Lessons Learned

Bittersweet

2010-12-20T18:09:00.002+11:00

Tonight is my last night in Australia. Ive lived here for 3 years and in those 3 years more changes have happened than I ever thought possible. From start to finish this journey in the land down under has been one of suprise.

Grateful for each lesson learned, each encounter and new experience, each friend made, and every day had.

Looking forward to the next chapter. Ireland bring it on. New Zealand - Ive already fallen in love.

Nervous? you bet your ass. Excited - of course!

and oh so curious to see what the next three years hold.

Much love, and thanks for keeping up with the journey.

Two week countdown.....

2010-07-16T18:08:00.000+10:00

Yep, its starting!!

Two weeks till I head back to the States! weddings, best friends, new babies, family.....I am SO SO SO excited!

Get stoked.

Chick Fil A

2010-07-13T14:24:00.002+10:00

OH MY GOSH.

I just found out that there are Chick Fil A spots in California. I dont know how long they have been hiding there....but I sure as hell know that for a long time you could only get them when you began to hear southern drawls as you crossed statelines.

Can I just say that there are 3 things that are going to happen when I get to California.

1. REAL mexican food. Not tomato sauce on top of an imported tortilla and call it a taco.

2. In N Out. Because that is a perfect hamburger and at least I know there is real meat in it.

3. I am driving my happy self to a Chick Fil A somewhere in California in order to enjoy the goodness of their chicken salad. Oh good lord above...so excited for the good ol' fatty food of the USA.

MMMMMMM........

Sydney Seafood School

2010-07-12T20:25:00.001+10:00

So last year...last year? I think - wow time flies. Anyways, went with Audrey and Josh to Sydney Seafood School and learned Tapas! This time round Jo and I are headed to learn how to make some rockin' Paella. Yes please! In honour of the Spanish win in soccer - no not really - just want to learn how to make it! should be good!

2nd Job!

2010-07-10T19:48:00.002+10:00

Got a second job today! working in a cafe for a few hours on a Saturday. Bring in a bit of extra cash and I get to learn how to make drinkable coffees. Not bad!

Pretty excited actually. Stop by - embarrass me and I will make you a coffee :)

David Gray

2010-07-05T17:52:00.002+10:00

Can I also just say that after a week of listening to Dave Dobbyn (the equivilant to Dave Barnes for Aus and......who's the classic American voice? Maybe Bruce Springsteen?)It KILLS me that Mr Gray is playing in the US of A WHILE I am there....but on the wrong side of the country. Tears.

Annddddd.....She's Back.

2010-07-05T17:45:00.005+10:00

New Zealand was fantastic. As per usual. I swear I am half tempted to jump ship and move over to the little island rather than the big one. It is SO BEAUTIFUL. The company was PERFECT. The food DIVINE. The activities non-stop. The weather cooperative. The views - well, lets just say I think God did the rest of the world first and then decided he wanted to make perfection....so he made New Zealand.

Not that Im a fan or anything.

Heres a couple pics to sink your teeth into.

Out of the Office

2010-06-21T13:49:00.004+10:00

I am trying to get my desk sorted before I head out on holidays to New Zealand this week and I needed to create an "out of office" reply for my inbox. So...as any responsible employee does, I googled "out of office replies".

Just because I couldnt be fussed to do it myself.

But these are sooo much better than any that I could come up with!

1.I am currently out of the office at a job interview and will reply to you if I fail to get the position. Please be prepared for my mood.

2.You are receiving this automatic notification because I am out of the office. If I was in, chances are you wouldn't have received anything at all.

3.Sorry to have missed you, but I'm at the doctor's having my brain and heart removed so I can be promoted to our management team.

4.I will be unable to delete all the emails you send me until I return from vacation. Please be patient, and your mail will be deleted in the order it was received.

5.Thank you for your email. Your credit card has been charged $5.99 for the first 10 words and $1.99 for each additional word in your message.

6.The email server is unable to verify your server connection. Your message has not been delivered. Please restart your computer and try sending again.

7.Thank you for your message, which has been added to a queuing system. You are currently in 352nd place, and can expect to receive a reply in approximately 19 weeks.

8.Hi, I'm thinking about what you've just sent me. Please wait by your PC for my response.

9.I've run away to join a different circus.

10.I will be out of the office for the next two weeks for medical reasons. When I return, please refer to me as Margaret instead of Dave.

My favourite? its a tie between number 1 and number 3. Classic.

What I am thankful for....

2010-06-15T18:59:00.003+10:00

I am thankful for finally arriving in NSW-wanting-to-be-Victoria-its-so-close after 10 hours in the car by myself (if you know me that means I have had WAAAYYY too much time by myself and thought myself in circles. For hours).

I am thankful that after a 30 minute wait, some "shooing" in my heels and suit and a few horn beeps the cows moved to the other side of the freeway so I could get to my meeting in NSW-wanting-to-be-Victoria-its-so-close.

I am thankful that the NSW policeman who caught me speeding, in order to make up the time due to the cow incident decided that he saw "10 km" over the speed limit rather than the actual amount over the speed limit (and no it shall not be posted) and offered me better directions than my written ones, reduced my fine by $700 and let me off with 3 points on my record instead of 7. True Blue.

I am grateful for the excercise I have achieved today climbing the stairs to the 5th floor with my suitcase (no wheels) because the elevator at my hotel in NSW-wanting-to-be-Victoria-its-so-close decided to break...while I was in it.

But more than anything? I am thankful I am safe, have cooked myself dinner in my little 5th floor apartment/hotel, have a glass of wine.....and I am oh so grateful this trip is only until Friday and then I get to go to a house on a beach in New-Zealand-it-is-oh-so-far-away-from-NSW-wanting-to-be-Victoria-I-might-not-come-back.

Travel begins again

2010-06-12T07:14:00.002+10:00

So the last couple months Ive had a bit of a reprieve from all the travel with work. Its been kinda nice sitting behind a desk for a little bit rather up/down coasts or in the middle of nowhere. But it begins again next week with south NSW and Victoria, then off to New Zealan - that parts fo me ;)back again to housesit then off to the USA, up to Coffs Harbour, down to Shoalhaven..it keeps going. Probably should just get used to living out a suitcase for the next few months I think.

Bring it on.

3 years on...

2010-05-26T17:53:00.003+10:00

I started this blog three years ago as a way to communicate with friends and family back in the states when I came for a visit to Australia. I had just finished my third year of university and had the oppportunity to stay with my aunt and uncle during summer holidays to see if Australia was a place I could potentially do a post graduate degree.

I encountered kookaburras, kangaroos, koalas, possums...and tried to dry all laundry on a line outside (whether or not it was undies) for the first time in my life.

I expected to have a great summer away on holidays, come back to the US of A and finish my degree with my best friends, and think about moving to Australia in a couple years.

What actually happened?

I moved deadlines, I moved countries, I moved continents and was really confident in my decision (and I still dont regret it for a second). I moved 6 months early, I moved without money, I moved without a job, and into a house with a girl I had never met. For the next year and 1/2 I tried pretty damn hard to sort out what it means to be American/ what it means to be Australian...and what I wanted in this life.

Ultimately, I was on my own again, doing the post graduate degree I always said I would do and living in a great house.

Now - another year later? Im sitting in the very chair I wrote my first blog and contimplating how CRAZY my life has turned out in the last few years.

In some ways its to be expected. "thats what your 20s are for" "you learn lessons" "you make mistakes" "you travel" are all things Ive heard.....but never would have imagined I would actually tuning out the way they did.

And here I am. Finishing the "Sophomore year of life" as one of my dear friends would say. Ive still got two more to go apparently before I actually get sorted out (not sure if thats encouraging or not...).

2010-05-23T12:21:00.001+10:00

rain outside
jazz playing on the ipod speakers
fixing homemade potato leek soup and chocolate chip cookies
dreading working on a 3,000 word uni assignment.

Sounds like a good sunday (bar the uni bit)

Apparently Ive picked the wrong country.

2010-05-16T14:27:00.003+10:00

Check it out...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/8683377.stm

Young Life

2010-05-14T18:18:00.001+10:00

4 years of benefit dinners and counting.

Good cause, good night, good friends.

here we go! -- and its the first year Ive been able to donate a prize....moving up in the world!

Where in the world is...

2010-05-12T17:58:00.003+10:00

1 day in new zealand, 1 month gone in PNG, 10 days on a yacht, 4 months gone in south america, 5 days in sydney, 2 months gone in Brisbane and PNG...one of these days it will sort itself out.

But hey, in the meantime, I enjoyed while he was here....

No Good Reason....But

2010-05-02T18:58:00.003+10:00

This.....

Plus this....

Equals? This....

Love Nine West sales and no good reason even be looking in the shop....let alone buying, but hey, why not.

