over that. I don't know what or how I'm supposed to decide. Do I go easy and go home. Go where I'm pretty sure I can get a job and go to Taiwan. Do I do the scariest and go to Africa? Ahh... either way its all scary... because I only have a tiny tiny bit of savings and thats got to get me through whereever i go and on to the next spot. Ugh. I do know I need a bit of purpose in my life. I can't see myself traveling endlessly forever... but I do still LOVE traveling! I need a bit of purpose in the travel though!

I need to figure out what I want to do LONG TERM. Over and over, 2 ideas continue to come up and I guess I'm a bit torn on which direction to go. 1) Teaching or teaching abroad. For this I can get my credential and then either stay in the States and get some experience and then get a proper teaching job overseas. There will always be places hiring teachers abroad... even if its just teaching english... having my credential would give me a hire pay scale. 2) Working for a non profit. If I do this I'd need to get my masters. That comes down to time/money/experience. Many of the programs you need to have experience.. and all of them you have to be able to afford it! Ugh. If only I hadn't screwed myself over with the student loans. Children: Thats number 1 to help. I love working with kids and want to either work to help them in a nonprofit or teach them and help them grow in this world!

I noticed in EACH of these opportunities I wrote 'lonely' as a Con. I think I need to work on myself. Obviously I get bored sitting alone and doing things without others. I need to work on being 'okay' with sitting for a few nights by myself and reading/watching tv/or whatever. For some reason this has always bothered me... even if I do it often. I need to learn to love myself... because no one will want to spend time with me if I'm not okay with me!

Obviously I have some soul searching to do. Which direction do I want to go? Which path do I follow... road do I take. As individual and independent as I've always been. I think its scary sometimes and I guess I'm at the point where I wish someone would just figure it out for me. I've not felt this 'lost' in 4 years since I finished Uni and booked my ticket overseas. Its like I need a new hurdle. Well, apparently, now its time to figure out a bit of my future. I would love any advice, thoughts, or anything.

<3 me

back at it...

2011-02-10T21:26:00.001+13:00

Alright, so I'm gonna start updating my blog... and use it as a source to get everything out.

I've been in a bit of slump since coming back to Australia. But... I want to make the most of the sun and sea while I'm here and figuring out where/what I'm going to do! Plus, that means I'll be online checking at others blogs and that always makes me smile!

I know no one checks this anymore.. but for those that do... sorry if my rants become crazy!

End of London

2010-06-15T23:33:00.000+12:00

My last week in London was crazy.

Pete had bed bugs... so sleeping was quite the ordeal. Stripping beds, multiple trips to the dry cleaner, making beds, stripping curtains, doing laundry, vacuuming, crawling around on hands and knees looking for the little critters, and pretty much getting no sleep!!

Turns out he'd had them the whole time. I was getting bitten... but at the beginning I'd thought it was bugs outside... and really bugs just LOVE me. Seriously, I have a reaction to every kind of bug. They love to eat my blood! What is it! I'd wake up in the middle of the night and have huge welts... ugh. Not fun! Basically, I'm anywhere that bugs are... and people are happy because I get bitten and not them!!

To make my last week exciting.... I decided to go to the Globe theatre. It was a great experience. I really wish I'd seen a play I knew though... as Shakespeare is not the easiest thing for me to follow!

I also so Mamma Mia!! I loved it! It was great!!

Pete and I did just spent time together... watching Scrubs... dinners.. and whatever else nothingness we got up to.

Cory arrived the last weeekend. Him and I walked from Petes flat to Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and then the square (just went blank on the name)... then the last night all of us went to Brick Lane to get some Indian!

Twas good. I enjoyed my time in London. Miss Pete lots!

London Living

2010-05-15T03:29:00.000+12:00

My time spent in London... has been really boring.

Literally, I sleep in, maybe meet up with Pete, do laundry, talk to pete about our nights plans, maybe watch scrubs, meeting up with others for lunch, bus/day trips to see Australian coworkers and sometimes I even get online to look up all the stuff I need to get done. Oh, I've seen 2 movies during the last 2 weeks, gone to a CS meet up, work drinks with Pete... basically we seem to do stuff at night... well, at least meet up and do dinner. Its sad when dinner is cheaper to do out (cuz he has a two for one at a lot of places) and my food is so expensive... and that way we can do stuff... since he works so late. Last weekend consisted of: sleeping in, making a really late brunch, Portobello Market, sitting around while Pete fixed a computer (That was torture as it turned into 8 hours.. and I would've done something but no one though it'd take that long), making a curry, going to sleep cuz Pete played xbox games with his brother in NY ... sleeping in, walking along the riverfront, showing Pete the Tower of London and Tower Hill (which we didn't go in), a fair trade fair, a trip to starbucks, the Tate Modern, and then a tube ride home.

Its been SOOOO cold, dreary and miserable that I haven't done much. The last thing i've wanted to do is walk around and get all down from the weather... i'm really affected by it.

So TODAY, turns out, the one day I told myself I'm ACTUALLy going to research the gazillion things I need to do... and not wonder around the neighborhood in circles (i seem to visit each of the grocery stores, often)... the sun decides to shine! Instead of going out into it though...i sucked it up and sat next to the windows while doing all my research! At least I got a bit done....and got a trim... which feels like a huge haircut. Maybe should've actually gotten more taken off and actually styled. Oh well.

Tonight is movie night. I'm gonna make nachos and watch a movie. And get up early tomorrow and spend my last weekend enjoying London. Maybe. Hopefully they'll be a bit of sun out!

I think i'm a sad London visitor... except I feel just like a Londoner... someone who isn't out to 'site see' and just lives their day to day lives in and around London. In the end.. I've seen and done more than Pete has... so I'm just enoying hanging out and visiting!

The Netherlands, Holland and a world of the Dutch

2010-05-13T03:14:00.000+12:00

Pete and I went to Holland for a long weekend.

We arrived Friday around 9pm ish... and it was crazy bright still. Not used to the light so dark... having been/lived close to the equator for the last few months.

Sadly we arrived into town pretty late for their National Day. Everyone (well, loads and loads of people) were on their way home. You could hardly walk at central station. Their national day is the 29th so many of these people had been partying in the streets since Thursday night. It was a site to see though... a sea of Orange. Orange on EVERYTHING, everyone, and anything possible!!

Mind you... holiday weekend.. and last minute trip. We were 3 kms outside the city centre... but still 'in' the city. And the prices were TRIPLE the normal costs. As in a 16 or 20 bed dorm room was anywhere from 35 to 60 Euros EACH! With that in mind Pete booked us a room... and one of the only rooms we could find (ok, we did book it Friday!) so we didn't have to deal with 15 crazy drunk people for 2 days straight!!! On the way to the hotel... i got kicked... 3 times.. on the crazy packed Metro. None of them were on purpose... but drunk people do drunk and stupid things. I got walked on, spilled on. Seriously, even Pete was doing it. I thought maybe I had a label on that I'd forgot to remove.. or some sort of target!! Well, we finally dropped off our bags and decided to walk back into town and see who was still about.

The town was 'dying' down. Well, not really. There were bits we walked around that were sooo crowded you couldn't get past. There was trash EVERYWHERE, there were bits closed off. Basically, one could see that it'd been a GREAT party during the day. To me it seemed like people were sooo far past their happy point and were just stumbling around. We walked around a bit but I was freezing and exhausted and wanted to go back.

Saturday... I had the best of intentions to wake up early and make the most of the day. But instead... jet lag really got me that day... so I slept in. Think i got out of bed in just enough time to go get a cup of tea before breakfast closed at 11. We ended up getting in line at a museum to decide we didn't have enough time before the walking tour. We met up with Daniella (someone Pete met in the South Island in NZ) who lives an hour away in Holland. We did the walking tour.... with 61 other people (in just OUR group)... there were 3 or 4 groups that day. Literally, thats how crowded the city was! We ended up getting Mexican for a really late lunch... sitting inside... meeting up with an old co workers of petes... taking Daniella back to the station.. and exploring the Red Light District. (which I'll get to in a bit)

Having just spent 8 months in summer and no where near anythign cold.. I didn't have a proper jacket. I had picked one up from Davids (one of very few things I got to keep) but for some strange reason didn't bring it. I also had thrown out ALL of my scarves, gloves and hats. Don't ask. But in my mind May= spring and warmth. Oh, i know, i had taken my RAIN coat thinking with a jumper it'd be plenty. Remember... I was thinking warm... not FREEZING!! Turns out. I was wrong. I was no where NEAR warm. I had gone from 30+ degrees for 8 months to 3 degrees. And when you realize I'd spent the last 4 months closer to 40 degrees... it was over a 35 degree temperature flux!! I didn't handle it well with just a thin jumper and rain coat!!!

Ok, so basically the weekend went like this: sleep in, freeze, avoid the cold, freeze, complain, repeat, continue. I was miserable!!

Sunday: sleep in... freezing in line in the rain for 2 hours for the Van Gough museum....walking through the museaum..... waited at HardRock (i have to buy shot glasses) to decide that we wnated Mexican instead... finding the mexican.... searching online for an hour for a new hotel (that would take us for just one night)... finding the new hotel which was in the city centre so we could explore.... searching for an ATM... paying for said room.. and getting into room and realizing it was the size of a tissue box but a cool loft style room.... me falling asleep while Pete looks up somewhere to explore for the night.... me convincing Pete that its TOOOOO WAY TOOOO Cold to leave the room to go anywhere... and then... both sleeping.

Monday: Sleeping in (ok, I said I'd gotten lazy)... going to the Anne Frank House... deciding that I wouldn't stand in the cold and rain for 2 hours... even though it was teh ONE thing I wanted to do in Amsterdam. Walking around to coffee shops (which mean a place to smoke pot) and looking at random things. Going to the train station and heading to Delft to stay the night with a friend of Pete's from uni. Getting to Delft... looking at old pics... walking through the city centre to a pub... going to another pub... cooking an awesome gluten free vegan dinner....starting a movie... me falling asleep.

Tuesday: waking up at a reasonable hour... enjoying a breakfast FEAST... train back to Amsterdam...back to the Anne Frank House.. this time we waited as it wasn't as cold or wet...enjoying it but getting really depressed... walking around the red light district.. enjoying a couple shots... more mexican.... more walking around.. and then off to the train... airport...flight.. and then getting the millionth degree from immigration in the uk!

Wow. The Red Light District. Its a bit shocking. And a bit not as exciting as I'd heard it talked up to be. There are chicks in windows... literally. All day long, even across from the 'Old Church' trying to get you to open their door for 15 mins of pleasure. It'll only cost you around 60 Euros. It was crazy to see that even during the day there were so many girls in the windows. There are different areas: for those with different preferences (think ethnic, cross dressers, big boned, etc) you just have to search and you can be as happy as your heart or pocket book would allow. Now my thought always goes to the guys walking into/out of these rooms. What do they think? Do you think they have any thoughts about what the people that see them think? Or when you resort to a prostitue does it not matter what a random stranger thinks when you walk out of a room? I dunno.. but I was feeling bad FOR THEM.. and they sure as hell didn't seem to care!!! also in the Red light district are sex shops, sex shows, coffee shops, and anythign else you can think of.

However, in saying all this... it was no where near what I thought it'd be. I'd heard Amsterdam worked and talked up to be this crazy place. I had such a laid back, relaxed and low key weekend. I had a couple drinks... mostly cuz the last day Pete set out to find a good brownie and I decided I'd have a drink or two as I wasn't going near Pot. Seriously, we didn't party, we enjoyed a bottle of wine in Delt, i had a glass of wine another night. I think i've become boring.

Now for those as confused as I was.... Holland is The Netherlands as The Netherlands is Holland. Its a nickname that has now taken over the Dutch world! Haha!!!!

It was a fun trip.. and glad we chose there as it was one place I didn't get to in my backpacking adventure in the Summer of 07!

My birthday!

2010-05-13T02:23:00.001+12:00

I booked my flight to London crazy quick so I could spent my birthday in London with a true friend .

I woke up and had great aspirations for doing awesome things.... instead... I think I lazed around for 1/2 the day!

I met up with Pete for lunch and treated myself to an awesome gluten free vegan lunch and dessert. Then I wondered around Oxford street looking for a few odds and ends.

That night Pete and I saw Les Miserables. It was cool. Totally enjoyed it. Neither of us knew the songs ahead of time... but were happy to actually recognize many of them.

After we got Indian and enjoyed a bottle of wine. Came back to his flat, had another glass of wine.. and I passed out in bed from exhaustion!!

Was a great and low key birthday!

Cham Am to London

2010-05-13T02:19:00.000+12:00

Well... I had quite the long adventure to end my SE Asia trip and arrive in London!

*3 hour bus trip Cha Am to Bangkok
*2 hour wait on the side of the road for supposed airport bus (that never came)
*45 min taxi ride to airport
*check in and 3 hour wait at airport
*most horrendous 10 hour flight to Cairo (words can't describe how horrific this was.. so I'll just not even attempt)
*5 hour layover in Cairo
*5 1/2 hour flight
*45 mins through security, getting bag, walk to tube
*30 min tube ride to Pete's
*2 hours: shower, get new sim card
*1 1/2 hours: tube/train ride to Rainham, Kent to David's
*3 hours to sort through all my crap (sooo much!)
*1 1/2 hour train/tube ride back to pete's in London

During that journey.... I slept:
*1 hour on flight from Bangkok to Cairo (ugh, again, I'm going to NOT mention how horrific this flight was!)
*1 1/2 hours during layover
*the BEST 20 min nap on Cairo to London flight (seriously, cat naps sometimes are sooo much more restful!)

I was super exhausted by the time I made it back to Pete's!

I had made note that I started my JOURNEY (that doesn't include the gettting up, time spent ath beach, etc that day) at 9am London time on TUESDAY and collapsed (literally after walking in the door, putting jammies on and brushing my teeth!) into bed at 11:45 WEDNESDAY night!

The stupid thing was.. I was wide awake the next morning... because my body thought it was the afternoon. However, jet lag hit me the next day or two (thrown in with the flight to Holland, another time change, etc)!

Positive thinking

2010-04-26T03:44:00.002+12:00

Starting now:

I'm going to accept my body had a different idea for the last week of my travels than I did.

Yes, I may have wanted to trek, explore, beach, etc but I will accept and understand that it wanted/needed different.

I will not feel guilty or mad for not getting to do what I wanted/planned but glad that I am not more injured or hurt from the fall and whatever bug I have will pass.

I will be glad and positive that it WILL be gone before my flight to London and birthday (I had the flu bad 2 years ago on my birthday).

Sorry if I was negative. Its hard sometimes when your mind plans one thing, your klutzy self does another and thus body must have another.

Positive thoughts and thankful for not being worse!

Dear digestive track, I'd appreciate it if you'd resume your original anatomical function, immediately. While my a/c room has allowed great catch up on sleep lost from the numerous overnight bus journeys, I really fancy the chance to see & enjoy the beach that is just around the corner for my last 2 days in Thailand. Your cooperation would be much appreciated! Cheers, your frustrated owner!

Cha Am, the Thai Beach

2010-04-26T03:37:00.000+12:00

Ok, so I picked Cha am as my last place in Thailand because I knew it was a place Thai's came to the beach for the weekend. I knew I could get a proper cultural beach experience instead of one in Phuket or any of the other islands geared towards tourists.

However, I've now been here for 1 1/2 days and only left my room for a total of an hour. I've been sick as a dog :-( Not felt this bad in a LONG LONG time.

After my nap got up and went for a walk. That was great. Walked up the south and north streets. only 'white' people I saw were obviously with Thai people. I enjoyed that. usually I'd attempt to talk, make friends, etc. Except I felt crap. My stomach hurt and turning, I was bloated I ached, had a stuffy head, and oh, my body was still hurting in random places from the fall. I had dinner and promptly came back to bed... well my room anyways.

I've been stuck in my room with a case of not being able to leave the toilet for more than a VERY short period of time. Not sure if i ate something bad, got whatever everyone on the last few buses seemed to have, had gluten in food somehow, or what. But OH MY GOODNESS. My stomach has been hurting... soo much. My head is stuffy. My tummy is turning. Its crampy and icky.

I'm sooo thankful that I 'splurged' on the room with AC. Actually, turns out while it is douple to triple what I'd been paying the rest of my trip its actually cheap for the town.

So today, I've laid in bed and watched the same 3 episodes of Monk, SVU, and I cant even remember now... felt sorry for myself for not being able to leave the room for more than 5 mins.

I've tried. I've walked to the beach... road... thats as far as I made it before having to turn around. I got dinner to go. I've felt more sorry for myself. Then glad.... because I have a huge day of travel coming up and glad its happening now and not in 2 days. Then felt pissed off because I've been at the 'beach' for 2 days and yet to actually walk on the becah. (ok, i knew yesterday would probably be a write off after 3 night buses in 1 week but come on, two days!)

I'm determined to take as much Immodium as it takes to let me leave the room tomorrow. Ok, that may not be technically smart but it didn't work today.... it cant go on for two days, can it? Oh, and since about mid day i've been throwing up too. Lovely.

Come on body... rid yourself of this bad stuff so I can enjoy the beautiful sunny beach tomorrow!!! Please, I beg of you.

Well, while i feel guilty for wasting time indoors when there is so much to see, what can i do if my body decides its had enough!?!!!

Chiang Mai

2010-04-26T03:25:00.000+12:00

What an AWESOME night market! Literally huge!! Walked around for hours.... trying to stretch my back after the long bus... but popping ibo and battling the tears/pain!

I found an awesome shirt for my brother, and 2 for myself. And an awesome dress for Anna. I could've bought more clothes... but stopped at that. Could've figure out any other good gifts. I was wishing the last two markets that I'd splurged in Cambodia on the silk bed stuff though... it was awesome!

