Free Fallin

Tuesday Night (8/3/11) - The all you can eat mussels were absolutely amazing. I probably ate well over a dozen mussels of different flavours. I really enjoyed the creamy white wine with pineapple and lemongrass. Mel and I shared Sangria on a perfectly warm Tuesday night. We came back and caught up on Holly’s World.

Wednesday and Thursday-Pretty boring nights, as Mel and I primarily stayed home. Thursday night however we went to my favourite restaurant again (I swear we go every week), Kazbah, and dined on the patio. It so happened that we saw the same cute guy, which we waved to last week. It was too funny, and it was a nice laugh/smile to have.

Friday- I was so happy to see Friday, as I really just wanted the weekend to come. Pretty smooth sailing day, and got home pretty early. I relaxed a little bit, and the got in the shower to get ready for Friday night’s festivities. All the girls came up to take pictures, and then we headed out to Shark Hotel, which ended up being a total waste of time. We walked to Establishment, and stayed there for most of the time. Cute, older-guys but lacked a pair of balls. It really is a shame that Australian men lack confidence, especially to approach a woman that clearly has initiated a liking. Frustrating. We got tired of that scene, and then headed to Bar 333, which was also lacking. Walked to PJ O’Brian’s and that sucked too. There was hardly anyone out….waste of an outfit. Jenn and I were starving from night eating, so we wanted to try PieFace, and the one time we want it…its closed! Double Womp. We walked all over to find something but almost everything closes ridiculously early. We got back to the flat, at our 7 eleven food and passed out.

Saturday- We got up extremely early to make our 7am bus departure for Hunter Valley (wine country).The trip was amazing, and it was such a great time with the girls. We went to 5 wineries, and a chocolate factory. Absolutely delicious wines

. It was funny to see a lot of the girls “feeling it” by the end of the tour…I know I was! This is when the private bus came in handy. We also had a great time with two women that we chatted and enjoyed wine tasting with. The day honestly couldn’t have been better. After the tour was over we came back to the flat, and literally PASSED out. I slept the whole night away.

Sunday- Another extremely early morning to head to the Blue Mountains. This was a Global Experience trip, which was fun to be with all the girls, and see some amazing sights. We had a great day of picture-taking and being up in the mountains. We saw a lot and it was great to have Mel on the trip too. After we got back, we made dinner and went to bed.

Monday & Tuesday-Nothing really great happened. The work days have been productive, but long. I can’t believe time is running out. I really want to put a hold on everything because I am certainly not ready to come home. Not excited about that. BUT extremely excited for my Bali/Fiji trip with Jenn, and quite possibly MelJ. Well it’s the end of the day in the office, and I’m waiting for Mel to come into Manly so we can see Blue Valentine in the Cinema….

Final Month

I didn’t really keep track of what I was doing this past week like I have done in the past. SO, I will try to update you on as much as I can remember….which isn’t a lot;-).

I’ve been starting to work out a lot again. I know my Ma and Dad would be proud to hear that their kid is no longer a couch potato (ha). I ran at night on the Harbour Bridge down at Darling and did quite a few circuits on the benches, as well as the steps. It felt good, but probably not the best decision to do it right after dinner. Monday and Tuesday were pretty boring and went by pretty fast. Although on Monday, I did dinner with Billy and Mel at the Harbour to eat Oysters. The Oysters were amazing, but our pin drop of our caviar was split into less than millimeters to share. We definitely took note that Oysters are definitely not a fulfilling meal if you are starving, or haven’t eaten all day. So, despite eating well the only other quick fix for my starving tummy was to stop at Pizza Hut for a pizza. Once we were waiting on our food, Mel’s stalker from earlier in the day was waiting outside the take-away door of Pizza Hut. Hanging out for a while, and meeting construction workers to help us….we left and got home safely.

 Wednesday, Mel and I did dinner down at my favourite restaurant, Kazbah, and shared out typical mezze plate. As always it was so yummy. Had quite an abrupt night thanks to Billy, Rebecca and Billy’s English friends that were visiting at 3AM!!!! I wasn’t too happy, but it is understandable because I’m sure I really pissed off people in college when I used to do that. Thursday, I had work and stayed pretty late to do some things. Thursday night was a Global Experience night, where our host mum took us to dinner for pizza. Given the new kick to eating healthier and working out, I decide to skip out to work-out and eat something healthier besides pizza. BUT I found out later that they switched the restaurants….grr. After the meet up and me finishing my work-out I met up with Mel to eat at WaggaMama’s where the weirdest group of friends joined. I never want to be around that crowd again, especially their conversations.

Friday- Worked out and then met-up with Mel to get a drink down at the Harbour. It was nice to have a chill-out night. We came back and just hung out and goofed off a bit with Max and bitchass on Skype. It was good to see them, and chat. I also got to talk to Mom & Dad briefly, which was nice. I saw my Roxy (booji) and I miss her sooooooo much.