Housesitter Power

2010-05-01T20:40:00.002+10:00

So I am moving out of the Newtown pad come june - I know I know, I just moved in. But one of the other fabulous flatmates is moving out and timing is great cause Ive lined up a housesitting opportunity, then head back to the states, then to another housesitting job which means 4 months free rent! Woohoo! Here comes some actual saving for once! Perhaps enough to get my own place....theres a thought. So one house gone, one house sat, one trip taken, one load of furniture shoved in storage. Sounds like a plan. Sweet!

When I was little:

2010-04-29T20:14:00.004+10:00

Marriage was common
Male at the office female in the home
Christianity was cultural and unquestioned
banana pants were in
MC Hammer was NOT a minister
AIDS was called GRID
obesity was not a health condition - it was just what you were
Bill was saying no to Monica
nuclear warfare was supposed to be waning
great depressions long forgotten
President Bush still meant good things
heterosexual was the only sexual
Mars was the next great stop in space
2000 meant the Armageddon
Apple was a fruit not a computer
Cameras had film not chips
the middle east promised to get along
Silicon was for computers not body parts
.com was....?
Chat rooms were bars
airplane rides meant you got dressed up

Now?

at 24?

Im learning you live in the moment, with what youve got, and look forward to the blind point in the road ahead. If the last two decades are any indication...at least it will be interesting.

Might actually get the brownie points

2010-04-29T19:57:00.002+10:00

so...Meg has a present coming in the mail next week.

A really great present. One that might ACTUALLY show up in Sydney.

Can I just say...4 months is way too long, despite how amazing the surf might be in South America?

Jail BAIT.

2010-04-20T19:59:00.002+10:00

I am not one to often follow reality tv shows - especially the frenzy of things like American or Australian Idol. But I was watching, for all of 10 minutes I swear, Australia's Got Talent tonight and I think I just fell in love.

A SERIOUS Mary Kay Letourneau moment. Thank God I dont teach high school.

He is 15. His name? Bobby Andonov. And HE ROCKED MY WORLD with Hallelujiah. Watch this.

Growing Down. (I thought up - but dont kid yourself)

2010-04-16T16:31:00.003+10:00

So I went to the bank today to talk with a home loans professional about the possibility of saving up to buy something here in Aus (i guess im staying).

After I said "I work for a not for profit" and after I said "No, I dont have that many financial assets unless you count my snowboard and a regular savings account"

Want to know her response?

"I think you are going to need a salary hike and a husband to afford to buy in Sydney."

Fail.

Needless to say I went and bought ice cream to make myself feel better - at least I have two boyfriends: Ben and Jerry's - does that count?

2010-04-15T06:04:00.001+10:00

Its my birthday!

woohooo!

Losing, Losing and She's Lost It.

2010-04-14T17:03:00.001+10:00

In the past three days I have forgotten the date, told people it was my birthday, nearly caused someone to miss a flight and ended up at a meeting I wasnt supposed to be at until the following day.

Seriously? Early onset dementia anyone? Is this what comes with 24? Can I boycott?

New Favourites

2010-04-08T21:09:00.003+10:00

Tony Lucca
Zero 7 (again)
Joshua James
Colin Hay
Paul Tiernan
Matt Duke
Jay Nash

and....

The Fray's acoustic version of Kanye's Heartbreaker.

Go "itune store" them and let me know thoughts.

The Hungry Runner

2010-04-07T16:47:00.002+10:00

Between the occasional surf and running club I am loving the fit new feeling.

I was going to make a comment about how all this excercise was making me hungry non-stop, and I was going to paste a funny picture of a "hungry runner" after googling it.

But apparently its taken! yep, somebody has a blog - no way - called www.thehungryrunner.wordpress.com

I got all excited - thinking I was going to find amazing fill-you-up-so-you-can-function-after-running-food...but alas. No luck.

If you have any really tasty healthy recipes/recipe websites to help a girl out let me know. Otherwise hungry hungry runner-hippo on the prowl.

KO'd. By a catholic choir boy.

2010-04-05T13:20:00.003+10:00

Happy Easter all!

One thing I love about Australia is that Easter = 4 day long weekend. Who knew that Good Friday (and Monday) were supposed to be 'christian' holidays? Don't mind taking the extra day - sounds great.

hmmm - how to use it? go surfing. sounds good.

Considering that I am a proud mama of two now - a snowboard and a beautiful new baby surfboard (which I have recently bought and have been practicing on) thought I might get myself out there for a surf on Easter Monday.

Except for the fact the surf was fairly massive (by my standards) the rest of manly seemed to be enjoying - but my instructor(and myself) took one look and went - No way.

So - I was sent to Collaroy. Which is a Newport beach/ugly/gross/flat beach with small waves on days that Manly gets hammered.

Sounds great!

Except for the fact that every beginner surfer and their mum/mom (doesn't sound as good as it does when I say it with an American accent) was out on the baby waves today.

and I got KO'd. As in knocked out. by a 10 year old. who was a jack ass. because he dropped in on me - which, in surfing, is the equivalent of taking the last piece of cake when the birthday girl hasn't even eaten a piece yet (sorry Catie).

the catholic choir boy's comment (yes he's catholic and a choir boy - because his voice was still high and he didnt look like he could spell puberty)?

"you should be in the white wash"

Yeah, well....I can eat you for breakfast jerk.

And that's when he lost all sense of propriety (if 10 year olds can have it) and smacked me in the back of the board so I went tumbling forward.....and yep - Megsie has a beautiful red and blue and green and soon-to-be black eye.

I LOVE KIDS.

But the best thing about it? Because its Easter - I could come home, eat chocolate, stuff my face, and not have to justify it.....until running group tomorrow morning at 6am - but that seems so far away!

Brunette....

2010-03-30T21:05:00.001+11:00

new season, new shade. still getting used to it.

(500) Days of Summer

2010-03-29T22:15:00.003+11:00

The first time I watched it I realised I have been Tom.
The second time I watched it I realised I have been Summer.

If I were to watch it again...

"I might just realise that most days of the year are unremarkable - they begin and they end with no lasting memories made in between. Most days have no impact on the course of a life...but one day, one fateful/lucky/predestined/coincidental day...is enough to change a life."

What a great and refreshing take on what it means to find "one" let alone an "expected one" a "convenient one" or supposedly "the one".

Go watch it....and with a guy or a girl because its not just a chick flick.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsD0NpFSADM

Stuff White People Like

2010-03-28T08:10:00.002+11:00

Insights and sterotypes are really accurate....and really funny!

Check out the blogspot here:
http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2009/10/04/129-banksy/

Professional Procrastinator (aka tightrope walking, spontaneously combusting, or just living on the edge)

2010-03-27T19:23:00.005+11:00

My family will vouch for this...I am really good at procrastination, spur of the moment decisions, and all things non-sensible. And hence, I have gotten really good at making something out of nothing in order to meet deadlines, fly out on holidays, or say whatever comes to mind.

Endearing? maybe. Liability? probably.

Im a bit of a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants girl. Also known as absolute spontaneity (much to some of my friends' chagrin).

But, so far, procrastination and spontaneity have worked well for me.

Move to Australia with three weeks notice, no job, no house...why not?

Finish university early in order to move to Australia with three weeks notice? beg, borrow and steal to make it happen? why not.

Fly to Vanuatu in order to postpone starting a new job? why not.
Meet a random guy...who turned into a not-so-random guy in Brisbane airport and go on a yacht trip? why not.

Make a decision to live in Thailand and fly out three weeks later? sounds good.

Get a dive license? sure.
Learn to surf? okay.
Fly to New Zealand for a concert on the weekend? never a better excuse.

Now, all these examples are great - they have turned out for the better, and for some reason Im either a cat with 9 lives when it comes to life situations...or just a really good tightrope walker.

I balance, on a daily basis, between absolute chaos and anarchy with productivity and responsibility. Some days I lean to the chaos side (more often than not - a friend once said I am a bit of a tornado) and other days? I am the most sensible and responsible person (regardless of age).

But the trick in all this? The lesson being learned?

How to tightrope walk, procrastinate, spontaneously participate, and embrace chaos without offending/hurting/aggravating/pushing the people around me.

Some of the best friends embrace it, "chalk it up to a Meg moment"...others really struggle and think Im irresponsible or insensitive. Which I really dont want.

So...goal for 2010? - I know, Im super late on the whole new years resolution thing. More balance, more thought...less tightrope.

2010-03-21T19:40:00.002+11:00

Queen of Hearts, Alice, Cheshire Cat

Good warming of the house.

Lessons on Riding Waves

2010-03-18T22:23:00.002+11:00

Ive run out of excuses and had way too many missed opportunties...so as of last week yours truly has become a student of surfing.