I woke up early the next morning, as I'd emailed the lady from the ESL centre for Ukraine that I'd be online for the interview. It took me AN HOUR to find somewhere open...besides McDonalds/Starbucks (which I refused to pay $5 for 1 hours internet!).. or street stalls which don't have internet! Seriously, it was 7 and the locals had all been up and to their local markets already but everything geared towards tourists was locked tight!! Interview was great, except the internet at the place got cut off right at the crucial end of the convo!! oops!

Again, this was a place I had been sooo excited about trekking, cooking classes, etc. I had asked after arriving and everywhere I asked I could maybe eat one dish. Even the vege places didn't have much optionwise for me.. and I just decided I didn't want to waste my money. I REFUSED to do the 1 day treks that exploit the 'long neck' hilltribes and elephants in the region. So that left my day pretty wide open. I found teh big shopping mall which took hours (walking there, around it, and back). Again, I could barely move but decided stretching my body was the best thing to do....cuz you guessed it, another night bus for me! That avo I got my first Thai massage. Thats quite the experience... not so much massage and stretch, bend and loosen up...actually just what i needed! Had dinner at an awesome Vege place and back to another bus!!!

our tuk tuk was the first to arrive at the bus so those of us on it all go to pick our seats. I was LUCKY and go the best seats! Again, got my own row, and even had no one in front of me as it was the stairwell, so i could put my feet up. Took some more pills and hoped for the best. They were playing Avatar and fell asleep about 2/3 in. However, my sleep lasted aprx 1 1/2 hours.... until the 1130 dinner stop? What the heck? How retarded!! After that, no sleep for me! We arrived and literally got dumped out on the side of the road in Bangkok at 5 am! Great! I found the popular tourist road... found a tuk tuk that wasn't going to robe me blind in price.. and went straight to the Southern Bus station. Got there with 10 mins to spare and got on the bus to Cha am for 4 1/2 hours. Got another 1/2 hour sleep on that bus. Walked 2 1/2 kms to find a GH. Got online, and then crashed.... till 430 pm. Eh, it was overcast and muggy out anyways!

LP to the Laos/Thai border to Chiang Mai

2010-04-26T03:14:00.000+12:00

Oh, 2nd night bus in a few nights. This time I'd bought my own sleeping pills.

I was in severe pain and hoping they'd work like magic. (Ok, to clarify, these are non addictive, muscle relaxer, anti anxiety, etc pills... used for lots of things including insomnia.)

I got SOOO lucky and got a whole seat to myself. I was the only Westerner and they didn't mix us with the locals. Totally glad I was traveling alone!

Well, this road was the WORST road. Bumpy, turny, crazy, words don't describe it. Now most people take a 2 day slow boat to avoid this bus trip... but I didn't have time so I had to endure.

The pills didn't work. Well, i was slamming my head, falling off the seat, and just plain being thrown about too much to have any sleep.

A funny part of the journey. We stopped around 5 am and I had to use the bathroom. We were supposed to pay 1000 kip (like 13 cents) but I literally only had enough kip to get me the tuk tuk and boat across the border and not 1000 to spare!) so I used it without paying. I ignored the guy when he was shouting at me... he ran after me and kept shouting at me. I kept saying sorry, I don't have any. No money, no kip, sorry, sorry. He was sooo pissed. The girl on the seat in front offered to pay for me and he wouldn't take her money (for me) because he wanted me to pay... but i literally had no money. And mind you i saw a couple guys go in and not pay.. and they don't evne have to use the stupid toilets as they can go anywhere! Ugh, I hate being female sometimes!

So we get to the Thai border town around 930 am (16 hours after being picked up at my GH) and get to the river. Now everyone had apparantely booked their ticket all the way to Chaing Mai, except me. I knew it'd be cheaper to do it as two separarte journeys... except I refused to tke out more Kip at the atm. So I finally convinced the guy to give me a seat in the bus (along with the boat to cross the river.. which is the official border) and that I'd take out Baht to pay him in thailand. Kip is useless and each time you use an ATM in this part of the world its about a $5 fee, and I didn't want more kip and didn't wnat to pay the fee twice in one day!! I paid the guy.. we waited for awhile and got in a mini bus.

At one point towards the end my back was so bad along with my neck/legs/arms that I was again in tears. Literally, spasming up and down my legs and my neck was so stiff from jarring it I couldn't look at all to the sides.

22 1/2 hours after leaving my GH in Luang Prabang, Laos I arrived at my GH Chiang Mai, Thailand!!!!

Luang Prabang

2010-04-26T03:03:00.000+12:00

This was a place I had been really looking forward to visiting!! There are some amazing treks in the hills surrounding, awesome Wats, and its just supposed to be a great place to chill out.

Well, after a crazy bus ride, where I thought we might go over the side of hills (think roads crazier than NZ!) I made it. At least I had a seat to myself and could stretch out and not get too cramped.

Great, well, as I could hardly move by the time we arrived. I realized there was NO WAY I could do a trek. Instead I explored the awesome night market, found amazing vege food I could eat. Ok, so my excitement was over cucumbers and tomatoes mostly.. but hey, i got a whole plate of food for under $1. Which I could've had that more often!

I went on a walk with the couple to the river and met this lovely Laos guy. We ended up talking for awhile, walking around, and attempting to communicate. He's learning english... and its always a fun adventure. He was going to take me to a Laos bar outside of town but I bailed as I was hurting WAY WAY too much. The couple hours spent with him make me love traveling!

A huge 'tourist attraction' in LP is the morning monk procession. Now, I'm not sure why its so popular there... but I decided to get up and watch. Monks traditionally live off the donations and alms they receive. They walk around at daybreak to receive them.

I couldn't get a straight answer on time. It varied from "5, done by 530, to 6 or done by 6." I decided to get up at 445 and just go with it. I had to break out of the GH and instantly was followed by drunk crazy guy. Turned around, walked the other wahy.. he followed. Repeat and repeat. Walked up to a couple and started talking to them. Turns out, he'd followed them earlier... and continued to follow all of us. He wasn't threatening just creepy and obviously drunk. We wondered what time this process took place and sat on the kerb and waited. The women selling rice showed up.. so at least we knew we were in the right place.

I guess at one point the monks decided they would no longer go around and take offerings because it'd turned into too much of a tourist charade. The city told them they'd hired actors and pretty much MADE them continue doing it. There are MANY customs that go with this tradtion. Including such things as woman being lower than the monks, etc.

Well, the monks soon came.. and soooo did the tacky ANNOYING stupid tourists. I HATE stupid annoying tourists. Again, this deserves its own blog, so I'll stop there. Anyways, I watched, others were rude and in the monks face taking pictures.

I had planned to rent a bike and cycle around to the wats. But that morning I could barely move. Like WAY worse than the day before. I headed back to lay down for 2 hours. Walked around and saw a few Temples. Spent time indoors attempting not to melt in the heat (boy was it hotter than it'd been since Cambodia). I basically spent the day upset that I was in soo much pain that I couldn't do what I'd wanted and knowing I was getting on another crazy long bus ride that night. UGH

Stairwell acrobatics

2010-04-26T02:47:00.002+12:00

HOLY CRAP.

Am I lucky to be alive.

I was walking down the flight of stairs... and once a klutz... always a klutz.

My ankle gave out on me.

I went FLYING.

I did a somersault.

I flew down some more stairs.

And then I CRASHED, SMACKED, and landed.

on TILE.

I was wearing both my backpacks.

Thank goodness.

Well, I could've get up because my arms were bent back in a way (and if you've worn 2 you know how hard it is to get them off) that I couldn't move them.

My legs were already black and blue in spots.

BUT I didn't hit my head or snap anything. And I'm thankful as heck.

Thank goodness. My backpacks really saved me, in that, I know for a fact.

The couple I'd hung out with on and off for the day ran over and helped me up, Marie ran down as well.

Guess what I got to do right after this awesome acrobatic display?

Yup, you guessed it... get on a 8 hour bus trip!

Vang Vieng

2010-04-26T02:42:00.000+12:00

Gorgeous was my first impression. Nam Song River set amongst beautiful limestone cliffs/hills! Way to westernized was my second.

Showered, lunched, internet time (to buy my ticket to London) and ready to explore.... we found a local cave. As I'd seen a few caves lately, I didn't pay to go in. After Marie came down (and assured me it was a waste of her money!) we went swimming with the locals. It was awesome. It was this cave under the hill thing? I dunno... we jumped in crystal clear water and just kept swimming deeper into the cave... but stopped when it got too dark. Again, I seemed to be a hit with the Laotians. There is this bar called Bucket Bar and if you go before a certain time you get a free BUCKET of alcohol. I went, didn't drink (thank goodness I can't have whiskey!) and left shortly after. My back was spasming REALLY bad and I again was in tears from it. And I hadn't been feeling the party thing lately as anything I can drink is 3 times the price of beer or the cheap whiskey. Oh, that night was an awesomely loud storm and about 230 in the morning (i was awake from the back pain) a huge BOOM echoed through the streets and the power went out.

Now I must explain a bit about vang vieng. Its a drunken fest for westerns. There is a river set amongst gorgeous hills where you tub. Well, some people tube. At the start of the river are a BUNCH of bars and each have either a zip line or roap swing. Think high up and awesome. Now, remember its dry season and the water is low. Combine that with way too much alcohol. Oh, and the entire town is full of these 'friends bars.' They have tables and pillows set out and Friends blaring. A couple play another show (think south park or simpsons) but 85% are Friends and all a different episode, season, etc. How pathetic... travel to Laos and spend days sitting around watching friends!

Ok, so my version. Marie and I went cheap and rented 1 tube to share. We stopped at a few of the bars. Played on some awesome rope swings and zip lines. I kept encouraging her to move on as I actually wanted to tube the river. Short version. It was a good compromise of swinging, zip lining and her hanging out and us tubing. Just incase you wondered, the water was a decent level from the few storms the nights before. However, tubing 2 to one tube was very hard! We sucked at it, actually. We had to push, crawl and climb our way at times (the water was really low at points). In the end we relaxed, joked about how inept at tubing we were and eventually had to get out and take a tuk tuk back to get the tube back so we didn't get a fine.

That night I met up with Micky that I met while volunteering in Cambodia. Must admit the dinner that night was enjoyed over a great episode of friends as we were a bit sore from the flying adventures. Again, everyone went to bucket bar and Miek and I enjoyed a great cup of tea then headed to our respective beds (at 1015!)

I woke up way too early the next morning because I was going to find a village to volunteer in for a few days. Turns out I decided I wanted to go north and do some trekking and see some hilltribes. Bought a bus ticket to Luang Prabang and was really excited

The Sleeper Bus

2010-04-26T02:27:00.000+12:00

North, north, must go NORTH!

The bus from Pakse to Vientiane is a night bus. One can choose the 'sitting' or 'sleeping' bus.

Well, after being told the bus offices didn't open til 8... and trying numerous times (at 6.. and finally convincing him to call 5 mins before 8)... Marie and I were told the bus was sold out. So we took a morning walk to the bus station. From there we thought we had only one option: the dreaded sitting bus. But, we could see the diagram and we were going to pick the best seats! Instead, we found another company that still had a bed... and spent 20000 extra kip (about $3) on the bed!! And then wasted the day in Pakse... cuz everything was still closed.

The sleeper bus! Turns out, you get to SHARE a bed thats about 2/3 the size of a twin! I had 9 and Marie had 8... we assumed they would've assigned us to the same bed. I got on and said "9" and this Laotian guy got really excited and said "you 9, I 10, you 9, I 10." He was excited that we were going to share a bed for the night. Instead I walked past him and told Marie, "whoever has the 7 to your 8 gets to be 9!" and promptly sat down with her on the bed. It turned out fine as they kept moving everyone around to be with the friends, etc.

So that night I must've had something that told guys to hit on me. While we were waiting for the bus this guy kept hitting on me. It was great and funny. He kept saying "you speak Laos, I no speak English." And then he'd attempt to teach us a few words in Laos. Because Brett and Marie were sharing a beer we HAD to cheers a gazillion times (that is a huge thing in Laos!) well, I wasn't drinking so he took my water and opened it and made me cheers too. And he kept refilling my cup if I drank it. I had to hide it because I didn't want to have to use the loo on the bus! He was trying to find it... it was great... and he was trying to get me to go home with him and hang out in Pakse for a few more days.. and not get on the bus! Then all 3 of the guys that worked on the bus kept giving me the same smile and look. Now Marie is a gorgeous, skinny Dutch girl...who should've gotten all the attention and normally did... but that night they all seemed to hit on me. It gave us a good giggle, guy after guy smiling.

Back to the night bus. Brett had given us a 'sleeping pill' and I decided I'd take it and pray it worked. Well, Marie who didn't take one slept like a baby for the whole 11 hours. I, on the other hand who took the pill, didn't sleep for more than 30 mins. I had decided to sleep 'head to toe' so we'd have more wiggle room (we had to have our daybags on our seats and so our feet had to be ontop of them) which was good. Except at one point Marie's feet were in my face... and I kept shoving them... but she didn't budge. I just turned over and tried to fall asleep. I kept setting my sleep timer on my ipod for 60 mins praying i'd be asleep... and getting sad each time I had to turn it back on! Well, I'd FINALLY fallen asleep about 445 when about 30 mins later I got my shoulder pounded on! The lovely, nice bus guys hadnded me both our wet wipes. How nice but seriously, you could've pounded on and woken up Marie who got to sleep for the last 45 mins until arrival!!!

Once in the Capital we took a tuk tuk across town to the Northern Bus terminal and caught a local bus to Vang Vieng. Luckily, I got a seat...Marie was stuck on a plastic stool (they line the middle of the bus between the rows with these). On this 5 hour bus ride, I had the BEST 10 min nap! Literally, it revived me for the day!

Sabaidee Bi My (Happy New Year) on the Bolaven plateau

2010-04-26T02:09:00.000+12:00

Wow! (Have I said that a lot. Seriously, wow, awesome, amazing!) 3 more wonderful days spent on a motorbike exploring the beautiful countryside and people of Laos. 6 of us: Myself, Rich, Brett, Karina, Damesh, and Marie were involved in this great adventure. The lovely Karina was my driver (who I must say did an awesome job putting up with my stress and also returning me in one piece having no major issues!)

I may have cheated and ridden on the back... but that doesn't matter! I've got a fear of motorcycles and had no desire to drive one, let alone for three days. And I almost even backed at last minute knowing it'd hurt my back. Well, I sucked it up and put on my smile and held my on TIGHT with my shaky hands.

To make this trip even better we did during Laos New Year. Now, to understand the level this took our trip to, one must understand a bit about the Laos, Cambodian and Thai new year. Its a huge water festival for 3 days. Everyone is throwing water, partying, drinking, listening to music, dumping more water on people, putting talc (baby powder) on people, more water, putting red lipstick on faces, more water and partying and dancing. Its amazing.

Our trip involved a waterfall the first day which made me think of Memorial Day or the 4th with families, and groups of friends all partying at the beach. Some were drinking (even used the old 'put the beer in the river to keep it cold' trick), some were hanging out with families and then there were the annoying (sorry to sound horrible... but had to have been Japanese) tourists who didn't care. We swam with the locals, looked around and got back on the bikes. This is where the fun began. In all the villages we road through children were standing on the sides of the roads throwing buckets of water on you, spraying you with hoses, throwing bags full of water, and even ice cubes.... anything to get you soaked!!! During this great time we came across many families, villages and groups partying: under houses, in gas stations, random spots on the sides of the road, and at markets. We would stop, get soaked, drink a bit of BeerLao (ok, not me as I can no longer drink beer), get powdered, dance and then get back on the bikes. This continued multiple times for the first two days. We partied with a copy, who MADE everyone drink beer and then waved as everyone drove off. We found a big carnival celebrating the new year. It had games, rides (ok, well, a merry-go-round swing that was man powered!), food stalls, and everything else you can imagine, including children betting games! That was serious business and went on all night. The next morning we swam in a huge waterfall, and took part in some sort of cleansing ritual??

Our adventures had us stopping at gas stations/'cafes' to avoid major downpours. We played the game where you put a name on foreheads and can only ask yes/no questions to figure out who you are. Stopping in random villages at the only food place using lonely planet to order noodle soup. Yes, the do think I'm weird when I ONLY want the noodles... no meat, no broth... that happened at least 3 times!

Everyone was in an amazingly happy, and most likely drunk, mood and celebrating. We all figured out that America and Australia play the same rules in checkers while the UK and the Netherlands have a completely different game (supposedly the same...) and that Portugal is mixed somewhere in the middle of both!

By the last day we were sick of getting wet. It had felt great during the heat but the last day was a bit cool. After day 1 my back was hurting (it hurt just from tuk tuk rides around to temples...) and day 2 was worse.... bring on the worst day. Ugh! Day 3 involved 80 kms of a DIRTY BUMPY road. But to make it worth it the first 40 were through beautiful jungle, where we saw more waterfalls. At the end I could barely move. Literally was in tears the last 10 kms... and was sooo glad we had to sit out a storm during lunch as I was laying down at the lunch table resting my back! We were red... well, brown from head to toe from the dirt.... add the water we got splashed and it made it worse. One more waterfall stop on the way home and then it was back to Pakse where everything was shut down!

Oh, the Bolaven Plateau is known to make some of the best coffee in the world. We saw soo many fields of coffee plants. I actually saw what they look like during the growing process... and tasted one... ick! We were pretty bummed because we couldn't stop at the coffee plantations as they were all closed for the New Year. But we did enjoy a few cups of great coffee along the way!

The shower at the end was probably the longest and most wonderful shower we'd all taken in ages! Oh, and that night we waited 2 hours for our dinner.... in typical laotian style... which deserves an entire blog on its own!