Saturday- Got up and was feeling a little hung-over. I literally stayed in bed and did some things on the computer. Mel called to catch up for the Mardi Gras Gay & Lesbian Parade on Oxford St., so I headed out to meet up with her. The streets were packed with so much color and love. As I headed over to the bar where Mel and her friends were at….there was a swell of people walking in opposite directions that got to be too many people. It started a mosh pit where people were pushing a suffocating one another. I was stuck in the middle of it, where a girl was almost crushed and I helped her up, as many other people were falling and getting trampled on. I tried to get out of it in a hotel lobby, but they wouldn’t allow people in because of the amount of people. It was crazy, and I was shocked that police were letting something like this happen. Thank god I got out okay, but for a while I thought this could get really bad. I walked it off until I got close to where Mel was; I found out she was on the opposite side of the street. There was no way I could cross because all the roads were barricaded off for the parade. So I found a spot (not a good one) and started to watch it by myself with these three cute gay guys. As I reached into my purse I noticed something was missing. At the time of the mosh pit scene my purse got pushed to the back of me with all the pushing, that once I reached for my purse I noticed it was open. I looked in and my HD Flipcam was gone. Sorry Dad, but I was robbed;-(. I was on the street crying because my flip was stolen, I was by myself for the parade, and I couldn’t see for shit. I tried leaving the spot I was at to find somewhere else, but everything was packed with people. I got so fed up and pissed, that I just walked home and sulked. I missed the floats going by in the parade, but got a glimpse at some of them given their heights. I wish I could have enjoyed it more, but everything was falling short. Once I got home I took a shower, because I definitely needed a night out to feel better. Went out with Mel to the Cross to find it completely trashed. Mel and I didn’t have a set plan of where to go, so we picked a place that would be random, and somewhere we could just sit out. We went to the strip club. Yes, you heard it correctly. Had a beverage and envied the woman who did all the pole work.

*Chelsea, we need to create our own business because I really want to do classes again.

Anyways, after the strip club we grabbed a bite, because we both didn’t have much to eat during the day. We got home and hung out/ chilled for a while.

Sunday- Got up miserable and headed to breakfast with the girls. After breakfast, Jenn and I window shopped and found some deals. I got all my sisters gifts that I thought were really cool. Hopefully they like them. After shopping we met back up with Rebecca to go to the movies to see ‘No Strings Attached.’ It was good, but I didn’t like the ending. I came back to the flat, and watched American Idol with Mel until the wee morning.

Monday- Got up at 5:30am to get into work to finish a log that was due at 5 for JMU. Got it done and had some time to kill, to which I got to Skype with my brother-in-love Eric; Domo; and Anthony & Mama Page. It was a great start to my morning, in which I tried to do the same this morning (Tuesday), but it didn’t work.

Tuesday- Work has been pretty crazy trying to get everything done for the MFOS. I’ve been working on online registration forms for the Festival, but I wish it could be as simple as how we want it in our heads. If anyone has any recommendations for online registration forms for big Festivals…let me know! About to head home and meet-up with Mel for all you can eat Mussels down the streetJ. Hopefully we can get in.

More and exciting things coming up....stay tuned!

Rock Baths at the Bower in Manly...Wow!



5 weeks left!

Monday- Pretty good day, went by super fast! I had an eventful time on the ferry, which I have plotted out my death in the case of the ferry boat tipping over. Usually when we pass the opening to the Tasman Sea the waves always get a bit rougher. Well our ferry drive likes to go freakishly fast over them, in which we go airborne! Yes, getting air on waves, and then seeing the ferry tip to the right side. I don’t usually get sea-sick, but when the waves are bad and were getting height on them….yuck. I feel like I’m the only one that notices. Every time we get up in there air I panic and start think about my life ending, when other passengers carry along with their conversation, and the crew keeps reading their books. Am I imagining this stuff? Hmm, I guess I feel like the movie Poseidon. Once I got home, Billy and Jenn came up. We didn’t see Jenn all weekend, so it was much needed catch-up time. They didn’t eat, and either did I so we walked down to the edge of the street to this Greek restaurant called, Medusa. We sat out on the patio and since the weather at night has been getting rather cold, they had heated panels along the umbrella, which was perfect. I was stuffed, but everyone had a sweet tooth. We indulged in the dessert platter, which was unreal! Mmm…that definitely put me over the edge, ha. I came back to start watching Gossip Girl again. Oh gosh.

Tuesday- Over slept my usual wake-up time, because I couldn’t seem to stop watching Gossip Girl. Pathetic, I know!!!! Anyways, headed in for a Council Meeting straight away about the Food & Wine Festival we are working on, as well as the Manly Festival of Surfing. Everything went pretty well, but I still feel Meegan stressing:-/. I feel bad, because she works extremely hard as it is, and not to put her best effort forward is hard for her to do. I just hope she’s able to accomplish the things she needs to with my help. After all our meetings for the day, time ran thin so I stayed pretty late at the office. I was working on my life, and job openings in the states. I’m having a hard time thinking I want to come back to work. I’m not really interested in being in the states. I’ve noticed a drastic difference in the business/culture here, and I’m thinking this is a lot more viable than anything else. Some guy friends stated the same thing, and encouraged me to come back and live. After catching the 8 o’clock ferry I got back around 9ish. It was much needed roomie time, thus Mel’s been having a tough week. I feel really bad, and seeing people you care about upset always gets to me….:(. After watching Kardashians’ and Holly’s World it was then back to GG. Great finish to my night.