Got up on my second try and was turning by the end of the lesson. Granted, falling much more than anything else...but still gotta count for something! Another lesson Sunday... been looking forward to it all week! Huzzah!

(and yes - the photo is me....only completely ripped and actually know what Im doing) - so no. but I can dream right?!

Happy un-(well actual) Birthday to you!

2010-03-18T22:16:00.002+11:00

The girls and I have decided its high time to throw a housewarming/birthday bash! Theme for said celebration? Mad Hatter's. Based of course on our recent love affair with Johnny Depp (and his makeup) in the new Alice in Wonderland.

1 Alice (me)
1 Cheshire Cat (Shaz)
1 Queen of Hearts (Lyds)
and houseguests gallore = pretty great night.

Warm up the house, warm up the insides with some pretty good food and drink, enjoy the friends! Bring on saturday!

The Messages We Send

2010-03-17T22:04:00.004+11:00

When I was growing up I loved Barbie. I loved playing with her pink car, brushing her hair, playing house with Ken. I loved dressing her up, taking her in the car, making up stories about her.

I loved barbie.

But I never felt the need to become her. Never felt pressure to be anything other than the little girl I was.

My parents made a concerted effort to always tell me "youre beautiful" "youre smart" "we are proud" "you will go far" "we believe in you". I grew up learning confidence, learning to stand for what I believe in, learning to make my own way, form my own opinions, learn my own lessons.

I have been raised with loving both beauty and brains.

I have always been a strong believer in championing young girls and old women to believe they are created PERFECT. and LOVELY. and WORTHY. and GRACEFUL. and VALUED. But these words are ones that we so rarely hear.

We hear BOTOX. IMPLANT. EGO. BOYFRIEND. MAKEUP. SHORT DRESS. LONG HAIR. WAX. PAINT. PLASTER. CHANGE. Everything about ourselves.

We are too skinny, too fat, too ugly, too this too that.
We arent as pretty, as funny, as desireable, as adorable.

This was solidified this evening when I logged online and saw a scrolling text on my news homepage for new "toddler safe" makeup products being created by Katie Price which allow for "edible lipstick, little case with wipes to take your make-up off. You can get a nice case for make-up wipe, lipsticks, blushers and mascara and nail varnishes". And why she does it? "For all you haters out there".

http://celebrities.ninemsn.com.au/blog.aspx?blogentryid=620680&showcomments=true

This is the message we send?

It scares me to have friends who are parents of daughters, or soon-to-be parents. I KNOW they are going to raise their little girls to know better, to believe in themselves, to love who they are. But after this recent experience of the "upper class"? After the cocktail dresses, the "where do you get your work done?" conversations (and trying to explain...no no, thats real, yep that too) and the partying ends.....we go home and wash it all off, feel exhausted and crawl into bed.

Is it any wonder that young girls are doing the same?

Watch this http://www.dove.ca/en/default.aspx#/features/videos/video_gallery.aspx[cp-documentid=9125381] (the onslaught video) and then talk to every little girl you know and tell them they are incredible. empowered. loved. and perfect without the fussy standards and expectations.

I would love to see more real beauty and less botox.

fEbRuArY AnD MaRcH

2010-03-14T21:29:00.003+11:00

FEBRUARY
Rural New South Wales
New Zealand
Dad came
Diana Krall
One of the besties got engaged
One of the besties had a hens night
Hunter
Work review
Rock climbing
Settled into the house
Read Glass House
Read Dear John
Moonlight cinemas
Ran 10k
Sometimes friends means being okay with differences
Frustrated waiting...

MARCH
Rural New South Wales (again)
Melbourne
Dad left
NRL for the first time (so many mullets)
Famous AFL and NRL players
Surfing for the first (real) time
Kelly Slater
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Mad Hatter; Alice; Cheshire Cat party
Tickets to USA
Some friendships take extrodinary effort; others come naturally - beautifully
Flying Fajita Sisters
Refocus
School started again
Decided waiting is something I want and I will happily look forward to June...

Headed back to California

2010-03-08T07:07:00.001+11:00

Coming home around the month of August for family, friends weddings and a bit of holidays. So excited!

If I were a brand

2010-03-05T12:28:00.000+11:00

So....Im taking this class for my masters this semester about branding, advertising, and international campaigns...really interesting!

Our first assignment? "If you were a brand, what brand would you be and why?"

Is it a bad sign that Im on assignment #1 and cant think of exactly what it would be?

SUGGESTIONS PLEASE!!!!!!

2010-02-27T08:31:00.000+11:00

two weeks of Dad + Daughter time....love having him here!

New Zealand =

2010-02-22T07:35:00.002+11:00

more outdoorsy
really great wines
really good looking men

what more could a girl want?

great time this last weekend with a good friend of mine "who loves me just the way I am" - despite the fact that Im always in my bossy boots.

PERFECT weather, AMAZING concert, Beautiful drives.

Table for 20 - A HopeStreet Initiative

2010-02-11T21:44:00.003+11:00

There is nothing better than a night with amazing friends....smart, talented, opinioned, passionate, awesome friends and a really good meal.

Last night I got together with a few for a night of dining, chatting, discussing and dreaming.

Feeling inspired....

1+1= two countries

2010-02-09T22:40:00.006+11:00

American
Argentinian
Aussie
Canadian
Kiwi

Seriously? I keep this up it will start reading like a UN general council list. Why cant a girl catch a break and find a guy who actually lives in the same country....not even asking for same city, just not separated by vast bodies of water.

Ridiculous.

New rules. Go on a date? First question: where do you live?

Rainy summer days

2010-02-06T13:09:00.003+11:00

I was laying in bed this morning listening to the rain on the roof and trying to psych myself up to get up and go to yoga.

A long sleep in, nice hot cup of tea, baking apple pies (ps - Julia would have nothing on this pie), and watching a movie won out for the day.

I think I got the better end of the deal....

Measurements for Big Shoes

2010-02-03T22:35:00.005+11:00

When Benn Patterson told us that Westmont graduates change the world I always rolled my eyes. I thought about the next class I had to go to, exam to take, but I never thought that within the first two years of leaving university we really would be shaping and leading worldwide.

Two years out I am consistantly shocked at the things Westmonters of 2007/8 have achieved.

Starting non-profits, national media managers, news anchors, international advisors on economic development, interpreters for IGOs, curators, med-students, art critics, photo-journalists, social workers in prisons, lawyers, PhD students at Harvard, Duke and Boston universities, writers/columnists, lobbyists, pastors, travellers living in Nepal, south america, europe, africa, asia, and australia.

And sometimes, when I read about all we are doing - lives we are changing - places we are going....

I feel small.

But then I have to remind myself...hang on - Im only 23. Theres always this year, or the one after, or the lifetime yet to come. I can figure out:

vocation/calling/job
aiding/empowering
travelling/living

as I go. Not having it all together right now - means that Ive got something to look forward to right?

8pm

2010-02-01T21:45:00.002+11:00

Stores still open, people in cafes, families in parks, women dressed as men - men dressed as women, couples, singles, meanderers, all walking along just as I am on a Monday night.

New book - the great gatsby (a favourite - for a dollar) and a great dinner with the new flatmate.

What more could a Sydney summer night need?

Love the new digs. Love the new neighborhood.

New Beginnings

2010-01-29T14:26:00.003+11:00

Well, that's the last last box packed.

Tomorrow I officially move off the North Shore and into the Inner West.

Newtown has gotten rave reviews from friends and family for its great coffee, eateries, late night cocktail bars and music scene. A bit of a change of pace from my convalescent next door neighbors to be sure --- and I'm really excited!

First priority...take a walking tour of my new suburb (hopefully guided by my two new fabulous flatmates). Apparently, if I walk in any direction I will hit a cool alleyway that's bound to have coffee, cakes, fresh fruit stands, or funky alternative clothing shops.

Here's to new places, next chapters, and staying on in Sydney!

Episodes

2010-01-26T19:18:00.003+11:00

Episode 1: Friday

Went out with friends to Kings Cross. Only ever been there once before and it was with a group for a birthday celebration. Little awkward when you run into a few of the clients of the social work office you previously worked for. While dressed up and out with friends. Asking why youre not working there anymore. Hard way to answer that.

Episode 2: Saturday

Went out to an "underground" club that had a flaminco night. Learned that while there are incredibly flexible and insanely beautiful spanish women who can move in ways my hips actually hurt watching....I am ok not being one. Incredible show though. Learned it is a little difficult to explain the concept of an "underground club" to grandparents without conjuring images of illegal speak easies.

Episode 3: Monday

The Possum.