Don Det, Laos

2010-04-17T20:13:00.000+12:00

AMAZING 2 days spent on Don Det, a quaint place in the 4000 islands.

A group of 5 of us: myself, Rich, Brett and two newbies from the bus, Karina and Damesh spent the time together. The first day we rented bikes and biked around Don Khon (or something??), spent a morning swimming in a waterfall, a 'beach', relaxing around the island and just taking it all in. It was an amazing low key day and lots of fun. Not much to say about it except you had to be there cuz it was amazing.

The next morning we set out on a 'boat' with 5 others for a group of 10. We spent the day floating and swimming in different parts of the Mekong, drinking, talking and just chilling. Another amazing awesome day! Again, had to be there.

Chilled, relaxed and some of the best adventures had in ages = Awesome. I love chilled out days exploring and just relaxing taking in the sites. Has to be one of my most favorite parts of travel. Love it!

Bus ride from Hell

2010-04-17T19:30:00.000+12:00

OH MY GOD.

All I can say about the bus ride from Kratie to Don Det was MISERABLE.

For a 4 hour journey it was literally one of the worst experiences of my travels. Not sure why it bothered me so much... but freakin heck, it did!

First I was in the back corner of a completely full bus! Not good when I get sick! So I moved forward. Great! Then the guy next to me keeps falling asleep and being in my space. I'm already clausterphobic sitting next to the window! Oh, then the guy in front of me decides to put his seat back. Awesome, his seat goes soooo far back its way more than a normal seat! Perfect now I'm a sardine. Did I mention the AC wasn't working and I was sitting on the side with the sun burning through the curtain. I was covered in sweat and dripping bullets! Then the smell set in. The toilet had a leak and someone had taken a huge dump. I was sitting right above the toilet and next to the stairs so I surely had the best 'smell vantage point.' It smelt like piss/poo the rest of the way. Then it was time to cross the border into Laos. Well, at least that was smooth. It took awhile, as expected because everyone waits for the last person! Fine, at least I got to get out of the bus! It was also the first time I've walked across a border as I've always flown or in europe been on trains. That was 'exciting.' Back into the hot stink box I got for the bit to drop off point. The three of us added a bunch of others getting off to go to Don Det. We took a mini bus to the boat... where I experienced the Laosness for the first time. They are in no rush... more on this to come later! Eventually we set off to get to the island. Where we found bungalows and had a chill night! But anything would've been better than that bus ride.

Its crazy when something as simple as being smashed into a bus can be so stressful for me... I was serioulsy close to hyperventilating at times! It was insane. I've been smashed, squeezed and squished on buses/trains/boats,etc before but nothing was as miserable as that experience!

Phnom Penh, Kompong Cham to Kratie

2010-04-17T19:21:00.000+12:00

Back to Phnom Penh where a lot of nothing happened. Supposedly had to stay there to get my visa for Laos. Basically wasted a couple days to get that processed and spent my days baking in the heat and uploading photos. Exciting, right? NO! Wasting a lot of money and time. And I got ripped off on the visa. They charged $50 and turns out I could've bought it at the border for 34.... stupid stupid stupid!

Next to Kompong Cham where I took we took a tuk tuk ride from hell out to some supposedly awesome Wat (temple) that was made of wood. It looked like all the others though, oh well. After we were supposed to go to a village full of silk weaving. Well, the driver took us to a different one than was listed in the lonely planet.... think he just wanted to save time and gas as it was closer. That was pretty amazing to see how time consuming the process is. Its insane!! After we rented bikes and road over this awesome bamboo bridge and around and island. Its rebuilt every year during the dry season and taken down during the wet. It doesn't look like it would support the weight of a motorbike let alone a car... yet everything went on it, even horses pulling farm stuff!

The next afternoon took us to Kratie where the mission was to find the ever allusive freshwater Irrawaddy River dolphin. They were pretty cool and while on the boat we noticed Brett on another. The sunset on the Mekong during the boat cruise was the best i'd seen in Cambodia, fitting for my last night there.

Ancient Wonders, Battambong floating villages

2010-04-05T17:50:00.000+12:00

Should I have been more impressed by Angkor Wat? Probably!

Well, Rich (the australian I met in Phnom Penh) and I made our way EARLY (445 am) to get our tickets and the 'best' location to watch the sunrise. Like everyother major structure in the world when I visit, its under repair. That said, it impaired the picture and didn't make for such a grand pic. Bummer. Well, we didn't end up waiting for the sun to rise before we went inside. Its huge, and would've been amazing to see in its time... moats, water, tress, etc! It started getting more crowded once the sun was up and we headed out to Bayon. That one was cool! I knew I'd enjoy it just from seeing all the pics. I tried to take a bunch of awesome and fun pics but none turned out the way I had visioned... and again, I didn't get that perfect shot! Oh well, the faces were great! Then it was on to the Tomb Raider temple! That temple is completely falling apart and has been taken over by the jungle! It was pretty neat... but a lot of it is being retrofitted for safetly reasons, i would assume, and thus not accesible. Oh well, it was cool. Wel, at this point it was only 1030 so we headed into town to the market to get a cheap .50 fruit smoothie! They are totally addicting.

By chance I noticed the one bus company went to Battambang in the afternoon and that we wouldn't have to wait til the next morning so we packed and caught the afternoon bus. Battambang is pretty much like every other nonhuge city I've ever been to. Lots of little shops. I found a place with steamed corn at the market and for under $1 I had to things of corn and some rice for dinner... what a bargain!!

The next morning we headed out to three different temple sites. One was modern temples on a big hill. Another was ruins on a hill with a cool cave as the reward for scrambling down the back side (ok, we could've walked down the steps and then around the hill... but what fun is that!). The last was a modern temple in front of ruins. We also saw rice paper (that are used to make spring rolls) being made... thats quite the time consuming process!! Next we went on the bamboo train. Its this old train that locals use to get around (it goes in a straight line for about 7-10 kms). The rule of thumb is... which ever '"car" has the least amount of people, stuff (or no motos, etc) has to get off the track and disssemble their car. Its pretty cool.. and I got to drive it. It sounds like they are overhauling the trains in Cambodia to do international routes and this lovely piece of local life will die in the next year. As obviously a tiny bamboo one car train can't compete with huge trains! Google it...sorry i'm not in a descriptive mood currently!

The next morning we went to an even smaller town. We saw a floating village... its crazy. Everything floats.... schools, shops, industrial bits, houses, etc. The water does not look nice and they swim in it, bath in it, drink it, wash dishes in it and I'm assuming go to the toilet in it. Imagine that.

The next morning was Easter... and I celebrated by waiting for the bus for 3 1/2 hours... then sitting on a bus for 2 1/2 hours... walking around Phnom Penh for 1 1/2 hours cuz we were cheap and looking for the cheapest Guest house. But I did get Mexican twice! I'm pretty sick of rice.. and really my only other option is curry... and that involves rice!! I went back to my favorite coffee spot... where the guy remembered me. I only went three times... and that was over 2 weeks ago! It was great, I enjoyed 2 coffees, reading and talking to him on and off for awhile.

Today is about taking care of business. Printing CVs and Cover letters, getting passport photos (and to attach to the CV), applying for the Laos Visa, scan/emailing tax forms for NZ, etc, etc. This afternoon I'm off to different language schools. I can't decide: travel (as many schools are closed this week and for Khmer New Year next week) or stay and look for job??

Ok, well, sorry I'm not writing anything too exciting... but eh, its hot and I've got no energy! Oh, I slept MISERABLY last night. Part of being cheap is having a fan and not an AC and its is SOOOO hot in our room. UGH. Hopefully I'll crash tonight and sleep through the heat!

Sam Bat Village

2010-04-05T17:24:00.000+12:00

I went into my village stay experience really excited... but upon arrival and looking at the squat toilet and bucket shower... I started thinking "what did I sign up for?" Well, that and Director Waha kinda gave me a weird feeling.

Well, I was throw into the first class a couple hours after arriving with the instructions "they'll show you what lesson to do." My first two classes were soooo stressful. I realized the kids were great at copying whats on the board, and reciting English outload but had ZERO understanding comprehension about what they'd (so called) learned to the point they were at. Add that to the fact that my whiteboard markers didn't work and the 2nd class was dark and they didn't turn the generator on and I was VERY STRESSED! I found that each class was an hour too long but the kids were great.

I had lots of fun playing games, teaching the hokey pokey, volleyball, etc with the kids. I tried to make a little difference in their lives. However, in saying that... its a bit hard. The director obviously has the children in mind in setting up the school. BUT he treats the volunteers as "customers" and NONE of us got a good vibe from him. We pretty much had to beg for the water that we actually had paid and he just made everyone uncomfortable. I had a blast with the volunteers and the locals. Meng and Pang, two of the student/teachers (adults who took the night class), were awesome and a lot of fun to hang out with and talk to. They showed us around the village, to a local temple in ruins in the jungle, cooked, etc. One night we had big night of drinking, singing and just hanging out. We kept getting random people from the village coming up and sitting and sharing in the fun (Mario was singing and playing his guitar!).

The kids were lovely. They were all very shy. Its great they are trying to learn english and each day they 'learn' a bit more. I could write for ages about my experience... but for now I think I'll end. It was an awesome experience but left me with something to be desired because of the director.

Again, I'll post pictures later...

6 months, 6 months, 6 months!!

2010-03-24T21:33:00.000+13:00

It may seem so silly to most... but SIX MONTHS is a huge celebration for me! To go from multiple debilitating migraines a week to HALF A YEAR with none is incredible!

I'm amazed at how simple it is!! No gluten/dairy = no migraine! Well, count me in!

I know I keep blogging about it but some of you may or may not remember how bad they were. I couldn't keep a regular job, attend classes, or be reliable in any way because of the stupid migraines that ruled my life. Its now amazing to know when I make plans I won't have to cancel them half the time!

Ahh! I'm having a little party for myself!

Happy 1/2 year migraine free birthday to me!!

:-D

Western Day

2010-03-24T00:58:00.002+13:00

Tuesday 23 March

I slept in today after spending so many hours yesterday running around looking at places. It sounds really strange, but I’m REALLY overwhelmed in my decision. Its not that hard, right? Especially when so many places need help! Well, in reality one has to take into account so many little things… that I never realized!

Well, after enjoying my lie in, having moved to a much quieter dorm part that allowed me some sleep, I found an indoors coffee shop with wifi. My $1 coffee bought me 2 hours on the internet and I could’ve stayed for longer but had to go and meet some people. I met with some young guys (maybe 18-25… its so hard to tell here!) that organize a village homestay. It sounds pretty cool but really seems like a way for them to get a bit of money, donations, and just outside influx. Great and totally needed but I think I want something a bit more structured where I know what I can give, besides an obvious financial donation, is making a difference. I did think that going out during the Khmer new year and spending it in the Countryside in a village would be awesome though and told them I’d be in contact.

I had a meeting at 4 to meet with someone from a flyer I’d seen around town. He was late but eventually got here. Hey, he did ride an hour just to talk to me for a few minutes!! His English isn’t so great but what he offers sounds amazing. He’s a director of a school about 30 kms outside the city. (The other one I liked was about 14 kms… that I’d have to bike to every day!)) I could live at the school and only pay $4 a day for food and a place to sleep. (Which in itself is probably raising them money.) Not exactly sure if its my own room or if I am sharing with the other volunteer there...but that’s not important. It sounds like classes are 7-9, 11-12, 1-3, 5-7… not sure if its split up for ages or what. But I’ll be teaching English, hanging out with the kids (aged 5 to adults) and just chilling. The school is run on a generator so it sounds exactly like what I wanted….a chance to really experience the Khmer culture and way of life. (from what he said other volunteers have stayed for 1 week to 8 months.) I believe school is 6 days a week and that I’ll be able to get a ride into town on Sundays.

Sooo…after starting to feel like maybe I was being too picky…I’m jumping in! I am being picked up at 10 on Thursday and will probably start teaching as soon as I get there (strange, eh!). I’m going to buy a weeks worth a breakfast foods to take, a book or two and dive in to unknown! (I’m thinking I’ll buy one big book as well. Then, if I need more I can get more when I’m in town on Sunday not having to take my big bag on the back of a moto!) I’m excited!!!

Oh, I named this blog ‘Western Day’ because I’m eating out every meal today. I had a coffee ($1), 2 eggs for lunch (.50), chips and salsa (1.50), a tostada (2), and a drink (2)… all in the effort to get free internet. I don’t feel guilty as I’ve had a bowl of white rice for dinner three nights running (.50)! I know its living ‘lavishly’ but I figure its allowed every now and then!!

Tomorrow I’m setting out to get my shorts taken in. I bought them in Nov/Dec and they will barely stay up now.. and I mean even with my belt in the smallest hole I can almost pull them down!! Its exciting to know I’ve lost so much weight but annoying cuz I should’ve bought new shorts before leaving Aus but I’d read you could get stuff dirt cheap here. Well, you can if you’re a man or a female that wants gypsy/hobo style clothes. That style doesn’t suit my personality, style or turn out the least bit flattering on me! Even though I’m not a fan.. I think I’ll cave and buy some. I know I’m going to buy a couple shirts as mine are again too big and I need something to cover my shoulders. Really, I could just use a trip to Gap for some of my tanktops, and old navy for a pair or shorts, and then to top it off REI for a pair of travel pant (with the zip off shorts)! I suppose I’ll make do without though!

Well, I wrote this blog during dinner. Not sure WHAT they used in their Mexican food… but it had gluten in it! Its killing me and straight away I can notice it turning my stomach and making me bloated and will probably go straight through me. Oh, I love this gluten intolerance. Every now and then I can tell I get traces of it... and I can tell within minutes, usually! Yay for living healthy!!

Oh, I realize my blog doens't match. Its been 2 years since i played with the backgrounds... and now I can't remember how! oops! I'll figure it out tomorrow! I'm over it today!

On to Siem Reap

2010-03-23T19:50:00.001+13:00

Sunday 21 March

I woke up feeling like a completely different person! Good thing, after wasting an entire day! I spent the morning figuring out what to do… which I seem to do a lot of these days! I decided to head to Siem Reap and see what I could figure out up there! I wandered through markets, paid my hostel bill and got a ride to the bus.

The bus was interesting… but not the craziest I’ve been on by any means! It was very modern, AC, tv, etc. It was more that it stopped at the bus depot for 30 mins and not even the locals could figure out why. The Cambodian soap was quite interesting… so much it put me to sleep in 10 mins! We road through countryside for 6-7 hours and saw: lots of Oxen pulling carts, rice paddies, villages, local stalls, and vendors. I’ve always enjoyed riding buses around countries as you really get to see what a country is like. Too bad I didn’t get to stop and play with any of the kids playing volleyball, or stay in a village. Now that would’ve been awesome!

I got to Siem reap and decided to go the cheap route and stay in a dorm for $1! Now, the average cheap room here is $4-5 and that includes a fan, and a bathroom with cold water (which is not up to any western standards). Now this ‘dorm’ was something else! I wasn’t tired at all after sleeping for so much the day before but I wasn’t in the mood to be social! I got in bed and decided to read. Now my ‘bed’ was located in a walkway to the back of the property in this guesthouse. Each side has mattresses with mosquito nets. Now as I was lying under my net, sweating buckets, going insane from the blaring rooftop bar music (that was directly above my bed) and being bitten to death I wondered if it was worth being cheap! I toughed it out… and only woke up every 15 mines or so to chase down something that was biting me! And I saved 4 on the room for the night! That’s one drawback about traveling alone, rooms are cheaper as its not split between 2!

Monday 22 March

As normal, I started my day online. I seem to spend parts of every day looking up schools/orphanages, texting and calling people. I made three appointments and called my tuk tuk driver from the night before. I like to make a connection with one driver and have them be my guide, per say, for a town. It supports them, and usually they’ll show you around and take you out with their friends on a night or two to see where the locals are. Well, Ree showed up with a moto! Ahhh!! I was scared!! I knew we had to go into the countryside and of course, a moto is easier, faster and cheaper to get around!! I held on for dear life and we were off!!

I checked out three different places. I’m REALLY struggling in deciding where to volunteer. I’ve got 2 (or 3) main problems. The first being that most of the places are outside the city. The problem comes to getting there everyday. Do I pay for a driver to take me, pedal a bicycle for 1-2 hours in 35 degree heat each way? The cost of being dropped off would be more than I’m paying for accommodation or food everyday. I feel like money shouldn’t be a problem while volunteering, but obviously, I’m on a limited budget and want to give my time. The second problem comes in that most of the schools will close next week for 2-3 weeks for Khmer New Year. While being here during that time will be awesome, its going to take away my time from volunteering. I find it a bit odd to start somewhere and know I won’t be able to give that much of my time once they start back up again. I started observing at a language school last and will start teaching on Wed. I feel a bit odd about this as the classes are at the end of the term and the teachers are finishing up lessons/units to get ready for the final next week. I’ve no experience in teaching English… but I speak it.. and much better than many of the Khmer teachers. So it’s a catch 22, let me help co teach for 2 weeks to get to know a class I’ll teach next term or just wait?

I haven't really explored the ciry much. I did walk through the night markets and around the old market, where I'm staying. This city seems to be the tourist capital of Cambodia.... which makes sense seeing that it caters to those visiting Angkor Wat. I haven't even thought about visiting there yet though!

I haven't taken any pictures in a few days... and still haven't figured out how to get pics from my picasa albums to this blog. So sorry, I'm just full of words! But whats new, right!!!

hot = ill

2010-03-23T19:20:00.000+13:00

Friday 19 March.