Wednesday-After I came home from work, I stopped at the grocery store to pick-up some things for dinner, but they didn’t have anything out. I scrambled to get dinner at Subway, in which I bought one foot long and I got one for FREE. Wooo hooo. It was awesome. Once I got back to the flat I stopped in to eat my dinner with Billy and Rebecca. We had a bunch of laughs and then I took Rebecca’s computer to watch more GG. Once I headed up to the room I started to feel like butt, and I had to cancel plans with Mel to go out. I was starting to feel really sick, and I could barely pick me head up because it was pounding. I couldn’t sleep because I kept coughing and what not, so by the time Mel got home we just started chatting some more. It was a good ending to my night

Thursday- Got home from work and went to go eat right away. Mel and I were craving sushi so we went to the sushi restaurant right around the corner. Great meal. After we ate we went back to the flat to get dressed to go out. We met up with the girls at Rocks in this German Pub. Pretty cool, but if your 100. Ha. We had a drink with the group and then walked over to the wine bar for another glass. Billy, Mel and me went to Establishment where the end of the night I wasn’t so established. We got there and got our drinks, and then sat at a cocktail table to talk. We were in mid conversation when a tall, blonde, flicks his hands through his hair like Justin Bieber…oh and con-artist walked over and said “I can’t take it anymore, I’m so bored and you guys looked bored too.” I suppose that’s the new approach to talk to women. We got to talking with him, in which I found out he was a complete moron. His friends proceeded to come over as well. By the way they were so NOT charming. I started talking to Max whom took over the conversation and light of Edward (the blonde, con-artist). Edward walked away pissed, as Max made an innuendo of a Blow Job to him…..I started dying laughing and immediately asked if he was gay. He said no, but I was skeptical. Clearly had too much to drink, but he was so funny. We started talking where he went on to tell me how snobby his grandma is and blah blah blah. He started to make fun of Edward of his Justin Bieber antics, as well as being so broke. Max was definitely a 12 on a 1 to 10 scale of being flamboyant and I was definitely adding fuel to the fire. Ha. They started buying rounds after rounds of champagne and shots, which I definitely paid for by the end of the night. Everything was all fun and games, till I leaned over to Billy and said “ we need to go, go get Mel.” We got our stuff together, and then headed out. Of course with a little bit of truth and bold serum….I worked wonders into breaking up a fight with the guys we just met, and then fetched them all cabs to go home. The security guard thanked me, and then presumed to hit on me. We got a cab ride home, and then I passed out. Woke up to a goat-ee on my face, as well as other drawings from Mel and Billy….grrr. I had over-slept my normal wake-up in which I was a little late to work. Getting to work I felt miserable, and I still felt really drunk. I got a coffee and banana bread hoping it would suffice. NOPE. I was so out of it all day. The day at work seemed to go by pretty quickly, and the last two hours went so slow. During the day I was abrupt by two family calls—one from Mom and Dad and the other from ChelseaJ. It was the highlight of my day. After work I headed home to hopefully taken a nap, but found out DJ was already in the city. SO I had to immediately get ready, and go to dinner. I took him to my favourite restaurant here, which was soo good once again. After dinner we took a cab to the Cross to go out with the girls. DJ was such a trooper. It so happened that the club was Hip Hop &RnB…..so thankful to BBM!!! The night was fun, but I was still struggling from the night before. We headed out around 2 to go home.

Saturday-It was definitely tough getting up, but we all managed to get up after 10ish to head to the beach. We bummed it out on the beach for the day, until DJ and I left to head to Olympic Stadium for the Rugby match. Once we got back into the city, DJ and I departed so we could both get ready. We met back up and then turned right around to head to the stadium. The stadium was unreal, and the game was too much fun. I couldn’t believe where I was, and I wish I hadn’t forgotten my cameraL. Though, the season just started and I think the girls want to go back for a game too!

Sunday- Busy morning, in which I got up early to go to Micky D’s to skype with LA and Max. Miss seeing, talking, and hanging out with them 24/7—it’s weird not having them with me all the time. After skype sessions I went out to eat Breakfast with the girls at Pancakes on the Rocks. After B-fast we decided to go shopping….by decision lol. I got a new swimsuit, which I was scoopin out the first day I got to Sydney and it went down drastically in price. It was the last one:-D! After shopping came back to change, and walk to Jenn’s part of town. I worship her for the mere fact of her walk to us on weekends. I don’t know how she does it…but I admire her for it. We went swimming and did sauna which felt really good. After the sauna we went to eat; I had a delicious seafood risotto. Anything with squid in it I’m happyJ. We made our journey back to our flat, though Billy and I stopped in Hyde Park to take some cool pictures. She was my muse for the night. Once I got back to the flat it was back to Gossip Girl. I finished season too which I fell in love with, and went to bed smiling now that Blair and Chuck are together. Hooray! Hah. During the final episode Mel came home, and rather “happy” lol. I enjoyed her crazy antics and watch her go crazy. Lol. I had a lot of laughsJ.

Monday- Woke up this morning a little later than normal….thank god I woke up when I did, because it would have been the second time I would have overslept. It was hard for me to get up because I was coughing all night. I am definitely coming down with a nasty cold. I’ve felt like poop all day. I drank lots of tea and soup so I am all liquid out for the next year. I’m still at work waiting to go meet Billy and Mel (BBM) at the Quay Oyster Bar to have my first Oyster. I’m excited and I’m starving.

Update next weekJ

Feeling Great

I wrote Monday, but didn’t get to state what I did for my Vday. After work, I walked home; now on my walk home I pass two “man bars” that every day after work is packed with men having a drink. Though, on this walk home on Vday, guess who lost their privileges on Vday? Yup, you guessed it…the men. It was pretty funny to see the bars have no one in them…literally. They must have men rules in them that say “We hate Vday.” When I got home Mel, Billy and I went out to this Wine Bar, that Mel and her parents had suggested when they visited here a long time ago. There was this Shiraz that her Dad raved about, and said it was a must have. Once we walked to the Rocks, we sat outside on the cobble stone walk-away, and enjoyed each other’s company. I decided to start off with a half glass of this raved about Shiraz to make sure liked it, as I’m not a big Shiraz fan. Well, this wine was absolutely delicious. In fact, I couldn’t help myself to more. Mmm, it was perfect: creamy, rich grape, and not to dry. Mmm, that is something that will go in my gift box home! I was having a good night, but I was feeling really out of it from the weekends festivities. Mel and Dan wanted to go out longer, but there was no way I could pass up a date with my bed.