I was asleep and woke up at 5 am because of a rustling sound behind my pillow near my curtains. Turned the fan off thinking that was the cause only to hear the noise more loudly. As I pulled back the curtain I saw a LONG hairless tail hanging down from the edge of my pillow. I screamed. Possum darted. I woke Cate. We concurred that BBQ tongs would be the best option to try and pick up said possum. After a short chase and much tong-snapping we finally got the sucker out the window into the tree. Needless to say I am scarred. Waking up to a furry rat-like animal, being hissed at, and it escaping through the bedroom window was a bit much for me.

Im washing the sheets.

2010-01-24T19:10:00.002+11:00

Bondi weekend...so good. Found a pretty great canadian or two around as well.

Moving on and moving up - literally. Found a house I think - will find out on Tuesday.

Keep you posted.

AGHH!!!

2010-01-19T21:44:00.003+11:00

Just one thing....it would be so nice if just one thing would be settled.

Sometimes I feel like I am just a walking tornado of chaos. And kinda swoop everybody else up in it. Since moving here its been change after change...job, house, guy, school ... just for once would be nice.

either a house
a flatmate
an answer about whether to stay or go
and other things.

just one thing. settled. would be nice.

Hot Stuff

2010-01-16T10:40:00.002+11:00

Ive never really enjoyed yoga.

There seems to be a prerequisite to be vegan, be really skinny, wear Lycra in all different earth tones, and have tattoos in languages of places you've travelled to.

Its all a bit too mother-earth for me.

I like running. With a good rap beat to keep me going.

Polar opposite to being left alone with your thoughts in yoga.

But I decided to give Bikram yoga a go.

It doesn't have earth sounds playing in the background, no incense and they keep the temperature at 38 Celsius (or over 100 Fahrenheit for all the Americans). To add on top of this its 1 1/2 hours long. I think I died - twice. And I think I sweat every ounce of liquid out of my body.

Intense. But really good. 2.5 kilos down 7.5 to go. Kate watch your back.

Ghosts - of Patrick Swayze past

2010-01-14T20:21:00.000+11:00

When I was a kid growing up both my parents were fairly strict with TV.

I couldn't watch the Simpsons (which I have found out - I really missed nothing), watched mostly Disney channel (MTV was out of the question), and didn't really see too many movies beyond ones like "Sara plain and tall" and "101 Dalmatians" - except for when I was in 6Th grade and I was allowed to see Titanic (YES!!!!) but Dad made me walk out during the sex scenes.

Don't get me wrong! I'm not complaining.

Taught me a love of books which I wouldn't trade for anything.

But occasionally a movie comes on which, theoretically, is one I should have seen according to my age but haven't because of lack of interest/rules.

Ghost is one.

I am currently by myself, about 300 miles from home, in a hotel for work for the week, and Ghost is on TV.

Holy crap. Maybe its the red wine - but so so so sad! hiccup hiccup.

I'm in serious need of tissues. And company. Who wants to come over for a visit?

A New Mantra....And A New Favourite

2010-01-13T17:34:00.002+11:00

W.R. Inge: We tolerate shapes in human beings that would horrify us if we saw them in a horse.

(crazy I know...but read below and its one of the staple lines of my new favourite find)

READERS!!!!

I have a new favourite. I mean Oprah's-favourite-things-incredible favourite.

And (surprise surprise) its a book.

Love Struck by Melanie La'Brooy

It is the perfect combination of uncanny insights into my life (the book is set in Sydney), haughty and hilarious wit/charm, the reality of small female neuroses, and a dash of romance and intellect.

Try Janet Evanovich's funny meets Hilary Clinton's smarts. Weird combination - but it works!

If you cant find the book in the States girls let me know and I will send copies by the bucket load. Actually cried laughing with this book.

work finished. alone at the hotel (central coast for the week with work). wine in hand. book. back patio overlooking a 4 star golf course.

Not a bad Wednesday.

Rude Awakening

2010-01-09T13:55:00.002+11:00

Australia has been good to me. Too good actually. 10 kilos since moving to this god forsaken island good.

So my friend and I have decided to loose the "i-love-food-and-alcohol-so-much-its-sitting-on-my-hips fat" and the first one to the goal has to buy drinks for a month.

Logical? no.
Motivational? you bet your ass.

10 kilos....kate you better get your wallet out woman.

New Years Yachting

2010-01-07T05:39:00.002+11:00

Trip to NZ round two? check.
Amazing food and wine? check.
really fabulous company? check.

perfect.

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-26T07:54:00.002+11:00

Happy happy christmas! After heaps of food, dessert, gifts, and family I have to say the day was an amazing success.

Now, bags packed, passport ready (not that I really need it), and dive gear gotten. Off to New Zealand I go!

These Numbers Have Faces

2009-12-22T14:39:00.005+11:00

Westmont College breeds leaders. People who leave and change the world. People who take the education, apply it in creative ways, and make a difference.

I am constantly inspired by the projects my fellow graduates have taken on and occasionally feel small in comparison.

Take "These Numbers Have Faces" for instance.

Started by passionate Westmont alums who want to see a real, holistic change in the South African education system and are doing something about it. Encouraging others so they might in turn give back to their own communities...an international pay it forward scheme. I have wanted to contribute to the work they are doing but havent...for no great reason either....so, finally, I signed up. I will be supporting a college student over the next year so they might enjoy the same inspiration I did at university.

Take a look at their website (www.thesenumbers.org), take a look at the videos....and then take a look at your own education and the opportunities afforded you. Then give, and give generously.

An Inherited Faith...and courage enough to say so.

2009-12-20T23:39:00.005+11:00

I have an obligation in some ways - to faith. My family, my culture, my background and my education have immersed me in a Christian environment (for better and for worse). I have grown up with a pastor as a father, missionaries as cousins, theologians as uncles. I have sat in pews since I was born, prayed since I could speak, and worshiped since I could read the words on the screen.

But I am wanderlust. I am unsatisfied.

There is an expectation of me that I WILL be Christian. That I WILL follow the path God has "set before me". That I WILL make a difference - share my faith, convert the natives, spread the Word.

But I dont want to. I am not convinced. AND I am not my family.

The Church is broken, Christians hypocritical, ministers completely and totally fallen in addiction, infidelity, and lies.

My time at Westmont convinced me of two things:

1. Community is essential - loving those around you, friendships, relationships, and an extended world view are required.

2. Biblical principles are the foundation of peace and are morals I will abide by within the context of my own life - but I will not force them on others.

But - thats all Ive got.

Two years ago I was finishing my last exam, packing up my things, and booking my ticket to Australia.

Two years ago I left the shelter of family-paying-my-bills, teachers-watching-my-back, church every sunday and roommates being my best friends/sisters.

So looking back - how have I done? What have I learned? What do I believe?

I read the blogs of my fellow Westmont alumni with titles like "turning 20 nothings into 20 somethings" and "ordinary players in the key of C" and I feel small. Ive got a lot of work to do - a lot of places to see - a lot of experiences to have.

But I dont miss the church-ing. I dont miss the constant repentance, the reminder that I am fallen, the judgement of my actions, the expectation of education then marriage then children then missions.

Its not me.

And I am completely and totally satisfied that it never will be. I will keep my belief in God, I will treasure my time at Westmont but I will not be the next pastor, missionary, theologian, deacon, Christian romance writer.

Im just gonna be me. Figure it out as I go. Never say no to new experiences. Live my own life. Measure up to my own expectations. Follow my own path, my own heart. And be a better person for it.

Oh Diving

2009-12-20T06:12:00.003+11:00

Its 6am and I am up reviewing for my final dive test today. Crazy? perhaps. But as per always, the competitive edge I have makes me want to do well. Im kind of relieved that this open water course I have been doing the last few weeks is coming to an end. Ive learned quite alot, some stuff I already knew from a practical side because Ive been diving before, but the rest is good to have in my back pocket...never know when I might need to use it.

For example,

Yesterday we did our first open water dive as a whole class and everything was going swimmingly (haha) until someone wasnt paying attention and came down on the top of me. Mask got knocked, snorkel lost, nose bleeding....all underwater. My first instinct was panic "holy crap! Blood is mine - where is it coming from?" Then I remembered that while I had blood running down the back of my throat (nosebleed) I still had to breathe through my regulator without shooting straight to the surface. Then I really panic because Im choking from the crap in the back of my throat and I cant breathe through my nose to stop it. My instructor had to hold me down underwater while my gag reflex kicked in and I started throwing up.

Great.

Not only will I attract sharks on other lovely sea creatures with the blood around me (Ive seen Jaws too many times and I have uncanny luck with dangerous animal situations) but now I have to hold my regulator in my mouth, not shoot to the surface because I could get blood poisoning, and throw up all while breathing.