Oh what a hot day! Rich and I had another full day of walking around and sightseeing in the city. We started off at the Royal Palace… which was not worth the steep $6.25 admission price. We walked through the Silver Pagoda, which is supposedly the best bit along with the throne room, and were so not amazed we decided to sit down and pull out our handy companion the Lonely Planet so it could tell us about it. We walked through again and at least knew which Buddha had thousands of gems and that the bed in the back was used on a coronation day. While attempting to take it in and appreciate it we got kicked out! I guess the lovely place is closed from 11-2. Ugh, seriously who is closed for more of the day then open! We wandered around and saw:: the Independence Monument (which you can’t get close to as its in the middle of a round-a-bout), Wat Ounalom (but not Buddha’s eyebrow hair which my books says they worship), St 178 (the art and craft boutique area), and more. We did not find: the Kiwi bakery that we spent ages looking for so Rich could enjoy a meat pie. But I did find another supermarket… that had gluten free muesli bars for me and Vegemite for Rich. I smiled and relaxed at my favourite coffee corner but didn’t enoy the coffee I had later… it gets to thumbs down.

Then we met up with Casey and Kate in Lakeside and while they enjoyed a more ‘expensive dinner’ (at $3/4) I went around the corner and had a $2 curry that was huge and came with a mango drink (which was remade for me with no yogurt!) Then we zipped off to an awesome drum show which we thought was going to be a puppet show! Oops, either way, money well spent… unlike the stupid palace. Then back to the Flying Elephant to enjoy the night. We went out to the Pontoon and enjoyed a bit of dancing before coming home and crashing.

Saturday 20 March.

I woke up feeling MISERABLE today. No, not a hangover as I was the only one NOT drinking last night. I think I didn’t drink enough fluids combined with my anti malaria pills which make me sensitive to the sun. Together it made me ill all day. I couldn’t keep food down and apple juice is about all that makes me happy. So basically I’m wasted away the entire day trying get hydrated enough… which would be much easier with something like Gatorade and attempting to keep something down.

Monkey in the middle... of a city!?!

2010-03-19T00:05:00.005+13:00

Monkeys in the middle of the city

Wednesday, 17 March. While sitting in the internet cafe posting the blogs and pictures I met a Canadian girl, Casey. I ended up walking with her along the riverfront for while she told me about her time in Cambodia. We went to her favorite coffee place and enjoyed an ice coffee for 1500 r (less than .50). She told me about the orphanage she’s volunteered at for the last few weeks and how she helped them raise money. I then got to me a couple of the kids from the orphanage and decided if I stay in Siem Reap I’d maybe volunteer with them. The only down side is most of the volunteering is trying to raise money for them as they are so desperately in need. Obviously that’s not bad it just seems that they get turned down more often than not. I spent the rest of the day meandering down streets, through markets, stalls, etc and just people watching. I’m just enjoying taking it all in. Don’t think I’ll get sick of it! Later that night I was attempting to walk to Lakeside when I tripped (surprise surprise) and stubbed my toe. Now I thought I’d just broken my nail until I felt my sandal filling with liquid! Next stop was a street pharmacy where I bought alcohol to clean it, iodine and some bandages! Pictures below!! Next I met up with Thomas, a local Couchsurfer at Frog and Shamrocks to enjoy the festive St Pats day. We enjoyed a jug of margaritas, hey, it was greenish and I can’t drink beer! Then we went to Rory’s Irish pub where I met up with the two girls that volunteer at Sunshine Orphanage.

Thursday, 18 March. What a day! A guy from the hostel and I made quite the circle of Phnom Penh today! It was a little climb to the top of a hill…and on the way I noticed monkeys! Yes, monkeys chilling in the park in the middle of the city! On the way down the hill I noticed an elephant. The locals have made an elephant ride for the tourists. I was impressed with his shoes, as they were a bit more stylish than mine! We then walked to the Central Market….where we had to walk through the construction site to make it through the other side. (Who ever said anything about hardhat only sites!) Next, the Royal Palace, which was closed for a 2 hour lunch break so we headed back to the awesome sidewalk coffee spot again for a sit down refresher!! Then we headed across the street to the National Museum which was impressive but a bit of a let down at the same time. We went back to the royal palace only to decide to go tomorrow morning. The ‘Russian markets’ were a bit too far to walk so we hopped into a tuk tuk which is becoming a bit less scary! Here one can find name brand clothes (banana republic, American eagle, etc) for a fraction of the price back home… look at your labels…many of your clothes are made in Cambodia! Next we ‘tuk tuked’ to lakeside and wandered around. Debated changing to a cheaper guesthouse but decided against it as you’re a bit separated from the city and all its marvels and more secluded in a type of backpacker utopia. Now I’m blogging and deciding which $2 curry I’ll have for dinner. I think I’ll splurge tonight, I’ve had 25 cent bowls of white rice the last two days!!

**FOOD*** In the past, I've often found traveling as a vegetarian to be extremely difficult. When no one speaks the same language its often hard to figure out which dishes contain meat and which don’t. Well, now imagine 6 months ago finding out that dairy and gluten cause your body to run havoc on itself. It was hard enough being in Australia and I knew travel, as a gluten free vegan would be a challenge, to say the least. My experiences so far have been interesting. I have a feeling I’ll be eating A LOT of plain rice and rice noodles. I found a western style supermarket today. The only useful thing that had was wheat free muesli (I’m hoping its also gluten free, I can’t find any in the ingredients!) other than that I bought some dry fruit to have as snacks. I wish eating was easier, I wish I didn’t have to be so careful and anal about everything… but its so worth it to feel like a human. It’s amazing how a bit of gluten makes me feel and the migraine I get from dairy. I also forgot how hard it is to get proper fruit and veg when not able to cook, as well!! Fruit I can buy from the market but vegetables need to be cooked. Ah, I love my difficulties!! While it may be impossible to be completely free of gluten/dairy while traveling I’m still giving it my best go!

(ok, i'm back on my computer... and having issues with the pictures...ugh, I will get the hang of this!!! I've loaded them onto my picasa and now can't get them on here!)

Excited, overwhelmed, thrilled, nervous, exhilarating, and shocking….

2010-03-17T16:45:00.003+13:00

Are the words I would use to describe my first day in Cambodia. Now this is Southeast Asia!

Goodness me, I knew what I was getting myself into but it doesn’t make it any less shocking to the system! The first thing I had to do was bargain to get a cheap ‘tuk tuk’ ride from the airport to the hostel. Now for those that don’t know, all drivers have deals with certain guesthouses and try thus try to sell you on the ‘best one.’ I was having none of it. I knew the name of 2 hostels and was keen to see if I could find some backpackers and didn’t want a guesthouse!

Getting to the hostel is a completely different story. Everyone has seen the crazy driving in movies and on tv. But let me tell you… when you have bikes, motos, tuk tuks (I don’t even know if they’re called that here), cyclos, cars, big trucks all vying for the same 1 or 2 lanes it’s a BIT insane! Lanes are not important, horns are. Beep if someone is going to slow or blocking your bit. It’s a case of the bravest and biggest win. To add to the craziness most intersections are a game of chicken. There are some more major intersections with lights (that are mostly followed) that have awesome symbols and count down the time til green/red, respectively. Now I arrived to the capital of Cambodia so that means CITY. If you recall, they aren’t my favorite thing! SMOG, dust and everything was insane! Many drivers of the aforementioned vehicles wear face masks, and I reckon it’s a good idea I start back on my allergy meds!! I had a huge smile on my face the whole ride to the hostel! What and adventure!

After setting my two feet back on solid ground (seriously, I was scared at the start of the ride!) I realized any adventure would have to wait until after a nap! A couple hours later I was refreshed, showered and ready to go with the two girls from my hostel on that adventure! What better way to start my time in Cambodia than visiting the killing fields. We hopped back in a tuk tuk for a 15 km ride South of Phnom Penh which allowed us to see industrial bits, some villages, and day to day life (well, as well as going by it allows).

I’ll be the first to admit, I’m a big history buff, but not very up to date about anything in Southeast Asia. I know tid bits of info and stuff I’ve learned/heard over the years but that’s about it. The Choeung Ek Killing fields were used to mass slaughter prisoners in the late 1970s. Children were thrashed against trees and decapitated, men and women were often beaten to save bullets. They got off trucks, blindfolded, silent and often killed right away. Children and women, famous singers/actors/models, or being a foreigner (I believe 9 Australians) would not spare one the cruelty. Walking around the killing fields clothes and bone fragments are still visible in the dirt. A 17 story (I’m drawing a blank on the Buddhist monument name) was built to honour all those who lost their lives. Many of the mass graves were unearthed and the bones are separated by type (female/male/age) of skulls on level 2-10, clothes on 1, and the rest of the bones on 11-17. It was humbling to walk around and be face to face, literally, or so many innocent victims that didn’t have a chance. To realize this was happening the year my brother was born was a bit terrifying. (While not exactly within my lifetime, its only 3 years before I was born.) The only other time I’ve been as humbled was walking through Auschwitz. It really makes me wonder about humans and who we are or claim to be.

We then went to the Genocide (properly named- Tuol Sleng museum) which was a high school before it was turned into a prison. S21 as it was known was where people were kept before taken to the killing fields. Prisoners were tortured and the thoughts were that it was helpful and cheaper to not have to transport and deal with them anymore. What once had been classrooms had obviously hastily been constructed into cells.

After the humbling afternoon I decided to walk around the market down the street. I was on a mission to buy a Cambodian SIM card so I can communicate. On my travels I’ve had some amazing adventures having a local number! Funny fact the hostel owner told me; Cambodia has more cell/mobile phone companies than any other Country in the world. Its shocking to see all the different options I had. There are at least 10 different prefixes (011, 012, 089, etc) that I keep seeing around town. Makes me wonder why such a poor country needs so many mobile phone providers but I guess the competition makes it cheaper? I wandered through the food market, down to the river and up the park in the middle. My stroll brought me to the most bustling, relaxing looking place around sunset. The locals were all out playing badmitton, exercising, or playing a few other games in the park strip that runs across from my hostel.

Unfortunately, right as I was enjoying my stroll I started to feel really unwell. Good old anti-malaria pills got to me… a couple times! I had dinner and a rest to let my tummy settle, read about SEA and decided to write my blogs! This way they are written and when I get Internet connection they can go up, super fast! I know they are way long and probably boring to most. But I thought I’d get back into blogging… for now anyways! Well, sleep beckons as I know at sunup its going to be lively outside my window and I think that’s only 5 hours away… I’m not so sure though seeing as I’m in the Northern Hemisphere now!

Lets see what tomorrow brings!

(Sorry, I KNOW the pics are messed up, loaded on top of each other, etc. I can't go back and fix it.. so just pretend it looks normal! I guess my only option is to do 'no layout' and have them all in one line down the side.)

Home is where my backpack lies

2010-03-17T16:41:00.003+13:00

Well, as I’ve been known to do from time to time, I completely procrastinated getting any vaccines to come to Southeast Asia. However, in my defense, I spent the last 7 weeks in the middle of Kakadu National Park without regular phone or internet (so no research available and no clinics near with which to get jabbed. When moving up my flights out of Australia, I did consider staying in Darwin to do some vaccines but decided I could do them in Singapore. And on top of that I decided I didn’t need to spend much time there as it is not on the top of my ‘must see’ places.

With that in mind, I arrived in Singapore, got through customs, found the MRT (train) and my hostel all by 830 on Sunday night without any hassles. My first thought was how WEIRD it was to be back in a hostel. Yes, I stayed in some in NZ/Aus but it was a different context in my mind. I had more belongings and felt lived there (or somewhere close by). In my mind I kept saying a combination of things: “What in the world are you doing starting this craziness again!?! I’ve missed the hostel world with random strangers turned instant friends. I wonder how much more I can get rid of out of my backpack!”

I spent a lovely night and morning talking to some great people and was in no rush to go explore the crazy city of Singapore. If you didn’t know, I’m NOT a city person. I do not enjoy the craziness, people, buildings and anything else that comes with them. I finally set out for the day to figure out where to get some vaccinations. Turned out I needed to go to the Travllers Clinic at one of the hospitals. In total it cost me $250 to get: two shots, 4 months anti malaria pills (they have to be taken for 1 month after leaving the region), and the actual visits to the two clinics. Not bad, and I reckon cheaper than it would’ve been in Aus and a much more enjoyable experience. I then ended up exploring a bazillion shopping centres. I was overwhelmed at seeing so many old brands. Its been almost 3 years since I left home (& 2 years since London) so to see the old recognizable brands, stores, etc again was pretty crazy. I know I didn’t spend the last 2 years in the middle of the outback but I did spend hours just wondering around the shops… and buying nothing buy some fruit.
Thailand Dragon fruit to be exact. I’d tasted it once and thought the colors were pretty awesome. Here are some pics (sorry, I wasn’t being clever, just trying to get the contrast in colours).

I continued my aimless wonders, exploring Singapore from the MRT station that led to countless malls (seriously!) never feeling the need to venture out into the torrential downpour that was there that day. In my desire to avoid the city, smog, cars, etc I did alright. I did walk through China town (keeping with the shops) which was one of the best I’ve ever seen.

I met up with a Dutch couple in Little India for dinner. We did our own money exchange (they were heading to Aus and I needed USD coming to Cambodia where they’d just left). Enjoyed a great night of convo and then they left to the airport, and I shortly after.

One of the joys of backpacking on a budget is well, being frugal. I found out the MRT and buses didn’t run at the early hour I’d need them so my only option was a taxi. Of course, I found this out only after I’d paid for both nights. Well, in the end I decided to forfeit my money on the bed as I’d save heaps more taking the train before 11 (to get my deposit on the travel card before that office closed). I put my big bag in left luggage and then attempted to sleep. It was a painful attempt. The construction all around, hard annoyingly spaced curved plastic seats did nothing to help the matter. Needless to say I was thrilled to get onto the flight where I slept from sitting down for about 1-2 hours! Best nap, ever!

Well, I didn't take many photos.. and I've got to sort out the issue with the amount of online storage...so I guess no pics for now :-(

Everything happens for a reason

2009-06-09T20:04:00.002+12:00

Well, after a pretty painful two months of job hunting I had an ephiany last week. "Why am I going crazy when I can easily go back to being a nanny?" After a break down that night about how I'd be letting my flatmate down, and was dissappointed because I'd wanted to try something new.... I decided to go for it. Whatever happened would happen. That night I was already talking to 4 different families. One was from outer Sydney and sounded great. Another was from outer Melb and sounded great. I'd met the dad the next day. Then he had to cancel another meeting and I started to stress. After his not returning an email, I knew something was amiss. Seriously, at least let me know you've found someone else, not that big a deal, except I had put everyone else in a 'hold' status until I could talk to him more. In the end, I'd realized he was the type of family that I've always said I'd never work for/live with. I don't want to raise someones kids and run a house...if I did, I'd have my own family! After realizing the other two families weren't a good fit, I was going to take the great sounding family in Sydney. I was a little bummed to not get to stay in Melb (which is why I was keen on the other one - even if it may have not been the best fit) as I'd really wanted to come here. But, I figured, everything happens for a reason. I had told them I couldn't talk over the weekend, cuz I wanted to enjoy the last weekend hanging with the flatmate. Turns out another family messaged me and I went out and met them on Queens birthday Monday. My only thing going into meeting this family was that it was short term and that'd only help me through end of August.

Turns out, doesn't matter. They are a great family. The dad is Swiss and they have just moved here 9 months ago. The mom is from WA so its a new adventure for them. The two girls are 3 and 5 so similiar to the girls in London. And its such a fun age! I realized that a short gig would be perfect! It gives me an option to travel with my friend when he comes in Sept and the mom is going to be looking for another contract so its a possibility to stay on. Either way, I can stay there for awhile after August.

I'm so glad about the dad in that one family putting me off because I would've accepted the Sydney family and I so didn't want to have to leave Melb. So, now I'll live in outer Melb but I can continue to make friends and get to hang out with Auria... who is the bomb. I'm just bummed I don't get to be flatmates with her.

I've also got another family moving into my room next week, so I only have to cover a one week gap, which is pretty exciting!

All in all. I think everything happens for a reason. I know I'm going to love living with this family (the mom is even a vegetarian!!) and that I made the right choice! Yay!

Time travel

2009-05-04T21:04:00.003+12:00

Skipping ahead a few blogless months brings me to May! Seeing as I've been gone from Wellington for 2 months, I won't backdate about my life. (I know my mom would like it though). Maybe when I actually think about pictures again I'll do some short captions with pics? Well, maybe I'll recap.

*I had the best last month in Wellington. Enjoyed the sunshine and friends and lived up every moment of Feb! I left the 25th and headed to the Islands where I spent a month in Fiji/Samoa. Went back and got my stuff and moved to Melbourne on 1 April. I went to Sydney to visit KC and his crew for a week. Then got the best surprise when my best friend decided to head to Aussie for a week. Spent my birthday with her. Then back to reality.

*The computer is officially dead. After having issues since Mar 07, its making the worlds worst sound. I refuse to put more money to the piece of crap! I will suffice on internet cafes until I can save enough to get a "cheap" apple.

*After some painful searching, I've finally found a flat. I'm moving in with Auria, who is a 35 year old New Yorker, I met through one of the Couch surfing hosts we both stayed with. We move in Thursday, the 7th of May. Its unfurnished though, so for awhile we won't have much!

*I temped for 3 days before leaving to visit with Sac town folks and am hoping to get some more temp work ASAP. Also, looking to apply anywhere and everywhere. Literally, I'll work and McDonalds, I don't care. I can't expect to take jobs from all the Aussies who are hurting during this time. And anything will pay the bills.. so I'm gonna just go with whatever.

*I've made a couple friends here in Melbourne... and always on the look out for more. I think that will be heaps easier once I'm settled in the flat.