Tuesday- It was a pretty boring day at work. I really didn’t do much and I didn’t really complain because it was nice having a mellow day. Meegan took me to lunch which was nice even though the loaded nachos weren’t the healthiest (not my choice). We had a good talk, but of course we talked about our ex’s, men in general and marriage/kids. I tell you what….I’m getting really tired of hearing/talking about men. So over it, and them. It really is an old record playing and it’s the same stuff different day. We women need to learn to talk about other things, ha. I got to talk with an old friend on skype. His name will stay undisclosed, but I was surprised to hear from him. It’s nice being missed or knowing someone is anticipating your arrival home. I stayed pretty late at work, because this kid loves to talk. If I didn’t tell him I had a ferry to catch…..I probably wouldn’t have made it home at all. Once I left, I met Mel up at the grocery store because she wanted to cook. Wow. This girl surprised me! Her lamb, cooked vegetables, and Mediterranean cous cous was to die for! Though, I couldn’t let all that praise go to her head ha.  How delicious, and how I never wanted to stop eating.  After dinner it was Kardashians’ and Holly’s World.  I swear, as much as I love Kim Kardashian…she has got to be one of the easiest celebrities out there.

Wednesday- I was pretty busy doing all the press release and EBay listing up. If you haven’t check it out type in ‘The Manly Beach Experience Fundraising Package’ or the link:   We created this fundraising item to help generate more revenue to Variety Club, The Children’s Charity that has special needs children whom have lost equipment, loved ones, personal and community possession, programming, and so much more in the floods and fires in Western Australia. I was in contact trying to set-up the charity connection, and the guy that I was working with was so nice, and so thankful for what we were doing. It felt pretty good. I stayed a little after because I got a skype call from Sammy! Even though we have been writing back and forth, she still couldn’t resist seeing my face;-). After work I headed home and I just made food, and went to bed.

Thursday-  I had to get up super early for a Council meeting. I always hate getting up early and rushing. It’s interesting to say the least, that at 6:30am no one is in the streets of Manly. Walking to the ferry at that time is like waking up at the crack of dawn. I made it to the meeting, in which they talked a lot about things that I have worked on or have been listening too. A man that has been working for Council retired after 16 years, and he was the head event planner. His position is over, and his usual event was the Food & Wine Festival. So after all the business we do, Meegan, decided to raise her hand and offer to construct this years’ Festival that will partake in 4 months. After the meeting she was completely overwhelmed with the amount of work she volunteered to do. I was a little frustrated at her, because here is this beautiful woman in her early thirties, working as if she were 20. She does so much already, and I feel as though she is going to put her whole life into her work. She’s an amazing person, but no one will have the opportunity to see it if she doesn’t give some time to herself. I worry for her well-being. I also don’t like seeing her stressed, because I can definitely see a difference in the way she delegates to me depending upon her mood. Hmm. A lot of praying for her.

Thursday also was a big day because the head VP of marketing for Billabong flew in to construct the deal for naming rights for The Manly Festival of Surfing.  It was a privilege to be able to sit in on a meeting with someone so high up in a billion dollar company, and to have him schmoozing us. The meeting went OK, but there was a lot that can be done, and a lot more money to be distributed to us. Hopefully we can work out this deal, so that Meegan can relax a bit. The rest of the day was busy trying to get everything done.

Friday- On my way over to work, the Navy ship was in the middle of the Harbour, and it was so neat to see all the seals in their white uniforms surrounding the perimeters of the ship. I had some tourists on the ferry with me that were waving at them. Almost all of the seals waved back, and it just looked absolutely stunning on that sunny day. Those are the times I wish I would remember to grab my camera in the morning. Once I got to work everyone was a bit tense due to the fact of the Council and Billabong meeting the other day. I felt Meegan was really on edge, which made me a little jumpy too. I did everything so she could relax a bit, but I don’t think it would have mattered because I think she felt way in over her head. After work I was feeling a bit blah, because of the last two days so I needed something good to wake/liven me back up. I got home, and quickly changed to go to my favorite restaurant with Mel and her friend Abbey. Dinner was amazing as always…mmm. Went back to the hotel to get ready and go out. We went to Establishment where you would find a lot of suits. Of course Mel was sought out by a guy that probably would have bent over backwards for her. She certainly has a charm. After Establishment we went to Ivy where they were playing hip hop! YES! Had my fun, but definitely was feeling a little too good for my own good. I walked home and literally passed out within seconds. I somehow always manage to take off my make-up and put on my mask…I guess that’s talent.

Saturday- I woke up by the sirens of our phone going off. Here Billy was calling up to wake me up to go to the beach. It was a perfect day, and we definitely needed a beach day. Slightly struggling, I got up and got ready. We vegged out on the beach, and Billy and I played in ocean with what seemed like the best waves. They started to get bigger, and one time I did an egg hold and I landed on her head. Haha. That was a good laugh, and an awkward experience. We shopped a little once the sun started to go down, and meandered around Manly for a bit. Rebecca and Mel headed back home early, but Billy (Danielle, billy is her new nickname fyi) and I hung out a little while longer. We walked to the Bower and I took a swim in the Rock Baths as Billy reflected on the Rocks. I got out to dry off, and we ended up sitting on the Rocks for a couple hours talking. After our talks we headed to go eat at Wok. Great food, and we were delightfully satisfied. We headed to the Wharf where we caught the ferry just in time, I have to say taking the ferry at night is absolutely beautiful. I loved seeing the light house blinking at the edge of the cliff, as it reflected off of all the other boats. The best. Once we got back, I got ready and then Billy met me to go out for a drink. Nowhere was really satisfying so we went to our local Irish pub and just hung out and watched people get wasted. Quite funny. Went back and then passed out.