After we finally got out I was shattered. Nose not broken, thankfully. I supposed if you have to learn these skills for emergency situations you should probably practice them in an emergency situation as well.....If thats the case - yesterday was a very practical day! Just glad today is the last day and then I get to go to NZ on Saturday.

Spend 10 days of bliss with a very good looking kiwi, friends and his family....mmm yes please!

Im sure he wont knock me out when we go diving...at least I hope not - but now i know what to do right?

Albury is...

2009-12-18T16:33:00.002+11:00

Beautiful
Dry
Hot as hell
way out in the middle of nowhere
filled with wombats
really good for eyebrow waxes
a place where you drive down the main street and people honk, not because they are mad at you, because they actually know you. Um...we dont have that in Sydney.

To every smart woman and every man who is not intimidated by one

2009-12-13T19:08:00.003+11:00

Dear God: I pray you will never allow me to become the viewing audience that this woman appeals to.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-december-8-2009/gretchen-carlson-dumbs-down

A great reminder that The Daily Show has some pretty quality messages for this generation amongst some amazing the-chasers-style comedy.

Oh the Joys.

2009-12-04T07:07:00.002+11:00

So I am going on a very random but very fun dive trip over in New Zealand at the end of the month and went to book tickets for airfares, transfers, dive classes etc. this week.

Monday flights were $500
Tuesday flights were $600
Wednesday flights were $700
and by thursday, when I was actually prepared to book they were $779.85

HOLY CRAP. For a jump across the Tasman its going to cost me almost a weeks worth of my salary? Yikes.

But this trip is totally worth it. And Im very very excited to go "proper" sailing for the first time and do some pretty wicked dives with my newly acquired Open Water Dive License (thanks PADI!).

Checked flights this morning to make myself feel better and go "haha suckers! that have to pay more than I did"....dont lie - you do it too....and you know what?

FLIGHTS ARE $500 AGAIN.

Pissed.

NZ

2009-11-30T18:34:00.003+11:00

Went to NZ for the weekend. Had a fabulous, spontaneous, totally-out-of-character-but-so-glad-I-did-it-weekend.

Pictures to follow...

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T08:45:00.003+11:00

When I was in the third or fourth grade my class made Indian and pilgrim outfits for Thanksgiving. We cut paper shopping bags, glued feathers and stapled headbands all in the name of the fall holiday.

Now that I'm all grown up and the paper Pocahontas outfit is at the bottom of a keepsake box somewhere in the attic, I can't help but wonder if that first year was all that thankful.

I mean how do the Indians feel about thanksgiving?

They seriously couldn't have been all that thrilled about white folks showing up and not being able to feed themselves. If I was in their position I probably would have fed them too - not because I liked them taking the land - but probably I wouldn't want to live with the guilt of them dying off.

Negative, I know.

But here I am sitting at my desk on Thursday morning, Thanksgiving, trying to explain to my Australian co-workers why the Indians didn't just kill the pilgrims and why the pilgrims treated the Indians so badly and why the hell do we eat turkey instead of something tasty like ham....

And I cant remember. All I remember from the Thanksgiving lessons in school are the headbands, the feathers, and the parent picnic.

But I suppose that's really what the holiday is more about. The memories formed because of the day - rather than the "history" right?

Its meant to be a day spent with family and loved ones.
A day that you eat way too much pumpkin pie and yams.
A day you play a game of touch football and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade.

A day where you form your own memories about what Thanksgiving is and isn't.
So, dear co-workers of mine, here is to the formation of Thanksgiving memories, past and present.

Quit asking about the politics of it and just eat the pie.

Christmas Heat

2009-11-22T08:58:00.003+11:00

Australia doesnt really do holidays. Except for Christmas. And due to the lack of Thanksgiving the Christmas season starts before Halloween. But it isnt until the heat sets in that you know the holiday season is getting close.

42 degrees celcius? please god let the holidays be here soon...escape to the beach and somewhere cool.

Perfect Afternoon

2009-11-15T14:32:00.004+11:00

After a week in Vanuatu, two weeks of work, one great friend visiting from the states, a weekend in the Hunter wine country, a hike in the blue mountains, and too many work functions to count....I finally have an afternoon to myself.

Gossip Girl season two, ferrero roche, and beautiful red wine from the hunter valley weekend....PERFECTION.

And for all the conservatives, for all the straight laced...I do apologize.

But to be honest - oh how fabulous is is the shallowness and over-the-topness of wishing you actually participated in this little world of Gossip Girl....just for a second.

Aghh....indulgent Sunday afternoons.

WICKED - a wonderful treat.

2009-11-06T15:08:00.003+11:00

We will get to the photos of Halloween and chats about the new job. But first --

WICKED!

I went and saw it last night with one of my good friends Kate. I have heard that Wicked is one of the shows you dont scrimp on - you get the good seats, you go see it on Broadway or in London's West End...Australian production not usually on the list.

But I gotta tell you - it was pretty incredible. Elphaba, the wicked witch of the west (or so you thought), rocked my world. Her voice gave me shivers. And Ga-linda? I was laughing so hard at her sometimes I came close to tears.

If you are in Sydney go see it. I mean like book tickets now. And read the book.

If you arent...well find a place where it is playing and get on a plane - preferably headed to Sydney so you can stop off and say hi to me before heading to the show!

Vanuatu Holiday

2009-10-30T07:27:00.002+11:00

Went on holidays in the South Pacific for a week....it was incredible! here are some photos!

The Cat and the Bat

2009-10-19T08:25:00.003+11:00

So we dont really celebrate the "mini-hallmark" holidays here in Australia...no real exciting St. Patricks day, Groundhog Day...not really. And Valentines day? well, Im single so thats a no.

But Halloween is one that I just dont want to give up. Not because Im a pagan or a witch or anything but just because I really love any excuse to dress up in a costume (refer to the band KISS photos on facebook and you will see the passion). So my lovely friend is throwing a Halloween party and Im stoked.

Invite? Check.
Costume? Check.

want to know?

(drum roll please)....

Catwoman!

So excited! never worn so much black spandex in my life - but put it all on to show the flatmate last night and it looks pretty awesome! Tail, ears, whip....got it all.

Now, how do I get to Gotham City and find Batman?

I'm 23 and doing what?

2009-10-13T15:20:00.002+11:00

So yesterday I had the boys help me make a huge 2kilo lamb roast, gravy, roast potatoes, onions, sweet garlic and for dessert...a rubarb crumble. It was superb.

So today I thought we would get creative in the kitchen again and try an English recipe - stewed cabbage. I thought yuck - boys thought yum....alright whatever we will give it a go.

Start chopping up veggies, and yelling at the boys to wash hands and come help when I miss a slice with the knife and end up getting my finger.

My thumb actually. And pretty good.

Like I am now missing the top of my thumb, have gone through 6 bandages, tried skin glue and am looking at stitches....Nice.

good work klutz.

12 more sleeps

2009-10-12T08:20:00.002+11:00

I feel like a kid at Christmas!

12 more sleeps.
Just 12 more times my head hits the pillow.
12 more nights of brushing teeth, climbing into bed, closing my eyes...

Until we are in Vanuatu!!!!!

so ready for the holiday.

BBC Hardtalk

2009-10-08T07:50:00.003+11:00

Every morning when I arrive at my nanny job I usually start making breakfast, turn on the tv for news, and check emails before the boys are out of bed.

This morning BBC changed their normal morning line up from World News and Business News to Hardtalk with Stephen Sackur. Normally Im not one for the "hardball" interviewing shows - Jay Leno is about as exciting as I get with talk shows. But I left the TV on and was in for a good surprise.

Ali Asghar Soltanieh from the Iran Envoy to the International Atomic Agency was discussing Iran's "not so big" atomic energy capabilities.

Now the topic has been in the news for weeks, sanctions/no sanctions, publicly admonish/dont publicly admonish, blow the crap out of the country...or think twice since they have pretty big bombs now.

But this guy Ali was an absolute crack up!

Stephen: Do you have atomic capabilities and wish to use them for warfare
Ali: How are you Stephen? How is your day today?

Stephen: Its was a simple question.
Ali: So was mine

this banter/avoidance goes on for the whole 1/2 hour show and by the end of it I was in stitches laughing.

Not a funny subject but a very funny, squatty-looking, and slimy-lawyer-like Iranian man who tried his damnedest to talk about the weather rather than the fact they are thinking about bringing Hiroshima back.

Here is the link

Long Weekend

2009-10-04T14:12:00.003+11:00

Went to Manly with a girlfriend for drinks (dragging against her will)....ended up being a VERY late night out...as in ending the following day ;)

No races - too wet.

movie and dinner out instead.

sunday?

Discovering the amazing and completely trashy series Gossip Girl and making Indian food - yes - made from scratch. Turned out really good!

Monday?

Pedicure, Lunch, and shopping with Jackie at Bondi Junction. Yes please!