Uhh.. I could go on and on.. but don't want to be too boring, so i'll wait until I have some pictures before I update more.

November

2008-12-05T11:00:00.003+13:00

Where has the time gone??

Goodness me.

Well, sitting here at work.. (I'm avoiding doing work as I'm the only one in the office, the others are bowling)...I decided to check out my blog.

I'm SOOO far behind on pics and updating for two reasons. First is my computer is having some technical difficulties...and won't turn on. It doesn't recognize that the cord is plugged in...so its dead. I even borrowed a friends old cord...which proceeded to work for 2 days. Awesome. So, its basically been out of commission for a month and a half. Secondly, I'm never on the internet at home (where I suppose I could use a friends computer to upload pics?) After staring at the computer all day for work...the last thing I want to do is go look at it some more. Plus, I'd rather be out doing stuff. Oh, and thirdly, this whole internet usage fee is a pain in the arse...and my flatties and I have a really low cap (we might up it but so far haven't felt the need to).

What have I done in the last month??

I moved into my new flat the 29th of October. Its great. The rent is a little (like 20) higher than some others I looked at, but literally the place is amazing. I'll have to take and post some pics. I've since then hosted many people for dinner, drinks...and even had 7 people I met in Tonga come and stay. *yes, the living area is big enough to have 7 people...and its a flat!* There are a couple thigns annoyingly wrong with it.. but eh, always are in flats/rentals.

The 7-9th of November I went to the Wanganui river and went Canoeing. There was a group of 10 of us. We stayed in Ohakune friday night then the next day went for a jet boat ride, and a walk to the 'bridge to nowhere' before starting the 'canoeing' down the river. Basically, it involved floating down the river and laying and enjoying the sun. It was awesome, we explored most of the little caves, and such on the river. We got to stay in the hosts awesome house (instead of the neighboring camp lodge) for the same price. The next day consisted of more floating... exploring a cave with mud thigh high, and then the jet boat ride back because we were so late...and still had at least 2 hours of actual paddling left! Then a lovely 4 hour drive back...where the car got a whole in the muffler... so she was named MOANA!

Umm, more game nights, drinks, dinners, nights out, etc followed for November.

The last weekend 3 others and I drove up to the Coromandel and stayed with the Muirs in Tairua. It was amazingly beautiful weather, the kids are SOO BIG (Ok, well Oscar has grown so much in 3 months I've been down here), and we had a great time. We went to Cathedral Cove on Thanksgiving then made a big feast for 12. The next day I took them on the gorgeous drive around the Coromandel...stopping at numerous beaches and look outs. Played pictionary, drank some boxed wine....then it was to Hot Water Beach.. for the 2 am low tide. That was an experience.. you couldn't stand on the sand in spots because it was so hot. Turns out a bunch of Germans came and we ended up with a huge whole and loads of people in it. Sat was the Pohutakawa fest... where we lounged and listened to music all day. Sunday was 10 hour drive home... with a great stop in Taupo for lunch.

Last night was my Christmas work do. That was fun. Got a birthday party tonight.. and next week. Then a few of us are going camping next weekend.

I seem to be averaging a trip out of town every other weekend (or at least every 3). So... thats my life.

Cheers

2 weeks in the life of me...

2008-10-22T16:46:00.001+13:00

I have so much to say…. And never get online to blog!! Oops, sorry. I know that means I don’t get to talk to the awesome people online ever either. Trust me, I’m thinking about you guys and wishing you could be here with me having loads of fun too! Well, now my computer won’t turn on. Not sure if its my cord or whatnot but its rather annoying…so the lil bit I am home I can’t get on!

Well. Not sure what I’ve blogged about or not (I’m writing this at work without looking). So I’ll just describe a few things.

My work: I work at New Zealand Transport Agency. I sit at the reception desk, however I don’t answer phones. I’m more of an admin person. I process all the mail, send for police vettings, input and track lots of different things. Grant transport service licences, and P endorsements, etc. Then I also work with the Taxi Enforcement officers and log all of their checks. I make up the warning and ticket letters, file, etc. My official title (besides temp!) is CRTA, Commercial Road Transport Administrator. Well, I guess my payslip says receptionist but no one thinks that. Blah. I work M-F 8:30-5…or there abouts. Its awesome and downtown and only a few min walk. I’ve been good and bringing food to eat here…so I don’t walk around the corner and buy lunch!

Hmmm, about my social life. I’m playing volleyball with a team (adult league) on Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons. I’ve looked into swimming and hopefully will stop in every now and then to do that. I’m ALWAYS with Amy or Pete. Amy lives around the corner so that’s quite convient! We make dinner together most of the nights (it saves money to cook for two!).

Two weekends ago. Friday night those of us that went to Ohakune had a carrot night. We made carrot soup, banana carrot muffins, oatmeal carrot cookies, carrot cake, and hummus for carrots. And massive amounts of it all (remember we had a 10 KG bag!) That night was a lot of fun. Then I headed over to Malena’s house for a lil gathering as she’s travelling for the next 8 weeks or so. Sat I slept in! Yay! Can’t remember what else I did that day. Oh, went jean shopping. I had thrown two pairs away coming here from Tairua and my only others had holes (one a huge one in the butt that made them unusable). Sat night was a CARROT party. Everyone loved our food and the cool people had on orange (ok, mine was very reddish orange.. but in the store it looked like dark orange!) Sun I slept in again, played Volleyball, and Pete and I played lacrosse in the field after. Then we went to the water front and rollerbladed for a bit. Then it was to Amy’s for a bbq dinner.

Umm, last weekend I…. Friday night was game night. We had some games, dinner, wine and spa. I crashed pretty early as I was exhausted from not sleeping the night before. Malcolm and Amy had to drag me to the car I was so tired!! Saturday I think was a lazy day. It was nice to lounge around and do nothing…but then I felt like I wasted the day. IT was the first lounge and do nothing day I’ve had in ages! Sat afternoon I tidied up a lil more for the potluck Malcolm was having. Then it was time for the CS potluck at our place… as a going away since he’s leaving. Then it was over to a flat warming CS party around the corner. Sunday morning I got up (even though I wanted to sleep!) and went to breakfast with Alex, Saul, Andreas, Jay and Amy since we couldn’t go Kayaking yet. Then we went over and they allowed us to go in 2s for only an hour….since it was ‘windy on the water!’ Umm, it was SOOO calm. We decided that if they wouldn’t rent them to us with that weather they must never rent them out because its WINDY WELLY! That was fun. Then we sat around on the steps and laughed at the paddle boaters and had some gelato! Then Jay and I went and bought volleyball. Played volleyball. Afterwards Pete and I walked from his house down to Scorching Bay and played lacrosse a bit again. Again, I cracked the stick and it became impossible. Then I stared at the people in the ‘fishbowl’ house because it looked familiar…turns out it was Saul and Alex, so we went in for a beer. Then walked back up the hill.. made dinner and watched a movie.

I’m always doing something it seems like. I LOVE IT! The days pretty much blur together.. I can’t believe I only have 4 months left in Wellington. It makes me sad. The weather overall has been really enjoyable and I can handle the shit days because I know there are more good ones to come!

Umm. Malcolm leaves Labour day (this coming Monday) to go back to the States, so I’m looking for a flat. I’ll post more about that in the coming days.

I’ll also add some pics of all the awesome things I’ve been up to.

Coming up: Julie moves and Halloween Party at San Fran Bath House (excited about my costume!), and Labour Day three day weekend!

10

2008-10-20T08:22:00.002+13:00

When one thinks about 10 years one realizes how long that is. (that’s a little less than half my life). One thinks of how much can and does happen in that time. I look back and see that I’ve gone from an awkward 15 year old to a confident 25 year old woman. Within those ten years I’ve: gotten my licence, done amazing things with Jobs Daughters and DeMolay, graduated high school and college, travelled over 25 countries and lived in 2 (of course the list could go on and on). Instead of thinking how much dad hasn’t been here to share in the pain and joy of each of these events, I look back and realize it’s only been possible because of the person he made me.

His physical presence is not needed for me to know he shaped and moulded me into who I am nor to understand his huge impact on my life. I may have had to deal with all his health issues but I look at the positive side and see how much stronger and more resilient it made me. I may have dealt with lose and grief but I learned to appreciate my loved ones that much more.

I have always been grateful for the years I was given with my dad after he was only given a few months to live when I was only in 5th grade. I treasure each of my crazy memories. I treasure the playful insanity that we shared. I treasure the times we layed on the couch watching Rugrats and the Flintstones. I even treasure the time I had to spend in the hospital when his meds were making him insane after his transplant. I treasure the dancing on the coffee table and around the living room that my family did. I treasure the time I went into the ICU and he reacted only to my presence. I treasure the silly time when we all wore swim caps during dinner. I treasure that he loved going to my swim meets, basketball games, and anything else I got involved in. I treasure his love and affection in a way only his twinsie would understand.

While today marks 10 years since my dad was taken, I use today to be thankful for the life he was given. I’m thankful for so much. I miss my dad more than works can describe. I often wish I could share my amazing adventures and shared interests with him. But its in those times that I start to get sad when I realize that during these past 10 years he has had a front row seat. He’s been my biggest supporter every step of the way. He’s guided me, encouraged me and comforted me with every new challenge that I take on.

So today instead of being sad I take the opportunity to say thank you to my dad. I celebrate your life and will always cherish our memories. Thank you for all that you have given me. Know that you are missed but I know you no longer suffer. My heart is full of love for you daddy and I’ll always be your lil brown eyed girl.

Your twinsie
Brown eyed girl,
Juls

I <3 Welly

2008-10-11T13:29:00.003+13:00

Wow... time sure flies when you're having fun!!!

I am not online for very long these days... typically long enough to check my email, etc....never just sitting at the computer.

Two weekends ago I went to Castlepoint with Amy and Pete. It was loads of fun. We stopped in Featherston (and thought the car died, until old bald guy fixed it, by getting shocked!) then Masterton for lunch and coffee. Then it was off to the lighthouse...we climbed on the sides and stuff (where all the signs say you aren't supposed to be) and then climbed up the other lil mountain on the other side. It was a great day of being out in the gorgeous (albiet, extremely windy.... the gale force winds had shut stuff down earlier) day! Then it was time for dinner (where I couldn't even stay in the place because the deep fried smell was making me sick... ew!) I had some plain spaghetti at the place. We then played cards and drank some wine for the rest of the night. A few highlights from the weekend: 'watch out for that puddle,' 4 bottles of wine, a broken car, extremely extremely windy, the camera taking a pic cutting off Petes head, and lots more.

The next weekend I went to Ohakune (the carrot capital of NZ) with Same, Ryan and Amy so we could go skiing. I rented snow blades, which are little skis and I was actually able to control myself and turn and the like. The weather was nasty and you could hardly see through the rain and shit...it was a little scary because the green slope has a huge cliff! Yeah, luckily I went really slow down every time with Sam (he was snowboarding)...the two of us spent a lot of time in the cafe! Both nights were spent playing card games and drinking a lil wine. Great times were had by all!! A few highlights: Sam getting denied a fried egg at the gumboot manor on the way up, the nasty conditions where we all suceeded in the goal of the day, Ryan flying backwards out of the chair and breaking the wine glass, the lodge being annoyed that I ruined a dish towel when I spilt wine Friday night, spa time, my first geocache, buying a 10 KG bag of carrots, taking pics at the carrot and then sharing the carrot love, the windy gorgoeus roads (where Amy and I got nasty car sick!), and of course BULLS!

Umm... I started work at NZTA (New Zealand Transport Agency) 2 weeks ago. I'm a Commercial Road Transport Administrator who sits at the receptionist desk (i do great people when they come out of teh elevator, but don't answer phones!). I process a lot of stuff that has to do with Licences for taxi and bus drivers, people with shuttles, farm vehicles, people who want exemptions for certain licences..and then I also am tracking the taxi enforcement officers goings on....recording all the taxi checks, tickets, sending out the warning letters, etc. Its a lot of work but its pretty cool. Its neat to learn all this...and so far..so good. I'm there through Christmas but might be able to stay until I leave NZ. (its been a temp position for 3 years... and they are hoping once they move in March to finally make it permanent, and it'd be cool to maybe stay til they do).

My social life is crazy busy. Pretty much am always with Amy. I am playing volleyball in a fun adult league on Wednesdays and Sundays (however I didn't get to play Wed because I had a killer migraine! UGH!) I am pretty active (depending on teh event) with the couchsurfing group and friends from that. I am meeting new people all the time. Game nights are awesomely fun.... been a few spa nights... and we have a few more road trips planned already!

Hmm.. I think thats it for now. I'll post pics eventually... typically they are on my facebook so if you do want to see... make a facebook!

The coolest news I ever could've recieved I got this morning... My brother Robb and Marc got officially married this morning! I'm so excited for them but just wish I could've been there with them on this great occasion!! I hope all of you vote NO on PROP 8 because there marriage should be able to stay legal. Love you guys and CONGRATS on finally being married!

Workey workey

2008-09-16T17:21:00.003+12:00

so... i believe I get my paid for the first time tonight.. from the temp agency.

It is for only 3 days (and not even a full day on Friday) so it won't be too much. And considering I've spent a bunch getting stuff.. its def already spent.

They are hiring for a finance asst position.. the finance chick is like.. hire Julie. The HR person, said 'to bad she's with an agency.' Hmph. Basically I've done the work they said was going to take 2 weeks in one. I'm starting another project tomorrow and giving people a couple more days to look into it. The last person they had do this must've been stupid because they couldn't figure out any of it.

I did give Adele my CV today.. but I don't think I am allowed to be hired by a company I temp for...unless they pay the fees... which they obviously don't want to pay. And I would technically still be employed by the temp agency and not Site Safe... unless I apply so many months after I'm done with teh agency? I dunno.

But.. sounds like they've got some other stuff for me to do so I'm sure I'll at least be there the two weeks that they originally said.

Hmm.. just looked it up and I can't accept or apply for a job with a company that I 'met through select' for 6 months. but how would they know??
The people are really nice... and real full time job would be nice though!

That is my update. I've officially worked full time a week, woohoo!

Earthquakes

2008-09-15T17:53:00.012+12:00

Hmm.. where did I last leave off?? I'm pretty sure I said I was going to update more...but I'm never home.. therefore another long post!

Friday was cool. I had an interview. Even if I don't get the job, it was good experience, and by far my best interview EVER! So either way, I'm happy. I'm loving the NZ Friday Drinks thing. I get paid to sit around and drink free alcohol at work! Awesome.. must get full time job, as this is great plus. (The company I'm temping with is really great, the are so inclusive of everything...even of their temps!)) I went out with one of the girls and her friends for the after work round. Then was stariving and thourouly buzzed, and it was only 7! Eventually I went with Malcolm (martin, and a bunch of others) to J.J.s, Motel, Alice, Kitty O'Sheas, and then Pete and I went to Mighty Mighty. Made a new friend or two that night! yay for new people in town, my friend Amy! Picked up my PJs and headed out to Miramar since I was going to spend the day there Sat anyways. Think I fell asleep around 5ish...right before the sun came blasting through the window!

Sat was a totally laid back day, it was great. I had forgotten a brush though.. oops..so my hair wasn't to hott! I hung out and read while Pete played video games. Eventually we went for a walk... where he proceeded to throw and break his camera...which means we have no pics of it! Then I sat and read "The Time Travelers Wife" all day while pete played some PS3 game? I don't think I've 'hung out' with someone all day before and said so little to them.. it was pretty funny. Eventually I started and watched a bit of Transformers. Then we left to come into town. I came back and touched up and then we went to a few bars. Everywhere was PACKED because of the rugby game... and it wasn't really possible to even watch it was so crowded, so we headed to a place without tvs! Stayed at Good Luck for 2 drinks and then headed over to San Fran. Had a great night there. Met up with Amy again (the other new girl) and met two more new people (well, more than that) but really hung out with them. Of course, they are WETA people, since everyone is! Eventually we went and got falafels... since someone wouldn't give me dinner!!

Umm, I woke up bright and early Sunday (not quite sure if its because I've slept enough in the past 6 months to last awhile, or what but I haven't had loads of sleep at all...totally unlike me!)! Hung out with Malcolm for a bit and then got ready. Met up with Amy at the Market...got loads of fruits and veggies to use this week! Then we met up with Ben and headed over to Bambalinas on Eva St (which is the st i'm staying on currently!) He bought us both omletes and lattes, what an awesome guy! Then we walked down Lambton and went to Parliaments Open House day. (so I could get my free balloon). However, as we were leaving a girl was hysterical cuz hers had blown away...so I gave her both of mine. I didn't end up with a balloon, but felt great! :-) Then we chilled at different points around the water front for the rest of the afternoon. I went grocery shopping. And then some CSers that Malcolm knows made us dinner (they like to cook, and I had groceries, score!) Then it was early to sleep for me! But while I was laying in bed, the room shook. At first I thought it was just people upstairs.. cuz everything is pretty 'weak' in NZ... but nope, it happened again. IT was totally an earthquake. Awesome. Then I was out! (oh i just read that it was a 5.2.. nothing huge but it was still cool and shaky)

Monday I got woken up by a great phone call from my mom and brother. Too bad I had slept in 20 extra mins so I was in a rush to get in the shower and didn't have time to talk. (I'd hit snooze for 30 mins prior!) But the day at work started off with me not having a computer for an hour... awesome, i read for a bit! Then it was work as normal. Totally loving the 'working' thing. I'm loving getting up and getting dressed up, and doing my make up and hair. Its totally something oppossite of what i've done for the last year and I LOVE it!

I am absolutely LOVING meeting new people and hanging out. I love the cafe and bar scene here. Its fun to go out and make friends, and just walk around town. I'm enjoying myself loads! yay!