Sunday- I started to watch season 2 of gossip girl all morning and afternoon. The show is seriously addicting. It was nice to have a day that was mellow, and being a couch potato. I knew I had to at least get out of the flat, so I met up with Rebecca and Billy down near Hyde Park. So gorgeous. We ate at this really cool Thai restaurant where I had some of the best foods since I’ve been here. I tried ox tongue and sheep intestines to throw it out there. Everything was prepared beautifully and everything was absolutely delicious. MMM. It was a great ending to a Sunday night. Once I got back home it was back to GG….I swear I’m addicted and I can’t wait till I get home to watch moreJJ

Monday- At work, and currently busy…kind of.

Until the next update.

Love from Sydney

Wednesday- After work on Wednesday, I headed to the ferry where I encountered on the high sea of sailing practice. Hundreds of boats were sailing high, and all of them were with different sails. Absolutely stunning. It was one of the girl’s birthdays from last semester of the Global Experience, so I met up with them at a Mexican Restaurant downtown. It was good food, and good company. Mel, and I wanted some flat-mate time so we met up and toasted to a bottle of wine at a really nice restaurant at an outdoor mall in the middle of Liverpool St. Always good conversation and good times with the wifeyJ. After we were done, we met back up with Danielle and two of the girls for a quick drink before we went out. Let’s just say 3monkey bar was fun, because Mel was saying the funniest things, and we were acting out a little. Lol. We headed to sidebar to meet up with our English mates, but ended up losing them the rest of the night because we were dancing away to old hip hop songs. Yay! It was a great night, in which seeing pictures from Danielle’s camera I didn’t really remember me and Mel’s actions haha. Nothing bad, just completely goofy. We got back, and Mel and I were hungry so we snacked on air aka Rice Cakes. Then we passed out.

Thursday- Hard to get up, but I was working off of adrenaline. I had a great day; nothing but smiles. Meegan was also really smiley and happy too, which equaled out to be a really fun day. She came in a little late because she had another dentist appointment, so I had the morning to myself. I got to skype with Dad and Jamie. It’s always good to catch up. Once Meegan got back in the office, I took her to lunch at this really sweet Greek Restaurant on the waterfront. We shared good food, good laughs, and good conversation. We are actually a lot alike and share a lot of things, I never thought possible. After lunch we carried onto Manly Wine to get a drink and talk some more. We saw Chantelle, another woman who works in the office on Mondays, out and about with her son. Her son is freaking cute, that she asked if we could watch him while she picked up a few things. He took to me quite well, so we kept playing and hanging out. We had a meeting at 3:30 with two producers from Manly SurfTV to go over some ideas that they could run. After the meeting we came back to work on a few more things, and then headed out. Had a dinner date with Mel at Sushi Roll to experience my first sushi train. So good!

Friday- It was another tough day to get up. I got into the office, and right away I was back out the door. Chantelle asked us if we could help out, and go up to the ICMS (Hospitality & Tourism College) to introduce new & arriving students about Manly. It was a little festival, but college students weren’t really interested in what we had to say, because they had all these activities going on. Manly Surf was in our tent, in which I got to talk with him for a while. During the time of our talks he gave 3 gift vouchers to come surfing. SCORE! So this week I believe we are going to go over there and learn how to surf!!! After the orientation, Meegan said let’s go swimming. Her friend Jeeves is Sri Lankan and married an Australian builder. Their million dollars home sits on the hill of CurlCurl beach over-looking the ocean. Unreal! Not to mention their never ending pool that is enclosed by glass all around. I have several pictures that you can see. Thank goodness it was a beautiful day, and we picked the best time to go. Meegan, and I got to talking and goodness gracious we are so similar. We had a great afternoon. I left shortly after due Jeeves little girls coming home and her in-laws. The little girls were absolutely beautiful and had the cutest names of Willow and Olive, which Olive’s nickname is Olly-PollyJ.  I got a cab back to the wharf to meet Mel who took the day off. Manly was having an international food market, so we got pretty good Quesadillas. We headed back to the apartment where we started getting ready. Mel and I headed out to an old bar that had a rooftop bar as well. It was amazing to look to my left and see the opera house all lit up. Pretty amazing, and quite a spectacular night. We were hanging out with a pretty chill group of people from all over. Couple Russians, Spaniards, and etc.! I got to talking with several of the guys in the groups, which was fun and nice getting to know. I was interrupted by two guys that certainly had a smooth way of getting in to talk to someone. Well I happened to be that someone, and we started talking. I found out they were from Ireland, with very heavy accents. Such nice boys, and I found out one has been to Philadelphia, and recently ordered a Villanova jersey—such a small world! DJ, the boy who was familiar with Philly got me a drink and we started hitting it off. Mel and her friend that we met up with were leaving with his group of friends, so we had to go. I extended an invitation to him. We went to the Irish Pub that is on the corner of the street above our street. We had a good time all hanging out, but I was getting really tired so I headed home. I came back and made a pizza, which I set the fire alarm off in our 23 story hotel. Awesome. I ate the burnt pizza, and then I got to skype with Mom and Rocko…oh and the lovely Sam & LAJ. It was a great ending to my night.