Wishing Oscar, Donnatella and Yves decided to be reasonable

2009-09-26T15:00:00.003+10:00

I do it to myself...

every time...

I turn sex and the city on - I start thinking about my beautiful and amazing girlfriends from college and inevitably it turns into a pity party.

I get homesick and I start checking the price of tickets back to the States.

Pathetic I know.

I love my life in Australia - but with the smaller population (which equals smaller amount of eligible men -- very bad) and the smaller access (and ridiculous prices) on designer clothing -- regardless where it comes from, I miss the USA.

Going back every six months is just not plausible - nor do I really want to when I can travel other interesting and new places - It's a wishful thought.

But I dream for just a second I could be back with the girls on the couch watching sex and the city. Complete with Pizza and Champagne.

Nostalgia I know.

Check out the photos of the week

2009-09-16T13:40:00.005+10:00

MSNBC.com publishes a weekly portfolio of photographs - what they say are the best of the week - and I have found a few of my favourites.

gotta love the glasses...my first pair were worse...minni mouse on the side. I hated 5th grade.

I hate reading and comprehension...I hate it. And I cant focus because its Ramadan and I cant have skittles till bedtime...all due respect to the muslim community - but totally looks like what he is thinking!

Im not sure I even WANT to know on this one...

run hippo run!

the view from the tallest mountain in Japan

I think I might start frequenting this website more often. Some arent as funny, insightful or beautiful..some are actually really intense but kinda fun to see the world from a different perspective.

Compensating?

2009-09-15T08:06:00.006+10:00

Now that I live in Australia, where the largest type of passenger car we have is a Ute (basically an ugly El Camino), I had to laugh when I saw my friend's new car back in the States.

seriously? You don't even drive on a dirt road.
You live in Folsom, and drive to Sacramento.

Its gotta be a male "mine is bigger than yours thing" right?

Cereal Dropping News

2009-09-14T12:32:00.002+10:00

I was at work this morning and I had just poured milk into my bowl of cereal and sat down on the couch to catch up on my CNN (as my little apartment only gets public channels) when I heard that a Yale graduate student had been murdered on the campus.

Oscar started yelling and I went to go intervene...cereal still in hand.

Came back and there was a photo on the screen of the missing/murdered girl.

Annie Le.

Cereal dropped. All over carpet. Mouth wide open. Spoon still in hand half way to mouth.

Annie Le went to my high school....in Placerville - where nothing ever happens that is newsworthy besides being included in precincts that voted Arnold for Governor.

Annie tutored me in Organic Chemistry and Bio because I was miserable at them both, and we had advanced English together.

So deeply sorry for her and her family.

Best Sausage Rolls EVER!

2009-09-09T13:17:00.002+10:00

Since moving to the island I have discovered a new appreciation for foodstuffs combining meat and pastry.

In the States you can get a chicken pot pie (usually created for 5 or more people) but rarely do you see individual meat pies, sausage rolls, etc.

Here is a really easy and fantastic recipe for homemade sausage rolls.

1/2 kilo (1Lb.) mince meat (ground beef)
1 onion
1 capsicum (red bell pepper)
dried Italian seasoning
3 sheets frozen puff pastry cut in half hot dog style (you can get it next to pie shells in the frozen section)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
salt/pepper
1 tbsp. olive oil

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius (do the conversion for Fahrenheit)

olive oil and onion on the stove until browned

combine in large mixing bowl: breadcrumbs egg, mince meat, browned onion, chopped capsicum.

Lay puff pastry on lightly flowered surface and brush with some milk or egg.

roll meat into pastry, seal with a little extra milk and put seam on greased baking tray. Cut the rolls in half or quarters if you want.

bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown on the outside.

Get out the beer, tomato sauce (ketchup) and enjoy!

The Deputy Prime Minister Drops Out of School

2009-09-08T08:15:00.002+10:00

In America politicians are like Gods. They are meant to be infallible. They are meant to be morally and politically correct at all times. Their only public appearances (besides potentially embarrassing photos that show up when they aren't so morally correct) are speeches, Congressional actions, Town hall meetings.

They don't show their personalities they show their "electable" platforms.

In Australia?

The Deputy Prime Minister of Australia plays "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader" during primetime TV.

Am I the only one who thinks that's kind of odd? We trust a politician, who cannot figure out a 3rd grade literature question and "drops out of school", to run our country when Rudd is overseas?

Ummm...

Ps - the question she lost on?

Who wrote "The Minkins"? COME ON!!! SERIOUSLY? Maybe its because Im a nanny of a kid who loves him or maybe just because I read his stuff when I was a kid but Roald Dahl is a STAPLE. I dont care who you are...Deputy or Prime Minister you should know that one.

Monopoly Wars

2009-09-03T13:56:00.003+10:00

I decided to teach Monopoly to Oscar yesterday.
The box says age 8 and up.
He's 4.
But smart 4. Like almost reading at 4.

So we play, and he totally gets it.
He buys almost every property he lands on, giving me the right amount of money, and says stuff like "cool you are going to have to pay me so much money when you land on my railway"....again - 4.

Best part?

Oscar: (after I have to mortgage a property) "Meg, I dont think you are very good at this game. I cant really read, its kind of a problem. But Im still winning."

Meg: "Yeah, well its been awhile since Ive played this game."

Oscar: "Ive never played it."

Meg: "yeah, its called beginners luck."

Oscar: (as I land on Park Place which Oscar owns) "Ohhh!! Now you really loose because I get your money right?"

Far out.

Blog Stalking

2009-08-26T08:19:00.002+10:00

When I originally began keeping a blog I thought it would be a way to keep up with friends while overseas. Once I returned I kept it. Kept writing odd notes about things going on in my life, struggles, realisations, decisions, anything and everything really.

And I suppose this is the most common way of writing a blog. To share your life with those who are far away (and it prevents the "why haven't you told me what you have been doing" conversation).

But more and more I am realising that blogging is this underground community complete with help-hot lines, conferences, blogger book groups, etc.

People use blogging as a soapbox for causes, toting their favourite celebrity gossip, recipes, businesses, music gigs....and I have begun to find my favourites.

Normally (similar to facebook) a person can be really voyeuristic reading other people's blogs with no comments...its like you're a thief in the night...no harm done (no one thinks you're weird) because no body knows you have been there reading their blog. But for the sake of advertising and just good reading here are a few blogs I have been stalking -- acquaintances, college friends, randoms, and famous.

http://www.emilykatz.blogspot.com/

My RA in university

http://www.annajordan-onlife.blogspot.com/

Because I think she is a great poignant writer who I went to university with

http://www.thedailydunlop.blogspot.com/

Because Audrey and Josh are real true amazing friends...and have a knack for finding pretty incredible recipes

http://www.anordinaryplayerinthekeyofc.blogspot.com/

Because I went to uni with Laura and she is incredibly insightful -- and very funny

http://www.postsecret.blogspot.com/

Because sometimes you need to know that you aren't the only one who has crap raining down

http://www.theonion.com/

OK - granted not a blog but really funny nonetheless

So there you have it. Blogs/people I stalk. I'm a stalker....but no worse than you considering the fact you're reading this.

PS...

2009-08-24T18:57:00.002+10:00

I am making this for dinner.

Dont be jealous....(I can give you the recipe if you are dying)

The Perfect Way to Spend a Sunday

2009-08-23T21:25:00.002+10:00

Wake up later than usual (due to late night at the pub commiserating about our Bledisloe loss).
Fix breakfast at home, have a coffee, check emails.
Look up the weather - get excited about the effects of global warming on the weather in Sydney in August.
Decide to go bathing suit shopping before hitting the beach (end up with 3 new pairs of swimmers, a work skirt, and 3 pairs of shorts).
Head to Manly, get the first parking spot without really looking.
Get an ice cream cone and walk to Shelley Beach.
Go to church, see friends, eat way too much dinner.
Do some laundry, watch Australian Idol...head to bed for Boot camp tomorrow morning.

Perfection.

The Cat.

2009-08-20T06:40:00.003+10:00

I am housitting in Lane Cove at the moment and they have a cat.
Not like a normal-run-of-the-mill cat. A monster cat (similar to the photo).

In every way.

Its HUGE.
It sheds an AMAZING amount of fur (all over my clothes).
It claws EVERYTHING.
It eats like tomorrow is ARMAGEDDON.

Now I have grown up with cats, never had a dog, but had lots of cats. I always liked them. But since I got to this house me and monster cat have had some run ins and Im not so sure I like cats anymore (Im continuously sneezing while writing this).

Would it be bad if I put an inside monster outside? Mum always taught me if we are going to play rough we have to go outside. Does that apply for cats? Please!?

The Echo is getting surgery. Major internal and external surgery.