2 days temping

2008-09-11T19:37:00.004+12:00

First two days of temping...

I'm calling people that paid Site Safe in 2007 and enquiring about their payments. The only info I have is whatever the direct deposit said (usually not even a full company name), a date, and an amount. Its been fun to try to track down the invoice/reference numbers. People are laughing because I'm calling about stufff that is so old! I'm sure I would too.

They thought I'd have to call each individual branch in the database for a lot of companies (because the info doesn't say which one the deposit was for) but I've cut out the million phone calls and been figuring out the corporate headquarters numbers (for ones where there is a million) and jut been talking to accounts payable that way.... as they have the info for the branches! Its made life a little easier.

Its gonna be fun next week when all I have are account numbers from banks.. I really don't think some of it can ever be tracked.. it'll just sit there forever!

I love it.. one company said today. If its extra, (they believe they made two payments) because one hadn't processed, to just put it into the companies social fun, because the accounts person doesn't want to deal with it... since its so old! He also said I had a great kiwi accent... ummm... yeah, i don't have a kiwi accent. He was pretty friendly.

Today was much better than yesterday.. which took forever! Wish me luck in loooking for a full time real job.

Ok, thats all! Have a great day!

Welly...the first few days

2008-09-09T17:59:00.007+12:00

(sorry about the pics sizes, i messed it all up!!!)

Well, I woke up at 3:30 last Thursday and got ready and waited for the shuttle to pick me up!! Then it was time to go to the airport! I was sooo early.. but didn't really have a choice as I got to pick between getting 330, 4 or 430 for a 645 flight...I did pick the latest option!! Checking my luggage was fun. I had to pay i think about $115 overage fees because my bags weighed too much. (Hey, you're allowed two -very large- suitcases when you come from the states, so I had plenty of stuff! Plus, I'd gotten rid of lots as well! I think I did quite well!) Anyhoo. Got to Wellington and texted Malcolm to wake him up... figured I could wait instead of waking him up super early to come get me. Eventually got to the flat.

I unpacked, cleaned a little, and moved the funiture around so its a little easier to function in there a bit. Let me just say that Malcolm is the best guy ever for letting me stay here for a week or two while I get settled and look for a place, job, etc! I went shopping... was shocked by the price of groceries.. oh my goodness!! A couple other random things that day. Then I cooked dinner and we ate. Then it was time to meet with up the CSers at the coffee shop for an hour and then the movie quiz.

Friday wasn't a great day. Woke up expecting to continue the job hunt (had been sending lots of resumes, apps out!) and found out my mom was in teh hospital. Then I found out she was having an angiogram and may have to have heart surgery. So basically I cried and couldn't focus until I knew what was happening. It was just not nice to be that far away.. and not really have any connection to what was happening. It didn't help that I was so stranded (my brother did update me) but I was just sitting waiting... and not knowing when they started, etc... so that sucked! Anyhoo, eventually I found out she was not going to have surgery so I let out a huge breathe! Yay! Umm.. i don't even know what I did the rest of the day. I think I walked around a bit looking for apps.. .but stupid me had forgotten to print out my CVs (you have to think my frame of mind that day) and so it ended up being a pretty useless day! Came home and decided I'd go buy a cute 'interview outfit' since I noticed a sale! I don't have much business clothes here... so its a must. I was pretty exhausted so I wasn't gonna go out.. even though it was my first weekend night in town. Malcolm and I watched a bit of the video I made and he got pizza at like 8 or 9. I think we were both asleep by 930.

Sat was great. Umm. Not sure what I did now that I think of it! More applications online... eventually I went to The Warehouse. I bought a comforter and some things to hang up in the wardrobe to put shoes and stuff in, since I'll need the stuff when I move anways! I had been freezing and the additional blanket really helped. Of course, more money spent! But, I'll need a blanket (and I bought a duvet cover) for a bed where ever I move. (why hadn't I thought of things like that). I've also bought some random things... like a dish rack, soap, cheese gratter, etc (at the $2 shop!) for the flat... that I can take or leave depending on where I go. That night we went to dinner with a group of CSers. Then it was coffee. Then some bars. My favorite is Kitty O'Sheas... not sure why I like it.. its pretty low key, and they have music... plus its Irish! Umm, think I came home around 330 am.

Sunday I was up at 845 and Malcolm and I made eggs and toast for breakfast. Then I went out with a bunch of people. Met up at the Te Papa cafe, then we walked around the waterfront, went to the book fair, almost went to the brewery (but it was expensive), and then tried to decide where to eat... but with so many people it took forever to decide to do anything! Eventually, we stopped at New World and got stuff (backpacker style lunch for me!). Then it was on to the Cable Car. After the Cable Car we walked down through the botanical gardens, stopping at the playground (which was extremely full since it was Fathers day and a nice sunny day!) and stopping every two stops to take pics (everyone was acting as a tourist, even though all 7/8 live in town!). Eventuall, it was back to another coffee shop, then I went to dinner where I sat while others ate (couldn't afford to coffees and two meals out in a day...even if the first meal was cheap grocery store!) then came home and ate left overs!

Monday morning I applied for some more jobs online. Then got a call from Select (a temp agency) so I made an apt to go in. Spent time running around printing off my CVs, and such. Eventually made it there. Turns out Select also has Select Education.. so it ended up being the perfect place for me to go and a two-for-one temp agency deal for me! yay! Spent the afternoon doing horrible on the tests, but interviewing great (who would've thunk!), then came home and made dinner. Pumpkin cantelonni (and I even baked chicken.. you should all be proud of me!) I met up with pete last night and we saw Tropic Thunder at 915...then it was bed time.

Today I was in the shower when the temp called. By the time I called them back.. they had already filled the job for the day! Ugh! Was looking online for more long term jobs (as I'd taken care of the hopeful short term prospect) and eventually found out my mommy got released today. Then within about 10 mins I got 4 calls from people. I got a call from Select lining up a 2 week job. then right after I hung up the other side (select education) called seeing if I was available.. i'm actually glad that the other side beat them to it! I'd rather work in an office.. to get some experience.. since I have loads with childcare. But its nice to know thats a fall back. Then I got a call to line up an interview on Friday for a receptionist position I applied for. Then, while I was on the phone with them another temp agency called and left a message. Ahh.. oh, and my brother called twice while they kept calling.. it was a funny 15 mins! Then I realized I have no 'business attire' and went shopping! yay, but ahh, boo for spending money before I earn it. I didn't go too crazy though and am limiting myself! No more clothes for awhile! (Only allowed to buy a black belt I need or a purse that I really need!) Now I'm chilling and then tonight is poker night. I'm just gonna go hang out. Not into playing. Maybe get a drink and then come back early cuz I'm pretty tired and I wanna make sure I'm up early and ready to go!

Ok, if you actually read all that.. wow, good job!! I'm gonna get back into posting more and they won't be as long!

The end (with added pics)

2008-09-08T19:54:00.004+12:00

wow.. where do I begin??

I'll make this blog about the end of my time in Tairua. (and then do another one about the move)

So.. I can't believe how fast the 6 months went. It was so crazy fast. Literally. The last few days where nice weather so we got to spend some time outside... yay!!! Took the kids to the park (and on the way got ice cream) on my last day. And got some cute pics.

Friday was another sunny sunny day... Belinda treated me to a great lunch at a cafe and then I worked on some CV stuff and then it was time to leave with Des.

The weekend was spent in Whitianga having fun at the Scallop Festival.

Friday night we had some people at the Bach and drank a bit... and called it a night pretty early. Got up super early the next day.. and it was raining!! So yup.. scallop fest in the rain!!
Haha, the volunteer time went so fast it was crazy. At about 12:20 I finished, to find a soaking wet backpack (in the motorhome shower!) but that was quickly taken care of because I got my 6 pack of beer! I think drank 4 in about 30 mins...and then just hung out and drank beers for the rest of the day. Eventually went to Subway. Waited in line for the toilets... and it was forever long.. the second time... i went in the mens!

We left around 5 to go to the bar.. and more drinking and hanging out. So... eventually I was pretty tired (it was only 7!) and hungry and not wanting to buy food or drinks.. so I thought, hey, if i walk back to the bach there is loads of food there!

So we walk back... and I take a bite of an apple.. and it was too much effort! I was falling asleep on the couch and a few mins later other people started coming. I eventually made the bed and was out by 8! It was sad. I wasn't passed out drunk I was just exhausted!!

So Sunday was clean up and then back to Tairua! We watched the movie and just chilled. Great low key day! I got a great kiwi cookbook with some great pics in it of the kids (some doing baking!) and of the recipes I'd tried while I was there!!

Oh... great news.. Oscar is walking.. that was teh goal when I went.. to have him walking by the time I left! First it was the bike.. and then walking! YAY! He still won't say Julie though. I will here it eventually!!

Yeah, so I can't believe that I've already been away a week. Its pretty crazy. I watched the video I made again... (well part of it on friday before I went to sleep exhausted.. again at 9! with the 'semi-roommate'). I already miss the kids so much. Its crazy when you're with people so much how the little things... like the hugs you miss!! So I'm already talking to people here about planning a road trip in the summer... or during the Pohutaka (ok, i've no clue how to spell that and not looking it up!!) fest! or whenever!!

Anyways. I loved my time with the Belinda, Carl, Bella and Oscar! I had a blast and can't believe how fast it passed. And yeah, not getting emotional!!

DVD finished

2008-08-26T09:53:00.003+12:00

Yeah... it took me awhile... (like a week, working loads of hours each day) but I'm finished...

I've made a 29 minute video slideshow with music of my time with Bella and Oscar here in Tairua (mostly just pics of them)... but I'm pretty stoked about it.

It turned out really cute.

It even has a menu page and scene selection, and everything, like a normal DVD!

Hooray!

After the Scallop Festival on Sunday we're going to watch it (well, the kids and Bindy have already seen it) but Desi and the grandparents will be here. Hehe.. they are even in it a lil bit!

Ahhh.. I've got LOADS to do in the next few days... starting to get a lil stressed! I'm going to breathe and just enjoy my time with the kids.

a look back

2008-08-17T20:00:00.004+12:00

So... watching these Olympics and talking with my mom has made me think loads about my swimming and sports past. (i couldn't remember lots so I decided to write it out to figure it out...)

When I was 10 I was soo into sports and training.... literally. What happened?

It was doing the Iron kids triatholon in TN where I pulled my Achilles tendon that I think I first started losing my interest. I almost completely tore it. I still believe that injury is what has made my ankle so weak and easily sprained, to this day (doctors said then, sometimes its better to snap it and have it surgically repaired) That was in 5th grade.

After that my mom had her heart attack. Then my dad got sick and had only a few months to live. So by the time my ankle was better... I had gotten injured in a stupid accident in school PE and in another cast (thanks josh Burris for missing the soccer ball that I kicked and pounding my foot!) and then... I had another stupid accident at school and ended up in arm cast up to right below my shoulder (they weren't sure if I'd broken my elbow or not) and missed part of the rest of basketball season. 5th grade was the worlds most accident prone year for me.. but goodness, one that seams pretty typical looking back now (I seem to get really hurt doing sports).

So I didn't swim that summer, i don't think because of my dad. We went on a "last vacation" and spend lots of family time together. Ended up he got his transplant and I did some sports in 6th grade... hello baton (where I cracked my front tooth) and basketball. Didn't start swimming again cuz he was sick and these were events I did at school (my mom taught there so I had a ride). Dad was pretty sick that summer and I'm sure that was why I didn't swim. The next year was 7th grade. I did volleyball and basketball. He got his transplant and was better and able to help out with driving a little in summer, so I swam. Turns out I got mono.. and had a HORRIBLE summer. Literally would be asleep til right before the events. My coach... good ol greg had lost hope. I didn't turn out to bad though. I still won my age group on my team. I just couldn't give it everything or train much being so sick with mono. 8th grade, volleyball, and then sprained my ankle playing basketball. Not sure why I didn't swim that year? Maybe cuz I made cheer leading and that was loads of practice all year? So freshman year I cheered and swam. Swim team was small but we still kicked but individually. Sophomore year made cheer (quit cheer when my coach told me I couldn't do half time at homecoming if I didn't go to practice...because I was going to the hospital to visit my dying dad) and swam. My migraines also started that year. I wasn't dedicated at all to swimming. Still did a little better than the year before.. but realized i was having to breathe every stroke (which had happened the year before as well, when I knew I was in shape) and couldn't understand why! Jr year swam as well... again, that was the year I got the helio bacter thing and that affected me. And my migraines affected me.. and then I never got fully into it. Sr year I don't think I swam... just went to meets. I think I was too into Jobs/Demolay that year and traveling after school? I don't remember.

Anyways. the point of this is... I lost my dedication to sports way, way back when. I want to get back into swimming. I miss being athletic. I know I hated the last few years of swimming when I could never catch my breathe... turns out.. I have asthma... that would make sense. Duh! I literally used to die after 50 meters.. which was crazy (i remember thinking, i know i'm in shape, and my cheer coach used to yell at me to breathe, and I'm like I AM..haha!) So once I move to Welly I'm going to find a gym with a lap pool. If it costs me the price of a couple drinks/coffees a week, I think I can manage that. (as long as I find a job/or two, right!) They also have a masters program there. Not sure if I'll get into that or not... maybe after I see if I can even still go back and forth across the pool! Haha, I'd like to join a team of a sport though... that'd be more fun since I can swim on my own at the gym. Hopefully all goes according to plan with that.

I'm going to get my body back into shape! I'm going to see if it'll help my ankle (which is still sore from when I sprained it last month and then kicked the cup) and knees... oh, i didn't mention that. They grew half way out of socket when I hit puberty! (literally, ball and socket joints aren't supposed to be part of the way out! haah!)
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Its great to watch the Olympics. Its funny to think that these people are my age. I had the same dream as them as a kid. I gave up on my dream...its so great to see that they didn't! I know loads of them had challenges (come on, the open water south African amputee! and didn't give up) why did I? Oh well, I love the life I'm leading and am proud of what I'd done. I can't change the past and wouldn't because I've enjoyed the things I've done in DeMolay and Jobs that I wouldn't have done otherwise most likely. All the swimmers did so wonderful, I'm so proud of USA swimming!!!

Here's to swimming being popular (so I'm not the only one watching it on ESPN....when I'm in the states) or on whatever channel where ever I am!

Oh, and can I just say.. the swimmers are soooo cute. Lochte, Aussies' Sullivan, seriously!!!

Never ending

2008-08-07T19:21:00.006+12:00

(sorry, don't know why the pics are so big.. i must've not been paying attention and am too tired to reload them smaller!)

Today was a VERY long, LONG day. It was one of those endless days where it seemed that one of the two kiddos was screaming, crying, or doing something else equally annoying and getting sent to time out (that was just bella)... and a great day to want to hand them back at 4...but of course (this always happens!) I worked late tonight!

Ugh. But... I got to have burritos for dinner... with loads of avocados!

We did make Bella's cupcakes for school tomorrow. I'm going to spend the whole day with them at Country kids tomorrow... so... that should be fun. I'm super tired...literally exhausted, so hopefully I wake up in the morning!

Here are a couple pics (of the million I took today) of the highlights (making cupcakes, being in baskets, playing Thomas snakes and ladders, Oscar screaming at the gate for almost 30 mins for Belinda, bathtime, and Bells with her one cupcake she got to eat today.

Here's to hoping tomorrow is easier (there are teachers there...so i just get to play..hopefully)

UGH. I'm in bed and hoping to be asleep before 9!

what to do...

2008-08-06T20:47:00.004+12:00

Just when I started getting excited about moving to Welly... I get an email about someone interested in me nannying in the 'burbs outside of Sydney.

Who would've thunk?

Ok....so now its time to weigh the pros and cons...

Do I move to Welly...and see if the weather is horrible on my migraines? If it is, I'm ok with that. I tried, and then I can go.

Or do I jump at a chance and just go to OZ?

Ugh.... in Welly there are soo many variables...having to find a job (or two), a place to live. Either one I'll have to make friends. I do know a few people in Welly already though.

They do seem like a great family. Totally the type of family I'd LOVE to nanny for and stay with. Too bad this wasn't a few months down the line when my visa is up in New Zealand and I have to go to Australia!

On the run

2008-08-06T13:20:00.003+12:00

Funny story!!

Oh, so the other day.. it was pouring.. and i said "oh, i'm gonna run to the store" and Bella looks at me and says "why don't you take the car so you don't get wet."

...and then yesterday on the way to playcentre... Belinda mentioned she forgot something, so I asked "if she wanted me to run back and get it"and she was like, "run, oh that good ol American expression again" cuz that time she thought i was serious.

Its funny how such a simple expression that we use is literally taken to a 4 year old when they don't hear it all the time. Well, for that matter. Do American kids take the expression literally too? I dunno, we run errands, run to the store, we are always on the run..

...Gotta LOVE the English language... no wonder no one wants to learn it... its so confusing sometimes living in another Country (where we speak the same language, yet its so different- England and New Zealand from us)... did I ever tell you about the icing sugar/POWDERED sugar incident?... oh, and Porridge (uh know...that the three little bears eat) is really oatmeal? I was disappointed when I found that out!

Ok, there is my random thought for the afternoon. And Oscar is having a GREAT sleep... which is good since he's being grizzly as heck lately!!! UGh, did I curse myself typing that, I just heard him. Later gator...

I <3 the olympics

2008-08-03T16:21:00.005+12:00

I love watching the Olympics.

Literally, I become obsessed with it!

And I am going to miss watching Diedre's coverage on channel 3...and I guess Bob Costas and US coverage in general.