Saturday- I woke up pretty early and I had a little hangover. I stayed in bed, and watched Sense & Sensibility. Mel and a couple of her friends stayed over as well, and in the morning we were all talking and showing each other dumb YouTube videos. I found out in the morning, that when I left the Irishmen (DJ) showed up at the bar not too long after I left. Mel gave him my number, and he called. We decided to meet up on Saturday to see each other again. After Mel and her friends left, Danielle brought me lunch since she couldn’t extend a cuddle session. Lol. Jenn, got to the flat around 1230ish because we were going to get quotes on our trip at the end of my internship. We were in Flight Centre what seemed like an eternity. Although, our travel agent was amazing! At first, she was telling us this trip was going to be a lot of money because it’s Easter Holiday/ break from schools—prices go up! Though, the day we went in was expo day, so they were some discounts.  We worked out a lot of tough situations, and opted out of traveling to New Zealand. They recommend going to the south of NZ, because it has the most to do and it’s beautiful. It’s also very expensive, and the woman was telling us you need at least 8 days. I wasn’t so willing to just go to one place. I’m on this side of the world, and I definitely need to take in as much as I can. Plus, Jenn stated that Canada is almost identical. It’s much easier to get to Canada then going to FIJI AND BALI. Yup, you heard correctly. I am going to Bali and Fiji at the end of my internship. 3 days at the Hilton Fiji Resort, and then we come back to Brisbane for a layover and immediately head to Bali for 5 days in the Breezers Resort and Spa. Bali is a 5 star hotel, in which attracts lots of singles and is one of the best hotels. It is $60 per night, divided by two which is nothing. Bali is so cheap, and what a dream to be going. Meegan, has also given me tons of things to do while I’m there so I’m really excited about that! It is going to be an amazing trip. I cannot wait—only 9 more weeks! After few hours of being there, and pulling all these discounts and trying to find us the best deals our travel agent was so excited for us. It feels good when you can work out deals, and then go above and beyond customers’ expectations and see how excited we were, the woman was like “I’m so excited for you guys too.” J. We got back to the flat, and Danielle was cooking a lasagna dinner. Dinner was great, but I was having a problem with my mouth. I kept spilling all over myself with my red wine on my WHITE jeans. Oh man. Anyways, Danielle and I basically split a bottle of wine, so I was feeling pretty good. I took a much needed nap. I passed out, and I woke up to Jenn and Dans faces in my face to try and get me up. I tell you what, if they wouldn’t have forced me to get up…I definitely could have slept the night away.  Jenn and I headed up to my room to get ready. Once we were done we headed to Bar 333, which was all deck out in reds and blacks. Very classy. We had a great time, and I was pleasantly surprised to have DJ meet up with me. We all had a really good time/night.

Sunday- I was supposed to get up early for dragon racing for the Chinese New Year with Meegan, but I was way too hung-over. I woke up, but I definitely needed more sleep. Once I got up, Rebecca invited me to go to the breakfast with her and Dani. We ate at Lime and had a pretty good breakfast. Dans and I were struggling a bit. We got all the girls together, and we headed to the Pier because it was Global Experiences day to take us to the Tarango Zoo. We had a great time, and a lot of fun taking pictures. Once I got back, I passed out till Mel got home. We went and got food at Waggamama’s and caught up on each other’s weekend. Came back to upload and edit pictures. Danielle came up too later on, because she was having one of those nights. Everyone has them, and I’m glad she came to me. All three of us cuddled on the couch and watched dumb TV, and edited pictures.

Monday- Happy Valentine’s Day. I have to say I’ve been quite blessed with the women I’ve met since I’ve been here. It’s been a great month here so far. I woke up….definitely feeling the wrath of no sleep from this weekend. I came in and got Meegan a red rose, to which she got me the same flower as well. The things women to for each other. It’s been a great day so far, a little chilly but great. I also got love and kisses from Dad early this morningJ. He never misses it, and he’s the only man that has my heart! Well, today is still dragging but I think some of the girls are going to have a drink tonight to celebrate our single status. Who said you can’t have a great Valentine’s Day without a man?

Cheers**

Catch Up Time

Catch Up Time

I apologize in the delay to my readers, if there are any besides family, of my writing skills as of late. I have had ongoing trouble with my wifi here, in which has caused me to go through 3 USB drives, and they still don’t work. Ugh. So here is a catch up since last Thursday (3/2/11).

Thursday- I wrote during the day on Thursday, to which I stated that I was having a really bad work week despite all your pity to me living in 80 degree, sunny, clear blue sky weather (I had to rub it in a little more). I was struggling with a few things that were being said in the office, expectations, and coming to a crossroads if this is really what I want to do. I love planning, being organized, multi-tasking, and creative but I don’t know exactly if this is the industry I want to be in. I’ve had many discussions with my flatmates, and friends from home about how the states compared to other places have had an expectation of what you have to be so young. When you decide to go with a certain career path….that’s it. You go to school, develop life plans, career goals, etc. I’m stuck. There are so many things I want to do, that don’t match up to the goals I have always wanted, and the dependence upon me instead of parents and/or a partner in life.  I want to be self-sufficient.