2009-08-14T14:41:00.002+10:00

So last night, after a really really tough day at work (Oscar went close to anaphalactic shock because of an allergy...epi pens, parents, potential hospital involved) I realised I forgot my stuff for my night class at home.

Bad decision 1:
Decided to go back to my place and grab it before going back into the city for class.

Driving along to my house, a bit distracted thinking about poor Oscar and how awful the whole thing was and it was getting dark.

Bad decision 2:
I took the Pacific Hwy which was a mess - so much traffic.

and as I came to Pymble, around the bad corner I always say "this is such a bad corner" right near the Pymble Hotel and this car came from the inside lane (without lights or indicator on) and swerved into my lane, across, over the curb and into the Hotel parking lot.

Bad decision 3:
Panic.

I slammed on my brakes as the car in front of me slammed on theirs and went over the curb and into the Hotel to avoid hitting the first idiot.

I still hit the car.
The sound and neck snap are the worst I reckon.

Then the tears came - I was so exhausted from 530am-10pm that week, plus the fiasco with Oscar, and forgetting the book, and now hitting the car in front of me I just teared up. Didnt ball but got out of the car really shaky and teary.

The part that made it?!
The guy that caused the whole thing wave to the two cars now parked in the pacific hwy blocking traffic and said "sorry guys!" went in, got his bottles, and left again.

We got the license plate number but guess who's at fault? yeah, me.

An $800 deductable on my car insurance and a note on my driving record along with $4,500-5,000 later on a $10,000 car...I just went home and had a hot shower and went to bed.

Thank goodness today is a better day.

City To Surf - It Ain't Over Yet!

2009-08-12T11:30:00.002+10:00

I did it again this year... 14 kilometers... only this time included a bathroom break, a stop for coffee, and a muffin....there was no rushing this year. And it was great!

Finished in double my previous time but it was great.

I am still fundraising for HopeStreet though - until september. Please oh Please donate a couple dollars (you can specify $2 or $5 or $50,000 if you should be so inclined)

http://city2surf.everydayhero.com.au/meghan_long

Yay!!! Thanks!

Bootcamp'in It.

2009-08-12T08:22:00.002+10:00

Ive started doing Body Bootcamp three times a week from 550am to 710am.

The first class I missed because I was snowboarding but for the last week and 1/2 I have been getting myself out of my warm bed and hauling off to a local field just to get yelled at for an hour doing sprints, pushups, situps, and all kinds of obstacle courses.

My muscles are SCREAMING....but I feel like Im getting back into shape just in a couple classes! Ive never worked so hard in my life. Oh, so good.

But, this class has just affirmed I will never be one to join the armed forces....

Always knew it was bound to happen

2009-08-04T14:30:00.002+10:00

I am normally lovely....and nice....sometimes.

Its only when I get really annoyed that I cop an attitude - or when I think something is really stupid.

This was both.

I got kicked out of a bar. Me!!! Kicked out of a bar.

And?

I was sober.

And?

I got kicked out because the hood on my jumper was up.

And?

I got irritated at being told I couldnt wear the hood of my jumper but I could wear a beanie, a headscarf, a cowboy hat or a bowler. But not my hood on my volcom-fitted-chick-jumper.

So?

I told him off. The bouncer that is - I turned around, put my hood back up, and promptly got ESCORTED off the premisis. Telling my two friends what I thought of big-fat-slow-bouncer-man along the way. Only to realise there was a cop car out the front and I promptly shut up.

Me. I. Got kicked out of a bar because I put my hood up. Cause I am so gangsta like that. Didnt you know I roll with my homies? stupid bouncer man. stupid bar. Not even a good beer.

The Adventures of Meg

2009-08-03T20:40:00.003+10:00

went snowboarding.
learned to jump in the park
bruised ribs
drank wine
enjoyed company
got photos
good times

2009-07-27T13:34:00.000+10:00

Im going snowboarding this weekend!!! So stoked - bring it on baby!

When did I get old enough for this?

2009-07-24T20:36:00.003+10:00

Ok, I get it. I do.

You finish high school, you go to college, you do a bit of travel, you graduate, then you get a job schlepping (papers, people, whatever) in hopes that schlepping will one day get you to greatness.

But where in all of this did stop, drop, and marry come into the game?

I got THREE wedding invites this week. THREE.

I found out that another TWO of my friends are pregnant.

When in all of the stereotypical Generation x/y living ("changing the world" "Stop global warming" "do something incredible") did we add "Must be married and have children by age 25?"

Im not old enough for this. Best decisions I have made thus far: not get married, do something for myself, move continents, avoid the dreaded "Dad...you need to sit down....I'm P" conversation.

Not saying this is for everyone - BUT SERIOUSLY???!!! Now that I'm a bit more clear headed and focused -- what the hell is the rush?! Stop it. All of you. Is there a pause button? Please?

Do we really have to grow up?

Christmas In July

2009-07-24T19:33:00.002+10:00

I went to get my hair cut and coloured this afternoon. The salon I go to has moved across the road from its previous location and whilst I was in the chair the bank ANZ next door was getting robbed. BY GUNPOINT.

While I was talking with my hairstylist about how much I love Christmas and how its celebrated here in July, the smell, the cold, the trees, the traditions the bank manager next door was pulling money out of a safe staring down the barrel of a gun.

When I was toting my appreciation for good gingerbread and the occasional glass of spiked eggnog while watching White Christmas with the family; the mother (I kid you not...) and kid in a pram were underneath the sidebar of the bank trying not to cry.

When the good ol' boys in blue arrived skidding up in bright high-speed cars, jumping out the car with stun guns pulled I was getting my hair washed out.

When I finally paid my over-priced bill and walked out I saw the mother and kid giving a statement to police mid-tears, the window of the bank shot out, and the street blocked.

And I was talking about Christmas in July...

Gotta Love the Tonsils

2009-07-13T20:13:00.002+10:00

So....I'm notorious with Tonsillitis. At least 3-4 times per year.

Tried to get them out last year but health insurance said I hadnt been a client for a year so I wasn't eligible.

Got tonsillitis again. Thanks Oscar.

Called the health insurance company.

Health Insurance Company: "You've been with us for over a year so you are technically eligible but because you switched your coverage from two to one recipients you are required to wait six months."

WTF is the point then? Why do I bother with the insurance? Far out.

In bed for me. Hot tea, a little chocolate (for no good reason), and a doctors appointment for tomorrow.

Yuck.

Bring on the Boot Camp

2009-07-12T22:38:00.002+10:00

As per an agreement made with well intentioned friends I am not allowed to bring my new 'aussie' accent or the extra 10 kilos I have gained since living down under back across the USA border come my next visit.

Due to my own sheer laziness in actually getting to the gym on a regular basis and because personal trainers are too expensive guess who has signed up for boot camp?

Yep. Voluntarily signed up to get yelled at for an hour in the early morning three times a week for a month all in hopes of loosing the extra 'baggage' as one person so aptly put it.

The deal comes with a tshirt, a trainer, an early morning wake up call, a detox diet we are to follow for the whole month (yeah - right, no caffeine or chocolate...dream on) and a motivational speech at the beginning of the first training session....might just sleep in till 610 for that one.

Bring on the bootcamp! We shall see how I go....

And the results are out.....

2009-07-10T14:43:00.002+10:00

Offically my first semester doing my Masters degree at UNSW and the results are?

Da da dum...

Writing for Different Cultures : Distinction
Exhibition Design: High Distinction
Art and Anthropology: Distinction
Mapping the Modern: High Distinction

Pretty good hey?!

Stupid Winter

2009-07-09T07:36:00.002+10:00

I am supposed to go with a friend and the boys I nanny to the zoo today. We wanted to see the new little elephant that was born a week ago (first elephant born in Australia!). We wanted to have lunch outside looking at the bridge. We wanted to take a gondola ride so we could see all the animals from the sky.

But its raining.
Not normal nice rain.
Australia-carzy-lashing-at-your-face-and-freezing-you-to-your-bones-rain.

Maybe not. Powerhouse Museum anyone?

Half of a Yellow Sun

2009-07-08T12:55:00.004+10:00

I love technology.

TV, internet, phones, cell phones, iphones, ipods...the list goes on. But in some ways I am pretty old fashioned - especially when it comes to books.

I love books.

The smell of old book jackets, the excitement of creasing the first page, having my own library, rereading old favourites...I just love books.

And because I love both of these things my dad keeps suggesting I try out the new Bebook. And I just can't do it. Just cant bring the two together. I like to feel like Im actually reading a book rather than reading a computer. But I have recently made one exception.

Its called Half of a Yellow Sun and its written by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

Originally published in Nigeria, then published in the UK and taken up by Knopf books in the USA it hasnt made it out to Australia. So I had to resort to the Bebook.