However, I did find her blog online... I remember reading it during Athens and it made me laugh. http://www.kcra.com/deirdre-diary/index.html

Eh, hopefully NBC will hav e fixed their online coverage so people on macs can watch it. Otherwise, I'll be sad!

Yes, they will cover the olympics here...
but of course, they are going to focus on NZ athletes..so I'm going to miss that aspect of the 'bios, little pieces, etc' So... i'll probably be obessed, even more so than normal, with the internet during the olympics!!! I never thought I'd miss that 'dun dun dun' of the olympic music on nbc.. or that colorful bird! hehe!

Go team USA... I can't wait for 08-08-08 8pm (hehe, I get to that day a whole day
ahead of you guys... but the olympics will start in between our night and day...)

I'm pretty bummed that I'm not going to be AT the olypics. I really wanted to go to these olympics.. even with them being in China and all the controversy, I think they will be amazing. Bummer. I would payed $500 to go to an afternoon or morning of swimming! And I would've been happy with just one event.. yes, I know thats sad. but I'm an olympic nut.. since I didn't apply myself to actually go to the olympics myself.. I have to make it there someday as a 'tourist' to cheer for the good ol USofA!

powerful

2008-08-01T15:13:00.001+12:00

* I don't normally post these things... but thought this was good. It was a good litle thing I got off of myspace.. the beginning of it is pretty powerful.*

The parodox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgement, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but we have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We've conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway mortality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can chooses either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

The bomb

2008-07-27T12:12:00.002+12:00

Well, we survived the weather bomb... as it was being called. It was a storm, with lots of rain, huge gusts of wind and lots more rain.

Eh, if you ask me, thats winter for ya.

Haha, I guess Tairua came out of it pretty well. Auckland, Thames and lots of other towns lost power but lil ol Tairua got through the storm ok!

I sat and watched lots of kids DVDs during the rain, or listened to loads of kids music. I coudln't get motivated to do anything. And I stayed upstairs cuz I thought it was warmer plus the sound is better. I love the sounds of storms! The rain and wind is great!

Internet, cell phone reception and free view did go out here though (i'm thinking thats because of power outages in other areas though!)

Anyhoo. We came through fabulous... with loads of avocados cuz I noticed Carl has huge piles on the stairs this morning, so they must've all fallen off the tree. At least I don't have to go pick them now!

Just Oscar

2008-07-25T17:23:00.004+12:00

I had just Oscar for Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Only got the camera out one day.

I spent lots of time walking with him. He is loving to walk while holding onto *both* hands...but hates if you only give him one.

I took him to the Rugby field with the walker so he could go a little farther than the house allows. And he walked on the footpath (sidewalk). His little legs get tired...cuz he starts crying after so long and just stops...and doesn't know what to do.

He loves to watch kids...they could be doing anything. So he stood at the fence and watched the girls at netball practice.

I've stopped caring him and am making him walk. It takes longer but especially since it was just him and I, I could take the time

My goal, for him, is that he will be walking by the time I leave at the end of August! :-)

Inspirational

2008-07-23T13:03:00.007+12:00

Do you guys remember RAFFI??

I believe that Raffi laid the cornerstone and foundation for ALL childrens performers that have followed him. His music is still amazing. Its ageless and timeless. Its just as fun and relevent today as when we were kids.

I know this because as a preschool teacher the kids loved the wiggles (they had just come out around then) but I wanted to show them music from my childhood so I went and bought Raffi's Box of Sunshine (a 3 cd set, his 5th, 6th, and 7th cds) and they couldn't get enough of the songs.

In London Both Mia and Anna LOVED the songs. The silly ones I would sing...ya brush your teeth, or the ones I could find online (baby beluga, bananphone, etc). They were silly and loved them.

Kids LOVE raffi. Seeing as Bella (and Oscar) love listening to music, I thought what better birthday present....then a RAFFI CD! She'll probably listen to it the first time and think, 'eh, not so great' (does it compare to dora?) but after the second or third time... she will be singing and 'dancing her wiggles out' like every other kid I've ever seen when listening to Raffi. And... speaking of...so will Oscar.

So.. I've decided I'm going to spend a good chunk of money and get her a box set (cuz she'll never get any other of his CDs) for her birthday that's in 3 weeks!!

Is it sad that I'll probably be more excited than she is to have her open her present!!!

I thank my dad for being a crazy and silly kindergarten teacher and always listening to fun and exciting music. He literally had every kid RECORD and/or cd known to man (i swear). There was a reason he was such a great teacher...and I think some of his awesomeness with kids rubbed off on me. I sure love kids, love to be silly, and love to listen to Raffi (among other silly kids music!)

Ok, maybe not so much inspirational to you.. but Raffi has inspired many to follow in his footsteps and does not get the credit he deserves (lots goes to the wiggles who learned from the best!) and so this is my HATS OFF and KUDOS to Raffi for generations of fabulous entertainment. I never thought as an adult I'd love listening to you still!

Sleep is NOT overrated

2008-07-21T01:58:00.003+12:00

Is it normal to lay in bed and not be able to fall asleep. I think I need to start taking my meds earlier. Two of them cause drowsiness but I've always had issues with them affecting me waking up... not falling asleep. So maybe if I take them in the morning (can I remember) I'll be drowsy by night time? Or if I take them at lunch time I'll be drowsy at bed time?

I dunno but this does NOT seem normal. Do most people blog in the middle of the night (after laying in bed for hours and not being able to fall asleep, I resort back to the computer)?

It doesn't matter if I wake up between 8 and 9 (I don't rise much earlier than that! I'm still not able to go to sleep at night. Then I'm just exhausted the next morning....can't fall asleep... this will continue for a few days until I sleep for at least 12 hours...many times more.

I think I'm the only adult that needs between 8-10 hours of sleep a night to be able to function. Seriously, I've ALWAYS had sleep issues. And my bodies clock has always been on a 3 or 4 am to noon thing. Not sure why but that really doesn't help me function in society! That much I know.

Plus, say I've got my sleep under control for a week... I'll get a freakin migraine... and the only thing I do with those is sleep...so then my sleep schedule is all screwed up again. UGH.

Its a never ending cycle in my life! Hmm, now that I think about it, I did talk to my doctor about it. That is why we picked the migraine preventatives we did (to see if they helped with sleep) and they help with migraines (may not seem like it to many people, but I get A LOT less) but the sleep thing is still out of control.

(Anyone from FFJHS remember the play we saw with the song.... "normal, am I normal"-- not sure why but it ALWAYS goes through my head. I'm pretty sure I'm done with puberty and don't need to be thinking about that song!)

I've tried so many different remedies for sleep. This week I'm going to get out of bed at 8 am. (at least M-Th and maybe that willl get me sleepy early. But...we'll see. I am going to have sleep in Friday...cuz that's my favorite day of the week!)

Ok, this is all jibberish so I'm going to turn the computer off and try to fall asleep again. Night night

new

2008-07-20T15:39:00.006+12:00

I started another blog... don't feel compelled to read it.

I'm doing it more for me. I like to write down my thoughts (obviously) and have come across some new ideas on stuff lately. Maybe that one will be more 'journally' (is that a word) and this one will go back to just reporting some cool facts.

Eh, who knows. If you do want to look... http://juliesnow.blogspot.com

Yes, I know I'm a retard... but.. hey, at least I admit it, right?

toiletry bag happiness

2008-07-20T02:40:00.003+12:00

I just ordered this off of LL Bean. I've been debating and looking for a good toiletry bag for awhile now. I have a small one (however, it is in London) but when I travel for more than a few days having small bottles gets to be a problem. So this will allow me to have my FULL size bottles. I hate the one I got last year for backpacking it just caused the bottles to leak and spill everywhere...and plus I ended up buying big lotions and putting them in ziplock bags in what became a 2nd toiletry bag (of refills). This should solve the problem. I got the Large....I figured, the family would've been perfect and held my massive amount of crap...but too big! :-) I'll only travel with what fits in the one I get! Yay! In my tiredness though (its almost 3 am, I can't sleep) I had it sent here... instead of my moms. I guess either way I was going to have to pay for international shipping. I was going to have it sent with my perscription refills though.. bummer. Now I guess we'll just do those alone...unless a certain someone *ahem* wants to send me a certain book, *ahem* you know who you are!!!

Wow, is that the LONGEST blog ever about a simple toiletry bag? I'm sure it is...but I'm excited...I really have been looking for one for awhile and couldn't settle (here's to hoping I actually like it!!) Is it sad that I just spent OVER 1/4 a weeks salary on it? haha, granted, (almost) half of that was shipping.

help...

2008-07-19T20:46:00.002+12:00

Since EVERYONE seems to have been skydiving but me...

is the price of the video/pics worth it.

All told it'll end up being about $500 NZ for the jump and the pics/video. Now if it was cheaper to jsut get pics, I would but its only about $10 cheaper.

They'd be awesome to have, right? Or no. Eh, maybe if I can get someone to go.. I can just get someone on the ground to take pics? I know it won't be as awesome BUT, i'd be saving almost $200. And...that is a WEEKS salary. (it already takes a little over 2 weeks just to pay my student loans, so that'd be more than a months salary gone after skydiving and student loans!)

AND THEN... if that wasn't enough of a decision. I could do my Scuba certification for $500 NZ. That would last longer and not be a once in a lifetime thing. Wouldn't that be great? I've wanted to do it forever. I feel like I need to be a lil better shape first though...and get my doctor to sign off on my medical form for it. (ugh, stupid meds!)

I really wanna do both! Maybe I'll look into prices of diving in Wellington? That could make a big difference because that is a good price but its in the Coromandel and I'm only here another month.

What would you do?

more oldies of my mommy and I right as I left for the plane

2008-07-17T22:40:00.003+12:00

And I was loading the ones from my camera that were put onto a DVD too... so here's a couple of my mommy. I won't load any others (of my last night, Sydney or fishing comp)... cuz the internet is so slow!

uploading some old pics

2008-07-17T22:25:00.004+12:00

I was loading some pics onto my computer from CDs from when I was back in Sac ... here's one of Heather and I (and my disastrous hair that I couldn't figure out what to do.. I think I did more to my hair that night then ever... to have it be normal and just a lil flipped!!), my bestie Lena, and John... Then some of the after of the girls night back at Heathers was fun.. (Heather attacked me for a pic... then I attacked Lena...then proceeded to fall and get stuck between the chairs). Then we made pizza! Ah, miss you girlies!

'Time for some Campaignin'

2008-07-17T14:26:00.001+12:00

I (big time) heart jibjab....its hilarious!

watch this!

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

Whiti farm park

2008-07-15T14:53:00.005+12:00

It was a nice winter day... so I took the kids to Whiti farm park to see the animals. They <3 animals. Bella wasn't in to feeding them and would only throw the food in but Oscar wasn't afraid. Here's a great pic of us after a picnic lunch!

colorful faces

2008-07-13T14:51:00.004+12:00

Another lovely pic of them eating the crazy coloful cupcakes (yes, they are long gone because they'd be too old... just loading a couple of Belindas cute/older pics!)

Rainy Saturday

2008-07-13T14:42:00.003+12:00

Am I mean? I stuck him in there.. and Oscar wasn't too keen on being IN the stroller! He was trying to figure out how to push it himself... as he loves to push it (drag it along) when he's on the bike).

The family all reading before bedtime (for Oscar, dinner time for the rest of us!)

aDORAble

2008-07-13T14:35:00.002+12:00

Bella LOVES Dora... and went to see her live the other weekend!

Rainy Days...

2008-07-12T22:40:00.002+12:00

Are nice on weekends, I suppose?

Watched the movie on Charlie Wilson and some Wiggles, and Barney today.

Then made an awesome Apricot and white chocolate Museli and then a fantastical Mac n Cheese (with a little curry powder and other spices, baked with breadcrumbs and all!)

Why didn't I learn to make that years ago??

7/11

2008-07-11T20:20:00.003+12:00

Honor 7-Eleven day....by getting a FREE slurpee!! I always think about their free slurpees but never go. I suppose it does me no good here in New Zealand! Plus, I'm not even thinking about cold drinks because unlike you Sacramento folks in the triple digits, I'm freezing! I am not a fan of winter!

I only randomly noticed the 7/11 because [in the rest of the world] the date is first and then the month here.

11-7-2008 (11 July, 2008)

Thats my two cents!

painting

2008-07-11T15:56:00.007+12:00

On thursday Bella and I started our ocean art projects. (When I was in London Mia and Anna made a bunch of different ocean stuff to decorate the sides of their beds so Bella is going to decorate one of her walls.) It was great because Oscar slept in the morning so we were able to do a couple different crafts. However, I didn't take pictures because...she wanted me to do it with her...so I was all covered with paint, glue, etc.

Then during her nap, I got the paint back out for Oscar. He lasted maybe a minute painting, if that!

lil cars

2008-07-11T14:49:00.008+12:00

Oscar lines up all his cars...then pushes the last one...which causes the line to collapse...so he then proceeds to build the entire line again in a new spot...sometimes driving over roads (the blue thing)... building lines...moving cars...repeat! It can keep him happy for long periods (well, in Oscar time!)

bum shuffle

2008-07-11T11:56:00.004+12:00

This is a lil video of how Oscar Bosca bum shuffles. Notice he doesn't use his hands like most kids do. He just pulls himself with his legs...and throws his body forward. Its really cute.

tractor time...

2008-07-10T21:13:00.002+12:00

funny faces

2008-07-10T20:38:00.002+12:00

He was making funny faces when I was trying to take a pic with him... or just trying to block it!

Cheers

2008-07-10T20:30:00.004+12:00

Oscar LOVES to 'CHEERS' you with your drinks. He even learned today to do it to himself, since he had to bottles.

I had a really cute video... but I guess the internet isn't fast enough to load it! Argh

He's ready for another nap!

2008-07-10T19:57:00.004+12:00

I took LOADS of pics of Oscar today (which will probably take a million days to get up here). None of Bella :-( She was at a sleepover then came home and took a 3 1/2 hour nap. haha. They slept totally on different schedules.

Here is the first set... since I'm going to post them all in groups as blogs so they makes sense!

Isn't he cute!

30 before 30

2008-07-09T23:16:00.008+12:00

As I sit here tonight, pondering my future, like I do every night I thought this list would be a great thing to write. Seeing as I'm half way through my twenty's it's the prefect timing.

It's a list of 30 THINGS I'M GOING TO DO BEFORE I'M 30!

And in reality, I'm only putting it out there for me...so I can add to it, keep looking at it when I'm down...and know what my dreams and goals are! I'm going to make it happen!! Anyone up for a trip (start saving!) or want to do one of them with me when I'm in your neck of the woods??

30 things to do before 30 (in no significant order)
1. Volunteer in Africa for at least ONE month
2. Get my Masters
3. Touch the pyramids and the sphinx (I fell in love in 6th grade, thx mom & Cindy)
4. Go skydiving
5. Get Scuba certified and do at least 3 dives after
6. See the Taj Mahal at sunrise
7. Volunteer in Cambodia (yes, they are BOTH on my list)
8. Get drunk at Oktoberfest in Munich
9. Live like a local for a month (in a less developed country)
10. Hike the Grand Canyon
11. Road trip Across the US
12. Trip around the world
13. Summit Mt. Everest-or at least 1 base camp! (LOFTY for my out-of-shape self, yes, I know!)
14. Swim with Sharks (what better way to get over my fear!)
15. Teach English Abroad
16. Go to the Olympics, 2012 with my mom
17. Week (or weekend) long road trip in a convertible with Lena blasting music!! (We've always talked about doing the PCH, but anywhere would be good!)
18. Get a more 'grown-up' job, aka career path
19. Walk along the Great Wall of China
20. Live on my own
21. Travel to ALL SEVEN Continents (or at least fly over Antarctica until I'm old and super rich to afford a cruise there)
22. Follow the Summer (2 or more summers in a row!!)
23. Actually put ALL my photos in albums (and this includes childhood photos that are in boxes and DeMolay/Jobs that have boxes and boxes of!)
24. Learn another language
25. Have a savings account, that actually has SAVINGS in it!
26. Complete a marathon
27. See sports LIVE (Rugby, Tennis, Football/Soccer,etc-in as many Countries as I can!))
28. Read -Fill in All time classics here....
29. Conquer my migraines
30. Learn to sew and quilt (properly)

(Alright, I've filled them all but I could EASILY have come up with 50 more..hmm. maybe I'll just keep going.. and make it 100...or 1000 things to do before I'm 30!)

Hmm. If I had written this a year ago it would've included: Backpack Europe Alone, Live abroad, Read at least 10 books a year... but I've accomplished those and the later isn't inclusive enough to put on a list. I can't put the others on since I didn't write the list before doing it... and after traveling for so long alone it probably doesn't seem like that big a feet to people. And... I can't put some things and places I've always wanted to go/see on the list cuz that to is cheating. Thus, I start the list as of today...July 10, 2008.)

found...

2008-07-09T22:36:00.006+12:00

I found more from Rotorua... and am just experimenting with layouts... seeing as I AGAIN changed my background. (I'm trying to get it so they just do two columns like Ashley's!) I think I've picked one of the pages with the widest middle blog part, so hopefully it'll work...

(so its not automatic like hers but at least its down the center, right?)

Party outfits

2008-07-09T22:07:00.011+12:00

Oh, this is from the other day. Carl had people over the night before a week of fishing charters and this was Bella's "party" outfit. She LOVES when anyone comes over because in her mind, its a party!

She managed to fit the tights over the pajama bottoms!

And no, its not beer, its just water, but it was funnier with the bottle! (hey, its a party!)

Here are two that we took a lil back when we were in my room (obviously she took one, and yes, she told me to hold her baby).

And we've got lift off...

2008-07-09T19:46:00.003+12:00

First, let me give a little background. (In addition to what I've already written about it!)