Anyways, once my day ended, I called Danielle to prepare plans for Thursday night. I needed a good bottle of wine and company. Danielle, Mel, Rebecca, and I headed to my favorite restaurant here called Sumnac. It’s a middle eastern restaurant with an incredible atmosphere and FOOD! Mel and I shared tapas and main dish, and the whole table shared a shisha and two great bottles of wine. We had a great dinner and conversation. One thing I really enjoyed was the conversations, and how we all had our own views, yet no one took it to heart when it got heated. I think it’s constructive when people can have deep conversations, that each can value and take in. I may not agree with everyone’s viewpoint, but I’m not going to say their ignorant/arrogant to what they believe is right. Soooo, dinner was great and then we decided to head uptown to meet up with the boys. We met up with them at this place called Sidebar. Nice place, but it wasn’t air-con’d and let’s just say it got really hot so people really smelled bad. There was a band playing in the beginning, but then turned into Pop/Hip Hop once they were done. I was psyched even if it was outdated. Dripping sweat, and dancing was just what I needed. I had so much fun with Danielle and Mel. They definitely had fun too;-). We got back around 230ish, which I was dreading because work was only 4 hours away. Though, well worth it.

Friday- Struggled to get up, but got out of bed and headed to work. I was doing a few things, until I called Ida, and the parentals. I skyped with all the roomies and got to see them getting ready to go out. Oh geez. It was nice to have a quick catch-up, as well as to see familiar faces. Talked with Ma and Dad for a while about my care-package they were sending with more clothes and essentials I needed to survive here (fragrance, cover-up, food). Everything is either double or triple the amount here, so I rather have things sent here. My boss, Meegan, didn’t come in and I started to wonder where she was. To my surprise I got a call saying she was in a meeting all morning, and that she was taking a leave day because she had too much going on. So, basically for all of Friday I was to myself. I did a few things, and then packed my things up and headed home for the day. I was SUPPOSED to skype with LA, but once again she failed to show-up;-(. ßThat’s a whole other story in itself. I stopped at the grocery store to pick up some fruit, and tapas so I could have around in the flat. Fruit has become an everday part of my life. I crave it and eat it every morning, lunch, and dinner. Although, Friday was an absolutely beautiful day I was so tired from the night before that I just went to sleep. I woke up, and we all got ready to go out to a bar, and then to one of Mel’s co-workers house. It started as a great night with a gentleman buying us drinks, then to complete awkwardness. I can no longer share details at this point J.

Saturday- Got up early to meet up with Danielle to go to Telestra (phone/internet store) and the bookstore. I had to get another USB since my internet wasn’t working AGAIN. I got another USB drive and everything was working properly. We headed to the bookstore, and Danielle picked up a few books. We got our weekend Boost Juice, and headed back to the flat to change into our cozy’s and head to the beach. Bondii was the beach of the weekend, so we headed there and got stuck in a lot of traffic. Womp. Sydney was facing a heat wave, in which escalated to 44 degrees in C and 100 degrees in F. So hott, and it was nice to just be in the cool water. It was a good day. We stopped at a gourmet café for a burger. We were so drained from the sun we all could barely move. So sun-sick! Once we got back to the flat, I was exhausted and the only thing I wanted to see was my bad. I stole season 1 of Gossip Girl from Rebecca, and that was my highlight to my Saturday night. I got up around 9ish to make my toasted bread with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and capers. Mmmmmm

Sunday- Got up, and headed to our breakfast spot ‘Pancakes on the Rocks.’ It was so delicious/rich I couldn’t even finish it all. Gosh their pancakes are absolutely incredible…craving them as we speak! During breakfast I was feeling really out of it, and not myself so I left early from breakfast to go back to the flat and sleep. I continued to watch Gossip Girl, and awaited Mel’s arrival. Missed the wifey, and spent the rest of the night with her. We just hung out, and if my memory serves me correctly we ordered take-away pasta. We were stuffed, and we both just watched TV till we fell asleep.

Monday- Got up for work, and I was completely delirious. Long weekend and I was still feeling a bit under the weather, but work was better. Meegan was smiling and very friendly. The day went super-fast, and before I knew it it was time to go. During the afternoon I received a call from Sammy, but I was at work and didn’t get the opportunity to talk. SO, instead she sent me an e-mail, now I have a little pen pal;-). I got all caught up with her, which is always so nice. I headed to the ferry to get home to Mel passed out on the sofa. Once she woke up we headed to the grocery store, because we decided to cook in. We made tacos, and although they were absolutely delicious….I chose the wrong tortilla wraps. Mel you were right, I was wrong. Lol. Anyways dinner was awesome and it was soooooo good. After dinner, Danielle popped up to catch up and chat with us. We ended up getting in a really long conversation about relationships and how men suck at them! Let’s just say we had a lot to say. Once Dani left we just watched TV and the rest I cannot continue on to sayJ.

Tuesday- Very rough to get up from the night before; slept in a little. I had a busy day of doing a lot of little things. I also requested a lunch with Meegan to talk about my four weeks into my internship. At the end of the day, her ex popped in, to which took on a conversation of ‘exes’. Ugh, not the conversation I wanted to have because I have been struggling a bit with that. It was really positive, and she actually said some things that were really of value. It really helped, and eased my mind. I headed to the ferry. I got home and took a nap. I got up to eat left overs and hang out with the girls. All the girls came over and we discussed our traveling plans that we want to do. We planned our activities, and travel plans for the next few weeks/months and after the internship is over. I’m really excited about all the things we have planned/ are going to do. On Saturday, Jenn and I are going into Flight Centre to book our Fiji and New Zealand trip. I would LOVE to go to Bali, but it is quite expensive, even with the Volcano erupting (I was hoping the prices would go down) it’s still just as expensiveL. WOMP. After the girls left, and Mel stunk up our flat with her chicken, we just hung out and watched the Kardashians & Holly’s World. Once our T.V shows were over we just hung out and went to bed.