I heard about it while watching the Anderson Cooper 360 show on CNN and it is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!!!!! It takes awhile to get into but once you figure out the characters and her unique writing style the story unfolds beautifuly.

"Thirteen-year-old Ugwu is employed as a houseboy for a university professor full of revolutionary zeal. Olanna is the professor's beautiful mistress, who has abandoned her life of privilege in Lagos for a dusty university town and the charisma of her new lover. And Richard is a shy young Englishman in thrall to Olanna's twin sister, an enigmatic figure who refuses to belong to anyone. As Nigerian troops advance and they must run for their lives, their ideals are severely tested, as are their loyalties to one another.

Epic, ambitious, and triumphantly realized, Half of a Yellow Sun is a remarkable novel about moral responsibility, about the end of colonialism, about ethnic allegiances, about class and race—and the ways in which love can complicate them all."

New York Times Book Review 2006

for the love of one tree hill

2009-07-06T20:41:00.002+10:00

Ok so I can totally see the reasoning behind "no pirating" and I completely understand that the music and film industries loose a significant profit every year due to piracy but when it comes to tv shows, not so much music, but tv shows that I am totally behind because of living in Australia my morals on piracy drop. Specifically when it comes to One Tree Hill.

Total sappy teenage drama with a few moral (and not so moral) messages mixed in. Since day one with Lucas and Nathan and Brooke and Peyton I have been hooked. Absolutely hooked.

And I have been whining about the fact that it doesnt air here and I cant find season 6 anywhere - until I stumbled upon www.surfthechannel.com.

OH MY GOSH!!! I think I'm in love. One Tree Hill, Greys Anatomy, October Road, Saturday Night Live....its like I never left. A small slice of heaven whilst Im living on the island. So good.

Post-4th of July

2009-07-06T16:55:00.002+10:00

I was going to go for drinks in the winter sunshine at Newport Arms with friends to celebrate the all american holiday but somebody had too big of a night out the night before and she couldnt go...So I thought I was to be stuck at home. So sad.

But my beautiful American friend Erica and her husband Lachlan invited me over for their celebration. It was great!!!

Complete with hamburgers, bud light, potato chips, baked beans and deviled eggs. Fantastic.

And on top of everything else we had a sparkler-firework throwing fight (legal and safe Im sure). Such a great day!!!

A Moment of Devastation

2009-06-24T01:08:00.005+10:00

I have been sheltered from this war in Iraq for the last two years.

Australia has pulled forces out, it doesn't make news anymore, and the front lines are so far away I struggle to even imagine the landscape let alone the men and women fighting there.

But when I travelled to Seattle this last weekend I was brought face to face with a very real war - a very volatile war - in both its perceived purpose and success.

I was dropped off on Thursday afternoon and entered Sacramento airport only to look around a see a sea of camouflaged men checking bags, talking, walking to flights. There airport was surprisingly quiet with so many people. Occasionally there would be a shout of delight as one of the men in uniform was reunited with loved ones, or a pat on the back by strangers with a quick "well done boys" or a "glad you made it back home safe".

As if this situation didn't make me stop and think - make me become a pacifist- it was what followed on the plane that did.

The plane to Seattle was a full flight and my seat was one back from the exit row (did you know that returning armed forces get dibs on the exit row of seats? Thought that was kind of nice.) and 6 G.I.s were in the row ahead of me.

The flight was uneventful enough, an occasional civilian would come by and ask "hows it all going? (as though they would actually give a real and honest answer other than fine on a crowded plane to a stranger). And the hostesses came by with a few cups of Jack Daniels that had been bought by other passengers for the returning men.

It was what happened at the end of the flight that really got my attention and made me ache for the experiences these men must have gone through.

We landed and people were pulling bags out of the overhead storage and a man across the aisle laid a pretty hard "man-back-pat" on one of the soldiers trying to get his luggage out of the overhead. The soldier wheeled around fists up and yelled "What the f---!" ready to punch the threat. I shoved back as did the other passengers in shock.

That's when I noticed the purple heart on his vest, along with the five others in the exit row. These soldiers weren't just men returning from battle - they were wounded. The soldier immediately started apologizing and calming the shocked civilian guy down saying he had severe PTSD and was on his way to VA hospital for treatment and rehab of his wounds - both psychological and physical. As I watched the other men exit the plane I noticed the limps, the assistance from flight attendants to carry luggage because of wounds, and a HUGE scar across one man's face and neck.

The man who had nearly hit the civilian in fearful self-defense said they were in the same unit and had all gotten injured in a roadside bomb and militia attack in Baghdad two months ago.

This made a media war, a war I criticize frequently, a war many people couldn't even tell you the reason behind very very real. And my heart broke for the broken soldiers returning to a once familiar place with difficult memories and torn identities.

Best Friends, New Job, Rent, Naked People, Pro-Soccer Boys, Margaritas, Baseball, Cupcakes and the Notebook

2009-06-22T13:51:00.005+10:00

I'm in Seattle with the girls!! SO AMAZING!

Its been a year since we have been reunited - entirely too long - and this time together has been much needed for all of us. Flew in from Sacramento on Thursday, went for happy hour at the local pub got some Thai and then picked up Kim at the airport. Nearly cried I was so excited to see her.

Friday morning got up a bit early and went to an interview with the Burke Museum of Natural History for an internship in the development office and guess what?!! I got it!! Yep! So guess who is moving to Seattle in January - thats right! Yours truly. At least thats going to be the plan to work towards.

Went for lunch, shopping, and the meandered the stalls at Pikes Place Market and saw the original Starbucks (a personal Mecca of mine). Decided because it was so sunny and lovely we would go for an afternoon drink at The Pink Door. Ended up staying for three hours...who says its entirely inappropriate to interrupt a restaurant with loud laughing, ridiculous stories, and too much wine at 3 in the afternoon? Went and got cleaned up at home then went for dinner and saw the travelling broadway production of RENT. AMAZING!!!!

Saturday we went to the Seattle Summer Solstice Parade over in Fremont and were in for an amazing suprise!! The premise of the parade is to celebrate all things hippy and mother earth. Therefore in order to get the crowd excited approximately 200 men and women rode bikes through the street COMPLETELY nude with body paint. COMPLETELY nude. And yes there was a lot of blushing, laughing and wayyy too many photos to count. Not going to post them though :)

Saturday night, after getting appropriately sunburned and a few margaritas we met up with some of the guys who play for the Seattle Sounders pro-soccer team and went for drinks - ending up right back where we started that morning in Fremont with too many margaritas and great friends (a few more from college came over to the bar for a catch up as well which was great). There was dancing involved...unfortunately for me....never good.

Sunday we had to say goodbye to Kim - she had to get back to Ohio for work - and the rest of us went to a Mariners baseball game in the "new" stadium had hot dogs and garlic fries to soak up the drinks from the night before. The Mariners won in the bottom of the 9th with bases loaded and full count. Last pitch and Gutierrez nails one to get the guy on 3rd home! Amazing!!! Glad we could bring them luck - Im sure it was us.

Italian dinner and a night in with the Notebook, cupcakes, chocolate and wine.....could not get a better night.

Only in America

2009-06-15T16:10:00.003+10:00

I have not been in the USA since my college graduation over a year ago. I figured coming back might be a little bit of a shock but some of the bits and pieces I either consciously or unconsciously forgot about this lovely country while away have been really funny to rediscover.

1. I LOVE shopping here. I am three sizes smaller than the size I am in Australia, my shoe size in normal rather than huge, and it makes me feel fantastic to see that I am now on the smaller end of the spectrum rather than the larger end....god bless the American diet.

2. would you like a side of starch with that? The bread here is soooooo sweet. Never noticed before. Definitely sweeter. and more sugary. and probably more calorie filled.

3. you can go really fast in comparison on roads. The drive from the airport to Dad's house had me sunken down in my seat avoiding looking at all the cars flying by so fast on the opposite side of the road with drivers on the passengers side. The turning on red lights bit gave me a near heart attack for a minute.

4. American sports. Unlike the summer sport in Aus, Cricket, I LOVE baseball. Everything about it. Playing the sport, watching it, eating peanuts, hot dogs, singing the songs, the tight white pants....a beautiful thing. And its all over at the moment. I was driving through dad's development and there were families playing impromptu baseball in the park, it was on tv, friends are going to a game this week.....its great!

5. Because the population is so large in comparison to Australia you are bound to get at least a couple encounters with a weirdo each day. Either a chick with a shaved head, one black ponytail and too many piercings to count..or something....today? It was a man playing polo in the park.

by himself.
with a broom.
and a volleyball.

and best of all? standing on an electric scooter (segway)

dont worry. I got a picture.

Only in America! So good to be back.