I grew up ONLY knowing how to make: baked potatoes, spaghetti or pasta (and I'm talking the simple, add sauce kinda, nothing fancy), pizza, burritos, ramen, mac n cheese, rice, grilled cheese, and frozen food. And maybe a couple other random other things that I'm sure I'm forgetting!

When I moved out, I was doing Jenny Craig and thus eating loads of frozen food and thus not cooking. When I did, it was again, pasta (Ok, David and I did eat A LOT of pizzas and cookies, I admit!) and it was all measured out with just a bit of sauce. I never learned how to spice it up and make it exciting or add vegetables.

Then I moved into my aunts. Again, doing Jenny Craig. Frozen food. Or Fast food or restaurants. Typically that was all I ate. Or reception food... does that count thus I gained back my weight. (The point of this isn't about weight). My aunt is a great cook and I didn't take advantage of that and learn how to cook or bake or anything! Oh, I did love eating her cookies though!!

Then went home for a few months, more of the above (Frozen, fast foods).

Moved to London. John and Sheena were both great cooks. Did I learn anything? Well, I did learn how to make my own vegetable ramen for cheaper....vege broth and egg noodles. Hard, right? But, the first thing I truly learned how to make was white cheese sauce. The girls loved that so I would make them pasta with white sauce all the time (aww, I miss Mia and Anna!)... not too difficult (flour, butter, milk, cheese) but for me it was a huge step. So again, I didn't take advantage of learning any great skills or recipes. I'm sure I would've... I had great plans to learn some awesome recipes... however, we all know what happens.

Then I come to Tairua. They eat LOADS of fish here. I HATE fish. Belinda cooks a lot. Oh, and bakes. Yup. I finally learned how to do something. She somehow suckered me into cooking once a week (ish? cuz its probably not that often.. and this is only lately). Every since I baked the cookies I feel like I'm learning loads. It may seem odd to know SO LITTLE about cooking but I truly know nothing.

I think one reason I've never cooked is because I have NO CLUE what any of the damn terms in the recipes mean. Yeah, they have glossaries that tell you how to do 'this or that' but it doesn't help me SEE it for the first time, which I think is essential in cooking. Some of the things I just don't get until I see it with my own eyes! So I'm taking advantage of living with someone that can be there to answer a million questions about (tonight for example: 'how much water, how do I slice it, but its not dry like it says,' etc) anything and everything and going to cook as much as I can in the next two months. That might seem like it'd be loads, but we're big on leftovers and their big on fish...which they eat at LEAST 3 times a week. So... we'll see how it goes. Hopefully I'll learn some more great techniques and get less scared.

In just the little time I've been 'cooking/baking/messing around' I feel so much more confident. I made pumpkin cannelloni tonight! It was so good! It had cottage cheese in it!!! YUMMY! Even Oscar scarfed it down!!

Ok, that's my two cents on cooking. Anyone have any great (vegetarian) recipes, or things I can make vegetarian (or do the meat separate)??? I'd love to try them out!!

chapped and dry

2008-07-06T18:42:00.002+12:00

I know you Northern hemisphere people can't relate right now.. since you'll be complaining of sunburns and the like... but DRY, WINTER CHAPPED hands and lips is driving me crazy. Even my scalp is dry. Its annoying!!

It happens every winter. And no matter how much lotion, different (special dry skin,etc) types, etc, it doesn't seem to go away at all during winter!!

AHhhhh.... To deal with this once a year is one thing... but I JUST dealt with this 4 months ago. (I remember buying so many special lotions in Dec/Jan!)

Anyone know any awesome remedies that might help me from going insane??

Less than 2 months....

2008-07-05T20:13:00.003+12:00

Seeing as I have less than two months left in Taiura I'm making a list (that I can go back and refer to) of 'Things I still need to do on The Coromandel.'

It pretty much includes EVERYTHING here as I haven't done anything except Cathedrol Cove. (Here is what The Coromandel pamphlet says -Carl works for them-, what my NZ guide book says I should do, and most importantly what the locals -aka Binds and Sue- tell me I shoudl do!!)

-Drive around the whole Coromandel (stoping at all the lookouts, etc)
-Hot Water Beach (during LOW tide)
-Hahei/Cooks Beach (Cooks Monument! gorgeous blue waters! blow holes during high-stormy?- tide)
-Coromandel Town (Driving Creek Railway, arts/cratspeople)
-Whitianga (food and wine): bone carving,
-Take the lil ferry (its just a lil boat) over to Pauanui for the day
-Whangamata Beach (Shakespeares Cliff after taking a ferry?)
-Waihi (Martha Mine-gold mining)
-Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway (At least to 4.5 km to the walkway? -tramp through the dark railway tunnel, to Owharoa Falls)
-Paeroa (home of L&P)
-Thames (Rapaura watergardens)
-Scallop Festival (Super famuous, I'm volunteering, so free entry to an even that sold out in like one day!)
-The Pinnacles! (3 hour walk each way in/out, plus summit and night at the base huts!)

Things AROUND The Coromandel (In the North Island)
-Auckland (hopefully explore with a local so they can show me the best of)
-Waitomo glow worms, black water rafting, repelling
-Tauranga: Prestons Kiwifruti Winery, The Mount
-Kiwi 360 (in Te Puke) 'The Kiwifruit Capital of the World'

Can I just say I wish I had taken advantage of doing some of the LOADS of walks around here (10 min-2 hour drive) while it was warm and DRY out! I am looking forward to doing some of this but am not going to kill myself to get it done. I know I can always come crash on the couches/spare beds/camp/etc back here at the Muirs if I need/want to explore this area again in the summer! I'm excited to get down to Wellington and start making some friends that will go on weekend adventure trips with me. I really want to get out and explore the native bush because it is so amazing here!!

Who knows what from that list I'll actually be able to do before I 'leave.' Ehh, you don't get out and enjoy what you have around you until its too late! (Just like never going hiking up towards Tahoe off 50 or 80, or going more to SF to walk, Napa/the wine country to explore etc!)

Red, White, and Blue

2008-07-05T15:16:00.010+12:00

Well, it turns out Tayla didn't come over (she went to bed early to get some much needed rest as they are all going to see Dora live today!) and Bella was a lil bummed about that but the night was a success!

Bella and I had dorky hats and had made one for Tayla too but Binds ended up wearing up.

The fireworks were on my hat!

The salads were great (and even BETTER today, as macaroni salad gets better the next day) and I had everyone try THOUSAND island on their burgers inpsired by my much missed IN n OUT! (Everyone liked it!)

All in all, I had a great 4th, great American food (I got my moms recipes-if you can call it that, as to what to put in the salads, since I like hers the best!), great drinks (we should've had bud, right?) and everyone wore Red, White and Blue! They did ask if they had to do anything special before dinner... seeing as on the last American Holiday they celebrated they all had to go around the table and say what they were thankful for. I replied, "yup, you have to say why you like me since I'm the only american here".

Oh, and it took Carl a good hour after he got home and the others got here of noticing everyone was wearing RWB and American flags to figure out it was the 4th (I think it was mentioned in conversation). He was like, "I wondered if were having an American welcome party" or something to that nature, it was pretty funny. I guess he wasn't informed of the purpose behind the dinner, just that we were having one!

Independence Day

2008-07-03T23:43:00.005+12:00

This 4th of July, I say (well, write) louder than any other, that I'm PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN.

I celebrate this day in our history when we made our declratation of independence from Great Britain with a different level of appreciation after a year abroad.

I've always taken for grantded our given rights and Constituion that most other places do not have. The reason we declared our freedom was because of taxes. That turned into the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that is the foundation of the United States of America that I am PROUD OF.

I now appreciatte what America has and has to offer and even more so after seeing that so many other places have so little.

I never understood why people wanted to come (well, go) to the US until I got out and started to see the rest of the world.

It makes sense. We have the freedoms, the opportunity, and the chance for anyone to have their American 'dream.' People around the world believe that 'if just they could get to America they too could have their American dream.'

I did and do have lots of issues with the US and its policies but that is the same all over the world. I can be sure that my time abroad has opened my eyes and made me feel a special kinship with my homeland that I did not have before.

I celebrate this 4th of July with my Kiwi family, the Muir's. I made good 'ol American style Potato and Macaroni salads to go with our burgers (well, I'm not eating one!) And obviously we're covered from yesterday with dessert! Just like a summer bbq we'll have friends here too, Sue, Brett and Tayla are coming over to partake in all things American. (or to make fun of my cooking, not sure which!) I hear everyone is wearing Red White and Blue... so if thats the case I'll post pics tomorrow (and of all the food!) I'm excited that they're celebrating with me (they celebrated Thanksgiving with their first nanny) and letting me experiment with my new found cooking on them!

Here's a dorky pic of me and some American stuff I found at the car show.. I got pretty excited.. but everyone was laughing at me!

HAPPY 4th EVERYONE... BE SAFE. Don't DRINK AND DRIVE! And don't forget what it means to be an American and be PROUD of what we have (even if gas prices are horrible, I promise it's worse other places!)

Good 'Ol American Day

2008-07-03T23:10:00.009+12:00

Getting in the spirit of 4th of July, I decided to make a cupcake American flag cake with Bella!!

Bella and I made the cupcakes in the morning. (24 regular, 22 red mini, 2 white mini)

I made the frostings while she slept. Got food coloring all over me! heeh, but had fun mixing like crazy!

After picking Tayla up the two of them decorated the mini cupcakes. The RED frosted cupcakes were decorated with RED candies (which are extremely hard to find here -so we added in a few pink) and the BLUE cupcakes are decorated with WHITE (which are even harder to find... like crazy hard) candies for the stars!

Here's what the books shows its supposed to look like and what ours did. The 3-D level view... so you get the full aspect, and a close up!

There just happened to be three mini cupcakes left over for the kids to have after. Oscar made a huge RED MESS while eating his. He looking like a clown, with painted make-up and all!

I was SUPER proud of myself becausee it was a pretty big project to take on for my third ever time baking!! Yet, it wasn't too hard. It turned out alright, I didn't actually try one, I was too sweated out after sampling the dough and candys when I was sorting the colors! Tomorrow, I'll make up for it though and eat a couple!!

Then, I became SUPER MARTHA and made dinner too. I made 'breakfast for dinner!' I made french toast, puffy omlets, and hash browns (ok, those I just put in the oven). And really, Belinda helped with the omlets... but I learned how and was planning on doing it but didn't know how to do that kind. Plus, I put her in charge of the oven cuz I burnt my hand (one finger on each hand, actually!)... but for those that don't know this trick, I just learned it. PUT SARAN WRAP ON A BURN, ITS THE AIR THE MAKES A BURN HURTS. IT REALLY WORKS!! It was cool and very American to have a 'breaky dinner' which I remember eating ALL the time as a kid!

Day in Thames

2008-07-03T22:40:00.009+12:00

Wednesday, Belinda, the kids and I went to Thames to run some errands....

This is waiting at the doctor for Oscar to get his shots...

This is eating MacDes! hehe (funny joke from Rotorua)...Oscar kept stealing every ones food!!

Oh, I got the BEST deal!! I got 2 new bras and 4 new pairs of underwear for $30! The full price value of those 6 items was $230... so I saved $200... yay for $5 bras and undies...does it get any better than that!!! Nope, especially when the bras actually fit (seriously, I haven't found a bra that fits this well in ages! 14F) and to have it be a total bargain steal of a price just made it that much better!!!!!
(Here's the price tags as proof of the amazingly awesome deal!)

I also got some just plain 1st grade reading glasses.. and they actually help with reading and using the computer (i'm supposed to have worn reading glasses since 5th grade but haven't since it was the lowest prescription). Hopefully they'll help the migraines! (they aren't super designer cute, but they were $12, so they suffice. I'd get better ones if I paid any more--like wider, since I have a wide face!) Here's 2 stupid pics just so you can see what they are.

Oh, and Wednesday night, I somehow knocked a coffee mug off the counter and in reaction went to kick it/stop it from hitting the ground with my foot but instead it hit the knuckle bone/thing on the outside. I pretty much complained/cried/screamed/cussed/got laughed out (it was like a funny bone but worse) and thought.. hey that sucked and hurt a lot. Well, turns out, I'm pretty sure I chipped the bone. I can feel where the chip is. Its Ridiculously sore and wouldn't you believe its right on the other side of the part of the foot that I always sprain. God, that foot is cursed. (literally, over the years EVERYTHING happens to it!) So basically, I'm going to weather the storm with my ankle that just got better that now I'm pretty sure has a little piece of bone floating around and cross my fingers that nothing ELSE happens in the next lil bit to add to it! hehe!!

We've got a pair of runners....

2008-06-28T20:45:00.007+12:00

Last Friday I went to Butterfly Creek near Auckland airport with Tairua Kindergarten (preschool in the states).

My 'job' was to watch one of Tracy's kids and she'd watch the other! Aaron is 4 and autitistic and Nathan is 2 and ADHD! So needless to say she needed an extra set of hands with her!

The way there was dark and extremely wet with some lightning! I had one or two kids sitting with me at different times. Hunter (who I know from playcentre) sat behind me and sat with me for awhile... he's such an adorble cute kid!!

Luckily, once we arrived it had cleared up a bit and didn't start to rain again until we had gotten the outdoors stuff out of the way!

I had to run after each one of the boys at least once as did Tracy and numerous occasions!! They are super quick!!! And Nathan likes to throw himself on the ground if he's unhappy (actually, Aaron did that once as well).

I think we spent more time on the bus then at butterfly creek, but it was a fun day! Gotta love the picking nose, he kept himself entertained for awhile on the bus... eventually I gave up trying to stop and let him sit quietly doing that! They LOVED Nemo and Dory and sat for long times watching them. Enjoy some of the pics...

Here are some pics (of Hunter, Aaron-who loved taking pics, and Nathan)!!

I <3 my Mom

2008-06-26T17:28:00.006+12:00

She's so right.

I want to travel, and I should.

No more of this setting deadlines for this grad school thing. I'm going to look into teaching English in an Asian or South East Asian Country for 6 months. After NZ I'm going to (hopefully) meet up with KC in Australia for 2 weeks and travel there. I'm going to look into a working holiday visa for there as well. So I can travel and tour and work to pay for it (there are lots of backpack type jobs). I plan on visiting more of the Pacific Islands. Then over to South East Asia and then Asia and maybe get to the rest of Eastern Europe that I didn't get to see and/or Africa? There is SO much of the world out there and I'm going to see it!!

I plan on traveling around and spliting it up with work or volunteering. No clue on timeframe or plans. But I'm going to make it happen. Basically, I've just realized (just now) that I can go with the flow and do what I WANT!

I've realized this is the time to do it. The only bills I have are the student loans and if I go to gradschool I'd be getting another HUGE loan and would have to get a 'real' job to pay for things.

She's made me realize I need to follow my heart and I can work for the rest of my life. Grad school will always be there. Granted, I hate the fact that I'll be old, have no 'real' job experience or Masters but I think traveling, adapting and learning is something that most jobs can't teach.

Something about traveling, experiencing new places, cultures and people excites me, scares me, intrigues me, etc and I live for it! I live to explore and to uncover what else is out there.

Thanks mom for putting my mind right (ok, I say this, but it could just be for today.. as I'm always going back and forth about what to do next .)

I think my mom and I have gotten lots closer since I've been away. I've always heard a lot of daughters say that not living with or right next to their mom made them get closer, and I totally agree. Love you mom, thanks for being the best and giving me all the encouragement and inspiration you do!

Good 'Ol Disney Movies

2008-06-26T16:36:00.006+12:00

My mom sent me a bunch of movies from back home in the packages, however, I forgot that they'd be different regions...so the only way I can watch them is on my computer!!

Today we watched (well, started anyways) 101 Dalmations laying on my bed! :-) Bella really like Cinderella last time and keeps wanting to watch it over and over (but I'm going to make her watch the other Disney movies I have!

I never posted pics of all the boxes (from my mom, my computer, Lena, and Heather. I thought it was funny how many I had.

the LAST TIME

2008-06-26T12:11:00.004+12:00

And so it begins.

I'm starting TODAY to get in shape. Instead of focusing on losing weight (which I want to do) I'm going to focus on GETTING IN SHAPE. This is going to be the last time I have to Get into shape. I miss being able to do all the sports and everything I used to do without dying for a breath!

I've decided that on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (or Saturdays) I'm going to walk up Paku or do a 30 min workout (building up 5 mins a week) in the Rugby field (or maybe go for a tramp, etc).

I will not let the rain stop me... as I've got a rain jacket now! yay!

Alexis was working out in the field behind her house and it made me realize I could do the same thing. While I'd rather have a gym and elliptical machine, I'm going to make it work. Yay for Andrews workout for his wife, it gave me some ideas!!

All this being said, today is SOOO windy you can barely walk outside, its a little crazy. And my ankle is really hurting today (the worst its been since I sprained it), so that all being said, I'm just going to do a walk for 30-40 mins with running for 1 minute every 10-15 mins (doesn't sound like much, but I'm that out of shape!) I don't want to push it and hurt it worse since I have to walk all day tomorrow on the field trip.

The plan is to concentrate on the excersice and then let the food follow. Usually I focus on the eating first and then the working out but I need and want to do it the other way. Its not my weight that bothers me so much as the fact I am crazy out of shape!!!

Ok, wish me luck. I'll keep everyone updated

Sorry

2008-06-25T20:04:00.001+12:00

For the mass confusion in the post below. I tried... again, to figure out how to do the pictures correctly!

I'm getting irritated! I made the back bigger so they would fit next to each other and it didn't seem to help... now its just a jumbled mess of words and pictures that make no sense!!

It was all organized by day and pics... and then the next, etc! ARGH