Wednesday- Today has been a good day. Took my time getting ready this morning, because my boss had another dentist appointment. I got in around 9:30 and check all my e-mails, and to chat with the best friendJ on skype. Yay. Worked on numerous things, and then took Meegan to lunch at a greek restaurant on the waterfront. So good. We talked about a lot. She pushed to go to Manly Wine Restaurant to have a glass of wine…I was not going to decline;-). After a quick stop at MW, we met with two producers for ManlySurfTV to brainstorm ideas of new shows and episodes. It was a really good meeting. Now I am back here, awaiting a skype call with LA! Hopefully she doesn’t fall asleep in the next 6 minutes;-). Who knows what tonight will lead on…..

Tough Times

Tuesday- Yesterday I had a really tough day, probably my worst since I’ve been here. I had to get up at 5am to catch the 6:20am ferry to Manly. I couldn’t take the fast ferry, because they don’t run until 6:55, which would make me late for the 7:30 Chamber of Commerce meeting I had to get too. I was pissed that I had to take the Sydney Ferry (older boat, and it takes a half hour to get there instead of 18min). I got into work, and I had about 15min. to spare, so I called Dad since he was on skype. I have to say that may have been the highlight/ always is the highlight when I get to hear from him. We joked around, and then I tried to convince him to come to Sydney. I gave him a cheaper website to get here, but it was still a couple thousand. It sucks, because I definitely love to share, and having this experience I really want to share it. I feel as though this experience for anyone is life changing, or can help them grow in more ways than one. I just wish they/he could see this.

Once Meegan got in, we headed over to the Quest hotel for the board meeting.  Before, we stopped in so she could get a cup of coffee, in which I met Denver (event planner in Manly), a tall-greecian-looking model, although they would refer to him here as a black man. I don’t really get it, when he’s clearly not black lol. Anyways, we got to talking for a bit, and then we all headed onwards. The board meeting was an interesting one, in which it when over basic memberships, renewals, and issues with the woman in our office whom no one likes. It seemed to me like a roost, because everyone was having issues with her. Meegan, who is not the biggest fan of her either, tried to help her out, but she really made herself look bad when she couldn’t even answer questions or give an honest answer. I wanted to feel bad for her, but she really isn’t the best for this job, and she isn’t very nice at all. If I was being recruited by her for the Chamber, I wouldn’t take her personable skills as being receptive by anyone. After the meeting was over I headed back to the office to work on some things.  I was stopped to run some errands with Meegan, and I had to run an errand myself. I’ve been slacking a little on getting all the vouchers and donations, put together because people are very laid back here, or rarely come into work. I finally got into Manly Cycles owner to establish myself on my own, as well as to get him to change his donation from a $600 bike, to a couple scooters. He obliged, and we were set. Once I met back up with Meegan I told her hi donation. She kind of gave me a low blow, in that I haven’t been keeping her on track/reminding her of getting this Auction done. I understand that I should be doing that, but at the same time I didn’t really like the feeling of throwing me under the bus because I’ve had the Auction stuff done.

We got back to the office and I started working on a proposal for Manly and Waikiki to become Sister Cities, while Meegan read over my grant. The next thing I know is that I’m being stopped to understand some confusion in the grant. SO I pretty much felt like a dumb ass, because of some things that arose/ unaware of. We then chatted, and she explained if I ever had questions that I was to stop her, ut she noticed I don’t like to ask. More or so I don’t like to interrupt, because she is busy 24/7. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly interrupt her…but something’s I need to figure out on my own……

She then corrected my letter, that I later found out she wanted as a proposal. I was really starting to get frustrated, and I was extremely tired from the morning. I think she noticed because she said why don’t you head home for the day. I said it’s ok, and continued to work. I worked for maybe another half hour, when I was just flowing with anything in my head. I packed up my things and said that I’m just going to come back tomorrow. I didn’t feel like I was getting anything done because I was frustrated, and I definitely had a brain freeze.

Once I got back to the flat Mel had invited me to go out with her friend from exchange that lives in Sydney, but I was so tired that I declined and literally slept the whole night away (woke up for an hour to watch the premier of Kim & Kourtney Take on New York).

Wednesday- Woke up at 4 from sleeping the whole night away, but was able to fall back to sleep again. Arose at my usual time, and then took a late ferry. Meegan was arriving in the office late, and there wasn’t a huge rush for me to get it. Although, I still arrived at 9 lol. I had to work on figuring out an online registration form that could record into a spreadsheet. Luckily, I found out that Google Docs does  it, but if anyone has a better or easier way…let me know. I also worked on the EBay auction, which can hopefully go live either tomorrow or Friday. Finished up my Sister City Proposal, in which I believe could use some additional tune-ups after a meeting with the Board today. The Board meeting was an interesting one, in which the Council representative (mayor); chamber rep and then the mediators (Meegan/Us). A lot of bickering and issues needed resolving, but obviously in no way of being resolved any time soon.

I pretty much worked the whole day, forgetting to eat because time passed on so quickly. The  meeting was over at 6, in which I just stayed behind to work on some things. I was surprised when I got an IM from Jackie on skype. Like I said, and will continue to say….it is always so nice to hear from friends. Chatted back and forth, until I called to see that beautiful face. I have to say watch out for that girl….she’s going to be something. Always one step ahead of others, and always doing SOMETHING!!!!

Finally on the 7:10 ferry home, and there’s a lot going on in my head. I just rang Danielle to go get and have a drink. I wish it was Friday, because this work week has been hard one.